Clarion 12/4/13

52.4 THE BIG NUMBER

BILLION SPENT OVER THE BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND.

page 7

page 11

MAID CAFÉ SERVES UP STRESS RELIEF BEFORE FINALS

MEN’S BASKETBALL HOSTS TOURNAMENT ON CAMPUS

source: MONEY.CNN.COM

CLARION CITRUS COLLEGE

A First Amendment Newspaper

Wednesday, DECEMBER 4, 2013

ccclarion.com

vol lxXIV issue 8

Transfer degrees facilitate progess

By Evan Solano

Editor-in-Chief • esolano@ccclarion.com

By Sylvia Aparicio

Online Editor • saparicio@ccclarion.com

C

Jessica Soto Clarion

Newly elected Area 1 seat candidate, Barbara Dickerson, was sworn in during the opening minutes of the board of trustee meeting on Dec. 3

First H.O.P.E conference on campus

By Christian Rodriguez

Art Editor • crodriguez@ccclarion.com

F

or this first time ever a campus club has sponsored a conference for undocumented students.

Students from Helping Find Opportunities in the Pursuit of Education (H.O.P.E) organized the AB540 conference in Citrus College Center of Innovation on Nov. 23.

California’s Assembly Bill 540 is a bill passed on Oct. 12, 2001

by Gov. Gray Davis.

AB 540 allows for undocumented students who can meet certain requirements to pay instate tuition instead of out-ofstate tuition while enrolled in higher education institutions in California.

Those who are eligible must

Evan Solano Clarion mariano Mendoza, 26 kinesiology major from Mt. SAC and members of I.D.E.A.S. presents students from Mt. SAC and Citrus with a powerpoint of allies of AB540.

have attended a California high school for three or more academic years, between the grades 9-12, and must have received a

GED or an equivalent or be currently enrolled in a accredited public institution of higher education in California.

Delegations from Mount San Antonio College and Fullerton City College participated in a series of workshops and speaker sessions.

Workshops presented resources available for AB540 students of Citrus College on and off campus.

Jessica Pardio, President of H.O.P.E and conference organizer, described the day as, “successful in that students now know that there is a group on campus that can help them.”

Attorney Jaregi Russell and Pardio proctored workshops on the California DREAM Act, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and legislation affecting the undocumented community.

Russell discussed his experience with the legalities concerning-

- See AB540, pg. 3

ommunity college students who are exploring transfer degree options can count on Citrus College to lead the way. Citrus now offers transfer degrees in 15 academic disciplines.

In 2010, then California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB1440, the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act, which called for community colleges to streamline the transfer process to California State University campuses by developing Associate Degrees for Transfer.

“ADTs are a pathway for students who are looking to transfer to the Cal States and only certain majors apply for these degrees,” Raul Sanchez, event organizer and coordinator of the Citrus College Career/Transfer Center said.

In a recent report issued by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Citrus College is listed as one of five colleges in the state to have completed 100 percent or more of their targets for developing ADTs. “The target was set during the fall when we said we would develop 13 ADTs, and we are now at 15, so we are at 115 percent of our target,” Arvid Spor, vice president of Student Services and interim vice president of instruction said. “The only school that has done more than us is Berkeley City College, which is currently at 157 percent.”

This is the first time in California history that community college students who have completed ADTs will be guaranteed admission to the California State University.

“The state, in conjunction with the chancellor’s office, came up - See ADT, pg. 3

2

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

QUOTE of the

ISSUE

“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden.”

-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Announcements Annual Ceramics Sale

The Citrus College Ceramics Program presents its annual Ceramics Sale today. Proceeds fund the materials, supplies and activities of the Citrus College Ceramics Club.

Faculty and staff who attend the sale event will receive a free punch cup.

Located in Art Center Room AC117 from 11 - 7 p.m.

Naughty vs. Nice The Citrus College Theater Department will present Naughty vs. Nice: The Case of the Missing List, by Kristina Leach and directed by Jeremy Lewis on Dec. 7, at 3:30 p.m. in the Citrus Little Theater. Tickets: $8

News briefs

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Global

National

Merchandise to appear at Winter Olympics protesting anti-gay laws

The winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are fast approaching. Merchandise branding the five colored rings and official sponsors will be sold. Thanks to supporters of an effort to help the LGBTQ, citizens of Russia are going to be adding merchandise to be sold

by American Apparel and promoted at the Games. The two organizations leading the effort, called Principle 6, are All out and Athlete Ally. Principle 6 stands for the principle of the charter of the International Olympic Committee that states any form of discrimination regarding “race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise,” would be “incompatible with belonging to the Olympic movement.”

Citizens of Russia fear the federal law which took effect in Russia in

June is meant to suppress homosexuality among Russians and will discriminate against gay athletes and visitors at the Games. The Olympic committee is against political statements or demonstrations using their own language. The Principle 6 brand merchandise will have a rewritten paraphrased version of the Olympic committee’s principle in order to avoid problems. The merchandise will say “Sport does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise.” The face of the merchandise will be Belle Brockhoff, a snowboarder from Australia who came out as a lesbian in August and plans to compete in Russia.

Source: The New York Times

State

Nursing students turned down at Cal States

The Songs of Christmas

The Citrus vocal music students join forces to celebrate the holidays with popular Christmas music. Located in the Haugh Performing Arts Center Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. Directed by Martin Green. Tickets: $5

Adopt-a-Vet

The Veterans’ Center is sponsoring its first “Adopt a Veteran for the Holidays” program from Dec. 4 until Dec. 12.

If you are interested in adopting a veteran, take these steps: 1. Come to the Veterans’ Center in HH-756 on or before Dec. 9.

2. A Veteran’s wish list will be given to you.

3. Wrap all gifts or consider making a gift card donation not to exceed $50

by Dec. 12.

4. Call the Veterans’ Center (626852-6421) to schedule pick-up or kindly drop-off donations.

ASCC Election

The ASCC Election will be held on both Wed. Dec. 4 and Thurs. Dec. 5.

Voting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Campus Center Mall.

Finals Week

Finals will begin Mon. Dec. 9. For a list of the Final Exam Schedule visit www.Citruscollege.edu.

Citrus College Athletics

Citrus College Athletics department placed fourth out of 16 schools in the Western State Conference Supremeacy Awards

Miami schools have begun to use lunch trays that don’t seem like anything out of the ordinary. Except these trays could become an environmental revolution in schools across the United States. The plates are made from sugar cane and along with uneaten foods the thrown away product can be used as compost by gardeners and farmers nationwide. If all goes as planned these new trays will be in schools in the Miami-Dade county area by September. This transition would replace approximately 271 million trays a year. Compostable trays are only the first initiative on the environmental checklist of the Urban School Food Alliance. The alliance is an attempt by six major city school systems attempting to create markets for sustainable lunchroom food and supplies. The next target is healthier foods by looking for potential suppliers of antibiotic-free chicken. Future plans could include sustainable tableware, pesticide free fruits and goods with less packaging waste. If the alliance succeeds this movement could help change nutrition and sustainability policies nationwide and could eventually be a template for efforts by bigger companies like hospitals and universities.

Source: The New York Times

Christmas Is…

Christmas Is… will be held every weekend in December in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Evening Shows tickets: $22 students/seniors: $20, 16 under: $15 Matinees tickets: $24 students/seniors: $22, 16 under: $15

Lunch trays are just the start to eco-friendly school systems

Local

Angelenos on average give more than state overall

McClatchy Tribune

The need for nurses continues to climb across California but there is a shortage of faculty to train the students looking to pursue a nursing career. Dwight Sweeney, interim chairman of nursing at Cal State San Bernadino stated that in the fall there were 600 applicants but only 44 positions. The school turned away students with 3.6 and 3.7 GPAs. CSU Chico was unable to admit 86 percent of their qualified nursing applicants, while CSU San Marcos turned away nearly 89 percent. Problems CSU systems are facing are not only hiring new faculty but needing the money to afford it. The average sala-

Los Angeles residents are more giving than residents across California and the nation overall. Angelenos who earned $50,000 on average gave 5.5 percent of their disposable income in 2008 compared to 4.7 percent given nationwide, according to a report released last year

by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The report’s data is based on dollar amounts released by the IRS showing the charitable deductions claimed by taxpayers in 2008. The report found that middle-class Americans donate more of their income to charities than the wealthy. Peter Panepento, assistant managing editor for The Chronicle of Philanthropy believes it’s all about exposure. “If you are around people who are in need and you see that need, you’re more likely to be affected by it than if you’re insulated from it.”

ry for a nursing faculty member was $70,929 in 2011 according to CSU figures. Americans are being pushed to be covered by insurance and CSU nursing programs are being forced to turn down the next generation of nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 1.2 million more nurses will be needed by 2020 to fill the nursing positions. Students being turned away are being redirected to other health-related areas like nutrition and physical therapy.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

THE 1000 BLOCK

INCIDENT REPORTS Student suffers anxiety attack after allegedly being verbally abused by professor

On Oct.1 Campus Safety received a phone call from an upset mother who claimed that her daughter was abused by a faculty member. The mother said she was at the hospital with her daughter and communication with the mother was difficult due to poor cell service. On Oct. 2 the victims mother went to the Campus Safety office and spoke with an officer.

She stated that her daughter was not physically harmed but was verbally abused. The mother said the faculty member in question bullies her daughter, has embarrassed her and says there are students that can attest to these accusations being true. As a result of the verbal abuse her daughter has anxiety attacks and is unable to sleep. During a class meeting on Sept.

26 the faculty member is accused of telling the student that he caught her cheating on a test and when she denied the accusations he told her that she had two choices, drop the class or appeal the accusations. He then proceeded to tell her that an appeal could likely get her kicked out of school. After the incident occurred the mother said her daughter needed to be taken to the hospital to be treated for an anxiety attack. The student has since dropped the class. No further information has been given.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune Reports are provided courtesy of the Citrus College Campus Safety Department.

A report is not a statement of guilt.

Victim sexually assaulted off campus On Oct. 1 a Campus Safety officer spoke with the victim of a sexual battery that occurred off campus. While waiting at a bus stop the victim was approached by an unknown male in a red Toyota Camry. The suspect asked the woman if she knew where Glendora Ave. was, when the victim replied the suspect then asked her to get into his vehicle and direct him there. After repeatedly saying “no” three times the victim got into the vehicle. The suspect asked if he could see the victim over the weekend or maybe over winter break, the victim said no and the suspect replied, “I like you.” While driving the suspect began to touch the victim and unbutton her pants. The victim pushed his hands away but the suspect then grabbed the victims hands and placed them on his genitals. The victim then told the suspect that she wanted to get out of the car, upon exiting the vehicle the suspect told the victim that he would pick her up at the same time tomorrow. The Covina Police Department was later notified but since the incident occurred in Glendora, the Glendora Police Department was contacted. The victim was able to identify the suspect in a pool of photographs and the suspect was later found and arrested.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

news

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

3

Transfer degrees Conference for undocumented offer additional students comes to campus support

“If you’re ready to go, go. You don’t need an ADT to transfer...”

-Raul Sanchez -ADT, from pg. 1

with templates of degrees called Transfer Motto Curriculum, that allows community colleges to know what courses are needed,” Sanchez said. “Right now, only certain templates exist, [Citrus College] create our degrees based off of the templates, we have to go based off of them.”

David Kary, former curriculum chair was instrumental in developing ADTs, Sanchez stated. As curriculum chair, he helped create degrees off of the templates given.

“The desire by the faculty in those different disciplines to move quickly to see what we could do to match the courses we offer with the courses required is the reason for our success,” Spor said.

Although students are guaranteed admission into a CSU, that does not guarantee admission into their top choice of its 23 campuses.

With an ADT, students who have achieved junior status will be given priority consideration when applying to local Cal States. In order to qualify, a transfer student must apply to a specific program that is similar

to his/her community college major field of study.

ADT students will not be required to repeat CSU courses that are similar to those taken at the community college level.

Implementation of this reform eliminates repetition of unnecessary classes and fees.

Choosing to graduate with an ADT is not a requirement for community college students.

“If you’re ready to go, go. You don’t need an ADT to transfer,” said Sanchez.

Local degrees will continue to be available to every other college and university in the nation, with the exception of CSUs, Nicki Shaw, current curriculum chair said.

“The pro of doing the ADT versus the local degree is that you can only do 60 units here, and [CSUs] can only require you to do 60 units there, and they must get you through in a timely manner,” Shaw said.

“It’s basically a degree with a guarantee. If you meet the admission criteria and they have a program for you, you can go, but it may not be the school you want.”

Christian Rodriguez Clarion H.O.P.E. adviser Guillermo Miranda, presents financial aid information to DREAM act students. Miranda also works for EOP&S as a financial aid adviser.

-AB540,from pg. 1

undocumented students and student organizations that oppose them.

Representatives from student organizations from other colleges also took part including Improving, Dreams, Equality, Access and Success (I.D.E.A.S) from Mt. San Antonio College and the Dream Team from Fullerton City College.

UndocuQueer, one of the workshops hosted by Pardio, took up the issues facing undocumented students who also identify themselves as members of the LGBT community.

Participants discussed the neglect that undocumented LGBT individuals face from the LGBT community and how at times they had to choose with which community they identify.

The event ended with a personal story from siblings Allen and Sophy Fonteyn who shared the story of their journey from Mexico into the United States and the obstacles they had to overcome such as the death of their parents and their inability to speak English.

“We started talking to other people and telling them our story. This is how far we’ve come,” said Allen Fonteyn.

“This is a great opportunity for students, the community and parents, to get help regarding the political issues, the educational issues and all the great resources that is the students, staff and the community,” Guillermo Miranda advisor to H.O.P.E and AB 540/Dream Act Resource Team Financial Aid advisor said.

“I believe this year’s HOPE AB540 conference was a success. The speakers were fantastic: topics were stimulating and the audience questions were excellent as well. My sincere thanks to all of the presenters and student organizers for making the event happen,” Jorge Acosta, Advisor to H.O.P.E and outreach liaison said.

The members of H.O.P.E said that they plan to sponsor more AB540 workshops during the spring 2014 semester and organize another conference in fall 2014.

H.O.P.E meets every Friday at the Student Services Building in room 168 at 10:30 a.m-12 p.m. all students are welcomed to join.

from the University of Louisville.

In 1981, Horton made her way to California where she received a certificate in school business management at Cal State Fullerton. Prior to being hired at Citrus College, Horton was employed as chief business officer in the San Marino Unified School District.

As a former math teacher and mentor at Valle Lindo Elementary School District in South El Monte, Horton applies her teaching skills to everyday life.

“I wouldn’t want to run a business other than the business of education,” Horton said.

The impact that Horton has had on the Citrus College community ranges from its financial operations as well as transforming the appearance of the college’s existing facilities.

“Citrus College…has benefited from Horton’s tenure at Citrus,” Perri said in a statement. “While many other community colleges fell into dire financial predicaments over the last few years…

[Horton helped Citrus] withstand those extreme fiscal challenges. For these, and so many other reasons, the entire Citrus College Community is grateful.”

“Every piece of this campus has been touched and improved for the betterment of students,” Rosalinda Buchwald, director of fiscal services said. “[Helping the students,] that’s always been at the forefront of her mind.”

Making the intricacies of the budget understandable to others is the added challenge of Horton’s position.

“She is very smart, we learn a lot from her,” Carol Cone, budget supervisor said.

Horton is not one for the spotlight. She credits her successes to her team. Although she appreciates hearing “thank you” from her co-workers, “She doesn’t want the accolades,” Buchwald said.

Horton’s last official day at Citrus is Feb. 28, 2014.

After having run the good race for 43 years, Horton said she plans to spend her retirement travelling, walking her two dogs, spending time with her granddaughter and reading books that are not on an academic agenda.

“In my heart, I am a teacher,” Horton said in her remarks at her retirement reception. “This has not been a job to me. It has not been a career. It’s been a lifelong fulfillment.”

Vice president retires after 18 years of service

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

T

he search for a new vice president of finance and administrative services is underway with interviews scheduled to take place Dec. 3 and 4.

This hiring process was set in motion with the recent announcement that after a 43-year career in education, Carol Horton, chief financial officer at Citrus College, has decided its time to say goodbye.

Horton has served as vice president of finance and administrative services at Citrus College for 18 years.

Hired in 1995 by former superintendent/president Louis E. Zellers, Ph.D, Horton has played a vital role at Citrus, like leading the college through the Great Recession with no furloughs.

In a statement at Horton’s retirement reception yesterday, Zellers stated during his 17year tenure at Citrus College, he had made both good and bad decisions. Then he directly addressed Horton saying, “I think the best, if not the best [decision] was hiring you.”

Jessica Soto Clarion Julian ‘Trip’ Horton, his wife Janelle-Marie Horton, daughter Kayla-Marie, Carol Horton and her husband Julian Horton (from left to right) at the conclusion of Horton’s retirement reception on Dec. 3.

A native of Louisville, Horton is an avid fan of the Kentucky Derby.

At the same reception, Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D, current superintendent/president of Citrus College, referenced this fact to compare Horton’s performance at Citrus to that of a thoroughbred racehorse going for the roses.

Perri cited Horton’s “prudent management” and further acknowledged Horton’s building programs and statewide leadership saying she has worked

“with integrity and distinction.”

The new vice president of finance and administrative services will have big shoes to fill. Those who have worked with Horton will have to adjust. “[We’re] going to have to act like we are at a new job,” Judy Rojas, administrative assistant and facility rentals supervisor said.

Horton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University and later received her master’s in education

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FEATURES

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

5

Teacher goes beyond the call of duty

By Alyssa Bujanda

Staff Writer • abujanda@ccclarion.com

F

or some veteran teachers, retirement is just not all that fulfilling. That was the case for professor Maurene Nelson, who has been teaching fundamentals of speech for 26 years.

Nelson, 75, retired after teaching full time for three years at Cal State Los Angeles and 11 years at Cal Poly Pomona. However, after a few months of not working, she decided that retirement was not for her.

So she returned to the classroom and the students she loves.

“I am uninterested in not having an occupation or not knowing what to do with my time,” Nelson said. “The future of my students is what I am interested in.”

This semester Nelson is teaching at three community colleges: Pasadena, Glendale and Citrus.

She says that she loves nothing better than being in the classroom with her students.

Nelson’s teaching style is a reflection of her personal philosophy. She strives to help students overcome the fear of public speaking and become competent communicators.

Samuel Lee, Ed.D dean of lan-

Christian Rodrigeuz Clarion

Maurene Nelson goes over an assignment with student Cesar Lunar, 24, in Nelson’s Thursday night speech class. guage arts and enrollment management said, “she always has very engaging activities for them, gets them up out of their seats, talking and interacting with each other, and based on that, she affects a lot of them.”

Nelson’s priority is to create classrooms where students can connect and feel comfortable.

“They always say, ‘Mrs. Nelson, this is the only class where I know the name of everybody in the classroom,’” Nelson said.

“And I say, ‘of course, because we’re the family.’”

Nelson believes that there is one important attribute students must develop to be successful in any field of study they pursue.

“I don’t personally believe that anyone can be any kind of com-

petent speaker until they feel a degree of self confidence,” Nelson said.

Many people have experienced low self-esteem at some point in their lives; Nelson understands the struggles that students may experience before they can move forward.

Nelson’s mother died when she was 6 years old. She was raised by her father who had a drinking problem. Her father remarried when she was 10, but Nelson said that through her middle school and high school years she felt very neglected.

“No one cared,” Nelson said.

She drifted through those years she said, left to navigate her own life and made a lot of mistakes, but that did not keep her from

pursuing an education.

She graduated from PCC at age 20 with an Associate of Arts degree in organizational communication. But she had also married and started a family, so she decided to put her education on hold.

She went through a divorce and three years later remarried. As her two children grew up she decided to go back to school, encouraged by her husband, Grant Nelson. In 1981, she enrolled in Cal State Los Angeles and finished her BA in speech communication in ’84 and would go on to complete her master’s.

Nelson has designed her courses to not only help students break out of their shy selves but also to become proficient in listening, speaking, writing and thinking.

Nelson’s teaching career not only has provided a pathway for students to develop confidence and voice their opinions, but also has encouraged them to relate to

her as a mentor and friend.

Chris Kidder, 34, one of Nelson’s former students, has remained in contact with her for four and a half years after completing his last speech class.

Kidder who enrolled in two of Nelson’s speech courses at Glendale College, says that her teaching style has helped prepare him for life.

“I look to her as a mentor,” Kidder said. “She has always motivated me and pushed me to be better.”

Nelson describes the call to teach not only as a privilege but also as a gift.

“This is teaching to me: you regard students like your children,” Nelson said.

Her message to students is “Do your best.”

“I’m equipping you to do what I do,” Nelson said. “I go way above the call of duty, and I want that from you, too.”

6

FEATURES

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

SPRING CANDIDATES PUT ALL CARDS ON THE TABLE ES L A R O M

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Age: 22 Ma jor: Psycho logy Running fo r: Student T rustee Elect “I want to h elp the student body while helping the school achie ve a higher prestige in th e community.”

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Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FEATURES

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

7

Anime Connection serves a break from finals

By Sarah Cha

Staff Writer • scha@ccclarion.com

T

he Anime Connection of Citrus College hosted its third semi-annual Maid Café in the Campus Center Mall on Dec. 3.

Guests were greeted to a sweetly decorated room complete with tablecloths in a lounge-style place.

Male club members were dressed as waiters as women members dressed as maids to make this a unique and fun experience by serving the sweets to student and faculty customers.

“We did not have enough girls in the whole club, so we decided to have guys dress up as hosts [or waiters],” Anime Connection President Christian Hernandez said.

For this Maid Café, members of the club gained sole responsibilities for holding the event.

This event is the trademark of Anime Connection as they were the first to promote Japanese Manga and its culture.

Manga refers to a style of comics created in Japan by Japanese artists rooted in the animation culture.

Anime Connection vice president Europa Henriquez

said that the Maid Café is also experienced in anime conventions and in manga games.

“In Japan, they have cafes where maids or hosts will play cards and games with [patrons] while they have their food,” Henriquez said.

Students and staff were able to purchase from an assortment of pastries made by 85 Degrees Bakery in West Covina, as well as snacks and hot drinks to enjoy in a comfortable setting.

The Maid Café was first started by club alumnus Christopher “K-On” Luangphinith and Vincent Lewis, vice president for Inter-Club Council.

The purpose of the Maid Café is to promote the club, make revenue and give students and faculty members a chance to relax and spend time with each other before the finals.

“Primarily, it is just the club members who [dress-up], but we also have past club members and [other people who are friends of the club members] come and help us out [with the Maid Café],” Hernandez said.

“The original purpose of it was just to promote our club, raise funds and have fun,” Hernandez said.

“Anime Connection used to own a Maid Café as a business but it did not succeed. We

Sarah Cha Clarion Anime Connection Club Member Amanda Ortiz, 18, serves Hot Chocolate Deluxe’s to astronomy professor Denise Kaisler and 24 year-old Citrus Alumnus Walter Orozco.

wanted to carry on the tradition by having it available at the Campus Center for everyone.”

This year’s Maid Café also had games available at each table for student and faculty customers.

“This is the first time we are going to have different kinds of

pastries available,” Hernandez said.

“This year we are going to have milk pudding pastries and Taiwanese danishes.”

Denise Kaisler, an Astronomy professor at Citrus who is also their club advisor, attended the

event and was pleased with the outcome of the event.

“Every semester, [Maid Café] gets better and better,” Kaisler said. “Every time they do it, they learn something.”

8

SPOTLIGHT

E H : T W E I V E R YEARIN Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Top 5 events Top5events ofspring2013 of fall 2013 -Feb. 20 gun scare sheds light on some kinks in the Citrus College emergency preparedness procedures.

-Dolores Huerta, human rights activist, visits Citrus College and speaks out to students.

-”The Bronze Star” production competes as semi-finalists in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and receives the Distinguished Performance and Production Ensemble Award.

-Fall Fest haunts Citrus’ campus with a Day of the Dead theme bringing students, faculty and staff together for more than just candy.

-The Rocket Owls compete as California’s only community college in the University Student Launch Initiative.

-Citrus Palooza was the theme for Springfest 2013 where students, faculty and staff were able to experience events like Casino Day, “Throwback Thursday” and live DJ’s.

-Fighting Owls softball team makes it to the second round of playoffs for the first time ever.

-Salute to Our Veterans is an annual celebration but this time around a live statue was added to memorialize fallen soldiers.

-The Board of Trustees welcome new board member, Barbara Dickerson, for the Area 1 seat succeeding 32-year incumbent Gary Woods.

-The Fighting Owls football team wins their first Beach Bowl game in 25 years.

eaks kerson sp ic D a r a b r a andidate B s candidate forum.

A r ea 1 C ee t s rd of Tru at the Boa

T h e e ig h t annual Salute To Veteran featured a li ving statue m emorial to h fallen soldie onor rs.

Students evacuating the S8 parking lot after the Feb. 20 gun scare.

s Fam ed hu ma n rights activist Dolore pus Cam the Huerta addressed students in .

Center for Hispanic Heritage Month

SPOTLIGHT

EBESTOF2013 Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

9

2014?

What are you most looking forward to in

Top10albums of 2013

e Clockwork” 10. Queens of the Stone Age “...Lik 9. My Bloody Valentine “MBV” 8. Deafheaven “Sunbather” ” 7. Nine Inch Nails “Hesitation Marks 6. Haim “Days Are Gone” 5. Kanye West “Yeezus” perience” 4. Justin Timberlake “ The 20/20 Ex 3. Arcade Fire “Reflektor” ” 2. Drake “Nothing Was The Same mories” 1. Daft Punk “Random Access Me

Nancy Perez, 21 Criminaljusticemajor Azusa “I’m looking forward to graduating from Citrus.”

NICKHERMANTO,18 UNDECLARED LA VERNE

Top10mo vies of 2013

10. “Th e Wolve rine” 9. “Tho r: The D ark Wo 8. “The rld” Great G atsby” 7. “Gra vity” 6. “Star Trek: In to Dark 5. “Des ness” picable Me 2” 4. “Man Of Stee l” 3. “The Hunger Games 2. “Wor : Catch ld War Z ing Fire ” ” 1. “This Is The E nd”

“I’m looking forward to going to EDC in 2014.”

SARA DIVINE, 20 ACCOUNTINGmajor CLAREMONT “I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Obamacare and its effects.”

10

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Athletes of the Issue

Freshman Chris Reyes is the forward for the men’s basketball team. Reyes went to Damien High School where he was two-time Sierra League MVP.

Citrus College Sports Information Sophomore Jaelyn Wilson plays forward for the women’s basketball team. Wilson attended Colony High School and played two varsity seasons.

Chris Reyes, #23, has established himself as a shot blocker and someone the offense can go to in the post.

Reyes is averaging 15.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks a game.

Jaelyn Wilson, #30, is looking to improve on her 8.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in 2012/2013. Wilson is averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds a game in the young 2013/2014 season.

SPORTS

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Fighting Owls end season at the Beach Bowl

By Dillon Cooper

T

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

he Owls’ football team had high hopes coming into the 2013 season. With a middle of the road 2012 season (7-4, 3-3), the Owls needed to improve in a lot of areas.

With a much improved 5-0 record at home in 2013 (2-3 in 2012), the Owls established that Citrus Stadium was a place that was not easy to come to if you wanted to leave with a win.

With improvement at home, came struggles on the road. The Owls were 2-3 on the road this season, dropping key games in the final minute to Riverside Community College and Mt. San Antonio College.

The Owls would finish with a 4-2 record in the National Central Conference, good enough for third place behind 6-0 RCC and 5-1 Mt. SAC. Led by freshman quarterback Larry Cutbirth, the Owls offense was exciting, but too predictable at times.

Cutbirth tallied 2,223 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. He threw just four interceptions.

With his 27 TDs, Cutbirth owns the school record for most TDs in a season. Cutbirth also owns the record for most passing TDs in a game with six coming against Riverside.

“The main thing I took away from this season was the bond I and some of these players created over the year,” Cutbirth said.

Leading the rushing attack was freshman Emmanuel Pooler, who averaged 7.1 yards a carry, tallying 649 yards and six touchdowns.

Ryan Salwak 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.

Sophomore linebacker Maurice Dupleasis led the defense in tackles (37), assists (43), and tackles per game with 8.9.

“We did good this season as a defense. Key players went down but players stepped up and we were pretty good the whole season,” Dupleasis said.

The secondary was in good hands most of the season with sophomore cornerback Braxton Brown and freshman cornerback Charles Flowers.

Flowers led the team in interceptions with five and finished second in tackles with 34.

Brown led the team in pass breakups with 13 and had three interceptions.

The Owls 7-4 record earned them a date with Saddleback in the Beach Bowl on Nov. 23.

“The way we bounced back after the Riverside loss, getting the three wins. A lot of teams would fold after that, I think we responded pretty well,” Cutbirth said.

Citrus would win the game 25-

14 and earn their first bowl victory since 1988.

Cutbirth threw for 236 yards in the Beach Bowl and receiver Scott Calles had eight receptions for 102 yards.

Brown made the big play on defense, intercepting Saddleback College quarter back Tim Belman. Brown would go on to earn the defensive player of the game award.

“I was excited, I was at a loss for words after I found out I was defensive player of the game,” Brown said.

With a majority of key offensive and defensive players expected to return next season, the Owls will be looking to reclaim the NCC, something they have not done since 2006 when the Owls were playing in the Western State Conference.

“I think they’ll do better than we did this year. I know Charles Flowers is coming back and he’s a great defensive back in my eyes. I’m expecting them to go 10-0,” Brown said.

Men’s soccer finishes season on a high note

By Dillon Cooper

T

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

he men’s soccer season came to a close on a promising note Nov. 15 as they traveled to Glendale.

Citrus would end up thrashing Glendale with a 7 to nil score line, but that does not tell the tale of the inconsistent 2013 Owls.

The Owls finished with a record of 7-11-2 and 6-8-2 in conference play.

The Owls never tallied more than two wins in a row. They struggled to put the ball in the back of the net most games with an average of 2.3 goals per game.

Sophomore defender Silbestre Valencia said, “we had our ups and downs. We had winnable games that we lost. Games just didn’t go our way.”

With a freshman-dominated squad, perhaps this was to be expected.

“We were in so many games, then something would happen.

A mistake would occur then bam, something would happen and we would get punished,” head coach Fred Bruce-Oliver said. “The team was too young in a lot of ways to deal with that

Dillon Cooper Clarion

The Owls celebrate the opening goal against the Santa Monica Corsairs on Nov. 13. The game would end up finishing in a 1-1 draw. kind of thing. Experience is how you deal with that sort of problem.”

However, one freshman performed above expectations and found himself in the Citrus record book.

Forward Grayson Iwasaki led the 2013 Owls with 12 goals, a single season program record.

The Owls will need to find two new defenders for next season as sophomores Justin Dryer and Valencia have used up their two years of eligibility.

Central defender Cody McNeal

is a potential candidate to fill one of the spots left by Dryer and Valencia.

With five returning forwards, building and maintaining the chemistry developed through the 2013 season will be imperative to the Owls next season.

With an expected roster filled with experienced sophomores, hopes are high for the Owls.

“I’m optimistic, we should do well next season,” said Iwasaki.

“If we don’t, it will be a disappointment.”

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

SPORTS

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Owls host annual Neil Edwards Classic

By Dillon Cooper

S

Sports Editor • dcooper@ccclarion.com

ix colleges came to the Owls’ Nest on the weekend of Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 for the annual Neil Edwards Classic, dedicated to Edwards who coached the Owls from 1969-1990 and the season of ’91.

The Chaffey Panthers, LA Pierce Brahmas, Orange Coast Pirates, San Diego City Knights, Sierra College Wolverines and the Citrus Owls were the colleges participating in this year’s Classic.

The Knights were the only team to go undefeated (3-0) and the tournament champions as they beat Chaffey 66-65 for their first win on a last second free throw from sophomore guard and Classic Most Valuable Player Martin Thomas in the first game.

They were able to cruise through their next two games, beating the Pirates 66-52 and the Wolverines 77-64.

“I thought we turned a corner this weekend,” Knights head

coach Mitch Charlens said.

“The players are so new to each other and they are so new to me.

It was nice to see them play like this.”

The Owls finished the weekend with a 2-1 record and were led by big man Chris Reyes who averaged 16.3 points a game with 10.6 rebounds a game.

Citrus hosted the Pirates in the first game of the Classic and trailed a majority of the game but were able to rally back and win 77-67.

The Owls took on the Wolverines on Nov. 30 and beat Sierra 67-56 in a strong defensive effort, holding opposing shooters to just 42 percent from the field.

The last game of the tournament was one to forget for the Owls as they scored a measly 14 points in the first half against the Chaffey Panthers who put up 40.

Citrus freshman guard John Roach said, “Friday and Saturday we played good, we played more like ourselves. Still not the best but it was better than today’s [Sunday’s] performance.”

The Owls would lose the game

11

Dillon Cooper Clarion

The Owls do their pregame ritual before the game against Orange Coast College. The Owls would go on to win 77-67. tournament], we ran into some in the San Diego City game but 78-48 and end up shooting 26.5 percent from the field, easily speed bumps, but other than that we lost in the last second and their worst display of the Claswe’ve been getting better.” that really motivated us.” sic.

With the Neil Edwards Classic “We had two good bounce back “We played well the first [two coming to an end, the Owls will games against LA Pierce and days], they played aggressive, get some rest as they prepare for against Citrus, I think we were we played like the way we northe Riverside Holiday Tournaunrecognizable after the first night,” Klein said. mally play,” Citrus head coach ment which is set to begin Dec. Chris Victor said. “Tonight 10 and will run until Dec. 14.

Tournament MVP [Sunday] we played a style of “We are going to continue to basketball I’ve never seen, so work hard and make sure that PG Martin Thomas - SDCC hopefully we can change it up.” we play for each other and not All-Tournament Team Chaffey would finish the touranything else. We need to trust PG Martin Thomas - SDCC nament with a record of 2-1, each other and continue to play PG Julian Nichols - Chaffey good enough for second place. hard and work hard,” Roach G/F Caleb Singleton - SDCC Chaffey sophomore forward said.

F Devaun Evans - OCC Adom Jacko said, “we played Chaffey head coach Jeff Klein F Chris Reyes - Citrus pretty good [throughout the said, “who knows what we did

Cross-country Owls run towards success at state championships

By Careesa Campbell

T

Staff Writer • ccampbell@ccclarion.com

wo cross-country team members ran in the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship held Nov. 23 in Fresno.

Julia Galvez, 19, is the first Citrus College female who has qualified to run in the CCCAA state championships since 2009.

“It means the world to me,” Galvez said. “I did it.”

Galvez ran the 5K and placed 175th out of 207 racers, with a time of 21:42:25.

Upon crossing the finish line she cried.

“Crossing the finish line was bittersweet because running has been the best experience so far in my college career,” Galvez said.

Head coach Alicia Longyear

has noticed a significant change in Galvez’s confidence and focus since last year.

“Julia was chosen as captain due to her positive attitude, assertive leadership skills and ability to model committed training behavior,” Longyear said.

Diego Lopez, 18, finished the four mile men’s course placing 111th out of 203 racers with a time of 22:10:05.

He credits his athleticism to his father, who taught him, “If you give up [in life], your race is over.”

“In high school, I was always number two,” Lopez said. “I take making it to state championships as a reward for all the hard work I have put in.”

Longyear knew Lopez was extremely talented after his first cross-country practice.

“As the season progressed I [also] found that he is deeply hardworking and exceptionally

Dillon Cooper Clarion

Diego Lopez and Julia Galvez were the two runners that qualified for state championships. The first Owls to qualify since 2011. motivated - the perfect tools for an elite distance runner,” said Longyear. “I hit the jackpot!”

But running is not just about physical endurance, it is mentally exhausting as well.

“For me, the hardest challenge in running is not giving up,” Galvez said. “When the workouts get harder and you start get-

ting tired, giving up is the easiest thing to do.”

Running gives Galvez a sense of freedom and confidence.

“It gives me comfort knowing that I can rely on something that makes me so happy.”

Lopez has been running for seven years, five years competitively, and has no intention of

stopping. “Running has always been my way to escape reality and just relax,” Lopez said.

Galvez, who has been running for 10 years, is not going to quit either. “Even though it was my last race at Citrus College I will never stop being a competitive runner.”

Lopez and Galvez have made this cross-country season a notable one for coach Longyear.

“They have paved the way for future Citrus cross-country runners and have made my first season as head coach an extremely rewarding and memorable one,” Longyear said.

Galvez plans to attend San Diego State University where she will major in English. She also plans to train for marathons, triathlons and Iron Man competitions.

Lopez is a political science major and plans to attend a local private college such as Pomona.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A&E

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

‘Holidance’ prepares to kick off the holidays

By Alyssa Bujanda

Staff Writer • abujanda@ccclarion.com

T

he Citrus College performing arts department will be continuing its annual tradition “Holidance” on December 19 and 20 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. This production will feature dance pieces choreographed by students and faculty that celebrates many holiday traditions in this season.

The multi-cultural concert is codirected by faculty members John Vaughan, Jennifer Allgaier and Renne Liskey who have coordinated there own numbers into the performance.

Vaughan choreographed the opening number called ‘Turkey Lurkey Time” which he describes as a “60’s dance style” as well as two other pieces: Hanukkah and Kwanza.

Jennifer Allgaier will be featuring a selection from “The Nutcracker” with full sets and costumes while Renee Liskey choreographed a jazz number from “The Muppets Last Movie”, the closing number of the night.

“The thing I like about “Holidance” is that we celebrate all different parts of the holiday season: Kwanza and Hanukkah and Christmas and New Years,” said Renee Liskey, full

time dance professor. “The name kind of applies to just Christmas, but it’s actually all of the holidays that we celebrate in this country.”

A faculty and student hip-hop piece will also be included that moves to the beat of Kelly Clarkson’s new Christmas album, “Wrapped in Red.” “I’m most looking forward to just getting out there and performing,” said Lisa Lopez, dance major, 25. “I love always finding that moment of peacefulness and happiness on stage and sharing it with everyone.”

As “Holidance” is about honoring many traditions, the faculty and students have prepared a show that’s fun for the whole family.

Our students represent all of those different areas and it’s nice to have them come together and do something that is family orientated and for the kids,” Liskey said.

Student and Senior tickets are $10 while Regular priced tickets are $12. They can be purchased at haughpac.com, by phone at (626)-963-9411, or at the box office on campus.

Alyssa Bujanda Clarion The hip-hop class practices their dance moves to the sound of Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album, “Wrapped in Red” on Dec. 2.

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

A&E

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

13

‘Holidance’ dancer pursues her dream

By Alyssa Bujanda

Staff Writer • abujanda@ccclarion.com

S

he has the soul of a dancer and the imagination of a choreographer. Citrus College student Lisa Lopez, 25, has been dancing since the age of 3. She has performed in many recitals that have enabled her to enhance her technique and physical ability.

Now she is choreographing her own piece, which she will perform in “Holidance.” Since she took her first baby steps, Lisa Lopez’s need to freely express herself through dance has taken hold of her soul.

This student dance choreographer is discovering her shade of brave. Lopez was first exposed to the art of dance as a preschooler, peering through a sliding glass door watching a ballet class underway.

From that moment, Lopez knew she wanted to dance.

“I would always go and watch the ballerinas, and my mom noticed. Then one day, she signed me up for classes and I’ve been dancing ever since,” Lopez said.

In 2010, her first year at Citrus College, Lopez decided to expand her repertoire from ballet into other styles.

“There’s that stereotypical ballet dancer that I’ve always had a hard time molding into,” Lopez said. She has found greater freedom through modern and contemporary dance styles while still holding true to her ballet roots.

Lopez immersed herself in many classes offered through the Citrus dance program. She has performed in several musical productions in the Haugh Performing Arts Center, Including “Razor’s Edge,” “Holidance,” “Christmas Is...” and “Legally Blonde.”

At present, she is choreographing and performing in her own piece for “Holidance” the annual dance concert on Dec. 19 and 20. It has a New Years Eve theme and portrays the idea of ladies anticipating their midnight kiss. Lopez also is a part of “Christmas Is...,” where she is performing as a vocalist in the concert choir.

Lopez is in her fourth year with the dance program. She has served as dance captain for the Citrus Singers as well as student choreographer and assistant to John Vaughan, dance professor interim director of the HPAC. Vaughan describes Lopez as a friendly, talented dancer with the ability to follow instructions.

“It has been very fun to see her grow and develop as a dancer in the program, and I have enjoyed it thoroughly,” Vaughan said.

Lopez’s extensive background training in ballet and technique has opened these opportunities for her to develop into a professional dancer, she said.

But it has not always been easy going. While pursuing her love

Lisa Lopez, Haihua Chiang and Tiffany Waniczek rehearse Lopez’s dance piece for “Holidance” on Thursday Nov. 7. for performing, Lopez has had to overcome obstacles within her, as well as coping with her father’s battle with cancer.

In August 2012 her father, Carlos Lopez, was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that shocked the Lopez family. Lopez struggled to juggle three major productions during the time of her father’s diagnoses and treatments. She was torn between commitment to helping her father and committing to her studies.

“I knew I needed to be with my dad and at the same time knew that I needed to be at rehearsals,” Lopez said.

By November 2012, Carlos Lopez was pronounced cancerfree and he received a stem cell transplant. He was hospitalized for three months before he was discharged in February 2013.

“If you’re going to pursue anything as a career, you have to go for it.”

-Lisa Lopez During her father’s recovery, Lopez was practicing for her “Christmas Is...,” “Holidance,” and “Legally Blonde” performances. She describes that period as one of the most difficult but satisfying years of her life as a person, dancer and performer.

Fellow dancer Jairus Pecson, 23, has been one of Lopez’s closest friends. He has partnered and performed with her in many dance performances throughout the program. Pecson shares that Lopez’s strongest attributes as a friend and fellow dancer is her infectious attitude.

“She’s taught me so much as a dancer, and at the same time she’s such a great partner,” Pecson said. He described Lopez’s personality as kind and bubbly and her performance quality as strong.

Pecson friendship was essentially important to Lopez, as he

had also experienced his own father going through cancer treatment. They two have supported each other. Pecson said that Lopez has emerged with a new sense of confidence and newfound strength in her abilities.

“Last ‘Holidance,’ I really had a breakthrough, and I feel that I preformed my best.” Lopez said.

Casted as the Sugarplum Fairy, she said she felt a sense of serene peace descend on her as she performed. Lopez said that she knew that she had done her best and that everything was going to be OK. “It was one of those moments that you only hear about or very rarely experience,” Lopez said.

“Dance is that cure for me. I feel it helps me through everything.

I can go to it and feel relieved.”

Convinced this is what she was meant to do, Lopez’s family supports her decision to pursue dance as a career.

“Every time I see her dance she makes me melt,” Carlos Lopez, Lisa’s father, said. “Lisa can do no wrong when she dances.”

Lopez aspires to transfer to Chapman University or UC Irvine to further her education in performing arts. In summer 2013, she received a scholarship to a summer intensive dance program by Backhaus Dance Company on the Irvine Campus.

“If you’re going to pursue anything as a career, you have to go for it.” Lopez said.

“It can be scary and so intimidating because actually going forward and doing it is the hardest thing.”

Beyond college, Lopez envisions herself living and performing in New York. She has fallen in love with the city and all of its opportunities for careers in entertainment.

“I don’t like to pride myself in my ability, but I can say that my hard work has really paid off for me in this year, and it continues,” Lopez said.

Alyssa Bujanda Clarion

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

FORUM

Put it down and look up

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

I

t is time for city government to step in and save us from ourselves.

The city council of Glendora and Azusa should consider enacting ordinances making it an infraction for pedestrians to be using cellphones while crossing the streets and walking through public parking lots. City police would be authorized to ticket violators and to issue a fine.

Citrus College has a student population of approximately 12,000 students. Azusa Pacific University has 10,221 students. Almost everyone in the two colleges has a cellphone, and many of them are addicted to them.

Distracted students saunter through the parking lots texting, calling, listening to music, and Snapchatting, oblivious to what is going on around them.

Not only are drivers not paying attention, pedestrians are not watching where they are going.

Put these two distracted groups together and an accident is just waiting to happen.

For years, we students have been told to put down that cellphone, stop texting and start paying attention to what is going on around us, but that has not happened.

In fact, our attention deficit is getting worse, with attention span reduced to seven seconds made

Editor-in-Chief Evan Solano Managing Editor Jessica Soto Art Editor/Illustrator Christian Rodriguez Photo Editor Jessica Soto Photo Technician Evan Solano Sports Editor Dillon Cooper

famous by Vine videos.

Disastrous walking can range from embarrassment to the hazardous of stepping into the street in the path of an oncoming car.

Some pedestrians are so focused on their cellphones that they crash into fences, fire hydrants, poles, and even parked cars.

The texters then curse these stationary objects as if they had magically appeared out of thin air. They walk away in embarrassment, looking around to see if anyone saw them while continuing to text.

A Clarion staff member was walking to class when a girl on her phone ran into her, apologized

and then immediately after that, another girl (also on her phone) walked into her. It was a dominoeffect caused by unaware pedestrians.

Another Clarion staffer was on the second level of the TC building on her phone and was going down the stairs when she almost fell down the stairs because she had missed a step, luckily she caught herself.

These are just a few of the occurrences that cause individuals to potentially get injured. In extreme cases, these distracted pedestrians forget that they are walking.

An estimated 2 million injuries each year are the result of walk-

ing while texting, talking on, fiddling with a cellphone, according to a recent study. Injuries caused by cellphone distraction that led to the emergency room increased in the United States, from 559 in 2004 to 1, 500 in 2010 according to research published earlier this year by sciencedirect.com. Many students are so addicted that we need monetary incentive to do what we know is wise: putting away our phones while crossing the streets.

We call upon the city councils of Azusa and Glendora to impose a fine for crossing a street while distracted by cellphone use.

Help us help ourselves.

Stuck in the 13th grade

By Katie Jolgren

A&E Editor Evan Solano Online Editor Sylvia Aparicio Staff Writers Sarah Cha Katie Jolgren Cristian Manrique Photographers Evan Solano Dillon Cooper Jessica Soto Ryan Salwak Christian Rodriguez Sarah Cha Alyssa Bujanda Advisers Margaret O’Neil Stacy K. Long Page Designers Delacey Foster Ryan Salwak Monique Harris Anthony Ahumada Mercedes DeGuchy

Staff Writer • kjolgren@ccclarion.com

A

ttending a local community college is only for underachievers, the losers in the school.

This seems to be the stigma attached to community colleges.

But, with community colleges serving nearly half of the undergraduates across the United States, and nearly 2.4 million students attending the California community colleges alone, it cannot be that all of these students are losers.

Community colleges are a gateway for students who may not have determined a career goal yet, and require more time or direction.

There is a myth that community colleges offer classes that are easier and taught by subpar teachers.

However, it is ignorant to believe that community college professors who have achieved a master’s degree or higher are inferior.

This is not to say that certain community college myths are false.

Many students decide half way through the semester that they will only attend every other class so as not to get dropped, when on the first day of the semester they fought for that very seat.

Some students attend class just long enough to receive their fi-

15

nancial aid check, and then disappear forever.

For this handful of students: you are giving the rest of us a bad reputation.

Because all applicants are accepted, it may appear that anyone with a pulse can attend a community college.

However, success in school depends on the student showing up to their classes each day, doing the work, and persevering, just the same as individuals that attend four-year universities.

Some believe that students who attend community colleges are not striving to reach their full potential by attending more prestigious schools.

But with fewer student loans, smaller class sizes and the ability to speak to your teacher in

person, community college students are simply getting more bang for their buck.

Community colleges are a great place for students to test the college waters and try a variety of classes at $46 per unit rather than spending more than $3,000 on six units of coursework at a university.

At a four-year university, there is no time to explore various subjects and fields because you are paying so much more per unit.

Students must decide on a future career and stick to it, lest they wind up with even more loans. Attending a community college is a cost efficient way to acquire an associate’s degree and narrow a field of focus.

With many community college

students also working full time in order to pay rent or while raising a family, it seems that taking general education classes at a much cheaper rate and the proximity of the school to their home would be top priorities.

It is time to acknowledge community college as a place of higher learning, not just a continuation of high school.

We should no longer be ashamed to admit that we “just” attend a community college.

The quality of your education is not based on the high-status label attached to the school.

As community college students, we must take back pride in our education and let others know that they should consider doing the same.

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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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

campus

Citrus College Clarion ccclarion.com

Jake (Zachary Bondoc), Bradley (Garrett Smith) and Jason (Drew Rodriguez), from left to right, quite literally put their heads together to devise a plan to win the Giant Jolly Jingle Trophy.

It’s time for ‘Christmas Is...’

By Jessica Soto

Managing Editor • jsoto@ccclarion.com

By Anne Marie Miranda

Staff Writer • amiranda@ccclarion.com

C

hristmas Is…” graces the Haugh Performing Arts Center with the joys of the season once again.

The annual performance is divided into two acts. The first is a formal representation of the Citrus Singers, directed

by Douglas Austin, Citrus Vocal Ensemble and Orchestra, directed by Martin Green and the Women’s Ensemble, directed

by Vonetta Mixson accompanied

by Jeremy Logoet.

The group performs Christmas classics like “Silent Night,” “Deck the Hall,” and “Jingle Bells.”

The second act reveals a boisterous narrative.

The story line for this part of the production changes each year.

This year’s show takes place in Christmastown.

A competition takes place with teams of spirited elves and whoever builds the most toys will win the coveted Giant Jolly Jingle Trophy.

Bradley, played by Garrett Smith, one of Santa’s elves,

devises a plan to get a team of three other elves - Jingle, Jangle and Tingle - sent on vacation to the holiday wonderland of the “Happily Ever After Resort and Spa,” to increase his chances of winning.

Jingle, played by Brandon Jenkins, Jangle, played by Andy May and Tinkle, played

by Quincey Hinton, meet the Disney princesses Snow White, Princess Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella along with their prince counterparts.

The elves later receive a visit from the big toy maker, Santa Claus himself, who is curious as to why his most dedicated and spirited of workers have decided to take off during the busiest time of the year.

As the truth unravels the Giant Jolly Jingle Trophy is still up for grabs and the recipients of this prestigious toy maker award are…well, you just have to go see for yourself.

Directed by Douglas Austin, music professor and director of the Citrus Singers, and choreographed by John Vaughan, interim director of the Haugh Performing Arts Center, “Christmas Is…” takes an entire year to prepare.

“Every year is a little different as far as set designs,” John Patrick, set designer and

manager of construction said.

“We start at the beginning of the year and take four weeks out to do other sets but mainly focus on ‘Christmas Is...’”

Pieces of the set are recycled from previous performances.

One particular piece that shows its twinkling not-so-pinescented fashion each year is an 18-foot Christmas tree.

“My favorite part of the show is the Christmas tree that has a mile and a half of lights,” Karen Taulbee, stage manager said. “It puts my Christmas tree at home to shame.”

This production has its main characters but “with the way the script is written . . . everyone has a shining moment,” said Henry Chesney, 20, who plays an elf and Jack from “Jack and Jill.”

Citrus performers spread holiday cheer singing and dancing to cheery musical numbers like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Santa Baby” and “As Long as There’s Christmas.”

Performances are Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $24, student/senior $22 and ages 16 and under $15. The Dec. 13 and 21 performances are at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $22, student/senior $20 and ages 16 and under $15. For more information call (626) 963-9411.

Alexandra Oro (left) and Edward Littler (right) sing and dance their parts to “Christmastown.”

The elves of Christmastown finish their introductory musical number “Christmastown.”

(Center) Santa Claus, Andrew Limon, and Mama, Maelyn Cacho enter singing their song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Patty Cake (center), played by Gayle Jett, is center stage for her musical number “Hot Chocolate,” accompanied by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother (left), Alexandria Oro, and the villain from Sleeping Beauty Maleficent (right), Kylie Molnar.

Photographed by Jessica Soto