Corsair

Global Motion

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The Santa Monica College Newspaper

Volume XCIX, Issue 12

www.thecorsaironline.com

Informing Since 1929

Protestors target BP “green” gas station

AS proposes change to constitution By John Stapleton IV Staff Writer Recent changes to the Associated Students Constitution will be available to the student body for approval during next week’s special election. The ballot will contain three items, the first of which asks students whether or not they approve the proposed constitutional amendments. These most recent amendments mostly clarify the special election process itself, and establish the Joint Council as solely responsible for determining student fees. This duty applies directly to the other two special election items, both of which are proposals for increasing the AS fee: a Student Representation Fee of one dollar, and a Student Organizing Fee of $1.50. These proposed changes would increase the Associated Student Fee from $19 to $21.50 if approved. AS president Cameron Henton describes the Student Representation Fee as a way to finance “advocacy and efforts along those lines,” allowing Santa Monica College students to represent the college before city, county and state governments. Henton posited

See ‘AS constitution changes’ on page 3

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

By Dan Bluemel Opinion Editor

Police investigate the scene of the shooting at Pico and Lincoln Boulevards.

Katie Madejska Corsair

Shooting at Pico and Lincoln By Guiliana Dakdouk Managing Editor A black SUV was pulled over near Pico and Lincoln Boulevards for a field-sobriety test early yesterday morning when the passenger opened fire at a Santa Monica Police Department officer. According to officers at the scene, the passenger shot one officer below his bulletproof vest

and proceeded to run away from the scene. The officer was hospitalized and is now in stable condition. The alleged gunman was hiding for about three hours until K-9 officers and the SWAT team found him at nearly 5:10 a.m. Officers shot and hit the suspect but it has yet to be determined whether the suspect fired at the officers beforehand. The extent

of his injuries is unkknown. More than 10 police officers from different divisions moved into the area to search for the gunman. Local residents were asked to stay inside to maintain public safety. The driver of the black SUV was arrested on suspicion of DUI. At the time of press, his identity, as well as the gunman’s, was not made public.

Demonstrators picketed a British Petroleum gas station in Los Angeles Wednesday, May 12, to demand that the U.S. government seizes the company’s assets to pay for clean-up and provide compensation for those affected by the ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Activists chose BP’s signature “green” Arco gas station, located at the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard, as the site of their protest. The “Seize BP” campaign was initiated by the ANSWER Coalition, an anti-war and social justice organization. According to the group, over 10,000 people have signed the Seize BP petition calling for the confiscation and reinvestment of assets. The demonstration occurred on the second day BP America executives, along with Transocean, Halliburton and Cameron executives, were questioned by a Congressional subcommittee over the Deepwater Horizon oil rig leak. Responsibility was a point of debate amongst company executives during the questioning, which President

See ‘BP oil protest’ on page 4

Student president Cameron Henton looks back at AS accomplishments By Daniel Ross Staff Writer

Daniel Ross Corsair Santa Monica College Associated Students President Cameron Henton presides over the last Board of Directors meeting for the current government, this past Monday at Santa Monica College. Henton will transfer the keys to his office to Tiffany Inabu, who will be president next semester.

It’s Friday afternoon. Another school week has drawn to a close and Associated Students President, Cameron Henton, is aware of another deadline looming ominously on the horizon. “We’re soon into the transitional stage between one government and the next,” says Henton as he prepares to relinquish his position to Tiffany Inabu, AS president elect. Henton has only a few weeks remaining with which to push through any last minute reforms, and a review of his government’s performance over the past year by the board of trustees figures prominently on his to-do list. And so, to the background hum of a student government anxiously waiting out their last few weeks in office, Henton talks candidly about the endeavors of the AS to revisit

their original campaign promises, offering in the process some stark advice to their successors. “I don’t think we’ve achieved all that we should have achieved,” says Henton, referring to their struggle to cultivate a community spirit within the college and to raise student awareness of the AS – an integral part of his manifesto. Quickly though, he moves to a topic that has not only factored heavily in recent decision making, but one in which he feels the AS has more than proven its mettle – the college’s budget woes. “It’s been a tough year for the college, and various departments have asked us for more money in order to maintain student services…which we’ve been able to provide. However, it means that the rollover into next years balance won’t be as big as it usually is.” The drop, Henton predicts, could be as big as $120,000 – to

a rollover of just $80,000 – but he feels justified that the AS has made the right decision to prop-up the college financially, singling out the Big Blue Bus as just one of the many services their support has helped to maintain. “[AS] can do that for about one more year…probably, but if the budget crisis continues, I don’t see how we could maintain that level of support.” Another area in which Henton feels a certain level of personal satisfaction is the introduction during his tenure of the Leadership Academy. A program designed to better prepare students for positions of leadership, it has been somewhat of a pet project for Henton, and he hopes to see it institutionalized at SMC. “It’s a great opportunity to train

See ‘Henton looks back’ on page 3

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THIS WEEK

Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College

Wednesday May 19, 2010 Santa Monica College

Corsair

Newspaper

Spring 2010 Staff

Jessica Thomas Guiliana Dakdouk Indah Datau Antoine Themistocleous Rebecca Slawter Dan Bluemel Brandon Quin Ingrid Rosales Carly Gillis Teresa Raschilla Debbie Vasquez

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Calendar Editor Lifestyle Editor Online Editor Arts Canvas Editor

Staff Alessandra Catanese, Alfredo Luna, Alica Forneret, Althea Anderson, Anthony Pantoja, Astrid le Noine, Brian White, Bryn Woznicki, Christian Nussey, Daniel Ross, Danyale Kotur, David Carranza, David Dolmage, Emil Norlen, Eric Tipton, Farhan Ali, Jennifer Martinez, Jeremy Biglow, John Stapleton IV, Jorge Valdovinos, Jung Shim, Kevin Duron, Linda Konde, Lyndsay Smith, Marley St. John, Michael Mendoza, Michael Zielinski, Monique Michaels, Nicole Ritter, Sal Guerra, Sammy Soliman, Sean Carpenter, Sean Mazzapica, Tannaz Lavian, Tara Murphy, Tené Anderson, Terrence Timmins, Tieg Slattery, Tracy Navarro

Jake Coronel Contributor The rain stops for a few moments after a heavy downpour in Los Angeles on January 20.

News

Opinion

AS Constitution Changes Shooting on Pico Henton Looks Back BP Oil Protest New Online Orientation Video

No Medical Marijuana on Campus Tobacco Treaty

3 & 4

5

Lifestyle

Calendar

Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Author Vicki Forman Barfly SMC Fashion Students

SMC Photo Exhibit Global Motion World Dance

8 & 9

10

Advertising Consultant Deirdre Weaver corsairad@yahoo.com

Graphic Design Jhosef A. Hern

Computer Consultant Agnius Griskevicius

Faculty Advisors Saul Rubin and Gerard Burkhart

Letters to the editor are encouraged. They should be no longer than 250 words and must be signed by the writer. corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com

Photo Story

Missing in Cold Canyon

6 & 7

Sports

Weekly Fitness Sports Opinion: Athletes in Politics Track and Field SMC Softball: A Year in Review

11 & 12

Corrections: In Issue 10, the article “Spirits at Club Row” stated that the ALAS organized the Capoeira Dance when the

Martial Arts Associate was the group that organized it.

Business and Editorial Offices Letters to the Editor 1900 Pico Blvd., LS 172 Santa Monica, CA 90405 Phone: (310) 434-4340 Classified Ads: Daily Bruin (310) 825-2221 First copy of the Corsair is free, each after is 25 cents.

03 NEWS New online orientation video seeks to further engage students Wednesday May 19, 2010

By Bryn Woznicki Staff Writer

Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College

Every Santa Monica College student has been through it. The boring, grueling, “WHY CAN’T I CLICK FASTER?!” student orientation. Every new SMC student is required to complete this online orientation upon enrolling for his or her first semester. But as most of us remember, the old orientation didn’t orient us much at all. We didn’t learn about SMC as much as we learned to skim long paragraphs, guess at simple questions and click to the next page at lightning speed. But students enrolling this summer are in luck: a new and improved online orientation is set to premiere before the end of spring semester. “We’re making it more student friendly, interactive and inviting for students so they will want to stay involved in the orientation process from beginning to end,” said Delores Raveling, SMC professor and counselor. The new orientation will feature more visually stimulating features such as “checks on learning.” Upon finishing a section and answering questions, new students will be greeted by a video of a fellow student either giving praise for answering questions correctly, or a friendly “Oops, not quite right. Try again.” Perhaps the most advantageous features to be added are the interactive ones, such as tools that help build time management schedules and education planning. When building time management schedules, students may click and drag into time slots

various categories such as class time and study time and then print the schedule for future use. “Ed planning is when students see their counselor and build their program for the semester,” said Raveling. With the new online ed planning feature, students will be able to build semester schedules up to four semesters at a time, print them out and bring them into their counselor for confirmation, having already started the legwork. The new orientation will also feature an animated counselor, equipped with knowledge a real life counselor would provide for new students. Said virtual counselor will provide new students with information on the IGETC, University of California versus California Sate University transfer requirements, and assessment testing information. This is the online orientation’s third revision since it was adopted in fall of 2003. Before online orientation, SMC held in-person orientations that would last two days and were similar to enrollment in a high school setting. “In the fall, we would have about 8,000 students [enroll on campus],” says Raveling. “In a year we would have oriented over 10,000 students. With the online orientation that number has actually doubled.” The orientation is part of SMC’s new online presence, the Corsair Connect. This student portal currently encompasses new Google e-mail accounts as well as the oldies but goodies such as the student self service

system. Eventually the Corsair Connect will include all online resources for students. “With the new Google e-mail system they’ll eventually start e-mailing announcements,” said Jose Cue, counselor and member of the new student orientation committee. “Like this Friday is going to be the last day to drop classes…those kinds of things that usually get students into trouble, like ‘I wish I could have known so I would have dropped my class on time and not gotten a W.’ It’s one huge leap forward in establishing better communication with students.”

students about leadership…it would help immensely with the transition process from one government to the next, preparing them for what all this entails. I hope to see it in the curriculum one day as a certified program.” Now we arrive at the recent student elections, and a tangible shift in mood befalls the room. The AS were on the receiving end of harsh criticism regarding their coordination of the whole event, with the Corsair running a staff editorial proclaiming a media blackout of the candidates while questioning the election’s democratic process. Although Henton admits that the event could have been better organized, with greater exposure of the candidates running for office, he believes that the

media broadside was unwarranted, and that, judged as a whole, the elections were somewhat of a success. “We received the third highest number of votes cast in an election,” says Henton, admitting that recent turnout numbers have been boosted by the introduction of Internet polling. “Given the narrow time frame in which we had to work, I think we did a pretty good job.” “When it comes to exposure of candidates we have to remain impartial, we can’t be seen to be taking sides…it’s up to them as individuals to campaign.” Confident that the cracks in the system exposed by the elections have been pinpointed and addressed, Henton says that “it should be better next election,” and

seems keen to highlight their campaign to advertise the upcoming special elections as a case in point. All told, you get the impression that while he is certainly proud of the achievements of his government, saying that everyone in the team deserves “a special mention for the hard work they’ve done this past year,” the experience has been a salutary one, rather than a overwhelmingly triumphant one; the innumerable pressures of life and college have placed a very real burden on their shoulders. “I think everyone’s learned a lot from this experience…but you must take into account the personal challenge. We have grades to maintain, higher aspirations. We’ve had to learn that there is a balance to all this.”

that representation on a state-wide level would help SMC broaden its influence and prestige, since “currently, all of our programs are looking inward.” Concerning the Student Organizing Fee, Henton said, “The main objective is to support SMC’s CALPIRG chapter, which we couldn’t support with available funds.” Henton promoted the retention of a fully-funded CALPIRG chapter, saying it not only “develops a level of activism and civic engagement,” but also that “having a fully supported CALPIRG chapter would make us the only community college in California with that level of participation. State CALPIRG meeting would consist of eight U.C.’s, USC and us.” Henton clarified that as an AS funded organization, the SMC chapter would have to adhere to strict performance quotas as outlined in the contract between SMC and CALPIRG.

The Student Organizing Fee would also fund other programs, such as the Student Leadership Academy. Henton said, “We would like to develop it into a certified curriculum that could provide leadership skills and a service-learning environment where students could actually take these skills and apply them.” While the AS president promotes the poll, some students are already questioning the wording of the special election’s ballot. After reading the ballot, SMC student Chris Aquino responded, “I don’t understand. Is it an opinion poll?” Aquino said that the ballot wording only asks students if they “recommend” additional fees, and asked, “If it’s not going to implement anything, why are we even voting?  Is anything going to happen?” Henton responded to these questions by clarifying that “the Joint Council has

the power to implement student fees without any student input, but we didn’t feel comfortable with that. We want students to be involved, especially with fee increases and decreases.” Henton then clarified that the purpose of the special election was to gauge students’ awareness of their influence in student government matters, and that despite being legislated by elected officials, decisions like this are still decided by the voice of the student body. “Do you know the benefits you get with this [proposal]?” Henton asked of students. “Is it worth this amount of money?” Students can vote online any time from midnight on the night of May 23 until midnight May 27. Ballots can be cast by logging into student Corsair Connect accounts, and clicking on the “Vote!” link.    

Althea Anderson Corsair

Staff members from Cynosure New Media, Inc. shoot footage to use in the new online orientation program, creating a more interactive way to prepare students for Santa Monica College.

Continued from ‘Henton looks back’ on page 1

Continued from ‘AS constitutional changes’ on page 1

When familiarizing themselves to the new orientation, incoming students will now have the option to pause and return to their work a few hours later to complete it. One new feature trigger-happy freshman may not enjoy is a time minimum that doesn’t allow students to just instantly flip to the next page. “We hope that they’re not looking at it like it’s something they have to rush through, but because it’s so rich with information,” said Raveling. “We want them to get the full benefit of orientation.”

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Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College

NEWS

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Continued from ‘BP oil protest’ on page 1

Dan Bluemel Corsair

Protestors picket the BP “green” Arco station at Olympic Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard last Wednesday, requesting that BP pays for the clean up of the recent spill.

Obama has since called “finger-pointing” and a “ridiculous spectacle.” Los Angeles Valley College student Abel Gamboa attended the demonstration because of his anger over the Congressional hearings. “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “It’s their equipment. How can it not be their mess? I mean, we’re taught when you make a mess, you clean it up, right?” SMC Students for Social Justice President, Cameron Quinn, released a statement backing the “Seize BP” campaign. “I support this demand and further insist that the government use the seized assets to fund a comprehensive energy plan that ends investment in, and subsidies for, fossil fuels and starts building the green energy infrastructure we desperately need,” he said. “Our planet, our people, and our politics can no longer bear the odious burden of fossil fuels.” ANSWER organizer Ian Thompson was dismayed by BP’s reluctance to answer questions related to compensation. “They said they would pay for everything, but then they hedged,” he said. “It comes from an insatiable desire for profits. I think people want to be greener, but I don’t think BP does.” The “Seize BP” campaign comes at a time when BP’s profits doubled to $6.1 billion in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same quarter in 2009. The Obama administration has asked Congress for $118 million to assist with clean-up efforts in the Gulf. The White House expects to be reimbursed by BP. SMC student and ANSWER member Seth Braslow attended the demonstration to demand that BP pay their share of reparations. “There is no reason tax payers should have to

pay for the oil spill,” he said. Braslow, a history major, took issue with BP America chairman and president Lamar McKay for qualifying his companies pledge to pay for damages related to the oil leak. McKay told the subcommittee his company would pay only “legitimate” claims, but did not explain exactly what such a claim would be. “[BP] is in no position to define legitimacy,” said Braslow. ANSWER organizer Cory Esguerra cited BP’s profits as an impetus for the campaign. “These companies make billions of dollars in pure profit and you can see how much they are leaving the little guy out,” she said. The gas station was shut down for two hours while activists picketed. Called the “Green Curve” gas station, it features solar panels, a rainwater-catching canopy to irrigate plants, among other eco-friendly aspects. According to BP’s website, the gas station was built to showcase their “commitment to balancing society’s need for energy with a responsible approach to the environment.” It remains the only gas station of its kind built by the oil company. The Los Angeles demonstration was part of a nationally coordinated action. Protests against the oil company occurred in several cities, including New York and Washington, D.C. LA Valley College Students for Global Justice President, Andrea Barrera, attended the picket to give her support to the campaign. She was not surprised by oil-drilling executives’ unwillingness to own up to the oil spill. “They don’t want to take responsibility for something that will cost them,” she said. “I just want someone to clean up the spill and not put the burden on the tax payer.”

Wednesday May 19, 2010

OPINION

Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College

05

America opts out of tobacco treaty for fifth year in a row By Alessandra Catanese Staff Writer and Dan Bluemel Opinion Editor It has been five years since the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Of the 168 countries to join, the United States is still not among them. This is a mistake as the FCTC could be crucial in stemming the tide of tobaccorelated deaths. At first glance, some would think this treaty aims to ban all tobacco production and use thereof, but according to the WHO, the treaty “aims to protect people from the consequences of tobacco consumption by reducing the demand for and supply of tobacco.” Of the 168 countries to join since the convention’s inception in 2005, 80 percent have prohibited the sales of tobacco products to minors, and 70 percent have placed warning labels on tobacco products, according to the WHO. The basic requirements of joining the convention include higher tax and price measures, passing laws that guard against tobacco smoke exposure and banning any sales of tobacco to minors; most of which the United States has already implemented. However, one point made by WHO

was that the parties involved in this convention would also “support tobacco growers in making the transition to alternative livelihoods.” With the right resources, this is a great solution to lightening the blow of Big Tobacco’s inevitable decline and subsequent layoffs. If we helped tobacco growers switch to different sources of income, perhaps marijuana, we could ease tobacco’s death toll. “It is estimated that tobacco use kills more than 5 million people per year, an average of one person every 6 seconds, and accounts for 1 in 10 adult deaths worldwide,” said Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr. Margaret Chan in a WHO press release. Compared with the effects of nicotine in tobacco, the effects of other substances, such as marijuana, is negligible. There is no known lethal dose from cannabis, studies reveal in a 2006 Washington Post report. Cannabis has not been shown to have a connection to lung cancer, and yet it continues to be illegal at a federal level while a drug that kills one person every six seconds has been largely shrugged off. The U.S. government’s preference for tobacco is because it makes money. By continuing to support big tobacco industry, the United States is saying that it cares less about the health of

Jhosef Hern Corsair

its citizens and more about corporate profit. As evidenced by America’s war on drugs, any attempt to prohibit tobacco would be folly. It is important, in the name of liberty, that we maintain our right to put whatever we want in our bodies and lead the kind of lives we choose. However, we must, to the best of our abilities, protect people from

corporate manipulation. Education geared toward undoing years of tobacco industry advertising/propaganda would be a step in the right direction. Education designed to reduce the demand for tobacco, as well as programs to assist tobacco farmers transition to healthful products, is sorely needed. The WHO FCTC will help get us there and the U.S. government should back it.

its funding. The District Planning and Advisory Council recently voted unanimously in favor of prohibiting both the possession and use of marijuana on campus. The Administrative Regulation 2430 was introduced in order to clarify regulations surrounding medical marijuana use. The policy upholds the existing federal stance that marijuana, prescribed or otherwise, is illegal. I sympathize with the unfortunate few students who genuinely require marijuana’s unique holistic medicinal properties to get through a school day. However, I am keenly aware that the majority of medical marijuana prescribes are smoking to cure nothing more than boredom or melancholy. While the practical application of cannabis to treat the blues is entirely acceptable, I would contend that the15minute break between classes is not necessarily the best time to “pass the Dutchie.” According to Reuters News Agency, 56 percent of Americans still oppose outright legalization. However, 81 percent support legalizing marijuana for medical use, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll. It is time the federal government accepts that medical marijuana is a viable treatment for numerous illnesses. It is time to listen to the vast majority of American citizens in favor of medical marijuana. It is time to accept that reefer madness is a work of fiction and that television is probably more detrimental to the moral fabric of this country than pot.

It’s really quite simple: take a vote, if the majority of the country supports legalizing marijuana – do it. Problem solved. Too often the moral subjectivities of a minority with an agenda lead to policy that doesn’t fairly represent the people. It seems the issue of medical marijuana is just another such instance. While prohibiting the use of medicinal marijuana on campus is indeed unjust, it is at least understandable. The last thing the college administration needs when the accreditation board pays their annual visit is a thick cloud of chronic smoke and a bass line of bongo drums ushering officials onto the SMC campus. It is unfortunate, however, that law-abiding students will continue to suffer at the hands of bungling bureaucrats for the foreseeable future. Regardless of the motivation behind any individual’s use of medical marijuana, this new SMC policy is simply further evidence for the need of comprehensive drug policy reform. The numerous logistical conflicts resulting from discrepancies in federal and state legislation underscore the importance that state and federal laws operate symbiotically, rather than independently of each other. The Santa Monica College administration is not at fault, they are simply engaging in the common practice of self-preservation. Rather, the federal and state policies that contradict and compete with each other are to blame for the confusion that continues to surround medical marijuana practices and policies.

SMC student civil liberties ‘up in smoke’ to keep feds happy

Marley St. John Corsair

School administrators kick medical marijuana patients to the curb in an attempt to keep federal funding. By Tieg Slattery Staff Writer While the possession and use of medical marijuana is legal under California State law, it remains illegal under federal drug laws. Now SMC students who require the use of legally prescribed medical marijuana

have become the latest casualties in California’s ongoing struggle with the U.S.’s federal drug policy. At a time when federal funding for education has become increasingly sparse, it is understandable that the Santa Monica College administration continues to quietly acquiesce to federal pressure in an attempt to keep

PHOTO

Newspaper 06 Corsair Santa Monica College

“I feel safe with her being in custody, it’s her being released that I’m worried about....It’s crazy out here.” Latice Sutton, mother of Mitrice Richardson

Mitrice Richardson was a 24 year-old Cal State Fullerton graduate living with her great grandmother Mildred Harris. Richardson had recently passed the CBEST test with the goal of becoming a substitute teacher. Being very social, she spent much of her free time dancing and sometimes taking advantage of times when her mother was out of town, when Mitrice would host dinner parties for her friends at her house.

Latice Sutton stands with a copy of People Magazine, which brought national attention to Mitrice’s disap her daughter after all this time, she says that seeing her younger daughter in the morning keeps her sear

Missing on Co

Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs stand in front of the side door through which Mitrice Richardson was released at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in Agoura, Calif., where she was last seen on surveillance cameras exiting the station at approximately 12:30 a.m. September 17, 2009.

At dawn on September 17, 2009, a Cold Canyon Road resident in the Monte Nido area, shown above, reported to the Sheriff’s Department that a person fitting the description of Richardson was in his backyard. The means by which Richardson would have made it from the sheriff’s station to the backyard of the residence is unknown. Hours later the sheriffs responded to the area but the woman was nowhere to be found.

Nine months ago Mitrice Richardson left Los peared in the Santa Monica Mountains witho By Alica Forneret Staff Writer Around 12:30 a.m. on September 17, 2009 Mitrice Richardson was released from custody from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station. She has been missing ever since. Despite the many searches conducted there are still no clues as to what happened after Richardson set foot outside of the station that night. The family is frustrated by the fact that it has been difficult to get any solid information from the sheriffs regarding the night of her disappearance. For instance, it took sherrifs several months to produce a tape containing footage of Richardson’s entire booking process up until the time when she left the station. Richardson was a recent Cal State Fullerton graduate with aspirations of becoming a teacher. She lived with her greatgrandmother, whom she took care of, in Los Angeles. According to her mother, Richardson began exhibiting slight signs of mental instability only days before her disappearance. Richardson went to dinner alone the night

of September 16, 2009 at oceanfront restaurant in an a Malibu 40 miles from her hom The sheriff’s were called by employee who reported tha began to demonstrate abnor and claimed that she was incap her bill. The responding deput a field sobriety test and alth deemed sober she was placed taken to the sheriff’s station with “defrauding an innkeeper Latice Sutton, Richardson’s the sheriff’s station multiple attempt to find her daughter. S not to release her daughter be pick her up because she knew th was unfamiliar with the area. “I’m totally just taken aback is totally out of character for during a telephone call with station. She was assured by a Richardson would be safe durin “I feel safe with her being i her being released that I’m w she told police. “It’s crazy out h The video of Richardson’s b that before she left the station

S T O RY

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Downtown Los Angeles resident Sarah Jones volunteered to handed out missing person fliers near Skid Row as part of a countywide effort. Reports that the missing Mitrice Richardson was seen in the area prompted family and supporters to canvas the neighborhood.

Photo story by Althea Anderson

ppearance. When Sutton is asked how she is able to continue searching for rching for her older daughter.

old Canyon

The San Diego State University’s researcher, Michael Hennig, uses a drone to search the rugged terrain of Malibu Canyon on Thursday, April 8, 2010. The drone spent at least five hours taking nearly 500 photos of six spots of interest in the Malibu hills and canyons, totaling an area of about eight square miles.

st Hills Sheriff’s Station and disapout a trace.

Geoffry’s, an ffluent part of me. y a restaurant at Richardson rmal behavior pable of paying ties conducted hough she was d under arrest, , and charged .” mother, called e times in an She asked them efore she could hat Richardson

k because this her,” she said h the sheriff’s an officer that ng her stay. in custody, it’s worried about,” here.” booking shows she attempted

to make several telephone calls. From her location in the booking cage, she tried in vain to speak with deputies and then curled into a fetal position on a bench. Richardson was released unaccompanied through a side door of the station without her phone, purse or wallet, all of which had been procured earlier by the sheriffs who removed her car from Geoffrey’s. Around 5:30 a.m., a man living seven miles from the station called the sheriff’s station about a woman in his backyard fitting Richardson’s description. Hours later the sheriffs responded but the woman was gone. Richardson is a black woman, approximately 5 feet-5 inches and 125 pounds, with a Chinese character tattoo behind her neck. She was last seen wearing a Bob Marley T-shirt and blue jeans. There have already been multiple community searches for Richardson. The next search will be on Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting at De Anza Park in the Calabasas area. More information about Richardson’s case can be found at www. findmitrice.info.

Deputy Thouy Wright of the Search and Rescue Division of the Sheriff’s Department updates Latice Sutton (at far right) about the drone flyover while family friend Ronda Hampton (center) looks on. Three major searches have been conducted by law enforcement since September 2009 and others have been organized by Richardson’s supporters.

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Corsair Newspaper Santa Monica College

LIFESTYLE

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Santa Monica’s farmers markets act local, provide global

Nicole Ritter Corsair Women assemble their own flower arrangements at the farmers market on Arizona Avenue in Santa Monica on May 8.

By Jeremy Biglow Staff Writer With the delightful combination of fresh strawberries in the air and the distinctive scent of bittersweet oranges, the Santa Monica farmers market is one sweet place to be. Farmers markets serve as venues where eco-conscious producebuyers can buy locally and organically grown fruits, vegetables

and a wide variety of hand-made products. Various markets are held all over Los Angeles Country, from the northern San Fernando Valley to downtown Los Angeles. However, Santa Monica is the only locale that is home to four farmers markets all within a 10-mile radius of each other. On Wednesdays, the farmers market at Arizona Avenue and

Second Street kicks off the beginning of the week. This market focuses on exotic produce from around the world and is located a block away from the ocean, attracting many tourists . It does seems to be a bit pricier than the others. Mary Brickner, who is a proud vegetarian and has been a patron of farmers markets for the past ten years, is obsessed with the different types of berries at the market. “I always have to come back every Wednesday to restock on them due to the fact I eat them almost everyday,” said Brickner. Brickner, who soon hopes to open up her own stand at the farmers market, plans to take the different types of fruits and berries she buys from the market and open up a stand selling baked goods using what she purchases. On Saturdays, the farmers market on Virginia Avenue showcases similar produce but exudes a much more “shopper friendly” environment. From Mexican food to organic produce, shopping at the 2200 Virginia Ave. is a more social environment than Wednesday’s market. For excellent fruit, the stand of

Harry “The Grape Guy,” as he is referred to, has the most consistently phenomenal red, seedless grapes. Also on Saturday, the farmers market on Arizona Avenue and Third Street offers a few different features. While being almost the same as the Virginia Avenue Farmers Market with their selection of organically grown produce, they do not offer much hot food. However, they do offer a variety of freshly cut meat, which is something most markets in Santa Monica do not offer. “When someone thinks of organic, they naturally think of vegetables but meat can be organic too,” said Brian Aguilar. Aguilar, who is a student at UCLA, recently started shopping at farmers markets because he heard from his friends that they were cheaper. More importantly to Aguilar, he was told hot girls dig guys that shop at the farmers market. “A guy has got to keep up with the times,” he said. Besides being partly a place to pick up chicks (women, that is) the market on Arizona Avenue is similar to Wednesday’s market in that it is mostly useful to local citizens just looking to pick up their

groceries. Looking for the most entertaining market to shop? Then Sunday’s market is the best to visit. From great French cuisine to live jazz music out on the garden, this location is the best to unwind from a busy week while enjoying your organically grown food. Unlike the other markets, the Sunday market on Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard is more of a family-friendly market, gearing many of their activities toward children. To entice more families to participate in the spirit of the farmers market on Main Street, the city has included numerous activities in which children can participate. From face painting to balloon art and even a chance to ride miniature ponies in a roundabout, families can spend countless hours at the festival before it ends at 1 p.m. Whether you’re a person who obsesses over specific types of oranges, craves organically grown ingredients in your Mexican food, or even just wants to find someone special who also happens to eat right, the Santa Monica farmers markets are here for your many needs.

By John Stapleton IV Staff Writer

Black), a 40 (Old English 800), and some champagne for my campaign (André – what else?). With a complete selection that would comfortably accommodate my party of five for the entire night, and at just under $100 total, we could do it on the cheap. When was the last time you went to a bar and spent less than $20? When was the last time you went to a bar and had enough booze left over for breakfast? For your own salary-saving, sobriety-smashing slumber party, here’s a quick guide listed in descending value to keep you from wasting valuable drinking time perusing the refrigerated shelves of your local liquor store. Tilt (8% alc., $1.49/16oz): Personal favorite, hands down. While other alcoholic energy drinks taste like someone spiked your little sister’s wine cooler with Kool-Aid, Tilt remains distinctively tart and actually delicious. Plus, it costs less than a bottle of soda. Sparks (6% alc., $2.99/16oz): It’s available everywhere, relatively cheap, and pretty much kicked off the whole caffeinated-liquor thing. It’s sugary, but never fails to get the job done. However (and this is the only time I’ll ever say this): drink in moderation – unless you feel like rocketing neon orange into the toilet for the remainder of

the night. Four Loko and Max (12% alc., $2.99/23.5oz): These two stimulating spirits are pretty much the same thing. Packed with sugar, caffeine, and wicked-high alcohol percentages, Four and Max both provide the powerful jolt you’ll need to catch a buzz and keep it going till dawn (if you don’t mind drinking something having a sugar content high enough to immediately onset type 2 diabetes). Jungle Joose (9.9% alc., $3.29/23.5oz): This is pretty much offensive to every bodily sense. It’s watery, smells like that stuff that leaks out of really full trash bags, and it looks and tastes like radiator fluid. Your ears will consider themselves lucky for not having to experience this alcoholic atrocity. Vibrating with enough energy to power a small city, my posse and I had no problem polishing off the Jose, Andre and O.E. We didn’t have to go outside for a cigarette, we didn’t have to keep checking our tabs, and no one handed us a water when we started getting crazy with the antics. These are all important liberties to take advantage of when relieving the exhausting stress created by student life. Sometimes, the best place to go out, is in.

Death and rebirth: Bar a mother’s journey In her book, “This Lovely Life,” author Vicki Forman shares her struggle of survival through the birth and death of her children. By Emil Norlén Staff Writer “We had a disabled son and a dead daughter and somehow I still believed that if I could get the wording right we could also, in some way, be fine in the end,” Vicki Forman read, describing the tormented feelings she felt while forming her daughters memorial plaque. Forman’s book, “This Lovely Life,” depicts the first two years after Forman and her husband lost their daughter to premature birth and the life after, focusing on the care of their remaining special needs son. She later engaged in a discussion about parenthood, grief, and learning how to live life after great loss. On May 13, the SMC Associates invited Forman to speak as part of their ongoing Literary Lecture Series in HSS 165. Forman’s book discussion left no one untouched and questions about her very personal journey soared after she read a section from her book. Forman shared with her audience her experience about

taking care of a young child with special needs. In 2000, Forman and her husband Cliff became parents of premature twins. One of the twins, Ellie, passed away only four days after birth. Evan lived to be 8 years old. In her book Forman documents the first 2 years of Evan’s life. As a result of being prematurely born, Evan was oxygen dependent and required a feeding tube, developing blindness as a result of his condition. One audience member commented on the brave and courageous nature she exhibited through her writing. “You don’t live with me,” Forman replied laughing. Writing the book was in many ways a healing experience, but also a heart-wrenching one, she said. Before giving birth to the twins, Forman considered herself a person who always had the answers. “I wanted to show people what a weak and ignorant person I

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f ly

Sometimes, as college students, a bar is just too expensive. And let’s face it: with exams, midterms, and paying for a higher education, sometimes there’s just not enough time or energy to spend a night out on the town. For those of us who are low on cash flow and energy levels, the Barfly happily suggests some home schooling. The first problem drinking at home solves is the energy crisis. Unless your local hole in the wall recently started serving up Five Hour Energy cocktails, tired patrons are forced to slam red bull and vodkas all night, and honestly: yuck. However, en route to any dignified drinking institution (including your living room) there are neon-illuminated liquor stores stocked with a myriad of energyinfused alcoholic beverages. For this home school edition, the caffeinated malt liquor selection included Four Loko, Jungle Joose, Max, Tilt, and the original caffeinated cocktail, Sparks. To cover the broad spectrum of privatized imbibing, Barfly also brought home a sixer of beer (Lagonitas Censored), a premium microbrew (Avery Salvation), a bottle of tequila (because every night needs one – Jose Cuervo

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Continued from page 8, “Rebirth”... was, and how I was able to find strength,” she said. “This Lovely Life” is not a book with a happy ending. Forman writes with brutal honesty about feelings to which some parents would most likely not admit. Her journey is not one that will give readers all the right answers to a problem or paint life in bright colors. Though Forman described the material as the hardest she’s ever written, she found herself in a state of grace while writing it. “We sometimes think that we’ll never make it, but humans have an unbelievable resilience,” she said. Writing cannot be compared with therapy, but it did provide some healing for Forman. Putting such a detailed and personal story out there might seem hard for many, but Forman felt that it had to be done. “There were a lot of stories of miracle babies, there were a lot of stories with happy endings. As a mother and a writer I was looking for my story.” Forman found it important, for herself and others, that her book was put on the shelf. “In terms of finding faith for myself and being able to carry on,” she said, “I thought it was important to put this story in the world because I knew that this had probably happened to other people.” Forman describes feeling ambivalent, grief-stricken and lonely, feelings that parents of disabled children often have. “I wanted other people who have those feelings to be able to find themselves in my story,” she said. “And it has been healing to be able to do that.”

LIFESTYLE

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SMC’s fashion students serve up chic, original styles a lá ‘mode’

Antoine Themistocleous Corsair Miho Yamamoto from Santa Monica’s fashion department works on her design projects as she gets ready for the LA Mode 2010 fashion show, which will take place on Wednesday, May 26.

By Jeremy Biglow Staff Writer “Stitches, and seams, and zippers oh my!” The design students at Santa Monica College are preparing for LA Mode 2010, which will be held in downtown’s fashion district on May 26. LA Mode, originally created in 1984, is SMC’s yearly fashion show that is held for the fashion design students of Fashion 12: Fashion Show Production to show the collections they’ve worked on throughout the semester.

SMC designs students will showcase their designs. The show gives first-time designers a chance to show the fashion industry their style and creativity through apparel construction. Ultimately SMC Professors Cynthia Williams and Marine Boyadzhyan run the class collectively. Whether its ticket sales or gathering models, they assist the students with garments and organize what each student will need to complete at LA Mode 2010. At the beginning of each

designer’s show, a three-minute video will feature the designer explaining their collection and giving insight to their inspiration. “Putting a face to the collection is essential to any new designer because, if not, no one will give you credit for your work,” said Williams. Each student has created a collection that invokes each of his or her individualities and creative styles. From elegant eveningwear to flirty, floral spring dresses, the students draw upon their lives to influence their designs.

Lara Mustardino, who has been designing for two years at SMC, is designing a collection based on waves and the fluid movements of the ocean. By incorporating light chiffon fabrics and soft printed fabric, Mustardino’s garments move fluidly. “I’ve always loved the ocean and I grew up around the ocean, so [the clothes] remind me of home,” said Mustardino. Just like Mustardino, other students are hard at work with their collection and pulled inspiration from elemental figures. Gracia Bahati, a designer and graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), finds inspiration from a prism of sunlight. Bahati’s main focus for her collection is summer wear, incorporating white denim with colorful hems. She intends to give women a chance to comfortably enjoy the sun while still looking fashionable. While all of the designers are students at SMC, certain nondesigning students on campus have volunteered to stand in as the models to help the design students reach their creative goal. One designer approached SMC first year Ruknimi Martinez while Martinez was walking to class and asked her to model in the show. Martinez does not wish to pursue a career in modeling, however she said that she would consider modeling as a hobby while pursing her goal of becoming a pediatrician. With the fashion show approaching, the designers are on pins and needles about making their garments fabulous and ready to debut next Wednesday.

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CALENDAR

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Global Motion

Terrence Timmins Corsair Global Motion World Dance Company performers Keith Morris and Marilyn Hidalgo, accompanied by other troupe members, dance to a choreographed piece titled “Hijo de la Luna” (Son of the Moon).

By John Stapleton IV Staff Writer Last year’s dance exhibition, presented by Folklórico de SMC, reestablished Santa Monica College’s performance arts department as an immensely talented troupe. Taking this propensity for panache and incorporating the cultural diversity of the entire student body justifies the troupe’s decision to change its name to the Global Motion World Dance Company. However, the changes to this flourishing organization are more than just semantic. This past weekend, May 15 and 16, Global Motion’s “Legends” provided a sensational tour of dance styles from cultures around the world. The show, held at the Broad Stage,

integrated the ethnic garments and the deeply rooted heritage of the cultures represented to provide much more than a dance show. Each dance presented an invigorating glimpse into the heritages that comprise our student body. The show consisted of sixteen individual dances, each remarkably different than the next. The Egyptian belly dance, for example, was followed by contemporary French ballet, which preceded a vibrant Spanish tango. “You can’t just isolate the dance outside of the culture,” said SMC Artistic Director Judith Douglas. Douglas advocated cultural immersion, learning as much as possible about the cultures of the world for an allencompassing comprehension of diversity. “Each of the 65 dancers in “Legends” was required to choose two dances. They had to

learn about the people, the culture, the history of each. They learned everything about the cultures through dance.” She added, “We’d like to see all SMC students become global citizens, and dance is a great way of doing that.” But “Legends” was more than an exercise in versatility. The dancing was performed with such enthusiastic finesse that most audience attendees were left astounded. With only an empty stage and no sets to distract from their movements, Global Motion executed the choreography of traditional dances from around the world with the kind of exacting precision usually reserved for paid professionals. According to Douglas, this high level of enthusiasm owes much of its existence to the

opportunity of performing at the Broad Stage. “This is our third performance at the Broad Stage and it’s been a fantastic opportunity for the class,” Douglas said. “There are over sixty students in this class, and many are training for professional careers. Previously, we were using the SMC Culture Hall – which has no wings, no dressing room – it just wasn’t a real theater experience. The Broad Stage presents a legitimate, professional experience to perform at a professional level – an experience aspiring students desperately need.” While the elaborate costuming and diverse music brought cultures from around the world into the Broad Stage, the sheer vivacity of the performers enraptured the audience, whisking them far from Santa Monica, on a worldwide excursion of global motion.

By Tené Anderson Staff Writer

“I’m mainly a nature photographer. I’ve never been strong with portraiture,” Rosson said. “But I wanted to push myself a little bit and do something out of my comfort zone.” Rosson said it was a laborious and long process to perfect that one print. He worked on the project with fellow classmate, Michael Price, who is the subject of the portrait. “He’s an interesting character and a very good friend,” Rosson said of Price. Photography has been a favorite hobby for Price for several years, but he says, “I came back to school to learn how to do it right.” Price himself received honorable mention for a photograph of an 1890’s saloon car parked in Pioneer Town in the middle of the Mojave Desert. “It’s on private property,” Price said. “I had to trespass to get to it.” Rosson plans to pursue his photography as more than a pastime but acknowledged how difficult it might be. “A lot of us are working really hard to make a career of photography. It’s not easy, by any means,” Rosson said. Now that Rosson has succeeded at his own challenge and reaped the rewards for his hard work, he says he’s ready to move on to what’s next. “I feel like that’s done… I’ve purged myself of it,” he said. “There are a lot more images to be captured.” The majority of the images for this exhibit were of people – in varying places, costumes and expressions. All the people in and behind the photographs have a story to tell. All their stories have come together and made for a very worthwhile and inspiring exhibition.

Student work captured in annual SMC photo show The passions and gifts of this semester’s photography students are now on display in the Barrett Art Gallery at SMC’s Performing Arts Center and the photo gallery in Drescher Hall from May 15 through June 4. The opening reception for the 31st Annual Student Photography Exhibit drew a large crowd Saturday evening full of praise for the eye candy lining the walls. Over 1,000 students submitted photos, but due to space limitations only 20 percent were selected. Michael Angelo Cruz works full-time in pharmaceutical sales but decided to enroll in a photography class this semester just for fun. His photo of two abandoned trains in the Mojave Desert made it to the final selection. “It’s fun because it’s my first year of school and all these people that I’m competing with are pretty amazing. I can’t believe that I’m with them,” Cruz said. Now that he’s had his first taste of what it is like to be a photographer, Cruz admits he wants more. “I’m taking more courses. I’m taking this all the way,” he said. Just outside the entrance to the Drescher Hall photo gallery, a large display case spotlights three portrait photos that seize the attention of passersby. The centerpiece won the award for Best Black and White. It’s a vivid portrait of light and dark, of the wild and surrendered aspects of a man. Jarrad Rosson is the second semester student who captured the image.

Wednesday May 19, 2010

S P O RT S

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SMC Weekly Fitness: Sambo Practitioner Joseph Schwartz By Kevin Duron Staff Writer

Alfredo Luna Corsair Sophomore Joseph Schwartz attempts a fireman carry on his opponent as he practices an element of Sambo.

Some of the most physically fit athletes in the world are in the arena of martial arts. Sophomore Joseph Schwartz represents a relatively modern branch in the field called Sambo, meaning “self-defense without weapons.” Sambo, originating in the USSR in the 1920s, combines martial arts and combat to produce a fighting style that utilizes the art of grappling. This growing sport is similar in comparison to jujitsu because of the emphasis on submissions, locks, and tap outs. Schwartz himself is an assistant instructor at a dojo and possesses a strong commitment to the lifestyle of the sport, which is reflective in his fitness regimen. “I eat lots of vegetables, and really emphasize the greens in my diet,” said Schwartz. “Our coach has us drink the Green Machine Naked Juice all the time.” In addition, grilled and lightly sautéed chicken is an option for protein. “If you eat a cheeseburger, you’re going to feel it the next time you compete,” he said. “Because of Sambo I have no desire to go back to the candy, chips or soda. I drink water more than anything.” Ever since he became interested in the sport at age fourteen, Schwartz has devoted much time and energy to maintaining his fitness through physical workouts as well. “Being a Russian-inspired sport, the workout methods are very non-traditional in comparison to American weight lifting,” he said. “The workout includes a lot of repetition with less weight, including rubber band work, lightweight repetition, gymnastics, and rolling.”

One of the most important tools for succeeding in a Sambo match is the effectiveness of the warm-up. The extensive preparation before the match includes circulating and stretching body parts including wrists, arms, shoulders, knees and ankles, all after a jog. But the body requires more than just a physical foundation for Sambo. “It includes a lot of mental preparation,” said Schwartz. He also stimulates his mental game with all kinds of music including rap and dubstep, but at times favors meditation as well. Schwartz recognizes the importance of good warm-up, but he understands that match success delves much deeper. “While warm-ups are essential, a match is truly determined by how hard and consistently you practiced leading up to it. The payoff of Schwartz’s training has played a major role in the improvement of his self-discipline, fit body and fit mind. But despite his progress, Schwartz knows he can work even harder to refine himself as a martial artist. His proudest accomplishment so far has been qualifying and competing in the Sambo World Championship, which took place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. “My inspiration comes from my coach Boris Brezhnez,” said Schwartz. “He’s taught everything that I know, and he is a great role model.” Another individual in Schwartz’s passion for Sambo is Fedor Emelianenko, a champion of the sport and Schwartz’s favorite fighter. “He really represents Sambo to me,” he said. As the training that goes into practicing Sambo requires strict dedication, Schwartz proves that martial arts is truly more of a lifestyle than a sport.

Athletes drop the political ball It seems more and more athletes today are entering the world of politics, but a significant level of success by those athletes has yet to be found. By Farhan Ali Staff Writer The chasm between the world of sports and the world of politics has at times seemed vast, but it appears nowadays more and more athletes are running for office rather than running for their team. Athletes pursue politics because the fame they acquired as sports stars gives them the quintessential edge in the voting booths. The Associated Press reported a couple of days ago that Chris Dudley, a former 6-11 center for the Portland Trailblazers (‘93-’97, ‘01-’03) is running for governor of Oregon. The primary for the gubernatorial race is on May 18. So far, he has been the most successful candidate to raise money (1.3 million). Abby Haight of the Associated Press writes that people are simply comfortable talking to him. “Plenty of Oregonians tease Dudley about his famously lousy free-throw shooting during his years as a Trail Blazer,” she wrote. “But these days, they’re just as likely to tell him about being laid

off, or trying to hold on to the family ranch, or how state taxes are hurting their business.” However, when it comes to the gritty part of politics, Dudley has been nothing better then average. He has failed to impress in debates and other campaign activities. Many party regulars believe that Dudley has no command of the issues and responds too neutrally with a simple, “I’m open to that.” This is something to be expected from an athlete who has been trained for almost his entire life to be successful at either hitting a ball or playing hoops. They are not trained to fiercely debate. These former players and superstars aren’t trained to fight battles that have a direct affect on peoples’ lives. All they can lean on is a brand they forged in past years. Many times, that brand has the potential to raise money and to attract attention, but that is about it. Michael Jordan, probably one of the greatest players in NBA history, has one of the most popular brands because of what he did.

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Sammy Soliman Corsair Women’s track and field runner Dawn Wyatt speeds around the track in the midst of a sensational season.

Dawn Wyatt advances to State By Brandon Quin Sports Editor One star contiues to shine for SMC track and field. Women’s runner Dawn Wyatt has found immense success on the track all season, and the Southern California Finals were no different.

Entering the competition with the top time in the 400-meter dash at the SoCal prelims, Wyatt was a clear favorite and she didn’t disappoint. Wyatt finished with the third place time of 56.23, and subsequently advanced to the State Championships. Those State Championships will begin Friday at Antelope Valley College.

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S P O RT S

Wednesday May 19, 2010

SMC Softball: Coach Michelle Haines By Brandon Qun Sports Editor

Siddhartha Abbazi Corsair Softball head coach Michelle Haines instructs her team during the hardships of a difficult season.

Athletes transition into politics ...Continued from page 11 And few would argue Jordan’s image is to get the donations for his campaign. that of the prototypicalpolitician. Former Trailblazers star Terry Porter is on The same could be said of Tiger Woods his finance committee, and contributions – even more so because of his recent from Nike founder Phil Knight and NBA scandal – Muhammad Ali, and even commissioner David Stern don’t hurt the David Beckham. cause. These are all incredibly popular It isn’t worth ruining one’s legacy by celebrities who have built themselves venturing into the cold, dark, ugly world legacies of greatness. Unfortunately, it of politics. Just as it does to sports, the seems those experiences don’t necessarily same also applies to other celebrities. translate to success in a political career. One of the most famous celebrities ESPN.com reported that current TNT to enter government was Arnold NBA analyst Charles Schwarzenegger. He took Barkley is planning to over when Gray Davis had “Politics always run for Governor of resigned as Governor of have a way of ruining California. Since then, he Alabama in 2014. When asked by CNN’s people by unveiling has been scrutinized by Campbell Brown if he for his deliberate who they truly are.” many was serious, Barkley and feeble attempts to run replied “I am, I can’t one of the most complex screw up Alabama […] We are number political systems in the nation. 48 in everything and Arkansas and Politics always has a way of ruining Mississippi aren’t going anywhere.” people by unveiling who they truly are. With his erratic nature and short Many of us who are fans of athletes and temper, he probably will. celebrities have one pre-conceived notion An article in the Los Angeles Times about who they are and what they mean came up about a boxer who is running in to us. a congressional race in the Philippines. Because of the nature of politics, Manny Pacquiao, a boxer since 2005 many people lose their faith in certain and winner of 51 of his last 56 fights, individuals because athletes and has decided to “caucus and clench at the celebrities don’t necessarily have same time.” the training and ability to do the job He won’t garner much success, however, successfully. unless he clenches his fist against the In the words of Chris Dudley, “I’m opposition. open to that,” but it’s simply a stretch Today, Chris Dudley has been seven to believe that an athlete can step in and years removed from playing professional perform well, when all he or she has is a basketball, yet he still has the contacts career in sports.

Baptism by fire is never easy. Michelle Haines learned this lesson firsthand as she was thrust into the position of head coach for SMC’s four-year defunct softball program. After the originally hired head coach quit, Haines was thrown into a foreign role and forced to learn the nuances of coaching on the fly. It wasn’t an easy task as the team struggled to find a single win, but Haines watched the team progress each successive game and knew there would be a light at the end of the tunnel. As the season began, Haines knew it wouldn’t go without complications, but even she wasn’t fully aware of what was headed her way. “It was a lot more than I was expecting,” said Haines. “Taking on a coaching job at a community college level, I was not aware of everything that it entailed, like learning the rules, understanding how the conference goes, even certain things like making sure field maintenance was up to par. It was a very interesting experience, to say the least.” Haines was thrust into the head coaching position mid-way through the season, and because of that she was unable to make all of the adjustments she felt were necessary. “I didn’t really have a first year; I basically had half a season,” she said. “Being thrown into a job where I basically didn’t have any time to get a team together, we got as many girls as we could get and ended up with probably a team

of eleven.” The lack of able bodies hurt SMC during the season, as the team failed to notch a win and the losses began to wear on the Corsairs. “By mid-season we got more frustrated,” said Haines. “Just because we started to really play well and yet we were still losing.” Despite the struggles, Haines saw beyond the results and into a team built on hard work and determination. “The fact they kept their heads up the whole time, I knew that it was a good, strong team with a lot character and players that just wanted to play for the love of the sport,” she said. “For me, that was the reason why I kept pushing forward and really tried get this program going. It’s because I had girls that truly wanted to play. While that love for the game didn’t necessarily translate to wins on the field, it certainly wasn’t for lack of effort. “They all wanted to play so bad,” said Haines. “Despite the struggles, they didn’t let it bring them down and they didn’t let it bring the team down. They really went out there, gave it their all and left their hearts on the field.” Heading into next season, Haines knows there will be obstacles to overcome, but she’s confident the team is headed in the right direction and is ready to close the gap between their opposition. “My expectation is to win,” said Haines. “I think we can close that gap now and, along with adding a couple of stronger players, we come out with a couple wins and continue to improve within the next two years.”