Volume 104 Issue 02

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volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

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CORSAIR

Amy Gaskin Corsair Opposing the proposed budget cuts, protesters marched to the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, Sept. 6 on SMC main campus.

winter axed, more cuts possible

andy riesmeyer News Editor Sweeping changes are coming to Santa Monica College, as the Board of Trustees approved a new budget last Thursday, September 6, that eliminates the upcoming winter session, and calls for a potential permanent reduction of services at the college.

During the meeting, President and Superintendent Dr. Chui L. Tsang said that the slimmer budget was based on the passing of the November tax initiative Proposition 30, and warned that the school would face “catastrophic” consequences if it fails, with further cuts of $7-8 million.

A Dark Winter In the winter of 1992, SMC became the first community college in California to offer an “inter-session” between the fall and spring semesters. The program was introduced to help students accrue credits faster, and was adopted as a model at many other colleges around the state.

At its height, the program offered 800 sections to students. The previous session in 2012 was cut to an offering of 400, with only one class available per student.

“We were one of the last hold outs where the Winter Session is concerned,” SMC Public Information Officer Bruce Smith said of the decision. “It’s the least painful of solutions that we can see.”

According to the college, cutting the winter session from the budget this year saves the school approximately $2.5 million.

“Whatever happens with Proposition 30 will help us determine what path to take in the winter,” Smith said. “It’s possible the campus could be dark.”

The college has made no official determination over whether or not the semester scheduling will change in 2013.

Protesting in Paradise A group of about eighty students,

arts & entertainment pg. 5

Santa Monica hosts night of fashion

lead by Michael Pronilover, who is the unofficial leader of the Student Organizing Committee, angrily protested the Winter Session cuts outside the Thursday meeting.

Many of the student protesters had been involved in the much-publicized pepperspraying incident at last April’s board meeting, when the hot-button issue was the pilot program Contract Education, a measure that the administration maintains could have been a solution to budget cuts and austerity measures like the axing of the winter session.

Throughout their protest and during the public comments section of the meeting, the student activists hurled insults and allegations at the Board and school administrators.

Chants of “No cuts, no fees, education must be free!” have returned from the Spring semester, in addition to a banner reading, “It’s Our School! It’s Not Your Piggy Bank.”

During the meeting, protesters accused the board of using school funds for their own financial gain. Board members receive a stipend of $400 per month for their positions, and several board members donate their stipends to the SMC Foundation.

“The action of a small group of students isn’t enough,” Pronilover said. “There’s only ten of [The Trustees] and 40,000 of us. Let’s take back our school.”

Pronilover urged the student body to strike, and warned there would be longterm efforts over years to resolve deeper issues that he felt were manifested by the eradication of a winter session.

Pronilover declined to comment to The Corsair.

The Board Responds Rob Rader, a member of the Board, commented on the board’s decision after the event. “I wish I could pull a winter

session and a rabbit out of the hat, but unfortunately I can’t,” he said.

Rader added that he understood and empathized with the student body, and called the situation “a generational disappointment.”

Rader offered that although students could argue that education was Amy Gaskin Corsair their right, it would Superintendent and President Dr. Chui L. Tsang listens to public not make it free. comments before the Board of Trustees votes on the budget. The Rader said that he BOT passed the new budget which relies on the upcoming election was disappointed for Proposition 30, a state sales tax increase. Even with that, there will not be enough money to hold Winter semester this year. The with the continued Board met for over five hours on Thursday, Sept. 6 on the Santa rhetoric of students Monica College main campus. who he thought didn’t seem to have thought things affect, though it means less offerings and through to a “practical end.” less teaching hours for instructors.

Rader said that the winter session was There is no specific department designated eliminated, as it threatened the very where the cuts will be made, though Smith existence of the college. said that some sections of summer 2013 Though Board Chair Margaret could be reduced if a mid-year cut is made.

Quinones-Perez told the Corsair she was Another $7-8 million reduction is expected worried about the student’s actions that to occur if Prop 30 doesn’t pass. night, the only physical rumblings in “We’re looking at a bleak outlook for 2013 the actual meeting were from a nearby if it doesn’t pass. It doesn’t look good short 3.5 earthquake that occurred early after term and looks just as grim in the future,” midnight. said Smith.

More Cuts? No if Prop 30 passes.

Conversely, if the measure passes, the Further cuts would occur, Smith says, if school expects to retain classified employees Proposition 30 fails in November. “Though and faculty at their current levels. “If Prop we’ve not looked at details, there might be 30 passes, there will be no lay-offs; the worst a combination of furloughs and lay-offs for year will be behind us,” Smith said, adding classified employees,” he said. that the school would also be able to add The school has not yet determined which the winter session for the 2014 school year. semester the 500-section reduction will

pg.6 health & lifestyle pg. 9 Former student launches denim Remembering company to feed the hungry September 11

photostory

Amy Gaskin contributed to this report.

opinion

pg.10

SMC and the seven deadly sins

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2 contents

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Nathan Gawronsky······ Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. e d i t o r i n c h i e f @ g m a i l . c o m Amber Antonopoulos···Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Amber Antonopoulos·· Health & Lifestyle c o rs a i r. l i f e s t y l e p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Andy Riesmeyer·············· News Editor c o rs a i r. n e w s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Samantha Perez··· Arts & Entertainment c o rs a i r. c a l e n d a r p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Muna Cosic················Opinion Editor c o rs a i r. s p o r t s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m David Yapkowitz············ Sports Editor c o rs a i r. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Ian Kagihara··········Multimedia Editor c o rs a i r. m u l t i m e d i a @ g m a i l . c o m Paul Alvarez··················Photo Editor Marine Gaste················ Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Nathalyd Meza··············Design Editor c o rs a i r. d e s i g n t e a m @ g m a i l . c o m c o r s a i r s ta f f Fernando Baltazar, Nathan Berookhim, Kristine Bettencourt, Tiffany Bingham, Peter Cheng, Kou Collins, Samantha Conn, Henry Crumblish, Natalie Delfino, William Duggan, Rachel Duron, Tina Eady, Skya Eiland, Alberto Fernandez, Harrison Garcia, Amy Gaskin, Graham Gilmore, Ryonn Gloster, Jennifer Gomez, Esteban Gonzalez, Deandre Hamilton, David J. Hawkins, Sam Herron, Chanel Hooks, Annjelicia Houston, Zach Johnson, Eugene Jones, Richard Lewis, David Madrid, Juan C. Martinez, Ariana Masters, Ruth Mavangira, Raphael Mawrence, LeAura McClain, Manuel Mejia, Elizabeth Moss, Wayne Neal, Mikaela Oesterlund, Daniella Palm, Molly Philbin, Syney Pitcher, Shawnee Potts, Scott Roush, Allie Silvas, Rachel Spurr, Alex Vejar, Anilec Vita, Merissa Weiland, Livia Wippich, Michael Yanow, David Yapkowitz, Arezou Zakaria FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart A d I n q uiries : co rsai r. admana g e r@g m ai l . co m (3 1 0 ) 4 3 4 - 4 0 3 3

Sam Herron Corsair Aaron Felton swings poi before the afternoon yoga session at Wanderlust Yoga In The City, part of the Yoga Aid Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012 at the Santa Monica Pier. This “yoga relay” event is occurring in 27 different countries throughout the world to encourage people to practice yoga and to raise money for charity. Felton uses poi, which are from New Zealand, for strength and conditioning.

letter from the editor

listen here nathan gawronsky Editor-In-Chief Despite the ongoing and very serious financial problems of Santa Monica College, the news of the winter semester’s cancellation came as a shock to me.

While I did not attend the September 6 Board of Trustees meeting personally, I have attended many others in the past, and from what I heard from reporters at the meeting, the meeting was filled with the same old obnoxious, juvenile baseness that came to define the trustees meetings and protests of the previous semester.

This small and humble section of The Corsair is directed specifically at the student protesters.

On the one hand, I wish to express my admiration of the student activists here on campus. It is often a very frustrating and saddening reality that many young adults of this generation are characteristically devoid of any kind of interest in politics and social issues beyond what’s happening GAPCOM_SMCorsair_8_2012_Layout 1 8/29/12

on their Facebook wall.

But on the other hand, I am embarrassed and sometimes indignant at the behavior I see from some of these activists.

As your generation’s Young Turks, it’s to be expected for you all to get fired up about the issues that will affect your lives. But it damages your cause and the collective reputation of other activists on campus when you comport yourselves with perfidy, and show a complete lack of respect for the people who you should really be working with. And yes, I am speaking particularly about the trustees, and to an extent, the administration as well.

You accuse the trustees of using the college as their “piggy bank;” of earning a salary greater than President Barack Obama—and you have the audacity to demand that they should retire to save money for the college. Never mind that these accusations have no basis in reality—never mind that they are completely repulsive—but the sad irony is 10:36 AM Page 1

these statements could not be more false and misleading.

Each trustee makes a monthly stipend of $400 per month, an amount that I’m positive would make President Obama blush. On top of that, some members, like Ret. Judge David Finkel, donate this stipend to the SMC Foundation, which doles out scholarships for students just like you.

Do these sound like the greedy capitalist pigs you so despise?

For those of you who still live in the dark shade of ignorance, perhaps you’ll be surprised and mortified to learn that Mr. Finkel, before assuming his post as a trustee at SMC, was a civil rights attorney for many years? This man is someone who not only paid his dues as a fighter for society, but also is also perhaps one of your greatest advocates.

It’s easy to pick scapegoats to blame for all your problems—but you’re fighting the wrong people. Do you really think that these school officials got into this

business purely for the financial gain?

If you honestly believe that, then I must tell you—there are far better and more cunning ways to “steal” piles of money than by working at a community college.

To the members of the Board of Trustees, I say this: Some students understand the enormity of the challenges you are faced with. I am confident that I can say, without being misinterpreted of being in fear or favor of you—that I am genuinely embarrassed by the behavior of these students, and wish so much better for all of them.

The SMC community needs to realize the urgency and immediateness of the challenges that lay ahead of us. We cannot afford to be divided and point the accusatory finger at one another. We need to get real, grow up, and cease hurling libels at one another; telling lies adds nothing to our collective benefit. We need to become active in our civic duty, and encourage everyone we know to vote this November.

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news 3

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

AS to appoint vacancies manuel mejia Staff Writer

Newly elected board members from the Associated Students began their term earlier this month, but already issues have risen with three vacancies from Director of Activities Kevin Shaw, Director of Sustainability Freddy Reyes and AS Secretary Van Tran.

In a reply via e-mail, AS President Parker Jean commented on the vacancies. “The Director of Activities had a personal conflict, the Director of Sustainability had an academic conflict.” Tran has resigned in order to apply for a new position as the Director of Activities.

Assistant Dean of Student Life Deyna Hearn addressed the reasons for the vacancies in an interview with the Corsair. “As long as the elected officials maintain minimal academic eligibility they enter into, they fall into their roles,” Hearn also states that “personal conflicts” can sometimes arise and lead to resignation.

According to the constitution of the Associated Students, vacancies are filled by a special process where the current board appoints members from public submissions.

This is in contrast to the process for the normal election where candidates campaign and are elected in the Spring.

At the meeting last week, Hearn warned that the appointing process shouldn’t be abused and that positions shouldn’t be filled by current members’ family and friends.

Former President Wills said in an interview Tuesday that he had known about the appointment process during his tenure, he would have lobbied against it. “It’s not the most democratic process,” he said. “We could do a special election, we could organize a The AS president serves as the chair of the

committee and interviews the students, which is composed of other board members. “You have nothing to lose if you apply, and everything to gain if you are appointed,” Jean said via e-mail.

“The board will be introduced to the candidates their candidates are asked to say something, talk about their background, why they are interested, and what they can bring to the table,” Hearn said.

Director of Publicity Jesse Ramirez gave instructions on how students who are interested can become candidates for the vacant seats.

“Go to the beginning page on SMC.edu, click on students services and you click on ‘Associated Students’ and then you click on ‘AS Board of Directors’ it goes straight into letting the general population know that the AS is vacant in the three positions.”

Anyone who has paid AS fees in full is welcome to apply as long as the requirements are met for the desired job. Descriptions for the three vacancies can be read on the AS website.

Another way Ramirez plans to publicize the three vacancies is through a slide show he created which will be displayed across all the televisions on campus. “As the director of Publicity [I] make sure our information is out there for everybody,” said Ramirez.

The AS deadline to publicize the three vacancies ended last Friday, three days after the confirmation. Hearn’s staff counselors will primarily check to see if the candidates meet the minimum academic requirements.

“Students must be enrolled in 8 units at SMC and have at least a 2.0 overall G.P.A and be on good academic standing,” Hearn said.

Students who plan to apply must turn in all necessary paperwork to room 202 at the Cayton center above the cafeteria before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 18.

Racket on Pearl causes headaches henry crumblish Staff Writer Sandra Lyons Rowe, Coordinator of psychological services, has worked at Santa Monica College for five years. Her office in the psychological services department is nestled in a secluded corner of campus between KCRW and the school’s mailroom, overlooking Pearl street.

Rowe has enjoyed the peace and tranquility afforded to her in this campus respite, until it was recently interrupted by throngs of jackhammers and the sheer, trebly whine of cement cutters.

According to the college, the construction that started earlier this summer is for the installation of new bike racks. When completed, the depot will provide 400 new bike parking spots on campus.

In addition to new parking spots for bikers, the center houses a “fix-it station” where cyclists can repair minor mechanical issues and air-up tires.

While this may be a welcome addition for cyclists others, such as Rowe, aren’t too happy with the prospect of a construction crew on campus during the school semester.

“The noise is an issue,” Rowe says. “Privacy is huge and the importance of having quiet is big.

We often have students coming in here who are very upset.”

Rowe also expressed concern with the loss of privacy outside her office and the added foot traffic the bike racks will bring when they are finished.

“Everything here is confidential, she says. “We can’t close our windows in here because of the heat.” Rowe is even worried that students might stop visiting the psychological services department. “The last thing I want is students

having to watch what they say,” she says.

Perhaps the largest group who are displaced by the construction are the smokers on campus, who have historically populated the area of campus now under construction.

“I feel like it’s a deliberate move to displace smokers,” second year Lucinda Landon says. “I think they are trying to keep smokers as far off campus as possible.”

The area is not just used by smokers, students also study there; Landon believes that the social aspect is destroyed and that it’s a destruction of a commons.

Second year Brett Newton is also upset. “They have no concern for instantly affecting people emotionally, I couldn’t find some of my friends for a week,” Newton says.

Nick Carrion, a second year communications major and a smoker, doesn’t seem to be phased much by all the commotion saying it’s just louder and dustier.

Other students are excited about the new bike center. “I’m looking forward to buying a bike after they finish,” Daniel Aguilar, a student who works with the Sustainability Center on campus, says.

Aguilar, who helped design the project, thinks it will encourage more biking to school. “A lot of students were complaining about not enough bike parking, he says. “There have also been a lot of thefts of bikes on campus, this is going to be a lot safer.”

Although upset by the immediate destruction of wildlife, Aguilar was assured by the project’s attempt to keep as many trees as possible. When all work is finished, the site will benefit from a variety of new plants that have been chosen by the department.

The site is expected to open later this fall.

This is a notification from the Associated Students of Santa Monica College - Your Student Government.

WE are here to serve YOU. As the Associated Students of Santa Monica College, it is our job to make your campus life richer, easier and more memorable. We are a Student Government comprised of students just like you that are dedicated to help their fellow students. There are still challenging positions available: Make a change and stop by at our office - you could soon be working in the A.S. too!

The A.S. Fee & What It Does for You

join - participate - experience - learn - grow

When you enroll in your classes at SMC, there is an A.S. Fee of $19.50 on your receipt.

This fee is used to finance those services and events that the Associated Students negotiate and organize for you. Because you pay the A.S. fee, you can:

+ Ride all lines of the Big Blue Bus for free + Join a Club at SMC and get Funding for your Club + Buy Discount AMC Movie Tickets for $6.50 instead of $10+ + Use $15 worth of Free Printing in the AS Computer Lab and many more benefits that exceed $19.50 by far!

Associated Students Board of Directors now accepting applications for the following three vacancies: 1. A.S. Director of Activities 2. A.S. Director of Sustainability 3. A.S. Secretary Application Deadline Tues. Sept. 18, 2012 by 6:30 PM Visit us online @ www.smc.edu/associated_students For instructions on how to submit your application.

The A.S./ Student Life office is located on the 2nd fl. of the cafeteria next to the Cayton Center. For more information related to Student Life opportunities feel free to contact our A.S. Director of Publicity, Jesse A. Ramirez at (310) 434-4965.

Campus Committee Positions Available You represent the student body when making decisions on various committees that include: Curriculum, Budget Planning, Facilities Planning, Technology Planning etc.

Come to the A.S. Office to submit an application!

You can find us, the Associated Students , in the Cayton Center, 2nd floor.

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4 news

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

Hit-and-runs on the rise

President Obama, DNC seek student vote william duggan Staff Writer

A disappointing jobs report issued Sept. 7 by the Labor Department contrasted starkly with the picture of hope and progress that President Barack Obama sought to paint with his Democratic nomination acceptance speech Sept. 6.

The three-day Democratic National Convention featured speakers such as first lady Michelle Obama, former president Bill Clinton and congressmen Al Green, with a keynote address by San Antonio mayor Julian Castro, which was no doubt meant to rouse Latino support in crucial battleground states like Nevada and Colorado.

Michelle Obama spoke eloquently of her husband and his travails in the Oval Office. “After so many struggles, and triumphs, and moments that have tested my husband in ways I never could have imagined I have seen that being President doesn’t change who you are,� she said. “It reveals who you are.�

Perhaps the most vocal — and most effective speaker on behalf of the current President — was Clinton, who forcefully defended President Obama’s economic policies while deriding the “Republic narrative,� calling it an alternate universe. “We think ‘we’re in this together’ is far better than ‘your on your own,� Clinton said.

Clinton also spoke of student loan reform and President Obama’s initiative to grant more money and support to community colleges for job training. “The President’s student loan reform is more important than ever,� Clinton said. “It lowers the cost of federal student loans, and even more important it gives students the right to repay those loans as a clear, fixed, low percentage of their income for up to 20 years,�

Clinton said. “No one will have to drop out of college again for fear they won’t be able to repay their debt.�

President Clinton hammered home his

message with an appeal to young voters and students claiming, “this will change the future for young Americans.�

At a viewing party in West Hollywood, a portrait of Barack Obama on the wall of a restaurant watched serenely as politicians, actors and ordinary citizens made their case for his re-election. “Young people need to care,� Kristina Apgar, actress and regional field organizer for the Obama campaign, said as she smiled and checked people in at the door. “It’s vital for young people to care because their education is on the line.�

She emphasized the need for greater attention to primary education as well saying that a good elementary education is a necessity to getting into a good school.

Apgar also noted that Arne Duncan, President Obama’s Secretary of Education, has focused his efforts on expanding job training at community colleges.

Apgar made clear she is not authorized to speak on behalf of the Obama campaign as a whole, but that she was speaking as a private citizen.

President Obama’s speech was noteworthy for its trademark rhetoric of soaring hope and grand promises, like creating a million new manufacturing jobs in the next four years.

However, it was tempered by what the President described as his own failings.

Such deference proved prudent as the Labor Department reported 96,000 new jobs created in August — fewer than expected.

Numbers for June and July were also revised downward. The unemployment rate meanwhile dropped to 8.1 percent, though the drop is attributed to almost 360,000 people who left the labor force.

Whatever momentum President Obama may have gained from his convention speech is likely to be blunted by the jobs report released a day after his address. He will certainly look to regain it during the first Presidential debate on Oct. 3.

tina eady Staff Writer

Since June, three fatalities and one serious injury have occurred in Santa Monica as a result of automobiles versus pedestrian and bicycle collisions.

On June 23, Roger Slifer, a 57-yearold comic book writer and producer, was seriously injured while crossing 5th Street at Colorado Boulevard. A press release from the Santa Monica Police Department describes a white, four-door, 1990s sedan with tinted windows — the police are still looking for information.

On July 10, Erin Galligan, a resident of Venice, was killed by a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado while riding her bicycle on the Pacific Coast Highway. The case is still open.

Detective Chris Dawson of the SMPD said, “ Detective Dawson of The Santa Monica Police Department says, “It’s frustrating because the drivers did a cowardly thing when they fled, and we can’t teach people morality.� Dawson said. “It’s something they should have learned as children.�

Pedestrian accidents in Santa Monica total about 110 per year, according to the SMDP. Some “controlled� crosswalks have devices like traffic lights, signage, buttons and crossing gaurds. “Uncontrolled� crosswalks have buttons at intersections that cause yellow lights to flash warning motorists of pedestrians, if anything. “The motorists might not stop if they see the yellow light flashing,� Dawson said. “You must make sure you see the front of the vehicle dipping when they engage the

brake to be sure they’re going to stop.�

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 59,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes.

A study by the federal government in the 1990s revealed pedestrians assume that the driver sees them. “Be aware of your surroundings and don’t assume the car is going to stop,� Dawson said.

According to the American League of bicyclists, an average of 700 people are killed each year while riding their bikes and around 45,000 bicyclists are injured each year in collisions with motor vehicles.

Despite the increase in incidents, Professor of Geography and Urban Studies, Pete Morris, said that Santa Monica is officially recognized as a bicycle friendly community.

Santa Monica has a focused effort to improve conditions for bicyclists over the last five years. Officials have identified several medium streets that will remove a lane of traffic in each direction to make bike lanes wider in order to keep them further from the curb. “Motorists on the left can see bicyclists more readily, and parked cars on the right can avoid hitting a bicyclist when they’re opening their doors,� Morris said. Arrows painted on the ground tell motorists they are sharing the lane with the bicyclists and assist in placement.

Areas have also been re-striped to facilitate a biking lane, according to Morris. The marked space makes the drivers more cautious and aware of the bikers.

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volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

arts + entertainment 5

The Best Coast, “This is the only place for me” allie silvas Staff Writer

“We do these free shows for the fans, not for the money or the publicity or any of that. We do this for you ‘cause you guys have supported us since the beginning,” said Best Coast lead singer, Bethany Cosentino, in the middle of their set on the Santa Monica Pier.

The Best Coast show was the last night of the 28th Annual Twilight Concert Series held on September 6. Fifteen-year-old Leslie Ascencio came out that night to see Best Coast perform live for the fifth time. Ascencio, standing first in line at the merchandise booth and debating which t-shirt would best sport her Best Coast love, said she keeps coming back to the shows because of the incredible energy and the way she can feel and relate to the music.

Los Angeles natives, Consentino and Bobb Bruno make up the indie rock duo known as Best Coast. Their melodic tunes were given a more electric feel for the live performance, but Consentino could still be seen swaying along to the strumming of her own guitar.

The band played from both their first album, Crazy for You, their newly released sophomore album, The Only Place, and threw in some pre-album oldies. Before playing the song “The Only Place,” Consentino announced, “This song is about California,” and the crowd went crazy. The song includes lyrics: “Why would you live anywhere else?

We’ve got the ocean, got the babes Got the sun, we’ve got the waves This is the only place for me.”

Although the songs are generally laidback, the attitude of the crowd was

Michael Yanow Corsair Spectators sit on the beach during the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 in Santa Monica, Calif. The Series ended its ten-week schedule tonight with Best Coast and NO performing live for the thousands in attendance.

anything but. Erika Sanchez and Tania Negrete said that, “No one was really into it, and they were pushy.” No matter though, they wouldn’t let that stop them from enjoying the music. They still danced and sang along to their favorite songs, and overall liked the performance.

The highlight of the show was definitely the encore. By this time the rowdy crowd had settled down and the fans could be heard singing along to their favorite songs, including “I Want To,” and Best Coast’s top hit, “Boyfriend.”

Despite Best Coast’s songs having yet to

hit radio stations or achieve mainstream popularity, they have an impressive and passionate following of fans. If you missed them at the Santa Monica Pier, they will be appearing on September 16 at the Oceanside Pier with Fiona Apple, Oberhofer, and many others.

Santa Monica hosts night of fashion Lucy Hale and Nicole Richie.

For its second year of participation, Santa Monica Place called on the forces of Orange peep-toe heels walked down the Immediato to present the event. “I was really polished white runway. Iridescent show lights nervous,” said Immediato of playing host for glinted off a locally designed blue and white the event. “You spend so much time behind a halter shift dress. At the end of the show Los desk styling people that it’s hard to be in front Angeles Magazine Fashion Editor, Linda of an audience.”

Immediato, stepped onto the runway to fulfill “American Idol” finalist Stefano Langone her role as host of “Fashion’s Night Out,” a was on hand to perform his debut single global fashion initiative to engage shoppers.

“I’m on a Roll.” The large crowd warmed to From henna to sparkling champagne, stores Langone’s big energy on stage. After a short had a lot to give Q&A, the lights away in hopes dimmed, and of drawing models took customers in. to the stage for White boxes a fall preview concealing of incoming special prizes fashion. were lifted Popular looks out of a included Bloomingdale’s mainstream sponsored claw metallics, crane. In the fur vests same venue, coupled with a makeshift long-sleeved photo booth neutrals and gave attendees re - i m a g i n e d the chance to leather.

Scott Roush Corsair snap a photo N i c o l e of the mini- A model walks on the runway at Santa Monica Flynn, Senior makeovers they Place during the “Fashion’s Night Out” show in Marketing Santa Monica, Calif. on Thursday Sept. 6. received.

Manager At another of Santa Monica Place, mentioned the popular stop, an illustrator did quick fashion event’s “very collaborative” process, which sketches of people and their outfits. included several fashion producers, three Store-fronts around Santa Monica had photographers and videographers, not to similar one-night-only promotions. Shops mention working with stores for the fashion along Main Street flagged their participation show. by displaying a poster of a black dress with “It’s kind of a year in the making, if you will,” the white words “Main is the New Black.” said Flynn. “We are taking a quick breather Across town at the Beverly Center, the before we jump [back into planning], but evening included live window models and a each year we learn how to do it better and red carpet for celebrity appearances such as better.”

elizabeth moss Staff Writer

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6 photostory

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

Guy Cenname, an American Red Cross worker for over 21 years, grieves for those who died. He remembers being on his first day of vacation when the planes hit. He was with a friend at a doctor’s office, where the receptionist received a phone call from her friend, a stewardess on one of the doomed planes. He says he will never forget that day. The Remembrance Ceremony was held Tuesday, September 11, at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

remembe

photos by Amy gaskin • s

Battalion Chief Kent Coble (rear) receives a hug from Fire Chief Scott Ferguson (front) congratulating him on his retirement after serving over 31 years at Station Number 1 of the Santa Monica Fire Department. Coble has been a firefighter for over 37 years and chose today as his retirement day to honor and remember those who died. Coble did “ride-alongs” in Harlem, NY with firefighters who later perished in the tragedy.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

I wasn’t in New York City on 9/11. My father wasn’t on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or into the green plains of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. I wasn’t one of the people who said goodbye to his friends and never saw them again. I didn’t know anyone who worked in the Twin Towers—nor had I ever even set foot in New York.

Like much of the rest of the world, I woke up that Tuesday to an incomprehensible sight, one that today is so biting and caustic that I still have a hard time fully understanding it.

It’s probably because there isn’t a way a human should ever be able to fully understand something so horrible.

While we are so conditioned to the sights of that day, played on cable news on an endless loop, that we sometimes forget the stories of supernatural heroism that occurred.

Stories of first responders who saved the lives of complete strangers, office workers who mustered strength to pry open jammed elevators, lift fallen objects and carry the battered and injured to safety. They are in the truest sense superheroes.

Eleven years later, my generation has come of age in a time when all of our shared experiences have occurred in a post-9/11 world. We were welcomed into adulthood too early, by a thoughtless evil that spared no one in its senseless barbarism.

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photostory 7

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

september 11 2012 “Nothing will be the same.

We can forgive but not forget.”

-Guy Cenname American Red Cross Worker

Shanie Annie Evans, a Los Angeles resident, remembers her good friend’s sister who lost her life while working at the World Trade Center when the planes collided. The memorial service was held on Sept. 11 at the Heroes Garden at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. The garden is dedicated to the memory of Pepperdine alumnus Tom Burnett. Burnett was one of the “Let’s Roll” heroes who, upon learning from a phone call from his wife, Deena, made the decision to try to thwart the terrorists by diverting the plane into a field, likely sparing countless more lives.

ering 9/11

story by andy riesmeyer

“It couldn’t happen to us,” quickly became “It happened.”

I view life before then as a dream of happiness and childhood innocence.

We grew, with the example of the growth of our country, elders, and contemporaries. We witnessed the rebuilding of the buildings and our country as we ascended into adulthood, tripping along as we reached higher.

Realizing you’re not invincible is part of growing up, and like our country, we’ve acquiesced innocence in the name of progress.

Progress is complex, with realities that aren’t always pretty, idealistic or easy. But they’re real.

I may not have been there in person, and there’s a chance you weren’t either, but it is futile and foolish to say we weren’t affected and redefined by the events of that tragic September day.

As we mark another anniversary with memorial events around the globe, I recognize that I could never be able to accurately express or quantify the impact of the experiences of those who were present that day.

I can only stand in awe of the men and women who acted out of selflessness, heroism, and compassion, to prove the worthiness of the human race.

We should all be so lucky to see glimpses of them in us.

Firefighters of the Santa Monica Fire Department Station 1 salute as the flag is lowered to half staff at their station in Santa Monica, Calif.

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+ Lifestyle 8 Health

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

PostYourBook.com sells textbooks on the cheap Merissa Weiland Staff Writer Phillip Kravtsov was just another student. At the beginning of just another school year at Rutgers University, Kravtsov paid almost $1,000 for the textbooks required for his classes. At the end of the semester, much to his dismay, he was told that he could receive a little over $110 if he sold all of these books through the campus buyback program.

Many college students experience this frustration when buying and selling textbooks, but Kravtsov decided to search for another option.

Kravtsov searched the Internet for a website that combined the social aspect of Facebook with the sale of textbooks, and came across PostYourBook.com.

Only a few months old, the site was created by then Santa Monica College student Josh Hiekali, and already had a growing number of registered users and many local universities showing interest.

“I was in class when the idea came to me,” Hiekali said. “A teacher was telling us about the textbooks we needed, when all of a sudden, it clicked. I thought it was a genius idea, and knew that it could work.”

Kravtsov has a background in business, and felt that with the connections he had formed, he and Hiekali could make the website prosper.

“I am invested in the site because I know what it’s like,” Kravtsov said. “I was so frustrated with the buyback system. I was mad beyond belief, and wanted to do something about it.”

After about a year in existence, PostYourBook.com now has 160 nationwide universities enrolled with approximately 158,000 active users, and more students are learning about the site daily.

“I actually just went into the bookstore, and all my books are way too expensive,” SMC student Bryce Barker said. “I was planning on going across the street [to A&R Textbooks] to buy them, but now I’m going straight to that website. Now that I know about it, it’s the first place I’ll go to check out books.”

The website’s user interface is simple and straightforward. After typing in a school name, students are directed to a page where they can search for specific books that students on their campus have for sale. Each listing includes the seller’s contact information.

Sellers can create an account either by logging on through Facebook, or creating a new username and password. Members can then add contact information, list a book, set a price, and wait for interested students to respond.

All transactions are made on campus with cash, but there are plans to implement a credit card system and shipping options to the site.

SMC currently has almost 10,000 registered users on the site.

“I like it because it was more specific to our campus,” said SMC student Robert Kotonya, who has used the site to sell textbooks. “Compared to Amazon and other [textbook sale] sites, you get a much quicker response from buyers.”

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Michael Yanow Corsair Stacks of used textbooks sit on shelves at A&R Textbooks on Thursday, Sept. 6 in Santa Monica, Calif.

With the site’s increased popularity, Hiekali and Kravtsov now plan to add many more features to the site. Along with shipping and credit card options, they plan to “optimize the website,” according to Hiekali.

“We plan to add a new system that will

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

take out Amazon for textbooks, which will use the same type of system, but cost much less,” Hiekali said.

Both Hiekali and Kravtsov promise that, even with new improvements and additions, the site will continue to be free to use.

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Health + Lifestyle 9

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

Marine Gaste Corsair Ryky Tran wears a pair of his Loyal Mission jeans. Each pair features two red stripes that represent two people linked together, the buyer who wears the jeans, and the hungry person who is fed every day for a year because of that very pair of jeans.

Marine Gaste Corsair Ryky Tran poses on Santa Monica College’s main campus on Friday, Sept. 7. Tran, who is a former SMC student, just launched his own premium denim jeans company, Loyal Mission, to help feed the hungry.

Former SMC student launches denim company to feed the hungry

Marine Gaste Staff Writer It all started in February 2000, when former Santa Monica College student Ryky Tran, hoping to land a big acting gig, moved from Boston to Los Angeles with two suitcases and $300 in his bank account.

By that summer, he could no longer afford to pay his rent. His part-time job at a modeling agency brought in enough money to pay for gas and buy a meal every three to four days, but Tran continued to struggle.

During the end of that time, his friend took him to dinner, which he thought was the best meal of his life. He promised his friend he would return the favor when he could afford it. Without a beat, his friend told Tran that he should instead go feed someone else one day.

This idea remained in the back of his mind and in his heart for a long time, but he did not yet know what it would become.

Tran, now 30, has recently launched Loyal Mission, a premium denim jeans company, to help feed the hungry.

Two weeks ago, the company’s website posted ten different styles of jeans designed by Tran.

Loyal Mission has partnered with Children’s Hungry Fund, and more than half of the proceeds of each pair of jeans, sold between $165 and $195, are donated to the charity.

After spending a year researching local and worldwide associations, looking

through books and statistics, talking to employees, and searching on the Internet, Tran felt that CHF was the most efficient non-profit organization, distributing over 99 percent of their donations.

Because Tran had little fashion knowledge, he walked the streets of downtown Los Angeles and knocked on doors of businesses that he thought would be helpful. Most people called him crazy.

After Tran spent months researching fabrics, testing fits, and choosing washes on his own, industry professionals began to see that he was serious.

Slowly but surely, Tran’s team grew to include a dozen people, including designers, web engineers, and social media consultants. Tran said it was difficult for him to delegate work and trust others.

“You have to learn to trust people because you can’t do everything by yourself, as much as you want to,” Tran said. “You’re good at one thing, not everything. There are a lot of people out there that are much better equipped to do other things.”

Two thousand pairs of Loyal Mission’s jeans were produced for distribution three weeks ago.

“We get a lot of feedback on Twitter and Facebook,” Tran said. “People send messages telling me how inspired they are, and how much they love what we do.”

Tran also targets his audience of those

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still getting to know Loyal Mission.

“Our goal is more than profits,” said Tran. “We do not want to be just a brand. We want to inspire change in people by developing a company that started with just an idea, and one person, and becomes something that creates massive changes around us and around the world.”

Tran said that he knows he is not the answer to world hunger, but he believes in his mission of inspiring others to do even greater things.

“If I can change one person who can change another, we can come together and really make an impact on some big problems,” Tran said.

Soon after Tran first moved to Los Angeles, he began to see acting success, appearing in several movies, television shows and commercials. Tran knew he was fortunate enough to earn a living as an actor, but felt that it was not his passion.

By the end of 2002, Tran started speed skating more often, and trained for the 2006 Olympics in Italy, but a serious car accident forced him to stop abruptly. As he watched his friends earn medals, he took the time to analyze his life, reflecting on what he had been through.

In early 2005, he decided to earn his high school diploma. He then started building his own business in San Francisco, a bike company that built custom racing wheels and bikes for road bikers and triathletes.

In 2008, he moved back to Los Angeles @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

to attend SMC to pursue something different. After changing his major several times, he was accepted to transfer to UCLA as a cultural anthropology major. He is now two quarters away from graduation.

Tran’s true passions are developing businesses and motivating people.

“If you really want to inspire yourself to change, take a trip with a friend or by yourself to a poor nation and see what people live on,” Tran said. “Then you’ll realize you can do a lot.”

Tran wants to take a college tour as a guest speaker to inspire students to help change the world by being part of something, hoping to motivate students who are lost or afraid because they do not know how or where to start.

“Don’t be afraid,” Tran said. “You are going to fail. You are going to meet a lot of challenges. You are going to meet a lot of people telling you you’re crazy and that’s okay. It takes a crazy person to do something great. It is those who risk the most that can make the most change in life.”

Tran wants to keep creating selfsustaining businesses, all working toward a social cause.

“I want to build a billion dollar empire that gives billions of dollars away,” Tran said.

For now, he offers students discounts on his jeans. For more information, he can be reached by e-mail at ryky@ loyalmission.com.

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10 opinion

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

Winter session is out of session muna cosic Opinion Editor Budget cuts, fee increases, course reductions and so many other unjustified rulings have been declared in the past few years, slapping community college students across the face while laughing at our miseries and struggles. Now, get ready for another hard slap and say goodbye to winter sessions at Santa Monica College. It was nice while it lasted.

Last Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting shook the public up- and not just the midnight earthquake- when it was announced that SMC will no longer continue the 2012/13 winter session and possibly the upcoming winter sessions afterwards. This was a decision made on the fact that SMC’s budget simply cannot support the winter session, whether Proposition 30 passes or plummets on November 6. As much as SMC’s budget crisis needs to be resolvedhopefully sooner than later- taking out a semester from a whole school year is going to be catastrophic for SMC students, faculty and staff.

For some SMC students, the option of not being able to take winter session courses will withhold them from graduating on time, which is a concern to both counselors and students. This will also create a surplus of many more students desperately trying to get classes in the remaining three semesters; piling up in the wait pool until it suppresses and erupts. Face it; we’ll drown either way- whether it’ll be

from lack of courses to add or from paying higher fees.

“If it weren’t for the winter semester, I wouldn’t be in the English class I’m in now,” said SMC sophomore Priscilla Ramos. “It’s unfair; we’re trying to transfer and it’s holding us back. I think they should focus more on other cuts, than cutting classes.” A few other SMC students voiced the same objections as Ramos.

There were 11,226 SMC students enrolled in the Winter 2011/12 session, according to the CCCCO Management Information Systems Data Mart. Students need the winter session to progress with their education but now that opportunity of taking more necessary courses in the winter has been taken away from all SMC students. The winter session has been somewhat of a back-up plan for students to take advantage of if they weren’t able to take the necessary classes in the spring and fall semesters, but now that option has been yanked out of their reach.

“This disinvestment in higher education has to stop,” said Board of Governors Vice President Manuel Baca in a CCCCO statement. “But cuts in recent years have led to massive cuts in course offerings at a time of high demand as students clamor to get training for the jobs of the 21st century, or transfer to a four-year university.”

The Board of Trustees passed a new budget based on the hopes that Prop 30 passes and helps

SMC climb back up on the road to progression. However the newly adopted budget does not fund a winter session in 2012/13. The BOT voted “unanimously to adopt a $447.6 million budget for 201213, which includes $181.7 million in general unrestricted funds and the remainder in funds that are restricted for a variety of purposes, including bond projects, student financial aid and more,” according to the BOT meeting summary.

The budget plan will reduce the $8.84 million operating deficit by $4 million and secure permanent employees’ jobs.

Board of Trustees member, Rob Rader, said that cutting the winter session was imperative in order to keep SMC running smoothly with the deficit weighing on its back.

SMC’s reserves are dwindling and one term shouldn’t be kept if it meant jeopardizing the entire school. SMC’s main goal is to protect its students, faculty and staff, and the newly adopted budget will help sustain that protection, but only if Prop 30 passes.

“If Proposition 30 passes, the community colleges would receive $210 million in additional funds in 2012-13. Most of that money would be used to make good on deferred funding commitments by the state to colleges, but passage of the measure would make room for an additional 20,000 students,” according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office statement.

But, if Prop 30 fails to pass, the

outcome will be calamitous. “The $338 million cut in the middle of the academic year would mean 180,000 fewer students would be served. Colleges would be forced to slash course offerings even further, lay off more educators and staff and borrow more,” continues the CCCO statement. As the BOT stated in their meeting summary, the failure to pass Prop 30 will result in SMC having to restructure its operations permanently and affect the security of permanent employment.

Rudy Contreras, SMC library student worker, said “if winter session wasn’t cancelled, I’d still be employed in the winter. I would have a job.” For now, all Contreras can do is work this fall semester and wait to hear what will happen to him, and many other SMC student workers like him, once winter comes around. The entire library staff that is working hard this semester is looking at a very uncertain employment possibility in the winter session, according to Contreras.

The lose of the winter session is going to tug at our heartstrings for as long as its gone and students are going to have to learn to add classes at the speed of light if they want a chance to take any courses in the remaining semesters. As horrible as that may sound, having a winter session to please studentsthus bringing SMC’s reserve to an empty, dust-endowed box - won’t make things any more pleasant for students, faculty and staff, then the current situation.

SMC and the seven deadly sins ruth mavangira Staff Writer Incited by the popular propaganda surrounding details of the contingency plan of the “Dooms Day Budget” should Prop 30 fail to pass this November, and the sudden elimination of the winter session, police officers remained on high alert and watched the protests on Thursday night, ready to take whatever action necessary to keep the meeting peaceful.

“Yes, we have a few more officers here than last time,” said Officer Cadena, referring to the pepperspraying incident last April (Cadena declined to provide his first name for this article).

However, when the trustees finally sat down at 7:30 p.m., they were already guilty of a crime.

“Why is this meeting being held so late? Are you trying to keep us from attending?” Demanded a student of the trustees in a packed auditorium.

For the rest of the evening, the trustees remained impressively cool under near-constant fire from the public.

“Michael, will you please face us and not give us your back?” Board Chair

Margaret Quinones-Perez asked of Michael Pronilover, the unofficial leader of the student protest, who together with his group of about 80 students, claimed to represent the common plight of the SMC student body.

However, Pronilover’s delinquent behavior was clearly expressed in his body language, as he did not turn to face the trustees on stage. Throughout the evening, Dr. Nancy Greenstein, the Board’s vice chair, was acting like an adult addressing a naughty child with tantrums at a formal affair.

She continued to use a firm tone, yet softened when she gave diplomatic compliments of how well the students behaved.

Indeed, the protestors left much to be desired. “I’m here because I care about my education, and I am very worried, but not really with them,” said SMC student Kevin Perez when he happened to walk nearby the protests on his way to class. Although Pronilover had no comment for The Corsair on the demonstrations, he did however have a lot to say to everyone else.

“A small number of us is[sic] not enough. We all need to come together department by department and take

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

back our school,” said Pronilover, who was followed by students chanting “This is our school! We want it back!”

Rob Rader, a member of the board, said that, “We made the decision based on our self preservation. I am very sympathetic to the grievances aired at the meeting because, yes, we did have it better. It cost less coming here than to attend UCLA, and we had great job prospects. But I am disappointed by the rude attitudes displayed by students concerning our final decision. This is at its root a generational disappointment.”

Envy seemed to be the underlining theme, as students came up and addressed the trustees very strongly, accusing them of gross gluttony.

The panel guest speakers accused the BOT of getting 60 percent pay raises, not offering to retire from their BOT jobs to save money, and making more money as a BOT member, than President Obama. In reality, however, not only are those desires and accusations completely unfair and offensive, they are untrue.

The trustees are on a voluntary position, and each earns a monthly stipend of about $400, an amount that should give these students pause

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

over their own ignorance. Any success achieved in their past is due to their varied professions—not by making SMC “their piggy bank.”

These students themselves have very high demands, without fully understanding the situation. Rader mused over how students could claim their right to an education, but choose to completely ignore the massive financial and management structures required for this right to be realized.

In a show of sheer sloth, the rest of the student body is comfortable being represented by a handful of protestors on issues that effect them so radically.

Bruce Smith, SMC Public Relations Officer, said that the budget cuts and getting rid of the winter session “was the least painful of [their] solutions,” since many California Community Colleges don’t even offer a winter session, and that SMC had no choice but to cut its thread from the chain of the school’s annual semesters.

Meanwhile, the frenzy on the SMC campuses, which may be described as an urgent desire to get into any available classes and to graduate on time, has students continuing to hope against hope that Prop 30 is the magic wand.

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opinon 11

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

The tough road to getting an education Education is the platform to opportunity and success in our country. This logic has been drilled in our minds for years, and we should all know its importance by now. Does it really make sense to close the door on students who can’t afford to go to a University?

One could say that the recurring theme for the motto of our country would be “Those who choose to, can.” However, it

seems these days that it might as well be “You get what you can pay for.”

Santa Monica College is a promising school for the freshly graduated high school students, international students, and returning students.

With a beautiful campus, great transfer rates, the scholars program, and a prime location, SMC has a lot to offer for incoming students. But just how many can SMC afford to take on in the coming years?

According to the Board of Trustees

Say yes to Prop 30

Vote for Prop 30 or face the consequences of a $6 billion state budget cut william duggan Staff Writer Election season is in full swing and while much of the focus is centered on the presidential race, Californians face an issue on the November ballot that could have a direct impact on every resident in the state, whether positive or negative, because of the possibility of an increased state sales and income tax.

California Governor Jerry Brown has been actively pushing support for Proposition 30, which would, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, raise state sales tax from 7.25 to 7.50 percent, starting from Jan 1, 2013 until the end of 2016. It would also raise marginal income tax rates for single filers making $250,000 by one percent, $300,000 by two percent, and $500,000 by three percent on top of the current 9.3 percent marginal tax rate. Joint filers would also see the same rate increases on incomes of $500,000, $600,000, and $1 million for the next seven years.

No one likes to pay higher taxes, especially those whose financial situations may already be precarious. But the increase will help fund, along with other things, California’s public education system. “In 2012–13, planned spending reductions, primarily to education programs, would not occur,” according to the Office of the California Secretary of State’s official voter guide. It also states that 11 percent of the allocated temporary tax revenue would go to community colleges if Prop 30 passes.

Santa Monica College is in favor of Prop 30 because it “will avoid the elimination of funding for an additional 85,000 students by providing $548.5 million in 2012-13, according to the SMC Board of Trustees. “Proposition 30 will enable California’s community colleges to restore essential student service programs that were cut by up to 60 percent over the last three years.” Santa Monica College will need this vital funding in order to offer the best possible service to its students, and to give incoming students a chance to take classes at SMC. There’s no denying that a higher sales tax will affect us all in some way. But if Prop 30 passes and we can endure four years of a higher state sales tax, in return, we end with an improved economic state. SMC students wouldn’t have to worry too much about their future chances at getting their education.

Not everyone is in favor of Prop 30. In

a July statement decrying Proposition 30 as a “$50 billion political shell game,” retired executive director of the State Board of Education Tom Bogetich, and Doug Boyd, a member of the L.A. County Board of Education, claimed that “politicians” and “special interests” have far more sinister goals than saving a desperate public education system.

According to the statement, “We have $500 billion of unfunded pension liabilities in California, and still the politicians refuse to enact real reforms.

Prop 30 does not guarantee one penny of new funding for schools.” Rather, they insist that the added revenue from higher taxes would be siphoned off to fund teacher’s pensions.

In some ways, they are correct in claiming that Prop 30 doesn’t guarantee any new funding for schools. But what it does do is, as its title “The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act” implies, is protect cash flow to our already struggling institutions. It is important to understand that “the 2012-13 budget plan requires that its spending be reduced by $6 billion if this measure fails,” according to the LAO. That is something we simply cannot allow to happen to an already crumbling education system.

The state has already cut $56 billion from essential state and local services over the past four years. Students, cops, teachers, firemen simply cannot afford another $6 billion cut projected to take place should Prop 30 fail to pass.

The notion that we the people, along with our government, can create a fair, compassionate, and civil society has formed the bedrock of American aspirations for the last century or more.

Those who endeavor to build this great society, by educating our children, protecting our streets and homes, and who risk their lives everyday, do not deserve to be left out cold by selfish instincts and narcissistic impulses.

Yes, passing Prop 30 will raise the sales and income tax. No doubt it is difficult to walk into a voting booth and vote away some of our money. But in all seriousness, four extra pennies added to your daily expenditures is a small-risk investment into preserving our faltering public education system. Doing everything we can, which in a matter such as this is nothing other than our civic duty, is far better and more preferable than allowing the system to implode, to watch it fall into a state of permanent decline and disrepair.

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September 6 agenda, “community colleges have taken extensive cuts to funding over recent years, while trying to educate the largest high school graduating classes in California history and need funding to provide the programs and services necessary to increase the number of successful degree and certificate holders.”

With the rising number of high school students opting to go to a community college right after graduation, SMC is facing a lot of financial pressure.

State resources for public education have shrunk, forcing the college to cut out more than 1,000 classes from the fall semester alone. In the unfortunate circumstance that Proposition 30 is not passed, it is possible that community colleges around California are going to have to start prioritizing enrollment, which is something that goes completely against the ideal of community colleges—equal opportunity for all who seek it.

“The state has lowered our resources,” states California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Jack Scott in an interview with Central Coast News.

“We are no longer able to serve everybody we would like to serve.

We’ve had to decrease our enrollment by over ten percent. And so naturally under those circumstances we have to prioritize enrollment. Who are the most

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shawnee potts Staff Writer

deserving students? Who are the ones who deserve to be what we might call first in line?” This further proves that getting into community colleges will be more challenging in the future.

Moorpark Community College freshman Ashley Schimmel, who wanted to attend SMC, said regarding her first college semester, “I planned on taking my general education classes. Everyone knows it’s basically the same education, just for less money.”

Schimmel wanted to attend SMC so that she could live in Westwood and have a college experience. “Because my parents pay for my school, I wasn’t really worried about money. I didn’t get the opportunity to have to worry about it, either. I got really lucky, getting into Moorpark College even.

I only did because I was able to convince a teacher to let me join her joint class, which paired with another class, gave me enough units to have a useful semester.”

Kelly Kaufman, SMC sophomore, explained that getting classes at SMC this year was only easy for her because of her scholar’s priority. “I didn’t have to crash a class at SMC my freshman year, but I can suspect that’s because I paid for my classes in full.”

Education for pre-graduates is easily one of the most important issues our state has to contend with, next to health care and job creation.

Why should the education of our future generation be sacrificed? If young people can’t be educated at an affordable price in their own state, then who are we trying to create jobs for?

In the current situation that our state is in, we really can’t afford to let things as critical as education get put on a wait-list of its own.

16 coNVeNIeNT locATIoNs IN THE grEATEr Los ANgELEs ArEA The UniversiTy of valUes

800.NAT.UNIV | getinfo.nu.edu/transfer @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

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12 sports

volume 104 issue 2 • september 12, 2012 • santa monica college

Women’s volleyball off to rough start Molly Philbin Staff Writer The Santa Monica College women’s volleyball team had a difficult start with a first-game loss against the El Camino Warriors, and an ankle injury to middle blocker Justyce Smith last Wednesday.

The Corsairs lost three straight sets, 25-9, 25-18 and 25-22.

Five minutes into the first set, the Warriors over-passed on a return, and were called on a double. Despite getting off to a poor start, El Camino cleaned up their early mistakes and led 16-7 at a timeout called

by SMC head coach Nicole Ryan.

“We’re learning and growing,” Ryan said.

The Warriors, who placed third at the CCCAA State Championships in 2011, continued to bombard SMC with 10foot line spikes and efficient defense. The Corsairs gave away points—setter Bianca Ngo fumbled an attempted second-touch dump, and outside hitter Lauren Rosell kept hitting balls into the net.

A second time-out was called with El Camino leading 21-8 when Smith sprained her ankle.

The Warriors won the first set 25-9.

Mariko Coverdale, SMC assistant coach, strategized with the team during the entire three-minute interval before the second set. In contrast, the El Camino team had a quick pep talk and was swiftly back on the court.

Libero Jane Siri aced her first serve, and

the team showed improved footwork—the Corsairs held a tie with the Warriors at seven. El Camino shanked Corsair middle blocker Ilyn Butac’s serve, and Ngo put up three saved passes.

Altz hough the Corsairs had improved their game, the Warriors came back strong, placing balls in the deep right corner and hammering them down just behind the 10foot line.

Rosell put down kills, enough so that Ngo excitedly hugged her, but SMC lost the second set 25-18.

In the third set, El Camino came back with a strong middle block; SMC’s renewed footwork topped the Warriors uncharacteristic scrappy plays as they took the lead. A timeout called by El Camino saw the Corsairs ahead by two points at 12-10.

As the Corsairs came back to the court, they shanked an easy pass, and the Warriors took advantage of the fumble, pushing ahead three points. The Corsairs fought back for their best game of the three sets, but ultimately came up short.

Warrior outside hitter Ashley Morimoto aced her serve on game point 25–22 for a three-set win against the Corsairs.

The SMC women’s volleyball team won both games of a doubleheader against East Los Angeles College and Allan Hancock on Saturday.

Women’s soccer picks up hard-fought win Eugene Jones Staff Writer

Santa Monica College improved their record to 2-1-1 winning a tough battle with Pasadena City College, 1-0.

The game began with physical play from both teams. During the opening minutes, there was a takedown from PCC on SMC forward Tylor Fields but no call was made.

Fields was not very pleased; she voiced her opinion to the referee and quickly picked up a yellow card.

“That’s nothing new; that’s junior college soccer at its best,” said SMC head coach Aaron Benditson on the aggressive play.

“What teams lack in technical ability, they will make up for in physicality. That is a glimpse of what is going to come this season.”

In the 33rd minute of the match, SMC defender Briana Mackey scored the first goal to put the Corsairs up 1-0 with the assist coming from teammate Yennifer Baca.

Right before halftime, goalkeeper Cindy Godina went down with an ankle injury.

Godina was able to finish out the first half, but ended up having to sit the second half of the game. She was replaced by freshman Monique Boe. “Monique came in and did a fantastic job,” Benditson said. “It’s not easy to jump

into a situation like that and perform the way she did.”

The second half saw the intensity rise.

Midway through the half, PCC’s defender Heather French was handed a red card, disqualifying her from the contest and giving PCC one less player on the field.

PCC head coach Randy Lilavois was encouraged by his team’s response following the ejection.

“I was proud of the way our team played with the adversity of having one less player on the field the rest of the half,” said Lilavois. “We were still able to get good shots and played really hard out there”.

Pasadena would not go down without a fight as they picked up their intensity with the game coming to an end. Shot after shot, they would come close multiple times but were not able to score due to the magnificent defense of Boe. “You have to give their goalkeeper a lot of credit for the way she performed,” said Lilavois. “She came right in and started to make plays for them.”

“After Cindy [Godina] went down with her ankle, coach told me I was in. I just had to come and step up for the team,” said Boe. The next women’s soccer game is at home Friday against San Bernardino at 3 p.m.

Men’s soccer still undefeated online exclusive

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Michael Yanow Corsair Santa Monica College Corsair middle blocker Ilyn Butac serves the ball during the second set against El Camino in a women’s volleyball match on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Corsair Pavilion in Santa Monica, Calif.

SMC lost 3-0.

Corsair football sails to victory Kou Collins Staff Writer

The Santa Monica College men’s football team, at their first road game of the season on Saturday night, achieved a commanding victory over Chaffey College, 34-20.

The Corsairs’ defense appeared strong, creating four turnovers, including three interceptions and one fumble recovery.

“I was pleased with certain segments of the game and how we played defense,” SMC head coach Gifford Lindheim said.

Although Lindheim was happy with the team’s play, he was still critical.

“I thought we gave up some easy plays,” Lindheim said. “I think there is a lot of room for improvement on the defense.”

The Corsairs’ defense started off strong, as sophomore linebacker Austin Ehrlich intercepted a tipped pass by opposing quarterback Harrison Stewart.

The interception led to a score by sophomore wide receiver Ralph Gordon II on a pass by freshman quarterback Michael Miller.

In the second quarter, the intensity picked up as 20 of the Corsairs’ 34 points were scored.

“I thought the second quarter was the best quarter we’ve played so far,” Lindheim said.

The Corsairs responded to an early Chaffey touchdown when sophomore wide receiver Reggie Mitchell caught a 36-yard pass from quarterback Alfonso

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Medina, putting SMC ahead 14-7.

SMC continued their attack when freshman defensive lineman Orlando Ford recovered a fumble that would lead to a 23-yard field goal by kicker Jose Esquivel, giving the Corsairs a 17-7 lead.

The Corsairs gave up a 32-yard field goal on the ensuing drive to Chaffey kicker Erik Zamudio.

Defensive back Rico Wright’s interception with 3:16 remaining in the half led to a two-yard run for touchdown by running back Myles Johnson.

As the first half drew to a close, the Corsairs had another opportunity to score, as freshman defensive back Davante Anderson intercepted a pass setting up a 26-yard field goal. SMC took a 27-10 advantage into halftime.

“I was really happy with the way we managed the time to get into field goal range,” Lindheim said. “I thought it was good time management.”

To lead off the second half, the Corsairs continued their attack, as Mitchell scored a 33-yard touchdown off of a reverse for their final score.

Although Chaffey was able to add two late scores, SMC’s earlier offense was too much for Chaffey to overcome.

“This was a good win for us,” said Lindheim. “It’s always good to get that first [win].”

The Corsairs’ next game is Saturday, Sept. 15 in San Bernardino at 6 p.m.

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