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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
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CORSAIR
ENDEAVOUR MARKS END OF AN ERA
Amy Gaskin Corsair The Space Shuttle Endeavour flies over Los Angeles International Airport on its final flight Friday. Endeavour was transported atop a modified Boeing 747 known as a Shuttle Carrier see endeavour on PG. 8 Aircraft. The shuttle flew over many Los Angeles area landmarks before landing at the airport last Friday, on Sept. 21.
Student groups rally potential voters allie silvas Staff Writer The campus of Santa Monica College was buzzing yesterday with talk of the November elections as students, volunteers, and administrators participated in National Voter Registration Day. Much of the focus was centered on Proposition 30, a state ballot initiative that will raise taxes to pay for schools. If Prop 30 fails, SMC has predicted furloughs or layoffs for classified employees and the cutting of 500 course sections. Associated Students President Parker Jean encouraged students in the quad on Tuesday to register and vote yes on Prop 30. Though younger people are often chided for political inactivity Jean called on SMC’s students to act. “Let’s be the generation that stands up and fights,” he said. Multiple “Get Out the Vote” tables were set up by volunteers and community organizers to reach out to passing by students. Members of the League of Women’s Voters were alongside them handing out voter information and registration forms. Administrative volunteer, Erika Leblanc, said her table had seen a
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mix of students. While some were registering for the first time, others were there to change their address, she said. “First time voters are really exciting,” said Leblanc. The AS sponsored a Prop 30 information session, which was led by speaker Evan Hawkins, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges director of membership. Hawkins gave facts and figures that painted a picture of the struggling educational institutions of California. “The more deficit, the more higher level education is going to be on the chopping block,” said Hawkins. Hawkins warned that colleges and universities built by and for Californians would not primarily serve the people of this state if Prop 30 does not pass. Instead, the universities will be forced to increase the number of out-of-state and international students because they bring higher tuition revenue, he said. According to a report released by the Public Policy Institute of California in September, 52 percent of voters are currently planning on voting for Prop 30,
pg. 5
Students react to violence in Middle East
Amy Gaskin Corsair Evan Hawkins, Director of Membership of the Faculty Association California Community Colleges, urges students and community members to vote in favor of Proposition 30 at voter rally Tuesday. The college says the bond measure would help prevent further cuts.
see vote on PG. 3
opinion
pg.6 health & lifestyle pg. 14 sports
Financial aid on the rise at SMC
ASU dean courts young media-makers at SMC
pg.15
Defense powers Corsairs to victory over West L.A.
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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 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. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m David Yapkowitz············ Sports 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 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, 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, Arezou Zakaria
Michael Yanow Corsair SMC students Saul Hamadani (right) and fellow SMC student Christian Hernandez stand first in line for the release of the iPhone 5 at the Third Street Promenade Apple store last Friday. Hamadani and Hernandez arrived between 2:30-3 p.m. on Thursday to reserved their spot in line.
retractions:
FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart
>Last week, we incorrectly reported that current Associated Students President Parker Jean is the roommate of former President Harrison Wills. However, they are no longer living together.
A d I n q uiries : corsair.admanager@gmail.com (310) 434 - 4033
>last week we ran an article stating that visitors at the getty were trapped and shuttled to safety. the visitors were not trapped and were shuttled out as a precaution.
letter from the editor
the young voter nathan gawronsky Editor-In-Chief “Does my vote count?” or “Why should I vote, when it doesn’t really matter?” or “I would love to, but I’m Swedish.” If you were to take a stack of voter registration papers through Santa Monica College’s campus, and ask people whether they’re registered to vote or not, you’ll probably come across the above responses. By now, you might think that the urgency of SMC’s financial problems would have caused everyone to sound the alarms. You would think that young people, namely students, or otherwise any ordinary citizens concerned with the public education institutions of our state, would be aware of the importance of the passage of Proposition 30 this November. You would think. But the overall silence is almost deafening. On Tuesday, the Associated Students, the Black Collegians and the League of Women Voters held an event geared toward educating students about Prop 30, aptly named
“Get Out The Vote.” According to Parker Jean, the AS president, about 50-60 students showed up for the gala festivities, which was a “great success,” he said. And since welcome day, Jean estimates that about 300 students have registered to vote for the November elections through AS voter drives. What the Associated Students and college constituencies are doing to spread awareness is commendable. But one percent of SMC’s student body is hardly what I would describe as a “great success.” Perhaps this was a “great success,” because up until the event, almost nobody on campus actually knew in advance that this event was planned. There was virtually no publicity for this event around campus. Attempts to get a comment from Jesse Ramirez, the AS director of publicity, were unsuccessful. But ultimately, it’s difficult to say with certainty whether or not the one percent of students who showed up for yesterday’s event were there out of a sense of civic duty—out of a collective revulsion against apathy— or for the free pizza and Jean’s
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considerable skills at beat-boxing. According to a recent July 10 Gallup poll, voters aged between 1829 were 58 percent definitely likely to vote, which is a 20 points below the national average. These numbers are deplorable and outrageous, and when I hear young people mockingly ask why they should vote, I offer a simple retort: Are you content with the way things are? I don’t need to provide a laundry list of horrific statistics to convince people to vote. If I thought it would work, I would do it, but statistics, like the one above, are effectively abstractions. And being a young person, I understand that abstractions don’t mean anything to me. What does speak to me are deadly serious facts. Facts such as the cancellation of winter semester; the grim specter of further cuts to come, good people losing their livelihoods; my life, your life, our plans, becoming interrupted, delayed, altered, blighted. So, how do we reach young and disaffected voters? I often hear (and often say) that “young people” spend
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too much time online. Well if that’s true (which it generally is), we need to use that to our advantage. Please go to http://www.sos. ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm and register. Right now. Pull out your iPhone or Android and do it. It will take you less than three minutes. Do you have an identification card and a social security number? You can register right now. And when it comes to whatever you vote for, whether it is for Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Jill Stein or Prop 30, don’t just take my word for it. Do a little research. Form your own opinion. That’s part of what’s involved in being a part of an educated electorate. And it’s OK to get angry. It’s OK to express frustration and umbrage at society’s inequalities. But it’s important to always express yourself rationally and honestly. Articulate your ideas like a mature, thoughtful person. Just don’t become angry the way a child throws a tantrum, or the way certain student protesters (read: my biggest fans) get angry.
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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college from VOTE on PG. 3 and 72 percent of voters under age 35 plan to support it. “You’re going to be the difference,” said Hawkins. In addition to advocating Prop 30, Hawkins asked students to vote against the competing proposition, Prop 38, because it does not allocate funding to community colleges. Instead, it goes to K-12 schools, early childhood education, and the paying down of state debt. Both propositions call for an increase in taxes on California residents, but proponents say that the majority of California residents would benefit from the added funding to public services. If both Prop 30 and Prop 38 are passed, the proposition receiving the most votes will be enacted. Student Kimberly Hagey was able register as a California resident, and said that although she does not believe her vote will have an effect on the presidential election, she knows she will be affected by changes in education and feels it’s important to be politically aware. Student Ken Lynch said he registered out of love for his country. “If I’m not exercising my freedoms, I’m not doing my duty,” said Lynch. Registrations will continue until Oct. 26, and volunteers will help students with the process in the quad during school hours for the next few weeks. Registering voters need either their government-issued ID, or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Students register to vote on campus Tuesday as part of the voter rally. Volunteers and members from the League of Women Voters, The Associated Students of Santa Monica College and Black Collegians helped organize the event.
“History of Terror” blamed for the loss of TSA program at SMC elizabeth moss Staff Writer A program authorized by the Board of Trustees in October of 2011 was to bring a Transportation Security Administration Associates Certificate Program to the school that would train new and existing TSA agents failed to materialize after the program was scrapped by college governance. Information found by the Corsair shows that the Curriculum Committee scrapped the program in a decision dating back to December of 2011. The committee majority voted for a motion to not approve a course, effectively ending program prospects. According to the minutes of a Dec. 7, 2011 meeting, discussions of the program
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“led to concerns expressed over the appropriateness of housing this course in the Philosophy/Social Sciences department (and SMC) as well as ideological, curricular and philosophical objections to the course.” The class in question, “History of Terrorism,” was one out of three courses needed to complete certification as a TSA agent. To become a full-fledged class offered at SMC, approval by the CC, and eventually the Board of Trustees, would have been necessary. “Members of the Curriculum Committee had different views of the pluses and minuses of the program,” said Georgia Lorenz, Dean for Instructional Services and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs. She added that some members of the Committee felt they weren’t accurately prepared to teach the program.
“The people who voted it down didn’t think it met the standards of the college,” said James Pacchiolo, a full-time English Professor who voted in the final decision. According to him, the program did not fit well in the Social Sciences Department. “It would be like if the Astronomy Department came before us with a poetry course.” To Pacchiolo, it was an attempt in vain to make the course more relevant to Social Science. “We only developed one course,” said Teresita Rodriguez, Vice President of Enrollment Development. The Committee at the time requested to see more specific coursework in regards to the class. Members also wondered at its merit. “The document looked like it was put together on the fly,” said Pacchiolo. The course, according to Guido Piccolo,
Chair of the CC, was “primarily composed by the TSA,” with some material modified “slightly to also address our concerns,” he said. Piccolo was in charge of presenting the material to Committee members. The current TSA Program operates in conjunction with other community colleges and gives current employees, also known as “screeners,” a chance to get an AA degree in Homeland Security, according to the TSA website. The courses would have been offered as Contract Education at LAX. “Could the program have grown? Perhaps. I think that was the goal of some at SMC,” Piccolo says. If Proposition 30 fails, Santa Monica College has predicted furloughs or layoffs of classified employees and the cutting of 500 sections.
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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
SMC would lose little if SMO closes is located directly north of Santa Monica College’s Bundy campus, are many who live in the residential areas surrounding the airport. They would like to see aviation operations reduced, mitigated, or eliminated completely. Janet Brown, a resident of the Ocean Park neighborhood since 1996, spoke of how since she arrived, her problems with the airport have only gotten worse. “It was quiet back then, just a quiet slow
spoke about current airport policies on a tour of the SMO campus this weekend. “Today, we have one of the most stringent noise programs in the nation,” said Trimborn adding that the reason for this is due to the high volume of air traffic. “The airport itself consists of corporate jets and independently owned planes. An average of 250 flights depart and arrive daily, and the yearly average is close to 100,000 flights,” added Trimborn.
missing if it closes.” The fiscal impact of the airport is significant in the city. According to an economic study of the airport from last In Santa Monica, few places that affect year, by Martin Pastucha, Santa Monica its citizens the way the Santa Monica Public Works Director, “the Airport Airport does. Whether it’s championed as supports 1,487 total full-time and part-time a pioneer of aviation history and municipal economic powerhouse or lamented as a jobs in the City, of which 894 are located black hole of noise and air pollution, the directly at the Airport Campus.” This gives airport is never far from the spotlight. Yet a sense of how many jobs could potentially again the long be affected by the time neighbor city’s decision on of Santa Monica the matter. College, is This isn’t drawing attention the first time as it faces Santa Monica potential closure Airport has been in just a few years. confronted by The future of the Santa the public. In Monica Airport fact, these very will be known in same issues were 2015, where the addressed and Santa Monica resolved nearly City Council 30 years ago. will decide on In 1984, an whether or agreement was not the airport reached in order should be closed. to limit noise The airport has levels, reduce strong support the number of for and against closure, making active aircrafts, this a tough call and set a curfew for the city. for all flights B r u c e from SMO. The Smith, Public agreement also Information ensured that the Officer at the airport would be school, thinks able to operate that a closure is through the year “pretty unlikely.” 2015, after which Smith said that David J. Hawkins Corsair the city would be the only part of A Piper Warrior II lands at Santa Monica Airport with Century City in the background on Saturday. City officials say that closure of the SMC that could allowed to close airport could occur in 2015. Santa Monica College’s Bundy and Airport Arts campuses, which are located next to the airport, would not be affected, according to the college. be affected by the SMO or decide possible closure on another would be the little plane every once in a while,” she said. For some, the goal in 2015 is to see these alternative. Airport Arts campus, a facility opened in There is no plan yet on what could “Now it is a free-for-all. It has become numbers decrease drastically. 1989 to house art and ceramic studios. The unbearable.” On the other hand, supporters of SMO potentially become of the 227? Seems leased building’s fate would be decided if Apart from noise pollution, one of the feel that while the airport presents some small acre lot that is SMO. “We are the closure also shuttered the non-aviation other major concerns is jet fuel emission issues, they should be overlooked because currently presenting an airport commission related businesses, an improbable outcome and its potential effects on the environment, of the many benefits it offers. plan to the city,” said Stelios Makrides, according to Smith. expressed by Francisco Gonzalez, a Captain Harry C. Sax, a Civil Air Patrol Airport Operations Administrator. Neighboring Bundy campus would not resident who also lives nearby. pilot, has been flying for over 20 years and Known as the Airport Sustainability be affected by the closure since it is located “When they just sit on the tarmac for currently flies at SMO. Plan, it details reducing airport emissions, in Los Angeles. The school is expected 20 minutes, the smell of burning jet fuel “If there’s any kind of natural disaster in to expand the campus in the next 10 reaches all the way to my place almost 10 LA, search and rescue is based here. In the further restricting noise levels, and years, according to the college. However, blocks away,” he explained. A father of event of an earthquake, this airport is the ultimately aiming to make SMO a more expansion would occur near the already two children, Gonzalez fears this exposure way we’re going to get supplies out there,” environmentally sustainable airport. constructed building and would not impact The fate of the airport ultimately rests in could be affecting his family and the Sax explained. “A lot of young, aspiring land currently in use by the airport. community’s well being. aerospace engineers are also being taught the hands of the city council, which will Those in favor of closing SMO, which Robert Trimborn, SMO airport director, here so a teaching component will be elect new members this fall. esteban gonzalez Staff Writer
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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Students respond to violence in Middle East
Sam Herron Corsair Santa Monica College student Timur Celikel talks about his Muslim heritage and his feelings on the film “Innocence of Muslims.” Celikel, an international student, says that some individuals may “piss people off,” and while their actions may be legal, they must be prepared to face the backlash of provoking others.
Anilec vita Staff Writer It has been two weeks since riots in Libya and Egypt sparked a series of anti-American demonstrations across the Islamic world. Four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, were killed in an attack on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. The riots have since extended to more than two-dozen countries. In the last week, a group of demonstrators attacked the American Embassy in Tunisia, where two people died. There were violent protests in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, and crowds agitated Pakistan’s largest cities, leaving 19 dead. Initial reports indicated that the protests that lead to violence were a reaction to an American made film, “The Innocence of Muslims,” that mocks the Prophet Mohammad as a perverted murderer, though later intelligence suggests it may have resulted from a premeditated terrorist attack to mark the anniversary of 9/11. Though Santa Monica College exists many worlds away from the Middle East, the impact and ramifications of the recent uprisings are influencing conversation close to home. The Obama administration asked YouTube to review the 14 minute film trailer to see if it violated any of their website policies, particularly if it fits into the definition of a form of hate speech. Many Muslims in the United States have been following the protests in the Middle East; both indignation over the film and concern over the protests it ignited are mixed in the opinions of the observers. The film seems to have initiated a debate
over the free speech: Should the video be removed from the Internet given the violence it has allegedly created? Santa Monica College Professor of Political Science, Diane Berman, refers to the First Amendment to answer this question. “As far as the United States is concerned, we have to uphold the law,” Berman said. “We might not like what is happening internationally, but we cannot censure the right of publication,” said Berman. While many cite the First Amendment to defend the right of the filmmaker to create the movie, others like Muslim SMC student, Aziz Aljaber, believe that the film has caused enough violence to justify the removal of the video. “This movie provoked this violence; the Prophet is sacred to us and this video is a direct attack to our beliefs,” he said. “Imagine the reaction you would get if a person attacks Jesus this way,” Aljaber said. Jewish SMC student Alan Soleyman doesn’t appreciate efforts to censor the video. “It’s his First Amendment right to say what he wants,” he said. “If it’s going to put us in danger, maybe there should be a consideration, but it’s un-American.” Soleyman added that Muslim sentiment for much of his generation is based on history rather than preconceived notions about a person’s background. “I don’t ever think bad about someone unless they’ve done something to me,” he said. Student Laura Torres commented on the situation. “Technically they should not take it down,” she said. “But morally, it’s not appropriate.” Student Kevin Cacheco added that it should be taken down because it was tantamount to “yelling fire in a theater” and endangered others. Both consider
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themselves non-religious. Aziza King, president of the Muslim Student Association at SMC, considers that even though the video is offensive, legal actions should not be taken to remove It from the internet. “I guess he has the right to create this kind of video, even though it is hateful,” King said. “I believe we have freedom of speech as long as it does not impose on the rights of someone else.” King added that he does not agree with the violent protests in the Middle East but does understand the violent reaction. “I was angry after I saw it too; I had to stop a few times before I could watch it all because it was too offensive,” he said. SMC international student Timur Celikel believes that the creators of the video have the right to express their opinion about Muslims, but with a caveat: “Although they are free to do this, and it is legal for them to treat religion as joke, they have to know that they will upset a great number of people. They are testing the limits to see how far they can go,” he said. Celikel, who is Muslim but does not consider himself religious, believes that this film is an offense to his origins. Julio Gomez, the vice-president of the Muslim Student Association, joined the group even though he is not a Muslim. “I was interested to start a club to confront the negative ideas associated with Muslims.” Gomez blamed media coverage of events like the recent protests and 9/11 for perpetuating a bad image of Muslims. ”I believe the media reinforces the idea of Muslims as a violent group because they focus on the negative. It is important to remember that there are people there who, even if they are angry about the video, do not embrace the violence,” said the vice-president.
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6 opinion
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Control your world through SmartThings Molly Philbin Staff Writer
SmartThings, a system that promises buyers to run their “world” with a touch on their smartphone, is a hot topic on Innovation Nation that everyone seems to be excited about. This new technology is a reminder of the 1999 Disney movie “Smart House,” where the entire home’s functioning was controlled through a detection system. The new project idea—uploaded by Internet-based creative project funding platform Kickstarter—was launched Aug. 23 and received a funding of more than a million dollars from 5,694 backers, even though they only pledged for $250,000, according to the Kickstarter SmartThings website. But, there are obvious dangers with a system on a smartphone that enables the user to control their “world.” It’s convenient to be able to lock the front door or shut off the air conditioner, while sitting in class, but imagine the consequences of losing your phone and someone holding the power to control your world from your smartphone? “We’re going too far with technology,” said Santa Monica College student Joshua Alan, who also said that people should be getting out more and socializing, instead of just surrounding themselves with more and more technology in their lives. SmartThings offers a system that connects everyday physical objects to a cloud-based control center. The sensors attached to these objects identify irregularities and an iPhone or Android smartphone will receive status updates on these changes. Predicted control-by-smartphone options include regulating air conditioning, locking doors, detecting plumbing issues and much more. Basically, you control your household machinery on your smartphone. Alex Hawkinson, founder of SmartThings said, in an article on CNN.com, that
he had the idea for a system linking regular household items to the Internet after a power outage in his vacation home caused the basement pipes to explode. This inspired him to create SmartThings in order to help people have better control of their homes. There are many advantages to this proposed system, such as conserving energy and water, and improved solutions to everyday expenses. But, some of the SmartThings apps like “Oh No, My Pet is Loose!” are just ridiculous and strange. Some of the apps that get added on SmartThings are really pointless, while others are more useful. Inji Issac, SMC student, wasn’t happy knowing that the system would allow buyers to watch and hear what happens within their house on their smartphones and said that “that’s just creepy.” She felt too much control like that goes against privacy. Aside from this system being “creepy,” there is also the issue of being able to control everything in one’s life by selecting a choice on a phone. For those who lose their phone frequently shouldn’t opt to install this system of fear that their lost phone may end up in the wrong hands. Placing that much power on a rectangular, pocket-sized piece of metal is insane and dangerous. However, not everyone is as careless with their cellphones, so these worries don’t apply to them. If a possible buyer is not worried about the consequences of losing their phone, then they should consider if this system is a necessity in their every day lives. Futhermore, if one has a wild imagination, then conceive an image of SmartThings developing a mind of it’s own and locking you in or out of your house like in the movie “Smart House.” But then again, being raised by a luddite-minded father, the worst thoughts come to mind with new
Financial Aid on the rise at SMC
Illustration By Jhosef Hern
Illustration By Jhosef Hern
technologies taking over the world. The idea of so much control on one device is not a pleasant thing. A basic kit, one hub and three Thing sensors are currently starting at $174 on Kickstarter. Add-on Things cost $25 to $35 each, and eventually a monthly charge of $5 to $10 for SmartThings’ service will be enforced, according to CNNMoney. It is pretty costly but if people find advantages in having it, then it may be worth it for some and buyers will be lining up for it, otherwise it’s just too
annjelicia houston Staff Writer The worse the economy gets, the more dependent students become on financial aid, since without it, students face a closed door to opportunities of continuing with their educational goals at Santa Monica College. According to a Board of Trustees report, the Board “received a written report that the SMC Financial Aid Office has seen an explosion of federal aid applicants over the past five years. Driven by the nation’s economic downturn, the number of federal aid applicants has more than doubled.” In the 2007-08 school year, the number of applicants for financial aid was 16,171, compared to the 2011-12 school year, where the number of applicants increased to 39,206. This increase in applicants is expected to keep rising as time progresses. But, is that really surprising, considering how many students’ financial situations are plagued by today’s economic woes? “The trend is expected to continue in 2012-13 with SMC receiving federal aid applications for more than 38,000 students by the first day of the fall semester,” states the Board of Trustees report. “Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide more than $45 million in assistance this year.” It is clear that this influx in financial aid applicants is in positive correlation with California’s economic slump, since a few California cities are going bankrupt, it’s no wonder students are burdened enough as well and require more financial assistance to stay afloat in this sea of financial uncertainty. California has an unemployment rate of 10.6 percent, according to an official report by the State of California Employment Development Department. Let’s face it, a percentage of the unemployed are students who need financial aid in order to continue their education. With less jobs for students to take advantage of, less money is available to pay $46 a unit, plus the cost of expensive school books. This financial aid increase should have been anticipated because the state of the economy would
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expensive and risky to use. The SmartThings project currently has working prototypes of the key hardware and software components, and product distribution is scheduled for this Christmas. It will either change the way our homes function, giving users the power to control their homes from work or school. But, it can also endanger people’s privacy and security if they were to lose their phone and risk the consequences of having all their home’s functions on the phone.
require greater need of financial aid and assistance for students. Without financial aid, a full time, residential student could end up paying $552 a semester or more, not including the cost of textbooks and supplies. Also, for students that commute to school, there is the price of gas and the price of public transportation, unless students have their identification cards activated to use the Big Blue Bus for free. Another big factor is living expenses, such as rent and monthly bills that are financial hurdles. Needless to say, students have a lot they need to pay for, so their only option is financial aid. As a student balancing work with education, financial aid comes as a huge relief, even if it’s only temporarily. Financial aid takes some the burden off of the unsatisfactory amounts of debt accumulated by paying for the needed units and textbooks. If students didn’t have the option of financial aid, then their debt would keep rising and they would have to keep working overtime to pay for their school fees. With more work comes more stress, which results in lack of sleep and education taking a backseat. That is why financial aid is so important for students. It provides a temporary relief of not having to wonder how to pay for school and it gives reassurance that school can be paid for and education can be continued without too much of a financial burden. Thankfully, SMC does not have four-year-college tuition fees, but that does not change the fact that getting an education at SMC or another community college is no cheap. The costs still amount to more than we expect when it’s time to pay our fees, and we can’t do anything else but either pay it with our own money or with the financial aid received. Whether it’s $10,000 a year or $1,000 a year, someone has to pay for it and for many students, it is really hard when that someone is them. The rise in the need for financial aid is understandable, but if the economy starts to turn towards a positive light, then students will be able to get jobs and pay for school themselves, instead of wondering if they can get financial aid or not. /thecorsairnews •
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opinion 7
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Be heard and vote! tina eady Staff Writer
The Santa Monica College Associated Students launched a voter registration rally to get students to vote in this upcoming, crucial November election. The first 100 students who registered to vote got free pizza. Now that’s the way to get students to take interest in voting; give them free pizza. Riling up students to vote is one way to go against the challenges of informing students about the important elections that will determine whether we have to reduce classes, pay even more higher fees, and lay off more teachers and classified workers at SMC. But, students need to be educated with information as to why they need to vote and what the pros and cons are when deciding who and what to vote for during the elections. The infamous Proposition 30 is on California’s statewide election ballot. If passed, the state will increase taxes on earners who make over $250,000 for seven years and increase the sales tax by 25 percent which would increase revenue an estimated $6 billion per year, according to California’s Legislative Analysts’ Office. These new tax revenues will be used to fund schools and help balance the budget. But, if voters reject Prop 30, then there would be a reduction in spending, and K-12 schools and community colleges would lose over 5.3 million dollars per year, UC’s 250 million, CSU’s 250 million per year, according to the LAO report. “If Prop 30 fails, then close to 500 classes will be dropped from the SMC schedule,”
said Mohammed Rahman, director of outreach for the AS. Getting students educated and registered is the first step to preventing those terrible slashes. In the first week of fall semester, Rahman said that the AS “did a ‘Welcome Week’ and registered two hundred students [to vote].”
California Community Colleges, who came from Sacramento to make his presentation to SMC students. There was student poetry, gift cards and of course pizza for students to enjoy. During his presentation, Hawkins said that “in the last four years, $1 billion was cut from education.” SMC’s budget will be cut $7 million annually, and that “this is our fight. Our parents pay the state for us to go to college and we have to fight to make sure we are funded.”
Amy Gaskin Corsair (L-R) Art major Rebecca Zheng fills out a voter registration form while her friend, English major Alice Felder, helps. The “Get Out the Vote” event to support Proposition 30, a tax increase which would help prevent further cuts, was held on SMC’s main campus Tuesday.
Santa Monica College’s Academic Senate, Faculty Association, Classified Employees and Associated Students will have events over the next few months with the goal to get as many students to vote. The rally in the SMC quad this Tuesday was hosted by Evan Hawkins, Membership Director of the Faculty Association of
In response to the budget cuts, SMC already cancelled winter session and reduced Friday and evening classes. If Prop 30 fails to pass in November, many classes for Spring 2012-13 are likely to be cut, teachers’ hours reduced and classified worker laid-off. “The best way to talk to students is
through their teachers,” said Rahman. “We’re sending emails to ask teachers to take a minute out of class time to tell students to vote.” Michelle Alvarez, SMC BOT student trustee, is placing voter registration applications in teachers’ mailboxes in an effort to get everyone to vote. The League of Women’s Voters has a table set up to show their support. “It’s a combined effort,” said Olivarez. This Thursday, The Black Collegians will be holding a “Rock The Vote” event to motivate more students to vote and bring more attention to the importance of voting in this upcoming election. It is important that more and more events such as this are hosted in hopes that more students will come out and vote. SMC student, Sylvia Villegas said that “the rally to get out the vote is having a positive effect because it informs students about the issues we’re facing.” Students should really get out and vote in the state and national election because this November election will impact their lives almost immediately and into the future. The SMC BOT have two budgets prepared; one if Prop 30 passes and the other if Prop 30 fails to pass, which would be disasterous. As a result of new technology, different tastes, or global competition—which reduces demand for certain skills and increases demand for other skills—students need to be educated for the new jobs that have developed in this new age. In order to accomplish that, schools need to be funded enough money to support more classes and programs that will help students with their educational goals. Allan Dagalea, SMC student and firsttime registered voter said, “it makes a difference when you vote,” and that all students need to get out and vote.
join - participate - experience - learn - grow
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 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
UPCOMING A.S. EVENTS
Resource Fair September 27, 2012 from 11 - 1 PM @ the Quad Free Smoothies will be given away to those students who attend! Student Voter Registration will also take place on September 27, 2012 from 11 - 1 PM @ the Quad.
SMC ATHLETICS IS BACK! COME SUPPORT OUR TEAMS
Admission is free w/ valid A.S. Sticker.
Inter-Club Council announcement: If you are interested in starting a new club, just follow the instructions on our website: www.smc.edu/associated_students The ICC is an organization within the A.S. that exists to support students clubs on campus.
The A.S./ Student Life office is located on 2nd fl. above the cafeteria in 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
www.smc.edu/associated_students
www.smc.edu/associated_students
This is a notification from the Associated Students of Santa Monica College - Your Student Government.
You represent the student body when making decisions on various committes 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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Call Us: 310-434-4250
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8 photostory
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
RIGHT + BELOW: Spectators at Griffith Observatory watch as the Endeavour space shuttle approaches overhead during its flyover.
Michael Yanow Corsair
Space Shuttle Endeavour flies over downtown Los Angeles
Stephen H. Silberkraus SENSE Media The Space Shuttle Endeavour arrives atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport after flying in from Florida, and completing an aerial tour of Southern California.
LEFT: The Space Shuttle Endeavour being lowered onto the ground transportation device (not pictured).
RIGHT: Dave Hamilton rests his feet on a ladder and reads a newspaper at Clutter Park in El Segundo before seeing the landing of the Endeavour.
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Stephen H. Silberkraus
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Michael Yanow Corsair
Michael Yanow Corsair
Endeavour space shuttle flies over the Hollywood Sign before landing at LAX.
s during its flyover of Southern California on Friday Sept. 21.
s
photostory 9
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Gianfilippo De Rossi Corsair
ENDEAVOUR HAS
LANDED SENSE Media
Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair
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+ entertainment 10 arts
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
$10 TUESDAY: The Cutting Board Marine gaste Staff Writer It was a morning just like any other. I was in a rush so I looked for a place to grab a quick breakfast near Santa Monica College and came across The Cutting Board on Ocean Park Blvd. Tucked away in a business park between Centinela Ave. and 31st St., this little eatery is on the way to the Bundy campus from the SMC main campus.. It was hard to find, as it’s exterior is an office building, but once I found it I was in for a treat. I ordered the breakfast special for only $3.79. It came with two eggs (done to my liking), two slices of toast complete with butter and jam, and a choice of meat (bacon, ham, or sausage). The dish was excellent, simple, and most importantly, cheap. My friend ordered the Veggie Burrito. I tried it and, must say, it was delicious. It had a grilled veggie patty, eggs, cheddar cheese and came with salsa on the side. Our food tasted like a home cooked meal. The service was quick and because the food is made-to-order, it tasted fresh. Won and Sunny Kim, the husband and wife duo who own the restaurant, hail from Korea and opened this mom-andpop restaurant on January 2nd, 1990. Their menu offers a wide variety of plates to choose from and everything is less than $7. They are warm-hearted, their service is extremely friendly, and the food is undeniably delicious. This establishment is worth your small bills, will satisfy your hunger, and put a lasting smile on your face. The Cutting Board is located at 3330 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405. It is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Indoor and outdoor seating is available to customers, although take-out seems to be the popular choice. It is cash only but there is a Bank of America located in the same business complex. The Big Blue Bus Line 8, which runs along Ocean Park Blvd., takes you there in about five minutes from the SMC main campus. There is a parking lot on site but validation is necessary for one hour parking.
Live music and art take over the La Brea Tar Pits AREZOU ZAKARIA Staff Writer Saturday, Sept. 22, the 10th Annual Tarfest Music and Art Festival was held at the La Brea Tar Pits in Miracle Mile. It was a showcase of upcoming artists and musicians. Among the artists being showcased were Johnny KMDZ Rodriguez, Van Saro, and Greg Craola Simkins. Rodriguez, a painter since the age of five, draws inspiration from personal experiences, religion, and current events. The messages in his pieces are very simple and often convey the understanding that actions have consequences. “There had to be a creator to create me and if I don’t work hard then I shouldn’t expect great paintings, nothing comes from nothing” Rodriguez said. The live painting he worked on illustrated bombs turning into birdhouses. “I love bombs, and what they are capable of, and just taking that idea and juxtaposing it into something completely different,” he said. While the painters displayed their work, the musicians took center stage. Joey Winter, the lead singer of Steelwells, said the band is completely collaborative. Their new album compares humans to animals both metaphorically and literally. The message their music sends out is honesty and staying grounded, according to the band. “My motto is keep breathing,” said Winter. “When everything is at its darkest depth, just keep breathing.” Peter Avina and his wife Theresa drove all the way from Hemet, Calif. to see Steelwells play live. They have been fans of Steelwells for the past year and a half. Theresa said listening to Steelwells reminded her of the smooth, natural sounds of the 1960s. That feeling was uniform at Tar Fest where the breeze blew gently and children and adults enjoyed the art creating the perfect outdoor festival atmosphere.
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Marine Gaste Corsair The Breakfast Special at The Cutting Board in Santa Monica offers two eggs, two pieces of toast and your choice of meat (bacon, ham, or sausage) for only $3.79
Gallery 1988 honors ‘Step Brothers’ alberto fernandez Staff Writer Gallery 1988, in Venice, Calif., celebrated the four-year anniversary of “Step Brothers” release by giving the movie a tribute consisting of several paintings and sculptures. “Step Brothers” is about two middle-aged men, Dale and Brennan, played by none other than John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell. They are forced against their will to become roommates when their parents get married. The two get into a whirlwind of mischievous and humorous problems as they try to reconstruct their lives, their parents’ marriage, and their newfound brotherhood. “I want to pay tribute to movies that will never have a tribute dedicated to them,” said Jensen Carp one of the owners of Gallery 1988. “It is a movie that might not mean a lot to others but it means a lot to us.” Those feelings are greatly demonstrated by the beautiful art hanging along the walls of the gallery. Gallery 1988 is nicely decorated, spacious, despite being a small venue, and it had a mellow vibe. The “Step Brothers” art depicted many different scenes in the movie and varied in style. There were three pieces in particular that were impressive . The first being Glen Brogan’s “Dale & Brennan,” which was simple yet complex and beautiful. It depicts the two men on a boat that has been placed on top of a tree. The second was Ken Garduno’s “Hello Miss Lady,” a portrait of Dale and Brennan in tuxedos. The painting is an adaption of a clip in the movie where Dale and Brennan go on several job interviews. The title is a popular quote from this scene. Finally, Tim Maclean’s “Research and Development: Putting In The Man Hours,” a viewer favorite, displayed a bee on a pink flower and Dale trying to drench it with white out. It is a stunning painting with bright colors and so much emotion. Tribute shows are particularly interesting because they focus on a theme that is well known. People experience an artists interpretation of someone else’s creation and such a method of expression is brave and deserves respect. Gallery 1988 is located at 214 Pier Ave. just east of Main St. Their next exhibit is “Around the World in an 80’s Daze” begins Sept. 28th and ends October 20th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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arts + entertainment 11
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Autumn Lights illuminate DTLA
Zach Johnson Corsair Adam tries to pull away from his father Ronald on Saturday evening at the Autumn Lights Festival in downtown Los Angeles.
Henry crumblish Staff Writer In New York autumn is characterized by significant weather changes. The leaves change colors, the air is crisp, and tourists flock to the area. In downtown Los Angeles, however, thousands celebrated the equinox on Saturday, Sept. 22nd, with the seventh annual Autumn Lights L.A. festival that happens on the first day of fall. The festival, which combines live music with live art and high tech lasers, has grown considerably in the last two years. Lilli Muller, the German born coordinator of the event, sought to create something unique that would unite citizens in the surrounding community while simultaneously bringing in tourists and revenue for L.A. “I created this monster,” said Muller, “I know all the artists and I know a lot of light artists never get exposure.” “They are cutting a lot of art out of school, and I wanted to make the focus on art and I think people can relate,” she continued. Whether it was the body painting, the music resonating through Pershing Square, or the lights flying through the air, people responded. Many people who attended the event did so on little more than a spontaneous whim. Jimmy Martinez was dropping his girlfriend off at work and was headed home when he decided to make a detour downtown. “I’m an artist and, I mean, seeing all this stuff opens up a new door. This gave me inspiration to try a different medium,” said Martinez. “I was coming home and I got on the wrong bus” said Erick Govea. “All I saw was lights and it drew me in. I didn’t even know what this place was called but I definitely need to start coming downtown more” said Govea. For airbrush artist Robert Yancy the festival is a place to both inspire and mingle. ”This is dope, live art is a
great way to network,” he said. “This area is never populated by the average Joe. Most people would never come downtown if it weren’t for Staples Center.” While some guests were admiring the beauty of local chef and restaurant owner Julie Titus who happened to be modeling for the festival, Titus marveled at the beauty surrounding her. “I would say this is the most beautiful Pershing Square has ever been, the caliber of art here is amazing,” said Titus. “They’ve turned a transient filled station into something for the community. It’s about the artists and people who appreciate art.” “I’m very impressed, there’s much more art this year,” said Aje Moussa. This was Moussa’s third year attending Autumn Lights. Moussa’s love for lasers came at an early age when he experienced his first Pink Floyd concert. Moussa, a laser artist and engineer, has attended Autumn Lights since it started. “I want to pass the torch and Julian Haynes show others the way,” he says. “I’ll be LED screen. here as long as I can be, as long as they support me, I’ll come back for every gig. This is my passion.” He went on to say, “You get bit by the laser bug, that’s what us ‘laserists’ call it. As soon as I turn on the fog and the lasers merge it attracts people. It’s hypnotic.” Although the majority of the art is avant-garde and the vibe is very hip and chic, Autumn Lights is surprisingly family friendly. Guests are allowed to bring pets and there is no alcohol served, so Autumn Lights is the perfect late
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Zach Johnson Corsair and Sam Morgan playfully cast shadows across a large
night outing for the family unable to book a sitter. “This event is great, it’s very accessible,” said Spencer Thornton who was in attendance with his family. “We came to see Ruby Friedman. The music is the focus for us but the lights make it a show”. In essence that is what the festival is all about. Enriching the culture of downtown L.A. through one extravagant spectacle of cultural exchange.
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+ lifestyle 12 health
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Impending bankruptcy threatens California cities
Scott Roush Corsair California city managers (L-R: Rick Cole, Sonia Caravalho, Kafi Blumenfield, and Sheila Kuehl) discuss bankruptcy in California cities at SMC’s Bundy Campus last Wednesday.
william duggan Staff Writer The smell of coffee and chocolate brownies bounced off linoleum tiles, and wafted out into the hallway of the first floor of the Santa Monica College Bundy Campus last Wednesday. Students, citizens and public servants chatted, and old friends and colleagues exchanged handshakes and hugs. The genial tone was quickly swept away, however, when panelists arrived from SMC’s Public Policy Institute to discuss a raft of municipal bankruptcies, and began to describe the dire situation that many cities currently face. Three cities in California—Mammoth Lakes, San Bernardino, and Stockton—have recently declared Chapter 9 bankruptcy in federal court. Stockton, with a population of nearly 300,000, is the largest city in the United States to go bankrupt. Rick Cole, Ventura city manager, and former Pasadena mayor and Azusa city manager, was the first to speak, issuing grave warnings for other cities including Los Angeles. Cole recalled insolvent cities like Vallejo, where police suffered dramatic budget cuts and downsized from 145 officers to 92 after declaring bankruptcy in 2008. The city of about 116,000 had 17 murders in 2010. Santa Monica, which has about 90,000 residents, experienced one murder that same year.
Cole warned that Los Angeles and San Diego, California’s two largest cities, are heading for bankruptcy, and that what happened in Vallejo could occur on an exponentially larger scale. While unfunded liabilities, most notably public employee pensions, are “a huge part of the problem,” according to Cole, they are not the only reason for forcing cities into bankruptcy. Dysfunctional politics at the state and local level, mismanagement, expensive labor contracts, and high poverty and unemployment all contribute to the severe strains on municipal bank accounts. Kafi Blumenfield, president and chief executive officer of the Liberty Hill Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, explained that when cities run short on money, nonprofits have an essential role to play. “It is at this very moment these services are needed most,” Blumenfield said. But coping with the hole in services left by chronic budget shortfalls has left nonprofits scrambling to keep up with exploding demand. “Nonprofits are already stretched,” Blumenfield said. Sixty-seven percent of nonprofits in San Bernardino, for example, have revenues under $25,000. “This puts nonprofits in a terrible position,”
Blumenfield said. Sonia Caravalho, a city attorney for Santa Ana and Claremont and partner at the national law firm Best Best & Krieger, expanded on the idea that mismanagement could take a toll on taxpayers. “In the good times, the cities were good to their employees,” Caravalho said. But faced with re-election or difficult labor negotiations, some leaders are content to turn a blind eye to deep structural problems, according to Caravalho. “It just gets too hard,” Caravalho said. “Some officials just don’t understand a city budget. They’re not always transparent, and maybe that’s on purpose.” Even during the course of bankruptcy, sometimes little is done to change policies or politicians that contributed to fiscal emergencies in the first place. “I don’t know if executives have enough to lose,” Caravalho said. In the end, Cole summed up the fundamental problem facing California’s cities by invoking former President Clinton’s remark about simple arithmetic at this year’s Democratic National Convention. “There are diverging trends of revenue and expenses,” Cole said. “[Without reform,] the California we are living in will be poorer, grimmer, and more unsafe than it is today.”
NYC soda ban: Is Santa Monica next? merissa weiland Staff Writer In a push to reduce obesity rates, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, alongside the New York City Board of Health, approved a ban to limit the amounts of sugary beverages consumers will be able to purchase from the city’s restaurants, movie theaters and street carts. According to a press release from the mayor, the ban, effective March 12, 2013, will prohibit any beverage with more than 25 calories per eight ounces from being sold in a container larger than 16 ounces. However, because the ban will only affect establishments that receive inspection grades from the health department, some newsstands, vending machines and convenience stores such as 7-11, will not be required to make changes. It remains to be seen whether or not Starbucks drinks will be affected. “We’re looking at all of our beverages internally,” said Starbucks spokeswoman Linda Mills. “I think there will be a lot of subtleties to work out.” This is the first of this kind of restriction in the country, and according to Bloomberg, it “will help save lives.” Bloomberg’s history of publicly fighting for health-related measures across the country is apparent. Between 2002 and 2011, Bloomberg either fought for or enacted at least six restrictions on a variety of issues. He succeeded in enacting a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and most public outdoor areas, and requiring food service providers to post calorie counts on menus and phase out artificial trans fats. Some of these restrictions went on to be enforced in cities across the country,
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including many in California. With fast-food restaurants such as Jack in the Box promoting large drinks for $1, the NYC soda ban would likely have a large impact on many businesses if a similar ban were to pass in Santa Monica. A Santa Monica AMC movie theater manager declined to comment on the issue because the chain includes theaters in New York. “If this passes in New York, California is next,” said Santa Monica College nutrition professor Yvonne Ortega. “I truly believe that if this passes, it will be the start of the change of the food industry, which is truly what we need to have happen at a national level.” Ortega stated that the consequences of consuming a 16-ounce soda every day could become harmful to a person’s health. “That’s 50 pounds of sugar a year that adds unnecessary calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity,” said Ortega. “The health complications related to obesity can include diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, sleep disorder, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as psychological disorders often seen in overweight people.” William Miller, an SMC student who drinks soda every other day, said that the ban should focus on other areas related to obesity. “At McDonalds, the burgers are only $1, while the salads are five bucks,” said Miller. “So they should start there first.” According to Miller, the ban interferes with a person’s freedom of choice. “People should be able to do what they want,” said Miller. “It’s their money. It’s their life.”
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health + lifestyle 13
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
Whole Food donates compost to the Organic Learning Garden rachel spurr Photos + Text
Bagging 15 tons of compost may seem to be a daunting task, but many Santa Monica College students have been willing to take on the challenge. With trowels and shovels in hand, Club Grow and the Eco-Action Club began the task at high noon on a sweltering summer day last week. The compost donation was coordinated through Laura Martino, marketing supervisor for Whole Foods in Santa Monica, and Eric Wilhite, of Community Recycling & Resource Recovery, Inc., a privately-owned family company that composts food waste for local businesses. Martino contacted Genevieve Bertone, director of sustainability at SMC, for a grounds tour. “After hearing so many great things about what Santa Monica College is doing with their environment department, I had to see it for myself,” said Martino. “I met some of the most amazing students who were so passionate about their garden and vested their time in it.” Whole Foods sells compost in the store, and also donates frequently to community gardens.
According to Hilary Maler, associate marketing coordinator for Whole Foods’ Southern Pacific Region, caring about the community and the environment is one of seven core values upheld by the store. “Whole Foods collects all plant waste from its stores, kitchens and produce centers,” said Maler. “They like to see [organic waste] get returned as nutrients to the soil.” Known for its healthy microbes and high-quality nutrients, good compost is a coveted item among gardeners. “It’s a great giveaway,” Bertone said of the compost donation. Half of the compost pile was bagged in two hours, and Club Grow and EcoAction Club have been working to finish bagging the remainder. “These guys are troopers, that’s for sure,” said Lisa Burns, administrative assistant for the Center for Environmental & Urban Studies, and co-adviser of the Eco-Action Club. The Organic Learning Garden, the CEUS, and the SMC campus grounds all received compost before the public giveaway. Anyone is free to stop by the garden to pick up a bag on Oct. 4 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
On Friday, Club Grow and Eco-Action Club bag 15 tons of compost, donated by Whole Foods Market.
Sixty units: Still doable in two years?
high school diploma. But some students have been prolonging their time in college beyond their original The old adage about life being more expectations, blaming the recession and about the journey than the destination may economic hardships. not always seem true for college students. First-year Santa Monica College student The trend of students taking more time Jenna Crowley, who has attended other to graduate from community colleges and community colleges since graduating from universities has become increasingly more high school in 2009, never intended to widespread. be studying at a community college, and Statistics have shown that California certainly never intended for her studies to students recognize the premium placed on exceed two years. improving skill sets with higher education “I took all AP classes and scored over 600 on before entering the job market, and the English portion of my SAT,” said Crowley. enrollment has remained high. “I got accepted into every school I wanted, but According to the Community College I wasn’t eligible for financial aid.” League of California, 24 percent of all Crowley has still been struggling to students enrolled in community colleges succeed while trying to pay for her nationwide are enrolled in a California community college classes. community college. “I was working nine-to-five at a very The CCLC also states that Americans demanding law firm, and because I was with an associate degree earn $400,000 living on my own, I could only fit one class more in their lifetime than those with1 just a into GAPCOM_SMCorsair_8_2012_Layout 8/29/12 10:36my AMschedule,” Page 1 said Crowley. henry crumblish Staff Writer
“I feel bad for my graduating class,” said Crowley. “We were thrown into this crazy economic system, and expected to go to school and work at the same time.” Dan Nannini, the SMC transfer center faculty leader, said he was unconvinced that students are taking longer to graduate or transfer. “I’ve never touted SMC as a two-year college,” said Nannini. “I always say it’s a 60-unit college; that’s what it takes to transfer.” Nannini questioned student preparation and personal responsibility, and said that the ultimate deciding factor in transfer speed is student motivation. “Many students need to discern between institutional issues and personal issues,” said Nannini. Nannini acknowledged that full-time students with no outside obligations have a distinct advantage in transferring over those with multiple priorities.
“Motivated students with the means are getting it done,” said Nannini. “It’s the student with the rigid schedule and kids that struggles. Those that want it get it; those that don’t will get there eventually.” First-year SMC student Leetal Ohayon is the archetype for a quick transferring student—a high school graduate, with transferable AP credits and a decided major. Ohayon agreed with Nannini’s philosophy. “I’m not the type to settle even though I’ll be held back,” said Ohayon. “I’m still doing something to ultimately reach my goal.” With recent cuts to class offerings and the cancellation of the upcoming winter session, students looking to transfer may face adversity in the coming months, but according to Nannini, students should be able to remain on track. “It just takes a little more creativity,” said Nannini.
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volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college
ASU dean courts young media-makers at SMC allie silvas Staff Writer In pursuit of higher-level education, Santa Monica College students often envision prosperous futures, but wonder how they can get there. As the dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, Christopher Callahan has witnessed firsthand the kinds of students who are able to see their dreams come to fruition. Kicking off this semester’s Global Connections Lecture Series Thursday with his lecture entitled “Immersing in the Practice of Journalism,” Callahan spoke about the future of journalism from a global perspective, as well as the opportunities for students at ASU. “The number one thing is to be passionate about something; passion and energy are the most important elements,” Callahan said. Callahan also said that aspiring professionals should be willing to go anywhere to attain their ideal careers, even if it means starting in a “small square state” like Arizona. According to Maria Hesse—ASU vice provost for academic partnerships, who was visiting SMC with Callahan—the school has seen a significant rise in the number of transfer students from SMC. In response, the university has created a guaranteed admissions program for prospective SMC transfer students, making SMC the first community college in California to be given this opportunity, and the only one that Callahan has visited thus far. Callahan has been at the forefront of innovation in the world of mass communication as the news industry drastically evolves. “The fun factor of journalism is as high as it has ever been,” Callahan said. According to Callahan, a premium has been placed on journalists who can develop efficient ways to spread today’s news, and work comfortably within a wide array of platforms. He advised those interested in joining the
Amy Gaskin Corsair Christopher Callahan, dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, spoke last Thursday to SMC students.
media to set their sights on becoming “high level, high quality, multimedia journalists.” Callahan said that although a lack of research and development in recent decades has hurt the business of journalism, young journalists now create clarity with modernization and creativity. Journalists are no longer limited to the black-andwhite text of the hard-copy newspaper. In fact, they are encouraged to branch into online resources, social media, videos, and blogs to reach the public in today’s digital world. “At the end of the day, we are storytellers,” Callahan said. The dean said that the Walter Cronkite School implements
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a “teaching hospital” model that places a priority on an immersive, hands-on experience. According to Callahan, the traditional, insular world of specialty reporters who work in isolation is a relic of the past. The new generation of media-makers will learn their trade in a collaborative environment, he said. Callahan also spoke about the importance of integrating other areas of study within journalism programs. A journalism and business program has recently been approved, and Callahan said that a journalism and computer science program might be on the way. “You must have the ability to be able to work across platforms,” Callahan said.
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sports 15
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college football
Defense powers Corsairs to victory over rival West L.A. eugene jones Staff Writer
It was the strong arm of Alfonso Medina combined with their stellar defense that helped power Santa Monica College to a 31-21 victory over their cross town rival West LA College. It was the Pacific conference opener for the Corsairs. Head Coach Gifford Lindheim was pleased with how his team performed. “It’s a home game, it’s our first conference game, it’s a rival game. So you have to take all those things into consideration and we’re just happy to have won and we look forward to week two of conference [play].” SMC came out strong to start the game by marching down the field and ending the drive with a four yard touchdown pass from Alfonso Medina who connected with Dominique Bierria to put SMC up 7-0. Medina would build off the early success by going 18 for 30 for 230 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Two of those touchdowns came with Bierria on the receiving end. The Corsair defense would match the same intensity level of the offense displayed, keying in on WLA quarterback Dallas Lopez, sacking him four times and forcing him into three interceptions, two of which came from freshman defensive back Qujuan Floyd. “I was really pleased. This is an offense that is high powered and we were able to make plays when they counted especially in the red zone,” said Lindheim. “We never
Paul Alvarez jr Corsair (L-R) Dallas Lopez gets his ball blocked by SMC’s Taylor McDaniel at Corsair Field last Saturday. The Corsairs would go on to beat West L.A. 31-21.
quit playing. If it was our end or their end we just kept on bringing it.” SMC would also suffer through a series of injuries to a couple of players. Freshman linebacker De-Jon Mitchell would leave the game with a concussion injury in the second quarter. Sophomore wide receiver Donnie Duncan would also not return to the game after injuring his knee. Speculation after
the game was that it may have been a season ending one. Despite those injuries, SMC continued to pound WLA, scoring seventeen unanswered points in the second and third quarters, increasing the lead to 24-7. SMC did have trouble with holding on to the football, fumbling three times, and losing two of them. “That’s uncharacteristic
of us. We’ve been pretty good with taking care of the ball as a program so that wasn’t like us to turn the ball over the way we did,” said Lindheim. “We were able to get those turnovers on the other side but we have to take care of the ball.” SMC will take their three game winning streak on the road against Glendale next Saturday at 6 p.m.
women’s waterpolo schedule Wednesday Sept. 26 at 3 P.M. vs. Citrus @ Citrus Wednesday Oct. 3 at 3:30 P.M. vs. Pierce @ Pierce Friday/Saturday Oct. 5-6 All Day Ventura Tournament @ Ventura Wednesday Oct. 10 at 3 P.M. vs. Ventura* Friday/Saturday Oct. 12-13 All Day Citrus Tournament @ Citrus
Michael Yanow Corsair Santa Monica College driver Tessa Barbee (16) and Pierce College driver Sara Booth (6) during action of a friendly water polo game on Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Woodland Hills. Pierce won 11-7.
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Thursday Oct. 18 at 3 P.M. vs. Cuesta* *home game
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16 sports
volume 104 issue 4 • september 26, 2012 • santa monica college mens soccer
Goal after goal
Women’s volleyball trying to find “fiery mentality” David yapkowitz Sports Editor
David J. Hawkins Corsair SMC’s Rafael Silva (right) tries to outrun midfielder Evan Myers (left) last Friday at Palomar College in San Marcos.
Kou Collins Staff Writer Goal’s are hard to come by in soccer, but Santa Monica College forward Alessandro Canale is arguably one of the best on his team at scoring them. He describes the feeling of scoring as “one of the best feelings that you can feel; there’s nothing like it, there is no drug, or anything else better than scoring goals.” For Canale, he has felt this euphoric feeling twelve times this season so far, highlighted by his four-goal rally against Alan Hancock last Tuesday. His latest goals came in the first half of SMC’s 4-1 victory at home against Glendale College Tuesday afternoon. His scoring has been pivotal to the team’s success as SMC is currently riding a two game winning streak, and are 6-0-2 for the season. However, Canale has done more then just score goals; his presence as well as his passing have been great . “He’s good with his back to the goal, we can play through him. He also sets up teammates to give them chances to score,” coach Tim Pierce said. Canale was one of the later additions to the team, so it was difficult to see what kind of player he was going to be. Pierce said that he’d seen Canale play before and knew that he was a good player. Other players on the team did not know
what to expect from the new freshman. “I didn’t expect him to play the way he is playing now. He is a really good player, and I want to play with him every game,” said forward Eric Fakhourian. “The first thing I noticed about him was that he is living like an athlete. He’s not drinking or smoking, his hard work is going to pay off.” Canale said his mindset changed two or three years ago when he became motivated playing soccer. “It’s kind of funny, I was into partying a lot, but I didn’t see a future in it. I see a future if you work hard in anything you do, and I’m going to do that for soccer.” “I’m doing everything I can to keep my body in the right shape.” His hard work seems to be paying off. Pierce explained that Canale always finishes in the top five in endurance drills during practice. It has been nearly 20 years since SMC has had a men’s soccer team to root for, and they’re giving fans something to cheer about, remaining undefeated through eight games. “I always thought we could put a great team together,” Canale said. “I think thus far we’ve had a great season. I feel like we’ve done really well, and we can continue to do well.” Canale’s skills and his work ethic seem to have rubbed off on the team, and it looks like they’ve laid a foundation for a solid team for years to come.
MENS SOCCER SCHEDULE FRIDAY SEP. 28TH AT 3 P.M. VS. LA MISSION*
TUESDAY OCT. 16TH AT 3 P.M. VS. MOORPARK*
TUESDAY OCT. 2ND AT 3 P.M. VS. SANTA BARBARA*
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19TH AT 3 P.M. VS. ALLAN HANCOCK*
FRIDAY OCT. 5TH AT 2 P.M. VS. CITRUS @ CITRUS
TUESDAY OCT. 26TH AT 4 P.M. VS. GLENDALE @ GLENDALE
TUESDAY OCT. 9TH AT 3 P.M. VS. CANYONS*
FRIDAY OCT. 30TH AT 4 P.M. VS. LA MISSION @ PIERCE
FRIDAY OCT. 12TH AT 3 P.M. VS. OXNARD*
* HOME GAME
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With the temperature reaching the high 90s and the blistering sun scorching across the valley, the air conditioned Pierce College gym seemed like an ideal place to get cool. But the heat was on inside as well, with Saddleback College threatening to pull off a come from behind victory over the Santa Monica College Corsairs women’s volleyball team. SMC had taken the first two sets of their match against the Gauchos, but they took their foot off the gas and allowed Saddleback to get right back into it as the Gauchos won two straight sets to force a deciding fifth set. The Corsairs, however, were having none of it as they were able to regroup and beat Saddleback in the fifth set by a score of 1510, winning their only match of the two day Pierce Invitational tournament. Just like with their match against the Gauchos, SMC struggled late in sets to close out other teams as they lost to both Pasadena City College and Palomar College in their earlier matches. “We were in control and we just couldn’t close it out,” said head coach Nicole Ryan on the team’s earlier games. “I think it’s a lack of confidence, we just didn’t have any.” Coming into the tournament, which is in its third year, the Corsairs brought with them a 2-2 record and a shuffling lineup. They currently have two players out and are looking around at the remaining
members of the team as to who will step up and fill the void. “We’ve been trying out different lineups, obviously having two players out affects us,” said Ryan. “But it’s no excuse, others need to step up.” In an earlier match against the Palomar College Comets, the Corsairs fell behind and were on the verge of losing the set, with the Comets ahead 24-18. Despite being down, SMC almost pulled out some come from behind magic of their own with a fierce rally, tying the set up at 24 all. However, the Comets held strong and fended off SMC, winning all three sets as the Corsairs struggled to find some late game heroics. Despite the initial losses against Pasadena and Palomar, the Corsairs looked energized and eager to avenge their earlier defeats, taking it out on Saddleback College. Led by the brilliant play up at the net by middle blockers Justyce Smith and Michelle Smith, and outside hitter Hannah Pope, combined with the overall leadership of team captain Bianca Ngo, the Corsairs managed to fend off the feisty Gauchos and salvage what would have been a disappointing tournament showing, giving the fans who showed up something to cheer about. Heading into their next match against the Ventura College Pirates at home on Sept. 26, Ryan would like to see a different kind of mindset. “Right now we don’t have that fiery mentality, that’s what we need to finish games. We’ve got to get it.”
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