Vol107issue07

CORSAIR

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

www.eCorsairOnline.com

/eCorsairNews CorsairNews @e_Corsair

FiRST COPY OF THE CORSAIR IS FREE, EACH COPY AFTER IS 25C

Pablo Garcia wins AS presidential election Juan Lopez Staff Writer

Liz Phillips Corsair Associated Student Body President Elect Pablo Garcia responds to questions from students at the Associate Student Elections open debate held on the quad of the SMC main campus on Tuesday, April 1.

A week before the election results, Pablo Garcia of the S.I.M.B.A slate was in the Organic Learning Garden tending to some herbs and avoiding campaigning with his slate mates in the moderately populated quad.

Garcia said the pressure was weighing on him and working in the garden proved a centering activity.

After a tense election period that included a contentious disqualification, Garcia narrowly beat out independent candidate Courtney King by 26 votes, 591-565, for the Associated Students presidency. Kai Perez of the Si Se Puede slate came in third with 459.

Garcia was still taking in the results on the day of the announcement.

“I am very much honored and humbled for having the students trust in me as their new president,” said Garcia.

At the proper announcement, which consisted of Associate Dean of Student Life Sonali Bridges posting the calculated voting results on the door of the AS Office, current AS President Ty Moura jumped in joy seeing that her commissioner won and will follow her footsteps.

“He came a long way since that summer day when he came for an interview for primary commissioner,” said Moura.

Students commenting on last week’s debate were quick to note Garcia’s quiet presence next to opponent King’s strong and commanding verbal presence. Many of the few present felt King made a lasting impression.

“She had a lot of energy,” said Garcia.

“She was enthusiastic and very charismatic, which made the race very close.”

The debate led him and his running mates to increase their one-on-one campaigning, even reaching out to numerous night classes both before their start and during their unofficial break times.

Though he saw King as a large threat, Garcia shared his eagerness to work with her both during the debate and outside of it, now hoping that she joins the board by running for Inter-Club Council Chair. He also has interest in working with Perez, citing his former opponent’s professionalism.

Continued on page 4

Tennis suffers first loss Trev angone Sports Editor The top ranked Santa Monica College women’s tennis team suffered a shocking upset in the first round of the SoCal Regional Dual Team Championships yesterday as the 9-8 Riverside City College Tigers pounced at every opportunity, defeating the Corsairs 6-3.

“I don’t think we played our best to say the least. I feel like we had a really long weekend with the Western State Conference tournament, it was a lot of tennis, about four matches a day. Like eight hours of tennis a day and I feel like that was really draining,” said team captain Jessica Goldbeck. “I don’t think we had as much energy as we should have, but they played well and I wish we would have

played better, it’s really sad.”

Goldbeck was the only SMC player to win her singles match as the Corsairs were bested 5-1 in singles matches on the day.

Making the Corsairs lopsided defeat that much harder to deal with, was the fact that they started their singles matches with a 2-1 advantage as doubles partners Jessica Goldbeck and Kaori Tsuda won 8-6 as did partners Izabel Nazdracheva and Thanapha Bencharongkul or “Bess” as she likes to be called.

“Doubles were good, it was a close one.

But in the end we pulled out a 8-6 win,” said Bess. “This season went really well. We were undefeated until the very end, so I’m really proud of the girls for that.”

Continued on page 12

Brandon Barsugli Corsair Santa Monica College women’s tennis player Victoria Mamatova returns the ball to an opponent during a match against Riverside City College on Tuesday.

the c orsair • thec orsaironline.c om • 19 0 0 pic o blvd. santa monica, ca 9 0405 •(310) 434-4340

2 contents

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Henry Crumblish····· 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 Elizabeth Moss·Digital Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David Yapkowitz······Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Ronja Jansz···········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 Alci Rengifo····· 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 Jonathan Ramos······· 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 Trev Angone·············· 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 Jimmy Janszen············· Photo Editor Rachel Porter············· 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 Jhosef Hern····················Illustrator c o rs a i r c a r t o o n @ g m a i l . c o m David Veta················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 Brandon Barsugli, Scott Bixler, Cesar Clarke, Amalia Darin, My’sson Downs, Mia Duncans, Elin Ekdahl, Paulina Eriksson, Walter Flores, Rachel Gianuario, Qalil Ismail, Sarit Kashanian, Nick Kovalenko, Aaron Leaureaux, Juan Lopez, Malin Lord, Jazmin Martinez, Christophor McGovern, Delmy Moran, Adrien Piteux, Liz Phillips, James Powel, Patrick Shanley FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart AD INQUIRIES: c o rsai r. admana g er@g m ai l . co m (3 1 0 ) 4 3 4 - 4 0 3 3

Juan Lopez Corsair The Creative Collaboration Club interacts with students during Club Awareness Day on the SMC quad on Thursday, April 3.

EARTH WEEK 2014 4.21 4.25 4.21 - 4.25 4.23

4.21

Meatless Monday

Honeybee Festival

4.22

4.24

Keynote Speaker & Eco Hero Award

Students Feeding Students

4.25

Day of Service Here to Help

Michael Greenberg, Director of Publicity (310) 434 - 4965 greenberg.publicity@gmail.com

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

news 3

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Manuel Henriquez permit delayed due to distribution confusion James Powel Staff Writer

Scott Bixler Corsair SMC AS Director of Activities Matthew Nicholson talks to the board about the incident involving his alleged misuse of funds at an AS Event. The AS cleared Nicholson of all allegations at their meeting on Monday, April 7.

Nicholson cleared of wrongdoing

Henry Crumblish Editor-In-Chief

The possibility of impeachment and allegations of misappropriation of funds loomed over Matthew Nicholson’s head going into Monday’s Associated Students meeting.

After the dust had settled from all the commotion and activity surrounding the AS Director of Activities, it was decided that Nicholson will remain in his current position and that his name is cleared of all accusations of money laundering.

“Matt did provide the records to me this afternoon and his donation source is a legal source therefore, there is no money laundering associated with it, you need to understand there is no money laundering per say at all, and Matthew has fully cleared his name,” said Associate Dean of Student Life Sonali Bridges.

AS Vice President Kyle McGrath then inquired if it would be possible for Nicholson to fill out a donations receipt and inventory form.

Due to the sensitivity of the topic and to Nicholson’s donor as well as the evidence provided, Bridges waived the request form.

“As far as that form goes I have not violated the fiscal policy in any way, that form’s purpose is for corporations to get tax write offs for charitable donations. The company I used is not in the right tax bracket to even get that tax write off,” said Nicholson.

At this time, the source of Nicholson’s donations have not been made public and only Bridges and Dean of Student Life Deyna Hearn have reviewed the evidence.

In other business, the AS also discussed the future of the Big Blue Bus contract and how the project would be funded for the next three years.

According to President Ty Moura, the AS and the Board of Trustees have a verbal agreement to fund the contract equally, paying 50 percent each. However, allegedly, money has already been taken from an AS account in the amount of 60 percent.

The AS proposed they draft a Memorandum of Understanding for the BOT to sign honoring their verbal agreement. Unfortunately the BOT has already approved the current contract and if they choose not to sign the MOU it could jeopardize thousands of students daily transportation.

“This has already been voted and agreed upon,” said Bridges. “It is very possible they might not sign the MOU and if that is the case how is this going to affect the members and do you want to gamble that?”

Associate Dean Bridges suggested that the board table the item until next meeting due to all those affected.

Another critical decision brought to discussion was the separation of the AS membership fee and the student ID fee, which was pushed back to the next meeting.

If not fixed within two weeks the AS board proposed to file a formal complaint to the Chancellor’s Office, which would bring the issue above the BOT and to the state level.

Newly appointed Director of Student Advocacy Hasun Khan cited a finance

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

meeting from the week prior, stating that the administration involved never answered AS’ questions over the existence of the ID fee and told the fees were independent but linked.

Bridges urged the board to push the item to after spring break due to one of the creators of the ID fee Don Girard, letting her know they are “working on changing the language” of the ID card to a “universal access card” to better represent what it is and that “they are working on making sure those fees are separated.”

The board also spent two hours revising and amending their bylaws fixing outdated and archaic language, as well as switching minor duties of certain directors.

The biggest change came in an amendment designed to bring the AS in compliance with the Brown Act. During decision making all votes must be recorded by name.

The AS also approved a new board game rental program where students can check out board games using their student ID’s as collateral.

The Board also approved $5,000 to purchase publicity items including laminate boards, AS boards, the AS newsletter, and poo-times for the women’s restroom.

Poo-times are a small sheet of games designed to occupy bathroom-goers time in the stalls.

Poo-times were originally intended to be put in place in both men’s and women’s restrooms however, due to constant vandalism in the men’s rooms they are now only slated to be used in women’s restrooms. @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

The Santa Monica College Associated Students Board voted to approve, then were forced to rescind the vote, on temporary permits for Manuel Henriquez’s music sharing program, during their regular meeting on Monday.

The board voted unanimously to approve a series of permits for Henriquez that would allow him to play his music during the student activity hour for the rest of the semester and officially sponsor his program.

After the board took the vote, Associate Dean of Student Life Sonali Bridges asserted that the board did not have the power to issue the permit.

“The only two governing authorities that can approve the activity permit for any activity hour is events and myself,” Bridges said during the meeting.

Following Bridges’ assertion, Dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs Deyna Hearn also questioned the board’s ability to issue the permit.

AS Director of Publicity Michael Greenberg then said that during the Department of Planning and Advisory Council meeting, Director of Facility Linda Sullivan stated that the AS had the power to issue permits for events in the quad at any time.

When asked about this statement, Sullivan said, “If I did that statement was incorrect.”

At the meeting, Hearn reiterated Bridges’ assertion that the board did not have the power to distribute the permit.

“I understand that this particular board, but not the majority of you, want to support [Henriquez] and I respect that.

But I need you to be realistic in terms of your levels and areas of authority,” Hearn said during the meeting.

Hearn then informed the board that even with AS sponsorship, Henriquez would have to go through the activities permit process.

The item was then reconsidered and tabled for the AS meeting on April 21 pursuant to the proper paperwork being filed.

The AS President then reiterated that the action item was what was advised to them

by Sullivan and Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Tuitasi.

Though the permit issue was delayed, Henriquez felt blessed for the support of the AS. “I’m really, really satisfied that the AS really did support me of what I’ve been doing over the last nine years of my music sharing,” said Henriquez. “Even back at LACC it never happens to me like this but here at SMC it was really amazing.”

Henriquez currently has no plan to fight for a long-term permit, but looks forward to possibly receiving the AS permit.

“Hopefully things will go back to normal, the way it was,” Henriquez said.

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

4 news

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

cont. from cover Juan Lopez Staff Writer

The results did not come with some form of controversy however.

King thought the voting process itself was flawed and the election rushed.

The voter turnout was a total of 1,795 students, making for approximately six percent of the student body.

“I want Corsair Connect to make people vote before they login, one time,” said King.

“The way things are working now, it’s not working, people should participate.”

Despite her dissatisfaction with student participation and Jimmy Janszen Corsair the process as a whole, Presidential candidate Pablo Garcia speaks about the problems with parking at SMC during the AS King said she was happy presidential debate on the Santa Monica College quad on Tuesday April 1. for Garcia.

EARN YOUR

MASTER’S

1YEAR

IN

NO D R DI Z E A D N STA SCORES TEST IRED. REQU

LEARN MORE. APPLY TODAY. www.merrimack.edu/graduate Now accepting for: Summer and Fall 2014

TAKE YOUR EDUCATION A STEP FURTHER AND DEVELOP ADVANCED SKILLS CRITICAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS. GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN:

• Accelerated one-year or part-time formats • Co-op, internship, and networking opportunities • Scholarships and financial aid • Competitive tuition

- Management - Engineering

• No standardized test scores required

- Education - Licensure Programs

• No application fee

- Higher Education

• A ssistantship and Fellowship programs

- Community Engagement

• Just 25 miles north of Boston

- Education General Studies

NORTH ANDOVER, MA

www.merrimack.edu/graduate 978-837-5073

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

7.5x10

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

The new AS Board-elect will be attending a series of parliamentary procedure workshops and a retreat over the summer in order to prepare for their new roles which they officially start in the fall.

Garcia is eager to getting to know all of them, even beforehand, and working with them and anyone else who chooses.

“It’s all about working together, I am only one person,” said Garcia. “I’m going to be counting on having people who are really motivated and want to work.”

“As soon as I catch up on some homework, I plan to sit down and work out the logistics of how I want to go about working with clubs, because it’s going to be a big task,” said Garcia, echoing King’s solid election platform focused on clubs. “But it’s something that I’m really passionate about and I really want to see happen.”

After the debate, former AS President Parker Jean criticized the debate for not having a focus education funding and reform on the state level. In reference to this, Garcia said he’s been meeting with members of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, of which current director of publicity Michael Greenberg is a senator, and he plans on working with them on getting the student voice heard. He has also been attending conferences with the current AS, and gaining knowledge about issues he hadn’t been exposed to before. “I would like to put on workshops and events to get students exposed to what’s going on with SCCC on the state level,” said Garcia. “I want to be able to relay information to the students.”

On the topic of book costs, Garcia acknowledges that the AS does not wield the power to affect the students’ problems with the issue directly, as he did with other topics such as Wi-Fi during the debate. Though he stated he would like to keep open lines with the faculty on providing more affordable access for student texts. One way he sees to combat the high book prices students face is by following the current AS’ example of the Student Success Award and providing funds for students to more easily afford their textbooks.

Elsewhere in the election, the most voted on position was for Director of Student Outreach with 1,617 voters, where Si Se Puede earned a win with Robert Espinoza taking 46.3 percent of the vote.

Emmanuel Kapella of the Real Change slate, who was absent during the debate, won the position of Director of Student Affairs with 63.7 percent of the vote. Jessica Meshkani pulled off a similar victory for their slate winning the Director of Publicity position with 59.5 percent of the vote.

Andrew Koo and Diana Gutierrez won for Director of Activities and Director of Student Advocacy respectively for SIMBA, each with over 300 votes more than their nearest competition. Jeffrey Lewis, independent, won the position of Director of Instructional & Technical Support.

Real Change had other winners with no opposition, with Daniel Kolko for Student Trustee, Cinthia Magana for Secretary, and Howard Kim for Director of Budget Management.

Other unopposed winners were Ali Khan for Vice-President, Ariel Mok for Director of Academic Support & Shared Governance, and Andrea Gonzalez for Director of Sustainability.

Outside of the candidates, recent amendments to the AS constitution were passed with an 85.2 percent Yes vote.

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

Opinion 5

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Crying out for a fellow conqueror

David YApkowitz Managing Editor

The results of the 2014 Santa Monica College Associated Students election were released last Friday, and they came as a big disappointment to me.

I’ll admit, during my early days here at SMC, I never really cared much for the AS elections. I didn’t even know we had a student government.

But recently, I’ve taken more of an interest in them.

For the past few elections, I felt as if the majority of the presidential candidates are all cut from the same cloth, with no real substance.

They all follow the same rehashed garbage about getting students involved and learning about the AS as if they’re reading off a script.

However, a breath of fresh air swept through election season at SMC in the form of Courtney King.

I first encountered King during an InterClub Council meeting during the fall semester. She came to present her new knitting club. She was very enthusiastic and very friendly.

When I heard she was running for AS president, I thought to myself, this is someone I can support, this is someone I can get behind.

Aside from her quirkiness and uniqueness, she was completely brand new and was not a part of the cliquish culture that currently permeates the AS. I’ve sat in on many ICC meetings as the delegate for the Creative Writing Club for two semesters, as well as attending Club Olympics meetings and the clique mentality that has surrounded the AS for quite some time was always on full display.

Not only that, but the majority of the AS for the past few semesters has walked around campus carrying a “holier than thou” attitude, constantly bombarding students with all the so called wonderful things the AS does for the student body.

I don’t know about other students, but that kind of attitude just turns me off completely. I want to know what the AS plans to do for me as a student, not what happens when I become an AS member.

King did exactly that, she didn’t act high and mighty. She put herself on the level of the students and not some pedestal.

She did more than hold her own at the debate, and was the only candidate who voluntarily mentioned trying to help campus favorite Manuel Henriquez get back onto the quad.

But instead of true change, we’re once again stuck with the same old, same old.

No offense to Pablo Garcia, I don’t know him, but he did nothing during the AS debate to convince me that he was ready to do anything significantly different should he be elected president, simply sitting quiet as King and Kai Perez discussed topics for most of the time.

Also having served as primary commissioner to current president Ty Moura, I fear he will be a continuation of the same old clique we have become accustomed to.

Be prepared for a lot more of the “AS is so great!” diatribe and less about the students themselves.

Hopefully they can prove me wrong, but I doubt it. Sometimes organizations need complete overhauls and need to clean house, a dire need for the AS.

Scott Bixler Corsair A Santa Monica College student dozes off in the Cayton Center during the Associated Students meeting on Monday April 7.

Letter to the Editor Letter to the Editors: With my time here coming to a close after a handful of years, I can genuinely say this place has been a learning experience.

From a fresh-faced (and loud-mouthed) 19-year-old to a maturing 24-year-old, this place has changed my life. Sometimes for the better, and other times make for good bonfire stories. But there’s something that has changed over the years that really frightens me…and if you have had the “pleasure” (and I use that term very loosely) of having been here off-and-on since 2009, you probably have noticed it too.

Coming from Koreatown, Los Angeles, there is hardly any diversity. You have (or had, in earlier years) Asians and Latino/ as with not very much in between, so that leaves Black/Mexican/Am. Indian folk like myself in a sticky situation. In that regard, culture shock cannot even describe what I was feeling during my first semester here at Santa Monica College. Never in my life

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

had I seen Asians talking to Blacks talking to Caucasians talking to etc., etc…it was refreshing. And it was the past as well…

Gradually, this is fading. So like I said, if you have been here for a few years now, you have probably noticed it too. I just wanted to bring this into the light, as it pains me to see this campus become more and more segregated and cliquish based on something as miniscule as race and ethnicity. The whole reason we are in college is to become more educated and open-minded, and as I am wrapping up my last semester here, it really alarms me to see the slow reversion back into this type of primitive (and voluntary) segregation. The Corsair staff itself is a great representation of the diversity that used to be seen on campus. Am I just reading into things too much, or have any of you noticed this change as well?

Warmly, Erica Robinson

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

6 photostory

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Mia Duncans Corsair Steven Wynbrandt, compost connoisseur at the local Wynbrandt Farms, takes time out to teach SMC students who belong to Club Grow, various ways of composting and producing macrobiotic life on March 4. Club Grow meets at the Organic Learning Garden on Campus during the student activities hour every Tuesday and Thursday.

Club Grow blossoms before Earth Week Jimmy Janszen Photo Editor

As plants and produce begin to sprout in the SMC Organic need,” says Director of Sustainability Genevieve Bertone.

Learning Garden, Club Grow is kicking off the spring “A lot of the food that we get will be from local farmers that season by raising awareness of how students can contribute would of thrown the food away. It’s a way for students to to a more ecological future. With Earth Week just around learn about local, organic, and sustainable foods and learn the corner, students are doing their part to be more Earth how to access it in their area.” wise.

Since it’s establishment in 2012 as SMC student Ryan Duncans an official club on campus, Club manages the on-campus Organic Grow has created a 1,200 square Learning Garden and is optimistic foot garden with over fourteen plots for the future of Club Grow. “It growing everything from delectable took five years to get [Club Grow] strawberries to other recognized established,” says Duncans. “The sources of healthy eating such as purpose is for the garden to be a tomatoes and kale. place of outdoor education for Gardening is not an activity only a variety of clubs and classes on for specialists, according to former campus.” When walking through advisor to the Organic Learning the various herbs and vegetables, Garden Dana Morgan, there are signs greet students announcing many beneficial gardening activities SMC clubs and classes. All of you can do in the comfort of your Mia Duncans Corsair own home. “You can start small by which was surrounded by produce Fava Beans wait to take their place on a shelf in the Organic Learning of every type. growing food in a flower pot, and Garden on Tuesday, April 8.

SMC student clubs such as, grow it on your balcony or porch, and EcoAction Club, the Center for Environmental and Urban you’ll be amazed by the flavor and nutrition of the food Studies and Club grow are contributing to Earth Week with itself.” five days dedicated to ecological action. Among the upcoming The Organic Learning Garden can provide a healthy events at SMC that commemorate Earth Week will be bee alternative to the mechanized fast food dominated terrain keeping, talks about sustainable foods, and giveaways at the we live in today. Morgan also added that, “One of the April 22, event of Students Feeding Students of which Club major benefits of the garden is that it gets us away from Grow will be gleaning the local farmer’s markets to bring technology.” free, organic food to the students of SMC. With the Organic Learning Garden, Club Grow is offering “Students Feeding Students is about connecting waste to an eden that feeds the mind as well as the body. for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

photostory 7

SMC Earth Week 4.21-4.25 4.21

- Meatless Monday - Cafeteria All Day

4.22 -Students Feeding Students

- Quad 11am-2pm

Mia Duncans Corsair

4.23

- Honey Bee Festival - Organic Learnign Garden 2pm-5pm

Seed Librarian for Club Grow, Isaac Rabin carries out a bundle of weeds on Thursday, March 20, to make room for produce that will be grown at the SMC Organic Learning Garden during the Spring Semester.

4.24

4.25

- Eco Hero award -Theater Arts 11:15am- 12:30pm

- Day of Service -Santa Monica Beach, Tower18 10am-1pm

Mia Duncans Corsair SMC Student, Byron Salazar takes a break during student activity hour at the SMC Organic Learning Garden on Thursday, March 20. Salazar and other students belonging to Sustainable Clubs on Campus put a lot of care into the garden so that an abundance of produce is around for all to enjoy.

“[It’s] a place of outdoor education for a variety of clubs and classes on campus.”

Mia Duncans Corsair Master Gardner and Founding Member of the SMC Organic Learning Garden Dana Morgan speaks to a groups of students as she prepares to do a Fava Bean demonstration on Tuesday, March 25. Morgan enjoys spending time with the Club Grow student when she takes a visit back to campus.

Mia Duncans Corsair Manager of Club Grow Ryan Duncans (right), engages students in the process of growing produce at the SMC Organic Learning Garden on Thursday, March 20.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

& Entertainment 8 Arts

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Rachel Porter Corsair Alberta Keys prepares for another season of intense dance and creativity in the SMC dance department’s upcoming Synapse and Global Motion dance spectacles.

Alberta Keys: dancing queen Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor

She left her head and her heart on the dance floor. Alberta Keys grew up in a rough landscape where opportunities seemed scarce and the violent, red-tinged feel of a school fight was common.

But like a diamond waiting to be discovered, Keys landed at Santa Monica College in 2008 and found her home in the dance department.

“I came in the fall of 2008 as a regular general education person. I was actually planning to go to Spelman College,” says Keys while taking a break from rehearsals for the upcoming Synapse show still a few months away. “I took my first ballet class here, and ever since I took ballet here every other thing and dream went out the window.”

A closer look at Keys’s pre-SMC days reveal an undeniable syzygy that led her to where she is today. In high school, she ran track and did cheerleading. The fusion of athleticism and artistry has now come full circle in her intense desire to be a professional dancer.

It was a simple desire to stay in shape, or “toned” as she puts it, that led Keys to the dance department.

“Everyone told me that ballet helps keep your form structure,” she says. “I took the class and it was something deeper than anything I had ever done before in my life.”

For Keys, the experience of artistic creation through the body was also cathartic. A life-long introvert, Keys had found a way to say things she had always wanted to express.

“I found out that movement in art was a voice for my personality,” she emphasizes.

“When I get into the dance room it’s like air. The roof isn’t there. When I’m onstage I don’t see the audience or the people. I see a connection with the story that’s being told.”

Dance has also been a healer for Keys. It requires a kind of vulnerability fused with a hard iron discipline.

“It gives you structure, you learn to calm down and just breathe. In the real world of dance if you say anything crazy you’re eliminated, no matter how talented you are,” she says. “Dance helped me respect

myself and others.”

Even her family and friends have noticed the profound change. She describes her old self as a “fighter” not afraid to raise her voice at anyone. Now even her old elementary school teachers are impressed with the new, serene, focused dancer standing before them.

Keys didn’t jump straight into dancing however upon joining the program. Before hitting the stage, she had to start off as a prop holder during the department’s renowned Synapse shows.

She would carry artificial stars across the stage. While doing this she took classes every semester to grow as a dancer and is now a top performer.

Last year however, Keys began to turn heads when she wowed the Broad audience with her solo performance titled “Disassociation,” choreographed by her and based on personal, childhood memories. Keys used the chance to do a solo to express the need to revisit painful pasts, let them go, and accept oneself in the present.

So committed to her craft is Keys that along the way sacrifices have been made and a trail of memories left behind.

“I’ve lost jobs, I’ve lost relationships, loves, pride and dignity. You lose yourself here in the sense of rebuilding yourself to become something so much bigger, it’s all worth it,” says Keys.

Life after SMC for Keys means enrolling at California State University Long Beach or transferring to the University of San Francisco. Her goal is to be a dancer and like many artists finds herself with supportive parents who are still trying to comprehend how an art form can be a practical job.

For now, Keys is immersed in preparations for both the Synapse and Global Motion shows which are more often than not grand spectacles of movement and sound.

“It’s going to be breathtaking. You’ll see nice trios, technique and we like to move as one,” she says. “We’re a family that takes it so seriously. The costumes will be interesting this year, the lighting will be great.”

Her favorite piece to practice so far is a lyrical jazz performance.

“Jazz is more turned in. Ballet is a structure that must be sustained while jazz passes through and also sustains,” she says. “I like how you

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

can tell your story through contemporary and lyrical, it will be like a soundtrack you hear. It’s going to be a great piece.”

Like blood in the veins, dance courses through every aspect of Keys’ life. When she walks out of campus the streets become her new stage.

“We all dance all day. When we’re not

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

in rehearsal we’re literally dancing in the middle of the street with a boom box doing glissades. When we go out on weekends we go to dance clubs, it’s all dance,” she says.

For Keys, life moves in rhythm and her feet in step with dreams and emotions that carry her forward towards an ever brighter future.

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

Arts & Entertainment 9

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Wrestlemania Review

Game of Thrones

The authority was conquered, justice was served, good triumphed over evil, and the greatest streak in sports entertainment came to an abrupt end.

The Superbowl of professional wrestling took place in the Super Dome of New Orleans on Sunday, as the superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment went to war on the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania.

This year’s showcase of immortals was highlighted by some of WWE’s main event talent such as Bray Wyatt, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, as well as the more household names of Brock Lesnar, Batista, and John Cena.

The first WWE pay-per-view to stream on the newly launched WWE network, stormed through its opening segment and did not disappoint, as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan, delivered a nearly flawless opening segment in which the only blemish came when Hogan mispronounced “Super dome” in favor of the “Silver dome.”

While the presence of arguably the three most iconic names in sports entertainment together in the same ring was history in itself, it paled in comparison to the moment that tore down the wall of professional wrestling and left the 75,000 fans in attendance in complete and utter silence.

The 21-0 Wrestlemania reign of the Undertaker, possibly the most respected wrestler in WWE history, came crashing to a halt as Brock Lesnar toppled the Deadman in a match that was rather slow and bland, as the aging Undertaker could not keep up with the physicality of the beast incarnate.

Still, the quality of the match could not erase the significance of such an earth trembling result. The Undertaker’s streak was arguably the most known and respected in all of sports entertainment as well as the most anticipated match of each Wrestlemania, as fans would eagerly ponder throughout the year who the next challenger to the streak would be.

As Brock Lesnar slammed the Undertaker down to the mat with a third F-5 and covered him for the pin, most fans expected the deadman’s shoulder rise once again.

On this night however, the referee’s hand counted to three as the night took one of the most emotional turns ever witnessed in a wrestling arena. The fans were left speechless and the shock felt around the wrestling world was unparalleled.

The streak was over and the night carried on.

The end of the streak may have been the biggest moment of the night, rivaled only by the story of an underdog, who for the previous six months, had been screwed, beaten, and battered out of WWE’s top prize, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

In the opening match, Daniel Bryan defeated Triple H in a solid match that featured several enticing moments, such as Bryan kicking out of Triple H’s Pedigree, as well as Triple H succumbing to Daniel Bryan’s flying knee maneuver. The stipulation for the match allowed Bryan to be inserted into the main event world title match between Randy Orton and Batista, adding to the drama of the night.

A post match attack on Bryan from Triple H added to the drama as it was unknown whether Bryan would be ready for the main event.

In between the commotion, there were several other notable matches during the show.

The Shield made mince meat of the Authority’s Kane and the New Age Outlaws, in a match that was more like a

With a wonderfully dark, measured opening the new season of HBO’s “Game Of Thrones” confirmed that this is still the sharpest, most imaginative drama series on television.

The season premiere, “The Two Swords,” raked in HBO’s highest ratings since 2007.

According to Rolling Stone the show attracted 6.6. million viewers on Sunday night, with two replays boosting that number to 8.2 million. In fact HBO’s streaming service, HBOGo, crashed as a result of the massive onslaught of ravenous fans.

Like “Walking Dead” and “Mad Men,” there’s something about “Game Of Thrones” that makes it tap into a public hunger for bigger stories with a human touch you just don’t get at the multiplex with films like “Captain America,” “Transformers” or “Man Of Steel,” with the exception of “Noah.”

Now in its fourth run the grand, complex adaptation of author George R.R. Martin’s bestselling fantasy novels continues to bring a breadth of imagination and literary storytelling you don’t see anywhere on the big screen.

Jonathan Ramos Opinion Editor

sparring session for the hounds of justice.

The night also featured Cesaro lifting the 500 pound Big Show over the top ring rope, to win the newly added Andre the Giant Battle Royal. The battle royal was better than most fans expected and delivered some exciting spots, highlighted

by Kofi Kingston’s brilliantly executed near-elimination. As he was thrown over the rope, Kingston managed to keep both of his feet atop the steel ring steps, preventing his feet from actually hitting the floor, keeping him in the match.

The match between Bray Wyatt and John Cena left some to be desired as the match was built upon Cena finally giving in to the monster that he is, but had only teases of Cena’s dark side as he would quickly return to his traditional “superman” style of wrestling. The match itself was a solid display of the power within the two men, featuring a few good spots such as Cena spearing Luke Harper through the barricade as well as the Attitude Adjustment move that put Wyatt away.

Just before the main event, while fans were still lifting their jaws off the floor from the Lesnar and Undertaker finale, AJ Lee defeated 13 other divas to retain her

Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor

Jhosef Hern Corsair

divas championship in the first ever divas invitational at Wrestlemania. The match in itself was entertaining but asking the divas to follow such a historic moment was like asking FUN to go on after Led Zeppelin at a concert and expecting fans to care.

The night’s main event between Randy Orton, Batista, and Daniel Bryan saw the leader of the YES movement finally capture the top prize in the business after months of torture.

It was a great match filled with with plenty of drama including Bryan clocking an interfering Triple H with a sledgehammer, only to be carried off on a stretcher after a Batista bomb/ RKO through the announcers table, and still coming back into the match to force Batista to tap out to the YES lock, thereby, winning the WWE world heavyweight championship.

The show had some of, if not the most, dramatic moments in Wrestlemania history topped off with very solid wrestling. It proved that there is no limit to the tricks WWE will pull to shock its fans. The streak is over, but Bryan finally capturing the big one was enough for fans to leave on a high note.

For those who missed the event, the WWE network will continue to stream it online for all to witness the history that was Wrestlemania 30.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

Here are five reasons why “Game Of Thrones” towers above its peers when it comes to television binging.

5. The music The music by Ramin Djawadi has become instantly recognizable. Especially the theme song which has become a cultural staple on par with past TV themes such as Mark Snow’s theme for “The X-Files.” With its brooding strings and vibrant notes the theme is classical yet instantly catchy, baroque yet modern. The sound of the theme instantly evokes the series’s opening title sequence where the map of the show’s fantastical world manifests itself and the various castles, halls and kingdoms the characters inhabit build themselves like tiny miniatures.

4. Dragons “Game Of Thrones” is great television because it combines classical fantasy with very modern, hard-edged drama. One key example of this are the dragons that belong to the princess turned warrior Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), one of the players in the great war for the Iron Throne, the seat of power at the city of King’s Landing. In the first season the dragons were merely hatchlings, born from eggs Targaryen carried as family heir looms from a time long ago when they were a mighty dynasty. Now in the fourth season the dragons are adolescents and are bigger and @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

more dangerous. While Daenerys has used them as powerful weapons in her quest to gain an army and liberate various slave cities, it is becoming harder to control them. In this sense the dragons represent the risk of having great power, and how easily powerful weapons can spin out of control.

3. The Visuals Television is fast becoming a grander medium for creative storytelling than even movie theaters. Television allows for longer, broader storylines and even greater risks.

The mix of drama, sexuality and gritty violence in “Game Of Thrones” is of the kind you rarely find in major feature films, especially Summer blockbusters. Visually the series even beats most Hollywood productions. The scene that opened the first season was grand and elegant.

In the scene Tywin Lannister watches as a blacksmith melts down the great sword that once belonged to the Stark family, who were mostly cut down in last year’s notorious episode “The Rains Of Castamere” in the infamous Red Wedding scene. The steel is used to make two new swords to be claimed by the Lannisters who now rule supreme over the other clans in this saga. Lannister then proceeds to toss the skin of a dead “Dire Wolf,” the symbol of the stark family into a fire. No dialogue is used, none is needed, with pure cinema the brutal truth of one group, one nation overcoming another is brought to life.

2. Peter Dinklage Without a doubt the most recognizable character in the entire series is Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage. A dwarf, the character of Tyrion has become a cultural icon, a staple of the times. His character outsmarts the great web of intrigue around him as families go to war and betrayal lurks in every corner. He survives on his wits and devours books. The character of Tyrion is also groundbreaking in that never before has a dwarf been given such a prominent, yet non-stereotyped role in a major TV drama. Tyrion towers over all the other characters as a beer-guzzling, poiitically savvy yet noble man who in the new season finds himself married against his will to the much younger Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), who remains trapped in King’s Landing under the eyes of the ever more psychotic King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson).

1. The Relevance But the aspect of “Game Of Thrones” that has allowed it to touch such a deep chord with audiences is because in its own, unique way it taps so well into the zeitgeist.

The world of “Game Of Thrones” is not so different from our own. The various clans and families fighting for power are like the great powers who today fight over territory and geopolitical influence. The writing in the series is brutally true to human nature.

The characters are flawed, they lie, they love tragically, they kill, they are driven by deep pains and vendettas, or religious messianism and a thirst for conquest. The House of Byratheon for example follows a fire god known as the Lord Of Light, while the Lannisters will play any Machiavellian card necessary to get what they want, even if it means butchering an entire wedding party.

Other aspects of the show resonate so well with our times. There is a great wall that separates the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros from an untamed, ice-covered frontier where the tribes known as Wildlings refuse to be dominated or conquered. In this sense Westeros is no different from modern America or Europe as internally nations face turmoil as we remain mired in wars in distant lands we know little about.

Above all, “Game Of Thrones” is simply a spectacular entertainment and great drama. But like any great art, it works because it also reaches into the deeper recesses of its viewers.

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

& Lifestyle 10 Health

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Professor helps artists overcome stage fright Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor Renaissance men are talented in various fields. For Michael Goode, one of his many specialties involves helping aspiring artists or established names to overcome that allconsuming demon known as stage fright.

Goode is an author, musician, actor, voice-over specialist, and is currently a trumpet teacher at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Campus.

Growing up, Goode realized early on that his interests were many and so when he attended the University of Chicago he decided to simply focus on one interest at a time, yet staying passionately dedicated to each one.

“I learned to just focus on one thing at a time, on an average day they all flow through,” said Goode.

One area of expertise Goode is particularly focusing on these days is helping performers, both students and industry figures, to overcome the kind of deep, repressed fears that can get in the way of their performance on stage.

Stage fright is not just for rookies, according to Goode, it can hit anyone no matter how famous.

“What I do here is I have SMC students come and I help them if they have something big coming up, and in other places I help others as well. If they have an audition coming up or if they’re playing has suddenly just started falling apart,” he explained.

Everybody’s different according to Goode.

He came up with an example of how two trumpet players can have two different reasons psychologically for not being able to hit a desired high note on stage before a

vast audience.

Goode knows about it because he himself suffered from terrible stage fright 20 years ago.

“It was so bad that my knees knocked together and my mouth would get dry and I couldn’t think clearly, it was terrible,” he recollected.

Diving into neurological research at the University of Chicago, Goode came to the conclusion that “habits are not permanent.” He described the process as creating a new habit in place of the old one. For example, if someone can’t throw a ball the right way, they can change how they are throwing the ball so their pitching might get better.

“Stage fright is completely misunderstood,” explained Goode. “What most people consider stage fright is that feeling of butterflies, that’s not stage fright.

What that is is the body gearing up to do a great job.”

Actual stage fright according to Goode is when a performance might start well but after 30 or 40 seconds it just starts to fall apart.

“Everything starts from something I call the trigger moment,” said Goode. “And it’s usually some seminal event that happened to them, something very traumatic that just imprinted them. It usually happened when they were little.”

A sudden, innocent scare from childhood, a tragedy in the family, early bullying, all these are just a few experiences that can imbed deep, rooted fears that will then manifest themselves when a performer has to deliver with eyes watching.

The process Goode uses to help a subject overcome a fear or find it’s source takes place during a series of sessions. He might

Scott Bixler Corsair Santa Monica College professor Dr. Michael Goode poses for a photograph in front of the SMC Broad Stage on Tuesday. Dr. Goode helps actors and actresses overcome their stage fright and also teaches students to play the trumpet.

ask the individual to think back to the first moment in their life when a particular fear manifested itself, or the first conscious memory of an encounter that left the memory marked.

Once that fear or moment is identified the subject can then proceed to accept that it happened and that it’s OK to be afraid. Goode might even recommend that a letter be written to that particular fear acknowledging what happened and expressing all the inner unrest over this lingering terror. It’s a form of release through catharsis.

Goode has written a book on the subject of cracking on stage titled “Stage Fright in Music Performance and Its Relationship to the Unconscious.” During research for the book, Goode studied over 400 people to develop a series of sketches displaying various levels of stage fright among musicians.

“There was one level for people who had no stage fright at all, which is extremely rare,” he noted.

Goode believes that a lack of stage fright can come from what he calls “ageappropriate upbringing,” meaning that constant encouragement and positive support from early on can help build a character less likely to feel insecure when for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

performing.

Goode claims that famous performers who have died recently due to drug overdoses such as Amy Winehouse and Philip Seymour Hoffman, suffered from deep traumas or buried fears that were overshadowed by the work they produced.

He alleges that at some point, a very close friend of Amy Winehouse and a recording executive both wanted Winehouse to work with Goode, but she declined.

Goode acknowledged that we currently live in a very image-obsessed society which moves at a fast pace thanks to social media and iPhones.

“It creates a lot of pressure,” he said. “The self-confidence can be affected because you have a lot of people pushing that you have a certain image and their reasons are not exactly noble. Manufacturing companies sell you a certain image because they want to sell you certain pants, shirts and jeans.”

Goode recommends that young people start thinking of themselves as unique individuals.

“You’re ok the way you are right now. It’s really not dependent on how many friends you have on Facebook, it just depends on you,” said Goode. “Everybody is ok. But there are so many distractions to tell us that we’re not, and they’re false.”

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

Sports 11

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

Thug life: DeSean Jackson’s release under fire David Yapkowitz Managing Editor I never like to mix sports and politics.

They’re completely different subjects.

Sports is a generally good natured and a great conversation topic. Politics, on the other hand, breeds contempt. Nothing kills a get-together like bringing up a discussion about politics.

Disagreements about sports are something you forget about in a couple of hours.

Disagreements about politics can change your entire perception about a person, and not for the better.

I can’t stand Kobe Bryant, but I can sit down and talk sports with a bunch of Kobe fans in a friendly manner. You cannot put me in the same room with bible-thumping, right-wingers.

Every so often however, the two topics intertwine with one another and spark discussion about underlying social concerns.

You have ignorant politicians such as Minnesota state representative Pat Garofolo saying that if 70 percent of National Basketball Association teams folded, there would be an increase in street crime.

It’s not hard to construe Garofolo’s statement as racist, given that the demographics of the NBA are overwhelmingly African-American. I wonder what he would have to say about the National Hockey League, given that its predominantly white player base partakes in physical violence on a nightly basis.

And then you have the case of former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

I don’t actively follow the National Football League, but my ears perked up recently when I caught wind of Jackson’s release from the Eagles.

I stumbled upon an online column by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who himself was a target of racist attacks a few months ago.

Sherman was defending Jackson and brought up allegations that the Eagles cut Jackson due to a recent NJ.com article that suggested Jackson had “gang affiliations” from back home in Los Angeles.

I spend a lot of my childhood there, and most of my teenage years were spent right across the street from Santa Monica College. I have both friends and family members who are gang members.

And like Jackson and Sherman and many other professional athletes, I will not abandon the people who stuck by me during my worst times. Sadly, because of that, we are judged.

Judged because we do not look down on those we grew up with. Judged because although we are working towards success,

“If 70 percent of National Basketball Association teams folded, there would be an increase in street crime.”

-Pat Garofolo, Minnesota State Representative Sherman did not accuse the Eagles of cutting Jackson because of those alleged ties, he merely stated that if that article played a major role in the Eagles decision, then they were completely in the wrong.

And I agree with him.

Like Jackson, Sherman, and many other professional athletes, I didn’t come from money. My family got by with what we had.

As they were able to use their talents to propel themselves into better life situations, I’m hoping I can do the same with my writing.

And just like Jackson, Sherman, and many others, I too grew up with gang members.

My mother grew up in South Central,

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

or have become successful already, we do not forget where we came from and we use our resources to try and help our less fortunate friends.

It’s worth noting that one of Jackson’s friends, who was once arrested for murder, had all charges against him dropped due to lack of evidence. It doesn’t matter though, Jackson’s skin color and social background make him guilty in the public eye.

It’s also worth pointing out that in my own experiences, I’ve seen false charges intentionally brought against people, only to have them dropped in a similar fashion.

Again, it doesn’t matter, the color of their skin and the way they grew up already

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

deliver a guilty verdict in our backwards society.

It is, however, ok to promote racist ideals as Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper did last summer at a country music concert.

Cooper used racial slurs upon getting agitated with an African-American security guard at a Kenny Chesney concert. He actually got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and all he got was a light slap on the wrist. People will forgive you for anything and act like it never happened. As long as you’re skin is the right color.

Going back to the NHL, I never see anyone suggesting that NHL players are a bunch of “gang banging thugs” despite their affinity for violence. Yet, Sherman is a “thug” because he happens to have dreadlocks and got a little over-excited during a post-game interview following the NFC Championship Game.

But why is Jackson a “thug”? Because of allegations that were proven to be false and because of how he grew up?

I am a “thug” because I don’t leave my friends out to dry, because I can reach them and assist them so that they don’t end up dead or in jail.

I am in full agreement with Sherman when he stated in his column that he hopes these allegations did not play a factor in Jackson’s release from the Eagles.

Cutting players from teams should have to do with on the field or on the court performances. I really do hope that the Eagles cut Jackson for football reasons, because if they didn’t, then they have a serious problem.

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline

12 sports

volume 107 issue 7 • April 9, 2014 • santa monica college

cont. from cover Trev angone Sports Editor

Brandon Barsugli Corsair Santa Monica College women’s tennis player Mary Katherine Ashmore collapses to the ground after a close match against Riverside City College on Tuesday April 8.

Mashburn’s milk money David Yapkowitz & Trev angone Managing Editor & Sports Editor Who hasn’t heard the old cliche of a professional athlete hitting the jackpot after signing a big contract, and after getting caught up in the lifestyle, ends up dead broke shortly after retirement, having spent all their money on material wealth or poor investments.

Some athletes however, don’t go down that path. They are more frugal with their money, making wise business decisions and setting themselves up for retirement long after their playing days are over.

One such athlete is former National Basketball Association player Jamal Mashburn, who recently visited Santa Monica College to check out a recent product he’s invested in on campus called Cow Wow. The fourth overall pick in the 1993 draft, Mashburn enjoyed an 11 year career with the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and New Orleans Hornets.

Mashburn retired in 2004 as one of only six players since 1970 to average 20 points per game in his final season, joining elite company such as Michael Jordan, Jerry West, Larry Bird, Drazen Petrovic, and Reggie Williams.

“I never wanted to be the guy on the end of the bench waving the towel talking about what I used to be,” said Mashburn. “When you get older and your scouting report reads ‘great locker room guy’, it’s time to leave.”

When the time did come to leave, Mashburn was able to invest his money

into several businesses aside from Cow Wow such as Outback Steakhouse, Papa John’s, and numerous car dealerships.

Cow Wow, a form of organic milk that is supposed to taste like milk from the bottom of a cereal bowl, is currently available at Eat St. in SMC’s cafeteria.

“We’re really trying to understand who our customers are, at first we thought it was for young kids, the obvious connection,” said Mashburn. “But what we found is that kids in college, they really like it, they pick it up.”

Cow Wow currently comes in the flavors cinnamon, fruit, marshmallow, and chocolate chip. It’s still in its early stages, but Mashburn is hoping it can eventually grow into a popular product.

“Right now we’re placing it in different places to really understand who our consumer is,” said Mashburn. “We’re never going to compete with Horizon Milk or anything like that but you’ve got to start somewhere; the little guy that could.”

Aside from just taking a look at his product, Mashburn was on campus to get face to face feedback from students. According to him, that’s one of the best ways to be able to evaluate products and decide what, if anything, should be changed.

Mashburn’s sense for business started at a young age, long before he had dreams of becoming a professional athlete. His mother used to work as a bookkeeper for the New York City Housing Authority and used to bring him along to meetings where she taught him about debits and credits.

Growing up in Harlem, he was enrolled in Catholic school in Downtown New York

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

As the Corsairs began their singles matches, only Jessica Goldbeck and Izabel Nazdracheva would win their respective first sets, putting that much more pressure on the Corsairs’ top two contenders, Mary Ashmore and Kaori Tsuda to come back and win consecutive sets in order to prevent an early playoff exit for SMC. During the second set of her match, SMC’s top contender Mary Ashmore or M.K. as she likes to be called made it very interesting as she blew away Riverside’s top contender Acacia Dettman 6-2 setting up a decisive third set.

Also having to play a decisive third set was Nazdracheva, who after holding a 5-4 lead in the second set and up 1-0 in the match, allowed her opponent to steal the second set 6-5, tying the best of three match 1-1.

As the third and final sets began for M.K. and Nazdracheva, it was clear they would both have to win in order to secure victory for SMC. This much was obvious after Kaori Tsuda and Victoria Mamatova each lost their singles matches in straight sets 2-0 respectively.

“We tried our best, but Riverside proved they were better today. It was very close, we came very very close today, extremely close, close but no cigar.” Mamatova.

Ashmore would make it as close as 3-2 in the third set, but just as she seemed to be gaining momentum and perhaps was making a move on Dettman, the Tiger ace did not lose another set ultimately beating M.K. 6-2 and winning the match 2-1.

“Wow, the third set was really hard, because I was losing energy and getting tired and I was hitting weak balls,” Dettman said as she tried to catch her breath. “But my coach, she said I needed to slow down,

and by slowing down I got control of the pace, the points and started winning.”

Dettman who was nicknamed “The Wall” growing up for her ability to keep everything in front of her, laughed as she divulged her secret to keeping her energy high late in the game. “I drink Powerade and I get a Clif Bar, that’s what helps.”

As far as Nazdracheva’s third set, after her opponent stole the second, it seems that was the back breaker for Nazdracheva and the tipping point for her Tiger counterpart as her opponent would go up 4-0 and never look back, securing the last two sets, and winning 2-1.

Though it may seem like a heartbreaking end to a storybook season, this is not the end of the road, not by a long shot.

“I’m really proud of ‘em, they had a great season, they fought every match, just got outplayed today,” said Head Coach Richard Goldenson. “We still have a player in the [W.S.C.] singles final, M.K., and two doubles teams in the semis, that’s this Friday, so I think we’re looking pretty strong in individuals. We’re also sending five singles players and three doubles teams to the Ojai Tennis Tournament.”

Although SMC will be able to avenge their first round loss during the WSC and Ojai singles and doubles tournaments in the upcoming weeks, the scale of their accomplishments this season are not lost on the young Corsair team. A realization usually reserved for players well beyond the college level.

“I think we did really well as a team, we finished first in our conference and we were undefeated until today,” said SMC team captain Jessica Goldbeck. “I didn’t see this coming, I didn’t think we would lose today.

But I think it’s been an amazing season.”

and had to take a train from home to school and back again. Seeing the discrepancy in the amount of people in suits and carrying briefcases that got off the train before Harlem also played a role in shaping him.

“I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

I didn’t have guidance or mentorship or anything like that because in my neighborhood there were pimps and drug dealers,” said Mashburn.

“My mother told me I had to have something to fall back on.”

Scott Bixler Corsair Mashburn first Cow Wow, a new brand of flavored organic milk, is among the many began investing products that former NBA star Jamal Mashburn invests in. The drink in businesses only three years after comes in four flavors and is currently available at Eat St. in the SMC being drafted cafeteria. into the NBA, a forward to after their playing career is over. decision he feels set “One thing you can do is have your him up well for life after retirement.

As far as young aspiring athletes, own way of developing yourself,” said Mashburn believes they should plan ahead, Mashburn. “If you’re poorly developed not necessarily for business, but so that they inside, you’re going to manifest the results have something to sustain them and look on the outside.” @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

/thecorsairnews •

/thecorsaironline