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volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
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Students eat gleaned greens on quad
Mia Duncans Corsair SMC student and volunteer for Club Grow, Nina Hosseini helps pack the produce that was given out for free on Tuesday during Earth Week’s “Students Feeding Students” event which took place in the SMC quad. Continued in photostory on pg. 6 & 7
Inflatable sculptures let out last breath Juan Lopez Staff Writer
For some Santa Monica College students, the last objects they viewed before leaving on spring break were large amorphous figures on the quad lawn. A large black cube next to the Humanities and Social Sciences building. A hall of human forms next to the fountain. A wooden frame supporting a limp, pale form. This wasn’t the setup of some sci-fi movie, it was art. Art professor Emily Silver’s three dimensional design class has been erecting large inflatable sculptures on the quad for the three years she’s been teaching at SMC. “Every time they get much more involved,” said Silver. “The students thought about the interiors and exteriors and how they related to the public.” This will likely be her last all-day class exhibit as she is moving on from SMC to a full-time position. Ivette Hernandez is a fashion design major and a student in Silver’s class who is thinking about switching to art. She, like many other students, saw Silver’s classes inflatable sculptures in prior semesters and was won over. “I signed up for this class to do these inflatables,” said Hernandez. “There was a panda last semester; there was a woman’s legs.” Her current project was a cloud, wired to leak water onto the lawn.
The students make their sculptures using materials such as plastic drop cloth, tape, and fans in order to keep the structures standing. There are other 3D design classes but Silver is the only one who offers this project in her curriculum. “The art department is over there tucked away and it’s important for them to be able to come over here and talk about their work, show their work, interact with people who don’t get to see artwork every day,” said Silver. “And I think it really brings the students together and it’s what SMC likes to do, create community.” Aside from the art students that entered and explored the black cube maze or the shell room, which contained two inflatable seats and a table with cookies, other departments were invited to participate. During the daytime, a photography class worked on lighting shots with reflectors with students and their art as subjects. At night, for their regular class time, students from the theatre arts department gave performances to add more contextual layers to a jellyfish sculpture draped off of the HSS building as students inside peeked out of the window. “It really crosses boundaries,” said Silver. “That’s important for us to be crossing boundaries and borders on campus.” Silver initially wasn’t aware of the procedures of which to follow when hosting an event on campus. After the first event, she started planning the showcase a month in advance, filling out facilities requests and making sure to plan around campus events
Juan Lopez Corsair Santa Monica College students gather around inflatable art sculptures created by Emily Silver’s 3D design class on the SMC quad last Thursday.
such as Club Row. Sean Chandler, one of Silver’s students, had many things to say about the experience. “It was very interesting having one of the only tiny sculptures, thinking that fifteen
feet would be massive, to find out we were one of the smallest,” said Chandler. “Every person here is invested and pores themselves into the class, is extremely sociable, and the experience on each person is so different.”
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2 contents
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 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 Santa Monica College student Courtney King enters the inside of an inflatable art installation created by 3D design students in Emily Silver’s class on display in the SMC quad on Thursday, April 10.
CLUB ROW MAY 1st 11:15am - 12:35pm Library Walkway & Quad Here to Help
Michael Greenberg, Director of Publicity (310) 434 - 4965 greenberg.publicity@gmail.com
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volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Campus radio station KCRW extends reach Sarit Kashanian Staff Writer In a recent deal that cost $1.3 million, Santa Monica College affiliated radio station 89.9 FM KCRW has purchased a Santa Barbara station, which will switch frequencies with the University of Southern California’s station. KCRW purchased Santa Barbara radio station 97.3 FM KDB and will exchange frequencies with USC’s 88.78 FM KQSC. Currently known for its eclectic mix of music as well as news and culture programming, KCRW was founded in 1945 and first served as a training center for men returning from World War II who wanted to learn about radio broadcasting. In 1969, SMC co-founded KCRW as Los Angeles’ first National Public Radio affiliate and became the second community college to own a public radio or television station. “KCRW’s eclectic music programming spans many genres, with one only one directive for our pool of talented DJs: play what you love,” said Jennifer Ferro, general manager and president of the KCRW Foundation. According to Ferro, the radio station’s extension into Santa Barbara seemed like a natural choice because of the city’s diverse population interested in arts and culture. Following the Santa Barbara Foundation Board’s unanimous decision to sell KDB, KCRW submitted a proposal to acquire the new station, which they plan to launch in June. “KCRW’s expansion into Santa Barbara
will bring our unique programming to more listeners in Southern California, but will not affect the station’s Santa Monica operations or broadcast,” Ferro said. “Our goal is to educate, inform, enlighten, entertain and inspire. KCRW will continue to do that with this new acquisition.” In regards to the deal with KUSC, Ferro confirmed that KCRW will broadcast from 88.7 FM, while KUSC will combine its broadcast with KDB “to preserve 93.7 FM as a high quality source for classical music with Santa Barbara-focused programming.” KCRW was able to make this investment with reserves amassed over the past 37 years, according to Ferro. The station is in the midst of their first major capital campaign in 75 years, in which they aim to make advancements that allow them to expand their audience. “We intend to continue creating and curating a unique mix of content and experiences driven by the spirit of Southern California, and delivered in innovative ways to curious communities in our own backyard and around the world,” Ferro said. KCRW invites SMC students to learn more about what it’s like to work at their station by applying for their SMC Internship Program at smcintern@kcrw. com. To participate in their summer marketing internship program, students can email a representative at volunteer@ kcrw.com.
Bread factory lawsuit against SMC thrown out Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor
On Tuesday morning the case against Santa Monica College filed by former Bread Factory owner Soo Jeong Pak was thrown out of court by the Santa Monica courts [Judge Gerald Rosenberg.] The latest hearing took place at the Santa Monica Courthouse where Pak again failed to make an appearance. In her place was court appearance attorney Kevin Jang. This has been a common practice by Pak and has been a source of frustration for both Rosenberg and SMC attorney Louis Dumont who was also present at the hearing. The key issue that arose immediately during the hearing was the fact that Pak had not filed proper paperwork in accordance with government code. When the Bread Factory was expelled by court order from SMC in December 2013 for failing to pay rent, Pak decided to sue the college claiming it had been conspiring behind her back with the current owner of Eat Street restaurant. Pak and Hannah An, the owner of Eat Street, had formed a partnership to form a joint company named Eatology. Pak’s suit against SMC claimed that the college conducted business dealings with An behind her back as part of a scheme for An to obtain control of Eatology.
Ahead of the hearing, Robert M. Myers, Campus Counsel at the Human Resources department, stated through e-mail that, “Ms. Pak’s allegations in her lawsuit are incoherent and have no basis in reality.” He went on to state that “The simple fact is that she does not pay her bills.” The hearing lasted no more than five minutes with Rosenberg immediately pointing out that Pak had not filed a proper Petition for relief, or other claims paperwork on time. When a lawsuit is filed the individual carrying out the suit must inform the plaintiff or seek a petition for relief within six months. Because Pak claims the conspiracy involving SMC and Eat Street took place around the years 2009 and 2010, too much time has lapsed to make a proper filing. “Ms. Pak has had numerous lawsuits filed against her by creditors and has tax liens filed against her by government entities,” Myers said. During the hearing, Rosenberg continuously asked Jang why his client did not appear and continued to fail in filing proper paperwork. Jang was at a loss for words. Now that the case has been thrown out, Pak will continue to owe SMC around $74,000 and additional filing fees might be added as a result of Tuesday’s ruling.
“Deltopia” results in riot near UCSB Sarit Kashanian Staff Writer Santa Barbara’s annual spring break party, Deltopia, resulted in a violent demonstration that left 100 people arrested and dozens hurt, according to the LA Times. The event, held by University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College students, is held every year at Isla Vista as one big celebration for spring break. Deltopia consistently attracts youth from colleges throughout California, including Santa Monica College. This year police issued an ordinance that limited the levels of music that could be played at large gatherings, which frustrated some of the party-goers. 2012 SMC alumnus Leor Amar, also known as “DJ Childs Play,” was one of the
DJ’s for Deltopia this year. Now a fourthyear UCSB student, Amar started DJ-ing when he was about 13 and has risen to fame in the form of a feature on the radio station Power 106 earlier this year. “My first time DJ-ing at Deltopia was in 2013 and was by far one of the most epic experiences I’ve ever had, as the crowd exceeded over 5,000 people,” Amar said. “This past time there was an unexpected surprise as the regulations were changed.” Through almost tangible details, Amar recounted what he observed the night of April 5. “As the riots began, I witnessed kids throwing glass bottles at police officers and pulling stop signs out of the ground and in response, the police launched multiple tear gas grenades into the crowds,” said Amar. “Upon the explosion, I found myself and surrounding people running faster
than imaginable. As the tear gas spread throughout the air everyone was affected, making it hard to breathe and see.” Amar regretted the turnout of this year’s event, saying, “It was a tragic experience. Seeing my college community collapse on what was to be a festive occasion was something that felt to have been out of reality.” To second-year sociology major Adir Hassid, the experience was less of a tragedy and served more as the meager means of entertainment for the night. “I had a great time this year and I would say that the riots only made it funner,” Hassid said. Another SMC student and attendee of Deltopia who declined to share his name revealed that the music ordinance left crowds of people in search of a party to turn to smaller, private house parties where they drank throughout the day.
“I started drinking at my friend’s place and kind of got really drunk,” the student said. “Then, we heard of this big party going on so we all went to go check it out.” “Since there were so many people outside at once, people started gathering and cheering and chanting. Not really rioting,” he continued. The student denounced claims that the event was a “riot,” comparing it to his own experience in the Israeli army. “I’ve seen real riots filled with hate. This wasn’t really a riot or ‘violent,’ as they showed in the media, just a bunch of people letting out a little steam and having fun,” he said. While some students predicted that next year’s Deltopia, if there is one, will likely be subject to even harsher security measures, the event remains the highlight for thousands of students’ spring break.
Party-goers walk along Del Playa in Isla Vista during the annual “Deltopia” event. By the end of the night, the party had enduced riots across Isla Vista.
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volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Scott Bixler Corsair Santa Monica College AS Director of Activities Matthew Nicholson talks to Student Affairs Committee Board Member Deyna Hearn about the dereliction of duty charge, while a Santa Monica College student (right) studies his homework during the AS Meeting on Monday in the Cayton Center.
Dereliction of duty charges against AS activities director Juan Lopez Staff Writer Two Associated Students board directors faced dereliction of duty charges during the weekly Monday board meeting, Matthew Nicholson, director of activities, Cyrus Hosseini, director of instructional and technical support. Before the two separate items entered discussion, Associate Dean of Student Life Sonali Bridges prefaced their discussion saying, “There cannot be opinions in this conversation and there cannot be emotions involved.” The charge brought upon Hosseini, was the number of absences he had in meetings over the school year, four including two Wednesday meetings. Inter-Club Council Chair Jasmine Jafari defended Hosseini saying, “Even on the days that Cyrus couldn’t make it, he still came out here to have him and his commissioner set up for the meeting, which is his primary contribution to this board because he generally abstains from voting anyway.” Hosseini became visibly emotional as he defended himself adding “I have to work 20 hours a week and I cannot quit my job.” The board voted to not take any action against him. Secretary Diana Echeverria, who brought both derelictions to the board, warned him to watch his attendance. Nicholson’s dereliction of duty charge was brought on as a perceived unwillingness to contribute or work with the board. He was
accused of not maintaining an activities calendar, not facilitating his own activities meetings, not attending required DPAC facilities meetings, not doing enough events, and not holding office hours. According to Nicholson, he was just following what he was shown to be standard procedure. “All I can say is that I did the meetings the way I was taught to do them. Now that I know that you guys feel you want more out of the meetings, I will definitely try my best to do that, but I was not made aware until this point,” said Nicholson as he addressed the rest of the board. The activities calendar has only been done online as of the start of this school year so Bridges didn’t know of a set way it had been done previously. Because the calendar was not being updated in a timely manner, Bridges had taken access from Nicholson and given the duty to administrative assistant Amelia Trejo. Nicholson had attributed the timeliness issue with login problems, which Dean of Student Life Deyna Hearn confirmed and assured had since been resolved. Trejo has additionally been preparing and keeping records of documents Nicholson uses for his meetings in a folder. Director of Student Outreach Cassandra Ramirez took time to define dereliction of duty adding “As we’ve discussed in previous meetings, you don’t wish to endorse the
current AS board’s initiatives. That’s an unwillingness to work with our initiatives that we have set forth.” Nicholson defended himself saying, “I don’t feel it’s a dereliction of duty in accordance with not abiding by the constitution, I feel like it’s my opinion and I am entitled to my own opinions.” In reference to the DPAC meetings, ICC Vice-Chair Sarah Yoseph and Lee Peterson, co-chair of the subcommittee, accounted for Nicholson’s attendance in said meetings, despite other directors’ claims that they had been informed of his inactivity. Peterson attested that the fall semester included very few meetings and they are more regular in the spring during which Nicholson was a “regular attendee.” Nicholson was also accused of not holding enough events that were solely sponsored by the AS. AS President Ty Moura said, “We are not faulting you for working with other organizations, everyone here has done that.” Nicholson noted several events he’d hosted that were AS sponsored including Club Awareness Day, SMC Appreciation Day, Club Olympics, AS Movie Night, and the infamous Feed the Students. When abruptly asked by Jafari if he wants to remain on the board and what he would like to change to make the board one he would like to be a part of, Nicholson said, “If I had it to do over again, would I do things the same way? Of course not. It’s caused me a lot of
trouble and I’m sure it’s caused the rest of you a lot of trouble, and I apologize for that.” Echeverria brought up Nicholson’s missed office hours. AS directors are required to attend at least five office hours per week, according to the bylaws. Nicholson replied that the charges brought against him over the last month have made the office feel unsafe for him. Echeverria started the motion to begin the impeachment process for Nicholson, with four votes in favor, two votes against, and three abstained votes. Nicholson said after the meeting, “They don’t like some of my events and some of the people I do my events with and it saddens me.” The board will be voting on whether to actually impeach Nicholson during the next board meeting. They will require a two thirds vote in order to move the decision to Joint Council, which will also need a two thirds vote in order to enact impeachment. In other agenda items at the meeting, Director of Budget Management Inayat Issat announced the board still had $231,393 left in its unrestricted budget to spend, not including already passed items that have not actually used their funding. The approval of funding for the Big Blue Bus contract has been pushed back another week while the student ID fee has officially been separated from the AS fee. What that entails is still being worked out at the senior staff level.
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Health & lifestyle 5
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Shot through the heart Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor
When Noemi Bocardo first moved to the United States to study at Santa Monica College, she soon found herself in the arms of her first boyfriend. But an enflamed heart is blind. For six months, while lost in the revelry of young love, Bocardo was unaware that her boyfriend already had a girlfriend who was attending the University of California, Irvine. Having grown up in the United Arab Emirates, Bocardo had attended school in a gender-segregated environment where girls and boys were kept apart. She had never attended a coed party until she turned 16. Upon arriving at SMC at the age of 18, a new landscape opened where men and women openly attended class and some were openly attracted to each other. “I saw couples, love everywhere and I think that would be nice to share that with someone,” she said. During her first semester at SMC, Bocardo caught the eye of a classmate in her history class. He was charming with a permanent smile that was always ready to greet her. “He would invite me over to his house. We hung out and got to know each other,” she said. Until then, Bocardo had only known men
describe it?” said Bocardo. The young couple would walk through the maze of humanity at the Third Street Promenade or watch the vastness of the sea at the Santa Monica Pier. He would wrap her in his jacket and embrace her. “My favorite time with him was when we were at his place, sitting on the couch and talking,” she said. Radiohead provided the score to their time together. “Creep” was the song they would both sing to each other. But underneath, Bocardo had the sense of going too fast in the rush of excitement. “We just went into it. It was so natural,” she said. “We never set our boundaries. We never defined our relationship. We never communicated anything regarding us. We never discussed anything regarding us in the future, it was all in the moment.” During this time, Bocardo’s family was unaware of the relationship. In the kind of home she comes from, parents do not get interested in boyfriends unless they have serious intentions, which are not expected until after a woman has attained her degree anyway. But like unwanted vines growing in a garden, signs began to appear that started turning the relationship sour. Frustrations manifested when Bocardo refused to let the relationship become sexual. “He knew where I was coming from, but I got the feeling he was just hearing me out, he wasn’t listening,” she said. “I told him I
“He wouldn’t look me in the eye anymore,” she said. “He wasn’t engaging with me when all I wanted was for him to look at me.” -Noemi Bocardo as friends, she had never experienced the kind of deeper intimacy that began to develop. “It was fun, but I had never been that intimate with a guy before,” she said. “I think I put him on a pedestal. I wanted to, I didn’t want a reason not to.” One afternoon while at his home, Bocardo put inhibitions aside and timidly, while dismissing her inexperience, she kissed him. He lifted her in his arms and so began an emotional adventure that transformed her daily life. “There was music, I’d smile. I’d say hi to strangers. I was really happy. How could I
want to take things slow. I told him I don’t want to have sex with you now because I want to get to know you more.” His warm, complimentary words were replaced by disrespectful comments. “He wouldn’t look me in the eye anymore,” she said. “He wasn’t engaging with me when all I wanted was for him to look at me. He wouldn’t look at me again the same way he would in the beginning. He always thought I would give in.” One day Bocardo confronted him, demanding to know why everything was suddenly changing. He responded with words refined in cruelty.
Jhosef Hern Corsair
“He said ‘well I like another girl. It was fun with you but it wasn’t anything. It was nothing’,” she said. A few days later Bocardo noticed a curious post on his Facebook page. Another girl had posted a revealingly intimate message. When she followed the message to the girl’s Twitter account, she discovered another deeply cutting thorn in the story. Her boyfriend had all along been in another relationship with a student at UC Irvine. “When I found out he had a girlfriend all along I felt a deep pain in my stomach, like something churning.” she said. Despite the emotional hurricane pushing her to expose him and call the other girl, Bocardo decided to retreat and turn the page. Already emotionally drained and with the relationship severed, she faced the challenge of overcoming heartbreak and disappointment. According to Dr. Valerie Dy, a Post Doctoral Intern at SMC’s Psychological Services, the aftermath of a break up can lead to a mixture of emotions. “Feelings of sadness, anger, and hurt related to the loss of a romantic relationship may cause some people to lose motivation to attend classes or engage in academic or work responsibilities,” said Dy. “There is also a tendency within some people to hook up with someone as a way to feel better or
distract themselves from the heartbreak.” Despite the ache and hurt, Bocardo decided to remain focused on school and her social life. She distracted herself by going to museums and embracing the arts or going out with friends and even taking dance classes. “I would run for exercise, just run to let the energy burn itself out,” she said. While a crucible of the heart can be searing, Bocardo is now in a new relationship that’s going well and her experience has provided a keen sense of what to look out for. Dr. Sandra Lyons Rowe, Coordinator of SMC’s Psychological Services said there are healthy options students could seek when getting over the emotional injury of a broken heart. “Share your feelings with friends, family, and even a therapist to help you get through this period. Develop new friendships,” said Rowe. “Explore new interests and one’s identity outside of this relationship and allow yourself to grieve.” For those who may find themselves enduring a disappointed or bruised heart, Bocardo has little advice. “Invest all that energy and anger into a hobby and kill it. Get out of your comfort zone,” she said. “Do something you’ve never done before and see that as a new relationship.”
FDA Proposes Nutritional Label Changes Patrick Shanley Staff Writer
Have you ever indulged your sweet tooth on a pint of ice cream only to find, much to your chagrin, that the amount of calories you thought you were consuming were for a serving size of only one quarter of the carton? Well, fear not self-indulgers, the United States Food and Drug Administration has proposed a change to the current nutrition facts label found on packaged goods. “Our goal is to make it easier to make healthier choices,” said Rosario Quintanilla Vior, Public Affairs Specialist for the FDA. “Serving sizes need to be more reflective of what people are actually eating.” The proposed change would not only update the serving sizes listed on current packaging, but also make the caloric content of each package much more prominent. By printing the calories in larger, bolder print the FDA hopes to draw the consumer’s attention more easily and
help them make healthier decisions. “People eat a pint of ice cream and may not realize its for four servings. If you consume it all, you are actually consuming four times the calories listed,” said Quintanilla-Vior. Dona-Rae Richwine, a nutrition professor at Santa Monica College, warns of the risk of intaking too many calories. “If you consume more calories than your body can use you will store them as fat,” said Richwine. “Excess fat storage leads to weight gain. Excess weight gain can lead to obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.” That’s the goal the FDA is trying to obtain; the prevention of major diseases linked to obesity. Information is power, and knowing the actual amount per serving that consumers are eating will hopefully lead to healthier decisions in the future. Much of the basis for the proposed changes come from studies and surveys done by the FDA and various independent associations, such as the Institute of
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Medicine, in 2010. This type of proposed change is not without its objections, however. Changes to nutrition facts labels are significant because they not only affect the consumer, but also the industries that make the products. It may be harder for brands like Ben & Jerry’s or Nabisco to sell their products if the nutrition facts labels have “900 Calories Per Serving” printed in bold face on the carton. This is why Quintanilla-Vior urges citizens to comment on the proposal, an option that is open to the public through the website, www.regulations.gov. “We need to have the feedback of all stakeholders in these issues,” said Quintanilla-Vior. The proposal is open to comments for a 90-day period, after which time all comments are reviewed by the FDA, applied to the proposal, and then it is revised and reopened for public comment. “I like the new label,” said Richwine. “The revised serving sizes that reflect what @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
someone will actually consume makes so much sense. Seeing 350 calories versus 140 should have a bigger impact.” One might draw a link between increases in serving sizes and the higher percentage of obesity here in America. Does this mean that Americans are eating more per serving on average than they used to, or were the serving sizes that are currently listed on the nutrition facts labels too small to begin with? “We’re not trying to set serving sizes,” said Quintanilla-Vior. “We need to survey and make sure serving sizes are reflective of what people are actually eating.” Regardless of the impetus behind the change, the desired result remains the same. By providing updated information on what people are actually consuming in this country, consumers will be more empowered to make healthier choices. Those who wish to comment on the proposal or seeking more information are encouraged to visit www.regulations.gov.
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6 photostory
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
SMC Student, Remy Davis gets a feel for the fresh produce as she juggles oranges in the main quad on Tuesday at the “Students Feeding Students” event
Dana Morgan, the Master Gardener and founder of the Organic Grow Garden at Santa Monica College, gives a cooking demonstration at the Students Feeding Students event on the main quad of the SMC campus on Tuesday. Attending SMC students received not only information on environmentally safe and sustainable food culture, but free produce as well. Liz Phillips Corsair
Liz Phillips Corsair
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photostory 7
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Heirloom Tomatoes sit at the tables in the main quad on campus on Tuesday. The tomatoes, which were gleaned from local Farmers Markets, were given away for free during the “Students Feeding Students” event hosted by Club Grow, as part of the Earth Week celebrations. Mia Duncans Corsair
First year SMC student and member of Club Grow Mark Biedlingmaier (left) hands out locally grown, fresh produce to students at the Students Feeding Students event in the SMC quad on Tuesday. Upon completing a “shopping list” scavenger hunt, students exchanged their sheets for fresh food. David Yapkowitz Corsair
Navel oranges sit at the tables in the main quad on campus on Tuesday. The oranges, which were gleaned from local Farmers Markets, were given away for free during the “Students Feeding Students” event hosted by Club Grow, as part of the Earth Week celebrations
Mia Duncans Corsair t which is part of the Earth Week celebration here on campus.
Mia Duncans Corsair
STUDENTS FEEDING STUDENTS Henry Crumblish Editor-In-Chief
March 21, through the 25 is Earth Week at Santa Monica College, a time where students can learn more about sustainability practices and other environmental issues. The theme of this year’s Earth Week celebration is, “food”, and in honor of mother nature, there will be a variety of earth friendly events and activities. On Tuesday, the quad played host to Students Feeding Students. The event, which was sponsored by the Center for Environmental and Urban Studies and the Associated Students, emphasized raising awareness for healthier food options and the importance of buying locally. Those who attended were given an Earth Week shopping list, which after completion gave students access to a myriad of free food. To complete the shopping list students were required to get stamps from the various
booths and clubs on the quad. After three stamps students were eligible to receive a free produce bag provided by the AS which they could then fill at the organic produce stand. All of the produce was obtained from donations acquired by Club Grow during Spring Break. Everything from oranges, apples, raddishes, leeks, lettuce, beets, kale, broccoli, chard, and even brussel sprouts, were available. Students who got five stamps were able to enjoy free tamales from Tamara’s Tamales and smoothies fresh from the Bike Club, who blended the juices with a bike-powered blender. The Bike Club didn’t hog all the fun however as the Geography Club, the Eco Action Club, Club Grow, Plastic Free SMC, and even the SMC student food cooperative participated in the event.
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SMC student and president of the Eco Action Club, Kathleen Green believes that events like these are necessary to instruct students on flaws in the current food system. “It’s an issue of access for students specifically because students are on a very tight budget. They don’t have a lot of choices because they don’t want to leave campus for food,” said Green. “It’s an issue of access for affordability and sustainability, if it’s not sustainable it’s not healthy. Green also pointed out that all of the food present at Students Feeding Students was food that would have otherwise been thrown away. “Overall I think it was a great demonstration on how you can divert waste in our food system. The most important thing about this event was showing students what goes on in the food system,” said Green. /thecorsairnews •
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& Entertainment 8 Arts
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Transcendence fails to transcend Rachel Gianuario Staff Writer
The release of “Transcendence” last Thursday marked the directorial debut for cinematographer Wally Pfister, known for his award-winning work in “Inception” and collaborations with Christopher Nolan, and yet another box-office bust for Johnny Depp. This latest flop for Depp joins a chorus line of expensive box-office failures such as “Secret Window”, “The Lone Ranger”, “Dark Shadows”, and “The Rum Diary.” Though Pfister’s directorial debut clearly implemented his distinct visual styles in the precise world of science, The Hollywood Reporter notes the film, costing over $100 million to produce, earned only $11.5 million in the first weekend’s ticket sales. While it’s true that Pfister has an eye for fantastic visuals and photography, he isn’t quite seasoned in everything else such as choosing a well-written script, enlivening a cast, and holding the audience’s attention. It truly is a shame that Pfister made his first film with Jack Paglen’s dodgy, poorly written, ineptly plotted script. It’s like trying to hit a grand slam with a bat made of string cheese.
Opening the film with an apocalyptic setting from the end of the story is a surefire way to keep the audience guessing throughout the rest of the film. But the explanations for how humanity reached these depths is not satisfying enough. The storyline flip-flops between supporting and dismantling advances in artificial intelligence about as often as the characters do in the film. While in the end, modern technology does self-destruct, it also still exists as a positive, invisible agent, healing the various atrocities man committed against the earth. While there are hints of interesting ideas and themes, Paglen irritatingly peppered the story with plot holes and wrote in characters devoid of any depth. A large part of the film’s let down is the surprisingly empty performances by largely first-class actors. Depp’s portrayal of the dying genius Will Catser, basically consists of him first as a living, stale scientist, he then dies and is reborn as an equally emotionless man in a computer. Morgan Freeman, playing the role of the AI scientist Joseph Tagger, was there to simply be Morgan Freeman; the man with the vocal abilities to epically narrate a shopping list. Rebecca Hall, playing the role of Catser’s
wife, who we haven’t really seen much of since her Golden Globe nominated role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, did not emotionally impress as a grieving widow usually does. Watching Kate Mara’s monotonous character Bree, the anti-AI terrorist organizer, was the same as watching Zoey Barnes, her character on the hit Netflix series “House of Cards”. I half expected her to start biting her nails and pondering the death of Congressman Russo. What was visibly present beyond the weak storytelling and poor performances included some themes currently trending in recent releases. There seems to be a sci-fi trend towards the consequences of artificial intelligence built with self-awareness. In many films, this consists of a discovery of a new science creating artificial intelligence that has the ability to think and feel for itself. Most often, this development proves to be detrimental and ultimately the cause for humanity’s downfall. Films featuring self-aware artificial intelligence robots date back to sci-fi milestones like “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 1968 and “Blade Runner” in 1982. Today’s box office releases share similar topics of interest.
Recent recipient of an academy award for best original screenplay, Spike Lee’s “Her” voices similar concerns that artificial intelligence will outdate human beings and upgrade to a higher state of being. Caradog W. James’ “The Machine”, out in theaters this Friday, shares a similar story. When two dorky programmers love each other very much, they decide to have a self-aware artificially intelligent baby designed to help humanity. Unfortunately, the software is stolen and the baby is trained as a robotic weapon. There is even a flash of the AI sci-fi bug in the recent, critically acclaimed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, when the criminal organization HYDRA discovers how to scientifically make super-humans. These Frankenstein-esque stories are more often than not tales of warning that express the public’s fears of artificial intelligence taking over society and marking the end of mankind. It’s apparent through movies like “Transcendence” and “Her” that while people do continuously consume the upgraded technology produced on a month to month basis, people are also aware of their failing autonomy over technology.
LA Book Fest keeps the joy of reading alive Patrick Shanley Staff Writer
Despite the overcast weather, thousands of bookworms young and old gathered at University Park Campus at the University of Southern California to attend the 17th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The festival spanned the majority of the campus, turning the quad into a sea of white tents and enthusiastic bibliophiles. The bustling crowds enjoyed live music, games, bounce houses, food trucks, signings with featured authors, photography galleries, poetry readings, and of course, lots of books. The event featured every imaginable genre from literature to science fiction to teen dramas. A stage was set up for live poetry readings,
“SMC is a place that believes in the literary arts and writing.” and an endless stream of poets entertained the crowd relaxing on the lawn. Just down the quad, sci-fi buffs were browsing new releases while comic book enthusiasts spoke to the graphic novel artists themselves who were hosting booths. No matter what direction one ventured, their was a hotbed of activity and people involved in passionate discussion. Amid all the hustle and bustle, Santa Monica College’s tent was handing out free copies of the “Santa Monica Review”, a collection of fiction and nonfiction short stories and essays from writers around the nation. Passersby were urged to grab a copy for themselves, an offer most accepted gratefully. “I had a huge stack of boxes filled with copies of the ‘Review’ yesterday,” said Lisa Alvarez, a volunteer at the SMC tent, on
Sunday morning. “Now they’re almost completely gone.” This news is not surprising to Andrew Tonkovich, who ran the SMC tent at the festival over the weekend. “This is a great issue filled with good, strong literary art,” Tonkovich said. “It’s our gift to the community.” The “Santa Monica Review” is released only twice a year and normally sells for seven dollars a copy. It is the only national review journal in the nation that is supported by a community college. “I’ve had so many alumni come by the tent,” said Alvarez. “They have a lot of pride in SMC. They’ll say things like, ‘I went to SMC and it was the best time of my life.’” Tonkovich himself is the editor of the journal and has been hosting SMC’s tent at the Festival of Books for the past 15 years. “The only one I missed is when my wife’s water broke on a Friday evening before the festival,” said Tonkovich. SMC has had a presence at the festival since its conception 17 years ago, thanks in part to current SMC creative writing professor Jim Krusoe. SMC was the first community college to attend the event and since then many others have followed in its footsteps. “SMC is a place that believes in the literary arts and writing and the power of language,” said Tonkovich. The success of the festival, which had a reported attendance of over 150,000 people this year, is testament to the fact that in this cyber age people still do enjoy reading books. “I just like the feel of an actual book in my hand,” said Joan Newman, an attendee of the festival. The goal that the “Santa Monica Review” hopes to achieve by handing out free copies of their latest issue is to ignite that passion. “It’s just a great way to promote. The works can speak for themselves,” said Tonkovich. Indeed, the same goal is ultimately true of the Festival of Books itself: To spread the beauty of written language and get people reading.
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Patrick Shanley Corsair Visitors check out copies of the Santa Monica Review at the Los Angeles Book Festival on Saturday, which took place at the University of Southern California campus.
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volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
An afternoon at the Rock Sugar Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Asian world on a plate is one way of describing the experience of eating at the Rock Sugar located in Century City. Upon invitation, The Corsair was given the chance last Tuesday to experience the crossborder menu which provides a delectable journey through the flavors of the Pacific basin. The restaurant’s overall design, beginning with the fountain-charmed entrance adorned with the fresh air of hanging vegetation, is meant to evoke a Bali hotel. The interior is more akin to a grand temple, its walls adorned with Buddhas and encased lamps to ward off bad energy. The booths inside are quite a comfort and the low-lit atmosphere combined with gushes of daylight during the lunch hour provide for a relaxing feel. The afternoon began with glasses of Cucumber Lemonade, a refreshing beverage that has a wonderful balance of its elements. The fresh taste of cucumber is given a special, energetic taste by the lemon. What followed was a grand journey into the restaurant’s exquisite menu. Lacquered BBQ ribs, dipped in a rich chilicaramel sesame glaze were served, glistening and inviting. They were cooked to a lush perfection with just enough char on the edges. The ribs which were savory and practically melted off the bone were served with the restaurant’s popular Pineapple Tamarindo, which is an elegant dance of pineapple juice and lime, it was noticeable that the noise level at the Rock Sugar is so curiously low. The restaurant was quite full, but there was enough of a sense of privacy that myself and my guest could have a full conversation
without having to raise our voices. There was a sense of comfortable serenity. Next came a round of Coconut Chicken Soup. This delicious menu item mixes coconut with shiitake mushrooms in a stew that has a lush flavor with every sip. The coconut flavor breathes warmly. One item on the menu that couldn’t be overlooked was the Buttered Chicken and as my guest and I waited, our conversation about the pan-Asian feel of the place (the dishes are combos at times of various styles from Thailand, Singapore, Nepal etc.) was interrupted by a pleasant surprise: A round of beef skewers in peanut sauce and ginger fried rice with an egg yoke on top. Like an eatable work of art the egg is to be broken into the rice which is then eaten with the beef. My guest was so impressed that she savored the moment before the yoke was broken and with Slavic focus discussed the aesthetic of the meal. When the buttered chicken was served it was intensely filling. The masala curry gives it an enrapturing flavor while the Jasmine rice served on the side provides a delicious companion to compliment the curry. To finish the grand meal a piece of cheese cake was ordered. With the slice came the Rock Sugar’s Executive Chef, Mohan Ismaiil, who sat down to discuss his craft. “I’m from Singapore, everything you see on the menu is food I grew up with. A lot of it is something my mother used to make. I also travel a lot and pick things out. Everything is a little from home,” he said. Ismaill’s job can be as delicate and refined as cutting a diamond. “The curry, if you add a little too much salt or spices, it can mess the whole thing up,” he explained.
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Arts & Entertainment 9
Brittany R. Barber Corsair Contributor The RockSugar offers a wide and diverse selection of Pan Asian dishes that have attracted the attention of pations including famous Hollywood celebrities.
Even the flow of seasons can produce chilis that are spicier in one month than the last, so the menu must be continuously adjusted so patrons can get excellent flavor in their plates. “I would call this a free form art, the way we ad lib and change daily. We’re never stagnant,” he said. Angela Droz, Assistant General Manager of the RockSugar greeted us on our way out and explained how the restaurant is also a favorite spot for celebrities. Selena Gomez
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and the cast of the Shahs of Sunset Strip have been recent patrons. Students are also invited to consider the restaurant to host graduation dinners, parties and general get togethers. The atmosphere lends itself for a great lunch or evening dinner with guests. For students who can make the trip, RockSugar is a delicious getaway from the noise on campus.
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10 Opinion
Got G.R.I.T?
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
Rachel Gianuario Staff Writer
Something students have become accustomed to seeing all over campus in random hidden spots or out in the open are short standing boards with thought provoking questions under the headline Got G.R.I.T.? One of the more provocative questions commonly seen is “what risks are you willing to take to achieve your dream?” It’s probable this question isn’t meant to be answered with risks like climbing to the summit of Mount Everest or eating a live tarantula, but it does incite the idea that the pursuit of your dream will go beyond the academic realm. G.R.I.T., an acronym standing for growth, resilience, integrity, and tenacity, is a two and a half year-old program aimed to help students flourish academically and personally. It requires students to reflect inwardly and ask themselves difficult questions regarding their education. Not the same old “what do you want to major in?” or “where do you want to transfer?” but, loaded questions like “what do you see as the purpose of your life?” These are questions proposed by the initiative’s brainchild, Eric Oifer, a political science professor at Santa Monica College. Oifer uses a breadth of statistical data and research to suggest that student success is embedded in qualities such as grit, resilience, perseverance, dedication, and engagement. He urges students to rethink how they measure success and how instructors reward these qualities. The G.R.I.T. site uses surveys to introduce students to what the program is about, and whether he or she currently has the attitude of success. What remains to be seen from the initiative is how a person can be instilled with qualities such as resilience and perseverance. Can these attributes actually be learned or taught? Without the appearance of a strong structure to this kind of experiential academic learning, students who are in a
James powel Corsair Students walk by one of the many “ GOT GRIT” signs posted throughout campus on Tuesday. G.R.I.T. which stands for growth, resilience, integrity, and tenacity, is a program designed to help students with their academics and personal stresses.
Oifer. The program encourages students to reach out to people in their personal or academic life who could help them find constructive ways to deal with stress and hardships in life. This is perhaps where the program’s application again becomes a little bit ambiguous. Reaching out and asking for emotional support is already a pretty difficult task for college students, for many people in general. Author M. Nora Klaver assesses why people feel hesitant about asking people for help in her book “Mayday! Asking For Help in Times of Need.” She specifically concluded that people more often do not
While most of the initiative’s programs are in their fledgling stages, pilot programs are being initiated and various surveys are being supplemented to various campus organizations such as the Latino Center and Black Collegians. Other than campus surveys, much
of the program is still only a reality in various informational seminars explaining the importance of G.R.I.T. in college education. Proof of the initiative enhancing student success at SMC and tangible implementation still remains to be seen.
“This person is someone in the student’s life who understands college, who can emotionally support the student.” hurry to maintain their grade point average and transfer opportunities might disregard the statistical research supporting G.R.I.T. Without a strong program structure, G.R.I.T. just seems like a highly motivational and influential Ted Talk that will inspire students but will ultimately be forgotten thirty minutes later. The main program being pushed, making the initiative’s goals a bit more tangible, is called the You+1 G.R.I.T. Coaching Program. The You+1 program pairs students with a personal mentor or a coach who will provide the student with emotional support and them overcome everyday challenges in their personal lives. School programs seem to have a tutor for every subject these days, but an emotional tutor? The research behind this concept suggests that students who have someone actively supporting them are more academically successful. “This person is someone in the student’s life who understands college, who can emotionally support the student,” says
want to seem weak, needy, or incompetent by asking for help. In her research, seven out of the ten subjects she interviewed admit they could have used help over the last week but did not ask for it. Perhaps asking someone from your personal life to be your uncertified counselor and emotional support buddy through your college years may seem intimidating for some students; daunting enough that they might not want to try it. According to Oifer, after finding an emotional mentor, the success of the program will be measured in the student’s improved retention, consistency, connection and academics. When presenting the initiative to the board of trustees, Oifer mentioned that he hopes the G.R.I.T. initiative will serve all students, particularly students who have had, statistically, the most difficult time succeeding. In his research, these students at SMC are most commonly Latino/a and African American students.
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Opinion 11
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
The passing of a master & the power of words Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor Last Thursday, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature and considered by many as the world’s greatest modern novelist, died in Mexico City, embarking on his journey into immortality. Everyone from Bill Clinton to Shakira have expressed their sadness over the passing of a man who personified the joy of crafting words. The passing of Garcia Marquez is a stark reminder of the value of great literature and the need of civilization for great writers. We live in an age where the love for reading is fading, as the printed word is being quickly replaced by the storm of digital conversion. Book stores are becoming extinct because students and general readers simply download a work to digest and put aside like some fleeting encounter. Much has been written over the last week by various newspapers and journals on Garcia Marquez as the pioneer of the literary genre known as “Magical Realism” where fantasy and reality blend in a way where lines are blurred. In his novels for example, men in the jungle can hack at flowers which bleed real blood and roses can rain instead of water on a town. This style influenced writers such as Salman Rushdie and has even been emulated in movies such as “Like Water For Chocolate.” But Garcia Marquez was also a testament to the heroism and even “coolness” of a master wordsmith. I first heard about him at a very young age because my father, like Garcia Marquez, is a native of Colombia,
“The passing of Garcia Marquez is a stark reminder of the value of great literature and the need of civilization for great writers.” the beautiful and violent land Garcia Marquez immortalized in his worldwide classics “One Hundred Years Of Solitude” and the beloved “Love In The Time Of
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Cholera.” In his home country, if not the region, Garcia Marquez was a rock star. That he won the Nobel Prize was a proud statement that Latin America produces some of the world’s best writers, not just political unrest or drug smuggling. Everyone from the upper classes to the poorest workers read and knew about Garcia Marquez. Dance clubs still play a famous cumbia inspired by his novels named “Macondo.” As a child I had always loved books. My mother read to me while I was still in the womb. I had grown up reading those typical rites of passage like “Charlotte’s Web,” “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” and Dr. Seuss before progressing into grander material like “The Lord Of The Rings.” But it was in my late adolescence that I finally sat down to read “One Hundred Years Of Solitude” and discovered the real, burning power of writing as an art form, in its epic story of one family, the Buendias, in the imaginary town of Macondo. Garcia Marquez told a magical, hotblooded tale of the human condition, but also of his country. I recognized the folk tales, political violence, intense passions and family myths as things I had heard all the time around the dinner table. Anyone with a long family history from anywhere can relate. It was a dual experience because having been born and raised in the United States, Garcia Marquez helped open a window into the region of my roots. It was the beginning of understanding where my father came from, why he had certain habits and memories from a country where European, indigenous and African cultures mix, where revolutions and upheavals are constant in parallel with old school romanticism. As a lifelong bookworm who always felt like typing words is his only talent, the more I read about Garcia Marquez himself the more exciting the prospect of being a writer became. He started off as a journalist and knew writing would be his life even if it meant making little money. Not only was Garcia Marquez a great novelist, he was also a fiery reporter not afraid to support the Cuban Revolution, the defining political earthquake of his and my parents’ generation. Indeed, Marquez remained close friends with Fidel Castro until his death. His classic article on the CIA-backed coup against Salvador Allende’s socialist government in Chile is a masterpiece of both reporting and prose. And yet Garcia Marquez became a world favorite because of the wonderful, universal appeal of his books. Anyone who has been inflamed with obsessive desire for
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someone else should read “Love In The Time Of Cholera,” where a man yearns for the woman of his dreams for fifty years in early 1900s Colombia. The novel is a masterwork in the way Garcia Marquez literally describes the feelings of the characters, the fragrance of plants, the inner thoughts of a rejected heart. His novel “The Autumn Of The Patriarch” is a powerful, poetic tale fit for the age of the Arab Spring. In it he imagines a Caribbean tyrant who is so corrupt he has literally sold the ocean, leaving his oppressed island sitting on a vast, muddy landscape. Authors of such scope and vision are rare. Today from the newest crop, perhaps only J.K. Rowling comes close to the kind of universal recognition and admiration of a Garcia Marquez. It might even be for the same reasons. Under all the magic and suspense “Harry Potter” is about the experience and hardships of simply growing up. In the United States perhaps Stephen
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King is the closest we can offer from the living (snobs may scoff, but “The Green Mile” is quite excellent literature). The occasion of Garcia Marquez’s passing should be used to remind ourselves of the power and value of reading. Life moves faster, everything is downloadable and audiences digest television shows online at a binging pace books can’t keep up with. Not to say there aren’t some excellent stories being told on the screen (“Game Of Thrones” and “True Detective” being prime examples). But we should never abandon the written word because words are one of our prime tools of communication. With words we pass on our experiences and histories. With words we write songs and can crystalize our feelings. With well-thought out words we learn about each other. When we stop cherishing words we will stop communicating. Put aside the enforced textbook reading for a moment, open something that really does attract you and lose yourself in the magical realism of words.
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3/6/14 3:10 PM /thecorsairnews /thecorsaironline Lorinda• Owens 10 in. x 3.75 in. Santa Monica College
12 sports
Home Heartbreak James Powel Staff Writer In their final home game of the season, the Santa Monica College softball team fell to the Antelope Valley College Marauders, 8-5 last Thursday. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with the Lady Corsairs already down two runs, SMC outfielder Christine “CP3” Padilla hit a two RBI double, pulling SMC even. Not to be outdone, Jasmine Martinez also knocked in two RBIs, matching Padilla with a double of her own, giving the Corsairs a two-run lead. However, the lead would not last. In the top of the fifth inning the Marauders hung four runs on Lady Corsairs starting pitcher Julie Munoz, capped off by a triple from Antelope Valley’s first baseman Taylor Crowder. Munoz was not pulled after the two out rally, a move, or lack thereof, that highlighted the Lady Corsairs lack of depth on the mound. “[The Maurauders] can go to a closer that’s throwing 62 miles per hour and I’m still with my starter who’s laboring but I don’t have anyone I can put in there,” said SMC Head Coach Daniel Soto. The Marauders handed the ball from starting pitcher Hannah Ulibarri to relief pitcher Haley Schulman in the bottom of the fifth inning. What Schulman proceeded to do was nothing short of clutch, as she retired four of the first five Lady Corsairs she faced en route to seven strike outs over the final three innings. Though Ulibarri left nothing but doubt in the minds of the Corsairs lineup, SMC posed one last threat in the bottom of the seventh inning. With runners on the corners and a run already in, Lizeth Lopez stepped up to the plate in an attempt to end their final
volume 107 issue 8 • April 23, 2014 • santa monica college
home stand of the season on a heroic note. But unfortunately, there would be no such heroics, as Lopez struck out looking, to end the game. Though this is the fifteenth consecutive loss for the Lady Corsairs, Soto believes that the team is still moving in the right direction coming off a dismal two win season last year. “I’m not big on moral victories. I like real victories, ones I can put a check mark next to the W,” Soto said. “But that is a moral victory, to come out here and play against a team that is that good and take their punches and give our punches. So moral victory, yes. Not the kind I want but I will take them right now.” This was the final game for departing sophomores Lizeth Lopez and Alexandra Villa, and although the last two seasons have been less than satisfactory for the SMC, the difference between this season and the last could not have been more different. The Lady Corsairs won five times as many games, improving their win total from two to 10 in just a years time. An improvement that would not have been possible without the leadership of the two sophomores. The win improved the Marauders to 29-9 overall and 15-4 in conference play. If nothing else, the win should give the Marauders a fighting chance at a playoff berth, and maybe even a first round home game. Thursday’s loss was followed by a season ending defeat against Citrus College on Tuesday, which dropped the Corsairs to 10-25 on the season and 2-18 in conference play. If the squad can show the same type of improvement next season as they showed this season, SMC might find themselves primed for a run at the playoffs in just a years time.
Brandon Barsugli Corsair Santa Monica College Lady Corsairs softball player Julie Munoz pitches the ball during a game against Citrus College on Thursday March 28. The Corsairs lost 3-10.
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Learn more at CSUDH.EDU/International. Brandon Barsugli Corsair Santa Monica College Lady Corsairs softball player Julie Munoz hits the ball during a game against Citrus College on Thursday March 28. The Corsairs lost 3-10.
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