Volume 104 Issue 05

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volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

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CORSAIR

AS hosts Third Party candidate; talks education policy

Michael Yanow Corsair A patient has dental work performed as part of the Care Harbor L.A. clinic at the Los Angeles Sports Arena last Thursday.

Free Medical

Filling the Gap Ruth Mavangira Staff Writer

I know from personal experience how much an emergency can cost, and how bad a seizure can be, with patients biting their At the back of one of the orderly lines formed outside the Los tongues. I’m just glad that we were here today.”

According to Care Harbor L.A.’s website, the event’s goal Angeles Sports Arena early Friday morning, a middle-aged man was to “provide free medical, dental and vision services to the suddenly began twitching uncontrollably. After falling backward, uninsured, underinsured and underserved in our community.” his eyes rolled behind his eyelids, and drool formed around his The event’s policy required patients to choose between vision dry, cracked lips. and dental care, but allowed all patients to As onlookers screamed for help, the man access either the general or women’s clinic. was soon surrounded by several volunteers “Most of these patients just fall Betty Lucas, director of EyeCare from the McCormick Ambulance through the gaps of insurance.”

America, a public service foundation of the emergency response team.

-L.A. Care Health Plan volunteer American Academy of Ophthalmology, This man was one of many patients was present at the event to assist in offering seeking free health care last weekend at an at least a quick prescreening with eye care specialists for those event held by Care Harbor L.A. and sponsored by L.A. Care who chose dental over vision care.

Health Plan.

“My mom lost her sight to glaucoma,” Lucas said. “With early “Lucky that he was here,” said Nicholas Cowing, one of the detection, she could have slowed down the progression of the paramedic volunteers who responded to the emergency. “That’s why I love doing this. It feels amazing to be able to help people.

photostory on PG. 6 • harbor continued on PG. 8

Men’s soccer on two-game skid alex vejar Staff Writer

David J. Hawkins Corsair Conner Stout of Santa Barbra City College battles with SMC’s Alessandro Canale for the ball at Corsair Stadium yesterday afternoon.

A loss is a loss. Back-to-back losses are a concern.

The SMC men’s soccer team suffered their second straight loss yesterday, falling to the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros.

According to Coach Tim Pierce, defense has been an issue for his team lately. They have given up a total of 7 goals in the last two games.

“Our defending on set pieces is not good right now. We’re scoring enough goals to win soccer games, we’re just letting up too many.”

SBCC scored their first two goals only 11 minutes into the first half. At halftime, the Corsairs were down 3-1.

SMC came out of the locker room determined to get back in the game. Coach Pierce said he felt his team was still in it, and came out in an attacking formation in hopes to score quickly. soccer continued on PG. 12

Livia Wippich Corsair Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein speaks at Santa Monica College last Wednesday. Stein was invited by AS President Parker Jean.

william duggan & andy riesmeyer Staff Writer & News Editor The Associated Students of Santa Monica College welcomed Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein to speak at the school on Wednesday, September 25.

Stein visited the campus shortly after a long road trip, where much of her energy was spent getting the party on the ballot, she said. Stein conceded almost immediately that nothing short of a truly herculean effort would produce meaningful results.

“We’re only beginning to run a real campaign,” she told the small but dedicated crowd. Numbers from a recent CNN poll showed two percent of registered voters favored Stein over incumbent Obama.

Stein’s address was preceded by comments from former Associated Students President and Green Party member Harrison Wills, who played a key role in bringing the candidate to SMC. Jean and Wills both ran for Green Party City Council in LA County earlier this year.

“We have a lot of things to engage in, in a meaningful way,” he said. Wills cited student protests in April that led to the cancellation of Contract Ed as a victory against what he says was an unfair education policy.

Current AS President Parker Jean also spoke briefly about his commitment to the Green party. “A small group who knows the truth is better than a big group stein continued on PG. 3

health & lifestyle pg. 8 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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2 contents

volume 104 issue 5 • october 3, 2012 • santa monica college

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

Michael Yanow Corsair Joe Acuesta, 13, of Torrance (L) splashes Tyler Crockett during the 13th annual Herbalife Triathlon Los Angeles on Sunday.

retractions:

1. Last week, in an opinion article titled “Be heard and vote!” we incorrectly stated that the Prop 30 initiative would raise the sales tax by 25 percent. The initiative would raise the sales tax by .25 percent.

letter from the editor

thrusting your political values nathan gawronsky Editor-In-Chief Last Wednesday, the Associated Students hosted Jill Stein, the Green Party Candidate running for the presidency of the United States of America.

Stein, who appears to be the fashionable sweetheart of diehard “progressives,” not to mention our current and former presidents of the AS, Parker Jean and Harrison Wills, is championed as the political underdog of this presidential race—an advocate for causes rarely exposed in the mainstream political world.

And one reason those causes are so rarely exposed is because apart from them being so-called “progressive,” they are the also a radical answer to a far-left political worldview.

The question we need to ask is how does Stein coming to speak at Santa Monica College help the mission of our college?

More importantly, what does this say about the values of our student leadership?

This has nothing to do with getting Stein elected, nor does it have anything to do with pushing values that amount to anymore

than empty utopian fantasies.

This has everything to do with thrusting the political values of our Green Party-affiliated AS leadership.

When The Corsair inquired into whether Jean had plans of inviting other political candidates to SMC, he replied that he had no interest in doing so.

“They have their own agendas, I have mine. I have no intention to reach out to other candidates, but I’m extremely open to having other candidates come out here,” Jean said.

It should be mentioned that ten minutes after that interview ended, Jean called The Corsair back and sent two written invitations to the Obama and Romney campaigns, politely asking that they come to SMC and speak.

We all know that we shouldn’t hold our breath for Obama or Romney to pay us a special visit; the sheer logistics, especially this late in the election season, would be absolutely insane.

But that’s not to suggest that both the Democratic and Republican campaigns don’t have speakers chomping at the bit for an opportunity to speak to students,

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

especially a group as large and diverse as SMC’s. It would have been an equitable and expansive way to engage a dialogue of real political discourse on our campus.

The way it looks now, it seems that we have an insular AS leadership that have their own political agenda, and are simply uninterested in supporting or pushing the political agendas of other students—that is, of course, until they’re called out on it.

Why a Green Party candidate anyway? Anyone who isn’t completely delusional knows that there is just no chance that the Green Party can win. Zero. None.

If you’re disillusioned with the traditional two-party system that our country seems to be obsessed with, then perhaps you should check out Jill Stein. Perhaps there will be issues that she espouses that appeal to you—but by all practical measures, she is a fringe candidate and pushes radically left-leaning issues.

If you think that we should cut our military budget by 50 percent and reduce our military to a purely defensive army, vote for Stein.

If you want to dissolve our relationship with Israel because

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

you believe it is a criminal “apartheid” state guilty of crimes against humanity, then you should probably vote for Stein.

But if any of these stances, which are only two out of a very long list, seem somewhat extreme to you, then perhaps you shouldn’t vote for fringe candidates.

Inviting Stein to speak at our campus is not wrong in and of itself. But Jean and the AS were elected to represent the entire student body.

Inviting your personal choice for candidate to speak to your college is not the way to show SMC’s students that their political desires and needs are important.

It is, however, a very good way to promote your own personal agenda.

As a learning experience, this short-changed students, because all they walked away with were the views of a radical left-wing candidate, and little else.

And as members of an institution that’s sole mission is to promote education, doling out an incomplete portrait of the nuances of this presidential race is not conducive toward forming well rounded, informed voters.

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news 3

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Classified employees protest, walk out on BOT

Amy Gaskin Corsair Santa Monica College Classified Employees and supporters protest alleged contract violations before the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday at the Bundy Campus. During the meeting, the group alleged unfair bargaining practices in response to Board comments and walked out.

Allie silvas Staff Writer Santa Monica College Classified Employees and their supporters protested the Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday over alleged contract violations and potential austerity measures that may result in layoffs next year.

About 30 members from the Classified School Employees Union gathered at the Bundy Campus and held signs that read “Honor Your Word” and “Shame on You,” before the meeting.

CSEA members perform the nonadministrative, non-teaching roles at the college like grounds keeping and building maintenance. They allege that revisions

from stein on PG. 1 that’s blind,” he said. Jean’s administration officially invited the candidate to speak.

Stein addressed the school directly, calling the Contract Ed program a symptom of a struggling public education system.

She decried what she called “draconian tuition hikes” and “special favors for those who can afford it.” Statewide tuition for California community colleges increased in 2012 from $36 to $46 per credit hour.

“Our campaign is insisting on forgiving student debt,” she said, adding that she’d like to make public higher education completely free.

Despite the enthusiasm shown by student leaders, not everyone was supportive of the AS efforts to court Stein. The Corsair interviewed an SMC faculty member who wished to remain anonymous due to his proximity to the AS. “The AS are elected to represent the students and further the mission of the

made by the board were done “away from the table,” and violate the negotiated agreement reached by the two parties each year.

Proposals at the meeting included a removal of two sections in the contract— one granting raises and another that allows CSEA members to receive the same health benefits granted to other unions.

“This ‘me too’ clause is a contractual provision wherein an employer promises a union that it will receive the benefit of any better deal that the employer might later reach with another union,” according to CSEA’s website.

The Board mandated that CSEA give up this “me too” obligation in exchange for no reduction in positions barring the passage

of Prop 30 as a result of the cancellation of the winter session.

“At the last meeting, myself and other classified staff pleaded with you to fulfill obligations and honor the contract you have with us. Either due to apathy, arrogance, or both, you decided to renege on those obligations,” said classified employee Willis Barton.

Board member Dr. Susan Aminoff explained that the Board made these decisions as a last resort in an attempt to prevent layoffs. “My number one priority is to keep people employed,” said Aminoff.

Extra pressure has been placed on the classified employees since the college approved a 2012-2013 budget that includes a contingency plan where employees

may suffer layoffs if the November ballot initiative Proposition 30 doesn’t pass.

“We were promised, from the Board, equity across the board and from the top down,” said Bernie Rosenloecher, the president of the local CSEA chapter.

Members of the union assembled and walked out of the meeting after Trustee Louise Jaffe discussed contract specifics “away from the table.” According to Rosenloecher, this is in violation of their protocol.

Other items discussed at the meeting included a resolution in opposition to Proposition 32, a ballot aimed to stop union contribution to campaigns and a conclusion of work on the roof of the college’s Bundy campus building.

college. How does bringing Jill Stein to the campus do that?” he said.

“I see a lack of transparency about their own political values and how it drives their agenda,” he said. “If we’re an educational institution, why bring one candidate from one party just to speak?”

At first Jean said there were no plans to ask anyone else. “They have their own agendas, I have mine. I have no intention to reach out to other candidates but I’m extremely open to having other candidates come out here.”

Jean later added that he was in the process of asking both President Obama and Mitt Romney to appear on campus.

Stein’s economic plan is called the “Green New Deal,” a reference to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal of the 1930’s. Stein’s plan calls for a drastic downsizing of the military and an entirely defensive national security strategy. With savings drawn from the cuts to the military as well as a financial transaction tax, or a “Robin Hood tax,” according to Stein,

the federal government would have the resources to “step in and create more jobs.”

Stein estimates 16 million jobs could be created by building new infrastructure, such as public transit systems, bike paths, and parks—all of which, she explained, encourage a healthier lifestyle and reduce carbon emissions. This “solves a whole bunch of crises at once,” she said.

Other major reforms include an “economic bill of rights,” designed to protect consumers and increase financial literacy, and providing free government healthcare via the single payer or “Medicare for all” system. Stein also proposed reforming the tax code and raising taxes on the wealthy, and breaking up big banks.

Stein is awaiting a response to an application for federal matching funds that could inject as much as $20 million into her campaign. The Green party is on the ballot in 45 states, including Ohio, Florida, and Colorado, which are battlegrounds in a close race between Obama and Romney.

Stein’s focus included highlighting

the ideological differences between her campaign and the common ground shared between the two major parties. Stein criticized the Obama administration’s public policy, and cited what she called a “war on our civil liberties.” She further emphasized that Obama had “embraced” many of the policies of his Republican predecessor George W. Bush, with energy, education, and national security being most prominent.

Stein credited former President Bush for ending the Iraq war, noting that Bush had set the deadline for withdrawal of American troops prior to Obama taking office. Further proof, she insisted, that the policies of the two major parties were indistinguishable.

She also called for an end to what she described as an “illegal boycott of Gaza,” and labeled the government of Israel as an “apartheid regime.”

Asked if she has any shot at winning, Stein said, “I’m not holding my breath, but I’m not ruling it out either.”

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

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4 news

volume 104 issue 5 • october 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Bar hopping to heal the bay (and dodge traffic) Annjelicia houston Staff Writer The day Angelenos were dreading had finally arrived. Carmageddon II (the sequel) fell upon LA on Saturday, and the 405 freeway that typically facilitates the movement of roughly 500,000 people on an average weekend, was shut down for construction.

As newscasters prepped the city for the peril of a 34-hour traffic jam, prospects of a fun weekend were bleak.

But nothing happened. Again. Most people obeyed the dire prophecies and stayed in.

Traffic was as bad as it was when Bruce Willis sacrificed himself to nuke an asteroid so his daughter could marry Ben Affleck.

The warm, normal traffic conditions of Saturday were perfect for a night out. In lieu of doomsday, partiers flocked to Santa

Monica for a common end-of-the-world tradition: drinking.

Roughly 100 people dawned bright orange shirts as they drank and walked (and eventually crawled) their way down Main Street. But just what had brought all of these people together in such revelry?

Saturday’s raucous crowds were actually there in support of Heal the Bay, an environmental charity aimed to improve conditions on Santa Monica’s beaches.

About a week ago, Santa Monica’s new software company, UMeTime, launched an app to help consumers find local deals and events. Brett Berman, founder of UMeTime, says net-proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to Heal the Bay. “It’s all about helping the local businesses in this area,” says Berman. “And for the consumers it’s about local deals that are relevant to you.”

The event began Saturday at 2 p.m. at Areal Restaurant, and then moved up and down a three-block radius to different bars on Main Street.

As the crawl moved from Finn McCools to bar 31 Ten, a quaint bar with indoor and outdoor seating, the crowd of people had grown at least twice as large.

“My friend Andrea told me about this event,” says pub-crawler Kris Beatty. “I love it, it’s a good time. I just moved to Santa Monica about two weeks ago, but this is about supporting a charitable cause and having fun,” said Beatty.

While plenty of people were there for drink specials and free shirts, some attended the pub-crawl strictly to support the Heal the Bay effort.

“I insisted on paying full price for my ticket because it’s donation based, and it goes to where I live,” says pub-crawler

Bryan Hayes.

Hayes was not the only one excited about the event’s beneficiary.

“Heal the Bay is amazing,” says Spencer Gilmartin of UMeTime. “I went to their last beach cleanup, and I had a couple of pounds of trash by the time I was done,” he says.

From 31 Ten, the crawl moved to Barcopa, where the event had gone into full swing.

The bar swelled with pub-crawlers all eager to continue drinking and socializing.

Berman felt that his app, the atmosphere, and the large crowd turnout helped the UMeTime Caramageddon II Pub Crawl become a success. According to Berman, there will be more like this event in the future.

“We’re hoping to team up with Whole Foods and The Boys and Girls Club next; we want to keep giving back to the community through fun events,” says Berman.

Iraqi war veteran champions public service alex vejar Staff Writer As her Black Hawk helicopter was spinning towards Iraqi ground after being shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade, Lieutenant Colonel Tammy Duckworth had only one thought to focus on: “Do my job and land the helicopter,” she said.

The danger was real, and the challenge was completed.

But little did she know, a still greater challenge was waiting for her when she awoke in the hospital almost a week later.

Duckworth’s 2004 accident cost her both of her legs, and she lost much of the function in her right arm.

Despite this horrific ordeal, Duckworth’s desire for life endured. She recovered from her injuries and threw herself into public policy, holding an administrative position at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. She ran for congress in 2006, but lost by two percentage points.

But Duckworth doesn’t give up that easily; she’s presently running for office again.

Duckworth stopped at Santa Monica College’s Main Stage to speak last Thursday. The seats of the auditorium were packed with students, faculty, staff and military veterans, eagerly listening to Duckworth’s heroic tale.

From the beginning, Duckworth captivated the audience “One of the benefits of losing both your legs is you can be any height you want to be,” she joked. “If I can’t be supermodel thin, I’m going to be supermodel tall.”

Duckworth’s speech was sprinkled with anecdotes about life as a military woman. She spoke about the “battle buddies” she didn’t know but was expected to share every experience with. These buddies, she said, ended up saving her life following the helicopter crash in Iraq.

Duckworth urged the audience participate in community service. She urged students to “do something to serve this nation,” calling her visit to SMC “a call to serve.” She

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suggested that non-veterans could volunteer at their local VA hospital and for student veterans to seek out organizations such as American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars after they graduate.

Her encouragement at SMC was in step with her message to the nation during her endorsement of Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention on September 4. “[This election] is also about whether we do for our fellow Americans what my crew did for me; whether we’ll look out for the hardest hit and the disabled,” she said.

Santa Monica College student-veteran Anthony Torrez agrees with Duckworth’s message of community service, stating that he feels it’s very important for everyone to be involved in the community, and to be more aware of what’s going on around them.

Another student, Samantha Gomez, said she didn’t have to be a military veteran to feel moved by Duckworth’s personal experiences.

“It made me feel like I was there,” she said. “It’s very inspirational because it makes us want to help [veterans] more because we understand their point of view.” Gomez also supported helping veterans in the community. “It’s the minimum we can do because they are defending us with their lives,” she said.

Veteran’s affairs have been a major part of Duckworth’s life since recovering from her life-altering injuries.

According to an LA Times article in 2006, she decided to make her first run for congress just four days after being released from the hospital, telling her husband, Army Major Bryan Bowlsbey, “I like to serve. It’s part of who I am.”

In 2009, President Obama appointed Duckworth as the Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She resigned that position to run for Congress again in 2011.

Duckworth, who is running as a Democrat, says she plans

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David J. Hawkins Corsair Former Lieutenant Colonel Tammy Duckworth gives a speech on Thursday at SMC’s main campus about her vivid experience as a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot who survived a fatal crash landing on SMC students and staff members.

to cut defense spending if elected, according to her website.

“I believe that we need to repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent, crack down on big corporations who avoid paying taxes, and speak out against those who would go to war for the wrong reasons,” she said. “We need to create jobs, reform our tax code, and make sure that everyone plays by the same set of rules.”

SMC President and Superintendent Dr. Chui L. Tsang commended the veteran. “[Duckworth] may have been severely injured, but she is not disabled. Although she has lost both of her legs, she still stands tall,” he said.

“While her body was badly maimed, her spirit remains undaunted.”

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opinion 5

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

SMC’s transfer rate still high tarrin andrews Contributor When students seek a community college that will ensure quality education with high transfer rates, Santa Monica College is one of their main choices, if not the choice. SMC is considered the best transfer school in the state, attracting more students with each semester. But with budget cuts and tuition increases, the transfer rate just might go down the drain.

“All I really know is what they preach,” said Gabrielle Gordon, an SMC student, referring to the college’s “number one in transfer rates” to the University of California system.

Santa Monica College is considered unbeatable when it comes to transferring to four-year schools. It’s a story circulated by word of mouth and advertised by the school through Big Blue Bus ads and the school’s website.

But what are the numbers and how exactly do they break down?

Munir Haque, a former SMC student, had an interesting perspective. He believes that SMC takes in more students than it can support, resulting in overcrowding. This means that SMC has more students than some of the other 112 California community colleges, which results in the number of students that transfer being higher.

“What you have to do is look at the percentages,” said Haque.

College Measures is a joint venture of the American Institutes of Research and the Matrix Knowledge Group.

They created a chart of transfer success rate percentages for community colleges on a national scale. Compiling

information sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, the research group created a “success” rating based on the percentage of students who graduated within three years or transferred to a four-year institution. The chart lists a few hundred schools with the research group’s success rating. So, what’s SMC’s success rate? It’s 48 percent.

That percentage should be higher, considering SMC’s prestige. After discovering SMC’s transfer success rate, it was time to look at the other schools for comparison.

Consider that out of 14,000 students transferring from California community colleges to the UC school system, almost 1,100 come from SMC, with the average school trickling off a few hundred in comparison. The nearest community college that beats SMC’s transfer success rate, according to College Measures’ success rating, is Victor Valley College in Victorville, with an 84 percent transfer rate.

The praise SMC receives for being the best possible school for transferring to a UC school is supported, with 1,053 students transferring from SMC in the 2009-10 school year. This amount is more by almost double than any other California community college, according to reports by the Postsecondary Education Commission.

But, while SMC has better transfer rates, and data directly supports that, students face a large obstacle to transferring. It is overcrowding, and a lot of community colleges are facing this issue.

Santa Monica College has to downsize and offer fewer classes because of the unjust budget cuts. With less core

classes that are essential for quick transferral, such as general education courses, the remaining classes are getting crowded, and some students are being flat out turned away. Students are essentially going anywhere to take classes they need, even if that means attending more than one school.

Alex Contreras, a third-year SMC student, grew desperate for the English and math courses he needed. Since he’s in his third year, he doesn’t want to be at SMC much longer, and now attends both SMC and West L.A. College, in an effort to speed up the process. He believes it is getting harder for students like him to complete their education and transfer on time.

Getting ahead in this country is difficult, especially if you’re starting from the ground up. Community colleges are affordable bridges for students to cross to something greater on the other side. However, it comes down to money, and with tuition increases and course reductions, it has become a challenge for students to continue their education and transfer to a desired four-year university. The much needed access to affordable education is slowly corroding, and with it, so are the hopes for a great future for some students.

Yes, SMC has a great transfer rate that everyone can be proud of, but with the budget cuts plaguing the system, it will only be harder and harder for students to transfer. Perhaps, sooner than later, SMC’s success rate will reduce because of the unwarranted budget cuts and tuition fee increases. All we can do is hope for the best outcome, while treading through this economic crisis.

Free Ivy League online courses Raquel Glushenko Contributor With a struggling economy looming over our heads like a grey cloud of depressionconstantly reminding us of the economic woes that hold us back- it has become very difficult for many to pay for college classes and obtain the knowledge needed for self-betterment. But, hope is flickering through the grey clouds of economic calamities as people are now able to obtain knowledge through online courses from world-renowned universities for free.

Get up and give a round of applause for a new virtual revolution that is bringing knowledge to the world.

Coursera is a social entrepreneurship company, founded in the autumn of 2011, that hosts 195 free online courses from 33 elite universities from around the world, including Stanford, Princeton, Caltech, Duke, Brown, and other top schools. This organization allows students to pick online courses from 18 different categories, taught by world-class professors, without paying the ridiculous fees associated with top universities.

Coursera’s founders, Stanford professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, came up with this experiment after Ng taught a free online class that enrolled more than 100,000 students. Their goal is to make it easily accessible for everyone to take advantage of online courses, created by the top universities, and gain free knowledge.

According to the Coursera website, they “envision a future where the top universities are educating not only thousands of students, but millions.” It continues on that Coursera’s “technology enables the best professors to teach tens or hundreds of thousands of students.”

Ashley Robinson, a Santa Monica College student, sees many benefits from these free courses. “I’d get the knowledge I need. Isn’t that what we’re here for?” Indeed, a little extra knowledge cannot do anyone harm, but only advance us further in life.

But receiving free courses from an Ivy League school sounds a little too perfect, and skepticism is bound to take over the minds of those who can’t believe that something is given to them for free. It’s an opportunity many would want to take advantage of and with the many seats available, it is possible for many to get the chance to learn for free. So what’s the catch, and how does this program work?

In these online courses, students watch videos, participate in discussions, turn in homework, and take quizzes online. After completing a course, students receive a noncredit certificate from their professors. The catch is that students won’t receive a degree from these courses, but they will benefit by learning from elite institutions.

Some professors will allow the certificate of completion for college credit at the college the students attend. This past fall, the University of Washington was offering college credit through Coursera and some others are doing the same.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

Another benefit from taking these free classes is that it looks really good on a resume. Perhaps, the knowledge received from the top universities will give people the extra nudge to get the job they desire.

There are students who believe that online learning can be more difficult than the face-to-face experiences they receive in a classroom. On-campus college experiences don’t compare to a virtual one, but when faced with difficulties of being able to attend an on-campus class, then an online class is a good choice; especially when it’s free. Coursera is constantly improving ways to make it easier for students to learn and adding more courses for them to choose from. It also offers translators, so not only English speaking students can utilize this system, but students from all over world.

By offering people from all over the world the opportunity to learn from top universities- they could only imagine attending- can transform the mission and model of higher education. Everyone should have the right to be just as educated as the next guy or girl, and free online courses are a great option. These programs have already been reshaping how colleges approach teaching and an individual’s drive to learn.

Imagine a world with equal education for all. As Daphne Koller put it in her speech, “amazing talent could be found anywhere. Maybe the next Albert Einstein or the next Steve Jobs is living somewhere in a remote village in Africa.” @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

Voter ID laws to prevent voter fraud nathan gawronsky Editor-In-Chief

The right to vote is a fundamental cornerstone of our society, and to tamper or alter it in any way, shape or form, is to modify the most fundamental function of a population that is free to determine the appointment of elected leaders to public office or to choose laws for the land and the communities we live in.

For a long time, it was taken as a matter of course that when you arrived at your polling station, you could basically cast your vote unmolested by bureaucratic goons.

But since 2003, over 30 (mostly Republican controlled) state legislatures have enacted some form of what’s become known as “Voter ID laws.”

The logic behind these laws is to prevent the very sinister practice of voter fraud— and to, perhaps, preserve the integrity of our most cherished societal institution.

Perhaps these measures would be justified if voter fraud were a real issue that could throw elections. But it’s funny sometimes how facts can paint a starkly different picture.

According to an in-depth study on voter fraud conducted by News21, since 2000, there have been 2,068 cases of voter fraud in the United States. If you consider how many hundreds of millions of ballots have been cast, this number is truly imperceptible.

Like teeny-weeny.

“These are major issues that won’t go away, and they effect millions of people,” said Kathleen Unger, the founder of the non-profit/non-partisan group VoteRiders.

Her mission, she said, has been to spread awareness and knowledge of these onerous laws for the past ten years.

“If we’re not vigilant about how our government performs, we basically won’t have a democracy left,” Unger said.

Which is precisely why these laws are so fundamentally detrimental to the rights of voters, and therefore of all citizens. If you don’t vote, that’s your prerogative, but interfering in a citizen’s ability to try and make an impact on the issues that matter to them is worse than voter fraud. It’s voter corruption, and erodes the very fabric of our society, and that very important aspect of confidence in our system that is suffering so terribly today.

We need to be encouraging civic participation across all the different strata of society, not infecting the entire process and turning what might otherwise have been active members of society into selfabsorbed cynics who think that nothing matters.

Jenna Crowley, a 21-year-old journalism student at Santa Monica College, is registered to vote; but when asked if she would be voting, she replied that she didn’t know which candidates were running for office.

“I just feel it doesn’t matter. Isn’t it just the corporations who will win the vote anyway?” she asked.

We spoke for a few minutes, and after a couple doses of straight-unadulterated common sense, she said, “I guess I have a cynical view of all of it.”

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6 photostory

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

“...I sur

Patients have dental work performed as part of the Care Harbor L.A. clinic at the Los Angeles Sports Arena last Friday. Care Harbor L.A. offers “free medical, dental and vision servi

Care Harbor L.A. offers free health

Sebastian Morie, 20, has an eye examination for the first time since high school.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

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photostory 7

volume 104 issue 5 • october 3, 2012 • santa monica college

re would love to get my smile back.”

-Sonya Barley, 46

ices to the uninsured, underinsured and underserved.” About 4,000 people attended the clinic over a four-day period.

Photos By Michael Yanow Corsair

h care

TOP LEFT : Santos Cuem, 33, of downtown Los Angeles, has his blood pressure taken from nursing student Calilah Edwards at patient triage.

TOP RIGHT : Lester Houston of Watts poses after seeing a dentist for the first time in 11 years. He had four teeth pulled during his session.

BOTTOM : Doctors wrap up their dental exam on Darryl Threatt, 28, of south Los Angeles. Threatt is uninsured and needed dental work. “I also had an infection I didn’t know about from a root canal that went wrong,” said Threatt.

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

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+ Lifestyle 8 Health

volume 104 issue 5 • october 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Joseline Avila’s parents Sandra (left) and Mario (center) wait as their daughter has measurements taken for her first pair of glasses.

from harbor on PG. 1 disease and perhaps—like my aunt—still had her sight at 80 years. That’s why I do this—to help other people save their eyes, because vision is key.”

Volunteers such as Richard Baker, a medical doctor from UCLA and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, worked to prescreen the many patients lined up at the booths approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day.

“I feel fortunate—who I am, where I grew up, what I do,” said Baker. “There are a lot less fortunate people and I have an opportunity to do something special here.

It’s my first year volunteering here, but I’ll be back next year.”

Many volunteers like Jasmine Helu, a 22-yearold medical assistant student at Infotech Career College, assisted with examinations at the event.

“I’ve been volunteering since I was 10 years old,” Helu said, who assisted with sight reading exams. “My parents would just take me. I’m here because this is my family tradition; we help others. I’m lucky

I’ve never had to struggle too much.”

For others who have had to face hardships, like Mario and Sandra Avila, the event provided a way to receive care that would otherwise have been too expensive.

The couple’s 10-year-old daughter Joseline received her first pair of reading glasses at the event, choosing a pair of bright purple frames from the hundreds offered by Care Harbor L.A. “I am a stay-at-home mom, and Mario works at a car wash,” said Avila. “We could never have afforded this. She has been complaining that the words are blurry when she reads for a year now, but we couldn’t do anything until now. I am so thankful.”

On the opposite side of the arena, neat rows of reclined chairs were laid out where patients waited to receive free dental work.

“I prayed when I left the house, ‘please, God, may I get my implant today,’” said 52-year-old Ismat Youus, who wore a purple head wrap to hide her mouth and her missing front tooth.

Sonya Barley, 46, covered her mouth with her hand when she laughed to hide her four missing teeth.

“My ex pushed me out of a moving car on the freeway and I lost some teeth,” Barley said. “He is in jail now. I forgive him, but I sure would love to get my smile back.”

Carl D. Werts, who has been a dentist for over 30 years, was one of the many medical professionals practicing at the event to “give back.”

“Today I will do extractions and teeth cleanings, mostly,” Werts said. “Only 10 percent or less of all patients here today will get partials, which are cosmetic implants that allow them to look good, but will need to eventually be replaced with more permanent ones. It’s the first year that we have tried this, so hopefully, if it’s efficient, we can help more people next year.”

Eddie Henderson, 40, was not able to receive a partial, but he did receive a free teeth cleaning.

“I also got my flu shot, and a lot of new information from all these booths they have here,” Henderson said.

Darryl Threatt, a 28-year-old graphic artist who is currently unemployed, was able to have a partial done on the spot.

“I also had an infection I didn’t know

Photos By Michael Yanow Corsair

about from a root canal that went wrong,” Threatt said.

Like Threatt, many patients in attendance lost insurance policies due to unemployment. Some patients had policies that did not cover extensive dental or vision care, and many others were unable to afford insurance at all.

“Most of these patients just fall through the gaps for insurance because they are the working poor, the college students, or just destitute,” said a volunteer from L.A. Care Health Plan, who wished to remain anonymous.

Doctors, volunteers, and many other lowcost service organizations worked as a team throughout the weekend.

L.A. Care Health Plan massage therapist volunteers gave free 10-minute full-body massages to patients after their free vision and dental procedures.

Food vendors, including Subway, provided patients at the clinic with food and water.

“It was more than a clinic, or any doctor I ever paid to go to, because it was done with so much love,” said 30-year-old Jessica Buchanan, a patient at the event. “You can just feel the love. It was a perfect 10.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Merissa Weiland Staff Writer

Bobbie Estioko, a 67-year-old breast cancer survivor, remembers learning of her diagnosis 13 years ago. She was having a routine mammogram when her doctors found a small lump that turned out to be breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created over 25 years ago to educate and empower women to take charge of their own breast health, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.

Estioko, who is now in remission, encourages women to have regular breast examinations for early detection.

“I’m all for women getting tested yearly, as soon as they can,” says Estioko.

While Estioko describes her first thoughts of being diagnosed as terrifying, she says she could not have endured without a sense of humor.

“You can go nuts thinking about it, but if you have good friends and they see that you just want to laugh, it will help you out,” Estioko says.

The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention states that other than nonmelanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, in a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most advanced cases of breast cancer occur in women over 50, but other factors may influence a person’s chances of getting the disease, such as having a family history or certain genetic abnormalities.

“If there is a family history, there are different gene markers that they can test you for that will tell you if you have the propensity to get the same kind of breast cancer that your mom, or your aunt, or your grandma had,” says Victoria Aberbook, a nursing instructor at Santa Monica College.

There are many treatments available for breast cancer, but a person’s treatment depends on the cancer type and stage at diagnosis. The stages range from zero to four, with four being the most advanced.

Early detection is of utmost importance for an optimal prognosis.

“It is no longer considered to be a breast

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

self-exam that women should do, but having breast awareness,” says Aberbook. “A woman should see a doctor if there are changes such as lumps, dimpling, discoloration, or anything else out of the norm.”

Aberbook also encourages women with a family history of breast cancer to be even more proactive.

“They don’t recommend a mammogram until age 40,” says Aberbook. “Before age 40, it’s breast awareness. If they have a strong history, at age 30 they recommend the mammogram and the MRI, as well as genetic testing.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure works to assist uninsured and underinsured women and men, particularly under age 40, who have symptoms of breast cancer and are facing barriers to accessing health care.

“We want to maintain a grassroots appeal and approach,” says Mark Pilon, executive director of Komen’s Los Angeles affiliate.

“We want to keep connected to our own community.”

The foundation offers suggestions for women to lower their chances of breast cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

controlling weight, exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and controlling emotional health may all contribute to reducing chances.

“We donate 75 percent of all of our fundraising to local organizations to provide free screenings and mammograms to people who may not otherwise be able to get tested,” says Pilon. “The other 25 percent goes to the national organization for research.”

The American Cancer Society sponsors the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Many of these walks are held throughout the year, and there are two upcoming walks in Los Angeles.

The first local walk will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, with registration at 5 p.m. and the event at 6 p.m.

Another walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Los Angeles Southwest College, with registration at 8 a.m. and the event at 9 a.m.

For more information on these walks, visit makingstrides.acsevents.org.

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Health + Lifestyle 9

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Study abroad opportunities await SMC students elizabeth moss Staff Writer

Imagine swimming with humpback whales, uncovering an ancient burial cave, and even finding a soul mate.

In addition to witnessing “seven or eight marriages that have come from these trips,” Ed Tarvyd, Santa Monica College marine biology and zoology professor, can recite dozens of memorable moments from his experiences abroad.

With study abroad programs reduced to near nonexistence at SMC, there are still a number of other services that can take students across the world.

Tarvyd will take 18 students to the Galapagos Islands in January.

“Go in recognizing that there are a wide variety of programs,” says Pete Morris, SMC geography professor and co-chair of the college’s Global Citizenship Council.

Morris recommends that students consider the kind of experience they are seeking, whether it is college credit, or “some kind of life-changing experience.”

Students and teachers looking to travel on a budget can find deals on flights, hotels and trains across Europe through STA Travel. In addition to personal planning tools, the company offers several study abroad programs.

IIEPassport’s website has an extensive, searchable list of trips abroad for students, as well as a separate site that deals with scholarships. Similarly, California Colleges for International Education’s website offers a database of study abroad programs.

The British Universities North America Club is geared toward intern and volunteer work for students around the world.

STUDENT PERKS

S

SUKKOT PARTY SPONSORED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF SANTA MONICA COLLEGE - YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT

T N E V E • G N I M O C P U

But there is more to studying abroad than just choosing a program.

“You want to learn about the culture before you go,” says Keshia Nash-Johnson, a second-year student at SMC. She speaks from her own experience of studying in Japan through a homestay program.

“Certain cultures won’t tell you if you’ve offended them, so you have to pay attention to what you’re doing,” says Nash-Johnson.

Tom Blair, director of the European Studies Association at City College of San Francisco, suggests that students studying abroad should be “really aware of where they are going to be in the city.” Some programs hold residences in the suburbs of the destination city.

Paris draws about 150 students of varying ages and backgrounds to study in France through a program led by Blair.

In terms of SMC’s own programs, there are several in the works. Trips to Turkey and China are being planned, and faculty members hope to eventually set up international “centers” in various countries throughout the world, according to Morris.

“We do plan to offer these programs again,” says Morris.

Such excursions can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000, depending upon the city and the travel agency.

“It’s worth the money,” says NashJohnson.

Tarvyd, who has traveled the world, encourages students to take opportunities to study abroad.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” says Tarvyd.

Paid upon enrollment, your Associated Students fee of $19.50 entitles you to:

Come to the Sukkah (hut) for pizza, salad, and beverages! Celebrate the Holiday of Sukkot with your friends at Chabad Club of SMC. October 4, 2012 at the Quad, 11:15 am - 12:35 pm

Big Blue Bus transport SMC Club Funding Discount Movie Tickets at 9 participating theaters

CLUB ROW FALL 2012

$15 worth of Free Printing at the A.S. Computer Lab

Hosted by the Inter-Club Council Come to this fall club gathering. Colorful booths, tons of food, activities, music, dance and explosive demonstrations. Get information on club activities. Become a club member!

October 25, 2012 at the Quad, 11:15 am - 12:35 pm

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS of Santa Monica College represent the interests of the student body through Student Governance.

Represent your student body. Affect

START A NEW CLUB!

ALL A.S.-SPONSORED

Recruit members! Select officers! Write a constitution!

EVENTS ARE OPEN TO

Visit www.smc.edu/associated_students to download your ICC Club Registration Packet.

THE ENTIRE STUDENT BODY!

(The Inter-Club Council (ICC) is an organization within A.S. that supports student clubs on campus.)

ICS T E L H T A SMC !

K C A B E R A

ams ort your te p p u s d n a Come out dmission.* with free a

Visit the A.S./Student Life office in the Cayton Center (2nd floor above the cafeteria). For information about Student Life opportunities, contact Jesse A. Ramirez, Director of Publicity, at (310) 434-4965.

ME MING GA College HOMECO rb nta Ba ara a S . s v C SM 7, 2012 October 2 1:00 pm ld Corsair Fie

. Sticker.

ur valid A.S

*Show yo

decisions on Curriculum, Budget Planning, Facilities Planning, Technology Planning, and more. Apply for a Campus Committee Position at the A.S. office TODAY!

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(310) 434-4250 www.smc.edu/associated_students

@t h e _ c o r s a i r •

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+ entertainment 10 arts

volume 104 issue 5 • october 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Trust and creativity drive Diavolo’s “Transit Space” Marine Gaste Staff Writer

“What is Diavolo?” Jacques Heim, artistic director of Diavolo, asked his audience during the Friday, Sept. 28, premiere of his new piece, “Transit Space,” at the Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica, Calif.

“If Diavolo were a salad, the recipe would be: a little bit of everyday movement, a little bit of ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, martial arts and hip hop,” he explains. “Add large props and abstract structures, tweak the whole thing, and voilà! That’s Diavolo.”

“Transit Space” is completely different from other Diavolo pieces. It explores the theme of feeling lost, finding a sense of purpose, and coming together. Influenced by the documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” the piece uses skateboard ramps and half-pipes as a way to represent an urban environment with emotional and physical spaces that are constantly shifting.

They paint a live abstract masterpiece with a body language that speaks to the audience through movement and individual expression. Danger, human struggle, chaos, deconstruction, and reconstruction are only a few themes expressed throughout “Transit Space.”

What makes “Transit Space” so unique is that the dancers created it. Heim gave his team of collaborators creative freedom to construct props, stages, and dances.

“The structure always comes first,” Heim explains. Sibyl Wickersheimer designed the set of four skateboard ramps with detachable parts, while Mike McCluskey designed the props. Once the structures were created, they were sent to Diavolo’s warehouse-like space in downtown L.A. There, performers gathered and played “like children on a playground.” Also, taking cues from teen skateboarders in

the Santa Monica and Venice areas, the dancers created their own tricks.

“Creation is my favorite part of dance, and Jacques gave us the freedom in creation, to be ourselves which is very cool,” performer Crystal Runk said. “He really pulled from each person as he didn’t want any of us to be like the person sitting next to us,” she said. “He really wanted us to be us on stage, and what makes the piece so fun is that every single night we go on stage, we are creating again because we are living in the moment.”

A feeling of camaraderie is palpable on stage, as if the performers have known each other forever. “We spend most of our time together, engaging with everyone during our warm up and rehearsal every day, and some of us are even roommates,” said Runk. Working as a team, the dancers evolve dynamically, forming a community on their own. Complicity, trust, and support give rhythm to each of their moves on stage.

Interacting with large architectural structures, dancers skittered up, slid down, jumped over, and threw themselves into the void. These elegant practices often present risks, but inspire the audience as the highly athletic moves are always performed with excellence.

“We have to trust each other off stage in order to trust each other on stage. It just doesn’t work without that,” Runk said.

Superintendent and President of Santa Monica College, Dr. Chui L. Tsang, attended Friday night’s show and was taken aback. “It’s fantastic. I’m exhausted just watching it. I feel like I just ran a marathon or something like that. It was very high energy and very innovative,” he said “Heim presented a very entertaining show .”

For the first time in Diavolo show history, voice-overs by scriptwriter Steve Connell were incorporated in order to match the

Marine Gaste Corsair (L-R) Performers Ashley Nilson, Anibal Sandoval, and Johannes Williams jump off skate ramps during the premiere of Diavolo’s new piece “Transit Space,” with Jacques Heim as artistic director, at the Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica, on Friday.

sound effects with the movements. To achieve this, David Beaudry designed motion sensors, which were attached to dancers and props. “It gave a lot more power to the performers; they actually have control of the show in their own environment. For example, every time performers went up and down the ramps, it would trigger the sound effect of a car zipping by,” explained Beaudry.

Michel Bayan, who has followed the troupe since 2001, liked the addition of voice to this particular piece. “It makes ‘Transit Space’ very different because it offers a more tangible meaning, it becomes less abstract because it has words,” he said.

Bayan went on to say, “I love what they do because there is so much feeling in

it and you can feel how this kind of art touches people, it touches people in spite of themselves. Even the hardest most blocked people will still be touched. It brings out the soul of the person to watch their art.

And that’s a beautiful thing.”

After its first time coming to the Broad Stage Theater, Diavolo will perform again on October 6, for the opening of Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.

From January to June 2013, Diavolo will take a national and international tour to Colorado, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, as well as an international tour of Guatemala, the Netherlands, and Germany.

For more information and tickets, visit diavolo.org.

$10 Tuesday:

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria danielle Rouillard Contributor Walking through the streets of Westwood, I smelled a hint of garlic and a whiff of basil. I followed my nose and arrived at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, a woodfire burning pizza parlor delectable enough for the an Italian palette and still affordable enough for a college student’s wallet.

Inside, I was greeted by a row of chefs, ready and waiting to begin my custom pizza pie. Viewing the line of chefs, each behind freshly prepared Italian fares, it became obvious that 800 Degrees is the Chipotle of pizzerias.

If you enjoy Chipotle’s build-your-burrito experience, with its basic menu, quality local ingredients, and speedy service, 800 Degrees will not let you down.

Each order begins by choosing a classic pie from a basic menu: margherita at $6.45, bianca, a sauce-less white pizza, at $5.65 or marinara at $5.15.

I started my pizza off margherita style and watched eagerly as the chef tossed and spread my own personal ball of dough on a wooden plank. He layered fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, drizzled olive oil, and sprinkled garlic and basil creating a perfect pie on its own, but the magic does not end here.

My mouth watered as I moved down the line to the next chef and I continued to personalize my pie. Laid out in all their delicious glory were tons of premium toppings to choose from at only $1 each.

From rosemary ham to broccolini to artichoke hearts, these toppings cover all the bases.

You want extra cheese? You can choose from gorgonzola, smoked provolone, or feta among many others, and it’s not an

Danielle Rouillard Contributor Jolie Duhon pulls a freshly baked pizza pie out of the extremely hot 800 degree fire pit at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria in Westwood VIllage.

easy choice. They’ll even roll your cheese of choice into the crust at no extra charge.

Pondering the endless number of culinary combinations, I finally settled on roasted garlic and ricotta cheese.

My stomach rumbled in anticipation and luckily I didn’t have to wait long for this creamy, cheesy, pungent pie. My pizza was ready to eat in just one minute, cooked to perfection with an extremely hot wood-fire grill that inspires the restaurant’s name.

After devouring the pizza, slow enough to savor the flavor, I still had half of my 12-

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •

in pizza left and I was stuffed. I managed to keep a pizza box full of leftovers, which is really two meals for the price of one, all under $10.

For those looking for a lighter meal, 800 Degrees offers a variety of salads and burrata cheese plates for around $5 to $7, all with the option to add toppings at $1 each.

If you’re able to restrain yourself from indulging on too many toppings and find you have a hankering for sweets, gelato is also available for $3. For those with a little @t h e _ c o r s a i r •

extra cash and a valid ID, beer and wine are served for about $5 a glass.

Once your dining experience is complete, staff will clear your dishes with no tip necessary, giving you a few coins leftover for your next $10 Tuesday trip.

Located at 10889 Lindbrook Drive in the heart of Westwood Village, 800 Degrees is a trendy locale to visit with a group of friends or a casual date. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week makes this pizzeria the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or a late night splurge.

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arts + entertainment 11

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

Experience “Paranoia” in Santa Monica

LeAura McClain Staff Writer Terrifying killer clowns, blood-soaked hospital patients, and horrifying children of the Manor of Mayhem walk amongst the living , on the third floor of Santa Monica Place. A sign at the entrance warns, "Enter if you dare," and as you take a good look at these terrorizing characters, you really have to ask yourself: Do I dare?

For the first time, Santa Monica Place invites the brave souls to come out and enjoy three mazes designed to make you shriek at their new haunted attraction, Paranoia. Paranoia offers a fun and frightening alternative to other Halloween haunted attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm’s Halloween Haunt and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, at only a fraction of the price.

The three terrifying mazes, The Infirmary, Insomniac Clown Playhouse, and Granny’s Manor of Mayhem are placed in order from least scary to scariest, but ear-splitting screams are heard coming from every maze.

Paranoia does its job of scaring anyone who dares to enter. The characters inside the mazes do an excellent job terrifying each group. In each maze, you will find yourself hesitant to turn each corner for fear of another monster jumping out to scare you and follow you, making the experience even more horrifying.

Each maze is dimly lit, but feature special lighting techniques such as bright flashes to make the walk through the mazes dreadful, exciting and unpredictable. Expect to see tons of blood spilled over the walls

and floor, caskets with ghouls that pop out unexpectedly, hospital patients with missing limbs, eyeballs preserved in jars, people being electrocuted violently, and so much more.

Paranoia is considerably less scary than the other attractions such as those at Universal Studios or Knott’s Berry Farm, which feature some of the scariest and most infamous murderers of all time, with special effects, makeup, and props designed to scare even the bravest enthusiasts of all.

Though the price is significantly lower, perhaps this attraction is most suitable for those who are new to the attractions of the Halloween season.

Another downside to Paranoia is the fact that some may feel limited to what they can do, considering there are only three mazes which take about five to seven minutes each to complete by walking, and incredibly less to run through. After completing each maze, those with unlimited access are able to go through as many times as they please, but the mazes become predictable after the second time around.

Paranoia at Santa Monica Place is a great way to jump-start your Halloween excitement. The attraction is sizeable and well decorated with spooky and intimidating Halloween decorations and props. It is an overall fun, affordable way to experience all the horror of the Halloween season locally, particularly for students at Santa Monica College.

Paranoia will run through Oct. 31 with shows Thursday through Sunday. For more information visit www.paranoiahalloween. com.

Fernando Baltazar Corsair A demonic clown waits to attack unsuspecting guests as they turn the corner in one of the mazes inside Paranoia Haunted Attraction on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place.

Front Porch Cinema takes us “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Anilec vita Staff Writer Julie Stewart smiled when the sepia black-and-white image appeared and the music started. It had been 62 years since her father took her to watch “The Wizard of Oz,” and she could not help but feel excited as the opening credits rolled. Santa Monica’s Front Porch Cinema Series on the Santa Monica Pier began Friday, Sept.

28, with the screening of the 1939 classic.

Around 200 people walked the “yellow brick carpet” and gathered on the pier to watch the movie. Lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and a few rocking chairs were set up in front of a giant inflatable screen framed by Santa Monica’s skyline.

A Dorothy impersonator welcomed the audience, and was willing to take pictures with the crowd. People of all ages attended the event, co-produced by Eat-See-Hear, and promoted by Showtime and Toyota.

The crowed gathered around 6 p.m. but people like Marie Lewis arrived hours earlier to get front rows seats.

“I saw the event on the Pier’s website, and decided to come with my friends, who are also great fans of the movie, and now we have the best seats,” said Lewis.

A few booths surrounded the improvised theater, and offered a variety of food options, from hot dogs, to candies, and gourmet food.

There was also a bar with special cocktails like “Ruby Slippers” and “Flying Monkeys” inspired by the movie. Other stands offered lawn chairs for rent at $5 each, along with hoodies and blankets for those who were not prepared for the cold breeze.

Jeanine Vega and her children were walking around the Pier when they were surprised to see Dorothy. “The kids dragged me here when they saw the characters of the movie walking around and we decided to stay,” she said.

Others, like Anna Peralta, had been

waiting for the show for days. “This is one of my favorite movies and it is also one of my daughter’s favorite stories so I was very excited to watch it with her,” Peralta said. Peralta’s five-year-old daughter was running around dressed like Dorothy, while the last sunrays glimmered off her Tom’s “ruby slippers.”

The movie began at 7:30 p.m. when the nosy crowd fell silent as the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer lion roared signaling the beginning of the movie. However, the silence lasted only until the first notes of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” started, and people in the audience joined Judy Garland in the interpretation of the song.

Sarah Harris was one of those who sang and clapped along. “I’ve seen this movie a hundred times. I adore this movie! I used to watch it with my kids, and now I am bringing my grandkids to watch it with me,” she said..

Laughter was constant throughout the night, as well as roars from Thomas, a 3-year-old boy who ran around pretending to be the Cowardly Lion. His mother chased him around the pier, apologizing for her little not-so-Cowardly Lion’s roars.

The end of the movie was emphasized by the applause of the crowd and Stewart’s cheers. Sixty-two years later, she still enjoyed the movie as much as she did in 1950. “I am like Dorothy. I am from Kansas and this movie reminds me of home and of my father who would have been a hundred this year,” she said. “This was a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family in a lovely place, it was perfect.”

The Front Porch Cinema Series will continue through Oct. 19, and will screen three more movies. The next movie will be “The Hunger Games,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson on Friday, Oct. 5. For more information visit frontporchcinema.com.

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ROUND #

12 sports

volume 104 issue 5 • October 3, 2012 • santa monica college

SMC pulls out all the stops in dramatic fourth quarter

Michael Yanow Corsair SMC wide reciever Ralph Gordon II (10) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the defense of Glendale Community College during a Pacific Conference matchup on Saturday in Glendale. Gordon scored three touchdowns leading SMC in a 35-32 win over Glendale.

Eugene Jones Staff Writer One yard was all that separated Glendale College from a come from behind victory against Santa Monica College. The fans were on the edge of their seats and the Corsairs were back on their heels.

Running back Collin Keoshian of Glendale ran the ball down the middle but was stopped by a plethora of SMC linemen. This play would prove to be the deciding factor in the game as SMC held on to a 35-32 victory on Saturday.

SMC held a comfortable 35-20 lead in the third quarter as quarterback Alfonso Medina connected with wide receiver Carzell Vickers for a 35-yard touchdown.

SMC’s lead however, would evaporate

as Glendale would score two more times setting up a nail biter of a fourth quarter.

Keoshian would score at the 2:38 mark in the third quarter, and wide receiver Darren Morrow would catch a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Blackmon with 6:24 remaining leading to a one possession game.

On fourth down and a yard to go, SMC would go for a fake punt on Glendale’s 45-yard line that would lead to a fumble recovered by the Vaqueros at SMC’s 32yard line. The Corsairs’ defense would stand strong, as they would not give up yards to Keoshian on a crucial fourth down stop that would ultimately lead to SMC’s victory.

“I put our defense in a bad hole and they responded. I am really proud of those guys,” coach Gifford Lindheim said.

Ralph Gordon II continued his stellar

play this season, scoring three touchdowns including a 35-yard punt return to put six points up on the board. “Ralph had a breakout game,” Lindheim said. “Ralph is a special guy and tonight he impacted the game at receiver and on special teams.”

Gordon also had the highlight of the night on a 52-yard touchdown catch from Medina to end the first half.

Medina threw the ball to Gordon, who was hounded by defenders, but broke through to the open field. At the opponents 5-yard line he would meet a Glendale defender, pull off a quick hesitation move, and find his way to the end zone.

“I had a pretty good game, I saw what was open and what the defense was giving to me and I just took the opportunities,” Gordon said.

Women’s soccer falls short in game mired with questionable calls and physical play Kou Collins Staff Writer

Seeking their first victory in conference play, the SMC women’s soccer team played an inspired game with high intensity on the field and in the stands, ultimately falling short to undefeated Citrus College 2-1.

No time was wasted as Citrus would strike first with a goal in the second minute of the game coming from forward Jasmine Williams putting the Fighting Owls up 1-0. During the first half, SMC midfielder Mahshar Zargar would have to leave the game with an undisclosed injury that would take her to the emergency room.

The excitement would heat up in the second half when a foul was called in the box on SMC that would set up a penalty kick. The kick was made by defender Elizabeth Johnson increasing Citrus’ lead to 2-0.

Head coach Aaron Benditson was disappointing in the officiating, including the call that lead to the penalty kick. “I

would go on and tell the girls that soccer at times is an unforgiving sport and it’s not always a fair sport. We experienced some of that today with lack luster refereeing, a questionable penalty kick for them, and also some missed opportunities for us.”

Multiple goals were attempted by SMC but they could not execute due to the backside defense of Citrus.

Following a renowned sense of urgency, SMC tried to battle back from the early deficit, increasing their physical play. The intensity reached a climax when SMC midfielder Yennifer Baca and Williams engaged in a shoving match where both players ended up on the ground. No call was made amid the uproar from both coaches and fans who screamed to the referees.

With the game winding to an end, sophomore standout Meg Pierce would score in the 43rd minute to cut the lead to 2-1. In extra minutes, a hand ball was called against Citrus in the box which resulted in a penalty kick for SMC. The

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controversial call did not sit well with the Citrus head coach as he protested heavily on the sideline.

Baca would take the kick, but it was stopped by Citrus’ goalkeeper to end the game.

“We got our goal that came a little late in the game but we had an opportunity to get a draw against a quality team that hasn’t lost all season,” said Benditson.

SMC will take on Citrus College again on Oct. 23 with an idea on how to play them the next time around. “We have to be a little bit more attack minded. We now know what they have and where their strengths and weaknesses are so hopefully we can expose that,” said Benditson.

SMC women’s soccer takes on crosstown rivals West LA next on Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.

Multiple players scored in a 9-0 rout of West LA College on Tuesday, Oct. 2. It was the Corsairs highest scoring game of the season. The women’s soccer team hits the road on Friday taking on Pierce College at 4 p.m.

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Gordon was just named the Pacific Coast player of the week for the week of Sept. 17.

Glendale’s game plan seemed pretty simple, to run the ball. Keoshian rushed 186 yards on 38 carries.

He is leading the division in rushing with an average of 140 yards per game. He was the focal point of the defense all game. “We struggled with him all night, but when it counted our defense rose to the occasion,” Lindheim said.

SMC running back Myles Johnson rushed 18 times for 94 yards, while Medina had a rushing touchdown and 3 passing touchdowns, he passed for 275 yards on 11 completions and 22 attempts.

SMC’s next game is at home against LA Southwest on October 13 at 1 p.m.

from soccer on PG. 1 Instead, SBCC was able to score before the Corsairs, increasing the lead to 4-1.

“That kind of took the wind out of our sail,” Coach Pierce said.

Although the outcome was pretty much decided, SMC played better during the second 45 minutes. Coach Pierce stated that he felt his team outplayed SBCC, but was disappointed that they didn’t win the half.

Team captain Christian Marcial points to another reason for the team’s loss on Tuesday.

“We didn’t play with enough passion. We weren’t being physical. We weren’t winning balls in the air. We were just waiting until the opponent made their move,” Marcial said.

To make matters worse, the Corsairs lost another goalkeeper to injury Tuesday with Danny Medina straining his MCL during warm-ups. Medina was unable to play the entire game and was replaced by Josef Somera at the start of the second half.

SMC hopes to get back to their winning ways this Friday, September 5th against Citrus College at 2 p.m. Their record is 6-2-2, putting them at third in the

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