CORSAIR
volume 104 issue 10• november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
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PROPOSITIONS results as of 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. allie silvas News Editor
Prop. 30 & 38
Students and educators still await the fate of Proposition 30, currently standing at 53.3 percent as of early Wednesday morning. Last week Santa Monica College
PROP. 30 & 38 on PG. 3 elizabeth moss Staff Writer
Prop. 37
The proposition would prohibit genetically modified food from being labeled “natural,” and require companies to advertise if food has been modified. PROP. 37 on PG. 4
Prop. 32
Disappointed Republicans listen to Obama’s victory speech at the Daily Grill Tuesday night.
Nathan Berookhim Corsair
obama still stands tall
ROMNEY COMES UP SHORT
william duggan Staff Writer
alex vejar Staff Writer
Voters finally got their chance Tuesday to decide a presidential race that has spanned almost two years and cost over $2.5 billion. Hotly contested ballot propositions, most notably propositions 30 and 32, will be decided almost certainly by margins so slim it may take days before a final result is announced. As predicted, the presidential race came down to a handful of crucial swing states, namely Ohio and Florida. Heading into Election Day, the race was virtually a dead heat. A Politico/George Washington University poll of 1,000 likely voters conducted from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5 had Obama and Romney tied with 47 percent each, and 6 percent remaining undecided. However in those vital battleground states, Obama held the slight edge. Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling gave Obama a six-point lead in Colorado, with three percent still
With his face in his hands, and tears in his eyes, 16-year-old Romney supporter Adam Czer began to process what he had just heard. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney failed to accumulate the electoral votes needed to win the presidency. “How can the American people be so stupid?” Czer lamented. Romney had a promising start as the election results were coming in from across the country. The GOP candidate won Kentucky, West Virginia and even Indiana, a state that swung Obama’s way in 2008. As time went on, more and more states turned the color blue. Obama was able to pick up states like Vermont and Maryland by huge margins. Perhaps the biggest surprise was Romney losing his home state of Massachusetts. Even with the loss, Romney does not regret how his
democrats on PG. 12
republicans on PG. 12
Santa Monica City Council elections anilec vita & molly philbin Staff Writers Santa Monica College alumnus Tony Vazquez was holding the fourth Santa Monica City Council seat as of 2:30 a.m. this morning with approximately half of the precincts reporting. In the current standings, Terry O’Day and Gleam Olivia Davis will return to the City Council, and Ted Winterer will serve his first term. Out of 15 candidates who vied for Council, Vazquez was one of three that had a history with Santa Monica College. At his campaign party at Callahan’s Restaurant, Vazquez said that his actions as city councilman will focus on improving the traffic of the city and returning the Santa Monica Airport to what it was: a small recreational airport. Because the lease for the airport will be up in 2015, Vazquez says, “the councilors that
get elected in this cycle will have a huge impact on the airport.” “It’s unfair that SMC had to cut winter classes because the budget was not enough, and somehow the city has $3 million to maintain an airport where landing is free,” said Michael Brodsky, Loyola University professor. Vazquez decided to run for re-election to serve the interests of the city, and to protect the quality of life and the schools of the city. Vazquez did not previously run for re-election because he did not want to run against existing Council members. “This year the opportunity came because there were two members who were not running for re-election: Bobby Shiver and Richard Bloom, who is running for the Assembly,” he said. He also plans to focus on issues he previously supported as a SMCC member and Mayor Pro
If passed, the initiative would have banned unions from using payroll-deducted funds to support political campaigns. “It’s a proposition that looks good on the surface, but if you PROP. 32 on PG. 4 PROP. rundown on PG. 12
more inside opinion
pg.6
photostory
pg.8
health & lifestyle
pg.11
sports
pg.14
Doing my civic duty
Election 2012
Dairy and Crohn’s disease: Is there a link? Corsairs pull off thrilling comeback
Amy Gaskin Corsair Disappointed Republicans listen to Obama’s victory speech at the Daily Grill Tuesday night.
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2 contents
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 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 Allie Silvas···················· 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
David J. Hawkins Corsair A female Santa Monica College student (Second Left) looses control of her car and collides into the sidewall, damaging the front right side of the car, immobilizing the vehicle on Oct. 31 at Santa Monica College. One passenger (Far Left) stands beside the driver as the rescue team checks the scene. No one was seriously injured and the college property was not damaged as a result of the accident. The car was towed moments after police conducted their report.
corrections:
in an article in last week’s issue about marvin farber, we incorrectly reported that anne is his niece. anne, whose actual name is anna, is farber’s granddaughter.
letter from the editor
Bringing out the dead nathan gawrosnky Editor-In-Chief
What happens when a mock graveyard, complete with 500 tombstones to signify the potential for scrapped classes, is set up on a community college quad around Election Day? No small amount of controversy. On Monday, an ill-conceived student art project, which involved placing 500 paper gravestones upon which were written different class titles, was placed on the quad at Santa Monica College’s main campus. Taynara Moura, an international student at SMC (who could not vote in this past election), conceptualized the project and built it with AS approval for the express purpose of raising awareness for Proposition 30. The 500 gravestones, a strikingly powerful image, were meant to show in stark relief the perils that face SMC, and to urge students to vote. The intended effect, however, was not entirely appreciated—and for good reasons. Josiah Wilson, an SMC student veteran who served in the Marine Corps during the 2010 troop surge in
Afghanistan, strolled past as students labored on the project. “I thought they were building a memorial,” said Wilson, who spoke with me on Election Day. “But when I saw the tombstones, and that classes were written on them, I got upset.” The image of the graveyard, which bore a similarity to national veteran’s cemeteries in its configuration of graves in straight lines, was enough to conjure very macabre memories for Wilson; memories of losing six close friends in combat, of 17 men in his unit who died, IED blasts, billowing smoke. Wilson walked to the veteran’s resource center on campus, and made a complaint to Linda Sinclair, the director of the veteran’s center. Wilson was visibly upset. The more he thought about it, the more it tore him up inside, he said. He started shaking, sweating profusely. Wilson, like many veterans who’ve seen combat, deals with posttraumatic stress disorder—and part of suffering from this malady is dealing with “triggers,” which can involve helicopters, fireworks, and sometimes something as simple as a girl speaking Arabic.
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When the Associated Students heard about the veterans’ complaints (Wilson was not alone in his discomfort and upset), the student directors were faced with a dilemma: To either take down the mock graveyard out of sensitivity to student veterans, or keep the art project where it stood, unmolested by political correctness. In the end, Parker Jean did the best thing a student president could do with a controversial issue on Election Day: he compromised. Jean changed the constellation of the gravestones into the shape of the number “30.” This way, a student’s right to free expression was not impinged, and in this way too, some sensitivity to veteran sadness and sensitivities could be respected. Not to mention a cheap scare tactic (made in completely poor taste) would still retain its original meaning. Moura’s intentions in making this project are understandable. The fate of SMC rests almost entirely on the passage of Prop. 30, and it’s clear that all she wanted was to communicate an urgent message to students in a powerful way. Judging by the tears in her eyes at seeing her project altered, it’s clear she cares very much about
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the message. But despite the urgency of SMC’s problems, using the metaphor of death is tasteless and insensitive— and it was shortsighted not to foresee that people would be offended by this display. Look, political correctness annoys me too. Our society is already overly sensitive, not to mention childishly prim—and it’s virtually impossible not to upset somebody. But certain areas of life and experience should be treated very delicately, death and all of its symbolism being one of the most traumatizing to people. Santa Monica College students (not to mention Californians) are feeling a lot of pain right now. Whether it’s a student scared for her education or future, or a veteran feeling confused, frustrated and hurt by civilian life’s obliviousness to his struggle, pain is all around us. It’s just not always so obvious. “It’s crazy,” said Wilson. “I have a lot of pain—but I don’t feel it all the time.” We can only hope beyond reason that Election Day brings us a measure of relief in these hard times.
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news 3
volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
from PROP. 30 & 38 on PG. 1 President Chui L. Tsang sent an e-mail to SMC faculty, staff and students urging them to participate in the 2012 election, and emphasized the importance of Proposition 30 to SMC. On Tuesday he walked through the cafeteria greeting students and discussing the day’s election. At the time, Tsang was still hopeful that the college would not have to take the steps necessary in the event that Prop. 30 failed. Member of the Board of Trustees, Louise Jaffe, described her feelings towards the ballot initiatives as “cautiously optimistic.” She was hopeful that the voter registration efforts at SMC in the past weeks would be enough to sway the vote in favor of Prop. 30. She admitted, however, that if Prop. 30 does not pass, “there’s no good plan B; there are no good options.” Jaffe said voters need to step up and vote. “It is a democracy. We do have the right to vote—people have to make decisions, but we have to pay for our priorities,” she said. “If you want good education, you have to pay for it. It isn’t free. I believe that should be a public responsibility.” SMC has used its reserves to keep classes running in the recession, however with the reserves running low, the college cannot continue to fund additional classes. “The state needs more funding, that it can then distribute and prioritize for higher education,” said Jaffe. “We’ve maintained a lot of capacity, we haven’t laid off any full time employees so we’re ready, we just need the funding to have the classes.” Another controversy surrounding Prop. 30 has been the competing proposition, 38. Prop. 38, which would have raised state income taxes on those making as little as $7,300 per year, would have supported K-12 and pre-schools, but not community colleges. “I think it’s so fascinating, and ironic, and tragic that the Parent Teacher Association, which I have been extremely involved in, supported Prop. 38. If Prop. 30 fails, for State PTA to have been a factor in bringing down Prop. 30 and causing the loss of $6 billion in funds this year is just really mind boggling,” Jaffe said. Students showed their opinion of Prop. 30 in a campus art project resembling a graveyard, which went up on Monday, less than 24 hours before polls opened. Taynara Costa Moura, an international student from Brazil and one of Tsang’s student ambassadors, organized the demonstration in order to persuade eligible voters to vote in favor of Prop. 30. Moura’s goal was to get 100 pro-Prop. 30 votes to offset her inability to cast a ballot. Even if Prop. 30 passes, many administrators, including Jaffe, have said that it will only prevent further cuts, but will not repair the damage. “We’re on a cliff and the ground keeps eroding underneath our feet,” Jaffe said. “We get to step back from the cliff.” “It’s like we’ve been in free fall. Every year we take another big cut and we’re falling in big drops from ledge to ledge. In my view I feel like if it passes, we’d stop the free fall. We’re not up to where we need to be—we don’t restore stuff but we stop the falling,” said Jaffe.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Tombstones, representing classes that could possibly be cut if Proposition 30 fails, is displayed on campus on Election Day.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Santa Monica College Superintendent and President Chui L. Tsang speaks to students in the cafeteria on Election Day.
Community College Transfers Welcome! Community college transfers are some of our best students, so check out an SLC degree! • Twice the one-on-one faculty contact as any other college or university • 14 men’s and women’s teams moving to NCAA Division III • 30 minutes to midtown Manhattan • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships in the amount of $10,000 per year • Internships, career counseling, and study abroad • Generous financial aid packages and credit acceptance policy
Visit the campus for one of our Transfer Days, February 11 and 18. To learn more, visit www.slc.edu/admission/apply/transfer, e-mail slcadmit@sarahlawrence.edu or call (800) 888-2858.
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4 news
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
from PROP. 32 on PG. 1 look closely, it’s not an even playing field,” said Steve Kurvink, a political science professor at Santa Monica College. “It weakens the unions, not corporations.” Kurvink reasons that since the initiative prevents unions and corporations alike from dipping into paycheck deducted funds, unions are left with less money to use, while corporations have a greater pool of funds anyway. Teacher unions use that money to endorse candidates and propositions that are often in line with students’ interests, Kurvink said. According to the L.A. Times’ online Voter Guide, the yes on Prop. 32 campaign pulled in over $86 million; opposition almost $72 million – a narrow margin when compared to other ballot initiatives.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Field organizer Matt Hovsepian, of Battleground California, speaks to phone bank workers on Election Day.
from PROP. 37 on PG. 1
Amy Gaskin Corsair A mural by graffiti artist “Mear One” in opposition of Proposition 37 is displayed at the The Wood Café on Washington Boulevard in Culver City on Election Day.
In a state as health-conscious as California, the result of this proposition has been highly anticipated. As of 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, Prop. 37 was down, 53.7 percent no and 46.3 percent yes. According to the No on Prop. 37 camp, strange exemptions apply. For instance, soy milk is subject to labeling, but cow’s milk and dairy products are not. Similarly, pet food containing
meat requires labels, but grocery meat does not. “I would like to be GMO free, and it’s impossible without labeling,” said Dana Morgan, adviser of Club Grow. “[It] could have a very dramatic effect on the quality of our food.” Opponents of Prop. 37 say its passing could cost consumers up to an extra $400 in groceries, according to No of 37. However, Morgan says that GMO laws already in place are proof enough
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Amy Gaskin Corsair Campaign buttons promoting Propositions 32 and 37 are ready for workers at the phone bank of the California Democratic Party Battleground California offices on Election Day.
that this won’t happen. “It’s going to put another label on the food that we buy,” she said. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reports that 40 to 70 percent of products sold in California grocery stores contain GMOs. Overall, the initiative could cost up to $1 million. /thecorsairnews •
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news 5
volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
from local on PG. 1 Tempore from 1990 to 1994. This includes preserving the character of Santa Monica neighborhoods for renters and homeowners by using sound fiscal responsibility, maintaining a strong city budget, and to supporting the school district, according to his 2012 candidate statement. Vazquez has served as a member of the Liberty Hill Environmental Justice, Funding Board, United Way, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee and as Liaison to the Santa Monica Pier Restoration and Airport Commissions, according to his statement. SMC communications professor John Cyrus Smith also ran for election but held eighth at 5.20 percent at 2 a.m. SMC alumnus Terrance Later held 12th and was not elected onto the Council.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Candidate for Santa Monica City Council, Tony Vazquez, visits with supporters at Callahan’s Restaurant while awaiting his election results on election night.
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6 opinion
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
When political ads attack
Muna Cosic Opinion Editor
Candidates throw punches at each other through political attack ads, using them to bring their opponents down, without smearing their hands, and ending their attack with the famous political ad phrase, “I approve this message.” Politicians use these political attack ads to conceive negative images in voters’ heads of their opponent. They have become a source for attacking opponents and spreading the negative aspects and flaws of them to the public. However, millions of dollars are spent on these political ads that are bringing forth negativity—either turning most of the public away with a scowl or turning voters over to the candidate from the opponent. In this election season, airing political ads has hit an all time high. According to Wesleyan Media Project, Political Advertising Analysis, “the number of ads aired in the presidential general election passed the one million mark last week. As of Oct. 29, the two candidates, their party committees, and supporting interest groups had sponsored 1,015,615 ads since June 1, a 39.1 percent increase over 2008 (730,041) and a 41 percent increase over 2004 (720,064), during the same period.” Though ads have been a huge factor in the 2012 presidential race, more negative attack ads were aired than positive, giving the public negative information, in hopes to repulse them from voting for their opponent. As political ads are becoming more popular and an important source for campaigning, they are also growing stronger with negativity spewing out of their messages. A negative ad is defined when the opponent’s name is mentioned in a candidate’s sponsored ad. For the 2012 presidential race, 70 percent of the ads were negative ads, compared to 2008, which only had 9.1 percent of negative ads, according to the analysis from the Wesleyan Media Project, and “7 out of 10 of the ads aired in this year’s presidential contests have been negative—
that is, they mentioned an opponent. This compares to fewer than one in 10 ads aired during the 2008 presidential race up to this point that were negative.” Candidates will continue their political attack on one another through political ads because that is their way of taking charge of the campaign. Vanderbilt University did an “Ad Rating Project,” which allowed the public to express their opinions about the political ads this election season. According to the project’s statistics, 66 percent of Americans who participated in the project said that the ads they saw were negative. This proves that the political ads—when portraying a negative message—are affecting the public and they are very aware when the ads are negative. “I think it’s very likely to be the most negative race since the advent of television,” John Geer, professor of political science at Vanderbilt and director of the university’s Center for the Study of
Democratic Institutions, told NPR. When it comes to raising money, presidential candidates do anything possible to raise money in order to have a successful campaign. According to the Washington Post 2012 Presidential Campaign Finance Explorer, President Barack Obama raised $1.08 billion and Gov. Mitt Romney raised $1.13 billion for their presidential campaigns, making this the most expensive campaign in history. This really makes the campaign even more fascinating, considering that so much negativity was portrayed through these attack ads, while large sums of money played a part in the political ad game. According to the Washington Post Campaign 2012 site, President Barack Obama spent $457.6 million in this presidential race on ads with 85 percent of that sum spent on negative ads, while Gov. Mitt Romney spent $356.8 million on ads with 91 percent of that sum spent on negative ads. Both candidates spent the most
money on campaigning in Florida, fighting for the majority of votes. Presidential candidates are very eager to spend millions on negative political ads from the money raised. It’s somewhat shocking to see the amount of money spend on ads, especially when it’s clear that most of that money went to negative attack ads in this presidential race. This presidential race was clearly ruled by negative ads consuming all the mediums that candidates could use to their advantage. It doesn’t matter what political party the candidate belongs to; they all use these attack ads in order to turn voters over to their side. Political ads will always stay as one of the main resources for campaigning, but when the race gets tight and close to call, attack ads are there for them to throw that needed punch at their opponent. President Obama won the presidential race battle that was ruled by negative attack ads.
Doing my civic duty david yapkowitz Sports Editor Since 1989, 40 youth of color have been shot and killed in Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood, right across the street from Santa Monica College. If we were to include the names of Santa Monica residents who have perished not just with the city limits but beyond, the list swells significantly. Two more were added to that list Halloween weekend. One of them was my friend. In total, I’ve seen seven friends who I grew up with in Santa Monica, shot and killed since 2003. Many more are serving lengthy prison sentences, some of them doing life. As the election drew near, thoughts of apathy crossed my mind. Over the years, not a thing has changed in the neighborhood, no matter who got elected. So why should I care about it? But it dawned on me: One of the best ways I can keep their memories alive is by exercising my right to vote. One of the best ways I can fight for true change in the neighborhood is by participating in the whole electoral process.
Not only did I get out and vote, but I volunteered my time working at the polls as well. I believe that by doing so, I can set an example for youth of color in the community. One of the best ways we can work to prevent the violence in our communities is by voting, and promoting candidates that represent our values, candidates that understand our plight. One such candidate is Tony Vazquez. Vazquez an SMC alumnus grew up in Santa Monica and is the only Latino to have been elected to city council back in 1990. This year, he regained the seat he lost almost 20 years ago. During his time as a Santa Monica city council member, Vazquez was able to provide many local youth of color employment through the city. “The best way to stop a bullet is a job,” says Vazquez. “We have such a resourceful city, there’s no reason why we can’t get them hired.” Vazquez had implemented a program that took minority youth and paired them up with a different department at City Hall. Many times, that partnership led to a future job. When he was not re-elected, the city killed the program. Many youth of color here in Santa Monica feel alienated from the electoral process. They see
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all kinds of candidates on TV, talking about a variety of issues, but none that really speak to them. That’s one of the main things Vazquez is looking to change. “It makes a big difference for our youth to see candidates that represent them,” says Vazquez. “I’m the first and only Latino to have been elected. It’s a much tougher animal to get elected as a person of color.” If we want real change in the community, if we want to stop the killings, guide our children in the right direction, we need to be proactive and promote candidates like Vazquez. We need to make our youth feel a part of the process. We need to stress the importance of registering to vote, and to donate their time as I did, working the polls. I can do my part by continuing to do my civic duty every election, and by speaking to the youth, recruiting them to get active. It’s one the best ways we can honor our fallen brothers, and commit to real transformation. So if next election, you see several big Mexican guys with shaved heads and tattoos, the whole cholo look, working at your local polls, don’t be alarmed. They’re just doing their civic duty.
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opinion 7
volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
One less vote won’t make a difference henry crumblish Staff Writer A year ago on my way to the polling place, I suffered an accident that resulted in chipping two front teeth. Now Invariably, voting always feels like a kick in the mouth. Unfortunately, the campaigns and the candidates themselves do nothing to lessen the pain. From start to finish, the whole thing has become an unseemly spectacle. Not to be misconstrued as pessimistic or unpatriotic, but to give you some background, I was 17-years-old during the 2008 presidential election. Not that I condone voting based on ethnicity, but being half Irish and half black, and having the opportunity to witness the first biracial president in the Oval office, I would have given anything to have been able to vote back then. Now, a mere four years later and at the risk of sounding nihilistic, I don’t see the point in voting anymore. During the 2012 presidential debates, there were broadcasts available where the viewer could see immediate positive or negative reactions to each candidate, which completely threw me off because I didn’t need to see others’ responses to the debate. I don’t remember the debate being a spectator sport, but I find it hard to generate motivation to vote when the whole experience feels cheapened. Voting should empower the voter with a sense of accomplishment and not diminish their will because of others’ opinions. That sense of accomplishment will always be fleeting though, because in another four years, we’ll be damning the very savior we chose four years earlier. As an average American, it can be hard to find the relevance in voting these days. A reality that never becomes clear until you actually try not voting. Despite the old adage, every vote doesn’t count, and the presidential election will never be decided by one lone vote. I’m not the only one who feels that way. Miriam Vasquez, Santa Monica College student said, “I wanted to vote, but I feel my vote wouldn’t make a difference. Despite my efforts to make a change, it’s not going to pass.” On Nov. 7, whether you voted or not, President Barrack
Obama was re-elected. Some of your friends will act as though the world narrowly avoided a big disaster, while others will sulk every time they hear the state of the union address. Voting is a right and I have the right to withhold my vote if I so choose. For politically minded or active students, it can often be hard to fathom how some students such as myself can appear so apathetic towards democracy. After all, the youth is all about their freedom to be heard. I advocate democracy, not necessarily voting or our elections in its current state. Just as there are Americans who are impassioned to vote, and have millions of reasons for voting, there are Americans who feel just as strongly for not voting, and both should be accepted. Both of my parents are voting and are disappointed that I did not vote this year, in the first presidential election in which I am eligible to vote, but I had made my choice. I just can’t shake the feeling that the campaigns remind me of professional wrestling; the theatrics, the mudslinging, the massive displays of bravado. Except fortunately, or unfortunately, depending upon whom you ask, everything is not scripted. I have to remind myself every now and then that the outcome isn’t predetermined. I yearn for the days when a candidate’s stance on the issues got more coverage then his tweets. The beauty of living in America is you have the ability to vote every four years, so you can vote whenever you feel compelled, but when the drive isn’t there anymore, then clearly the election season is off on the wrong foot. I’ll feel confident to vote when voting is no longer trivialized to celebrity publicity stunts, or as a trendy thing to do, but an actual important right to practice as a citizen.
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8 photostory
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
Wynona Parks of Los Angles (center) watches election coverage in a space titled "Your Land / My Land" by artist Jonathan Horowitz during election night at the Hammer. "Your Land / My La and blue carpets along with two televisions playing Fox News (red) and MSNBC (blue). The separation brings attention to the two-party system in US politics today.
Michael Yanow Corsair People wait in line to vote before the polls open at the Tenth Church of Christ Scientist.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Santa Monica College Trustee David Finkel chats with SMC instructor Martin Goldstein at the SMRR party in Santa Monica on election night.
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Michael Yanow Corsair Stewart of Palisades calls an Ohio resident at President Obama's re-election campaign headquarters in Santa Monica.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Local 11 hospitality workers’ union members Silvia Perez, Elsa Mercado, Andrew Tillett-Saks and Rosa Valencia celebrate at the SMRR party in Santa Monica on election night.
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volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
photostory 9
Amy Gaskin Corsair Santa Monica College students Tony Godinez and Brian Salazar visit with “Unite Here” union organizer Miguel Cubillos at the Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) party on election night.
Michael Yanow Corsair and" divides the room in half by using red
Michael Yanow Corsair Jennifer of Santa Monica calls an Ohio resident at President Obama's re-election campaign headquarters in Santa Monica.
Amy Gaskin Corsair Santa Monica College Trustees Nancy Greenstein and Louise Jaffe celebrate at the SMRR party in Santa Monica on election night.
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Michael Yanow Corsair Samus Amrie watches election coverage in a space titled "Your Land / My Land" by artist Jonathan Horowitz.
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+ lifestyle 10 health
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
“Weighing In” on obesity marine gaste Staff Writer Julie Guthman came to Santa Monica College Thursday to speak about the “obesity epidemic,” challenging the many widely held perceptions about the causes and consequences of obesity. A social science professor at University of California, Santa Cruz and an award-winning author, Guthman is also a researcher of various social movements that seek to change the way food is produced, distributed and consumed. During her lecture, Guthman focused on a chapter of her new book, “Weighing In: Obesity, Food Justice and the Limits of Capitalism.” Accordingv to audience reactions at the lecture, most people tend to assume that obesity is the result of eating excess calories and fat and not exercising enough. But Guthman said that poor diet and lack of exercise are not the only causes of obesity, which can result from many factors, including food availability and physical environment. “If accessibility to healthy food choices is limited, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables may be curtailed,” Guthman said. She called such environments “obesogenic,” and characterized them as places where it is easier to access inexpensive, fattening foods than it is to purchase healthy foods. For example, “food deserts” typically have only convenience stores—not supermarkets—where locals can buy food. Guthman said that there are many other factors, aside from calories, that affect body weight. As examples, she criticized the politics of food production and the increasing popularity of organic foods. “Organic is just a way of producing food; they use more of a biological pest control and treat the soil differently,” Guthman said. According to Guthman, although organic food is often considered a solution that could target the problem of obesity, it digs a gap between people who have the desire and the means to address the issue and those who do not. Guthman said she believes it is a poor theory of change because these organic alternatives cost more, thus creating a social injustice. “The way organic food works as a way to regulate the food supply is, growers and producers were willing to abide by the organic standards, [they] get rewarded with the certification of being organic, so then they can charge consumers more,” Guthman said. While such local, organic and farm-fresh food may be grown in more ecologically sustainable ways, this approach can also reinforce class and race inequalities, and neglect other possible explanations for the rise in obesity, including environmental toxins, according to Guthman. “The strong food movement shooting up all around us really focuses on developing these possible alternatives that will encourage people to eat the good stuff, but it’s not challenging the kind of system that is releasing the kind of chemicals into the air,” Guthman said. According to Guthman, it is important to consider the many unregulated substances and chemicals used in the making and storing of the food supply, including pest-control chemicals and plastic containers for food and water. Guthman also cited the presence of chemicals such as bisphenol-a, often found in pizza boxes, and plant-based processed foods such as soy, as disruptive agents that can predispose people to obesity. According to Guthman, teaching children how to eat better and inciting people to eat more fruits and vegetables is not enough to challenge current food problems such as agricultural chemicals that affect human bodies. She illustrated this idea by showing images of an overweight newborn baby and a young child chewing on a plastic toy to portray the omnipresence of chemicals. Guthman concluded by saying that many of the potential solutions to the “obesity epidemic” carry the possible risk of worsening economic equalities for obese people. She said that she wants consumers to be aware of the industrial food processes that have become increasingly present in recent years in order to bring more awareness to the growing problem.
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Marine Gaste Corsair Dr. Julie Guthman, social science professor at UC Santa Cruz, gives a free lecture from her book “Weighing In: Obesity, Food Justice and the Limits of Capitalism” on Thursday.
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health + lifestyle 11
volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
Dairy and Crohn’s disease: Is there a link? anilec vita Staff Writer Imagine not being able to live more than five feet away from the bathroom because you have chronic diarrhea and terrible abdominal cramps and pain. Imagine living with constant fatigue as a consequence of extreme weight loss. These symptoms are a reality for Crohn’s disease patients. UCLA student Laura Thompson, 21, had never heard of the disease until she was diagnosed at 17. “I was always feeling cramps, and I kept losing weight, so my mom took me to the doctor,” Thompson says. “We were shocked when we heard there was not a cure for what I had.” Thompson says that she had to change her lifestyle, and learn to manage her busy school schedule around her disease. “It has not been easy to live with this condition; I need constant checking, I have to take medication every day, and I need to follow a very strict diet,” Thompson says. “Sometimes I have to miss classes because I need to go to the doctor. Sometimes I have to miss school because the symptoms are back.” Thompson, who was ashamed of her symptoms when they started, says she has been more open about her health condition since she joined a support group for patients with Crohn’s disease. “It is an embarrassing disease,” Thompson says. “It is always awkward when you are with friends and you have to run to the bathroom.” Crohn’s disease is a “chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract,” according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The causes of Crohn’s disease are unknown, but there is a controversial debate among researchers about the possible connection between Crohn’s and Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, or MAP bacteria. MAP bacteria are the causative agents of Johne’s disease, a condition that affects a variety of mammals, including cattle. Johne’s disease produces similar symptoms in animals as Crohn’s disease does in humans. It is argued by some that MAP bacteria can be transmitted from cows to humans through meat or dairy products. However, this theory has yet to be proven. One of the advocates of this theory is Dr. Lester Friedlander, doctor of veterinary medicine, and former U.S. Department of Agriculture chief inspector of the largest cow slaughter plant in the United States. Friedlander has been warning Americans about the presence of MAP bacteria in milk and meat for more than a decade. According to Friedlander, around 70 percent of the dairy herds in the U.S. are infected with Johne’s disease, creating a menace for consumers, because the bacteria can survive pasteurization. Friedlander also states that cows infected with Johne’s disease are being slaughtered for human consumption, and that the USDA allows it even if it is against their regulation. “As a USDA inspector, I had to make sure that the animals for human consumption were healthy and disease free,” Friedlander says. “But these cows came with a veterinarian service form, VS-127, and were infected with Johne’s.” Friedlander claims he saw thousands of Johne’s cows going into his plant for human consumption. “When I told my supervisor in the USDA that they should condemn these cows because they were a direct way to Crohn’s disease in humans, they told me that they could not do it, because the research was still being conducted,” Friedlander says. In 1995, after talking about the issue on radio and television appearances, Friedlander’s superior asked him to resign from his position working for the USDA. However, Friedlander assures he has a copy of a USDA research paper that states that Johne’s disease in dairy cows is linked to Crohn’s disease in humans. According to Friedlander, people should consume meat and dairy with caution because of these associated risks. “For a better lifestyle, people should follow a vegan or vegetarian diet because it is safer; you don’t get diseases in carrots or squash, and there are so many diseases in animals,” Friedlander says. Dr. Michael Payne, a veterinarian with the University of California’s School of Veterinary Medicine claims that
Sam Herron Corsair Elementary school student Leylah Handelsman donated a book she created for a class project to the Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America last Friday.
there are many inaccuracies in Friedlander’s statements. “If someone can figure what is the exact connection between MAP and Crohn’s, that person will win a Nobel Prize in medicine,” Payne says. “Among researchers, there is a robust discussion about what role MAP plays in the occurrence or exacerbation of symptoms in people diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.” Payne does not discard the MAP theory, but for him, the exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unanswered. “Based on pathological, culture and immunological studies in Crohn’s patients, the most commonly accepted theory probably is that MAP—and potentially other bacteria—may trigger an overly aggressive immune response in the GI tracts of small groups of genetically susceptible populations.” However, Payne believes that more research in the area is required. “It is unknown how many exposures are needed, and how many MAP may be required to initiate infection in
genetics. “Most people have an immune system that can fight Crohn’s disease, but there are others who have a predisposition to the disease,” Friedlander says. “When people go to the doctor and they get diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, the first recommendation the doctor makes is to stay away from dairy products, and they say it because they know there is a connection between dairies and the disease.” Despite arguments against his claims, Friedlander will continue his efforts to prove the connection between Johne’s and Crohn’s diseases. He believes the next step would be for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to declare Johne’s disease a zoonotic disease, an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans. “Once the CDC gives that statement, these cows will not be used for human consumption,” Friedlander says. “The CDC does not want to make that statement because it represents huge economic losses.” Friedlander says he contacted CDC veterinarian Dr. Carol S. Rubin over six weeks ago about the issue. “I discussed with her about the direct link between Johne’s disease in dairy cows and Crohn’s disease in humans,” Friedlander says. “They told me they will look into it, but they haven’t gotten back to me yet.” Santa Monica College student Karin Hauenstein, a horse welfare and health advocate, has changed her eating habits after hearing all the dangers related to meat and milk consumption asserted by Friedlander. “Even though I am not vegan or vegetarian, I almost have to live like one,” Hauenstein says. “I Crohn’s disease patient stopped drinking milk and only eat meat when I know where it comes from. Even kosher is not a human, or even whether all humans are susceptible to safe anymore.” infection,” Payne says. “Therefore, it is difficult to predict Amira Schultz, walk manager of the Crohn’s & Colitis the importance of these potential routes of exposure.” Foundation of America in Greater Los Angeles, stresses Regarding the safety of dairy products, Payne assures the importance of keeping in mind how difficult it is to live that pasteurization has been shown to decrease or even with the disease. eliminate MAP bacteria at levels which would expected to “We might not know what causes the disease, but we do be found in raw milk. know what triggers the symptoms,” Schultz says. “This, perhaps, explains the results of a case-control The CCFA works to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and study in the United Kingdom where no association was ulcerative colitis. The organization also refers patients to found between consumption of either drinking water or support groups, and seeks to improve their quality of life dairy products and the development of Crohn’s disease,” for those affected by these diseases. Payne says. According to Schultz, there are different ways to treat Payne also assures that the number of herds infected Crohn’s disease, and the CCFA tries to match each patient with Johne’s disease in the U.S., according to the National with the best type of treatment for each specific case. Animal Health Monitoring System, is around 23 percent, However, the different drugs and procedures treat the not 70 percent as Friedlander says. symptoms, not the disease. “No matter what environmental samples or cultures from For Laura Thompson, the debate of whether or not MAP individual cows show, at least in California cows, clinical bacteria cause the disease is not as relevant as the research Johne’s Disease—as opposed to detection of exposure by for finding a cure. a blood sample—is a rare condition,” Payne says. “If the “It is not easy to live with Crohn’s disease,” Thompson association between MAP and Crohn’s were so simple and says. “Sometimes I feel good, but the discomfort and the straightforward, then there would be a whole lot of people threat of getting worse is always there. For now, I take with Crohn’s disease, and that is not the case.” care of my diet and take my medication, but I still want According to Friedlander, the reason why the number of a normal life.” Crohn’s disease patients is not bigger can be attributed to
“It is not easy to live with Crohn’s disease. Sometimes I feel good, but the discomfort and the threat of getting worse is always there. For now, I take care of my diet and take my medication, but I still want a normal life.” -Laura Thompson
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+ entertainment 12 arts
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
Flawless choreography and theatrics perfect Synapse LeAura Mcclain Staff Writer
Synapse Dance Theater’s performance on Saturday, Nov. 3, showcased their talents for the fall season in front of a full audience. Santa Monica College’s contemporary dance ensemble, directed by Jae Lee and Roberta Wolin-Tupas, displayed many creative and artistic dance pieces, which were ultimately tied to greater meanings for the audience to unravel. The performance was held at The Broad Stage and featured a variety of dance styles choreographed by guest, faculty, and student choreographers. The show was comprised of 12 different contemporary dance pieces, ranging from modern dance to hip-hop and jazz. The show’s program briefly explained the underlying meaning of each dance so the audience could have a better understanding of the message behind the choreography. Synapse gives students the opportunity to express their style by allowing them to choreograph the show—displayingg the true talent and potential of this dance company. A number of students collaborated and improvised to find the perfect movement, while others choreographed on their own. Student choreographer Alberta Keyes did an extraordinary job composing a contemporary modern dance piece to Animal Collective’s “Loch Raven.” According to the program, Keyes’s choreography, entitled “Let it Out,” had
a special meaning behind it: Never hold back. Get out of your head and dance with your soul. Just let it out! And that is exactly what the dancers did. Keyes’s choreography stood out because it all came together perfectly; from the musical selection to the pearl-white dresses the dancers wore. She choreographed this dance flawlessly and professionally, and set her dancers free on stage, to execute each movement perfectly¾and you could tell this particular piece was heartfelt. Synapse’s performance is complete with theatrics. The lighting arrangements complimented each dance superbly and enhanced the entire show. The musical selections were perfect for each piece and dance style, and the venue—a beautiful setting—accommodated the audience. The dancer’s expressions projected their passion for the theater and could be seen from any angle, while each dancer’s strength was observed with every flexed leg muscle. As a part of the audience, being able to hear each breath the dancers took while performing certain intricate moves and stunts was a highlight that completed the experience effortlessly. Overall, Synapse Dance Theater deliveredsin their first performance of the season. Newcomers and veterans alike danced to their full potential and abilities, they never missed a bea, and were exceptionally professionay. it’s only a matter of time before they show us what they are capable of doing next.
Livia Wippich Corsair SMC Contemporary Dance Ensemble dancers Dorion Wordlaw (L) and Cheyenne Kiser (R) perform “Light the Way,” a modern dance choreographed by Roberta Wolin-Tupas last Saturday at the Broad Stage.
Former internees share memories of Heart Mountain Molly Philbin Staff Writer “I was two months away from graduating high school when they took my family and I to the camps,” said Joyce Masumitsu, who had spent her early adulthood in a Japanese-American internment camp during World Ward II. “I was mailed my diploma with an attached consoling note from my principle.” Masumitsu sat on a panel with four other internees following the Nov. 4 matinee of the Santa Monica College production “Heart Mountain.” Nearly half the audience in attendance were fellow internees, or had relations to the camps. “Heart Mountain,” a play written by G. Bruce Smith, SMC Public Information Officer, and directed by SMC Theatre Arts Department Chair Perviz Sawoski followed a Japanese-American family from Venice, Calif., through their four-year term at the Heart Mountain internment camp, in 1942. Even though the play recounts a fictional story, it represents several stories collected through live interviews and research into life at several camps throughout the United States, according to the program. As introduced by Sawoski, the panel included Noboru Kamibayashi, Arnold Maeda, Brian Maeda, Masumitsu and Kanji Sahara. Each panelist shared their personal relocation and internment camp story, and their efforts in appeasing that little-told piece of history. One of the panelists compared relocation to being herded like cattle onto buses by cowboys, and put in dusty barracks. A former internee in the audience spoke about how he suffered from mental trauma and a heart condition post-internment. Masamitsu told a vibrant story of how she snuck out of her internment camp in hopes of buying a chicken to bring home to her family, but returned home with two eggs and tales of the lesser living conditions of a kind NativeAmerican family’s home on a nearby Indian reservation. Brian Maeda, Arnold Maeda’s brother, was born in an internment camp. Although he does not recall his experience, Brian is dedicated to writing and directing films and documentaries about Japanese and JapaneseAmericans; his current project, “We Said No-No,” is
Fernando Baltazar Corsair Former Japanese concentration camp internees (L-R) Brian Maeda, Arnold Maeda, Noburu Kamibayashi, Kanji Sahara, and Joyce Masamitsu, talk about their own experiences in a panel discussion following the performance of “Heart Mountain” last Sunday in the Theatre Arts Building at SMC. They explained how the experience altered their lives and made them want to tell their stories of unjust treatment inside the camps. Their stories gave a new view toward what it felt like to be in the camps, and how each one of their stories had different situations that ultimately showcased the hardships they went through.
funded by a 2011 National Park Service grant. The Loyalty Oath, given to all internees over the age of seventeen, asked two questions: One asked if internees would be willing to serve in the armed forces of the United States wherever ordered, and the other asked them to swear allegiance to the U.S. and to denouce any allegiance to the Empire of Japan. Those who answered “yes” to both could be drafted into the U.S. Armed Services; those who answered “no” to both were sent to Tule Lake internment camp, reserved for traitors. Kamibauashi’s family answered “no-no,” and was sent from Manzanar internment camp to Tule Lake. The former internees in the audience were asked to stand as the panel discussion came to a close. They appeared proud and smiled at the sitting attendees. “Heart Mountain” cast members were invited on stage to
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present the panelists with gift bags and praise. Smith, who spoke briefly and attended the panel discussion, said although he had heavily researched the topic for the play, he learned new information from the panel and audience that night. “Heart Mountain” dancer Heather Regan said the play was “just a little piece of a much bigger story,” after listening to the panel discussion. Alice Stek, a member of the Venice Japanese American Memorial Marker Committee, did not attend the matinee due to it being sold out days in advance, but chose to stay for the panel discussion. Stek was in awe of the stories she had heard from the panel members. “What would I have done? Would I have answered no-no?” Stek said. “I can’t imagine going through that.
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volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
arts + entertainment 13
Dia de los Muertos, a day of respect, a day for goodbyes Henry crumblish Staff Writer
Modesta Gandara entered the inaugural Dia de los Muertos celebration at Woodlawn cemetery with a heavy heart and a mission. Gandara, on the verge of hysterics, frantically searched for her daughter’s grave as she struggled to keep composure. Ramona Luisa Gandara Mcgrath died in 2009 of breast cancer. The distressed 85 year old searched for her daughter’s unmarked grave, and would not rest until she found her daughter’s final resting place. Woodlawn cemetery is owned and operated by the city of Santa Monica, and has gravesites that were present while the land was still Mexico. Many Santa Monica residents such as Daniel Alonzo honor the chance to have their final resting place in the city. “When you’re born and raised in this city, it means a lot to be buried here,” said Alonzo. “To some people it doesn’t matter where they’re at, but to me it’s important.” Dancers from the Danza Azteca Ketzalitzli dance group, equipped in full Aztec garb and body paint, performed in spellbinding synchronization. “We respect all of this, we respect all these people,” said Hilda Contreras, leader of the Ketzalitzli. Contreras was overcome with an otherworldly energy during the performance that was irresistible to watch. “When I dance, I think of all my people; we pray for our people that died,” said Contreras. The dance was fitting for a day where the living pay respect to lost loved ones as they try to make sense of their lives. “For me it’s surreal,” said Tony Vazquez as he mourned the loss of his brother-in-law, Jesse Gerena , who died of leukemia. “I lost a father and a brother to cancer,” said Vazquez, behind dark sunglasses. “Jesse worked with kids. He had patience and always had a smile on,” he said, pointing to a picture of his deceased friend. Ron Ando attended the event with his wife and reminisced about tales to Woodlawn in his youth as he lightheartedly toured the cemetery. “I used to come here with my mom.
She was vigilant about flowers,” said Ando. “Pretty much my whole family is here,” he said. “My parents have a spot in the mausoleum, but they’re not there yet,” he joked. Allison Ostrovsky, Cultural Affairs Supervisor for the city of Santa Monica, paid respect to her grandparents and great-grandparents. “We want to make people aware of the park,” said Ostrovsky. “Woodlawn is not known for events, but we wanted to add something respectful and tasteful,” she said. The Dia de los Muertos celebration at Woodlawn cemetery was educational, thoughtful, and heartfelt. The city succeeded at introducing an exciting new event with
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Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair (L to R) Adolfo Peck and Jose Luis Francia perform a fight scene with a traditional Aztec dance for Dia de los Muertos last Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica.
appeal for all residents. “We hope to do this annually. This is the first time doing Dia de los Muertos and we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Ostrovsky. “We love to see all these families and diversity. We achieved what we we’re looking for,” she said. “It was intimate.” Gandara, overcome with emotion when finally finding Mcgrath’s unmarked grave, summoned the last of her strength to pay her respects, and left flowers to commemorate the gravesite. “I visit whenever I can,” said Gandara. “I thought I would go first.”
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14 sports
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
Corsairs pull off thrilling comeback football
Eugene jones Staff Writer Everything was slipping away. Jeers started to rain down from the home crowd, frustration threatening to boil over amongst fans and players as well. All that the Corsairs had accomplished during the season was about to be washed away. Then, the improbable happened. History was made on the gridiron as Santa Monica College overcame a 26 point deficit to defeat conference rival LA Pierce 50-47 to continue their eight game winning streak, giving them sole possession of first place in the Pacific Conference. The Corsairs found themselves down halfway in the third quarter 40-14. Pierce quarterback Nick Arbuckle had just thrown his fifth touchdown pass of the game. On the pursuing drive, SMC started to build momentum with a 61 yard run by running back Myles Johnson, which was followed by a four-yard touchdown run by running back Aaron Jones that would cut the deficit to 40-21. The Corsairs then scored again as Alfonso Medina connected with Ralph Gordon II for a 21-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 12. “I thought after we made a couple of big plays that we were unstoppable,” said Head Coach Gifford Lindheim. Medina completed 22 of 38 passes for 379 yards with six touchdowns. Gordon had five receptions for 118 yards, with three ending in touchdowns. “We started off sluggish in the first half. At halftime, we went in to have a talk and we got it together. We came out dominating,” Gordon said. The fourth quarter was the turning point of the game, when SMC began to exert their indomitable will. Their defensive intensity rose and started to smother Pierce. The Corsairs forced Arbuckle into several interceptions, a stark contrast from the first half. Corsair wide receiver Reggie Mitchell picked off a few of those passes. “Even when we were trailing, we never got down. We basically lifted each other up to play even better. As a defense, we have to be ready for every moment,” said Mitchell. With SMC still down 47-42 late in the fourth, Medina found Jones for a 37 yard touchdown, Jones’ second of the game. The Corsairs pushed ahead 50-47, completing the monumental comeback. Pierce had one final chance to steal the win, but they turned the ball over, sealing yet another Corsair victory. Santa Monica College will try and clinch their second consecutive conference championship next Saturday at Antelope Valley College at 7 p.m.
Raphael Mawrence Corsair SMC defensive back Davonte Anderson intercepts a pass against Pierce College at the end of the second quarter at Corsair Field last Saturday.
High hopes for men’s basketball wayne neal Staff Writer
Last season was promising for head coach Jerome Jenkins and the Santa Monica College men’s basketball team. Despite losing in the first round of the playoffs to El Camino College, it marks the second straight year Jenkins has taken his team to the post season. He will try to accomplish that same goal this year with a fresh set of new faces. Entering his fourth season as head coach, Jenkins will have the task of molding a team full of freshmen. Despite their youth, Jenkins is very excited about this squad.
“They’re like sponges—they listen and they work hard,” Jenkins said. In the off-season, the Corsairs added Anthony Cooper to their coaching staff. Cooper was a standout player at California State University-Hayward, setting a Cal Pac single-season record for highest three-point percentage. “I’ve heard of Coach Jenkins, and I knew this was a growing program and I wanted to be a part of something big,” Cooper said. “As a coach I want to help them be better players and men in general.” Cooper hopes to bring his basketball I.Q , passion, and shooting knowledge to the court. He also wants the players to understand the importance
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of receiving an education and try and use basketball as a way to move forward in life by teaching them the principles of discipline, commitment, and integrity. Another addition to the team is 6’4 freshman David Nwaba. The Hawaii Pacific transfer is excited about the opportunity to play with such a talented young team, and hopes to bring his leadership and skill to the court. “David’s a high level basketball player,” Jenkins said. “He’s a great asset to our team.” Along with Nwaba, the team carries a plethora of players who can “get buckets” in a matter of seconds. Because of the up-tempo style of play @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
Jenkins runs, he is going to play with five guards in the starting lineup, and hopes that his team can run a track meet against opponents. During summer play, the team saw success using this unconventional lineup. Nwaba and the young Corsairs are ready for the challenge of making another run to the postseason. The Corsairs begin their season on the road at Biola University to face the Cerritos Falcons in a nonconference matchup Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. “We are going to go out play hard, play Corsair basketball, and we will see what happens. Every time we step on the floor we want to win,” said Jenkins.
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sports 15
volume 104 issue 10 •november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
sports briefs women’s volleyball
Rec Sports Sunday fun for all
Alex Vejar Staff Writer Even though they’ve split the last two games, the Santa Monica College women’s volleyball team has looked better. Their latest win came against the West Los Angeles College Wildcats. Last Tuesday, SMC played against the College of the Canyons Cougars, but lost 3-0 (20-25, 22-25, 19-25). According to hHead cCoach Nicole Ryan, the Corsairs had leads in each of the first two games, but their errors came back to haunt them. During the third game, freshman setter Kendall Beebe suffered a concussion, forcing SMC to make a substitution that put them off their rhythm for the rest of the game. Freshman outside hitter Hannah Pope led the way offensively with 11 kills. But last Friday night was a different story. The Corsairs dominated West LA 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-16), communicating often on defense and making minimal mistakes on offense. “West LA was definitely scrappy, and did a lot of good things on their side, but offensively we overpowered them and we were in control the majority of the game,” Ryan said. The win against West LA puts the Corsairs record this season at 7-10 overall, and 4-5 in their conference. Their next game is against Pierce College on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at SMC.
cross country Rachel duron Staff Writer So close, and yet so far. Santa Monica College men’s and women’s cross country teams made significant improvements in their race, however they did not place at the Southern California Championships last weekend at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. The women did not place in the top 25, nor in the individuals top 19. SMC runner Tess Turpin was the first to cross the finish line for her team in the 5k run with a time of 21.45.65. “I feel good about my results,” said Turpin. “I have been working hard at practice this semester, and I did my very best at the race. Even though I didn’t make it to the state championships, I feel like I gave it my all and that is what really matters. I had a lot of fun too.” Although the women placed second to last, SMC’s first six runners across the finish line set season best times. Turpin was only 15 seconds off from qualifying as an individual. She plans on staying focused for the rest of the season, and working hard to improve her time. The men finished 19th at the event, the highest they’ve ranked since 2004. They were only one spot away from qualifying to the State Championship as a team. “As it turned out, they gave it a good effort, but came up short,” said Head Coach Eric Barron. Daniel Redick stood out as a top runner for SMC. He finished 47th, and ran fast enough to qualify for the State Championship. He also placed first in the men’s individuals. The Corsairs next meet will be at the State Championship on Nov. 17, at Fresno City College.
Sam Herron Corsair Tanoi “Mr. T” Tanwi returns a serve while playing table tennis last Sunday at SMC. Tanwi coaches new players in table tennis during Rec Sports Sunday that also includes other activities such as basketball and badminton.
david yapkowitz Sports Editor Taking a break, Cynthia Cuza and Sophia Gorelik quickly sip water and grab a towel to wipe off sweat. After a few minutes, they’re ready to get back out on the court. The table tennis court, that is. Cuza and Gorelik are just two of the many participants who come out every Sunday to the gym at Santa Monica College to take part in Rec Sports Sunday. Started 40 years ago by emeritus professor Jo Kidd, Rec Sports Sunday is a gathering of students, alumni, faculty, and community members to take part in a day of sports. While basketball is played in the morning and badminton continues throughout the day, the most popular sport, drawing the most competitors, is table tennis. “Table tennis is the more professional name,” says Cuza. “A lot of people say they play ping pong, but if you want to be taken seriously, you call it table tennis.”
About fifteen table tennis courts are set up in the middle of the gym, and each one is occupied throughout the day. Basketball is over at noon, and that’s when the table tennis crew comes in. “I took a class four years ago here at SMC, and I got hooked” says Gorelik. In addition to Rec Sports Sunday, she also participates in the Gilbert Table Tennis club, held at the Jewish Community Center on Olympic Boulevard in West L.A. At around 3 p.m., things start to get a little more serious. “Those of us here early are just keeping in shape and having fun,” explains Cuza. “Later in the afternoon is when the more professional players arrive. They have unbelievably good games.” While the early birds take part in friendly competition, the pro players raise the stakes. They hold a round robin tournament, and they play for money. “Most of us taking classes are trying to get to that level and be able to play in the
tournament” says Cuza. A few of the players that show up are on the SMC Table Tennis team. Santa Monica College is one of the few junior colleges and the only one in the area that has a table tennis team, according to Cuza. “Our team plays against teams from UCLA, USC, and other universities, as well as being part of the Los Angeles Table Tennis Federation to compete against teams from all over the county.” Even if your talent is not quite at the professional or collegiate level, Cuza believes that it’s a great way to just have a little fun. “It’s very easy, you can play with friends, you can play at home, it’s a very popular sport.” “Even if you don’t have anyone to play with, you can get a machine and play against yourself,” added Gorelik. Rec Sports Sunday is open to all, and is a great way to meet new people. Not to mention a great way to engage in some good old fashioned competition.
The comeback kids
womens soccer
Kou collins Staff Writer
There’s a reason why the Santa Monica College women’s soccer team call themselves the comeback kids. With the soccer season nearly over, SMC is currently in third place in the Western State South Conference with a record of 5-2-4, and 8-3-6 overall. In many of these games, they’ve found themselves in a hole, but dug themselves out and have either won or tied. Perhaps a highlight of the season was an Oct. 19 game against an undefeated Canyons team, who was the conference winner last year. The Corsairs were faced with a 0-2 deficit and a late rally saw SMC tie the game.“Every team reacts differently; some teams need to take a goal to know that they are in a competitive situation,” Head Coach Aaron Benditson said. “To
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come from behind and get a positive result for ourselves is a big testament to the commitment of the girls, and what their desires and aspirations are for the season.” The Corsairs have tied with Canyons twice this season; the first time was on Sept. 25,, which yielded a 0-0 tie. Canyons currently holds the best record in the conference. “There was so much heat built up from last year, and all we wanted to do was show them [Canyons] that they did not deserve it last year,” sophomore defender Briana Mackey said. That tension was because Canyons stopped SMC from gaining a playoff birth last season, and the team did not appreciate the celebration that took part afterward, Mackey explained. With the standings in disarray as of now, the playoffs are not guaranteed for the Corsairs. “We are in a ridiculously competitive league, if the playoffs started today four @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
teams would be in the playoffs. There’s no other league that has that going for them,” Benditson said. “We have to win now, tying is not going to cut it, losing is not going to cut it.” If the playoffs started today, SMC would be in, but the season is not over yet. A lot can happen in the final two games, but the playoffs are the ultimate goal. Santa Monica College came into the season with high expectations due to their outstanding preseason where they won each game. “Going into the season, I expected us to do really well, and we have exceeded my expectations,” Mackey said. “Its really awesome, we have a real good camaradarie. If you have a good connection with the team and a good flow, you know you’re going to do well on the field, and we have proven it.”
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16 election
volume 104 issue 10 • november 7, 2012 • santa monica college
from democrats on PG. 1 undecided a day before the election. Nevada also was leaning toward Obama, where, according to the same poll, he clung to a four-point lead with just one percent undecided. Those leads managed to hold throughout the night, as Obama carried both states. Thunderous applause met projected results at Trip, a local bar hosting a “drinking liberally” event. As Florida moved into the democratic column, and leads in Virginia and Ohio proved solid, many at the bar simply lamented the lack of an even more liberal candidate that could contend. Gov. Romney had to win at least Ohio or Florida to clear a path to an Electoral victory. Obama carried Ohio with 49.3 percent of the vote with 89 percent of precincts reporting, and Florida with 50 percent with 97 percent of precincts reporting. Much attention was focused on the Electoral College votes in Ohio and Florida. The last Republican to win the White House without carrying Florida was Warren G. Harding. No Republican has won the White House without Ohio. Control of the Senate was also at stake. The state of play immediately before the election had once hopeful Republicans facing defeat in their bid to control both chambers of Congress. Comments by Richard Mourdock in Indiana, in which he said he opposed abortion in cases of rape because “it is something that God intended to happen,” caused him to plummet in the polls. The last poll conducted in the state saw Democratic challenger Joe Donnelly with 47 percent of the vote to Mourdock’s 36 percent. Those numbers proved reliable as Donnelly won a close race with 50 percent of the vote to Mourdock’s 46 percent. An expensive and extremely close campaign saw Elizabeth Warren ultimately unseat Republican Scott Brown in Massachusetts, allowing Democrats to retain control of the Senate. A bartender at the watch party who declined to give his name remarked on the American electoral system. “Back home, there are more options,” he said. “I just wish there was someone else besides these two to vote for.” Others, such as Matt Borowitz harkened back to the days of the Clinton-Bush-Perot race of 1992, and lamented the lack of a viable third-party candidate to challenge
both the Republican and Democratic institutions. “Perot went after those guys,” said Borowitz, referring to his debates with George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. “I wanted to vote for Jill Stein or somebody like that, but this race was just too close,” he said. Obama clung to narrow leads in the crucial states of Ohio, Virginia, and Florida, with CNN projecting that the President would carry all three states. With votes still to be finalized in Florida, Obama held a 303 to 206 Electoral vote advantage, sealing his reelection bid. Willy Meyerson continually checked the projections he had made on a napkin as results were declared on the flat screens above the bar. Although early returns handed Romney a distinct advantage in Virginia, Meyerson stuck by his prediction, saying that Obama would carry the state with less than one percent of the vote. Obama won the state with approximately 50 percent of the vote compared to Romney’s 48 percent. Republicans’ aspirations for an even firmer grip on the House of Representatives were more tangible, however, as they stand to increase their share of seats overall. Ballot measures in California will decide a great deal about the state’s future. Proposition 30 will decide a great deal about the funds available to the state’s public education system. Competing tax initiative Prop. 38, sponsored by Molly Munger, has threatened to siphon votes from Prop. 30, which Gov. Brown hopes will become his signature accomplishment in his return to the governorship. Proposition 32 has also proved controversial. Organized labor has spent heavily to defeat the measure, which would limit use of payroll deductions for political purposes. Other propositions including Proposition 37 and Proposition 40 have steep uphill climbs and will likely fail. Prop. 37 would require genetically modified foods to be labeled as such, and Prop. 40 would affirm the Citizens Redistricting Commission results. Both Republicans and Democrats are urging supporters to vote in support of Prop. 40. While votes are not final, Prop. 38 seems to be on its way to a sound defeat, while the Prop. 30 race remains close as of early Wednesday morning.
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from republicans on PG. 1 campaign was run. “Paul [Ryan] and I left everything on the field. We have given our all to this campaign, “ Romney said during his concession speech. Romney needed to win Florida and at least one other battleground state in order to have any chance of edging out Obama. In the end, Romney did not win any of those states. Jennifer Richardson, a Santa Monica local, voted for Romney. Although she knew that winning California was a long shot, Richardson believed the race would be hotly contested. “It’s going to go down to the wire,” she said as she left her polling place. And go down to the wire it did. Ohio was projected to go Obama’s way, essentially handing him the race. Shortly after, however, new projections showed the two candidates were still tied in the crucial swing state. In the end, however, Ohio didn’t matter. Obama was able to gain electoral votes in battleground states such as Colorado
and Nevada, clinching Romney’s concession speech was full of “thank yous” to his family, his campaign supporters and was gracious to the newly re-elected President Obama. “This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the President will be successful in guiding our nation,” Romney said. According to sources, Romney called Obama to congratulate him on his victory. Victoria Davis, vice president of Malibu/Bel-Air Women’s Republican Federation, stated the next four years would yield “devastation and destruction,” and that she was frightened for the country. “You will see a rise of taxation that you can’t even imagine; you will see poverty and violence,” Davis said. There is certainly disappointment being felt by local Republicans. But time will tell whether this ominous prediction will come to pass.
PROPOSITIONS
results as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning 74.6% of precincts reported
Prop. 30
Temporary Taxes to Fund Education YES: 53.1% NO: 46.9%
Prop. 31 state budget, state and local government
Prop. 35
Human Trafficking YES: 81.6% NO: 18.4%
Prop. 36
Three Strikes Law YES: 68.6% NO: 31.4%
Prop. 37
YES: 39.9% NO: 60.1%
Prop. 32
Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction YES: 44.8% NO: 55.2%
Prop. 33
Auto Insurance Prices Based on Driver History YES: 45.6% NO: 54.4%
Prop. 34
Death Penalty YES: 46.6% NO: 53.4%
Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling YES: 46.1% NO: 53.9%
Prop. 38
Tax for Education. Early Childhood Programs YES: 27.2% NO: 72.8%
Prop. 39
Business Tax for Energy Funding YES: 59.7% NO: 40.3%
Prop. 40 Redistricting State Senate YES: 72.2% NO: 27.8%
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