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volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
2 contents
E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Amber Antonopoulos···· 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 Muna Cosic··············Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Elizabeth Moss··············· News Editor c o rs a i r. n e w s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Molly Philbin··············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 Merissa Weiland······· 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 Alex Vejar·········· 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 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 Daniella Palm·········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 Jr.···············Photo Editor Mark Popovich···············Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Jhosef Hern······················ Illustrator c o rs a i r. c a r t o o n @ g m a i l . c o m Allie Silvas····················· Web Editor c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Henry Crumblish··········· Design Team Mikaela Osterlund·········· Design Team Cocoa Dixon················ Design Team Gimlet Rivera··············· Design Team 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 Ray Alvarado, Trevor Angone, Luis Arias, Fernando Baltazar, Vanessa Barajas, Lorentious Barry, Scott Bixler, Raul Cervantes, Sara Cheshm Mishi, James Coster, Jeff Cote, Jenna Crowley, Erika Cruz, Tina Eady, Skya Eiland, Djon Ellams, Rachael Garcia, Amy Gaskin, Marine Gaste, Manon Genevier, Felipe Gouveia, Linda Harrell, David Hawkins, Sam Herron, Jasmin Huynh, Simon Luca Manili, Daniel McCarty, Asha McClendon, Rona Navales, Jerome Newton, Sarah Neyhart, Andrew Nguyen, Jimmy Rodriguez, Myriam Santiago, Kandace Santillana, HaJung Shin, Ryan Sindon, Niklas Thim, Eva Underwood, Heran Yirgu
volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Mark Popovich Corsair Sgt. Jere Romano, Gianni Manganelli and Bryan Wilson (left to right) try to figure out a miscommunication at the Humanities and Social Sciences Building on Tuesday, after Manganelli, a deaf student, violates the campus ordinance against skateboarding and could not hear the officer’s orders.
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volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
AS election candidates Henry Crumblish Staff Writer On the horizon of a highly competitive Associated Students election, over 40 political hopefuls crammed into a conference room in Santa Monica College’s Cayton Center last Wednesday to discuss new rules and regulations concerning the election. Potential candidates listened as Benny Blaydes, Inter-Club Council adviser, outlined campaign rules and discussed changes in director responsibilities. “We didn’t expect a crowd this size,” said Blaydes, who also discussed changes to the election code during the meeting, as well as rules and regulations concerning the election. The alleged “typo” found in the election code was fixed by Spincer Versele, the ICC chair, after it was ruled that the AS constitution superceded the election code. This change effectively required that candidates have 20 completed units, or that they must currently be serving as an AS director, commissioner or an active member of the ICC during the semester
Grand theft in the library, missing licenses on the streets Vanessa Barajas Staff Writer On Tuesday, Gianni Manganelli, a deaf student, was stopped by the Santa Monica College Police Department for skateboarding on campus. Manganelli was confused by the situation and demanded an interpreter. A representative from a campus disability services group acted as his interpreter and he was not charged. Friday afternoon at the library proved to be an unlucky day for a student who left a Macbook Pro laptop unattended and is now missing the apple of his eye. No one saw the suspect take the laptop, but students did see a suspicious individual circling the area as if surveying the space. The theft occurred on the east side of the second floor of the library. The value of the 17-inch Apple laptop is estimated at $4,000. If caught, SMCPD Sgt. Jere Romano said the suspect could potentially be charged
they are elected. After almost being excluded from the 2013 elections due to the “typo,” presidential candidate Noke Taumalolo is particularly happy to see this change. “I’m glad I fought for what was right; they were basically taking away our rights to vote,” he said. Changes will also be made to the duties of each position on the AS board of directors. For instance, director of student services will now be called director of advocacy. Advocacy will work closely with financial services and financial aid, as well as actively creating scholarships for students. Director of advocacy deals primarily with legislative advocacy as well as polling student opinion. The position also acts as SMC’s official delegate to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, an independent student-run advocacy group. This year’s campaign expenses are limited to $250 per candidate, and candidates receiving financial aid will be reimbursed up to $100. Illustrations by Vanessa Barajas & Jhosef Hern Santa Monica College crime and theft
The recent cr that have be reported ha involved b students a Last wee crimes include theft a prope dam oth acc at
crim e log
Candidates are also banned from giving out any items of worth during their campaigns in an effort to sway undecided voters. This does not include buttons or pins, which some campaign slates have already started handing out. The AS has ruled these items as promotional campaign materials and not of any value. Firmer restrictions have also been placed on campaign endorsements. Current AS directors are strictly forbidden to endorse candidates. Even “liking” a slate’s page on Facebook could result in campaign penalties. Clubs are no longer allowed to officially endorse candidates, and candidates wishing to speak to classes must obtain explicit consent from a professor. Tampering with another slate’s campaign materials or signs is an instant disqualification. If a campaign worker is caught tampering, the candidate is liable. “Respect other people, and other people’s property,” said Blaydes. “Just because you’re running against someone doesn’t mean they’re your enemy.” Chase Greene, who is running for director of publicity, said he hopes for a clean race. “I’ve seen a lot of student body campaigns that were ugly,” he said. There are four major slates looking to make a meaningful impact on the election this year, including United Students led by Taynara Moura, S.M.C. led by Chioma Ojini, Corsairs Connected led by Alex Abramoff, and The Voice We Need, The Change We Deserve led by Taumalolo.
“United Students is a name that reflects how I want the student body to look after I’m elected,” said Moura. “I’ve been researching for a long time into what students need.” “We have a Hispanic, a Caucasian, a Middle Easterner, an Asian, and an African American,” said Taumalolo of the members of his slate. Taumalolo said he feels that students are isolated from each other and would benefit from more diversity. “You’ve got to get different perspectives from different cultures to solve problems,” he said. S.M.C. is the “Green” slate with an emphasis on sustainability, and many members work closely with the Center for Environmental and Urban Studies. The acronym stands for Synergy, Motivation and Co-Creation. S.M.C. led by Ojini, current AS director of student services, feels that her experience in student government will help her reach out to students. “Knowing realistic goals is something that I’ve picked up as a director,” said Ojini. “I want students to co-create solutions getting involved and engaged.” Also on the ballot this year are five separate initiatives including a proposed $1 student representation fee. If passed, the fee would go toward funding student advocacy on campus. AS debates are scheduled for March 27, with the elections on April 1 through April 3. In the result of a tie, runoff elections will be held on April 23 and April 24.
with burglary and grand theft. Romano also confirmed that if the suspect is a student charged with grand theft, he or she, “even though rarely done, could be expelled.” A case of petty theft occurred just before 7 p.m. last Tuesday afternoon in the SMC library. A Jansport backpack, containing the victim’s personal items, was stolen. A friend was holding the victim’s bag while the victim went to the cafeteria. Forgetting the bag, the friend returned after two minutes only to find it missing. There were no witnesses. Just before 4 p.m. in the campus Parking Structure Three, a reckless student driver was observed by police on foot patrol and was found to be driving without a license. There has been an increase in traffic enforcement along Pico Boulevard as a result of an increase in motorcycle accidents, many of which have involved SMC students, according to Romano.
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volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
VTP redevelopment approved
Alex Vejar & Allie Silvas a+e Editor & Web Editor
Amy Gaskin Corsair Developer Marc Luzzatto speaks to the Santa Monica City Council during last Tuesday’s meeting and asks them to approve his project. The Council voted 4-3 to allow the development to proceed.
After a six-year battle between the residents and owner of the Village Trailer Park on Colorado Avenue, the Santa Monica City Council voted 4-3 in favor of a revised VTP redevelopment agreement last Tuesday night. The new agreement was adjusted so that the proposed condominiums are converted into apartments, the number of affordable housing units increases, and a portion of the park continues to be allocated for 10 mobile home spaces, which will operate for up to 10 years. The previous development agreement included 377 total housing units, 216 of those being condominiums. The remaining units would be apartments, with 16 available to very low-income residents, as stated in last Tuesday’s meeting. However, the new agreement converts all housing units to apartments, with 35 retained as affordable housing units for very low income residents, and three saved for extremely low-income residents. Of 109 trailers, 99 will be displaced by the redevelopment. Councilman Kevin McKeown, who voted against the VTP project, was still
dissatisfied with the amended proposal. “The project that was presented and eventually approved [last Tuesday] night doesn’t go beyond what the law requires for affordable housing,” said McKeown. “And yet, that’s the number one priority we have set as a city in negotiating development agreements.” Current residents who are being forced out have eight relocation options, including moving to Mountain View trailer park, temporarily relocating to an apartment before returning to VTP, or moving to conventional rental housing. According to the Affordable Housing Production Program, which is an affordable housing obligation that was implemented under 1990’s Proposition R, multifamily developments, or apartments, can allocate 10 percent of the units to “very low” income households. Councilwoman Gleam Davis initially voted against the project, but said she changed her vote because the package of relocation benefits had been “significantly improved,” and the amount of affordable housing was increased to meet the AHPP. “I felt that my concerns had been addressed and I voted ‘yes,’” Davis said. Another relocation option would allow residents to move to new low-income
apartments under construction on Ocean Avenue, across from the Loews Hotel, according to the development agreement. Lania Bentin, a former resident of the trailer park, relocated to an apartment owned by Community Corporation of Santa Monica, a nonprofit organization committed to developing and managing affordable housing, early last year. During her public comment at the City Council meeting last Tuesday, Bentin described her positive relocation experience and said that the developer and president of The Luzzatto Company, Mark Luzzatto, and his staff were helpful and compensated her fairly. “I am grateful for my relocation,” Bentin said. Although the development agreement has been approved after years of disputes, there are still some issues to address, such as disagreements regarding parking and architectural details. Luzzatto was unable to comment on the City Council’s decision due to litigation issues, but he provided a statement by e-mail. “We think we’ve arrived at a solution that will allow everyone involved to move forward in a very positive way,” Luzzatto said.
rad defense for women at SMC Jasmin Huynh Staff Writer
The Santa Monica College Police Department will host a new self-defense workshop against sexual aggression at SMC that will teach women how to defend themselves against attackers. The workshop, called the Rape Aggression Defense Program, lasts 12 sessions and educates women about the risk reduction of rape and attack prevention, in addition to providing them with self-defense techniques, as stated on the program’s website. “We’re not here to teach them how to punch [attackers] until they’re completely done; we provide them with the ability to escape,” said SMCPD officer Summer Samano, leader and future coach of the RAD workshop at SMC. “The techniques will be practiced until they become muscle memory, an instinct,” she said. According to the website, RAD is the largest self-defense organization in the nation and the only one that has ever
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be a family member or a close friend.” The program is free for SMC students their first year. Starting the second year, they can repeatedly retake the course for a one-time fee of $10. This special offer was made possible through an AS donation toward the program, according to Samano. “We didn’t have it in our funding,” she said. “We still needed half of the funding since the suits that we need are very expensive, so the AS funding was very important.” The AS board of directors voted unanimously to approve the donation, which will finance the equipment. “I think the RAD program is great because students won’t have to pay for it,” said Jemal Hussein, AS vice president. “I don’t believe that you should pay to learn how to defend yourself. We all thought there was a good purpose to it because it will help the students.” The workshop will also be open for SMC staff members and women who are not enrolled at SMC for a $10 charge, according to Samano.
The program is designed for all women regardless of height, size, physical fitness, or age. For Samano, the change in women’s attitudes after the program is significant. “It also encourages women to know that they are not going to be the victim,” she said. “It gets them into that mindset. RAD is an empowerment. When a woman comes out of the program, she is like a completely different person.” Both younger and more mature students are encouraged to sign up for the class to reap its benefits. “Many women feel weak, but if they would learn the techniques, they would feel the strength to protect themselves,” said 20-year-old SMC student Devora Lopez. “It can help their self-esteem. If I have time, I’ll definitely sign up for it.” “I think it’s wonderful, and every woman should take it,” said 72-year-old student Ellen Vener, who takes a vocational class at SMC. “It should be mandatory.” The program will begin as soon as the equipment is available. Details on location and time are still to be determined.
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been endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administration, which provides services to advance public safety at schools. The program has been taught at over 3,500 colleges, universities, cities, counties, parishes, and state police departments, including University of Southern California, California State University, Los Angeles and Northridge, and Pasadena City College, according to the program’s website. The workshop will coach women exclusively, who are most targeted by attackers, said Samano. Recent statistics prove this to be true. According to a 2012 data sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.3 percent of women — or almost one out of five — reported having experienced rape at some time in their lives. Of those, 37.4 percent were first raped between the ages of 18 and 24. “The numbers of sexual assaults of women, even battery, are very high,” Samano said. “It’s out there. It’s happening not only with strangers; it can
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Opinion 5
volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Staff Editorial
Drink in one hand, cellphone in the other
Walk of shame coming to a classroom near you Vanessa Barajas Staff Writer It is past midnight and you are walking out of a bar with your friends, ready to reach your bed in record time and sleep off the hangover. What you are not prepared for is having one of those friends take revenge on you by snapping a photo of you in your drunken glory because you gave her number to some sleazy guy back at the bar. With disheveled hair and green in the face, the photo finds its way straight to the most popular social media tyrant on the web: Facebook. Some say that if their boss or coworkers could see the embarrassing times of their private lives on the web, it could be the end of their reputation they have been working so hard to maintain. Regardless of who is sitting on the other end of your online community, it is inappropriate for it to be anyone with a position of authority over you. But what if one of your professors were on the other end of those social media updates?
Today, social media has become so popular that it now plays an essential role in most everyone’s life. It has changed the way we connect and share with each other, who we let into our personal lives, and has essentially blurred the border of what is and what is not appropriate. Natalia Bortwovskaya, a Santa Monica College student, said that Facebook can be a way for professors to distribute school materials in a way that accommodates students. Although social media is a valuable tool for sharing information, completing class material in a school setting reinforces having an appropriate academic attitude. When forms of social media are brought onto the scene, a sense of aloofness takes over and encourages distraction for students. While New York’s “Newsday” social media posting suggests that some might see “friending” your boss as a way to boost your career, college professors cannot be seen in the same light. SMC student Magne Booc “friended” her English professor on Facebook because of academic reasons such as homework and other assignments, which are regularly posted. “Facebook has the option to hide posts
Illustration by Jhosef Hern Corsair
from certain people that you don’t want to see your things,” Booc said. While Booc makes a valid point, it is important to understand that human error will never rescind, regardless of how much technology evolves or is presented to us. A typographical error can always be made, a sleepy post’s privacy setting can be forgotten and tagging “John Smith” instead of “John Schmidt” in your photos will always be a typical human mistake. Leave room to consider the unavoidable fact of human error, do not friend your professor on Facebook, do not assume that your weekends on the boulevard will remain your personal experiences and, oh yeah, do not friend your professor on Facebook.
Record youth unemployment Sharif lewis Staff Writer Millions of college students across the nation are busy daily, boarding buses, attending day-long classes and studying in the libraries, and seeking the knowledge to obtain a job that may not exist by the time they graduate. Many students that are close to graduating may not graduate due to rising school costs and limited federal financial aid, but for those who do, job opportunities are scarce, according to the Generation Opportunity’s millennial report. Many young people are experiencing a record youth unemployment rate of 12.5 percent, according to the report. With limited federal financial aid, a student who lives away from home, with no other source of income, will have a difficult time completing the college education necessary to obtain a successful career in today’s job market.
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With the cost of living, transportation, school supplies and clothing being greater than the financial aid a student may receive in a fiscal year, seeking a part-time job is what most students must do to make ends meet. More so, in a recovering economy where the majority of adults and postgraduates are unemployed, the chances for a student obtaining a job are slim. This stagnate flow of unemployment for students — who are not even guaranteed a successful job out of college — renders fouryear universities practically useless. For those who were financially challenged in the past, community college was the option granting a young adult a chance to receive a college degree. But now, with a staggering economy, students may be forced to make cuts in personal spending, return home, or seek alternate living arrangements to save money, and some may have to quit school and pursue manual labor jobs. The percentage of student unemployment may seem moderate, but the actual percentage is around 16 percent because there are students not included who have
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given up looking for jobs, according to Generation Opportunity’s millennial report fact sheet. After applying to hundreds of prospective jobs and being denied employment, many students have given up the search for employment — relying on financial aid and student loans to barely make it through college, according to the fact sheet. Students should have an even greater chance in succeeding in a business environment than the rest of the country. Without supporting students, the government if not supporting its future.
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Steubenville, Ohio typically makes headlines for football, not rape scenarios coated in cyber-bullying. Known for being standouts on the Steubenville High School football team, Ma’lik Richmond, 16, and Trent Mays, 17, grew up dreaming of playing football, according to an ABC exclusive report. Now, their futures are not looking so bright. At a beginning-of-summer party involving alcohol, Jane Doe, 16, was heavily intoxicated and fell victim to fingerpenetration by Mays and Richmond and social media shaming by bystanders at the location. Social media sites were ablaze the following morning with graphic photos of Doe naked and motionless, a YouTube video, and degrading tweets by Steubenville students including, “I have no sympathy for whores,” and “Who’s this sloppy drunk bitch?” Although Doe claimed to not remember the events, she was appalled by the evidence documented by onlookers, who took cellphone pictures and videos of the events, said Bob Fitzsimmons, Doe’s lawyer, in a press interview. The events of that night clearly depicted on social media by intoxicated kids sentenced Richmond to one year in prison for rape, and Mays to two years for rape and the nude photos he took of Doe. Doe, and ultimately the nation, only knew something had happened because of pictures, tweets and videos. Without the social media evidence, the trial would have never come to light. Taking advantage of someone is entirely unacceptable. That being said, amid this outpouring of rage, there have been countless other situations where women have been abused without invoking the same spiteful response. For example, in 2010, two Michigan State University basketball players were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in their dorm, but the case was later dismissed. The accusation was much more severe than Steubenville’s. Social media did not play a role in past thrown-out cases. In the near future, people may be held accountable with what they capture on their phones and do not report it, according to ABC. Students need to be aware of the impacts of social media to prevent future situations, especially while under the influence.
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6 Photostory
volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Eli Forsman (c
Students relax on top of a rock formation during their field trip to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in the Sierra Pelona Mountains on Friday in Santa Clarita, Calif.
“It’s important we study in the classroom, but none of that can match what you can learn in the real world.” -William SelbySanta Monica College professor William Selby talks about the reproductive cycle of yucca plants at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area on Friday in Pearblossom, Calif.
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volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
photostory 7
Helen Tesfi pours coffee at Messob restaurant in Little Ethiopia, which was the third stop during the trip.
center) looks out at a landmark in Koreatown while on tour bus with other SMC students.
Rockin’ N’ rOLLIN’ Photos by Sam Herron Story by Elizabeth Moss
Ashley Blankenship reads about the history of Chinatown for her classmates.
Geography professor William Selby took Santa Monica College students on a “Cultural Tour of Los Angeles” on Saturday, where students from his Geography field studies class applied the skills they learned to the City of Los Angeles. The trip consisted of students from Selby’s geography field studies class, as well as F-1 visa students, who made up about half of the trip’s attendees. “It’s important we study in the classroom, but none of that can match what you can learn in the real world,” Selby said. On Friday, students studied the physical geography of various places around the city, taking field
notes as a requirement. Students went to Vasquez Rocks and to the California aqueduct on the San Andreas Fault line. “The truth is, they learn far more than they do in the class because they’re in the real world,” said Selby. Approximately 30 students traveled on Friday, and about 50 showed up on Saturday. Among the places visited, students went to Little Ethiopia, Koreatown, Echo Park, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Watts Tower. “It’s not what I hope to get out of them; it’s what they to get out of it,” Selby said.
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Mariachi players serenade SMC students in Boyle Heights.
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+ Entertainment 8 Arts
volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
New lounge burger a must-eat raul cervantes Staff Writer
Fernando Baltazar Corsair Burger Lounge in Santa Monica on Second Street and Arizona Avenue is the new addition to the restaurants around the Third Street Promanade. Burger Lounge has other locations throughout Los Angeles.
Burger Lounge recently opened near Santa Monica College, and business has been booming with customers lining out the door. Even though the line was long on
Monday, it only took about 10 minutes to reach the cash register and place an order. The waiting time was not so bad because Burger Lounge employees offered water to the customers waiting in line.
The look of the restaurant was upscale, yet casual, which was a nice balance. What could be more casual than eating outside on a sofa? The atmosphere was cozy and the music was modern. There was plenty of seating, both inside and out. The seats came in different forms, from booths to chairs. Unlike other burger places, the seats were made of wood, but still comfortable. The staff was both friendly and knowledgeable, and the service was excellent. When asked about the difference between cheeses, fountain drinks, and everything in between, the employees knew it all. They were also very helpful, constantly offering water, condiments and refills. The order took about eight minutes to get to the table, but the food deserved a longer wait. The Lounge Burger was delicious, as were the onion rings and the fries, which were topped with herbs that gave them a unique taste. The onion rings were crisped to a perfect texture, and the burger tasted homemade and honest. The price for a meal was about $12, or closer to $15 with a drink. Although that was a bit pricey, it was worth the money. The quality of the food at Burger Lounge seemed to surpass the quality of similar burgers at In-N-Out. Given the choice between the Lounge Burger and a Double-Double, I would take the Lounge Burger without hesitation. Burger Lounge had a variety of drinks such as organic brewed iced teas and Maine Root sodas sweetened with organic cane juice. The Mexicane Cola tasted like normal cola, but was apparently not as
bad for you. Their shakes were tasty and thick enough to taste like shakes, but not so thick that it felt like you were eating ice cream. The chocolate caramel salted brownie shakes have brownies mixed into the bottom. Burger Lounge is environmentally friendly because the restaurant uses grassfed meats, according to the menu, and fries are served in small brown-paper boxes. The variety offered is unrivaled by other burger joints. In addition to a traditional beef patty, the restaurant offers an organic quinoa vegetarian patty, a turkey burger, and even an elk burger served with crispy pork belly, jicama slaw and chipotle aioli. Customers are also given the more traditional topping options of lettuce, tomato, thousand island dressing, grilled onions, and organic cheese. What makes Burger Lounge stand out is the fact that toppings are organic and freshly made. Even the ketchup is organic. The serving sizes were substantial enough to fill you up, but not so big as to make you feel bad about yourself afterward. I left feeling a healthy full. Parking is also convenient, as it is a short walk from the restaurant and free for one hour and 30 minutes — more than enough time to enjoy a Lounge Burger. The restaurant definitely stacks up to InN-Out, Islands, The Counter, Five Guys and other competitors. Burger Lounge is located at 213 Arizona Ave. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Letters of lust Training the next Jenna Crowley Staff Writer
Sex, lust, love, romance and the confusion of ever-changing gender roles were challenged in the exhibition, “Lust Letters.” Amid a string of art galleries in the forefront of downtown Los Angeles’ China Town lies Coagula Curatorial. The most recent exhibition there, “Lust Letters,” contained the works of artists Tim Youd, Gajin Fujita, Bruce Richards and Erica Rawlings. “What we wanted to do for this exhibition is to show the perspective women have on lust and love, but using male artists,” said Mat Gleason, curator and director of the curatorial. The tall, white walls were sporadically touched with all things lust and love, and with the underlining idea that men — being visual creatures — respond to pornography, while women — being verbal creatures — respond to romance. Anais Nin’s “Elena” is the longest in a series of 15 romantic and erotic stories, all of which are collected together under the title “Delta of Venus,” and secretly written and commissioned in Paris in 1930. Because this type of material was considered racy at the time, Nin did not claim to be the author of her own literature until the early 1970s during the sex liberalization. Her novels can be found online or in vintage book stores. This once-illegal, pornographic, material was made visual by Tim Youd, who calls his representation, “The Lust Letters.” By using the same brand of typewriter the original literary used, Youd rewrote the story onto the original pages, giving them a super-imposed look. Each word-clustered piece of paper,
from the first page of the story to the last, was strewn across the gallery wall in one long, sleek line, splattered with baby-blue and pink paint and mounted on Victorian wallpaper, and resembling hotel rooms of the era. The next concept was Gajin Fujita’s “Doggie Style” that was shown with a mixed media, such as a Japanese man and woman having sex, surrounded by East Los Angeles-styled graffiti text that read “Scream” and “Do it.” “Fujita merges multicultural experiences in ways that really resonate,” Gleason said. “It’s kind of a critique of the oversexualization of American culture.” Fujita’s canvas was not for sale because of the high demand for his work. Other pieces included heart-covered basement walls by Erica Rawlings, the only female artist of the exhibition. The red, purple and pink felt hearts spelled out phrases, “No soup for you,” “Love is weird,” and “Not tonight.” “It’s funny because in this situation, all of the pieces created by our men artists are more on the sensual and romanticallysweet side, where the woman’s art is more blunt and bitter,” Gleason said. “It usually seems to be the opposite way around.” Finally, Bruce Richards’ realisticallystyled acrylic-on-canvas, painted colorful and poppy, yet simple romance, including allegories such as chocolate covered strawberries, heart shaped dice, a crooked dagger, birds and bees, and a penny. Youd plans to keep showcasing his representation of the “Lust Letters” in cities such as San Francisco, even after the exhibition is over. Coagula Curatorial is located on 977 Chung King Road in Los Angeles.
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Hollywood Star Luis Arias Staff Writer
Illustration by Jhosef Hern Corsair
The theater arts department at Santa Monica College seeks to help hopeful thespians achieve their dreams. The professors assist students in becoming skilled actors, as well as helping them with other careers in the field of theater arts. "The way the department helps young actors achieve their dreams is by teaching them the tools they need to do the work and get jobs," says Adrianne Harrop, an SMC professor in the theater arts department. The department helps students like Sarah Perez obtain those tools to start off her acting career. "I was really helped by my professor to perfect my art and come up with a very good monologue for any future casting calls," says Perez, who is hoping to have her big acting break soon, about her first acting class at SMC. Harrop says the department helps train voice and body movements in addition to the inner core of the actor's imagination. @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
The department has opportunities not only for actors, but also for anyone who may want to work behind the scenes, says Harrop. According to the department's website, theater students can pursue careers as playwrights, producers, casting directors, talent agents, reviewers, and other professions in the field in addition to acting. "I don't want to be an actor, so I thought taking a theater arts class would not interest me, but at least would be an easy A," said Alex Bartnicki, a former SMC theater arts student. "However, it turns out that I really might want to do some work in stage production, first at SMC, and then professionally." There may be something for almost everyone to gain in the theater department, even those who do not plan to pursue a career in the field. "The department also teaches them the historical perspective," says Harrop. There are some ways outside of class that the program helps students develop their skills and gain experience through productions that the SMC does every main semester, Harrop said. "I did try out, but didn't make last year's production," says Viviana Melchert, an SMC student. "I don't believe I was ready because I didn't even have a monologue prepared. I plan to be ready for the next auditions for the next production." Harrop says the department is here for students to prepare and help them perfect their skills and reach their dreams in acting, or anything else in the field.
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volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
arts + Entertainment 9
Changing of the guard Rachael Garcia Staff Writer The Santa Monica College photography department's new chair is Ford Lowcock, and in congruence with his 39 years of experience in the field and visions of three other full time faculty members, change is in store. "After several years of discussion, the department is headed in a new direction," says SMC professor of photography Bob Ware. The department is making a point to prepare SMC photo students for the commercial photography industry, which is constantly adapting. Lowcock, who has been with SMC since 1992, says the department needs to put a focus on "ways to provide a richer education to our students that they can't get in a classroom." These goals involve having more companies interested in what SMC's photography department does and creating partnerships with these companies that will work in the students' best interests. Lowcock and his photography team are redesigning requirements for an associate degree, with an emphasis on community outreach. One of the ways this objective will be fulfilled is by sending students to Photo LA, the annual international photographic art exhibition. This year, 18 of SMC's photography students were invited to Photo LA to show and sell their work and gain knowledge on how to network and close deals on the commercial side of the photography
David J. Hawkins Corsair Ford Lowcock, the Santa Monica College photography department chair, poses in front of two award-winning student photos on Tuesday at the Drescher Hall gallery.
"After several years of discussion, the department is headed in a new direction." — Bob Ware, SMC photography professor
industry. Ware says that the photography department has worked with their outside advisory board — consisting of American
Photographic Artists' local chapter, creative firms, and representatives from Mattel and Boeing — to make their degree path more commercial-orientated,
so that when students graduate, they can "hit the ground running." "Students graduating under recent changes will be extremely confident, and have a wider, deeper set of skills, compared to a few years ago," says Ware. Students will expectedly obtain new skill sets as a result of learning sophisticated lighting techniques, experiencing a more intense introduction to studio work, working on assignments based off potential clients' points of view, and having the option to attend more night classes, according to Ware. Ware says that due to advanced technology, commercial photography has adapted from film to digital at a rapid pace, and SMC's photography department is following suit, changing their full commercial side to solely digital. But the department still believes in the validity of knowing film in order to understand digital, according to Lowcock. As a result, film classes will still be available for students to take in order to complete their associate degree. "We don't want to lose sight of the traditional process of film based on darkrooms that are still implemented for fine art and a small handful of commercial photography," says Ware. Ware has the utmost confidence in Lowcock as the new photography department chair. "He'll be an excellent department chair," says Ware. "There are exciting times ahead."
Spring starts with ‘Salome’ Eva Underwood Staff Writer Oscar Wilde's “Salome” will be Santa Monica College’s first theatrical production of the semester, beginning on Friday, March 29. According to SMC's website, “Salome” can be described as a “decadent and erotic tragedy that reinterprets the biblical story of Herod’s stepdaughter Salome, whose illicit passion for John the Baptist leads her to make an unusual request that ultimately results in her own death.” “The writing is just shocking and amazing at the same time,” says Perviz Sawowski, SMC theater arts department chair and the director of “Salome.” “My actors are brilliant,” she says. “We attract good students from neighboring communities, and they’re very talented, so it’s going to be a really strong production.” Sawoski describes the upcoming production as a very intriguing biblical story that is told through the lens of the late 19th century. “[It is] almost taboo-type material,” Sawoski says. “It’s very shocking and a little disturbing, but it’s powerful and it’s good theater.” Sawoski, a theater arts professor at SMC for the past 18 years, has a few plans to make the play unique. “In terms of costuming and set, I told my designers I want an art nouveau, art deco-looking [style] because that was the time period of Oscar Wilde,” she says. Sawoski wants the play to look more put together with this more modern twist, rather than the Middle Eastern biblical-
type setting. Sawoski will incorporate in the play an actress who does sign language as well. “I blended her in to be one of the characters, so if somebody who cannot hear comes to see the play, they can enjoy the play,” she says. Another way Sawoski plans to make the play more unique is by choosing to use a lot of music and dance to “add entertainment to engage the audience.” “There’s a lot of beauty in the dances,” she says. The cast has been rehearsing since the beginning of the semester, working four days a week. Sawoski also works at other times with groups of actors and specific characters, such as the soldiers or the lead characters. “Dancers work the hardest, working afternoon into almost the evening,” Sawoski says. “They take a break, come back, and then do a full rehearsal. It’s tons of hours. It takes up my whole life.” Although the play is written as one act, Sawoski said she is still on the fence about whether she will lengthen the production. The opening night is Friday, March 29 at 8 p.m., with a preview show to take place on Thursday, March 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online, by phone at (310) 434-3005, and at the SMC Theatre Arts Box Office from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets will also be available the day of the event, 45 minutes prior to showtime.
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+ Lifestyle 10 health
volume 105 issue 6 • march 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Dream On Vanessa Barajas Staff Writer Today, society’s obsession with supplements has become not only part of common conversation but a multimillion dollar industry that is constantly introducing new products, from uppers to stay awake to downers to relax. As one of these marketed products, Dream Water is a water-based drink that claims to help a person fall asleep quickly and receive a solid four to eight hours of sleep at a time through three main ingredients, according to the product's website. Its three active ingredients are melatonin to help induce sleep, 5-HTP to help improve the quality of sleep by stimulating the production of melatonin, and gammaamino butyric acid, or GABA, to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, as stated on the website. Dream Water does not state ingredients other than the three active ingredients. The website states that it contains “a proprietary blend of all-natural sleep ingredients generally known to promote effective sleep, among many other benefits.” The Food and Drug Administration requires that certain information appear on a dietary supplement's label, including if the dietary ingredient is a proprietary blend, or a blend exclusive to the manufacturer. The total weight of the blend and the components of the blend in order of predominance by weight must also be listed, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health. Santa Monica College student Ashley Schimmel says she is a deep sleeper, but if falling asleep were an issue for her, she says she would try sleeping pills, not the water. “There's nothing worse than not being well-rested,” she says. “I would not try dream water. The thought of taking a lot of something and it making me fall asleep terrifies me.” As a zero-calorie drink, Dream Water
beverage “shots” are available in Snoozeberry, Lullaby Lemon and Pineapple PM flavors. All flavors are offered as naturally sweetened with naturally-derived plant stevia. Some consumers may not be swayed by product flavoring. However, SMC student and part-time grocery store employee Melissa Hinojoza has seen how flavoring can reel in consumers. “Recently Red Bull came out with new flavors,” says Hinojoza. “I cannot begin to tell you all the fuss and rave it has become. Many people consume this new item because they prefer flavoring.” However, Dream Water has had its fair share of nightmares. A class action law suit against Dream Products, LLC and SarPes Beverages, LLC had been filed by San Diego resident Joe Ferris in September of 2011 regarding Dream Water, which is a product of the two companies. The plaintiff claimed that the water misrepresents itself in advertising, saying that the company “has been misrepresenting the effectiveness of its products to the general public, in order to reap windfall profits,” according to the lawsuit. SarPes Beverages, LLC is a company formed in 2009 in Miami, Fla. and partnered with the Target Corporation, Kroger Co. and Safeway Inc., according to their business profile on Bloomberg Businessweek. Dream Products, LLC does not offer any business information or biography on its website. Hinojoza believes that it is important to be aware of possible side effects with any product. “I am very much about side effects,” she says. “If a product is trying to be sold to me, that is probably the first thing I want to know. What are its side effects? Obviously
Illustration by Jhosef Hern Corsair
results will vary with each person, but there is no way that a sedative cannot have side effects.” “Dream Water is non-habit forming and offers an effective way to help get a restful night’s sleep without many of negative side effects associated with several of the overthe-counter and prescription sleep aids on
the market,” according to the website's FAQ. “It does scare me a little that products can be put on the market before [they have] been officially approved by the FDA,” says Schimmel. “It just goes to show you that we, as consumers, have to take it upon ourselves to know what we are putting into our bodies.”
SMC celebrates Women’s History Month Rona navales Staff Writer She was known as a child actress, playing a character named Zelda on the television series “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” She graduated from Harvard Law School. Once her acting career failed, she went back to her other love, politics. “When I ran, people felt like they already knew me,” she said. In a lecture commemorating Women's History Month, former state senator and founding director of Santa Monica College's Public Policy Institute, Sheila Kuehl, spoke Thursday on the topic “Women at the Political Table: Set It or Sit at It?” Kuehl was introduced by fellow colleague, associate director of the SMCPPI and SMC political science professor Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein. Tahvildaran started working with Kuehl when the Public Policy Institute was established at SMC in 2010 and he was appointed as the associate director by Chui L. Tsang, president and superintendent at SMC. “She's a trailblazer,” said Tahvildaran. “She has incredible integrity and she has been able to do what many folks haven't been able to do and that's to bring their vision of a better community into reality.” “Her job is to bring lawmakers here to the college and into our communities so that citizens, students, people who work at the college, people who are interested in
Los Angeles, can hear firsthand what these policymakers are up to and what they're dealing with,” he said. Kuehl made the argument that the question of gender is embedded within. “Equality is equal outcomes; equal treatment is equal outcome,” Kuehl said during her lecture. Kuehl gave the statistic that women currently hold 97 of the 535 seats in the Senate, and California has sent more women to the state Senate than any other state. In her lecture, she claimed that women typically do not run for political positions because they generally do not like taking risks the way men do. “Women believe they can't make money the way men make money,” said Kuehl. “Women don't get the same encouragement.” Women are afraid they do not know enough, and people want to make sure the women running demonstrate competence, according to Kuehl. “We brought a lot of legislation to women in healthcare, pregnancy, violence against women,” said Kuehl. “We got to a place [where] we weren't afraid to be different.” Kuehl was the first gay woman in legislation and she carried the first gay bill. In the question-and-answer portion of the lecture, a woman said that the way politicians run for office is highly masculine. Kuehl replied that although women are entering a masculine area, it is more
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Photo Courtesy of Sheila Kuehl Former state senator and founding director of Santa Monica College’s Public Policy Institute Sheila Kuehl.
collaborative in sharing issues and passions. Both genders come together to engage in lawmaking on issues they care about. Kuehl concluded the lecture with her analogy that there is a difference between setting and sitting at the table. Kuehl's examples of “setting the political table” included proactively advocating for @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
something, as opposed to sitting at it, where one would vote. SMC communications student Claudette Colbert appreciated what Kuehl had to say. “It was informative, educational, and fun the way she did things on politics,” said Colbert.
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Sports 11
volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Women’s tennis squeaks out tough win Tina Eady Staff Writer
T
Mark Popovich Corsair Carmel Peterson of Santa Monica College plays against Katy Scheck of Ventura College on Thursday. Carmel would go on to win the match 6-0 and 6-1.
he Santa Monica College Lady Corsairs fought it out at home on Thursday, winning five of the nine matches against the Ventura College Pirates. SMC’s number one ranked singles player, Carmel Peterson, beat Ventura’s Katy Scheck in two decisive sets, 6-0 and 6-1. Peterson’s strategy seemed to have worked. “I was focused on hitting the backhand, and after the backhand, I went in for some passing shots and that threw [Scheck] off,” said Peterson. “Then I hit a volley to her forehand.” Peterson and Elin Hedberg, ranked second in doubles, lost their match to the Pirates’ Georgia Ferrar and Christy Pulido, 8-3. Kaori Tsuda, SMC’s second ranked singles player, could not halt Ventura’s Sonia Landeros’ hot streak. Landeros has not lost a singles match since the season started. “She was very good,” said Tsuda. “Her shots were so hard. I tried to play defense as I usually do. I stayed back on the baseline, but this was different. I had to swing at the ball so quickly because it came off the ground so fast.” Juliana Nelkin, ranked third in singles at SMC, was able to roll over Laura Varela, 6-0 and 6-1. “It wasn’t me hitting as much as her missing,” said Nelkin. “She hit a fair amount of balls to my backhand, but she eventually hit the ball out.”
SMC’s number one ranked doubles team, Nelkin and Tsuda, wrangled an 8-5 win over Landeros and Scheck, Ventura’s number one ranked doubles team. “They were hitting good shots and we missed a few,” said Nelkin. “We didn’t go for a lot. We played safe.” SMC’s Jessica Goldbeck and Ana Beatriz de Sousa, who rank second as a doubles team, defeated Laura Varela and Charlene Thompson, 8-0. “I feel like I was playing well from the base line, and Ana was controlling the net,” said Goldbeck. Despite the success, SMC suffered a blow when Angie Santago, who was tied with her Ventura opponent at 7-7, came down with an unbearable cramp in her leg that caused her excruciating pain. Santago tried to play through it, but the referee called the match and she lost the tie-breaker, 7-3. “I began to hesitate,” said Santago, “I wasn’t playing my best. No long rallies, but the soft shots got me.” Overall, SMC head coach Richard Goldenson was very proud of his players for pulling out a hard-earned victory. “Our conference is the toughest because we’ve had the two top state championship players,” said Goldenson. “On any given day you can win or lose.” The Lady Corsairs will rest up for a week, before their final regular season game on Tuesday, April 2 at home against El Camino.
Love of the game raul cervantes Staff Writer In the face of defeat, great players stand tall and progress forward. Athletes often find that volleyball, like other sports, promotes growth with losses, and serves as a learning experience. Keeping his head held high, sophomore Charlie Schmittdiel leads the Santa Monica College men’s volleyball team, despite their recent struggles. Schmittdiel started playing volleyball his sophomore year in high school, after not making the team his freshmen year. With the encouragement of a friend, along with University of California, Los Angeles hall of fame player, Denny Cline, Schmittdiel was determined to make the team and one day win a championship. “We’re striving to get better; the season is not over,” said Schmittdiel. “We still have five games. Let’s try to make the best of it.” Having a history of success, it is no surprise that Schmittdiel now leads the Corsairs, providing nonstop hustle and energy for the team amid a rough season. Having won the California Interscholastic Federation championship with Santa Monica High School prior to attending SMC, he said he feels a definite difference between the teams. “Everyone is not the same, of course,” said Schmittdiel. “Those guys in high school I was with every day in school. The group of guys I have right now are my closest friends. Everyone has different qualities.” In the face of adversity, Schmittdiel and the rest of the Corsairs have tried not to let it get the best of them.
“
We played a really good team, but we shouldn’t stop at ‘we took Long Beach to game five.’ I don’t want that to be the highlight of the season.
”
David J. Hawkins Corsair Sophomore outside hitter Charlie Schmittdiel has emerged as a leader on the court for the Corsairs, keeping spirits high despite a rough season.
“The funny thing is, it isn’t affecting our team that much,” said Schmittdiel. “We’re still striving to get better, and are working on bringing the energy we have during practice into our games.” He suggested that the Corsairs have come up short multiple times this season due to carelessness and mental mistakes. “Overthinking was definitely our biggest downfall,” said Schmittdiel. “Just taking ourselves out of the game. We’d hit adversity, take one punch, then get knocked. It was like self-destruction; we were beating ourselves.” Having narrowly lost to Long Beach
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City College, one of the top teams in the Western State Conference, Schmittdiel believed it was a marker upon which to build. “I see it as progress, but I don’t think we should be hung up about it,” he said. “We played great. We played a really good team, but we shouldn’t stop at ‘we took Long Beach to game five.’ I don’t want that to be the highlight of the season.” With his junior college eligibility winding down, Schmittdiel said he is planning on transferring and would like to continue to play volleyball. Although he does not have a specific preference, he is talking to a few
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schools, some Division I and some Division II. “I’m not really thinking about it right now, but if I get to play at the next level after college, I’d be really blessed,” Schmittdiel said. “I would love to continue after college. But right now, I’m just thinking of what I have right now, and how I can improve.” Schmittdiel expressed his hopes to make it professionally following college. “I would like to play in Argentina at the pro level,” said Schmittdiel. “It sounds weird, but I’ve heard great things about them. They take care of their players. If not there, then Spain and Italy.”
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12 Sports
volume 105 issue 6 • March 27, 2013 • santa monica college
Forty years of table tennis at smc
Sam Herron Corsair Tuan Lee returns a serve during the Golden West Open table tennis tournament on Sunday at Santa Monica College. The tournament includes participants from around the world and several former US Open champions.
David Yapkowitz Sports Editor
A
ll it took was a $660 parking ticket for Gao Jun to find out about Santa Monica College’s table tennis program. Being unfamiliar with United States parking laws, Jun unknowingly parked in a red zone while picking up a food order and was promptly cited. Jun, a highly decorated, former Olympic medalist and one of the world’s most renowned table tennis players, was merely on vacation in Los Angeles and not looking to play.
“A friend of mine heard about the [SMC] tournament and suggested I play to win the prize money to pay the ticket,” said Jun jokingly. Jun, who began playing at the age of five, won the tournament in 2009 and has since been a staple at the Golden West Open, SMC’s yearly table tennis competition. Started 40 years ago by Jo Kidd, a retired emeritus professor and table tennis instructor, the competition hosts some of the best players from the greater Los Angeles area. Participants in the tournament vary in age, and it is not uncommon to see a young child matched up against someone much older.
“That’s the beauty of table tennis, you can play from age 8 to 80,” said Kidd. An entire team of children from Baja, Calif. was entered in this year’s tournament, much to the delight of Kidd, as well as Joe Mendoza Jr., the director of the Pacific Branch of the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club. “It’s the first time for a lot of these kids to see table tennis on this level,” said Mendoza. “There’s really nice sportsmanship from older players.” Mendoza is an avid table tennis player himself, playing at many local venues including Busby’s Bar in Santa Monica, and is thrilled to have the Boys and Girls Club participate. Having youth involved in SMC’s table tennis program is part of Kidd’s view of connecting SMC to the community at large. “We want to collaborate with youth from all the local rec centers such as us [Boys and Girls Club], the Pico Youth and Family Center, and the Virginia Park Teen Center,” said Mendoza. “Eventually, we want to be able to host our own tournaments.” Many SMC alumni help organize the tournament each year, including Jerry Davila-Castro. Davila-Castro attended SMC in 1990 and has been playing table tennis since he was in high school. Having survived polio as an infant, he is relegated to a wheelchair, but that has not stopped him from enjoying the sport he loves most. “I walked in [to SMC] and saw classes for table tennis, so I signed up,” explained Davila-Castro. “I met Jo Kidd and I’ve
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made some very good friends.” Davila-Castro was a member of the 1992 USA Paralympics team, and has competed in several Pan-American games, winning both gold and silver medals. His trip to Barcelona in 1992 was very significant for him, as it is his home city. “I was a full-time student, and I wasn’t able to pay the entire $2,500 to go to Barcelona in the Paralympics,” said Davila-Castro. “Jo Kidd helped me out tremendously by raising funds. I couldn’t have done it without her.” Now retired and a member of the SMC Sports Hall of Fame, the highly decorated Davila-Castro still feels that competitive edge every now and then. “I still practice but I don’t play competitively anymore,” he said. “I miss it a lot, I don’t want to leave it I want to stay close.” Helping coach younger players is a way for older veterans to stay connected to the game, just like Jun now does. A knee injury caused her to pull out of the 2012 Olympics, and she has since opened her own table tennis club in El Monte and had several students entered in the tournament. “It’s such a great facility here, the staff is amazing and very friendly,” said Jun. She has helped purchase several new tennis tables for the event. Kamran Khairzad, another SMC alum and the new director of the table tennis program following Kidd’s retirement, has been hooked on the sport since he first took it up almost twenty years ago. “I took Jo Kidd’s class back in ‘92 and like they say, the rest is history,” Khairzad said.
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