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volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
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 Trevor Angone, Luis Arias, Fernando Baltazar, Vanessa Barajas, Lorentious Barry, Scott Bixler, Raul Cervantes, Sara Cheshm Mishi, James Coster, Jeff Cote, Jenna Crowley, Tina Eady, Skya Eiland, Djon Ellams, Rachael Garcia, Amy Gaskin, Marine Gaste, Manon Genevier, Felipe Gouveia, David J. Hawkins, Sam Herron, Jasmin Huynh, Simon Luca Manili, Asha McClendon, Christophor McGovern, Rona Navales, Andrew Nguyen, Kandace Santillana, HaJung Shin, Niklas Thim, Eva Underwood
Sam Herron Corsair A Santa Monica College student holds a crab during a visit to tide pools in Morro Bay, Calif on Saturday. The science department has field trips to Morro Bay twice each year.
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news 3
volume 105 issue 11 • May 8, 2013 • santa monica college
SMC student commits suicide on campus
For the first time in Santa Monica College’s 84-year history, a student committed suicide. The student, Tian Lu, 30, whose identity was confirmed by Lt. Fred Corral of the Coroner’s Investigation Division, reportedly jumped from the rooftop of the four-story parking structure at 3:31 p.m. during a swim meet on Saturday. Lu, who jumped between the business building and the swimming pool on the main campus, had severe trauma to the head and the cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries, according to Corral. “His girlfriend was the one who dropped him off there,” said Santa Monica College Police Department Sgt. Jere Romano. “It didn’t dawn on her what he was doing there until she tried to leave the area. She doubled back, and by that time he was gone.” Multiple attendees at the event witnessed the incident and called police. However, since the calls were made on cell phones,
Vanessa Barajas & Henry cRumblish Staff Writer & Design Editor the Santa Monica Police Department was distract the child.” first on the scene. Throughout the incident, classes “Upon our first response, we weren’t sure continued, and passage through the if it was a criminal act — if someone had parking structure remained open. The only pushed him, or what the storyline was,” area shut down was the business loop. said Romano. When the swim meet was over, attendees Lifeguard units performed CPR on the were sent out through the south side and father of two, who was still alive for 10 to around the building. Screens were put up 15 minutes after jumping. The SMCPD as quickly as possible, and police officers set was the third unit on the scene. up cars to obstruct the view of the body. “I went up to the top of structure four to “The college has a crisis prevention team look and see if there were any notes left that monitors troubled students who have behind, signs of a struggle, but the top outbursts in class, write and say things that of structure four was completely empty,” stand out,” said Romano. Romano said. However, police say that there were no Lu’s girlfriend and 13-month-old warning signs from Lu. daughter, also in the car, witnessed first Romano added that this is the second responders resuscitating Lu’s body. suicide attempt he has witnessed in his “We immediately jumped into action career. The first was a distraught student and we got her away from the body,” who also jumped off a parking structure said Romano. “We moved her into the near the Business Building after not being business building into the offices. We had accepted into Cornell. two chaplains here to assist with her and “It’s scary that someone without warning her grief, and they brought teddy bears to could just do this,” said Romano. “We
didn’t have any warning or anything.” Lu’s girlfriend later confirmed to police that he had been suffering from bouts of depression for the past six months. SMC’s on-campus resource for students facing emotional challenges is the Psychological Services Department located in the Liberal Arts Building. Following the suicide, the department’s main emphasis is awareness of the services provided for students on campus, available to any enrolled student. “A key component is to always seek help,” said Dr. Alison Brown, licensed psychologist counselor for SMC’s Psychological Services. “Oftentimes, when you’re depressed, you tend to isolate yourself.” “You have those types of demons that you cannot exercise out of your psyche,” said Romano. “You have to have an outlet somewhere else, and suicide is just not the option. There’s a number of resources out here available to students.”
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium set to close Henry Crumblish Design Editor
Sam Herron Corsair Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif.
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Since it was built in 1958, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium has become a local landmark and a fixture for events in the coastal community. At the peak of its popularity, the building hosted the Academy Awards. But now more than 50 years later, the Santa Monica structure will shut its doors. “The building is slated for closure on June 30,” said Jessica Cusick, cultural affairs manager for the City of Santa Monica. “City Council has been looking at the building for some time because it needs major renovations.” The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium costs the city $2 million to maintain annually. Additionally, Cusick said the building is also in need of significant construction before the city could reopen it to the public. Showing its age, the auditorium needs to be earthquake proofed, and made more accessible to handicapped guests. There are also necessary interior renovations ranging
from lighting to dressing rooms, Cusick said. “While it was state-of-the-art then, it’s a little dated now,” said Cusick. The total cost of the overhaul is projected at approximately $50 million. The auditorium is no longer booking events, and many recurring events have already found new venues. The Vintage Fashion Expo, which has made biannual visits to the auditorium for the last two decades, scheduled its October show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We are going back to Council on June 11 to provide them with options to find the funds necessary to raise the 50 million,” said Cusick. “The city is dealing with other capital issues because of redevelopment.” Concurrent development combined with the high cost of repairs has not left many developers rushing to purchase the property. “Pretty much at this point in time, we’d have to start from scratch,” Cusick said. The last scheduled event at the facility will be an International Gem and Jewelry show on June 14 through June 16.
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4 News
volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Alumni club celebrates current transferring students
HaJung Shin Corsair Justin Keeling jumps to the sticky wall at the SMC Everywhere event hosted by the Alumni Association on Tuesday.
Alex Vejar A & E Editor Santa Monica College’s Alumni Association hosted an event called SMC Everywhere on the quad on Tuesday. The event focused on students who are transferring to other colleges or receiving certificates or degrees from their time at SMC. The quad held several activities, including two photo stations with a backdrop that read “Congratulations, Young Alumni” and transfer-themed attractions, said Diedre Weaver, assistant director of SMC campus and
alumni relations. The message, “make a plan, stick to it,” was exemplified by an inflatable velcro wall. A high striker, which is a game that requires the participator to strike a button with a hammer, sending a bell up a shaft, was used to encourage students to “aim high, reach your educational goals,” said Weaver. “Everything is themed,” she said. “Everything’s about saying where you’re going from here and about succeeding.” The goal of SMC Everywhere is to encourage transferring students to connect with other alumni at their future four-year universities, said Parker Jean, Associated Students president.
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“For me personally, when I transfer, I hope to see some SMC students there,” he said. SMC student Noella Kembo has been attending the college for two semesters and will be transferring after this fall. Kembo said her experience at SMC has been better than she had expected. “Professors here are really engaged [and] really love to teach,” Kembo said after she tested her strength at the high striker. “I learned a lot since I came here.” The event also featured a ballon-art booth, which was visited by many students. SMC student Julia Winoku, member of the psychology club at SMC, said she was excited and ran outside when she heard about the event. “I think it’s a way to bring students together and have them have fun,” Winoku said while sporting her new balloon hat. The various booths around the quad were decorated with flyers that illustrated a student’s journey from SMC to various universities, including New York University, Loyola Marymount University and California State University, Northridge. Edwin Safaeipour has recently been accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles as a history major after two years at SMC. “It’s a good way to end off the year on a fun note,” Safaeipour said. “It’s a good thing to have.” Mike Tuitasi, SMC vice president of student services, said he believes that all students should feel like a part of the SMC family, no matter how long they attended the college. “It’s just telling all students, ‘you are SMC,’” Tuitasi said. “So whether you graduate, transfer [or] you’ve taken a class here, you are part of this institution, so we want to keep you connected.” Weaver, who organized the event, said he hopes that students are able to still be connected with each other even after they move on. “This is about saying when you leave SMC, you don’t just leave SMC,” Weaver said. “You take SMC with you.”
Constitution changes in AS Elizabeth Moss News Editor Associated Students special election ballot initiatives have resulted in four changes to the constitution, including changes in requirements for potential AS presidential and vice presidential candidates. "Every single thing passed, and they passed by huge margins, except for the [student representation fee]," said Yacob Zuriaw, director of student advocacy and financial support. "And even the fact that it wasn't pushed, it still managed to lose by a little amount. It was almost 50-50." Zuriaw estimates that around 600 people came out to vote. According to the data, no initiative received higher than 550 votes. The five new initiatives include giving the Inter-Club Council Communications officer the right to vote on the AS Board of Directors, creating a new position for director of student advocacy, and requiring that presidential and vice presidential candidates have leadership experience in AS. "I think it's good because we have more accurate representation of the school,” said Jasmine Jafari, commissioner to the ICC communications officer and vicechair of the elections committee, as well as the incoming ICC chair. "I think this really ensures that the students really do have somebody good," said Michelle Olivarez, student trustee, about the new requirements for running. "I think it does mean that the clubs will get more representation,” Jafari said. “There will be another person who is actually allowed to vote on behalf of all @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
of our campus clubs." Additionally, the director of sustainability can now serve as a voting member on the AS Finance Committee. AS President Parker Jean noted his excitement about the passing of this initiative, saying that it will “ensure environmentally-conscious spending.” The ballot initiatives were originally planned for inclusion in the representative elections, but there was a conflict between the time of release and the AS Constitution. AS rules state that any constitutional changes to be voted on need to be publicized at least two weeks in advance in The Corsair. The initiative that received the most support, the establishment of a new director of student advocacy position, passed at 84.2 percent. Since the student representative fee was a statewide initiative, it needed two-thirds, or 66 percent, of the vote in order to pass, and at least 1,700 votes total. It received 53.5 percent of the popular vote. "There are a lot of community colleges that don't have it, but it's sad to say that our college doesn't have it, because we're so great," said Olivarez. But it still goes to show that a majority voted in favor for the optional student representation fee. "If left to their own devices, students want more representation; they wouldn't mind paying a little bit extra," said Zuriaw. "All the little changes benefit SMC as a whole," Jafari said.
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Opinion 5
volume 105 issue 11 • May 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Applying for financial aid? Molly Philbin Opinion Editor
With students receiving their college acceptance letters and choosing their schools this spring, the next big question is how they will pay for
their education. The price tag will always be a problem — 75 percent of college students receive some form of financial aid, according to the College Board — but instead of complaining about it, students should rather know how to navigate financial aid. Applying for aid is overwhelming, especially when counselors expected to assist are sub par. However, all students should apply for financial aid. Before applying for aid, students should have an idea of their eligibility and determine the maximum amount of aid obtainable. Most commonly, schools determine financial need through a free application for Federal Student Aid form. The application asks a variety of questions such as household information and financial data. Students should complete and submit a FAFSA form before the June 30 deadline. Keep in mind that some schools may have an earlier deadline, so contact the school’s admission or financial aid office to find out when forms are due. As long as an application is not rejected, there are several financial offerings schools
provide through information on a FAFSA form, such as grants and loans. Grants are free money and should always be accepted. Loans can be a bit trickier to comprehend, which is why many students are left buried in debt after taking out certain loans. Avoid taking out loans with a high-interest rate. Instead opt for low-interest rates like Stafford Loans, given on the basis of financial need. Stafford Loans are available as both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized means the government pays the interest on a loan while a student is in school. Students have to pay back loans with a monthly interest once they are out of school. Subsidized loans are free money until after graduation. Unsubsidized means that the interest will accumulate on a loan while in school. This can potentially add thousands of dollars to a loan over the course of a college career. They are also not awarded on the basis of need and have higher rates of interest. Avoid these loans if possible, but, if needed, an unsubsidized Stafford Loan is the worst of the best loans to take out. Because loans must be paid back, it is best to keep all borrowed dollars to a minimum. In addition to grants and loans, many schools offer work-study programs. Students will receive federal paid jobs supervised by the respective aid office based on need, comparable to the on-campus jobs at Santa Monica College. Check with respective financial aid offices to see what
is available. For those who receive a poor financial aid package, there are other opportunities to receive money for education. SMC offers scholarships to students with a good academic standing of at least a 2.5 GPA of 12 units or more and must be enrolled in 6 or more units during the semester applied. The majority of students who apply through the SMC Scholarship Office receive scholarships. However, because a lot of students feel like they do not qualify, the scholarship office will receive only several hundred applications a year, according to Marcia Fierro, SMC scholarship program staff member. “Somebody once told me that counselors and teachers would tell students that they wouldn’t qualify for [certain scholarships],” Fierro said. “I was so upset when they told me that.” Fierro hopes that people are not giving misinformation about how to obtain financial aid, and recommends that students come directly to the office to avoid confusion. “There’s a world of cash out there, and we want students to know about it,” Fierro said. Financial help has received a lot of bad stigma lately, especially by students who did not know what they were initially agreeing to. However, by understanding the terms and accessing all options, financial aid can genuinely help.
Race should remain a factor for college admissions
Staff Editorial
SMC, here to help The community must realize that Santa Monica College offers services to help students through dark times, and that these services need to be taken advantage of in hopes to prevent tragedies. SMC student Tian Lu jumped head first off the roof of Parking Structure 4 near the Santa Monica Swim Center on Saturday afternoon. Although the SMC Psychological Services office chose not to comment on the recent suicide, the department’s information sheet states that during crisis situations, it will provide immediate intervention. The office encourages students to make appointments, however, walk-in and crisis hours are set aside each day for students who feel they cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment. Often, walk-in hours tend to fill quickly, and are available on a first-come basis. Counselors are not available on certain days and times. If a student is unable to receive help from the school, there are many other institutions that can help. Foremost, students should take care of their mental health. Seek assistance if experiencing sadness, losing interest in activities, or withdrawing from friends and family. However small or big an issue may seem, SMC offers counseling for it. Other services offered at the Psychological Services office include personal counseling, referrals, consultation, and alcohol and other substance abuse programs. With the semester drawing to a close — finals week is just around the corner, and college acceptances and financial aid are being considered — it is understandable that students may be experiencing large amounts of stress. Stress is not something to be ashamed about; everybody suffers from it at one point or another. It is OK to admit that sometimes we need outside help. The Psychological Services office is located in the Liberal Arts Building, Room 110.
Illustration by Jhosef Hern Corsair Diversity is always a great thing to see, especially at institutions of higher learning. Every ethnicity should be welcomed by colleges. Although Kandace race should not be a Santillana determining factor in Staff Writer college admissions, diversity should be encouraged. As shown by 2003 case Grutter v. Bollinger, the United States Supreme Court ruled that colleges and universities could consider race and ethnicity in their admissions decisions. However, more recently, the court may be about to issue a ruling that could restrict universities’ use of race, a case before the
justices that could limit universities use of race in deciding admissions, according to a recent report by Reuters. The case was brought up by a white suburban local, Abigail Fisher, after “unfairly” being rejected from the University of Texas at Austin, according to the legal statement. Fisher believed that her scores were the same as other minority groups, and her rejection was due because she was not a minority, according to the legal statement. Although determining an acceptance letter by race sounds like the wrong thing to do, it should be a factor in the decision in order to receive adequate diversity, therefore, the Supreme Court should rule against Fisher’s case and continue to encourage their previous ruling. In Fisher’s case, she must be upset
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about her rejection, but she should also understand that higher education institutions need to reflect the diversity of our nation. When it comes down to determining who gets admitted into universities, admissions officers are most interested in that minimum qualifications set by the school are met. Acceptance thereafter is based on applicants that will further the college experience. Obviously race is a needed factor because learning with people from a variety of backgrounds encourages collaboration and fosters innovation, thereby benefitting all students. Sometimes money becomes the problem. About six in 10 Americans believe that money and wealth should be more evenly @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
distributed among a larger percentage of the people in the U.S., and that two-thirds think the current distribution is unfair, according to a 2013 Gallup poll. Many Americans suffering from that unfairness are minorities. As learned in history class at one point, Caucasians have had the ruling and the power, and it is time for African Americans and other races to start getting some priorities, even if it is just being able to attend school. The Supreme Court should rule against what Fisher has claimed. Her sour attitude toward the University of Texas at Austin will dissipate once she is accepted by another university, and it would be a shame if encouraged diversity was damaged because of her hurt feelings.
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6 photostory
volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Mark Popovich Corsair Sicodelico Jr. looks into the crowd after his match.
Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair Cassandro is slammed by El Conquistador. Mark Popovich Corsair The Crazy Chickens attempt to pin their opponents.
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Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair Estrellita jumps from the top rope to land on Nikki.
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photostory 7
volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair
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Mark Popovich Corsair Dancer Carolina Cerisola performs at the end of the final match.
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+ Entertainment 8 arts
volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
SMC goes modern with ‘Synapse’
rona navales Staff Writer Chassés and pas de boureés, techniques used as warm-ups in dance, were in the midst of perfection by Santa Monica College dancers in a rehearsal before the spring semester dance ensemble premiere of “Synapse.” An array of contemporary dance styles will be performed this weekend, including modern, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical jazz, jazz, ballet, and fusion. Director Jae Lee, a full-time SMC faculty member, teaches ballet, modern dance, dance history, and performance classes. When choosing dancers during the audition process for “Synapse,” Lee considers dance majors who have performance background and experience. “We do take dancers who want to dance as a profession, that take higher dance classes and higher ballet classes,” Lee says. “We also look at their creativity level. If we see something different about them, we definitely cast them, but we most likely focus on the dance majors who want to transfer as dance majors.” Lee says that “Synapse” is more focused on the choreographer’s creativity with imagery, and not necessarily narrative. “It gives a lot of room for the audience to think about what the piece is really about,” Lee says. “It’s about sending the choreographer’s message toward the audience. It’s about giving the audience a message through our bodies, not necessarily telling a story.” Guest choreographers outside of SMC are
eye-catching because of their willingness to help student dancers develop, he says. “I really enjoy [the guest choreographers] because you really see the students grow as a dancer and a choreographer and it’s really amazing to see that their creative idea comes through on stage,” says Lee. In addition to the outside help, student choreographers have the opportunity to choose any theme meaningful to them. SMC student choreographer Mawiyah Dowd says she has been dancing for 10 years and that this is her first time choreographing for “Synapse.” Dowd’s piece is about the journey of five young girls who all come together. Dowd says her challenge as a young choreographer is getting her dancers to be on the same page and getting them focused to project her style. She wants to touch the audience’s soul. SMC student Isaiah Chancellor is dancing in five pieces in this semester’s “Synapse” performance. He says he has done both “Global Motion” and “Synapse” in the past, but decided to only perform in “Synapse” this semester because he wanted to focus more on his technique. Chancellor feels the student choreographers bring a different intensity to the dances than the faculty. “Surprisingly, they push us harder than the faculty, and they really want their voice heard in their dances,” says Chancellor. “The student level of performance is phenomenal,” says Roberta Wolin-Tupas,
co-artistic director of “Synapse.” “The audience is seeing art. This is art. It’s not a recital. It’s not a concert. It’s a beautiful presentation and performance.” Wolin-Tupas says that the dancers are dedicated, as they put in many extra hours outside of class to rehearse and perfect
their pieces. “Synapse” opens on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Barnum Hall, located at Santa Monica High School. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit smc.edu/dance.
David J. Hawkins Corsair Kardale Holland, a student choreographer, performs in his choreography “The Escape” on Thursday in the dance studio at Santa Monica College. Synapse Dance Theater Contemporary Dance Ensemble will perform at Barnum Hall, located at the Santa Monica High School on Friday, May 10.
Global Motion lacking Sara Cheshm Mishi Staff Writer Santa Monica College’s dance performance “Global Motion World Dance Company,” directed by Raquel Ramirez and Sri Susilowati, left the audience thinking of the difference between wealth and poverty, but longing for crisper performances from the dancers. The dance concert contained traditional and contemporary dance styles from around the world, such as the Philippines, Brazil, France, Spain, Guinea, Cuba, USA, Mexico and Moldova. Each dance routine explored the complications and paradoxes of poverty and wealth in a different and unique style. The opening routine, a piece from the Philippines, illustrated how the character Princess Gandingan, played by SMC student Toni Pasion, escaped through a forest. The dancers held long bamboo sticks and clapped them together to create a stronger and a more dramatic experience. The use of the sticks enhanced the music as well. A live performance by singer Refilwe Morake made the Guinean dance routine stand out. The narrative of the dance went well with Morake’s strong voice, which was accompanied by Jalani Blunt, Evan Greer and Malik Sow on percussion. The choreography told a story of a poor girl for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •
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who met a king and struggled between her former life and becoming a queen. The show shed light on today’s issues of poverty and wealth, such as in a dancefusion routine about a young woman’s struggle between social classes. She finally learned that love is the true wealth, and being poor is not having love at all. The narratives of Global Motion were strong and gave a worldly perspective to the problems that come with having or not having money, a common issue that people are facing every day. The choreographers used the bamboo prop creatively, especially in the Philippine neo-ethnic routine, where the bamboo sticks are used to illustrate a forest, then a boat, which made the piece stand out and become more dynamic. While the theme and overall message were strengths of the show, the dancing itself was disappointing. Some of the dancers looked more comfortable dancing certain styles, but others did not seem to know their choreography well enough, magnifying those who had different dance backgrounds. The next SMC dance performance will be “Synapse,” which opens on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Barnum Hall, located at Santa Monica High School.
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sports 9
volume 105 issue 11 • May 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Corsairs football eagerly anticipating season Trevor Angone Staff Writer The Santa Monica College football team is coming off back-to-back Pacific Conference championships for the first time in three decades. With an especially high turnover rate at the junior college level, it is difficult to win one conference championship, let alone back-to-back titles. The Corsairs are not resting on their laurels. They know how difficult a possible three-peat will be. “Right now, we’re reloading for next year, trying to make it three in a row,” says SMC head coach Gifford Lindheim. “You have to remember in a two-year cycle, you have to replace upward of 65 percent of your roster, including probably eight or nine starters on each side of the ball.” Such a high success rate can lead to an even higher number of transfers to Division I, II and III programs. Last year, SMC transferred five players to Division I programs including defensive tackle Marcus Manley, who recently committed to the University of California, Berkeley. Also among the notable transfers is last year’s starting quarterback, Alfonso Medina, who committed to Weber State University. “We’re the number-one transfer program around, and we’re about 90 percent local guys,” says Lindheim. “When I first got here, there were 65 out of state guys and they won one game. But things have changed, and it makes it easier to recruit with success behind you.” With wide-open quarterback and wide-receiver spots this year, the team will be looking at the defense to lead them from opening day. Helping anchor that defense will be the team’s defensive backfield. “It’s the best defensive backfield I’ve ever seen at this level,” says Lindheim. “Our best returning player is probably safety Qujuan Floyd. He was an All-American last year and he’s a preseason AllAmerican this year.” Joining Floyd in the backfield will be returning cornerback Donte Brown, who has high expectations for next season as well as personal goals. “My goals are to help set records,” says Brown. “We have an amazing defense with a lot of talent.” The new lineup will be highlighted by the competition at quarterback. “The [quarterback] competition is really interesting,”
Sam Herron Corsair Running back Eric Kyle (right) carries the football during practice on Tuesday at Corsair Stadium. The Corsairs practice every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
says Lindheim. “Returning back from last year, Matt Miller, will be competing with Brad Hunt as well as Jerry McConico and some incoming freshman, probably nine all together.” Another notable storyline for the offense is the open competition at wide receiver. “We graduated our top three wide receivers last year, so there are a bunch of guys competing at the spot,” says Lindheim. One of the players competing for the wide receiver position this season is returning sophomore Cameron Stevens. “We have a new fast paced offense; we’re going to get a lot of plays in and put a lot of points on the board,” says Stevens. Though the offense may seem like a work in progress,
the Corsairs are returning running back Eric Kyle, as well as adding tight end Everton Thaxter, who was a standout at El Camino College last year. “I anticipate that Thaxter will be a strong presence in our locker room,” says Lindheim. How well the roster will mesh and perform together is something that is weighing heavily on the minds of the coaching staff. “I know we’ll be talented, but the question is can we bring it all together, teach the guys our style of football and be successful on the field,” says Lindheim. “Our goal every year is to compete for a conference championship, and although we’ve been successful the last couple years that doesn’t mean anything,” says Lindheim. “You have to recreate it all again.”
High character for Jason Mallek Trevor Angone Staff Writer Before his senior year in high school, Jason Mallek had never played competitive volleyball. “I played a little volleyball in middle school, and a little recreationally my sophomore and junior years but not much,” said Mallek. A surprise opportunity in his senior year led Mallek down the road of organized volleyball. “I started playing volleyball the second half of my senior season in order to play in the Junior Olympics,” said Mallek. “Once I started playing, I fell in love with it.” Finishing up his sophomore season at Santa Monica College, Mallek emerged as the team leader on the court, offensively and defensively. A middle blocker, Mallek was voted to the All-League second team in his senior year at Bishop Montgomery High School, and also earned the Distinguished Athlete Award for volleyball Mallek credited his father for steering him down the volleyball path.
“My dad always pushed me, he actually played in college too for West LA [College], said Mallek. “He said I should have listened to him from the start. He’s been trying to get me to play from a young age, but I was always more into basketball and soccer.” This past season, the Corsairs finished 4-13 and did not make the playoffs. Injuries and unforeseen roster changes played a pivotal role in the outcome of the Corsairs’ season. “When it comes down to the wire,
“I started playing volleyball the second half of my senior season in order to play in the Junior Olympics. Once I started playing, I fell in love with it.”
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David J. Hawkins Corsair
Sophomore Jason Mallek poses on Tuesday at Santa Monica College.
I know the ball is coming to me so I try to mentally prepare for that,” said Mallek. Mallek said he hopes that his play and leadership abilities will eventually lead to an opportunity at the next level. “I’m definitely coachable; I’ve always done everything the coaches have asked of me,” said Mallek. “I’m also hardworking. Even in a tough season me and the guys just kept pushing each other. That’s just the competitive side in us.” He said he hopes that a Division I @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
scholarship is in his future. “I’ll be ready to transfer; I’ll be ready to go,” said Mallek. “I’ve had some coaches I’ve been emailing back and forth with, some Division I and some Division III. Ideally, I’d like to play for any Division I west coast program.” In the meantime, Mallek said he plans to keep himself active and in shape. “I love playing any sport in my spare time — soccer, basketball, just being active,” said Mallek.
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+ Lifestyle 10 health
volume 105 issue 11 • may 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Paul Alvarez Jr. Corsair The second annual Miles for Melanoma 5K Run/Walk is held at Universal Studios Hollywood’s back lot on Saturday in Los Angeles, Calif.
Miles for Melanoma vanessa barajas Staff Writer
Ten years after being diagnosed at age 25, Hillary Fogelson spreads awareness about melanoma after teaming up with the Melanoma Research Foundation through her online resource launched in August 2011, Pale Girl SPEAKS. "I always say, if you have skin, you're at risk for skin cancer," said Fogelson. Saturday's Miles for Melanoma 5K Run/Walk was sponsored by Pale Girl SPEAKS and Universal Studios. A majority of the proceeds from the 2,200 participants who contributed to the fundraising effort went to the Melanoma Research Foundation. According to the MRF, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the leading cancer for women in their 20s.
Fogelson started Pale Girl SPEAKS as a way to help spread awareness of the dangers of melanoma as well as to encourage young people to have their skin checked. News of the event was able to reach many from around the state who were willing to travel to support friends, family or anyone who has been affected by melanoma. A cheer team from Providence High School in Burbank was in attendance to encourage runners at the finish line. Cheer coach Cathy Main decided to participate in the event with her team after a 2003 graduate of the school, Shannon Hayes, passed away four years after her graduation. "One of the alumni told us about the race," said Main. "That's one of the reasons why we wanted to do this.
[Shannon] was such a great girl. The school even held a fundraiser for her." After losing her mother to skin cancer in October, Melissa Nickelson searched for a run to help support the cause. She and a small group of friends drove from Orange County to participate. "It means a lot, having it hit so close," said Nickelson. "It's nice to know that people are putting support for this cause. I've also changed my lifestyle after my mom. I'm a little paranoid now, but it makes me want to spread the word that it can happen to anyone. It can happen really fast." Participants ran by scenes such as the village of Whoville, Amityville Island from "Jaws," the "War of the Worlds" plane crash, and Spartacus Square in the Universal backlot. Vendors were present at the event, with some offering free skin care samples, skin checks, a Style Network “Style Experience” tent with tips on how to prevent melanoma as well as Joe's Shades beach umbrella chairs. Tamatha Von Sherr, who participated in the race with her family, heard about the event and immediately signed up. Both Von Sherr's father and grandfather had melanoma. "My dad had a dot on his ear and they decided to do a biopsy," said Von Sherr. "He had his entire ear reconstructed after the surgery." Von Sherr's daughter, 10-year-old Akemi, also had a melanoma scare. "I had a mole on my arm that wasn't melanoma," she said. "But it could have been, so they freezed it and cut it off. It didn't hurt. It was OK." "We've always been self-conscious about [being in the sun]," said Von Sherr. "My girls are runners, and we take care of ourselves so we make sure they're not going to get any form of skin cancer." Others like Terrance Walker ran to show support for the cause. "I do a lot of events like this," he said. "I love the fact that it's charitable." "This is my 18th race," said Walker. "I usually do research to try and find what each event is about. This event enlightened me about melanoma." With a time of 17:16, Walker finished first. Fogelson published a book in October 2012 called "Pale Girl SPEAKS: A Year Undercover," which made the Los Angeles Times bestseller list for memoirs. "I was able to reach a really broad audience of people who maybe weren't looking for sun safety advice, but who learned that this information applies to them," said Fogelson of her organization's efforts to reach her audience. "It applies to everyone." A new find Fogelson made and now recommends to people who are looking for effective ways to protect themselves under the sun is powdered sunscreen, which has a brush-tip application. She is also working on an illustrated children’s book to better help kids understand melanoma.
Journalist talks poverty Jasmin Huynh Staff Writer They tell the stories of those who dwell in self-built shacks made of old billboard placards, who sleep in doorways, or sell their shirts to buy food. Journalist Dale Maharidge, Pulitzer Prize winner and associate professor at the Columbia School of Journalism, collaborated with photographer Michael Williamson on the book “Someplace Like America,” detailing the lives of impoverished Americans. They have been on the road since 1982 to capture the stories of destitute families, jobless workers and the needy homeless. Their book gave Bruce Springsteen the inspiration for his songs “Youngstown” and “The New Timer.” On April 30, the Santa Monica College Associates and the University of California Press invited Maharidge to speak at SMC about his book and give insights into the struggles of Americans who live in poverty. Maharidge grew up in a blue collar family. His father was a steel worker, and all of his relatives were factory workers. His background was his motive to pursue a career in journalism and to write about the issues of the working class. “When I write articles, I think of my family. These workers I am writing about are my people. I like those kind of people,” Maharidge said during his lecture. “But they
don’t have any power. They can’t fight the system.” “But as a journalist, I can give them voice,” he said. “That passion is very internal. It’s a way to give a voice to the voiceless, but too, from a very personal perspective.” Maharidge said that America has forgotten about those people. The focus is now on Wall Street and the people who do not care whether they sell and produce in America or India. With the deindustrialization, good jobs have died, he said. Former mill and factory workers now have to work for minimum wage at Walmart, if they are lucky enough. Maharidge said he hopes his work is educating people about the problems of America’s declining working class and growing poverty. “[Poverty] is going to get worse before it gets better. It’s going to be a 300 years process. We are not going to have poverty declining any time soon,” he said. HaJung Shin Corsair But Maharidge said he had witnessed Dale Maharidge, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, shakes hands with a Santa the sense of community among these people, which he believes to be a “part of Monica College student at his lecture on his three decades of covering working-class issues. the 300 years process.” “I see community forming [and] that’s Maharidge said that the current generation five generations since the Great Depression. where the hope is going to lie,” he said. will make the difference. I think this generation is different. They “Working together to create something new. “Have hope because every fifth or sixth know what’s going on. It’s your generation. That’s the message of ‘Someplace Like generation is a great generation. They face So you guys, save us from our generation. America.’ It’s not over-ruined.” the biggest challenges,” he said. “It’s been We blew it, you have to fix it.”
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Health + LifeStyle 11
volume 105 issue 11 • May 8, 2013 • santa monica college
Santa Monica walks to cure psoriasis jasmin huynh Staff Writer
In high school she was teased for her dandruff and breakouts. Today, Mabelynn Capeluj is Miss California USA 2013 and the ambassador for the Walk to Cure Psoriasis in Los Angeles. As stated by the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a non-contagious, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It is a genetic disorder that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing raised, red, scaly patches. External factors, such as stress, injury to skin, some medication used to treat heart problems or psychiatric disorders can trigger the outbreak. Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S. A little over seven million Americans are affected, according to the NPF. On Saturday, the NPF hosted the annual Walk to Cure Psoriasis for the sixth time at the Santa Monica Pier, where Capeluj spoke as its ambassador for the first time to share her story. “In high school I had dandruff all over, and no finger nails. I was breaking out all over my face and scalp. They made fun of me,” said Capeluj. “No treatment was working for me until I was out in the sun and enjoying myself. You have to just accept it and accept yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. Don’t let it take over your life. Let it be a part of who you are.” HaJung Shin Corsair The Walk to Cure Psoriasis was free and drew over 300 Members of Team Anthony for the Cure walk along the Santa Monica Pier at the Walk to Cure Psoriasis on May 4. people of all different ages, who either have psoriasis or know someone with the disease, said Richard Seiden, the immediate past chair of the NPF. The event was designed to bring people with the disease together, show support and to raise awareness and raise funds for research, Seiden said. According to the NPF, the research into the genetics of psoriasis began in the 1970s. Funds are used to finance further research since there is currently no cure for the disease. Researchers found that psoriasis increases the risk for other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, cardiovascular disease, immune-related conditions, and psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling around the joints. According to the NPF, symptoms can be treated with medical drugs, different medications, or with phototherapy, which involves a regular exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light. However, depending on the medical insurance plan, treatment can be very expensive. Medication can exceed a monthly cost of $2,500 and can lose its effect when the body builds a tolerance to it, said Elliott Derzaph, chair of the walk. Derzaph himself has had psoriasis for 35 years. He appreciates the socializing effect of the event. “I have made so many friends. We support each other and communicate, and know each others' stories. It became an outlet for sharing knowledge and a support group,” Derzaph said. “It has taken me many, many years to adapt to having psoriasis. I used to hide it all the time, but I finally realized HaJung Shin Corsair that it doesn’t work that way. I am here to live.” Team Kirbinators and Mabelynn Capeluj (center), Miss California USA for 2013, pose at the starting line. Seiden said that the event helps people with psoriasis acknowledge that they have the disease. the situation.” “A lot of people try to hide it and are really embarrassed,” “It makes it psychologically worse to hide it. Some Capeluj also showed her support and encouragement. said Capeluj. “Through the pageantry, I have to be on people become inter-focused,” he said. “We try to help “The walk helps the people to know that they are not alone stage in a swimsuit in front of millions of people, and if I them accept it, but at the same [time] control it, so that with psoriasis,” she said. “As Miss California, I want to show can do that while having psoriasis, I feel that everyone can they can live with themselves and try to make the best of people not to let it stop them from doing what they want to do.” overcome it.”
Say a little prayer lorentious Barry Staff Writer More than 100 people gathered Thursday morning at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to observe the annual National Day of Prayer. Many religious groups were in attendance, such as Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans and Catholics, as well as Muslims and Jews. Church, military, business and community leaders offered prayers for the president, governor, mayor and other public servants
in office. According to the National Day of Prayer's brochure, each leader was given seven “centers of influence” to lift up in prayer: government, church, military, family, education, media and business. “We believe prayer changes things,” said Kari Czer, Santa Monica National Day of Prayer co-chairwoman and organizer. According to the NDOP website, over
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30,000 events are organized on this day, attended by over two million people nationwide. At the gathering, leaders and citizens recited the Pledge of Allegiance, sang worship songs, read the National Day of Prayer Proclamation by President Barack Obama, and prayed for the city, state and nation. Prayers were offered for the homeless, the sick and those in prison. On the National Day of Prayer, attendees gather in prayer in state capitols, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, according to the NDOP website. “The reason why our nation is so successful is found in our motto: in God we trust,” said
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Army National Guard Josh Nolan, who led the prayer for the military. “George Washington, the father of our country, was a man of prayer.” According to the NDOP website, the day is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the official day of observance, Czer said. The Santa Monica mayor and City Council members were invited to the event, but did not attend, Czer said. Before wrapping up the National Day of Prayer, the audience closed the event with the national anthem, “God Bless America.”
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