Dec. 9, 2009

El Vaquero December 9, 2 0 0 9

Glendale College

Workforce Development Programs are Hot! Welding, Power Academy Offer Vocational Training with an Electrical Charge...

See Welding page 6, Power Academy pages 8-9.

Photo by Richard Kontas

2

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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NEWS

Student Government El Vaquero Releases Election Results Glendale Community College

editor in chief

Brandon Hensley NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Isiah Reyes

CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Angelica Fraire

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Ashley Chang SPORTS EDITOR

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong STAFF WRITERS

By Agnes Constante

Aris Allahverdian Agnes Constante AnnaLinda Andersson Jesse Gutierrez Daniel Choi Amy Hirsch Anissa Clarke Vera Iwanoff Judy Del Castillo Cindy Garcia Yesenia Pereyra STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

T

he Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) held campus elections in Plaza Vaquero on Dec. 2 and 3, and determined officers for the student body for the spring 2010 semester.

Tigranuhi Stepanyan was elected the vice president of administration with a total of 263 votes.

Lilit Melik Baksyan was elected vice president of campus activities with 258 votes.

Janet Shamilian was voted vice president of campus relations with 275 votes.

Sevag Kolanjan was chosen vice president of campus organizations.

The senators of finance positions went to George

Balayan, Pedro Kim and Danny Ramirez.

Ani Hovasapyan, Narine Levonyan and Haik Panosian were elected senators of campus activities.

The senators of campus relations for the upcoming semester are Ani Karapetyan, Yna Mokharians, and Anush Petrosyan, who garnered 290, 447 and 246 votes, respectively. Candidates Avetik Kazarian and Edlin Yousetian came in third and fourth place for the positions with 207 and 125 votes.

Nayiri Kolanjian and Ani Ohanessian were chosen as senators of campus organizations.

Election results are posted outside the J.W. Smith Student Center.

Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com

Richard Kontas Louis Roche Jr. Shaun Kelly Production Manager

Jane Pojawa design adviser

Charles Eastman faculty adviser

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Michael Moreau Jeff Smith mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427

El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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Photo by Richard Kontas Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. Letters must be signed and typed and include the full name and address of the writer. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

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First copy free Additional copies $.25

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2009 Dec. 49, Number 7 Volume 9

-5 ..........2 . . . . . . . s New .6-9 ......... s e r u t a Fe 0-11 ment...1 in a t r e t n E 4 ....12-1 . . . . . . . . s Sport 15 .......... . . r a d n Cale

VOTE FOR ME: ASGCC officers welcome voters in Plaza Vaquero Thursday during the campus elections. Pictured

from left, Student Trustee/President Lilya Avagyan, Vice President of Finance Lara Kasian and Vice President of Campus Organizations Hermine Gevondyan.

Correction:

In the Nov. 25 issue, the article “Super Computer Renders Dome Animations,” failed to mention the name of the main researcher and founder, Paul Kazarian. He continues to do research at Caltech.

Journalism Classes for Spring: Miss out on classes this winter? It’s not too early to start thinking about spring! These classes prepare students to work on the staffs of El Vaquero and The Insider: JOURN 102 - 3.00 - REPORTING THE NEWS Description: JOURN 102 is an introductory course in the gathering and writing of news, features and editorials.

TTh 1:30-3:42 p.m.

JOURN 107 - 3.00 - MAGAZINE WRITING Description: JOURN 107 focuses on feature writing for magazines and newspapers. Students learn how to find feature ideas and develop them into articles for student or professional publications.

M 6:30-9:53 p.m.

JOURN 110 - 3.00 - PHOTOJOURNALISM Description: JOURN 110 provides instruction in techniques for producing photos for news and feature articles.

MW 1:30-3:42 p.m.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

3

NEWS

Dawn Lindsay Happy With Her 1st Semester

By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

2

009 may be coming to a close, but Dawn Lindsay’s journey as the interim superintendent/ president of Glendale College has just begun.

Since stepping in office this July, following the departure of Audrey Levy, Lindsay has approached her job with passion and enthusiasm.

Though bound by a busy schedule, Lindsay sat comfortably in her office on a Thursday afternoon to take time to reflect positively on her first semester.

“I love it,” she said of her job.

“I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying working with the faculty and the staff. I’m enjoying making the contacts out in the community. I’m loving the receptivity that we’re getting back in the community as far as the welcome and the desire to be collaborative .… I’m very proud of the work that we’re doing and I’m very proud to be able to represent this college.”

Barely six months into her term, Lindsay has already engaged in efforts to encourage college growth.

“We really are working hard to get people out in the community so people hear and see Glendale College on a day-to-day basis,” she said.

To help address budget cuts, she said that the college has been “working so hard to look at

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various grants and collaborative efforts and really doing some very strong lobbying at the state, but even more so at the federal level.”

Even with the current deficit, Lindsay said that GCC is so committed to students and the community that it has an estimated 3,000 full-time equivalent students for which it receives no state funding.

Despite drastic funding cuts Lindsay does not appear to view the economic downfall as an obstacle: instead of worrying too much about the problem, she has diverted her focus on ways the college can secure additional funding.

In October she visited Washington D.C. to work with a federal lobbyist to help Glendale get in touch with people who make major decisions about budget appropriations.

Lindsay said that the constituent groups she met with were “very pleased with the collaborative relationships that we’ve got with our community .… ” She is scheduled to visit Washington D.C. again in February to continue lobbying efforts.

The interim president expressed how proud she is of the college and noted attributes that make it stand out from other community colleges.

“We’ve got an amazing transfer curriculum, we have an amazing general education curriculum, we are really, really building up our career and tech education program [vocational programs],” she said. “But I think what really, really allows this college to stand out from probably any other college I’ve worked in, and I’ve been in five … the faculty and the staff and the administration at this college are so committed to the success of our students.

“There’s passion, there’s drive, there’s love. This college is in people’s hearts and souls.

That’s how deep it goes. And I’ve never been in any other institution where I’ve seen that degree of dedication. It’s amazing.”

Lindsay started working at community colleges on the east coast in 1991. Since moving to California in 1994 she worked at Saddleback College for 8 1/2 years and at Riverside Community College for 3 1/2 years. “[A] community college, in

Photo by Richard Kontas

INTERIM PRESIDENT/SUPERINTENDENT: Dawn Lindsay is finishing her first semester in a challenging new role.

my opinion, is just a very, very special place to work,” she said.

With her experiences at community colleges, Lindsay said she prefers them over fouryear institutions.

“Once I got my foot in the door of a community college, I never wanted to leave,” she said.

She obtained her doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, holds a master’s degree in educational counseling, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and obtained a bachelor’s of social work degree from Western Maryland College.

Lindsay expressed pride in the

successful partnership between the college and Glendale Water and Power, which resulted in creation of the Glendale Water and Power Academy.

“Glendale city had a problem, and the fact that they were having [See Lindsay, page 4]

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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NEWS

Essay Writers Sell Dishonesty, Expulsion

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

N

eed a 12-page essay done in three days but have yet to do any of the required research?

A solution to this common problem is to simply buy essays written by other people and to claim them as your own.

Organizations are selling essays which range from book reports, to research papers, personal essays, informal essays, cause and effect essays, argumentative essays and classification essays.

Not everyone who purchases papers from companies do so because they waited until the last minute. Many students look into the idea because their homework workloads are stockpiling and they don’t have sufficient time to complete their assignments.

Others just lack the skills

needed to form a comprehensive essay and they look for the easy way out.

“It’s not difficult to write a decent essay, so students who buy them lose out on basic writing skills,” said Erik Medina, a computer science major.

In fact, one Web site compares being unable to write an essay to committing a crime: “So what will happen to students, like you, whose talents or skills are really not into writing? Should you be forced to write, which is just like forcing somebody to admit a crime which is truly not his doings?”

Talk about trying to be persuasive.

But is it illegal to use essays written by other people?

Superior-termpapers.com (one of the many, many analogous companies that exist out there)

Dawn Lindsay [Lindsay, from page 3] a hard time keeping their workers employed because they were losing them to outside agencies. So they came to us with a concern,” Lindsay said.

Together the college and Glendale Water and Power applied for funding to create the academy.

Twenty spots are open in the program, 17 of which go to unemployed Glendale residents.

“That’s just an example of working with the community to get people back, employed, where they’re contributing and living and staying within this community and continuing to give back,” Lindsay said.

Perhaps one contributing factor to Lindsay’s energetic approach to her job is servitude leadership, a humble form of leadership by which she abides. Under this principle, the higher one ranks in an organization, the more people that person serves.

“It’s my whole training,” Linsday said of the leadership principle. “It’s my whole background.

It’s about

respecting differences of opinion and being open to different ways of thinking about things.”

She added that servitude leadership is “not [about] what you keep, it’s what you give away.”

As she wraps up her first semester as the college president, Lindsay looks forward to continuing to serve GCC. “It’s really nice to come to work with people that are just so much fun to be with.

And with students that are so directed and so driven and so giving,” she said.

With the holidays just around the corner, Lindsay is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends.

She also wishes everyone a “wonderful holiday season.”

She said, “We’ve done a lot and we have a lot to be proud of. We have a lot to be thankful for, a lot of successes that we can talk about, and I think it’s time we celebrate.”

Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com

cautions: “Be advised that it is illegal to buy any of our model reports and submit them as your own, in whole or in part, for academic credit. By ordering a report through our company you agree that it is legal to do so in your city, state/province, and country.”

OK, so one must be enrolled in an institution that allows cheating.

Oh that’s right, there aren’t any.

One Web site, essayslab.com, is adamant about creating original work: “Once we hand over your work, it is 100 percent yours. No one will ever know you had help with your project. We refuse to humor people who contact us with inquiries about client information, and we check every document thoroughly to ensure there are no glitches in our writing staff.

“We are using very dependable and state-of-the-art plagiarism detection software for all the papers written by our writers.”

However, teachers can counter with the very dependable Turnitin. com Web site, which many professors use.

Another Web site, Bestessay4u. com, argues that buying essays is not illegal: It states: “Once you buy an essay, you are the sole owner of the content. The content copyright holder is you. Hence there is no way that it can be illegal to buy an essay, research and term papers.”

Indeed, tell that to the student who is expelled from college for getting caught.

GCC’s academic policy states that if a “student turns in an assignment (labs, art projects, homework, pre-written or purchased papers, or work downloaded from the Internet) which is not his or her own,” then that qualifies for academic dishonesty, which gives the professor the option to fail the student.

Violations of this policy will be reported to the Vice President of Instruction and will become part of the Glendale College Cheating Incident file, unless the instructor finds compelling reasons not to report a violation.

The Executive Vice President of Instruction may then impose sanctions authorized by Administrative Regulation 5420.

The sanctions include issuing a reprimand, suspending the student for up to 10 days of instruction, and/or requesting a hearing by the

Campus Judicial Board to see if the student should be suspended, or permanently expelled from the college.

Regardless if it’s legal or not, there are many students who use these services anyway despite the consequences.

Most agencies promise originality, on-time delivery and as many revisions as necessary until the customer is satisfied.

But what if the student needs the paper done by the morning?

One site, bestessay.com, offers a solution: “Need an essay tomorrow morning? Place a 24hour order now and get the paper before breakfast!”

The price fluctuates based on many requirements. One major component is the amount of time available to write the paper. The closer the due date, the higher the price.

On primeessay.com, the starting price for an essay that has a deadline of at least six days is anywhere from $11.65 to $15.89 a page, depending on whether it is a high school-, college- or university-level paper.

If the essay must be done within the next three hours (yes, three hours), the price is anywhere from $42.39 to $52.99 a page. Based on these prices, an eight-page paper could cost up to $423.

On customwritings.com, prices start from $10 for high school papers, $13 for college, $15 for university, $22 for a master’s and $27 for a doctorate level paper.

Another component that will alter the price is the work’s complexity. If an assignment requires the writer to buy a book or watch a movie, this will increase the price.

So how does someone get a paper written for them? One call to Essay Experts illustrates how

“easy” it is to get it done.

For example, if someone ordered a 10-page English research paper that had a six day deadline, at the junior college level, requiring eight sources (with no limitations to the types of sources), then the total amount would be $250.

Are students willing to pay this amount of money even when they have no idea who’s writing the papers? The companies claim that their writers are “professional writers,” but there is almost no way of verifying their credentials.

And good luck tracking them down; they’re all stationed across the country (assuming these writers exist; the pre-written essays could be accumulating in a warehouse somewhere).

Now what if the student is not happy with the written essay?

One Web site reassures: “If after five revisions you still are unhappy, your money will be returned. We are here to make your life easier, not more difficult.”

These companies succeed at attempting to be nice, but how can any of them be trusted? Some can easily be spotted as frauds.

If there isn’t a phone number or customer support available, buyer beware. Many of these companies have fake fax numbers and fake testimonials as well.

Taking all of this into consideration, it seems as if the best choice is to just write all essays without any assistance from these companies. It saves money and prevents expulsion from school, while giving students the opportunity to earn their grades on their own.

By the way, a writer from Essay Experts did not write this article. It’s fair game.

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Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

5

FEATURES

Garfield Employee Helps US Troops Overseas

By Cindy Garcia

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

E

very year the Christmas spirit fills people’s minds and hearts with the philosophy of giving. They buy Christmas gifts for their family, their friends and maybe for their secret Santa, but for Marie Bartholomew, the philosophy of giving is not limited to her loved ones and not even only to the holidays.

Bartholomew is an administrative assistant in the ESL department at the Garfield Campus who sends gift boxes throughout the year to the troops overseas.

“I do it all year long,” said Bartholomew. “This is not a seasonal thing and I don’t stop just because the holidays are over.”

She sends a little bit of everything that can be helpful to the soldiers overseas, from personal care products such as shampoos, shaving cream, wipes, tampons and deodorants to microwaveable food and miscellaneous objects like blankets, new and used books, magazines and DVDs.

Bartholomew started supporting the troops about four to five years ago after someone recommended to her the Web site anysoldier.com, where she finds the addresses and names of the soldiers who are overseas.

She ships the boxes through the United States Postal Service, which “fortunately” has flat-rate boxes, she said. The average shipping cost for a medium-tolarge box is about $10 and she expects to send about a 100 boxes this holiday season.

Bartholomew feels compassion and a strong connection with the soldiers since she once was in a similar situation and knows how hard it is to be away from her loved ones.

“I used to be a military wife once upon a time during the Vietnam era and I know what it’s like when a love is gone, and it was really hard,” said Bartholomew.

“You are a new bride and the next thing you know is that your husband has orders to leave.”

Her support is truly appreciated by the soldiers, including one who sent Bartholomew a message on Facebook:

“Those gifts have meant more than any of the material goods that you have ever given me.

Your gifts ... boosted my morale and reminded me that what I do matter to a lot of people back in the States.”

Bartholomew said she also gets more than letters. “One of them even sent me flowers for my birthday,” she said. “It was very impressive.”

She doesn’t consider herself a “Facebook person,” but said she appreciates the fact that they take the time to write to her with their busy schedule.

Bartholomew strongly believes that it is very important for people to support the troops who are fighting overseas regardless of their feelings about the war.

“Everybody just thinks about the political issue and it does not make any difference whether you think it’s right or wrong … you have to respect the fact that these individuals signed up and made a commitment,” she said. “I choose to support the military more than anything else because of the fact that I respect their commitment to the United States.”

Photo by Richard Kontas

’TIS THE SEASON: Marie Bartholomew of the Garfield campus is accepting donations for her care packages for soldiers in Iraq.

Bartholomew also said that people must be aware that soldiers are normal people. “They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles and aunts,” she said, but most importantly, “They are someone’s family.”

She usually receives donations from other teachers and people she knows, but because of the economic crisis, the donations have decreased and she has had to pay for mostly everything out of her own pocket.

“It’s rougher now because

people don’t have the extra money to do this, but also it’s very hard for [the soldiers] that are overseas and I try to make it a little bit easier for them,” she said. “I feel the need to help someone that really has a need.”

To support the troops with any donation, please contact mbarth@ glendale.edu.

Cindy Garcia can be reached at Cindy_Garcia@elvaq.com

Class Helps Recovery Group Celebrate Thanksgiving

By Judy Del Castillo EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

’T

is the season for giving.

While most people have been careful with their pocketbooks during this economic slump, it should not be reason alone to forgo the holiday spirit this year.

When a sociology class at GCC wanted to do something nice for a needy family on Thanksgiving, it decided to donate a Thanksgiving feast to a rehabilitation center in Carson.

“It was [fellow classmate] Lisa Harris’ idea to collect money for needy families,” said Evelyn Tan, a student in her last semester to receiving a certificate for alcohol and drug counseling. “When Professor Charles Barlow asked the class if they knew of any needy families, nobody raised their hands. So I raised my hand and told them about the facility.”

The Palm House, which receives funding from the County of Los Angeles, became a nonprofit organization in 1978, two years after a group of

Filipinos and Asians from Carson and neighboring cities were faced with a growing number of alcohol and drug abusers, but there were no programs that existed at the time to serve the diversity of their cultures.

“The Palm House is a residential facility for alcohol and drug addictions,” said Tan, who has interned at the Palm House for the last six months as a counselor.

“They get their residents, mostly from Prop 36, from the court. But [funding for] Prop 36 was cut so they’re having a hard time. They laid off several people and they’re trying to cut down on expenses.”

Prop 36, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, gives first-time nonviolent drug possession offenders the opportunity to get treatment for substance abuse instead of imprisonment.

The entire Sociology 101 class of just under 40 students, collected more than $150, which was used to purchase one ham and two turkey dinners.

“Right now, [Palm House] has 11 residents,” said Tan. “The dinner was for the staff, the residents and a few of their families. They use food stamps for food, so I just added on to it.

They ate it for two days. There was a lot of food.”

Harris, 28, who has a biophysiology degree, said she came up with the idea while reading a chapter in her sociology book about homelessness and how it affects millions of Americans today. “Even our teacher said we should do something for the needy, and since Thanksgiving was coming up, we thought, why not do something about it now?” she said.

The entire class received a card from the Palm House residents thanking the class for their generosity. The Palm House center was not available to comment due to confidentiality.

“I want to help people and [alcohol and drug counseling] is a good place to start,” said Tan. “It’s often the source of the misery, and [by donating for Thanksgiving] I don’t want to make a big deal

Photo by Evelyn Tan

SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR: Recovering addicts were part of a sociology class’s community outreach for Thanksgiving. Palm House staff member Steve prepares to enjoy a holiday meal.

out of it.”

“I didn’t really want to make it known, but I really just wanted to do something for others and put some food together, and everyone in my class collected money,” added Harris. “It was really successful and I’m really, really

proud of my class.”

After all, doing something nice for others is its own reward.

Judy Del Castillo can be reached at Judy_Del_Castillo@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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FEATURES

Welding Program Offers Vocational Opportunities

By AnnaLinda Andersson EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Cover Story

T

he two-year welding program at GCC is getting more popular as people seek new skills in the down economy.

After completing the program, which prepares students for entry-level welding out in the working world, they receive a certificate.

“We prepare the students for entry-level welding,” said part-time instructor Dani Kaye.

“After that, it’s up to the student to advance within the profession he or she chooses to pursue.”

Kaye has been teaching at GCC since 2006 and before that she was a welding student under Professor John Kray at GCC. “Dani [Kaye] was a student of mine who finished the two-year program and then came back to work as my student assistant,” Kray said. “Her dad owns his own welding shop so she has grown up with welding and worked a lot with it.”

Kray is an associated professor of technical education and has worked as a welding teacher for over 32 years. He has now partly

retired and only holds classes twice a week. One of the classes is welding and the other one is metallurgy.

“Dani will hopefully … eventually take over the welding instruction completely,” Kray said.

Both beginning and advanced levels of welding is offered.

Within the program one learns different techniques of welding. There are five different types available for the students: shielded metal arc welding; MIG welding; oxy-fuel welding; TIG welding and flex-core welding.

Students who earn their certificate often go into jobs straight afterward instead of moving on to four-year schools.

Kaye has not encountered any student who indeed transferred to continue his or hers welding studies. “The AS degree from GCC definitely prepares you for the future,” Kaye said.

Some of the students get the broad education of the different areas of welding while others choose to specialize.

Not all students take welding classes for the possible careers available. Some do it for personal reasons. “Some do it for art, some

Photo by Richard Kontas

TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Student Brian Flette, 34, welds a vertical lap joint using oxy-acetylene. just want an extra skill,” Kaye said. “And it is a good skill to learn.”

Student Jeff Kosztowny, 20, agreed with Kaye. “I don’t know yet what specific area I am going to go into after getting my certificate at the end of this

semester,” Kosztowny said. “But whatever I choose to do, [having] the certificate really opens the door for whether you want to work with structure welding, cars, motorcycles or airplanes.”

The most common jobs students tend to pursue after graduation from the program is working with construction and in repair shops. But the possibilities are far greater than that. One could work with everything from aircrafts and spacecrafts welding to shipyard welding, structure stealing or making custom-made cars and motorcycles.

When asked about the job opportunities and what the future looks like for a welder these days, Kray said that right now construction work has slowed down together with the economy, but when the economy picks up construction jobs will pick up with it. “A lot of the students train for the future,” Kray said.

The welding industry is a mostly male-dominated one, but Kray usually has some female students and said that the female interest in welding comes and goes in cycles. “Usually it’s one or two out of 20 students who are females, but sometimes is four or five in a class,” he said.

Female or not, the welding program at GCC is a very popular so signing up for classes early is a must. “The welding department is sort of small at GCC and we cannot expand,” Kaye said. “At the moment we have around

100 students enrolled as welding majors.”

Kray also pointed out that the limited space reserved for the welding department is a negative thing. “Someday I would like to see a larger space so we could take more students,” he said.

Kaye also noticed an increased interest in the welding program now when the economy is not as stable. She sees a lot of laidoff people returning to school to either learn a new skill or advance their previous ones.

Kosztowny, who is Kaye’s student assistant, has also noticed an increase. “It seems to get busier with both new and returning students,” Kosztowny said. “If one wants to add a welding class, do it quickly for it fills up within a week or two.”

Although Kosztowny recommends the program and enjoys it fully, maybe welding is not for everyone.

“Welding is for people who enjoy manipulation skills with their hands,” Kray said. “It’s a craft. Everything can’t be done by robots and welding is an ancient trade that will keep going.”

The welding department is located in the AT building room 201.

On The Cover: Steven Gonzalez, 36, welding major, arc welds his current project during Kaye’s class.

AnnaLinda Andersson can be reached at AnnaLinda_Andersson@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

7

FEATURES

Career Center Helps Students Find Their Path

By Daniel Choi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

U

pon discovering the concept of buoyancy, Greek scholar Archimedes exclaimed “Eureka!” or “I have found it!”

At the Career Center, counselors and staff have made it their mission to help undecided students find their path, one that leads to an exclamation of discovery.

With hundreds of classes offered by approximately 80 different departments at GCC, students may find the task of choosing a major daunting.

For many, indecision is due to the array of options to choose from, while for others it is a matter of self-recognition, getting to know one’s own personality, skills and interests.

According to staff member Anna M. Lafflam, the career team offers fledgling students two options.

“We [first] tell them what our mission is, and then we give them their options of what they can do,” she said. “The first option, the one we recommend, is to make an appointment with a career counselor for half an hour. Then the counselor usually suggests a self-assessment with [a follow-up appointment].”

The other option is to enroll in Student Development 125,

a classroom take on the private sessions held between students and career counselors.

“For some people it’s a good idea because of the interaction of the students,” said Lafflam.

“Perhaps, like myself, [because] if I commit to a class and know I have to be there, I seem to follow through on it better.”

Adriana, who chose to withhold her last name, attends GCC on a part-time basis and has benefited from the class as advertised.

“All the stuff I’m doing now [in Student Development 125] really points to who I am,” said the mother of three. “I know that my primary [need] is to work around people.

“I’ve always been an artistic and social person.”

As if to address her extroverted nature, Adriana said she is looking at the possibility of a career as a high school guidance counselor.

She referred to the Career Center staff and her own experience as motivating factors.

“I love what they do here, helping people to find themselves,” she explained. “I’m also interested because of my own personal experience in life.

“Nobody ever really sits down to ask ‘who are you.’ Moreover, I have three kids of my own, so this stuff is good for me because I am able to recognize that all my

children have different qualities.”

Located on the second floor of the San Rafael building, the center offers an abundance of resources, from books and videotapes to vocational biographies and the team itself.

Among the throng of resources is a seldom-found computer program intended to help students plan careers ahead of time.

Its name cannot be officially attributed to Archimedes, but one can legitimately assume that the Greek scholar had an indirect influence on it.

EUREKA, a computerized database system founded by counselors from schools in Northern California, provides students with valuable occupation and education information.

To begin, users can take one of several approaches. Students can start by assessing the skills they possess before sorting out which fields are best suited for them.

Once the results appear, they can gather more information about the matching careers, from numbers pertaining to starting salaries and job growth to indepth descriptions.

Students can also forgo the assessment, and instead, begin the process by choosing a major they are interested in from a long list.

From there, they will find an overview of the major, its

prerequisites, which schools offer the program and related careers among other information.

Tatyana Bartholomew, a student services technician, called EUREKA a “bread and butter resource.” “[It’s] actually used in practically every reputable career center,” she explained at a recent workshop.

The program cannot be accessed online. In fact, GCC pays up to $4,000 a year for its availability in the career center.

Another computer-based program offered at the center is DISCOVER, which is similar to EUREKA but with more interactive tools.

It presents a World-ofWork Map that illustrates the relationship between different careers by breaking up the occupations into six clusters: administration and sales, business operations, technical, science and technology, arts and social service.

Under the clusters are 26 different career areas to navigate with the hopes of finding a designation.

DISCOVER is also found solely in the Career Center, and costs roughly $2,000 per year.

The center offers a number of thematic workshops throughout the year.

Nitesh Anandan, a 19-year-

old freshman who attended a “Researching Careers” workshop, described the value in attending one. “[It] was definitely informative,” he said. “It’s good because from here on I can continue my research and start thinking about other options that I have.”

Referring to computer science, Anandan said, “that’s what I put down as my major, and my whole family has worked in the field so far, so I’ll probably go into that field, but I’m still exploring other options.”

Other workshops include “Effective Resume” and “Successful Interview Strategies.”

Lafflam, stressing the importance of patience, said, “When people are undecided about their careers, all of the things we do in here are a piece to a puzzle.

“You are putting all these pieces together and they’re forming a picture. There may be some pieces missing, but they will come into play as it goes along.

“It is a process; it does not just happen instantly,” she said. “You have to work [for it].”

For more information on the Career Center, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5407.

Daniel Choi can be reached at Daniel_Choi@elvaq.com

OPINION

Classrooms Are Not the Place for the “B-word”

By Ashley Chang

EL VAQUERO ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

B

itch.

Many of us have used the term before, some maybe more than others. The word has become so common it is no longer censored as it plagues our television screens and our favorite tunes.

It’s heard in casual conversation inside offices and classrooms, between friends and colleagues.

Although the word makes me cringe, there’s something about hearing an instructor say it that gets under my skin.

Teachers can build relationships with their students through an array of techniques, some by providing their knowledge of a subject, and

others by relating themselves to the newly found young adults that enter their classrooms.

We can all remember the “cool” high school teacher who students used to talk about. We remember the teachers who watched the shows we watched and made the jokes that we’ve told. Students giggled as the teacher slipped the F-bomb.

College isn’t much different.

There is something about an instructor being one of the kids that appeals to us. But where is the line drawn between relationship building and being downright offensive?

Instructors who routinely curse, whether for comic relief or dramatic effect, send the message to impressionable students that demeaning and degrading

language, such as “bitch,” is acceptable to use regardless of its impairment.

As an authority figure, one is expected to display the highest level of professionalism.

Students too, must learn to respect themselves as well as those who stand before them in a classroom.

This could possibly be why students have a difficult time confronting teachers. We have been told, since grade school, to follow and respect our teachers, regardless of the situation.

This is not to say that all teachers are guilty of such indiscretions; the majority of instructors are not. The majority of instructors embody the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Though some instructors drop the occasional F-bomb, it has no connotation to a direct group of people. As for using terms used to specifically degrade women, I’d like to think that a classroom should be a refuge of some sort, free of obscenities from the outside reality.

We would not find it acceptable if an instructor were to use the term “gay” in a negative context, so why have some accepted the odious word geared toward women?

Students too must realize the harm that comes from such damaging words. It is

our responsibility as adults to know what is appropriate and what is not. To laugh along as some instructors throw insults is to accept and promote further wrongs.

Both students and teachers must tread lightly when it comes to language such as this. Rather than to assume all students will take such terms or humor lightly, both parties must make a conscious decision to not only respect all students and peers, but to also respect ourselves.

Ashley Chang can be reached at Ashley_Chang@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

FEATURES

e h t Photos by Shaun Kelly

By Yesenia Pereyra

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tudents in the school’s Power Academy are getting ready to reach the top of the utility poles and graduate Jan 15.

The Power Academy is a new one-semester program that is meant to “expose [students] to the utility business,” and help people find jobs in the electric power industry, said Anthony Sylvers, an electrical line mechanic supervisor.

The program, funded through the federal stimulus package, is set up to run for two years, two 16-week classes each semester, but, “We are hoping to sustain the program even though we won’t have that specific funding. I just filed for another fund,” said Scott Rubke, GCC technology and aviation division chair.

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS: Verdugo Power Academy students are taking

scholastics to a new height. Marco Jimenez, a 7-year veteran of Burbank Water and Power, is providing invaluable on-the-job training to these Glendale Community College students.

Power Academy students undergo a vigorous training program in preparation to becoming a Glendale Water and Power employee. Students learn how to climb properly, safety precautions, teamwork and confidence.

There were about 250 people in the orientations, and only 20 people were chosen for the class of 2009. Next year, they want to try to open up at least 22 spots because of the great number of applicants, Sylvers said.

To be eligible for the academy, applicants have to prove that they were laid off and are currently unemployed.

They also have to take the GCC math and English assessment tests and go through an interview process by with Glendale Water and Power (GWP).

Walter Polan and Alexander Watts, students in Power Academy, both worked in the entertainment industry.

They were prop makers, but they lost their jobs during a writers strike and acting union dispute.

Oscar Paredes worked in the automotive industry, but his position was terminated. Another student, Eric Duran,

worked in telecommunications; the was a contract office equipment installer, but was laid off last July.

Watts considers this a great opportunity. He said what they learn here, they take to other companies to find a working position. He described the academy as “Interesting. It is a good overview. Instructors are really nice and motivated.”

Because the academy is a working partner with GWP, the graduating students will be given priority consideration when they apply for a position for their participation in this program, Sylvers said.

The utility workers are first hired as an apprentice for four years. “But, the education does not stop here,” Rubke said. “Even when they get hired, they will learn new material.”

After the four years, they get

promoted and become journeymen. “It takes two years until that journeyman is confident and until he knows everything,” Sylvers said.

One difficulty students are having is with the pole climbing. “[The utility workers] make it look easy, but it’s not,” Watts said. “Some of us are struggling in the first 4 feet.”

Rubke said the workers aren’t used to the physical demands of pole climbing.

“They hurt where they never knew they had muscles before,” he said. Other than that small challenge, the program is “running beautifully,” Rubke said. “It is widely received and a successful [use of] stimulus dollars.”

Yesenia Pereyra can be reached at Yesenia_Pereyra@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / REVIEWS

Listeners Gaga Over Lady’s ‘Fame Monster’

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

L

ike it or not, the world cannot escape the whirlwind that is Lady Gaga, especially since the release of her new album “The Fame Monster.”

“The Fame Monster” is Gaga’s second studio album and was originally just supposed to be a re-release of her first album “The Fame,” with one new song.

It was not until later that Gaga decided to make a fulllength album, which deals with the dark side of fame, unlike her first album, which dealt with the money and the glamour aspects.

Since the album is dealing with the dark side fame, a lot of the compositions are heavily influenced by gothic music.

The first song on the album, “Bad Romance,” has an industrial goth beat, but at the same time sounds like a song that could be played at a fashion show.

The musical composition for the song is very reminiscent of the band Depeche Mode, and the lyrics make some references to elements of gothic culture.

She sings a line “I want your Psycho, your vertical stick,” which are both references to the Alfred Hitchcock films “Psycho” and “Vertigo.”

“Bad Romance” is definitely a song one would play at a party to

get everyone on the dance floor.

The next track, “Alejandro,” incorporates the techno musical style of Ace of Base with a hint of ’70s pop, like ABBA. On first listen, the lyrics sound like Gaga is in Mexico trying to escape a harem of crazy Latin men by the names of Alejandro, Fernando and Roberto.

However, like all of her lyrics, there are much deeper meanings.

The lyrics in this song are based on Gaga’s fear of commitment, to the point she can’t even remember the name of the man she is with: “Don’t call my name Alejandro/ I’m not your babe, Fernando/ don’t call my name, Roberto.”

The song also kind of plays on the phrase “What happens in Mexico, Stays in Mexico,” when she sings the line “Hot like Mexico rejoice.”

“Monster” is a song produced

by Gaga’s long-time collaborator, Space Cowboy, who also worked with her on her first album.

Musically, the song contains stuttering synths and instrumentation from heavy drums. The lyrics are based on love, but not just any love: zombie love.

The song begins with Gaga singing and repeating the line “He ate my heart” and eventually leads into the zombie eating more of her body parts: “I wanna just dance/ but he took me home instead/Uh-

oh there was a monster in my bed, we French kissed on a subway train/he tore my clothes right off/ he ate my heart then he ate my brain.”

While that may not be everyone’s idea of the ideal date, for a bizarre girl like Gaga, this is probably the ideal date.

The next track, “Speechless,” is a rock ballad dedicated to Gaga’s father. In this song Gaga shows off her wide vocal range and piano skills. The song has been compared to the works of Freddie Mercury.

Gaga said that the song is specifically about one night she visited her father in the hospital where he said he was giving up on life.

She said she felt so much hurt she just did not know what to say: “I’ll never talk again/oh boy you’ve left me speechless.”

However, her father did not give up, and according to Gaga, is doing much better and looks like he is going to make a full recovery.

“Dance in the Dark” is probably the darkest song, as the lyrics reference a young woman stuck in relationship where her boyfriend does nothing but criticize her: “She looks good but her boyfriend says she’s a mess.”

It eventually leads to her ending her life early.

The song also references many

NEW ALBUM: Lady Gaga’s “Fame Monster” is full of vampires, zombies and other pop culture relationship surprises.

other famous females who lost their lives early, like Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Sylvia Plath, Princess Diana and even JonBenet Ramsey.

The last two songs of the album “So Happy I Could Die” and “Teeth” are both highly sexual.

“Teeth” makes many references to vampires throughout, like when Gaga says “ Your teeth are sexy,” and “Take a bite of my bad girl meat.”

Ironically, the style of the song is almost gospel-like, while the lyrics are written in true S&M style, talking about how Gaga likes to be bitten and tied up.

“The Fame Monster” is a work of musical and theatrical genius and is sure to be one of the biggest albums of the year.

Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

Casa Bianca Restaurant Features Chicago-Style Pizza

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he legendary thin-crust pizza keeps bringing in the crowds to the ever-popular Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock.

Despite being located on a quiet stretch of Colorado Boulevard among somewhat faded buildings, this restaurant continues to pack patrons in, particularly on weekends.

The main attraction here is the pizza, although standard Italian pasta dishes are popular as well.

Established in 1955 on old Route 66, the restaurant remains in the original building, and appears to have been minimally updated since it opened.

Extended families have been coming here for years, passing the tradition of enjoying the same

dishes year after year through generations.

Moving west from Chicago to join family in 1955, Sam and Jennie Martorana opened Casa Bianca in a corner storefront with Sam’s brother Joe. Sam had learned early skills from his father, who was a butcher and market owner. Additionally, he picked up thin-crust pizza techniques while working as a young man at Tony’s Pizza in Chicago.

Until his death at 83 in 2007, Sam guided the restaurant on a steady path and was personally responsible for the special sausage, made with a unique blend of herbs and spices.

Jennie still works in the kitchen, though daughter Andrea is now in charge of the operation.

Andrea’s children are working in

the restaurant as well.

The pizza here is made with a thin crust, quite different than the heavier, chewy crust now more widely used. In addition, garlic, herbs and spices are added liberally, with moderate cheese and light tomato paste.

Pizza toppings are offered in a wide variety, however the housemade sausage is favored by most regular customers.

Jonathan Gold, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and food critic, has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the reputation and popularity of the restaurant. Writing for the LA Times in 1991, he enthused about the pizza, naming Casa Bianca the best neighborhood pizza restaurant in Los Angeles.

Gold, now restaurant critic for the LA Weekly, recently

wrote that he has been eating at Casa Bianca nearly once a week for years, having brought along his children as they grew up. By his estimate, he has ordered his favorite pizza with sausage and batter-fried eggplant topping 100 times since he discovered the restaurant in the mid 1980s.

Located near Occidental College, Casa Bianca has been a favorite of students taking a break.

In fact, President Barrack Obama was said to have frequently enjoyed pizza with his favored Hawaiian pineapple topping while a student at Occidental.

The restaurant exterior is nondescript except for the prominent blue and pink “Pizza Pie” neon sign, acting as a beacon at night.

Inside, adjacent to the front counter are walls covered with photos, many with autographed

messages from celebrities who have visited over the years. Jay Leno, Ed Asner and Teri Hatcher are but a few.

The dining area consists of upholstered booths along the walls with a row of tables in the center. Red and white checked tablecloths and numerous old travel posters with overhead Victorian lighting add to the appropriate atmosphere.

Service is prompt and friendly.

The young wait staff move efficiently, wearing shirts carrying the message “The Country is Going to Pizzas.”

Besides pizza, the menu includes a wide selection of typical Italian pastas as well as chicken, veal and shrimp [See Pizza, page 11]

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / REVIEWS

Weekend Classical Recitals Delight Audiences

By Daniel Choi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he first of three nightly performances held over the weekend by Glendale College’s music department graced the audience with melodic harmony.

Students from the Applied Music Program showcased their talents on Friday in the auditorium for a recital they had been preparing for all semester. Robert Gates, who played the piano as the recital class accompanist, joined several of the performers on stage.

Jeanine Colini, along with Gates, began the night by performing George Frideric Handel’s rendition of “Sonata in D minor.” Colini’s oboe pierced the air with crisp, deep sounds and alternated in speed between moderate and presto.

Rounding out the woodwind group of instruments, Michael Irwin played the bassoon in Georg Philipp Telemann’s “Sonata in F minor,” and John W.P. Stork played the flute in Mozart’s “Concerto in G major, K. 313.”

In the first vocal performance of the night, Logan Clark hit the high notes in “Seguidilla Dolorosa de Una Enamorada” (“Painful Song of a Girl in Love”

by Luis Mison). She sang with confidence and poise in a song about a tormented girl who has been left by her lover. Gates complemented Clark’s voice to make for a strong performance.

Other vocalists included Min

Sung Huh, who performed “On the Street Where You Live,” scored by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, and Sarah Moore, who exemplified “Grief and Chaos” in Mozart’s piece from “The Abduction of the Seraglio.”

While both performances were solid, “Grief and Chaos” came to life as Moore acted in accordance with its theme. She effectively portrayed a young woman in suffrage by making despairing facial expressions and despondent hand gestures.

Hayk Vardazaryan performed “Elegy” on the piano, a somber piece written by Arno Babadjanyan. Vardazaryan did a wonderful job of changing speeds and echoing the notes, resulting in a melody characterized by both beauty and gloom.

For Elya Hovhannisyan’s performance of “Concerto in A minor, Op. 16,” Gates joined her for a dual act on the piano.

Yuko Shiina, performing “The Fountains of the Villa d’Este,” showed grace and dexterity with her fingers running up and down the keys.

Performing Frederic Chopin’s “Scherzo, Op. 31 in B flat minor,” Varand Adamian’s piece was the finale of the night, a fitting end to a night of impressive performances.

However, the best performance belonged to Esther Yang on the cello in Joseph Haydn’s “Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Op. 101.” While it was her music

Restaurant Review [“Pizza,” from page 10] dishes. Starters include various appetizers, plus minestrone soup and antipastos. Desserts such as spumoni, cannoli and tiramisu complete the menu.

Beer, both domestic and imported, is offered in addition to the house wine.

Prices are very reasonable. A large pizza with one topping is priced at $13.90 with additional toppings $1.95. Most entrees are in the range of $9 to $14.

In keeping with tradition, Casa Bianca continues to accept no checks or credit cards, only cash. No delivery is offered, though there is a brisk business in pizza for carry-out.

Those who prefer to avoid waiting for their dinner should arrive early, particularly on weekends, as the restaurant fills soon after opening at 4 p.m. and an hour wait for a table at 7 p.m. is not unusual.

Reservations are taken only for parties of six or more.

Casa Bianca is in Eagle Rock at 1650 Colorado Blvd.

The phone number is (323) 256-9617. Hours are from 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday to Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

Photo by Curtis Parker

APPLIED MUSIC RECITAL: Varand Adamian performs the finale, Frederic Chopin’s “Scherzo, Op. 31 in B flat minor,”in Saturday’s performance.

that grabbed the audience’s attention, her poise and aura literally took center stage.

All in all, it was a wonderful application of music by a talented group of ambitious students.

Daniel Choi can be reached at Daniel_Choi@elvaq.com

‘A Christmas Carol’ With Musical Twist Offers Glimpse Into Victorian Times

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

magine being back in England in the 1800s: That’s what it felt like for spectators at the Glendale Center Theatre for Sunday’s performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

The entire theater was decorated like an old English town, and in the lobby hot cider and baked goods were available.

The inside of the theater was no different, but instead of a small town it was decorated like the larger city of London, complete with actors dressed in full costumes welcoming eager spectators to London and wishing everyone a merry Christmas.

This show is a bit different; it takes Charles Dickens’s classic story and turns into a semimusical play.

The play is split up into five staves (Chapters), the first four representing each one of the spirits that visits Ebenezer Scrooge throughout the night.

As the lights dim, a voice

comes on giving an intro to the story. He identifies himself as Dickens.

After the intro the show begins, with the full cast breaking into a medley of Christmas carols, complete with singing and spectacular dance moves.

However, the celebration is cut short as Scrooge makes his way down the street to his counting house.

As the stave progresses, Scrooge is in his room, as an ocean of fog drifts onto the stage and from it appears the Ghost of Jacob Marley.

The scene is complete with ominous background music and effects, designed to amplify and distort Marley’s voice to make him sound more menacing.

As the second stave begins Scrooge is visited by the first spirit Christmas past. She shows two Christmases past, one where Scrooge is still a young child at a boarding school wishing to be home, and a second when he was older working at Fezziwig’s warehouse, where he meets Belle

at a Christmas party and asks for her hand in marriage.

As Christmas Past’s time ends, she tells him he cannot change the past but can only strive to change the present and the future, before fading away.

As the clock strikes midnight, the second spirit appears in an explosion of light. Christmas Present shows Scrooge Christmas celebrations that will happen only a day later.

One is the Crachit family Christmas dinner, which reveals to scrooge something he did not know, which is how poor this family truly is, and how they can still be happy even with so little.

The second celebration is his nephew Fred’s, where he and his guests play party games, making fun of Scrooge, which in turn makes Scrooge see how people really perceive him as a grumpy, hateful old tyrant.

As Christmas Present fades away, Scrooge is visited by the final ghost: Christmas Future, an [See Scrooge, page 12]

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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SPORTS / ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Wheelchair Soccer Rolls Through Glendale

By Cindy Garcia

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale power wheelchair soccer teams played their first game of the season in a friendly match against their local rivals from Santa Barbara on Dec. 5 in the Verdugo Gym. The first and second division teams played two 40-minute games each, but only the second game was official since the first game of each respective division was only a practice game.

The first division teams, The Glendale Roughriders and Rolling Gauchos, played an intense game, but in the end the Rolling Gauchos came away the victors with a score of 2-0.

“We haven’t had many practices together this year yet since we are just getting started, but this game was a really good practice,” said Cindy Wells, the Roughriders’ coach and mother of Joey Wells, the captain of the team.

Cindy said that another factor that affected the Roughriders was the absence of four players who would have been keys to the game, since many of the players who played were starters who lacked the experience of the missing players.

Other than missing those players “I think we did really good,” said Wells.

Joey was upbeat about the outcome of the game.

“It was good competition,” said Joey. “We played very hard and they beat us, but we´ll

win next time.”

The new Glendale power soccer team, the Wild Wheelers, made its debut against the Santa Barbara Rebels in the second division game. But despite hard work, the first and only goal came from the Rebels, who won 1-0.

Jeff Graner of the Wild Wheelers was positive about the start of the season and said that the game is all about learning from others.

“It’s my first game and I’m learning from all my teammates,” said Graner. “Overall, we played very well and I’m really excited about the next game.

Cindy also said that despite the losses by the Roughriders and the Wild Wheelers, the game was a rewarding learning experience.

She said the fact that they belong to and are part of a team gives the players confidence, and they “show people that they are like everybody else and that being in a wheelchair does not make them helpless.”

“I’m very proud of both of the teams because they play really hard,” said Cindy. “It’s very inspiring to watch them because they don’t let their disability stop them.”

Both teams will have a fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for travel and equipment expenses. Part of the event will include a band playing live music, raffle tickets, a postcard sale, food and drinks. Also, Joey will be presenting and selling his book “Through My Eyes,” in which he expresses what his life is like through poetry. Five dollars from

Theater Review [“Scrooge,” from page 11] ominous grim reaper figure who does not speak, but rather points with his long, skeletal fingers.

The spirit shows Scrooge a dark alley in London where three poor beggars are trading articles of furniture and clothing for money because the owner has passed away.

It’s not until later when the spirit shows Scrooge that he is the person who has died that he realizes he has to change.

The show ends and the cast members take their final bows, but it is really not over.

As an added treat, the cast makes its way to the lobby and sings Christmas carols to the departing audience.

“A Christmas Carol,” at the Glendale Center Theatre is fun for the whole family, a spectacular combination of singing, dancing and acting.

For more information on ticket prices and upcoming performances, the theater can be contacted at (818) 2448481.

“A Christmas Carol” will run until Dec 23.

Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

Photo by Richard Kontas

THAT’S HOW WE ROLL: Joey Wells, captain of the Glendale Roughriders, breaks away from the pack during Saturday’s game against the Santa Barbara Rolling Gauchos in the Verdugo gym.

the sale of each book will go toward the teams.

The Roughriders and The Wild Wheelers are part of the Western League of the United States Power Soccer Association and

will be playing their next game in an independent power soccer tournament in Arizona next month.

For donations, contact Cindy at joeysmom58062@yahoo.com

or Laura Matsumoto at lauram@ glendale.edu For exclusive slideshow coverage vist www.ElVaq.com Cindy Garcia can be reached at Cindy_Garcia@elvaq.com

Coach Lopez Brings Life Experiences to Glendale’ s Field of Dreams

By Angelica Fraire

EL VAQUERO CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

A

ssistant baseball Coach David J. Lopez comes from a troubled family; however, his grandparents’ guidelines are helping him earn his master’s degree and teaching credential.

Growing up in Reseda, life was not the smoothest for Lopez. “I come from a dysfunctional family with an addict for a mother and a father that was never around,” he said.

“After ending up in an orphanage at the age of 3, my grandparents received custody of me and raised me,” Lopez continued.

As an adolescent, he said, “I had a lot of anger aimed at the world and needless to say I was quite a knucklehead. I was expelled from two high schools before dropping out of high school my sophomore year.”

After he and his mother had been living on the streets for a year, Lopez decided he needed to clean up his act, so he moved back with his grandparents.

Photo by Angelica Fraire

FROM HIGH SCHOOL DROP-OUT TO COACH: David Lopez has overcome the odds to get his bachelor’s degree and help coach the Glendale baseball team.

It took him five years to graduate from high school; however, he finally graduated from Reseda High School in 1999.

“I found out that I was able to motivate myself through baseball,” Lopez said. “After high school I attended a local community college and eventually received a scholarship for baseball.”

He finished his baseball career at Concordia University of Irvine

and in May of 2006 he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Lopez said he is the first of his big family to receive a college degree, and he is “now working on my master’s degree and teaching credential.”

“I have been lucky enough to hold onto my faith through the hard times, and I credit my [See Lopez, page 13]

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

13

SPORTS

Basketball Coach Celebrates Long Career

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

H

aving won 517 games over his 31-year career, head coach of the men’s basketball team, Brian Beauchemin, still has no plans for parting from GCC. With the Western State Conference starting on Jan. 9 and lasting through the end of the third week of February, Beauchemin is prepping up his Vaqueros in anticipation for the playoffs. It’s not always easy for him to coach a consistent team, since it essentially changes every two years.

“Because of that two-year transitional period, it’s difficult to get the best athletes all the time,” Beauchemin said. “You’re constantly starting from scratch.

“That’s probably one of the most difficult and challenging things of coaching on this level, because you don’t have the players for four years, you don’t have scholarships to offer them and so therefore you’re always dealing with individuals that either have some academic issues or some physical issues, so you attempt to develop them so that they can go

Sports Profile [“Lopez,” from page 12] grandpa for making me the man I am today,” Lopez said.

GCC graduate and friend of Lopez, Ernie Alverez, said, “Once you get to know him, he is very nice and knowledgeable about [baseball] workouts and he is always willing to help the students.”

Alvarez is not the only one who has positive feelings about Lopez. Players say they like Lopez, and that he knows when to discipline them and when to be a good guy.

“He is very helpful, especially with the hitters,” said pitcher Clayton Dungfelder.

“He is encouraging to me as a pitcher. He cares for the whole team and dedicates a lot of time away from his family for the team,” Lopez was offered a parttime assistant coaching position and also as an instructor in the fitness center and weight room.

“I decided that I had a natural ability to coach and develop

on and play at the next level.”

Only 18 teams out of more than 50 make the playoffs in the southern region. Beauchemin said that his teams have made the playoffs about 20 times.

The Vaqueros have appeared in the State of California Elite Eight twice: in 1985 and 2001.

They made the regional finals in 1984, 1990, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

He said that even though he has had opportunities to advance into coaching at higher levels, he decided not to for family reasons.

“I don’t regret not moving on,” Beauchemin said. “I’ve enjoyed my career here. It’s been mostly satisfying, pretty challenging and pretty difficult at times as well.”

Beauchemin previously served as head coach of the Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School boy’s basketball team before spending two years as an assistant coach with the L.A. Valley College men’s program.

His first career victory as coach for Glendale College was on Nov. 17, 1979, against visiting Mount San Antonio College.

After 31 years of coaching, does Beauchemin see the horizon

young men,” Lopez said.

“I have been working for GCC for five years and I love my job and the people I work with,” he said. “There is a great environment in the athletic department that really fosters growth in the young coaches.

“In the short time I have been coaching I have been able to touch lives, and really impact the student athletes that I encounter.

“After a short stint in the business world I realized that money isn’t everything.

I needed to define myself by something that was more substantial. The fulfillment that I receive from coaching is unlike any other job I have maintained,” he said.

Other than working on his school work and baseball coaching, Lopez is currently engaged and is planning to get married in December of 2010.

Photo by Edgar Sanchez

31 YEARS ON THE COURT Coach Brian Beauchemin won his 500th game in February 2008.

of retirement soon?

“When I don’t have any juice to do this, I will probably look for something else to do,” Beauchemin said. “This has been a pretty important part of my life and all good things have to come to an end.”

However, even if he does decide to step down as head coach, he could still be on staff as an assistant coach.

“I could go on as a consultant

or something of that nature if that’s what my interests were, or I might just kick back,” Beauchemin said.

Winning more than 500 games is no easy feat. Beauchemin mentioned that from a coaching standpoint, he’s always looking for character-driven players who want to be competitive at all times no matter what the adverse conditions are.

“If you get that kind of

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

For More

Mary Demirian, OD 2915 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505

(818) 841-3840

Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Angelica Fraire can be reached at Angelica_Fraire@elvaq.com

kid, usually you’re going to be successful, because in this day and age, it’s a pretty selfish world where everyone is in it for themselves,” the coach said.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate to have a number of kids who fit our system here, and that’s why we’ve enjoyed winning.”

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14

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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SPORTS

Fall Sports Finish Big as Season Concludes

By Chloe Vignolles-Jeong EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale College sports teams had a tremendous finish to the 2009 fall season.

In cross country, the women finished first in the State Championships, their second state title in three years, while the men finished strong in third place.

Francisco Quijada and Nina Moore were named the Western State Conference athletes of the year. Both Moore and Quijada won the WSC individual titles this year as they led their men’s and women’s teams to conference championships.

Moore led the women’s team to the Southern California and the State Championships and won both her individual races.

“This has been one of the best years, probably the best year we’ve had as a team,” assistant coach David Rodriquez said.

“One thing I can say about these ladies is they work together as a team everyday … I’ve never seen a team train as hard as they trained.”

Other Lady Vaqs that were chosen for the WSC first team

included Karen Rosas, Brianne Jauregui, Rosa Del Toro, Angelina Gonzalez, Jessica Wences, Vivian Ochoa and Caitlin Kelly. Secondteam runners included Kristine Keneich and Diana Sanchez.

Quijada led the Vaqs in the WSC first team, and three others followed, including Rico Gutierrez, Jonathan Alpizar and Francis Herrera. Second-team runners included Ricky Avila, Jesus Gutierrez and Miguel Flores.

Honorable mention recipients were Max Maier and Neil Jones.

Moore, Del Toro, Rosas and Ochoa all earned the first team All-America Honors. Jauregui and Wences were named to the third team, and Gonzalez was named fourth team.

First-team All-American was Quijada and Alpizar was named to the fourth team.

The Lady Vaqs volleyball team had 12-10 record in season, and 8-4 in Western State Conference.

Ashleigh Diller was the leading individual attempts and kill player with 343 attempts and 122 kills. Diller also had 32 aces, 16 solo blocks, and 30 block assists.

Following Diller, was Carissa

Photo by Richard Kontas

SOCCER STRUGGLES: Arman Asrian and the rest of the men’s soccer team failed to make the playoffs.

Mathijssen with 337 attempts and 86 kills. Jessica Alvarez was the kills leader with 184.

Six players earned the All Western State Conference.

First team honorees included Alvarez and Diller. Mathijssen and Alyssa Rosca earned second team. Honorable mention awards went to Ashliy Veliz and Roxie Domines.

The men’s soccer team had some struggles, but managed to win some games. They were

5-14-2 in season, and 3-10-1 in conference.

Paco Bustillos led the team with six goals and 12 points.

Jason Acosta had three goals and six points. Geoff Pogue had six goalie saves.

The Lady Vaqs soccer team had its fair share of struggles as well in season. The team was 6-8-6 in season and 4-6-4 in conference with 16 points.

“We were hoping to get into the playoffs,” said head Coach Jorge

Mena. “That was our main goal.”

Mena said the team gave their best effort but missed the playoffs because it lost too many games 1-0. “I would’ve loved to see them go to the playoffs because they deserved it,” he said. “They played so hard.”

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong can be reached at Chloe_Jeong@elvaq.com

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Men’s Basketball:

Rancho Vista Shootout: finished third Dec. 4: defeated San Diego City 79-60 Dec. 5: lost to Riverside 89-67 Dec. 6: defeated College of the Canyons 87-83

Women’s Basketball:

Tom Gilcrest Invitational: Dec. 3: lost to College of the Sequoias 79-68 Dec. 4: lost to Reedley College 81-70

Upcoming Events Men’s Basketball:

Thursday-Saturday: Rio Hondo Tournamnet TBA Dec. 16-19: Vaquero Classic at GCC TBA Photo by Kirby Lee

CHAMPS AGAIN: Nina Moore helped the Lady Vaqs cross country team win the state championship for the second time in three years.

Women’s Basketball:

Friday: vs. Mt. San Antonio College at Walnut 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18-20: San Francisco Classic TBA

For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics/

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

15

Calendar On Campus p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday. A valid photo I.D. is required for all transactions.

edu/planetarium. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext.

5275. No late seating is allowed.

Friday Flix — The Media Arts Department presents a screening of “The Robe,” directed by Henry Koster and starring Richard Burton and Jean Simmons. A discussion will follow the film.

Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5610.

events

Spontaneous Fantasia: “The Omnicentric Universe” — A real-time animation created live for the full dome digital theatre in the Planetarium by J. Walt. Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and $8 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.glendale.edu/planetarium. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

Textbook Buy Backs — The bookstore will buy back textbooks now through Dec. 12 and Dec. 14 and 15 at the return windows outside the bookstore. Bookstore hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3

An Evening With the Stars — This planetarium show will introduce the stars, constellations, and planets. General admission is $10 and $5 for children 12 and under.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.glendale.

information Final Exams — Final exams for the Fall 2009 semester will be today through Dec. 16. The final exam schedule is available online at www.glendale.edu.

Winter Break — Campus will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 due to winter vacation. Classes for the Winter 2010 session will be Jan. 4 through Feb. 11.

Swap Meet — Upper campus lot. Dec. 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free admission. Free parking is available. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5808.

Board of Trustees Meeting — Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

Open to the public.

dance The Snow Queen Ballet — The California Contemporary Ballet presents its 12th season at the Glendale College auditorium.

Take a trip to Hans Christian Anderson’s winter-time fantasy world of good and evil. Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

Advanced tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Tickets purchased at the door are $30 for adults and $25 for children.

For more information, visit www. snowqueen.org or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5618.

Faculty/Alumni Dance Concert — Auditorium. The concert features Glendale College students with choreography by faculty,

alumni, students and guests. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. No children under 5 will be admitted.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/dance or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

workshops Effective Resume Writing — This Career Center workshop addresses essential resume-writing principles, alternative resume formats, and key content elements.

Today from noon to 2 p.m. This workshop is free and no registration is required. The Career Center is located on the second floor of the San Rafael Building. For more information, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5407.

Around Town events Concert Singers Winter Performance — First Lutheran Church, 1300 E. Colorado St. Glendale College students will perform holiday favorites and other choral music led by Dr. Peter Green.

Sunday at 4 p.m. General admission is $10 and $7 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5622.

mation, call (323) 665-3051.

County Holiday Celebration — Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. This holiday celebration features music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles. Dec. 24 from 3 to 9 p.m. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit www.holidaycelebration.org.

Tournament of Roses — The 121st Rose Parade will take place on Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. The parade features spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. The 5 1/2- mile parade route begins at the corner of Ellis Street and Orange Grove Boulevard and travels north then east on Colorado Boulevard, ending on Sierra Madre Boulevard.

For more information, visit www. tournamentofroses.com or call (626) 449-4100.

Drawing Life: The Dutch Visual Tradition — The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. This exhibition of features some of the most beloved genres depicted by Dutch artists during this highly active period.

Now through Feb. 28. Admission is free and parking is $15 per vehicle. Museum hours vary.

For more information, visit www. getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

Griffith Park Light Festival — Griffith Park, Los Feliz Blvd. and Riverside Drive, Los Angeles.

Enjoy a mile-long holiday lights display. The lights can be viewed from automobiles or on foot. Visitors can enter through Los Feliz Boulevard or from the L.A. Zoo entrance. Now through Dec. 30.

The festival is free and runs daily from 5 to 10 p.m. For more infor-

Weaving Desire: Visions of the Filipina — Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena. This exhibition explores the canonical visions of the early to mid-20th century Filipina. Now through Feb. 8. General admission is $9 and $7 for students and seniors.

Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit

exhibitions

www.pacificasiamuseum.org call (626) 449-2742.

or

Dialogues: Chapters of Latin American Art — Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. This exhibition features works from the museum’s permanent collection that represent multiple periods, techniques and perspectives by Latin American masters, mid-career and young emerging artists.

Admission is $9 and $6 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.molaa.org or call (562) 437-1689.

comedy Melissa Peterman — Ice House Comedy Club, 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Melissa Peterman is best known for her starring role in the sitcom “Reba.” She’ll preform stand-up comedy routine Tuesday at 8 p.m. Admission is $12.50. For more information, visit www.icehousecomedy.com or call (626) 577-1894.

music Holidays with Sweet Honey in the Rock — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Enjoy this a cappella group as they spread the joy of the holiday season by interweav-

ing rhythmic stories of their African ancestors with rich festive harmonies. Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.

Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.org or call (323) 850-2000.

A Chanticleer Christmas — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Celebrate Christmas with a concert of festive holiday music. Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For information, visit www.laphil.org or call (323) 850-2000.

theater “A Christmas Carol” — Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale is told with music at the Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., now through Dec. 23. Ticket prices vary and include student and senior citizen discounts. For more information, including showtimes, visit www.glendalecentertheatre.org or call (818) 244-8481.

“The Nutcracker” — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. The Red Chair Children’s production company presents a cast of over 100 children and teens as they perform in the ballet classic alongside adults. Friday at 8

p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, including additional showtimes, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” — Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.

This Dr. Seuss classic is the story of the mean and scheming Grinch who decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday loving Whos. Now through Jan. 3. Ticket prices vary. For more information, including showtimes, visit www.pantages-theatre.com or call (323) 365-3500.

wellness Meditations for a Happy Life — Evolve Yoga Studio, 3601 Ocean View Blvd. The Kadampa Meditation Center California presents meditation classes Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with instructor Amy Peng. Admission is $12 per class. For more information, visit www.meditateinla.org or call (323) 223-0610.

Free Yoga in the Park— Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 Fuller Drive, Los Angeles. Free yoga lessons every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (323) 666-5046.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

16

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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VAQUERO VIEWS

Ceramics Students Hold Holiday Sale

By Yesenia Pereyra

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he ceramics department had a student sale Saturday at GCC, where 40 students exhibited their work, costumers were looking for gifts for the holidays and where shopping was done for the pleasure of art.

The sale took place in the chilly room of SC 212 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m, which filled up with shoppers from the neighborhood, staff from campus, friends and people helping in the sale.

Students from ceramic classes brought together their work ranging from traditional plates, to water pots, oval shape necklaces and hangings for sale.

The pottery sale is held twice a year, each semester. In the sale, students have the opportunity to learn how to market their work and make business, said Mark Poore, head of the ceramics department.

In the sale, 80 percent of the profit goes to the artists and 20 percent goes to the department. “The 20 percent profit goes to scholarships, guest speakers, equipment and awards,” said Poore. “Eventually it all goes back to the students.” Last spring semester, the sale had a profit of about $5,000.

The semester before that, it was about $10,000, due to the holiday season. The department expected to take in roughly $10,000 this year.

Students sold pieces that they made in class throughout the semester or pieces from previous semesters, said Poore. All ceramic students are eligible to participate, but most have three to four semesters experience.

“In the first semester or second, you don’t feel too secure about your work,”

said Jose Salinas, ceramics student and a student employee in the ceramics lab.

“You don’t believe it is good. You are just beginning to learn how to create. It comes to the third semester where you begin to feel more secure and feel that your stuff is worth selling.”

“I have a lot of students that work outside of class,” Poore said. “They put in many hours of practice to find their tone.” He has had students that have studios, started their own tile company and display their work internationally.

Ellisa Weekely has been in ceramic classes for three years now. She sells in La Canada and in the Burbank Creative Arts Center, and this is her third year participating in the sale. As a mother with all her children off to college and with nothing to hold her back, she decided to try ceramics because her mother always insisted that she should try it.

Now, “ceramics has changed my life,” she said. “It opened up a world of appreciation of art and how things are created. All I want out of it is to pay for my habit.”

Lilia Venier takes it a step further.

Although it started as a hobby, she now is leaning toward a career as a ceramicist. She exhibits her work in the Studio Arts Gallery in Laguna Beach and the Chemers Gallery in Tustin.

“When you come here [to ceramics] they tell you you won’t make money,” Venier said. “That is why you have to find, in any place, what you can do differently. That is the key. With this, I pay for bills and help my husband with payments, which he is happy about.”

Yesenia Pereyra can be reached at Yesenia_Pereyra@elvaq.com

Photo by Shaun Kelly

HOLIDAY CERAMICS SALE: The ceramics department raises funds for scholarships and enhanced programs through their bi-annual sales. Centerpiece by artist Peter Wolf.