Sept 22, 2006

El Vaquero Glendale College

Photo by Jane Pojawa

New president/superintendent Audre Levy was unanimously selected by the Board of Trustees and is the first female to hold the position in the history of the campus. See story, page 5. www.elvaq.com

Volume 90 Number 1

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2006

Vaquero Views

Parking

Edinburgh

Banksy

Students take on challenges of new term.

Students are affected by lack of space.

Theatre Arts students travel to Scottland.

Controversial British artist exhibits his work in L.A.

Page 20

Photo by Griag Agop

Page 4

Page 12

Photo by Ty Hathaway

Page 15

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Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

OBITUARY

Campus Mourns Loss of Mathematics Professor

By Alison Geller

EL VAQUERO FEATURES EDITOR

D

eirdre Collins, a tenured math professor, passed away on Aug. 17 due to complications that arose after having a heart attack while she was on campus April 4.

She leaves behind her husband of eight years, Sterrett.

Collins had been a faculty member here since September 2001 and began her tenure September 2005. She was working her way through the math sequence to teach all the higher level mathematics according to Peter Stathis, the Division Chair of the math department.

Math instructor, Kathleen Holmes said that “[on April 4] after leaving her class she was going down the stairs and she felt faint.

She thought that if she went to her office and kind of just rested a little bit that it would pass. And it didn’t, so she called the nurse

Deirdre Collins

and by her describing her symptoms to the nurse, the nurse called paramedics. She was taken by ambulance from [GCC].”

According to Holmes the hospital decided to perform an angiogram on Collins and depending on their findings they might also perform surgery. They ended up doing a triple bypass surgery soon after the angiogram.

Holmes said that the last she

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Math instructers from left to right: Gary Massion, Mike Allen, Steve Marsden, Bill Shamhart, Lynn Pomeroy, Andy Young, David Jones, Pete Witt, Deirdre Collins, Liz Russell, Peter Stathis, Kathleen Holmes, Yvette Hassakoursian

had heard that night was that the surgery had gone fine and that the doctors would be reviving Collins in the morning. The next morning however, they could not wake her.

Collins, prior to the angiogram, appeared fine for someone who had just had a heart attack said Holmes. Both she and Stathis went to the emergency room to see her.

In the emergency room she was talking to Holmes and asking her to make sure her classes got cancelled.

Stathis said that when he was waiting with her in the emergency room Collins dozed off for awhile.

He happened to have a book with him so she awoke to find Stathis reading. She asked him about the book and after describing it to her she asked for her purse to write down the title because she said it sounded interesting.

“She was an intellectual,” said Stathis. “That’s how I see her, in the best sense of the word, someone who’s really interested in knowledge and different people and their peccadilloes.”

Many from the math department and her church visited Collins and they even started a journal. They would write down who went to see her, on what day, at what time and a brief description of what happened during their stay said Holmes.

This was mainly for her husband but also for her other visitors so they knew that other peo-

ple had been there with her and if there had been any changes.

Collins never regained consciousness after the surgery. She remained in an intensive care unit at Adventist Hospital for three months because of infections and was then moved to a long term hospital care facility in West Covina. She was only there for a few weeks before she passed away, according to Holmes.

Collins was very active both at school and in her social life.

Holmes said that the math department is a very close group.

Many from the math department go to lunch every Friday and Collins usually came along.

She had been working with Holmes on The Math Collaborative for the past three years; the Collaborative was originally started five years ago by Holmes and David Hassett, another math teacher at GCC, who worked on it together for the first two years. “[The Collaborative] is with the local high schools,” said Holmes. “And we work with them to brainstorm any kind of strategy we can use to try and improve students preparing more in high school. So when they get here their math placement scores are as high as possible and they can start at the highest math class possible.”

“I was always amazed at how much energy she had,” said Holmes. “She was just incredible.”

Collins was governor-at-large and treasurer of the Faculty Asso-

ciation of California Community College, a member of the Glendale Quilt Guild, a member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, she was very interested in learning disabilities and helping disabled students, as well as being very active in her church, according to Holmes.

She was also involved with many different committees at GCC. “She had a fresh eye on everything,” said Lynn Pomeroy, math professor.

Holmes and Stathis expressed their admiration at the extra work she took on for her students. Collins gave a quiz every week and students would have to go to the learning center and get signed off that they went over the problems they had trouble with. If, on a test, 80 percent of her students got a problem wrong she would put it on as many quizzes as it took until 80 percent got it right.

Stathis said that at her memorial service on Sept. 9 he talked about this unique teaching method.

“None of us would do that much work. We usually do five tests or something. It was hours more of extra grading that she didn’t have to do, but she believed in it and she found it successful.”

A memorial scholarship has been set up in Collins’ name. A large envelope is located outside Pomeroy’s office, SG 364, with small envelopes in it to donate to the scholarship.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Friday, September 22, 2006

3

NEWS BRIEFS

Board of Trustees Honor Police Specialist Kobaissi

By Olga Ramaz

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

A

Photo by Olga Ramaz

Nidal Kobaissi, Campus Police Specialist, is honored at Board of Trustees Meeting for his work as former president of GCC’s California School Employees Association.

t Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Police Specialist Nidal Kobaissi was honored for his accomplishments as president of GCC’s California School Employees Association (CSEA). Kobaissi will be stepping down from his position after nearly three years of service.

According to Kobaissi, before he stepped in as president, GCC went through some tough times.

The budget and layoffs were major concerns, but eventually things smoothed out.

“I tried to make the best out of things,” said Kobaissi. “We [GCC] kind of carried through and things are looking a lot brighter.”

A former student of GCC, Kobaissi understands the students’ point of view. He believes that if the faculty does not work well together, the students do not get what they are paying for.

Saodat Aziskhanova, who was the former vice-president for the employees association, will be taking over the role of CSEA president.

During the trustees meeting, Aziskhanova presented Kobaissi with a plaque and a light saber to “help him on the other side.”

“I think he [Kobaissi] was an outstanding leader,” said Aziskhanova. “He did change a lot of things at CSEA.” Aziskhanova credits Kobaissi for helping make the classified employees an integral part of the campus community.

Both Kobaissi and Aziskhanova worked closely on the CSEA, respectively as president and vice-president.

Kobaissi has no doubt that Aziskhanova will do a great job carrying out her duties as president.

“She’s been with me the whole time [and] we think along the same lines,” said Kobaissi. “She’s very passionate about what she does and she’s very good about what she does. She’s going to get all of my support and I know everybody is going to want to support her.”

Kobaissi will now re-focus his undivided attention to his career in the police department.

Olga Ramaz can be reached at Olga_Ramaz @elvaq.com

Students Donate Blood, Money to Commemorate 9/11

By Rachel Mills

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

eptember 11 and 12 the college commemorated the five year anniversary of 9/11 by sponsoring a blood drive that gave back to many local hospitals and blood banks as well as donating money to charity.

The donors gave more than a pint of blood. Many also gave $2 donation to a 9/11 Children’s Fund. The total amount raised was reported to be $184 for the 92 donors.

Many of the donors were regulars. Students Andrew Watson and Loudvik Avanesian had each donated more than five times before the blood drive on campus.

Another regular, Victor Rosales said, “[I] don’t do drugs, so I might as well donate blood for a good cause.”

This fall’s blood drive had 23 more donors than last fall’s blood drive.

However, this blood drive had fewer donors than the last blood drive on campus which was in the in spring.

That blood drive had a turn out of 107 donors.

“I think students don’t donate blood because they have a fear of needles and they don’t care,” said Watson.

Another student, David Machin, 18, said he would feel more inclined to donate if he knew where and what

happened with the blood and how it helps.

The American Red Cross Web site offers facts regarding blood donation which can help students understand the value of their blood donations.

According to the figures presented, every two seconds someone in America needs blood. They also state that one out of every ten people admitted to a hospital needs a blood transfusion. The site also reports that the national demand for blood is higher than the 15 million donations collected annually.

A person who wishes to donate blood needs to be over the age of 17, 110 pounds or over, and in general good health. The required waiting time in between blood donations is 56 days. However, if just palates are given, a person can donate a maximum of 24 times a year. Another fact is that one blood donation saves up to three lives.

“If people want to give blood they’ll find a way to do it,” said Machin.

Students can find information about local blood drives and other information regarding the blood donating process at http://www.redcross. org/donate/give/

Photo by Emmanuel Belviz

Rachel Mills can be reached at Rachel_Mills@elvaq.com

Loudvik Avanesian, an accounting major, takes time to donate blood on Sept. 12. Avanesian says he donates blood every month.

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Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Parking Takes its Toll on Students, New Building Delays

By Pauline Guiuan

EL VAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

G

CC students and staff are

again forced to deal with the problem of parking as a new semester begins. Jam-packed parking lots and students driving around in their cars searching for available space have been a common sight in Student Parking Lots B, 30, 31 and 34 since fall classes started on Sept. 6.

The lack of parking spaces for students has been worsened this semester by the ongoing construction of a $26 million dollar parking structure in Upper Parking Lot B, which has taken away 400 parking spaces from students since last spring. Administration worked to alleviate the problem by shifting those spaces to other lots or through the stacked parking system.

Fire technology major Stanley Woo said that the parking situation was “bad” on the first day of school.

“I arrived at seven [a.m.] and started looking for parking in the complex [along Verdugo Avenue],” said Woo. “It was already full, so I drove up to Lot B. It took 20 minutes before I got to park.”

Woo added that for the first few days, he and his friends would come to school as early as 7 a.m. so that they could find parking spaces and avoid being late for class, even if it meant waiting in their cars until their classes began at 9:30.

However, college police spokesperson Nidal Kobaissi said that parking has been “pretty good” during the first few days of the fall semester.

“It has been good, especially with the stacked parking,” said Kobaissi, referring to the parking system in which lot attendants assist students in finding available spaces in Lot B and park the students’ cars for them when the lot is full.

“It’s just that some students are not aware of the [stacked

parking] system. Most of them want to park in the complex across campus on Verdugo. Even when it’s full, they’d rather wait there [for an available space].”

Kobaissi said that returning students were already familiar with the stacked parking; it was the new students who were unaware of the system. In anticipation of this problem, campus police asked lot attendants to distribute fliers containing parking information to students as they came into the lot.

He said that all student lots were completely filled up only on Thursday, Sept. 7, and again on Monday, Sept. 11, at around 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on both days.

“We have not yet reached full [parking] capacity, except for two hours”, said Kobaissi.

He also added, “those were the toughest times to find parking.”

Director of Business Services, Bill Taylor, added that this semester’s first-day parking situation was “not much differ-

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How would you grade your Glendale Community College parking experience?

9.7% A 3.2% B 16.1% C 32.3% D 38.7% F Total votes: 31 * Poll run date: June 4 to Sept. 22 Most students who voted at elvaq.com agree that parking at GCC is a problem.

ent” from the last few semesters.

“Students were hunting and waiting for spaces, but it was the same last fall,” said Taylor. “Parking is adequate for our current enrollment.”

According to Taylor, more spaces are available for students along Verdugo Ave. since the City of Glendale agreed to honor GCC parking permits for public parking spaces.

Vice President of Administrative Services, Larry Serot, said that the college actually has more parking spaces for students this semester than it did in the spring.

The construction of the $16 million dollar Allied Health Building has also partly caused the loss of a few more parking spaces for staff and faculty. Work on the building has been delayed by “manpower and construction methods,” according to Taylor.

The project is expected to be completed by the middle of spring 2007 and will house the graphic arts and nursing programs.

“We’re two to three weeks behind schedule,” Taylor said.

He attributed this to several problems, including inadequate manpower, poor soil conditions and over-excavation on the part of the construction company working on the building.

However, Taylor emphasized that parking was “not affected” by the delay in construction. “It only took away a few spaces,” he said, referring to the loss of the G lot and part of the F lot behind the cafeteria and library buildings. This area was cordoned

off and installed with temporary stairs in the summer to allow passage for students up to Lot B. Serot added that the loss of those parking spaces was not due to the construction of the Allied Health building, but more because of the construction of the elevator tower that will transport students from campus to the future parking structure.

Staff and faculty have been asked to park off campus since the spring. They are taken by a shuttle system to and from various parking lots in Glendale. According to Kobaissi, there is a current shortage of around 35 parking spaces for staff and faculty.

However, the collective sacrifice will be rewarded as the parking situation is expected to improve drastically with the completion of the six-story parking structure in July 2007, according to Taylor. The structure will have a total of 1160 stalls, guaranteeing a net gain of 850 new spaces.

Kobaissi said that even now, there are enough parking spaces for the students.

“Students need to know that parking is available,” he said.

Serot also assures students that the parking situation will “ease up” after another week.

“The first two or three weeks of school have always been a problem,” said Serot. “But after the first few weeks, things settle down and everyone should be able to find parking.”

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline Guiuan@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Friday, September 22, 2006 5

NEWS

New President/Superintendent Feels Right at Home

By Pauline Guiuan

EL VAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

A

tall, dignified woman often dressed in a suit is usually seen roaming the halls and buildings of GCC. She occasionally pauses to greet a staff or faculty member or to talk to a student.

She visits classes and sits at a desk, quietly observing the students and instructors. Afterwards, she returns to her office to continue with the load of work that she has to deal with everyday as a school administrator. This is Dr. Audre Levy, GCC’s new president/superintendent.

The Board of Trustees and presidential selection committee unanimously selected Levy as the new president last May out of four candidates, making her the first female president in the history of the college. Since John Davitt’s retirement in July, Levy has been working doubly hard to get to know the school, the students, and the faculty and staff.

“This is a really dynamic college,” she says. “Glendale has some wonderful programs and exciting teachers…I enjoy the community. People have been so supportive of me.”

Board of Trustees President Kathleen Burke-Kelly said that the board was “very impressed with Dr. Levy’s broad experience in education and her many accomplishments,” according to a news release on the GCC website.

Before coming to GCC, Levy had been the president of Los Angeles Southwest College for five years. She was an English teacher at elementary and high schools for 12 years, and has also worked at various community colleges and four-year universities.

The new president says that she has an “interesting” background.

“I came from a very small country town and was in a high school class of only 25 students.”

Being one of four siblings, Levy says that she was pressured to excel academically because of her older sister’s achievements.

“She was the [high school] valedictorian. People were expecting the other sister [Levy] to be just like her.”

As a high school student, Levy described herself as being very “social,” involving herself in forensics and public speaking.

“I would even give speeches to farmers,” she says. She graduated

as the class salutatorian and was offered several college scholarships.

Levy went on to Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in public speaking with a minor in English.

She later on earned four master’s degrees in education, psychology, administration and conscious studies.

“I’ve been a perpetual student,” she says. “I love being in a classroom.”

After teaching at public schools in Detroit for almost nine years, Levy moved to California with her husband and two children.

She taught for a few years at junior high schools, then started to consider taking her career to the community college level.

“It was my new year’s resolution to get a job at a community college,” Levy says. “So for three months, I was actively programming my mind for that. Every night I would do something, like visit colleges, read catalogs, and work on my resume.”

Levy volunteered as a counselor at the West LA and Santa Monica colleges. Because of her experience as a high school teacher, former students would come to her for counseling and she soon became “the popular one.” It was not long before she became a full-time counselor at Valley College; she was also hired by Santa Monica College for a part-time counseling job.

“You’ve got to figure out how to make things happen for yourself,” Levy says. “You’ve always got to do your best job because someone’s always watching you.”

According to Levy, one of her strengths is that she manages to stay “very calm” and “always level,” even in volatile situations.

“People watch me, and they see how I handle difficult employees and situations with students, and they recognize that.”

She also says that she is “very involved with the spiritual community. My thinking is part of that spiritual philosophy that if you change your thinking, you change your life. What you attract in your mind is what you attract in reality. If you have a good attitude, you’ll attract people with a good attitude.”

Levy’s secretary Sally Holmes says that it is a “pleasure” to be working with the president. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with Dr. Levy,” Hol-

Photo by Jane Pojawa

New college president Audre Levy believes in “doing your best job because someone’s always watching you.”

mes says. “She’s very intelligent.

She’s a wonderful woman.”

When asked about her role as college president, Levy says that she is “a strong advocate for the students. I see my role his way: though I’m looking out for everybody, I’m specifically the voice of the students. Often at [staff/faculty] meetings, I would remind everybody, ‘Remember, we’re here for the students.’”

Student and ASGCC Senator of Campus Organizations Paolo Banaag says that Levy “shows great character.” According to Banaag, Levy sat in on one of their meetings and “gave a really inspiring speech that ended with her saying, ‘Without you guys, we wouldn’t be here.”

Because of her love for learning, Levy enjoys visiting the classes on campus. “I’d be sitting at one of the desks and at times I’d like to raise my hand and get involved in the discussion, but I can’t,” she says with a grin. “I’m a guest. I’m supposed to behave.”

Levy believes that in her first few months at GCC, she is learning that the college has several strengths that make it very different from other community colleges.

“The faculty is very innova-

tive,” she says. “They’re good at looking at situations differently and getting students involved in education. They get students excited so that they [students] will continue to explore it beyond the class.”

She also says that she is “excited about the students,” and enjoys attending ASGCC meetings and talking to students around campus. She is fascinated the diversity of the student population.

ASGCC Vice President of Campus Activities Sevada Begijanyan says that Levy “cares so much about the students. She’s interested in students’ opinions and always wants to know what they want or what they think.”

The new president says she even often gets invited to eat with students and faculty. “People know I like to eat,” she says. “So they take me out to eat, and that’s why my diet didn’t work,” she adds jokingly. She says she especially enjoys the meals prepared by the culinary arts department in Los Robles.

Levy has also observed the college’s partnership with the Glendale community is “very solid. The mayor and other people in position in this city know about the college and support this

college.”

When asked about continuing former president Davitt’s legacy, she says that Davitt was “a giant on the community college level.

What he left behind was a sense of unity among the faculty and staff, and for students, he helped them look at this [GCC] as a place that was their home. He was also very instrumental in reaching out to the community. He left some big shoulders to stand on, and I’m very grateful for that.”

She adds that she is still in constant communication with Davitt and that he has been very generous with advice on how to handle situations at the college. “There are many parallels between us,” she says.

Some of the challenges Levy is facing as the new president includes the college’s “fiscal needs” because of rising educational costs and meeting the students’ needs with the current budget; she also wants to help high school graduates coming to the college to acquire skills and experiences that were not previously available to them.

Levy is also quite concerned about the “biggest issue” of park[See Levy, page 7]

6

Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

ASGCC Announces Tuition Decrease

By Kara Aranas

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

tarting Winter 2007, tuition will be dropped to $20 a unit from the current $26, announced ASGCC president David Arakelyan at Tuesday’s ASGCC meeting.

Arakelyan explained how the approval of the fee reduction may possibly solve low enrollment issues in the college.

“We, as a student association, represent students and do what we’re supposed to do,” said Arakelyan. “We want to make GCC affordable for everyone.”

Although this was a successful motion, the ASGCC legislature is still trying to push tuition costs down to $15 a unit. In order to do this, 5000 signatures are needed to petition the request. Various committees within the student government legislature were encouraged to be active in the pursuit of lower tuition costs.

“This is something where you can make a difference on a larger scale,” said Student Activites Coordinator and Advisor Alen Andrassian. “This isn’t going to happen if you don’t put work into it.”

ASGCC’s special committee reported spending $179,000 on a new web design for the school’s website. “It helps put the college out there,” says Arakelyan, hoping that this could be another solution to the low enrollment dilemma.

Syuzanna Petrosyan, Vice President of Finance, explained that $79,000 will be used to keep the website running, while the other $100,000 will go to making the website more attractive and will also add new languages on the site so that international students can understand it.

The committee is hopeful that these new changes will draw more students to choose to attend GCC. The school also received the Title V grant for $2.9 billion paid out over 5 years.

Title V is aimed towards Hispanicserving institutions, to help students still in high school by giving them a better college education experience. The goal is to help students under the grant to get through GCC in just two years and onto a four-year university.

The Campus Relations Committee is also planning to take a survey of what kind of food students would like to eat

on campus. They are suggesting that the culinary department cook fresh food for students instead of opening up fast food restaurants in the cafeteria. “Maybe we can have fresh salads,” said Vice President of Administration Carolina Yernazian. There was also a proposition for the school cafeteria to start accepting ATM cards to make it easier for the students.

As the meeting came to a close, Vice President of Campus Activities Sevada Begijanyan read the “Quote of the Day.” The purpose of the “Quote” is to motivate the officers that make up the ASGCC legislative body as they prepare to carry out tasks that lay ahead.

Begijanyan read, “Accept the challenge so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.”

Kara Aranas can be reached at Kara_Aranas@elvaq.com

[See related story, “David Arakelian Takes on Role of New ASGCC President,” page 8]

Trustees Applaude new Title V Grant

By Alison Geller

EL VAQUERO FEATURES EDITOR

T

he college has been awarded a new Title V Grant to help improve the access and success of lowincome students. This was just one of several important topics covered at Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

The new Title V Grant will give $575 thousand a year for the next five years.

Scot Spicer, the Associate Dean of Instructional Services, and Cathy Durham, the Title V Grant Director, gave an informational presentation on the intent and benefits that this grant, which begins October 1, will give low-income students as well as the college.

The goal for this grant, according to Durham, is to “enhance[See Board of Trustees, page 8]

www.elvaq.com

Friday, September 22, 2006

7

NEWS

Low Enrollment Epidemic Hits GCC, Classes Cancelled

By Diana Petras

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

E

nrollment for full-time college students has dropped six percent since 2003 and continues to stay at a steady sum of about 12,300 students because of tuition hikes, student interest and a lack of classroom and parking space.

There are 109 California community colleges, and a majority of them are having problems with low enrollment this fall. Unfortunately, Glendale Community College is no exception, and it is now lacking in FTES (Full time Equivalent Student). “There are some [community colleges] that continue to do well [without any problems of low enrollment], but they’re usually in areas that have an increase of population,” said Larry Serot, Executive Vice President for Administrative Services.

According to the Vice President of Instructional Services, Steve White, colleges receive a certain amount of money from the government for a certain number of FTES. The more students enrolled means more money for the

school. When there are fewer students, the school loses money that could benefit the school.

White said that an FTES is one credit or non-credit student enrolled at Glendale College. The student must be enrolled in 15 units for both the fall and spring semesters to have a total of 30 units total, said White.

In terms of money, he said that the college receives about $3,900 to $4,000 for one credit FTES and around $2,200 for one non-credit FTES. “There are about 16,000 credit and non-credit FTES enrolled at Glendale College, said White, “The school receives about $70,000,000 for that many FTES.” The number of FTES each year is expected to grow. When the school does not reach the growth enrolled, the school loses money.

However, in order for the FTES number to grow, the economy has to be doing poorly. One major reason why community colleges are struggling with low enrollment this semester is because student enrollment has an inverse relationship with the economy.

“When the economy is doing

Graph shows how GCC’s enrollment is below the estimated student population growth as mandated by state government.

well and people are working, they won’t go to school to be trained to work on job skills,” said Serot.

“So whenever the economy does well, our enrollment goes flat.

Then when the economy is bad and people are out of work, they go back to college to retrain, and student enrollment increases.”

Another reason to why student enrollment has not increased may be because of the two fee increases that have happened at GCC. In 2002 the enrollment fee at GCC was $13 per unit. Then in 2003 it increased to $18 per unit; in 2004 and 2005 the fee jumped to $26 per unit. With each fee hike, stu-

New President Believes In Defying Odds [Levy, from Page 5]

ing. “One of the things that’s first on my agenda is trying to find more parking for everyone.”

However, she does not believe that the parking problem has greatly affected enrollment. “Some students have probably decided not to stay because of the parking. But really, comparing where we are now to last year, we’re just about even and lost only about a hundred students. And that’s not to say that those who’ve left did so because of the parking.”

Part of her goals for the students includes being able to improve curriculum in such a way “that will make students want to stay and learn more” and to improve campus facilities. As for the faculty and staff, she wants to continue and strengthen “Dr. Davitt’s

legacy” of unity among them, and to get them to “socialize” with other members of the campus community more.

When asked about her personal goals, she jokes, “To lose weight.”

Then, more seriously, she adds that she wants “to be a person my family and friends would always want to be with, that they would really seek me out because they want to be in my company. I also want to maintain my positive attitude even in the midst of challenges, and to be a light for others in the midst of darkness.”

Despite having a very busy schedule, Levy does her best to find time for family and friends, especially for her son in North Carolina and her daughter in Florida. “I go and visit them at various times during the year, and we talk on the phone at least once a week.” She also spends time with her sister a couple of times

a month.

Levy says that she would like the students to know about her background because “anyone can do what I have done.

I want them to know that they can do anything they can put their mind to if they would only sit down and decide, ‘I’m really going to do this.’

Whether it’s to lose weight, to get a college degree or to run a marathon, it all starts with a commitment.”

“I’m a person who’s defied odds. Part of defying odds is believing in yourself and not succumbing to the pity party,” she adds. “We have to remember that it’s our attitude and not the color of our skin or how much money we have that matters.”

Pauline Guiuan can be reached at Pauline Guiuan@elvaq.com

dent enrollment decreased and now the number of FTES attending Glendale College is around a stable sum of 12,300 students.

Both Serot and White have said that low enrollment affects everyone. Even Dr. Teresa Cortey, Chair of the Foreign Language Department said, “Low enrollment classes are still classes deserving of respect, and [French] 103 and [French] 104 are part of the core program of the major, and [those classes] cannot be cancelled without hurting [other] students.”

However, White said that there may be some limitation to the numbers of students attending Glendale College because of parking and the numbers of classrooms available on campus.

The college is unable to offer new courses and services for students.

Part-time professors are unable to teach because there are not enough classrooms for them.

“The number of students enrolled is not low. Enrollment is just flat like others in all the other community colleges in the state because of the economy,” said Serot.

He also said that low enrollment does not affect the students who plan on transferring to a fouryear university. Programs like the nursing and transfer programs are very popular among most students; their classes are never lacking in interested students.

However, Serot also said that there are students who are taking classes in areas that are not as popular as finishing general education requirements or getting into the nursing program.

Programs like computer science are the ones that have taken a dive in the number of students taking

the course.

Public Relations student Nanor Avedissian has experienced one of the consequences of low enrollment. She expected to earn a Public Relations Certificate this semester, but the one class she needed to earn the certificate was cancelled.

Avedissian said, “Specialty classes are empty and the general education classes are full. People just want to finish their general education and get out.”

The school hopes that the number of students will increase next year. The construction in the back of the school includes a new parking structure and a new three floor building called Bhupseh Parikh Health Services and Technology.

Enrollment fees are going to be lowered for winter intersession 2007. Serot, White, and even Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid Patricia Hurley all said that fees are changing from $26 per unit to $20 per unit.

The college is working on ways to advertise the school. “We are increasing our advertising budget, and we are developing a new newsletter to the community that will have an insert directed at high school students and their parents,” said Serot.

According to Serot, the school’s job is to market itself through webcasting on websites like Myspace. com to get the word out to the public. They are also going to advertise in different languages to let more people know about Glendale College in hopes of increasing the number of students here at Glendale College and eliminate the problem of low enrollment.

Diana Petras can be reached at Diana_Petras@elvaq.com

8

Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

David Arakelyan Takes on Role of New ASGCC President was the budget, in which he overlooked the spending and controlled the dispersing EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER of the money. Being president, you have to have a wider mindset, according to Arakeavid Arakelyan, former ASGCC trea- lyan. As president you have to make sure surer, was elected president of the As- everything is running smoothly and be sociated Students of GCC (ASGCC) for able to multitask. the 2006-2007 school year.

“One of the many perks of being part of Arakelyan said he wanted to be presi- AS is being able to voice your opinion,” dent of AS because he finds it to be differ- said Arakelyan. He adds, “Being able to ent from other campus organizations. “Be- put your input on certain issues that matter ing part of the AS is a life and affect the student changing experience. It has body makes being part so much to offer and gives of AS worth the while room to grow,” said Arakesince your opinion aclyan. tually matters.”

“Being president I have to In addition to his have a vision to direct the orobligations connected ganization,” said Arakelyan. with maintaining good As far as responsibilities go grades and other clubs, he has to overlook and be a Arakelyan is able to part of every committee to keep running the AS ensure that everything flows his highest priority. is carried out as planned. He Aside from being part sits in during meetings and -Arbi Ismailyan of the AS, Arakeprovides his input on certain lyan is part of several issues and discussions. other organizations “David is very intellion campus, including gent, so if you need to ask him something Alpha Gamma Scholars; Political Awareor need help with something you know he ness, which he founded; and the Russian will help you out,” said ASGCC senator Speakers Association, which he has also Arbi Ismailyan. founded.

His previous role as ASGCC treasurer Arakelyan is proud of Glendale Colwas very different from his current role as lege’s AS. He is constantly coming up president. As treasurer his main concern with new ideas to get students involved

By Susan Aksu

D

“Being president of AS is very underrated.”

Photo by Olga Ramaz

David Arakelyan ran unopposed for ASGCC President.

and make college feel like it is more than just classes.

Recently he has been working on getting several groups of students together to have an academic decathlon. He wishes to start one just within the campus and eventually if it picks up, spread amongst a junior college level. Decathlons exist on both a high school and university levels, but not

yet on a junior college level.

Arakelyan would like it if more students would join the AS. Last term more than 70 students joined the campaigning process of AS. He feels that the AS is one of the most diverse organizations on campus. To be a part of the AS, a student has to do is pay their student service fees; but to hold an office position, students go through an interview and election process as well as maintaining a 2.0 GPA. He wants to receive more student input and new ideas for school events. Since AS is a student organization it is important that new and more students within the Glendale College community become involved in helping to organize or participating in events.

“The AS is very different from other organizations and is something that I feel deserves to be given back to, which I do through supporting it and working to improve it and I hope that more students are enticed to join,” said Arakelyan.

“David Arakelyan has the characteristics of a good student body president.

He is friendly, welcoming and optimistic for the future of the AS with his progressive ideas,” said Ismailyan. “Being president of AS is very underrated. David works hard to get people involved and gets their voices out there,” he said.

Susan Aksu can be reached at Susan_Aksu@elvaq.com

New Title V Grant to Help ‘At Risk’ Students [Board of Trustees, from page 6] students jobs and internships in who are not. They expect a higher and around campus. Special field rate of success from those who Jorge Acevedo, founder of Delta Sigma Omicron. the freshman experience, trips to universities may be of- are participating in the program through learning communi- fered to the students. compared to those who are not. ties.”

“Essentially the model [of Students involved should have a The learning community learning communities] says that higher level of transfer readiness, will be an outreach program to community colleges can create student engagement and student High School students, to hope- in an environment, whereby the satisfaction according to Durfully help ‘at risk’ students to experiences of students will make ham. not only go to college, but also them more likely to stay,” said Other pertinent issues covered to stay once they get here.

Spicer. in the meeting were the lowerThe program will have four The benefits that that helps stu- ing of enrollment fees beginning linked classes: Math, English, dents, according to the presenta- Winter semester, the nursing proStudent Development and So- tion, were that students will feel gram receiving numerous $1000 cial Science. This will be a connected and supported; they scholarships and Nidal Kobaissi block schedule and the students will be able to learn through said goodbye to his position as in the program would take all teamwork and feel pride and ac- president of GCC’s California of their classes together for complishment.

School Employees Association. their entire first year with guarGCC faculty will have some Beginning Winter 2007, semesanteed enrollment and class benefits as well. They will have ter enrollment fees will drop $6, schedules. “morale-boosting satisfaction of bringing the price down to $20 Extra items that will be put helping an increased number of per unit. This was a decision that to the test in the future for the students learn, persist and suc- was unanimously agreed to by the learning communities, to see if ceed.” board. they work, will be a dedicated A pilot program will begin next Cynthia Dorroh, Associate space for these students so they fall with 90 students. They will Dean of Health Sciences Division, can socialize together. There compare the success of the par- spoke of GCC’s student nurses. will also be help getting these ticipants in this program to those Twenty-three of 33 students were

awarded $1000 scholarships by meeting, as well the position as Photo by Sumaya Mehai St. Vincent’s Medical Center. president.

“We’re very proud of them,” Kobaissi was awarded a pen said Dorroh set with his name engraved on According to Dorroh the cri- it by Audre Levy, president/ teria for the scholarships, “were superintendent of GCC. He academic achievement.” was also awarded a plaque by “We [the nursing department] Aziskhanova, along with a blue filled out lots of forms…our stu- toy light saber, to help him on dents do participate in service the other side. learning, so they all had plenty “In the close to ten years that of health care involvement to in- I’ve been on the board, your clude,” said Dorroh.

[Kobaissi’s] period of leaderDorroh also mentioned that ship has really been, I believe, those awarded needed to pos- the best for your union,” said sess “enthusiasm or a passion for Victor King, member of the nursing.”

Board of Trustees as well as “We of course, believe that our the elected clerk. students are the most enthusiastic Aziskhanova was welcomed of them all,” she said. by all members of the board Nidal Kobaissi’s time as presi- and she, in turn, expressed her dent of GCC’s California School happiness as being a member Employees Association has of the team. “This is a great come to an end. He has been place to work and an exciting promoted to a management po- time to be here.” sition within the organization.

Saodat Aziskhanova has taken Alison Geller can be reached at his seat at the Board of Trustees Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Friday, September 22, 2006

9

FEATURE

Financial Aid Office Provides Students With Monetary Assistance

By Diana Petras

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

E

very student knows that a college education requires a lot of money.

Like many colleges and universities, GCC has a financial aid office that can provide students with money for their education.

The Financial Aid Office is located in the San Fernando Complex; it helps more than 10,000 students each year. They offer programs that the Federal Government and the State of California provide for students who need help in covering their costs of tuition in college.

Students have to fill out applications to see if they are eligible for one of the programs. Pat Hurley, Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid, said that most students fill out the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver application, which is awarded to students throughout the academic year.

According to Hurley, there are three types of BOGs that students can qualify for: Type A, Type B, or Type C. After applying for a BOG, a student can see what BOG they qualify for by checking with the Financial Aid Office. Students could also check the GCC Financial Aid website.

For BOG Type A, the student or the student’s parent has to show proof that they are receiving AFDC/TANF, SSI, or General Relief benefits. Students receiving BOG Type A might even qualify for a discount

on campus parking.

BOG Type B is based on the state mandated income ceiling.

The BOG Type C is available for students who don’t meet the criteria for Type A or Type B. Students who can show at least $1 of financial need after filing the FAFSA (Fee Application for Federal Student Aid) form can receive BOG Type C. However, students might need to fill out additional forms depending upon the fee waiver they receive.

The forms can be confusing for some, but the Financial Aid Office has workers who are always there to lend a helping hand.

There are also workshops to help those who are confused about how to fill out the FAFSA forms and those staffing the front desk are also available to answer any questions students have.

There are also Financial Aid advisers who can assist students who have questions that concerning specific areas.

Students can also apply for Cal Grants or fill out a FAFSA to see what federal grants they can receive.

“Only about half of the students attending GCC are receiving financial aid,” said Hurley. “The other half that are not receiving financial aid may be passing up on a great opportunity.”

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. The income of those receiving financial aid can range from $0 to $30,000 or higher.

There are FAFSA forms in front of the

Ethnicity Caucasian/Armenian Caucasian/Anglo Latino Asian/Pacific Islander Filipino Black/African American American Indian Other Total Number of Students

Gender Female Male Total Number of Students

Age Group Under 21 21 to 25 26 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 Over 50 Total Number of Students

Receiving Financial Aid

% of students not % of students receiving % of students in ethnic receiving aid who are in financial aid who are in group who are receiving ethnic group ethnic group financial aid 20% 49% 70% 24% 7% 23% 25% 24% 49% 16% 7% 31% 7% 4% 33% 3% 3% 53% 0% 0% 48% 5% 5% 53% 7,274

6,996

49%

No Financial Aid

Receiving Financial Aid

% of students not % of students receiving % of students in gender receiving aid who are in financial aid who are in group who are receiving gender group gender group financial aid 53% 62% 53% 47% 38% 44% 7,274

6,996

49%

No Financial Aid

Receiving Financial Aid

% of students not % of students receiving % of students in age receiving aid who are in financial aid who are in group who are receiving age group age group financial aid 35% 37% 51% 28% 26% 47% 11% 10% 47% 13% 13% 50% 8% 9% 52% 6% 4% 39% 7,274

6,996

49%

Research & Planning 9/14/2006

Graph compares approximate number of students who receive financial aid versus those who do not.

cial Aid Office at (818)240-1000, ext. 5916 for more information.

Diana Petras can be reached at Diana_Petras@elvaq.com

E

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10

Financial Aid office, online, and inside the office. The GCC Financial Aid website also provides links to other forms that students can print or fill out at home and turn it in to the office when they can. The site also has other websites that can assist students who need financial assistance.

The entire financial aid process only takes a few weeks, after which students will receive an Aid Award Notification that tells them if they have been awarded any funds.

Students are not required to visit the office to check their financial aid status.

Hurley said that students can always check their financial aid status on STARS, MyGCC.com, on the WebReg, or at the GCC kiosks.

“It may be a little time-consuming for some students,” said Hurley, “It’s a long process, but the rewards are well worth all the work and the wait.”

Students have to be sure that they submit all extra information that the Financial Aid Office may need to see in relation to any financial aid they are eligible for.

Financial Aid Office hours are posted on the doors of the office and are shown on the Financial Aid website. If there are other questions or comments, contact the Finan-

IN AL N RE USH R

Students waiting in line or financial aid is a common sight at the start of the term. More than 12,000 applied for aid this semester, with more than 10,000 receiving some form of aid.

No Financial Aid

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Photo by Graig Agop

Glendale Community College Demographics of Students Receiving Financial Aid Fall 2005

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10

Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com 11

FEATURE

Summertime

F@ck Yeah Festival

Festivals

A

s summer came to a close, two yearly music festivals fill the streets of Los Angles, but due to higher ticket prices, attendance at this year’s F@ck Yeah Fest and Sunset Junction may have taken a hit.

“I’m here, where in the hell are you?” a tall, lanky male yells into his cell phone while he leans against a faded blue Econoline van, with a license plate that reads “destroyer.” The van scurries with life inside as friends celebrate this year’s festivities with cheap wine and cigarettes. As people crawl in and out of the “destroyer,” the lot quickly fills as others arrive, ready for the three-day music festival known as the F@ck Yeah Fest.

In its third year, the F@ck Yeah Fest transformed Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park, Calif. into a block party, as hundreds filled the streets waiting to see the more than 50 bands, local comedians and art exhibits, from Aug, 18 to 20.

The festival hosted a number of bands that fall under the radar of the mainstream music scene. Acts such as 400 Blows, Erase Errata, Foreign Born and Black Fag, a Black Flag cover band with a flamboyant lead singer, shared the stage with headlining acts Circle Jerks, Giant Drag and Dead Meadow.

Like with other street music festivals, performers where slotted into half-hour sets throughout three different venues; The Echo, Sea Level Records and The Jensen Recreation Center.

All three venues were within walking distance from each other, allowing spectators the ease of travel and ample time to finish whatever substance they were pulling out of their boot along the way.

Sea Level Records held host to local artists who showcased their labors of love. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while most of the works presented great talent, others only presented a price tag worthy of so.

Local acts like The Silversun Pickups and Darker My Love kept the crowds at The Echo wanting an encore as well as another drink. As Envy, a band touring from Japan, ripped through a brutal but beautiful set, the local hardcore fan base stood shoulder to shoulder, arms crossed, showing the boys from Japan how cool L.A. is. The coup de grace came Friday night as Keith

-Story and Photography by Carlos Villarreal

Summer music festivals Sunset Junction and F@ck Yeah! give LA an earful. At left, bands rocked the F@ck Yeah! for three days of sonic saturation. Above and right, The Cramps made Sunset Junction attendance worth the heavy entrance fee.

Morris of Circle Jerks reminded many why they had a Mohawk in high school. On Sunday night, shoe glazers Dead Meadow brought the thunder and overuse of the smoke machine.

“Hey when is Blood Meridian going on?” someone asks the master of ceremonies, Sean Carlson, mastermind behind the F@ck Yeah Fest. The twenty-something Carlson has single handedly organized and promoted the F@ck Yeah Fest all

three years and is perhaps one of the only promoters in town still doing it for the love of the music.

Ticket prices were higher this year then previous due to bands being flown in to perform. This time around they sold for $20 a day or $55 for the weekend. The first year the fest was free, and there was a $6 fee for the second. The price hike did not stop a steady stream of attendance, but numbers were down from last year. As the ageless

formula proves true, hipsters and money do not mix well.

Regardless of ticket prices and low attendance the F@ck Yeah Fest will continue to lure and unite underground music lovers against the more corporate music festivals, such as Coachella, where $6 bottles of water and bad tan lines go hand in hand.

A week later and a few blocks across town, the annual Sunset Junction Street Fair took place on

Aug, 26 and 27 showcasing The Cramps, uncouth door attendants, high ticket prices and the crowd’s favorite, a naked guy.

With more than 20 years in operation, the Sunset Junction Street Fair in Silverlake hosted three massive stages, dozens of street vendors, more than 40 bands and artists performing on a strip of Sunset Blvd. The two day festival brings entertainment and enjoyment to thousands, but due to

a strictly enforced entrance fee, this year’s event gave the appearance of a heartless corporate event, as oppose to a community street fair.

As a group of young rockabilly girls walked toward a main entrance, adjacent to an El Pollo Loco on Sunset Blvd., they are stopped and asked for the $15 entrance fee. The girls look a bit confused and ask the attendant, “Isn’t it donation only?” only to get a monotone reply, “not this year.”

As the girls stand back and brainstorm, others make a mad dash through the El Pollo Loco next to the entrance, only to be stopped at the other end by staff and asked to see their wrist bands only to get pointed back to an exit.

As compared to previous years where a simple buck would cover the entrance fee, this year’s $12 before sunset, $15 after, left many stuck at the gate.

In previous years, entrance to the street fair only required a minimal donation to help aid the Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance, the event’s organizer, and 501(c) 3 that uses the proceeds from the event to fund various programs throughout Silverlake, Los Feliz and Echo Park, according to their Web site.

Normally an event this massive would have to apply for permits from the city of Los Angeles for the live music, vendors and street closure. Due to the non-profit nature of the event, the city has waived the fees in the past, because of this reason the street fair would have to charge a donation only entrance fee.

Last year, when the fair was still donation based, many who attended felt they were strongarmed into paying the “suggested” $10 entrance fee according to the LA Weekly.

Regardless of high entrance fees, many still braved the 90 degrees plus heat and sometimes close to impossible parking prospect.

As in past years, the junction hosted a solid line-up of great bands and performers including Sonic Youth, X, The Walkmen and The New York Dolls. This

year’s headliners included Redd Kross, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Hank Williams III and The Cramps.

As crowds eagerly wait for the

headliners, children and nervous parents ride squeaky carnival rides worked, by creepy attendants, while others dance in the street to tunes provided by an old ice cream [See “Cramps,” page 14]

12

Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

FEATURE

Theatre Arts Students Represent GCC at ‘Festival Fringe’

By Kara Aranas

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

P

irates, folks dressed up in Renaissance costumes, and a giant bat boy filled the roads of High Street. The street, which was also known as the “Royal Mile” which led up to Edinburgh Castle, were teeming with entertainers filling the air with music.

All were promoting performances occurring at venues surrounding the castle. The animated activities and enthusiasm are known as the annual “Festival Fringe” held in Edinburgh, Scotland and the destination of GCC’s very own theatre department last August.

The small group of ten students flew to the “Festival Fringe,” to promote and perform, former GCC theatre arts professor, Ken Gray’s play “Something’s Missing,” a tale of survival and hope in the life of an abducted child.

Having a sensitive subject matter such as the one in “Something’s Missing,” gave the impression that the reaction of the audience would be less than accepting, which proved otherwise at the festival.

“All theatre is about the audience,”Gray said.

Jose “Shermie” Aguilar,18, a member of the street team said, “When the play was performed here the audience was shocked and taken aback since it was a taboo topic, in Scotland though ,at the festival, though they found the play unique and interesting.”

The play was performed at one of the Rocket venues, located around High Street, called “The Roxy.” Ashley Ratcliffe, 21, a

Photo courtesy GCC Drama Dept.

The cast and crew of “Something’s Missing” take it to the Edinburgh Fringe.

theatre arts major, also known as the “den mother” of the group, spoke about the excitement happening backstage.

“It was pretty hectic backstage though,” she said. “We only had 10 minutes to move the set and set up, but we were really professional about it,” describing the technicalities backstage.

“In the end,” she continued, “the play was what mattered most.”

Promotion also became another problem, “Here we are, surrounded by music and lively entertainers and we’re promoting a play that’s touching on a real subject matter and more serious,” said Tiffany Brian, 18, leader of the street team. The play’s street team which was in charge of advertising the play by putting up posters

and handing out flyers. “We’re trying to promote an American play where American culture is not very popular,” said Brian.

The team would stand on High Street alongside performers endorsing their play. “We even had people dress up as a Minnie Mouse and a princess, just to attract people to come to our show,” laughs Brian. All the hard work paid off, because the venue was over half full. “Opening night was the biggest crowd ever,” Brian said proudly. Lead actor Carlo Morelli , 20, said, “In the end it was all about the street team” in relation to the successful viewer turnout.

Morelli played the lead character, Ryan, and displayed an “incredible performance for the audience,” according to Brian. It was Morelli’s first time playing in

Photo by Jane Pojawa “Ryan,” played by Carlo Morelli and his parents “Roger” and “Barbara,” played by George C. Mackey and Sarah Cross try to reconnect in “Something’s Missing.” Davidjohn Morris plays “Preston Roberts.”.

Photo by Jane Pojawa “Something’s Missing.” “Ryan,” played by Carlo Morelli comes to terms with his abductor “Preston Roberts” played by Davidjohn Morris.

a lead role outside the of United States.

“I was at ease and found no difficulty doing playing the part. It’s not often that GCC gets a chance to represent its very own, original play, written by its own teachers [Ken Gray] in another country. I was there to do a professional job, and do it to the best of my ability,” said Morelli.

Morelli said that the biggest challenge for him was playing the different ages that his character portrayed.

“Performing at GCC, it was hard to capture the different ages, and learning to be older was hard.

But at the festival it was the complete opposite. I had to learn to be younger,” chuckled Morelli.

“Carlo’s acting grew by leaps and bounds,” said Aguilar, when asked to describe Carlo’s performance. Professor Gray praised Morelli on his presentation, “As a performer, Carlo grew stronger. Each subsequent performance became Carlo’s finest hour as an artist. I hope he becomes a respected working actor, but if he does not, if some other profession lures him away, this experience has made him a more loving, tolerant, and understanding human being. I have a profound respect for this young fellow for taking on this challenge and forging from his own raw materials a for-

midable artist of himself.”

Despite the obstacles they faced in promoting it, the students enjoyed themselves. “There were people there from all over, from Iraq and from Japan,” observed Ratcliffe. Cultures from all over the world came to offer a piece of their talent at the festival, making it a more memorable experience for those attending it.

“The whole experience wasn’t really a competition. It was a display of talent and it was what you brought from your side of the world,” described Brian. The festival allowed the students to open their eyes to the incredible talents that came from across the globe.

Through it all, strong friendships, respect and admiration were also built.

“Just like the saying goes, you really don’t know someone until you live with them,” said Brian.

The group stayed at student housing flats called Wright’s houses.

“We had to stay in a small room meant for five and [we] had to stuff 10 people into one room,” said Brian, speaking about her experience. A seemingly irritable and uncomfortable arrangement turned into a bonding experience for her. “You learn to help them out where they need it,” said Brian.

Kara Aranas can be reached at Kara_Aranas@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Friday, September 22, 2006

13

FEATURE

Dance Instructor Patti Cox, Reminisces on Golden Era EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

P

atti Cox is not just another dance instructor at GCC. Cox had a long prominent career as a dancer in the wonderful world of show business.

Cox has been a dance professor at GCC for 25 years.

In 1981, she started teaching ballet and now she teaches tap dance classes. She has been dancing since the age of 4. Cox grew up in Burbank and attended Burbank High School. “I consider myself a valley girl!” said Cox as she lets out a joyful laugh.

Growing up in the 1950’s, 60’s and even the 70’s there was a lot of work for dancers on TV shows and movie musicals, according to Cox. There was the “Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Red Skeleton Show” on which Cox performed.

She’s also danced hand in hand with Lucille Ball on “I Love Lucy.”

Cox’s impressive resume includes movies and musicals such

as “Carousel,” Rogers and Hammerstein’s 1955 “Oklahoma!”

“Anything Goes” starring Bing Crosby, “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Silver Chalice” just to name a few.

According to Cox, for dancers of this generation, the job market is not sufficient enough. The only jobs young people today may be able to find are the jobs on MTV she said. “There’s just not enough work out there like there was in my day,” Cox adds.

“Today’s dancers are brilliant; there are so [many] more difficult moves and steps than back in my day,” Cox said as she took off her tap shoes.

Jessica Ashby, a secondyear student at GCC, who has just joined Patti Cox’s tap class said, “I love this class. I have not tapped in a while, this is a good workout and Patti is awesome.”

In 1960, Cox was a part of the Arizona gymnastics league.

“Dancing really beat my body down,” Cox said as she put her CD’s into her little roller-luggage.

Patti Cox leads studentts in tap class. She has been teaching dance at the college since 1981.

It seems that nothing can slow down this jazzy tap teacher, not

even the four rods and six screws in her back.

It is hard to believe when you look at Cox, that this sweet little lady used to be a weight lifter. “I was a competitive body builder.

Yeah, I qualified to go to Atlantic City for the finals,” Cox said.

One of the reasons she did not go to the finals is because that “back in those days you had to pay your own entry fee and the fees were pretty expensive.”

“We’re gonna learn a new step which I think is fun, it’s called the Sneaky Pete!” Cox informed her students as she crept on her tippy toes looking like a burglar sneaking into a jewelry store.

Cox often attracts a crowd who watch her instruct her students.

She often invites people walking by the classroom to come and watch or join the class. Not many teachers do that; Cox is truly one of a kind.

It seems that all of the students that have taken Cox’s class adore her. “Patti Cox; she is a wonderful lady, a good teacher,” said Anoush Alexanian, second time student of Cox’s tap class.

“She is the best teacher at GCC!” said Narc Vanetsiaix.

Narc is a current student of Cox. “I’ve taken Patti’s tap dance class [for] two semesters because she is patient and a kind

Photo by Sumaya Mehai

teacher. I feel nice after taking her classes.”

Patti Cox is a dedicated person who loves her profession; dance and teaching. Her words of advice to those students trying to make it out there in the world of dance are to start with the beginnings, whether it be tap, ballet, jazz or hip-hop. “Come to Glendale College and take dance classes. The cheapest dance classes in the world right here at Glendale College,” Cox said as she left the dance room with her roller-luggage.

Michael Coleman can be reached at Michael_Coleman@elvaq.com

Ch it ec ou k t!

By Michael Coleman

El Vaquero Online www.elvaq.com

14

Friday, September 22, 2006

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FEATURE

New Film Class Explores So-Called ‘B-Pictures’

By Alison Geller

EL VAQUERO FEATURES EDITOR

D

uring the golden age of Hollywood (1930’s), movie studios began making B-pictures and starting in October, GCC student Charles Lee Jackson II will teach a course on the history of these classics in North Hollywood.

Jackson, 56, has been a student here since 1991 and is working towards his associate degree in 2-dimensional visual arts. He taught Ephemeral Cinema in January and May and the class is being held as a fundraiser for the LA Science Fantasy Society Clubhouse in North Hollywood.

The Clubhouse is a non-profit organization and according to wikipedia.org, “It is the oldest continuously operating sci-

ence fiction club in the world.”

The course is five weeks long and highlights the three decades of B-movies and the eight major genres in the movie industry: mystery and drama, fantasy, comedy, adventure, horror, musicals, westerns and science fiction.

“Ever since I was a kid I was interested in movies,” said Jackson, “I was disabled as a child; I have cerebral palsy, very mild.

But it meant that as a kid I had to stay home a lot and on TV in those days, what you mostly had were old movies. So I watched a lot of old movies as a kid.”

His passion seems to lie in the B-pictures/movies.

B-pictures were originally used as double features. Studios would turn out quick, shorter, films to go along with their feature films.

This is where the phrases A-list

and B-list stars were coined.

The A-listers were seen in the feature films that were given a larger budget while the B-listers worked on a much smaller budget and had less time to complete the project.

B-pictures were a way for many to get their ‘big break.’

According to wikipedia.org, stars such as John Wayne, Jack Nicholson, Robert Di Niro and Vincent Price got their start in B-movies, as well as directors Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese. Most of former President Ronald Reagan’s acting career was in these types of films.

“A lot of people have a bad idea of B-pictures because of the really bad ones that were made in the 1950’s,” said Jackson. “Especially the science fiction pictures, where anybody who got a

few thousand dollars would make a movie and [people,] especially journalists of that period, saw what the B-pictures of that time were and they kind of assumed that they’d always been that bad.”

Ed Wood is one of the more famous B-list science fiction movie makers.

Jackson is no stranger to the movie industry having worked in the business in the 1970’s.

He was forced to stop due to stress so he went into film journalism instead, focusing on his appreciation for the B-pictures.

“I was always very curious about who the people were, what they did, how they got there,” said Jackson. “What they were when they weren’t in the movies and so just because of my curiosity I started finding books to read about them and a little later when

I was old enough finding them and interviewing them myself.”

He has written for various magazines including Orbit, a Netherlands based magazine as well as FilmFax, a magazine dedicated to the B-movies. Jackson has written for Extra Added Attractions for the past six years, which is a magazine that he publishes himself.

Ephemeral Cinema will be every Tuesday night from 7-10 p.m. for five weeks beginning October 7. For more information about the class call (818) 246-2552.

Alison Geller can be reached at Alison_Geller@elvaq.com

The Cramps Rock Sunset Junction [Festival, from Page 11]

truck converted into a portable DJ sound system as leather covered “daddies” stroll by.

Vendors lined along the entire stretch of Sunset Blvd. sold everything from bacon wrapped hotdogs to questionable glass tubes as jewelry, at what seemed a flea market set to a great soundtrack.

Storefronts along the route hosted sales, live music and the occasionally promotional item such as free energy drinks or t-shirts.

As the sun set, the carnival rides lit up, the poor souls who had one-too-many, buried their head in their laps as the headliners took to the stage. On Saturday night, Redd Kross’ glam/pop-rock sound was met by a large and roaring crowd, marking the band’s return to the stage after a short hiatus.

Sunday night welcomed the grandson of country legend Hank Williams, Hank Williams III, and his band Assjack, whose fast and furious country tunes left many waving their empty Jack Daniels bottles in the air.

The night came to a close with pycho-billy pioneers The Cramps. As front man Lux

Interior donned a wig and pulled a wine bottle out of his pants, guitarist Poison Ivy wailed away as the crowd trashed below.

Shortly after The Cramps’ set, the festival was shut down by police due to what was believed to be a naked individual running around the street, just another normal night in Silverlake.

As for the glory of its previous editions, this year’s street fair was knocked down a few notches due mainly to the higher entrance fee. Although $15 many not sound like an arm and a leg to some, to a family of four (with perhaps a fixed income) the price might have sent some families packing and many with the feeling that the community spirit was sucked out of the community fair.

Carlos Villarreal can be reached at Carlos_Villarreal@elvaq.com

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Friday, September 22, 2006 15

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

There Is an Elephant in MY Living Room British Guerrilla Street Artist Unveils Exhibit in Los Angeles

ByCarlos Villareal

EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

F

amed street artist, Banksy, hosted a three-day event showcasing his numerous works as well as a painted live elephant from Sept. 15 to 17.

A lone alley known as Hunter Street lies off of Santa Fe Street in an industrial area of downtown Los Angeles. The alley is lined by dingy old warehouses, only a block away from a strip club. At the end of the alley there was a beat-up, white delivery style truck, parked.

Emblazoned on the side of the truck, in bold black letters, was “Banksy.”

A sweltering hot, musky warehouse completed the scenery, by hosting Banksy’s free three-day show, “Barely Legal.”

More than 20 pieces of Banksy’s work were on display, including a live Indian elephant that was painted from head to toe to match a floral patterned living room setting, complete with a coffee table, chairs and chandelier.

Banksy, whose true identity remains unknown, was not on hand

to discuss his work. Peter Bowes of BBC News stated, “It is understood that the elephant, blending into the background, is meant to represent the big issues in life, such as poverty, that some people choose to ignore.”

Keeping with Banksy’s secret identity, the location of the showing was only disclosed on the day of the premiere to the public. The night before, an invitation-only celebrity launch party was held, where it was reported that Cameron Diaz, Colin Farrell, Orlando Bloom, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attended.

The showing was billed as a “vandalized warehouse extravaganza,” having an overall theme of global poverty and injustice.

Banksy’s work is deeply rooted in politics and pop culture, something that started in his early days as a graffiti artist in England.

At the entrance to the exhibit a sign read “smash the system;” adjacent to it, a surplus police S.W.A.T. van lay in the center of the warehouse.

On one side of the van, a painting of Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” held a noose, while the other

side illustrated a police S.W.A.T. team with weapons drawn. They stood in a line, followed by a small boy about to pop an inflated paper bag. On the back door of the van hung a representation of two male British police embraced in a passionate kiss.

Large paintings hung from the ceiling, suspended by chains.

One depicted an image of Mother Teresa with the message, “I learnt a valuable lesson from this women - moisturize everyday.”

Along the back wall of the warehouse, next to the living room set, hung altered thrift store-bought paintings. One shows a beautiful beach at sunset. While waves crash ashore in the background, a prisoner kneels down in an orange jumpsuit. His hands are shackled, his face bound and covered by a black hood.

In a room to the right of the S.W.A.T. van, an eight-minute video was projected on the wall.

The video documented all the pranks Banksy is famous for, one of them being secretly hanging his own work in major galleries in New York and London.

The video also included footage

Banksy’s work incorporates pop art and mixed messages, like the true meaning of love.

Photo by Ty Hathaway

Photo by Ty Hathaway

Tai, the elephant, sporting a custom wardrobe in a suburban living room.

of his latest prank on Paris Hilton. the show. The exhibit drew huge Banksy produced 500 altered copies controversy over Tai, the painted of Hilton’s album and hid them Indian elephant, who was ordered throughout record stores in England. by L.A. city officials to be cleaned On the cover, the album appears the of the paint on the final day of the same. It is only when Hilton fans show. According to the Associated open the CD jacket that they find a Press, the L.A. Animal Services’ photo of the heiress topless with the officials said that they would never head of a dog. Instead of her bubble again issue permits for such a “frivolous” gum-pop purpose, tracks, the even though altered CD the animal’s included 40 owner, Kari minutes of Johnson, remix music claimed

by Danger that Tai, the M o u s e , 38-yearone-half of old Indian the famed elephant, G n a r l s w a s n ’ t Barkley. hurt in any T h e way.

The sticker on paint was the front of nontoxic and the album the elephant advertises is “used to its hits, make-up.” ranging from E v e n “Why am I without Tai’s Famous?” colorful “What Have wardrobe, I Done?”

Photo by Ty Hathaway Banksy’s art and “What Two police officers share a special moment continued to am I for?” make many Copies of the faux album have been question their viewpoints and receiving high bids on eBay, where morals.

Banksy’s work conveys a deep one commanded the price of $938.

During his brief stay in Los meaning. Through his art and Angeles, Banksy managed to pull stunts his is consistently reminding another stunt by placing a life-size the public about issues they forget blow-up doll of a Guantanamo about or choose to ignore.

Poverty, injustice, crime, and Bay detainee inside the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at mass marketing to youth are all Disneyland, causing a temporary center points of his creations, disruption in the popular allowing the spectator to see the world for what it really is. attraction.

Provoking emotions and The doll wore an orange jumpsuit, a black hood and opinions is a trait many great artists shackles on its hands and feet as have strived for. If his piece on seen in one of the artist’s paintings. Mother Teresa, Tai the elephant or The stunt was meant to highlight his Hilton stunt offended someone, the condition of terrorism suspects then he did his job. held at the controversial Cuban detention center.

On the last day of Banksy’s Carlos Villarreal can be reached exhibit, 2,000 people stood in line, waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of at Carlos_Villarreal@elvaq.com

16 Friday, September 22, 2006

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

‘Waiting for Lefty’ to Bring Message from ’30s to GCC

By Jennifer Tinoco

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he GCC theatre arts department held open auditions on Sept. 11 and 12 for the upcoming play, “Waiting for Lefty� by Clifford Odets. “The auditions were pretty fun to watch,� said onlooker Katrina Sanchez, a current sophomore. “I did spot a few good actors.�

Auditions took place in the Auditorium Main stage theatre from 7 to 11 p.m. In order to be cast, there is a requirement for students to be enrolled in at least one unit of the theatre arts workshop class, TA 162.

The setting of the play is New York City during the Great Depression and it is based on a strike of unionized, New York taxi drivers.

Tension between the unionized workers lead to their attempts to strike. Towards the end of the sto-

ry, this tension and anger comes to a halt when they learn that something unfortunate has happened.

Melissa Randel will be directing the play. Although the setting of the play is in the 1930s, she said that the audience will find much to learn from the characters in the play. “The emotions of all the characters dealing with their everyday problems are just so passionate,� said Randel.

There were also auditions for non speaking roles. These performers would play the part of Marathon Dancers. These dancers are required to be enrolled in either a costume class or a backstage lab class.

Randel feels that having the rparts of Marathon Dancers added to the play can help symbolize the division of the lower and upper class. “It is important for our mod-

ern society to understand that people like the Marathon Dancers were willing to dance until they dropped from exhaustion to get even a tiny bit of food,� said Randel. “Waiting for Lefty� is known for having an explicit political message.

Althought this play is didactic, Randel said that the dancers add another dimention to how the message is presented. “Waiting for Lefty� will open on Oct. 26 and run through Nov. 12. Performances will be Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with Sunday presentations starting at 2 p.m.

For additional information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5618.

Jennifer Tinoco can be reached at Jennifer_Tinoco@elvaq.com

‘Nothing up the Sleeve’ Showcases Obscure Art

Photo by Michael Coleman

F

lorian Morlat is just one of the artists whose work is currently on display at the GCC Art Gallery in an exhibition titled, “Nothing up the Sleeve.� Moralt’s piece, pictured above, is made up of wood, screws and fabric.

Other artists in the show include Samara Caughey, Nicolau Verguerio, Anna Sew Hoy, and Jeff Ono. “Nothing up the Sleeve� runs until Sept. 30. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The gallery is open on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663 or visit www. glendale.edu/art gallery.

-Compiled by Michael Coleman

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Friday, September 22, 2006 17

EDITORIAL

El Vaquero Supports Students’ Right for Truth W

e all take the First Amendment right of freedom of the press for granted until we are faced with a challenge that affects us directly—as was the staff of El Vaquero at the end of the spring semester.

The purpose of a newspaper is to inform. We at the El Vaquero take pride in being the eyes and ears for the students, faculty, staff and college community at large.

When we decided to publish an article on the subject of depression and how it can lead to suicide, we did it with the intention to raise awareness of a serious issue that, unfortunately, affects college students at an alarming rate.

“When Colleges Go on Suicide Watch,” an article published in Time Magazine on May 22, stated that suicides are the “second leading cause of death among college students, after motor-vehicle accidents.”

Our goal in publishing our article, “Student Suicides Cause Concern” in our last issue of the spring, June 9, was to stress to those suffering from depression, that they are not alone and there are places on campus where they can seek help. It was also our intention to illuminate the warning signs that can eventually lead to suicide.

Unfortunately, the message of our article was misunderstood.

On June 15, former editor-in-chief Jane Pojawa noticed that a large number of newspapers were missing from news racks. Our initial belief was that parents who attended the commencement ceremony on June 10, had taken several copies of the newspaper as a keepsake because we had listed the graduates in the paper.

On June 17, Pojawa received a phone call from faculty adviser Michael Moreau, who also noticed the sudden disappearance of newspapers.

Since Pojawa was not on campus, Moreau re-stocked the news racks on

June 19, only to see the racks empty, yet again, the following day.

But the events that unfolded on June 19, shed some light as to what might have happened to the missing papers.

That same afternoon, Moreau was called into the office of former President John Davitt. When Moreau arrived to Davitt’s office, he was surprised to see Cynthia Dorroh, head of the nursing program, who was also there to see Davitt.

According to Moreau, Davitt and Dorroh confronted him in regards to the newspaper and specifically the suicide story.

Davitt and Dorroh were concerned that the article was damaging to the school and to the nursing program.

They went on to tell Moreau that he was wrong to allow the El Vaquero staff to publish the article.

Moreau went on to explain to Davitt that it was not his role to approve or disapprove of articles in the paper and that it is the student’s paper. Davitt disputed this.

What led Dorroh and Davitt to believe this?

The story in question made reference to two former nursing students that committed suicide within seven months of the June 9 issue. One of the students was named, an act which both Dorroh and Davitt thought to be insensitive.

The mention of the two students was not in any way intended to shed a negative light on the nursing department nor the campus. If anything, mentioning these students and their unfortunate deaths only proved that GCC students are not exempt from the suicide epidemic reported on the national press.

In the article, Dorroh said that the nursing department had “taken measures” to help the suicide victims’ classmates, as well as other nursing students, cope with the deaths. One of the ways students were encouraged to cope was by seeking counseling at the health center.

One of the goals of the article, as mentioned previously, was to let students know where they can seek help. This was a public service both for possible

suicide victims as well as their friends and family.

Somehow, this message was overlooked and completely misconstrued.

During the meeting, Davitt said that he would order campus police to take the newspapers off the stands. He also asked Moreau to remove the story from the newspaper website.

Moreau agreed to pull the story off the website but asked Davitt if he could leave the newspapers on the racks until June 20.

Davitt agreed. But when Moreau returned to work on June 20, the newspapers had been removed, once again.

A police report regarding the thefts of the newspaper was filed by Pojawa to the campus police that same day.

A tip from the campus police, however, led Pojawa to the missing newspapers, which were found in a dumpster, at the far end of the campus.

We had officially been censored.

As we see it, any act of censorship, whether it be at the student press level or the professional level, not only infringes the newspapers staff’s right to free speech; it also quashes the community’s right to remain informed about events and issues that are relevant to them.

In this particular issue, the article in question contained valid, useful information regarding suicides and depression that may have proven helpful to some readers.

No one should have the right to control what is published in a student newspaper. In fact, there are now laws that protect student publications from falling victim to similar situations, like the one we experienced..

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger recently signed two pieces of legislation that will protect newspapers from theft and censorship.

The anti-theft measure, AB 2612, is designed to protect free publications by making it illegal to take more than 25 copies of a newspaper to recycle them or to prevent people from reading them.

The governor also signed AB 2581, an anti-censorship bill passed by the California Senate last month, which

prohibits colleges and universities from penalizing students who engage in press activities required to produce a newspaper.

The Student Press Law Center said that the laws were passed in response to several incidents of student newspaper theft all over the state, wherein newspapers were missing, sometimes to be recycled, but more often because a particular issue had offended or threatened someone in position of authority.

We at the El Vaquero are aware of our rights and accompanying responsibilities.

The college paper is a publication by the students for the students. It is not a public relations medium intended to make the school look good by covering only the pleasant events or the so-called “good news.” College students, faculty and staff deserve fair and balanced reporting, even if the truth is not pleasant or beneficial to the image of the college.

The student paper exists to inform.

It is about time that the state government understood this purpose of the press and finally provided legislation to protect it against those who feel that the concept of free speech means glossing over the bad news and reporting selectively, based on the preferences of those in authority. We have seen this happen time and again with other, major media outlets. At times, even the president of the United States thinks he can dictate what professional journalists can publish and what they cannot.

Because the college environment is a learning environment, it must therefore resemble the professional world as closely as possible. The professional media covers all stories, from the shocking to the mundane. We see no reason why we, as college student reporters, should be exempt from doing the same. The Constitution has long given us the right to do so, and now, the state government has given us the protection we need so that we can freely exercise this right.

In spite of the censorship incident, we at the El Vaquero march forward with our heads held high and we will continue to raise our voices in support of our fellow students’ right to the truth.

Photo by Jeryd Pojawa

More than 1,000 copies of the June 22 edition of the El Vaquero were thrown into a campus dumpster.

18

Friday, September 22, 2006

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SPORTS

Childhood Passion Unfolds on Soccer Field, Inspires Team

By Susan Aksu

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

Photo by Sumaya Mehai

Lady Vaquero, Janet DeLaO, aspires to someday follow in the footsteps of her father.

econd year Glendale Community College student, Janet DeLaO is a standout soccer player and inspiration to her soccer team, according to her coach, Jorge Mena.

Since the season began DeLaO has averaged one goal per game, scoring four in one game.

“She misses the easiest ones, but puts in the hardest,” said Coach Mena about her goal attempts. “She’s a ‘nines.’ She is a very good center forward,” said Coach Mena, referring to the nickname he uses to describe her.

“She’s an excellent dribbler, very finesse and is a great finisher,” he added.

Her on going soccer career includes playing three years on a club team, the Verdugo Hills High School team and the GCC soccer team. DeLaO said she would love to pursue soccer after transferring from Glendale College.

DeLaO’s biggest inspiration is her father, a former professional soccer player for the El Salvador-

ian national soccer team. Taking after her father who played as a midfielder and forward, DeLa O plays forward as well.

“My dad has taught me everything I know about the sport. Ever since I was little he would dress me in his soccer jerseys and we would kick the ball around,” she said.

What DeLaO likes best about playing soccer is being part of a team.

“Working together as a team, meeting new people and making new friends are some of the best things about playing together.

Plus it feels good to show off some of your skills and beating the other team,” said DeLaO. DeLaO wants to transfer to Cal State Northridge because their soccer team is a division I team.

“Janet will easily make it onto a division I or II soccer team,” said her coach, Jorge Mena. Coach Mena said he believes that she definitely has a future in soccer.

If her plans of playing soccer on a university level do not work out, she plans on transferring to Cal State of L. A. since it caters to her

major, Administration of Justice.

When asked about what she thought of herself as an athlete who regularly contributes to winning games, she responded, “I don’t like saying I’m a great or good player, but I guess you could say that. Soccer is just something I have always played.”

According to Coach Mena, “Janet is a quiet person who gets everything done, but rather than vocally leading a team like some players, she carries the team on her shoulders. She is one of those great student athletes you get lucky to coach once every ten years.”

DeLaO’s favorite athlete is American soccer player, Mia Ham. “I think she’s of the best female soccer players. The fact that she has scored more goals than any man or woman professional soccer player is really amazing,” she says.

Despite the competition to to reach the professional level, DeLaO said she would like to follow in her father’s footsteps.

Susan Aksu can be reached at Susan_Aksu@elvaq.com

Campus Comments What Is the Most Pressing Issue on Campus?

Ayako Tanaka 21 AVIATION

David Sinatra MEDICAL

“Parking; it’s horrible.”

“Parking.

There are never enough spaces and I have to get here at 7:30p.m. for a 9:30p.m. class.”

Oliver Moore 23 UNDECIDED

Elena Tanaka 20 NURSING

“Parking for sure, it’s a joke. It’s like trying to pull teeth.”

“I guess everyone is complaining about parking, I’m getting my car next week and I’m kind of afraid and have to figure it out.”

Stephanie Branbel 19 PUBLIC RELATIONS “Parking is really bad, I have wake up an hour early and come to school a half hour early to find parking.

Even then I’m still late to class.”

Jeff Robsison 18 ART “I think the smoking is the biggest issue, I’m trying to study and some guy is blowing smoke in my face and I don’t really like that.”

Cheynne Chong 23 GEOGRAPHY “Parking, it sucks, they [the school] expect you to valet and it doesn’t work.”

Anna Dybdahl 18 BUSINESS “Parking…sucks.

Maybe if they make reserve parking spots, get a number and park there everyday. It would solve a lot of issues, know what I mean?”

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Friday, September 22, 2006

19

Calendar On Campus exhibition ‘Nothing up the Sleeve’ — The GCC Art Gallery is is currently exhibiting “Nothing up the Sleeve,” a show which displays pieces created with materials such as wood and fabric.

Artists include Samara Caughey, Florian Morlat, Jeff Ono, Anna Sew Hoy and Nicolau Vergueiro.

The show is on display until November 30. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment only on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663

lectures ‘Creation Myths of the Uni-

verse’ — The Science Lecture Series presents “Creation Myths of the Universe.” Physics instructor Poghos Kazarian will be discussing why there is a universe and how, overtime, the answers helped to evolve the question. Kazarian will cover ancestral ideas through modern myths. The lecture will be held at noon in Santa Barbara, room 243. Additional information may be obtained by calling (818) 240-1000.

“Taking the Initiative: a Discussion of Selected Propositions on the California Ballot”— On Thursday, Monica Marquez and Georganne Thomsen from the League of Women Voters will be discussing eight of the propositions on the Nov.

7 ballot in a pro and con format. At the end of the presentation, there will be a question and answers session regarding the propositions. Each member of the audience will be given a copy of the Leauges Easy Voter Guide. The league will also staff a voter registration table in the foyer of Kreider Hall.

Admission is free.

Santa Monica College at Sartoris Field on Friday. The game starts at 7 p.m.

sports

Women’s Volleyball — • GCC takes on Pasadena at Pasadena today. Game starts at 5 p.m.

• The Lady Vaqueros face Santa Barbara at home on Wednesday.

The game starts at 7 p.m.

• The women play Moorpark on Friday at 7 p.m. The game will be at Moorpark.

Cross Country —

Women’s Soccer — • The GCC team competes today at Cuesta College. Match starts at 4 p.m.

• GCC faces Oxnard on Tuesday at Oxnard. Game starts at 4 p.m.

• The Lady Vaqueros will face

Men’s Soccer — • The Vaqueros take on College of the Canyons at Sartoris Field tonight at 7 p.m.

• Tueday, the men face Santa Barbara at Santa Barbara. The game starts at 4 p.m.

• The GCC cross country teams will compete at the Golden West Invitational Saturday. Competitions begin at 10 a.m.

• GCC will travel to the Bakersfield Invitational on Friday. The competition will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Football — • GCC takes on Los Angeles Southwest College at Sartoris Field. The game starts at 7 p.m.

• The Vaqueros face Los Angeles Harbor College at L.A. Harbor.

The game starts at 5 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field — • The GCC team competes at the Southern California Prelims at Mt. San Antonio College on Saturday.

Around Town exhibitions ‘Dig It!’ — The Skirball Center is holding a family program on Sunday called “Dig It.” The exhibit is a hands on experience of a simulated archeological dig.

Those participating learn about the excavations happening in the Near East. The exhibit begins at 1:30 p.m. and goes until 3:30 p.m. The Skirball Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For further information call (310) 4404500.

‘All the People in All the World’ — Also at the Skirball, “All the People in All the World,” happening on Tuesday.

The exhibition runs until October 1.

‘Postwar Directions: Abstract Expressionism to Minimalism’ — The exhibit will run through October 15 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

MOCA is located at 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

‘Bill Owens: Suburbia’ — Also at MOCA, “Bill Owens: Suburbia.” This exhibit will run through October 15. For more information call (213) 6211749.

‘Comics in the City’ — The

Ice House in Pasadena presents “Comics in the City.” The program features Tom Rhodes with Tina Kim. There will be two shows on Friday, one at 8:30 p.m. and the other at 10:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $17.50. The Ice house is located at 24 N. Mentor Ave., in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 577-1894.

music The Key Club — •Hed P.E. with special guests Mower, Sunday night.

•Friday night, Atomic CD Release Party.

• Which One’s Pink? A tribute to Pink Floyd, September 30. The Key Club is located at 9039 Sunset Blvd. For tickets and information on all three shows, call (310) 274-5800.

Wiltern LG — •Snow Patrol, Tuesday and Wednesday night.

•Thursday night, veteran rockers Sonic Youth. The Wiltern LG is located at 3790 Wilshire Blvd.

For ticket information call (213) 388-1400.

The Knitting Factory — •Monday night, Kaki King takes the center stage.

•Gym Class Heroes perform on October 3.

•The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies peform October 4. The Knitting Factory is located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets and information call (323) 463-0204.

The Echo — •Quetzal performs tonight at The Echo, located at 1822 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $12 at the door.

•Part Time Punks peform Sunday night. Tickets are $5. The show starts at 10 p.m. For more information on either shows call (213) 413-8200.

performance ‘Swingin’ at the Alex’ — An encore presentation of the Towne Singers will be accompanied by Geo Valles’ Swing City Big Band and the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association.

They will be performing numbers like “Moonlight Serenade” and “I’ll Never Smile Again.”

The show will be presented in form of a live radio show broadcast from the 1940s, complete with commercial jingles and period costumes, humor and dancing. Tickets for the show range from $32.50 and $22.50. For more information contact the Alex Theatre box office (818) 243-ALEX.

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If you have not yet completed your bachelor's degree and are at least 22 years of age with 60 college units: APU can help you earn your degree one night a week for 19 months, and become a teacher through our human development (HDEV) program. APU offers an innovative, alternative degree completion program at seven Southern California locations, designed to provide subject-matter preparation for prospective elementary school and K-12 special education teachers. APU also offers other adult degree completion programs in organizational leadership, nursing, computer information/management information systems, and Christian leadership.

Once your human development bachelor's degree is complete, you can move seamlessly into APU's combined teacher credentialing and master's programs at one of our seven Southern California locations.

Call now! New cohorts are forming year round.

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(626) 815-5301 www.apu.edu/caps aps@apu.edu

901 E. Alosta Ave. Azusa, CA, 91702

K-12, bachelor’s to doctorate, we know teaching.

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Friday, September 22, 2006

www.elvaq.com

VAQUERO VIEWS

Students Face New Semester Challenges Photos by Graig Agop

D

espite lines for everything from parking to financial aid, registration to buying books, more than 20,000 students have successfully faced the challenges of starting the fall semester.

Noelia Linares, left, waits her turn in line at the Financial Aid Office. She was one of the more than 12,000 students who applied for aid this semester. Of those, more than 10,000 received some assistance.

The bookstore was filled with activity as students looked for their texts. Prior to making his purchase, Theodick Babajanian, below, flips through calculus textbooks.

Vendors, solicitations for clubs and signboards listing classes attract students on the way to classes, bottom left.