Vol 41, Issue 3 (September 23, 2009)

S P O RT S

LIFE

Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California

Gauchos slaughter Wolverines See page 8.

Hot rides on campus See page 6.

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9

Volume 41, Issue No. 3

www.lariatnews.com

Fine arts department still waiting for exterior paint

showcase:

President Tod A. Burnett reflectsa on his first year at teh college.

SEE PAGE 5

JOSEPH ESPIRITU

T

commentary:

Multiple takes on the Afghanistan situation.

SEE PAGE 3

sports:

Womens’ soccer team takes second consecutive shutout.

SEE PAGE 8

arts:

Second album from alumnus drummer available on iTunes.

SEE PAGE 7

life:

Take a hike... on local trails.

SEE PAGE 6

finance:

Bonus caps are too little and too late.

SEE PAGE 3

letters to editor:

We want to hear from you.

Direct letters to the editor to: lariateditor@ gmail.com

OLIVER YU/Lariat Staff

HELP WANTED: A job listing posted on the Gaucho Jobs website seeked employment from women interested in a phone-operator position.

Phone-sex ad found in Gaucho Jobs KEITH COUSINS

J

obs are hard to come by, the unemployment rate is at 9.6% and many unemployed citizens are struggling to gain even parttime employment. One resource many Saddleback College students turn to for employment opportunities is Gaucho Jobs; a job search engine run by the college’s career center.

Lisa Johnson, 20, business administration decided to use www.Gauchojobs.com to find work after she was unable to find employment from other job sites.

“I chose to look on Gaucho

Jobs because I was job hunting and I figured that would be a good site for college students,” Johnson said. “Most retailers at the mall and other jobs close to Saddleback use Gaucho Jobs to find employees.”

It was during this search that Johnson came across a very unusual job posting.

“I stumbled upon the ad when I searched for ‘part-time jobs’ in southern Orange County.

All of the other jobs had titles I have heard of before,” Johnson said. “When I stumbled upon the “phone actress/actor” I clicked on it because I didn’t know what it was.”

The job in question was posted by U.S. Services Inc., advertising the need for “phone actresses” at a salary of $23 an hour. According to the post, the company would train these actresses and provide them with a cellphone, “enabling you to have maximum flexibility regarding your location and hours”.

The only stipulations for applicants is that they be more than 18-years-old and adding that, “articulate and open minded women are especially welcome to apply”.

Before providing company contact information, the ad states

that anonymity is guaranteed.

After viewing the posting, Johnson had an idea of what the job was for.

“My first thought on the ad was that it was for a radio station or something,” Johnson said. “I fit the 18 years of age requirement and the pay was really good.”

However Johnson was looking for a more traditional job.

“I wasn’t actually going to apply for the job since I was looking for more of a retail position,” Johnson said.

The posting still left Johnson curious, and she approached her parents with questions as See U.S. Services Page 4

he fine arts department, which underwent a major renovation in spring 2008 is still awaiting finishing touches.

Upgrades to the complex’s infrastructure included plumbing, electrical, lighting, and improved drainage according to Nina Welch, fine arts public information officer.

Main changes involved enhanced pathways around the compound and patron-based additions inside the theater.

“All walkways were resurfaced to make them safer for pedestrians. New parking spaces were installed and the entrance to the complex was graded to allow better disabled access,” Welch said.

“A fully equipped concession area was also installed in the McKinney Theatre.”

“The concession area is new,” said Kate Realista, director of performing arts and operations. “Brand new freezers, ice machine, coffee makers, etc. Plus roll-up doors outside and inside the lobby.”

New restrooms were also constructed featuring touchless plumbing-fixtures, and Gaucho-colored tiles.

The building exteriors, which are currently bare, will be painted according to See Renovation Page 4

World famous surf spot faces radical change TIM WHITE JOHN FREDRICKS

M

uch to the dismay of local surfers, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is taking bids for the project of replacing the wooden railroad bridge at Trestles beach with a modern concrete version.

“Access to surfers will be kept,” said Louise Torio of SANDAG. Known internally as bridge 207.6, it has spanned the San Mateo creek on the north end of the beach since its construction in 1941 and sees heavy traffic

from Metrolink commuter trains traveling between Orange County and San Diego.

“The wooden trestles are what make the place,” said Adam Van Such, 18, fire science.

The bridge has become an iconic marker or the beach’s worldrenowned breaks and serves as a relic to past generations of surfers, decorated with decades of overlapped graffiti. Last weekend marked Trestles’annual competition for the Association of Surfing Professionals. “[The bridge is] Trestles. It’s OLIVER YU/Lariat Staff iconic,” said Clark Fuller, 30, OUT WITH THE OLD: The railroad tracks which have spanned adjacent to the renowned Trestles beach since the early 1940s have become a major part of the surf culture spawned by the world-class break.

See Beach Page 4

Energy conservation a priority at ATEP Green minded Web site to launch later this year TAYLOR ROGERS

T

he Advanced Technology & Education Park campus is offering courses that cater to careers in the field of science and electronics. ATEP is also leading the transition on energy conservation.

The campus offers many courses through both Saddleback and Irvine Valley colleges and the center for Applied Competitive Technologies in many subjects including optics, photonics; a rapid prototype machine, languages, information security, entrepreneurship, and business. ATEP also offers general education courses.

“Our enrollment continues to grow and we are nearing capacity at our current facilities,” said Tere Fluegman director of public information and marketing. “Current enrollment is around 1,350 and we are still enrolling for late start classes.

Last semester our enrollment

was 1,250 and two years ago we opened with just 400 students.”

The one-acre campus located at the corner of Red Hill and Valencia Avenue in Tustin can be considered as a community college, although it offers specialty courses. The campus includes “smart” classrooms that offer Internet connection,

as well as high tech audio/ video conference capabilities.

They were designed to be convenient for students, There is also a high end Apple computer lab and what is called “support space” to students that include Student Services and Virtual Library, Digital (WiFi) Café, and gathering areas.

ATEP also supports energy

conservation. It’s buildings were built and placed to “maximize the light from the south while shading the buildings from southern solar heat gain,” according to the ATEP website.

“The campus was built with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) initiatives in mind,” Fluegman said. “Some examples of our green initiatives include: auto shutoff lighting, organic recycled carpeting, strategically placed sunshades and a silver corrugated metal siding which is made up of 98% recycled materials. We also recycle all of our trash and have met strict standards for water consumption and recycling.”

The whole campus is rigged so that energy is saved and students can be part of the conservation with little effort.

Most of the buildings were made with recycled material and the construction materials had See ATEP Page 4

NATALIE EKSTRAND

about green products, form groups, and host events. ogreenstudents.com, a The website will also offer new social-networking green career opportunities, site set to launch in a store for green products, November will offer students and even allow users to build digital resources needed to get and design their own green involved in the green movement. business. Shell said that 50 Disappointed with preexisting percent of the website’s profits green websites, Mike Shell will fund school green projects founder of gogreenstudents. and that site will also employ com wanted to attract an many earth friendly members. audience that would help “The sites purpose is to start spread the green lifestyle. a student driven website that “The sky is the limit here. generates revenues that are The more the students market in turn giving back to the the site the more revenues will students to green their schools,” be generated for their green Shell said. “Each function on school projects and events,” the GGS site is specifically Shell said. “We want students designed to maximize the to know this is their site to effectiveness that students can believe in, and be very proud have on climate change and of its accomplishments.” the greening of their schools.”

The website offers students Shell hopes to have 5 the ability to network, create See Gogreen Page 4 and voice their opinions

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2

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Leave the phone sex to the professionals EDITORIAL

W

hat is considered socially acceptable has a tendency to change over time. Knee-length skirts were once all the rage, but nowadays you have a hard time locating a college girl who does have her knees covered.

Not to knock the knees; it just seems as if standards of acceptability deteriorate rather steadily as time progresses.

This is applicable to employment as well. Things that were once taboo are now openly discussed and even used in comical context, such as adultery, nudity, and divorce.

This lax outlook has trickled into the job pool as well.

While prostitution has been practiced since the early ages of humanity, it is now openly recognized as a viable source of income in some parts of the United States and in other parts of the world. While society may not embrace such behavior, it is does not carry nearly as much

social deviance weight as before.

There are other forms on employment that very closely border the gates of prostitution.

Acting for X-rated movies and services boasts very emotionally similar job duties. Maybe some people find these duties to be enjoyable hobbies, but making it publicly apparent may make others uncomfortable.

This also includes erotic phone services. Why these things were ever created, we may never know, but they exist.

Prominently. Their respective job postings exist as well. A recent post on the Gaucho Jobs website expressed the need for what was referred to as a “phone actress/actor”, and after investigation, revealed itself to be an advertisement for what is popularly known as “phone sex”.

The ad was brought to the attention of Saddleback College’s career center and removed almost immediately.

It seems unethical that

an employer would think to prey on unemployed college students with a vague job description that could lure students in to a profession that they were most likely not attending traditional community college for. It is saddening to think of how many aspiring actors and actresses stumbled across that advertisement thinking that it was their ticket to fame and success.

Employers need to be clear and concise with job postings and make it very apparent what the job entails, especially in the case of professions that require vague, ambiguous descriptions just to appear commonplace. If you have to say “Mmm, give it to me baby” on a regular basis while on the job, then the job duties in question should be plainly stated. Not only that; job postings of such nature should remain on their relevant adult entertainment websites. If someone has an unmanageable

urge to become a phone sex operator extraordinaire, they will come to you. Don’t worry.

If someone has an intolerable longing to whisper sexy nothings to strangers on telephones, then by all means, they should fulfill, but chances are they aren’t going to think “Saddleback College” when Google searching “phone sex”. They are more likely to click on “PhoneBone.com”.

Employers need to be reasonable and coherent about what and where they are posting on a website, particularly one that has a target market of young college students who are planning on transferring, graduating, and changing the world without the use of phone erotica.

In the meantime, leave us naive, doe-eyed college students alone. Saddleback College is an institute of learning, not a telecommunication brothel.

parking where you are forced to walk ten minutes away.

Not to mention having to pay $2 for a parking pass if you forget yours or are driving a different car. Just the other day, I had to come back to school to take a test for only 30 minutes, and drove my grandpa’s car.

That day, since I did not have my parking pass with me, I was forced to buy a daily pass. I had no idea that parking was that much. Every student should be pressured to buy a parking pass since it is so much cheaper than paying for a spot each day.

It seems ridiculous to me that instructors get mad when we are ten to fifteen minutes late

to class. Even if you explain to them about the parking lot, they still don’t understand.

Even if you get to school early, you are having to wait in a line for at least another ten minutes. And we all love having to follow students back to their cars. And how about asking every one of the students you see walking in a different direction, “are you leaving?”

Having to ask that reminds me of going to the beach on Labor day, or even the Fourth of July.

Saddleback either needs to build a parking structure or hire parking enforcement in order to provide for its attendees.

A lack of parking is a serious issue KAYLA SALLEE

away. I know I am guilty of being late to class many times t’s the morning. You feel because of having to walk like you’re finally going across campus to get to class.

What doesn’t make any sense to be early for class. Most is the fact that at times it seems students that live in Mission like faculty have so many empty Viejo take an estimated spots while students are not amount of 30 minutes to get to aloud to park in these premier school. What a surprise it is spaces.

Instead, campus when they get to school, and police would rather give tickets there is absolutely no parking! for parking in spaces that are Saddleback College has turned prohibited.

It seems more into what looks to be parking for an amusement park. So realistic to make less “staff” many students, so little amount spots and more “student” spots.

Why in the world was of space. It’s sad when students Saddleback parking designed to have to park in the Village have the most parking spots far and walk to the BGS building away from the main buildings? or even a building farther There is always a ton of open

I

ksallee0@saddleback.edu

LARIAT.

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9

CAMPUS COMMENT Compiled By KATHERINE SWEET and OLIVER YU

Are you going to attend Homecoming?

Emilly Jeranko, 19

Michael Childs, 18

visual merchandising

chemical sciences

“Never even heard “Sure, sounds of it.” fun. I love dancing and parties and stuff.”

Matt Tolles, 19

Jona Henshall,21

biology

art/fashion

“Probably not.

I’m not really interested.”

“Oh, there’s a Homecoming?”

Kim Kratchoff,19

Lisa Scagnamiglio, 19

nursing

undecided

“Only if I find a group of friends to go with.”

“I haven’t heard of it, but I would love to go.”

Jenny Cienfuegos, 18

Siavash Zamani, 19

interior design

engineering

“Yes, because it’s fun. It gives me somethimg extra to do.”

“What is homecoming?”

Going czar crazy in D.C RYAN GRIEGO

D

uring the months before his election, President Barack Obama infused the American people with a strong and hopeful zest about the change that was going to happen in Washington. His charisma, along with a few of the promises he made while he was running, gave many voters on both sides of the two party system a compelling reason to vote him in.

Unfortunately, many of the things President Obama has said prior to his election have failed to manifest in the eight months he has been president.

“The biggest problems that we’re facing right now have to do with George Bush trying to bring more and more power into the executive branch and not go through Congress at all. And that’s what I intend to reverse when I’m president of the United States.” Said Senator Obama in a March 31, 2008 speech.

In his 2009 article “Obama’s

32 Czars”, Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) writes, “There are now 32 active czars that work with congress that have enormous authority on many policy fronts […] Washington seems intent on sailing into uncharted waters -- and the czars are often steering the ship.”

These Czars, while increasing government power, are not delivering the transparency that President Obama originally promised.

“The point here is not that President Obama’s reliance on czars is illegal (although it does raise significant, unresolved constitutional issues). Nor is it that these czars are bad people.

It’s that we have not been able to vet them, and that we have no idea what they’re doing. It’s that candidate Obama made a pledge to keep Congress in the light. Yet less than six months after his inauguration, the president appears intent to keep Congress more and more in the dark. Dozens of czars at a time.”

In a Washington news

L ariat

conference on June 8 2009, President Obama announced, “The goal here is that we’re going to create or save 600,000 jobs over the next 100 days.”

According to a August 8 Wall Street Journal article, “The US has in fact lost over 935,000 jobs over three months.”

President Obama later said in his news conference, “We’re going to continue to operate in a transparent fashion so that taxpayers know this money is not being wasted on a bunch of boondoggles.”

Where has this money gone?

Who knows? The executive branch surely does. This is yet another example of the government denying us the transparency that President Obama originally promised.

Days before his election, Obama set up some very high expectations for his administration. Recently, the Associated Press rated Obama’s current approval rating at 50% and is on a slow, steady decline.

I believe that once more and

more Americans recognize the multiple discrepancies in his administration, his approval rating will deteriorate even further. With the media reporting favorably on President Obama, however, there is an information-based battle between those who want to keep Obama in power and those who want to fight for freedom from an administration that says one thing and does another. Many of those who have been drunk on the Obama kool-aid are sobering up and coming to their senses.

An opportunity such as being on the student newspaper is one of many ways to encourage the younger generation to be aware of those in power and to hold them accountable for what they say. I predict another surge of media-based encouragement to keep our Presidential savior in office. But we should not forget the words of wisdom Benjamin Franklin left us with: “People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both.” rgriego1@saddleback.edu

Megan Crothers

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968”

Keith Cousins Managing Editor

Tim White Editor In Chief

Shawn HeavlinMartinez Opinion Editor

Zach Cavanagh Sports Editor

Joseph Espiritu News Editor

Katherine Sweet Life Editor

Ryan Griego Arts Editor

Lauren Small Alica Danish Taylor Rogers Broadcast

Oliver Yu Photography Editor

Melissa Conser Web Editor

Kaily Sanders Showcase

Reporters: Molly Daly, David Diltz, John Franz, John Fredricks, Sherry Lucas, Ian Postal, Kayla Sallee, Shane Weld, Natalie Ekstrand Phone: (949)582-4688 Photographers: Sean Lara, Fax: (949)347-9483 Casie Nguyen E-Mail: LariatEditor@gmail.com Web: www.Lariatnews.com Ad Manager: Kseny Boklan Address: Faculty Adviser: Paul McLeod 28000 Marguerite Parkway Instructional Assistant: Ali Dorri Mission Viejo CA, 92692

About the Lariat The Lariat is the student newspaper of Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The Lariat is an independent studentrun public forum.

One copy of the Lariat is free. Additional copies may be purchased at the Lariat newsroom, located in the Student Services Center at Saddleback College.

Letters to the editor are welcome. Please limit letters to

200 words and include a name, valid email address and signiture.

All letters are subject to editing.

Unsigned editorials represent the views of the Lariat’s ediorial board and do not represent the views of Irvine Valley or Saddleback Colleges or the South Orange County Community College District.

Lariatnews.com was launched in Fall 2007

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LA R I AT.

W E D N E S D AY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS

Afghanistan is the most urgent of our country’s problems KEITH COUSINS

W Afghanistan

SPECIAL TO THE LARIAT

Fiscal responsibility lies with the individual

T

TIM WHITE

he Federal Reserve (FED) has proposed caps for the bonuses awarded to professionals in the finance industry. These new caps are intended go beyond those imposed on board members and on to every level of the loans-for-sale industry.

The idea is that the loan officers will be less inclined to entice us into “risky” situations.

The translation, of course, is that banks need to stop their boys from handing out money to people that can’t pay it back.

This behavior is what got our economy, at least partly, into the situation that it is in. We all became intoxicated on the concept of affording payments, rather than purchase prices. Here’s how it works: Five years ago, Barb bought a house in Irvine. When she bought the place for $400 thousand, she put $80 thousand down because her father told her that the responsible investor always puts 20 percent down on real estate. Back in 2004, this would have saddled Barb with a payment around $1,900 on a 30year loan. This is a fairly typical and reasonable mortgage.

Around the same time that Barb bought her house, our economy was compensating itself from the burst of the Silicon Valley bubble. As the Internet established itself as a viable marketplace, overzealous investors dumped wheelbarrows full of money into companies that promised to revolutionize the newfound marketplace. In the end, it became apparent that a significant number of these companies had no viability whatsoever and the market tanked.

Anyone who studies economics should understand that the market is incredibly elastic, meaning that there will be the best of times just as there will be the worst of times. The big glitch occurred when Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the FED, opted to lower interest rates at this point.

Traditional logic dictates that if a market is overextended, high interest rates will reduce the amount of credit spending and thus stabilize the market. Greenspan, however, took a renegade approach to this situation.

The logic in this maneuver was simple. If interest rates are low, people will be more inclined to borrow money. If people borrow more money, then they will be more inclined to spend it on stuff. The more people spend, the stronger an economy becomes.

Rather than taking the hit,

and dealing with an inevitable recession, Greenspan opted to set interest rates at an unprecedented low, in an effort to provoke credit spending.

The idea was that if there was in an influx of loaned money (fiat money- see last week’s column) in the marketplace, then consumers would spend through the recession created by the dot com crash, making the economic dip a non issue.

Instead, consumers took advantage of the low interest rates to make investments in things like real estate. Instead of re-inflating the Internet market, the housing market took off. Naturally, the houses in the most desirable places became the most sought after.

During this housing ‘bubble’, let’s call it late 2006 or early 2007, it is reasonable that Barb’s house might have reached a market value of $675 thousand or more. Assuming that she was not delinquent with her mortgage, that leaves her with about $368 thousand in equity.

Way to go, Barb…

At this point, Barb is faced with some decisions. The original 1970’s décor of her home has become an embarrassment, her car has developed an ominous oil leak, and she still hasn’t paid off that trip to Thailand that she slammed on her Master Card.

At a cocktail party, Barb is introduced to Dan, an aspiring loan officer. Dan and Barb discuss Barb’s situation and come to some conclusions. Barb opts to refinance her house, taking a new loan of $500 thousand. This is an ample amount of money to pay off the original mortgage, buy her a new car and remodel the house to the finest of standards, while still retaining more than 20 percent equity in the home.

Barb’s mortgage payment has gone up over a thousand dollars, but she has remodeled her home, purchased a new car and paid off her credit card bill. Things are looking great for Barb until the housing market hits a speed bump.

The increase in the perceived value of Barb’s house was the result of an influx of fiat money injected into the market. Lending institutions became love drunk with the amounts of money available on credit and ultimately were as overextended as the consumers making payments on their notes.

When a few of the consumers were unable to repay their loans, the banks were unable to repay the monies that they had borrowed from the FED. Mortgage houses began to fold, resulting in a shortage of money available to folks trying to buy homes. Once

there was a limit of the money available on credit, consumers slowed on purchasing homes, causing their values to plummet.

Someone in Barb’s position will likely be sitting on a home that’s now worth around $475 thousand. On a 5-year trend, she has done well but she still owes $25 thousand more than the property is worth. Over the term of a 30-year mortgage, Barb will likely be able to recover from this deficiency. If she has to liquidate the property for any reason in the near future, she will be forced to either eat the 25 large (if she has it) or foreclose on the property.

The proposal put forth by the FED will limit the salary bonuses allotted to bank employees like Dan, earned from deals drawn from customers like Barb. This, ultimately, is intended to protect unsuspecting consumers from those mean and nasty Wall Street dwellers.

This same proposal, in my opinion, is rubbish… for two reasons.

First, the FED is run by a board of representatives from the banks that collectively own it. While they are, indirectly, protecting the public at large from falling into bad debt, the primary concern can only be to keep their hourly flacks from getting the banks in trouble by writing bad notes.

Secondly (and most importantly), we have to remember that banks are businesses, with the intent of capitol gain. Just like Barb wants to make some money off of the house she bought, the bank that Dan works for wants to make some money off of the loan that she takes.

It is irresponsible and shameful to expect that there can be enough regulation in place to protect us from bad investment. Barb’s situation is unfortunate, however it’s unfair to ask Dan’s bank not to reward him for winning her business.

The bottom line is that the responsibility lies on Barb to determine the appropriate amount of money to draw on her home. Just as she had the privilege to take a risk, she also has the privilege to fail. Under a free market economy, it’s the responsibility of the consumer (that means you, Gus) to understand the risks involved with whatever the in individual does with his or her money.

Tightening regulation on lending practices is not the answer. The only fix for this is for each and every one of us to take the time to understand where our dollars are going and how our economy can fluctuate. twhite17@saddleback.edu

hat do Ghengis Khan, Alexander the Great, the British Empire, and the Soviet Union have in common? Yes, they are all some of the biggest empires in world history. However, what really binds all these things together are massive failures in conquering Afghanistan. The country has proven itself time and time again to be a resilient foe when world powers come knocking at its doorsteps.

American involvement in Afghanistan is not to extend an empires territory or for economic gain. We originally entered the country shortly after 9/11, with the intention of weeding out the then large AlQaeda presence in the country.

Almost eight years later, the situation is at an all time low. The conflict has become increasingly dangerous for our troops. This August has been the deadliest month yet, with 51 American troops killed.

On top of the increase in violence, a massive case of voter fraud threatens to weaken

the country’s already fragile political scene. President Hamid Karzai may face a runoff in the election he supposedly won easily, due to about a third of his 3.1 million votes being recounted and audited to check for fraud.

The quagmire that is Afghanistan is going to be a monumental test for President Obama when it comes to his international policy. He is already on the record as saying that he had inherited a strategy on Afghanistan that was “somewhat adrift,” and wanted to restore a sharp focus on defeating the al-Qaeda threat.

It is clear that the time for a decisive plan of attack is necessary if we are to establish a lasting democracy in Afghanistan while at the same time eliminating terrorist threats.

So then why is Obama so hesitant to act?

President Obama has publicly stated that he is hesitant about the question of increasing troop presence in the country, and constantly stresses that he is still looking for the best course of action.

Hesitation is the last thing

the Obama needs when handling this situation. The Pentagon confirmed this in a memo leaked September 21st by the Washington Post’s Bob Woodward: “Time matters; we must act now to reverse the negative trends and demonstrate progress.”

Demonstrate progress.

Hesitation and sitting on our hands is not the way to demonstrate to the Afghan people that we are committed to showing them positive results in their country.

“Afghans are frustrated and weary after eight years without evidence of the progress they anticipated,” the memo said. “Patience is understandably short.”

This debate could last for an extended period of time, time we simply do not have if we wish to establish a lasting democracy in Afghanistan. The time for action is now. We as a country are, like it or not, committed to Afghanistan and we must follow through with that commitment.

kcousins0@saddlenack.edu

Al-Qaeda presents too much of a threat to justify withdrawal

S

SEAN LARA

hould our military be in Afghanistan?

Simply put, Yes. Keep in mind that our intentions of being in Afghanistan are completely different than those of us being in Iraq, which the two are often confused to be the same.

One of the most well known reasons for our presence there was the belief that they had weapons of mass destruction, and this in turn posed a threat to the UN’s allies. However, this soon became debateable, because these alleged weapons were never found and as a result many people around the globe protested the war.

Due to all this conflicting material, much of the struggle in the Middle East has been focused on the issues in Iraq.

In Afghanistan the United State’s presence is based on a

different platform. According to President Obama, “the United States of America did not choose to fight a war in Afghanistan.

Nearly 3,000 of our people were killed on September 11, 2001.

We have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan.” Because of this reasoning, the United States is obligated to stay in Afghanistan for the safety of our country and its citizens. There is still much work to do, and if we back out now the possibility of Al-Qaeda performing another terrorist attack would be imminent. A recent piece on “60 Minutes” showed a resurgent Al-Qaeda that is becoming stronger and more organized. In a firefight in a cornfield, one of the marines discovered a video camera that was dropped during combat with a small group of Al-Qaeda members. Upon reviewing it they witnessed some of their

training techniques and tactics as well as spy footage of the U.S. Marines. This clearly shows they are becoming stronger and more organized which poses a direct threat.

If the U.S. were to pull out of Afghanistan, the entire country is all but guaranteed to fall back into the hands of the Taliban.

With our military out and AlQaeda in even more control, they will have the means to recruit more terrorists which will then put the U.S. back into a position vulnerable to another terrorist attack. If this happens, the possibility of another event similar to 9-11 may be a reality, and thousands of innocent citizens could be killed. We are at war and we need to finish what the terrorists of Al-Qaeda started.

Our presence in Afghanistan must continue until they are permanently taken care of. slara1@saddleback.edu

few who would argue that point.

But with all the issues to be dealt with, why is he spending so much time talking about them in such mediums more aimed at the masses than the officials who are actually involved in policy?

After all, there are plenty of means for him to get out the message on health care or the economy. Sure, it’s not as fun to watch the news or press conferences or the State of the Union, but it’s not about fun. It’s about being informed about the issues in a serious setting that doesn’t have a

cause. It just might be more the job of reporters and the news.

But what do we do now, with Obama still circling the late-night circuit? Letterman certainly isn’t going to deny a high profile guest like the president so long as it brings in ratings. No host would.

In fact, no one would turn down an offer from the leader of the free world to be on their show if they thought it would ensure an audience. If this is the case, then it seems we are the ones with the power here.

If we choose not to watch

Talk Show -Bama IAN POSTAL

A

lmost a year ago, Barack Obama was elected to become president of the United States. He was sworn in in late January. Since then, he has had to deal with a number of issues, from the economic collapse to the plan for reforming health care. In fact, the problems he faces in his administration in only his first year are more than some faced in their entire run as president.

But, we haven’t seen Obama talking about these issues on just the news or in press conferences. From his cameo on “The Colbert Report” this past summer to his scheduled appearance on “The Late Show” with David Letterman to his recent off-color, and off the record, comment on Kanye West, President Obama has been quite involved in the entertainment industry.

While some might think it cool or fun to be living in the time of the first sitting president to appear on a late-night talk show, there is a problem to be looked at with Obama’s foray into the world of entertainment.

The problem is that Obama’s business is not entertainment.

His business is being the chief executive of this country and dealing with the problems that it faces, no small task.

Obama has even stated on numerous occasions that he has “a lot on his plate”, and there are

Micah Brown/Lariat Contributor

comedian waiting in the wings.

Now, this isn’t to say the president shouldn’t try to reach out to the people of the country.

Maybe he shouldn’t be doing it in a talk show setting, but keeping everyone informed and up to date on issues is still a worthy

the president’s ventures in the entertainment world, then maybe we’ll see a return to the system where he and others in charge dealt with such formal issues in a more proper setting. ipostal0@saddleback.edu

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W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9

U.S. Services Inc. puts college in tough spot Continued from Page 1

to what the job actually was.

“When I showed my dad the ad, he told me that it was for [a] phone sex actor/ actress,” Johnson said.

“Once I found out what it was, I was shocked and bewildered that you could post such a thing on a website,” Johnson said. “I was concerned because I wasn’t sure if the company had to be approved to be posted on the job site, and if they were, I was upset that Saddleback would allow that.”

A simple Internet search confirmed her father’s conclusion.

Although a search for U.S. Services Inc. results in no listing for the company in question, searching the company’s provided email address brings up many similar postings.

For example, a posting for the company is found on the website backpage.com. The first thing that jumps out when viewing the site is that this posting is located under “east Oregon adult entertainment” with the subsection “east Oregon adult jobs”, clearly implying that the job is much more than the Gaucho Jobs posting lets on.

Further investigation of the post confirms that the job in question is a phone sex operator.

Everything written in this ad is the same as the one on Gaucho Jobs, however, the post also

says, “now hiring for the ‘sexy and submissive’ category.”

The Lariat tried to contact the several emails and phone numbers on the website to further confirm that this was in fact a posting for a phone sex job. None of our phone calls were responded to, and only received an automated email in response to our inquiries.

The Saddleback College career center offers many services to students when it comes to transferring to colleges as well as gaining parttime and full-time employment.

The career center also helps students to find internships in their fields of interest.

A service of the career center is the Gaucho Jobs website, which career placement officer Eric Hilden helped to set up and monitor.

The Gaucho Jobs website was purchased from a third party corporation that provides job and internship postings for over 850 universities such as Cal State Fullerton and Notre Dame.

The third party system also provides a basic level of security to monitor job postings. “It has good security and can detect fraudulent postings,” Hilden said.

However the staff at the Saddleback College career center does not have the resources to personally monitor everything that goes on the site.

“On a day to day level there is not enough time to check every

posting, we simply do not have enough employees,” Hilden said.

Hilden added that while they cannot go over every posting, they try to cover the basics of the job postings to ensure that legitimate ads are being posted.

In fact when students create profiles on the Gaucho Jobs website, part of the stipulation when they agree to the terms of the website is that the career center does not monitor and check everything posted on the website.

When the U.S. Services Inc. posting was brought to Hilden’s attention, he took action.

“Absolutely, that will be pulled immediately,” Hilden said. “By all means we do not want this on our website.”

As a result of his meeting with the Lariat, several actions were taken. Hilden detailed these actions in an email.

“The job posting was investigated, contact was made with a company representative, and the position was deemed to be misleading and misrepresentative of actual duties,” Hilden said.

“The job posting was immediately deleted from the Gaucho Jobs system.”

The employer account was also disabled with promise of further investigation into and discussion by the staff to make sure that the postings by the company meet the policies of Gaucho Jobs.

NACElink, the provider

of the Gaucho Jobs system was also notified on the fraudulent job posting in order to share the information with other campuses as needed.

News additions to the Gaucho Jobs website help inform students on job posting safety.

“It is a good reminder that for job postings on third party websites, you must be very careful and not immediately provide legitimate information,” Hilden said. “Do your research first, in workshops and one on one support I stress that you always go to the company first.”

For students who had already applied to the job, Hilden sent an email informing them that the posting was misleading of the actual job duties.

Hilden encouraged students to reply to the email with their thoughts and experiences with applying for the position. He also stressed that students must be diligent in researching the companies who post jobs before sending them personal information.

“On the plus side: Gaucho Jobs averages 100 to 150 jobs monthly, last month we had close to 700 users,” Hilden said.

While this was an unfortunate and misleading incident, the career center acted promptly to ensure student safety and continue the programs success in providing jobs to students of Saddleback College. kcousins0@saddleback.edu

Social Network promote green lifestyle

OLIVER YU/Lariat Staff

BANNERS: Bob Rickerson shows a scale model of the art gallery that provides viewers a concept of the flags to grace the corridor.

Renovation still ongoing Continued from Page 1

include colorful banners to compliment the art gallery.

John Ozurovich, director of “I am going to install colored facilities and maintenance. banners on the corridor in front “It’s almost rainy of the art gallery,” said Bob season,” Ozurovich said. Rickerson, art curator. “The “We’ll probably wait until banners should help guide people spring before we paint.” towards the front entrance as the Among the planned changes gallery does not have a direct include a new entrance to the access from the parking lot.” theatre circle, and a “plaza Future construction plans project” which will feature are too preliminary to reveal similar walkways at both at this time according to Dixie the fine arts and science Bullock, acting dean of fine arts. and math departments. jespiritu2@saddleback.edu Other improvements

Campus hosts Ramadan celebration ALICA DANESH

Continued from Page 1

percent of all students involved in the GGS site by 2012.

Early registration is available at gogreenstudents.com.

Students can also follow updates for the site on twitter or facebook.

In the meantime Shell encourages students SHANNON PATRICK/Lariat Staff to market the site. CARVING IT: A surfer enjoys a late afternoon seesion at the world famous trestles by San Onofre.

“Students can start now by just viral marketing GGS ten minutes a day. Shell said.

“They can start a grassroots Janae Dietz, 24, San Diego Mark McElroy, Saddleback’s Continued from Page 1 movement before we launch.

The Surfrider foundation is head football coach and surfing The more traffic we have on working alongside the state instructor, “But I’m one for the site come launch day the San Clemente, “It shouldn’t be parks to make sure that beach the organic integrity of the more advertisers will sign up.” torn [down]. Real bummer.” access is maintained and that architecture to be maintained.”

The Project is scheduled to nekstrand0@saddleback.edu commence sometime in late the construction will not affect The timber spans of the October or early November the legendary breaks, according current bridge have rotten of this year, and consists of to Mark Rauscher, assistant past the point of repair, director at posing safety concerns and replacing 40 timber supports, Environment Surfrider.

They are also working necessitating the replacement. the decking and track materials.

Continued from Page 1 to improve the environmental A section of the bridge was The projected budget nearly standards at the beach. already replaced in 1998 after $9.6 million and is expected “I’m sure that they have a good being damaged during the el very little landfill contribution. to be finished without The campus has a very big interruption of rail service. reason [to replace the bridge], Niño storms of that time period. goal in mind, not only to keep “It’s a problem if they mess be it structural, monetary or twhite17@saddleback.edu the environment safe, but also with the environment,” said a combination of both, ” said to offer students a gateway into the future of technology.

The college is also hoping to advance itself by expanding from a one-acre campus to 30 The folllwing mispellings occured in last week’s issue: acres. The ATEP community was at Saddleback College in On page 1, Gracias y Pasion and Ehren Trabeek were the Ronald Regan Board of spelled incorrestly.

Trustees room on August 31, to discuss the expansion plans.

On page 3, Natalie Ekstrand was spelled incorrectly and For more information visit her correct email is nekstrand0@saddleback.edu. their website at www.atep.us. trogers11@saddleback.edu

Beach to remain open during construction

culture,” said Amir Sharifi, 23, business. “Plus, it’s nice addleback College will to be able to pig out again.”

Hernandezbe hosting a lecture Carmenmara Bravo, chair language and dinner to celebrate department has been attending Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7p.m. in SSC 212. this event for several years.

For Muslims around the world, “It’s a multilingual gathering Ramadan is a “blessed month” with lectures done in Persian, characterized by prayer, Arabic, Spanish as well as fasting, and acts of selflessness. English,” said HernandezRamadan ends with the Bravo. “Both Muslims and nonthree-day celebration of Muslims attend and learn about Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of the Five Pillars of Islam and breaking the fast”. The event the significance of Ramadan.” is marked by charity and Everyone is welcome to attend good deeds that bring Muslim to learn more about Ramadan families even closer together. and enjoy sweet baklava.

“It is a really important adanesh4@saddleback.edu part of my family’s Persian

S

Proof D

ATEP goes green

CORRECTIONS:

International movie festival to be held at student services center TAYLOR ROGERS

Saddleback is hosting its own an International Film Festival.

The event will be showing Spanish Goya Award winning film, “Camino”, which depicts the true story of a terminally ill girl’s death and her influence

SEAN LARA/Lariat Staff

FILM: Spanish instructor Carmenmara Bravo

with the conservative Opus Dei sect of the Catholic Church.

“Camino” walked away from the 2009 Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Goya Awards with honors in best film, director, original screenplay, lead actress (Carme Elias) and supporting actress (Nerea Camacho). The event which has a small crowd from past years is expecting to host their largest audience yet.

“We are hoping to have 30-40 people come to the festival,” said Carmenmara Hernadez Bravo Spanish instructor. This film can be seen on Friday, Sept.

25, at 7p.m. in Room SSC 212. trogers11@saddleback.edu

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LA R I AT.

W E D N E S D AY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

Oliver Yu/Lariat Staff

THE BUCK STOPS HERE: Saddleback College President Tod A. Burnett enjoys good marks in general after first year in office. The first-time president had ambitious goals for the campus.

President Tod A. Burnett one year later MOLLY DALY KAILY SANDERS

I

t has been one year since Tod Burnett became President of Saddleback College. Burnett has been enthusiastic and optimistic about the job. He took the position with knowledge of Saddleback’s quality and great potential.

“I think Burnett has done a remarkable job in the very short amount of time he has served as president… this is his second year.

What I like about his work as president is that he is working with faculty, administration, managers, and classified staff in the most positive, professional, and supportive manner,” said Raghu Mathur, Chancellor of the District.

While this campus marks its 41st anniversary, Burnett celebrates the first anniversary of his presidency. Burnett is new to the school and has a fresh and optimistic view on each situation. Due to his participatory approach, countless improvements have been completed and other significant changes are still underway.

This is his first job as the President of a school, but he has also worked as the Vice Chancellor of California Community Colleges. CCC is the nation’s largest higher education system, with more than 100 community colleges and 2.7 million students.

In his Annual State of the College, “Very Good to Great”, he explains his hopes for the school and gives information on some of his biggest challenges and responsibilities as president. He touches on areas including academics, financial challenges, and college advancement.

In “Very Good to Great,” Burnett explained different financial challenges the school has faced in the last year. One challenge in particular was how the state and nation-wide budget cuts impacted the school and students. Unfortunately, the state fees increased from $20 to $26 per unit.

Major budget cuts have resulted in complications to the educational system. As many people have noticed, school teachers, along with other administrators, have been affected by the statewide lay offs. Amid the chaos, Saddleback College was able

to hire 60 brand-new full-time faculty members since 2008.

The fact that our school was able to hire new staff while other schools were laying people off reflects the schools careful strategic planning.

Strategic planning is a tool used to competently attain the school’s “mission, visions, and values” while allowing us to progress into the future.

Essentially, it outlines the aspirations and objectives of the school and allows it to plan ahead rather than making quick and thoughtless decisions.

Burnett admits that cuts have affected the school. However, he has been working hard with other faculty and board members to make careful budget plans for school. The proper strategic planning has helped keep the cuts from hurting any program drastically.

The programs that suffered budget cuts and cost increases include: career technical, nursing, and economic development grants; disabled student programs and services; basic skills; Cal Works; cooperative agency resource for education; credit and non-credit matriculation; and scheduled maintenance and instructional equipment.

Burnett mentioned how college advancements illustrate the school’s recent efforts to build awareness, develop relationships, and raise external resources.

The Saddleback College Foundation, a non-profit auxiliary organization, supports the efforts, including fundraising and marketing.

The foundation raises external resources for scholarships and construction projects.

Burnett’s proudest presidential accomplishment concerns the overwhelming success of the community college. Burnett has always stressed the significance of community colleges, and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to such a productive campus. The initiatives and goals Burnett has implemented into this college embody the values and prosperity we observe, and are expected to continue to see. “[Dr. Burnett’s] energy and enthusiasm is contagious… and I’ve heard from numerous people about his understanding of people, their needs, and how he is bringing a breath of fresh air to the college community,” Mathur said.

Burnett’s “breath of fresh

air” derives from his previous, yet dissimilar position as Vice Chancellor of California Community Colleges.

“Coming form a state Chancellor’s system perspective down to a college is a difference, but I’ll tell you, I like it much better here,” Burnett said.

Burnett enjoys more intimate situations in which he can closely interact with other employees and obtain their trust.

Therefore, Burnett is much more content working in a smaller environment.

His hobbies, interests and accomplished past has transformed him into the perfect president of Saddleback College.

“What I’m trying to do is create much more of an emphasis on students. In particular, student success and how can we as a college infrastructure help students to be more successful- and that means in all the realms of success,” Burnett said.

Burnett continued on an ambitious path that led him to work as a commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. During that period of time, 1996 to 2000, Burnett learned momentous lessons that are crucial to the daily duties of a president.

Burnett has worked hard to gain experience in areas such as the design, construction, and maintenance of the city’s public infrastructure, vital public safety, health, and environmental programs.

Subsequently, he grew into the epitome of a leader Saddleback College was in need of.

Burnett also advised the Governor on political appointments with responsibility for the energy, environment, resources, and agriculture. It is apparent that his past contributes to the assets he now provides to this school. For example, his skill in the design of Los Angeles’ infrastructure assists in his ability to construct the ideal educational environment.

“Our buildings are 40 years old, and they’re decaying. We are at a time where we either need to have full renovations or new buildings,” Burnett said.

This fall, areas such as the library, student center, and the quad will be under reconstruction. “The environmentally conscious design is inviting,” Burnett said. “Our students and

employees need and deserve world class facilities that provide a comfortable and sustainable state of the art campus environment.”

In concerning the sustainability of the environment, Burnett is incredibly passionate and dedicated to promoting change.

Measures such as the school’s recycling program, the reuse of irrigation water, and

the set up of a 1.5-megawatt cogeneration plant have all advanced under his reign.

Obtaining power through our own power plant assists in saving the environment, as well as massive financial savingsover 900,000 dollars a year.

Furthermore, Burnett intends to endorse an environmentally conscious campus by installing an “upgraded energy management system and new

cool roof system for the student services building”.

Burnett came to Saddleback College a year ago with great ambition and forward reaching goals.

Over the course of a year, he has passionately pursued these goals and hopes to continue to use his talents to further the campus. mdaly5@saddleback.edu ksanders13@saddleback.edu

President Burnett’s Top Ten Projects for 2009-10: 1. Complete Accreditation Self-Study Report.

First and foremost, Saddleback College needs to reaffirm its accreditation by completing the self study.

The self study is a three-part process consisting of an institutional self appraisal, an on-site visit by a team of peers, and a review. The on-site visit will take place during the fall semester of 2010 and the Commission Review will be in January 2011.

2. Identifying and Implementing Efficiencies.

Not only is Burnett hoping to decrease and avoid any budget cuts that directly affect students, but he also hopes to maximize the efficiency of outputs such as student services.

3. Create One Stop Student Information Center.

Burnett envisions one area of general help for both incoming and returning students. Instead of having students bounce around, looking for which particular office they need, there will be a place for them to go with any kind of question.

4. Complete 2010-2013 Strategic Plan.

The completion of the three-year strategic plan will provide clear directions for how to manage the school’s budget.

5.

Prepare for H1N1 Pandemic.

6. Raise money for the Osher Endowment scholarship.

Last year the school raised $138,000 for the state-wide Osher Endowment scholarship.

7. Develop Plan for meeting Maintenance Needs.

Burnett acknowledges that the campus needs improvement in some areas and these needs will be met within the careful budget.

8. Expand Alumni Contacts.

Saddleback has alumni of 500,000 people and is only in contact with 1,000 or less.

9. Implement Internet Social Networking. Marketing, alumni, outreach, communication.

10. Complete Veteran’s Memorial

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LARIAT.

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9

PHOTOS BY SEAN LARA/Lariat

HOT RIDES: (Above) Ryan Cubidez, Branden Sigala and Christian Cardona showcase the hard work and dedication they have put into their rides. (Below) Branden Sigala stands next to the 350Z Nismo that he recently purchased. (Far Right) Ryan Cubidez displays his clean Subaru Impreza STI that he modified himself from a stock car to a race-ready monster.

Too fast, too Gaucho: modified imports SEAN LARA

F

or most college students, owning a car serves a simple purpose, to get from “A” to “B” as cheaply as possible. However, for the select few Saddleback College students, their cars mean much more to them than that.

Ryan Cubidez, 20, marketing communications, is one of those students who utilize his car for more than picking up groceries. Cubidez drives a 2004 Subaru Impreza STI that he built from the ground up.

The STI is an all-wheel drive four-cylinder monster that was originally designed for off-road rally racing and has become an extremely popular and affordable tuner car amongst all ages. A stock STI comes equipped with a 2.5L, 250 wheel horsepower Boxer engine with a single turbocharger at a compression of 14.5 psi.

Cubidez has taken his car to the next level by making it “race-ready.” With a boost increase on his turbo to 21psi, intake, exhaust, rims, Tomei headers, fuel pump, suspension work, weight reductions and more, his car jumps up to 320 wheel horsepower and a 0 to

60 mph time of four seconds.

“I modify my car because I love racing on the track,” Cubidez said. “When I was younger I went off-roading in the desert with Jeeps and ever since then I’ve been hooked.”

Cubidez has already put six grand into his car and hopes to put in another ten within the next few years. He plans to finish college and open his own auto-consulting business so he can afford his dream car: a 1970 Chevy Chevelle in Candy Apple Red. Another student, Branden Sigala, 19, business, is also very passionate about his modified ride. Sigala has a 2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo that is designed to turn heads. A stock 350Z puts out 260 wheel horsepower powered by a 3.5L naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine.

As fast as these cars are stock, Sigala was not satisfied and decided to put all of his earnings into making it faster and making it look nicer. In his two-month ownership of the car, he has put four grand of modifications into his ride which include Megan Racing coilovers, Nismo shifter, HKS exhaust, ECU upgrades, Nismo Intake, a high-quality audio system and much more.

His car n o w

pushes 310 wheel horsepower.

“Ever since I went to my first car meet with my dad as a little kid, I knew I wanted a nice car,” Sigala said. “Modding cars is my passion and I hope to someday make a career out of it. I’ve worked hard to buy my car, and I know I can put that same dedication into starting my own business.”

Sigala is currently sponsored

by Trebel Racing and Gold Star and attends many car shows where his car is featured on the show floor. He hopes to soon start his own car club business for other auto enthusiasts, and continue to modify his ride as much as possible.

Christian Cardona, 19, biological science, recently got into modifying his car and so far enjoys it thoroughly. Cardona drives a 2003 Infiniti G35 powered by the similar motor as the 350Z, a 3.5L, 240-wheel horsepower six-cylinder engine.

This car is already an extremely nice luxury sports coupe; however, Cardona decided that it needed to be modified to grab everyone’s attention. With a cold air intake, powder-coated gold rims, Brembo brakes, Borla exhaust, Tein 350Z H-Tech springs and an Inven front bumper, he does exactly that.

Derby offers OC nightlife LAUREN SMALL

B

ored of the same old OC nightlife? The Derby is now open for business!

The dueling piano bar and deli is spicing up the Orange County nightlife with a new spin on live music entertainment.

New York Style Deli and 1930s Hollywood was the inspiration when Dan Lauriano first opened The Derby on May 15. A USC graduateturned-cover-band guru, Lauriano traveled around the country playing at different bars looking for inspiration.

It was through his traveling band that he was able to see what works and what doesn’t when it comes to bars, especially ones with live music.

Who would have guessed that dueling pianos would be the hot ticket?

“It was crazy. We literally opened the doors the first Friday night and the place hit the ground running,” general manager Patrick Reilly said.

They have only been open a few months and the buzz is whirling all around town.

Already a favorite of the “Real Housewives of Orange County,” this restaurant and bar is not your

stereotypical watering hole.

Imitating an old Hollywood club, the lounge area is surrounded with stylish wrap couches, dramatic chandeliers, and photos from the inspired era. This makes it the perfect spot for casual cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Then there’s the piano lounge, where all the magic happens. At the center of the open outdoor patio rests two side-by-side pianos, a set of drums, and a plethora of goofy props and hats.

After 9:00 p.m. the pianists take stage and the crowd and staff are encouraged to do so with them, props and all They play songs requested by the guests and everyone laughs and sings along.

“We have seen an elderly lady standing on the piano hula hooping and singing,” Reilly said. “It gets crazy, but it’s just a bunch of people having a great time.”

Expect to find a very diverse crowd of people at any given night. One side of the restaurant will be celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary; another group is celebrating a 21st birthday; and a bachelorette party all in one room.

The Derby appeals to all ages and truly is a place where

everyone can gather and let loose.

For college students, Tuesday night is the best night to go. With a younger crowd and only a five-dollar cover charge, people can enjoy $2 Coronas all night long. Pianos start at 9 p.m. so get there early before the place packs up and the line gets insane!

Not only are they popular for their excellent nightlife, The Derby is also a full service restaurant and deli. They are famous for their pastrami and they might be one of the only places on the West Coast that does their own pastrami in house.

Their matzo ball soup and vast array of brisket meat sandwiches are also some of the top sellers on the menu Guests can enjoy half off appetizers such as onion rings and drink specials every day from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Between old ladies on pianos, wild conga lines, and loud singing and dancing, The Derby is proving itself to be a surprising hot spot for Orange County locals.

“There’s no way of describing what we are. We are literally just a boundary-breaking adventure that you have to just come see for yourself,” Reilly said. lsmall2@ivc.edu

“As lame as this is going to sound, I was inspired to modify my car by the movie ‘Fast and the Furious,’ ” Cardona said. “I love taking something average and making it sexy to grab the attention of others.” Although Cardona just started to upgrade his car, he plans on adding two turbochargers to the motor, and a wide body kit to the exterior.

After college he plans on becoming a dentist and rally racing on the weekends for fun. slara1@saddleback.edu

Get your Quick Escape JOHN FREDRICKS

Y

es, it’s good to have a routine involved around your educational plans, maybe even a minimum-wagepaying job. But let’s face it, it is easy to get fed up with that everyday agenda you are stuck in. We need an occasional spontaneous spike in this routine to help us appreciate life more.

With that said, may I welcome your gazing eyes to “the Quick Escape,” a bi-weekly travel and outdooring column established to provide ideas for eventful one or two day getaways. Let’s kick this off with something close by.

Whitting Ranch Wilderness Park is a quick escape for Saddleback and Irvine Valley College students because the park is a less-than-30minute drive from each campus. Even with today’s gas prices, it’s not a bad drive.

Whitting’s 4,300-acre layout features numerous bike trials, hiking paths and panoramic views of north

Whitting has to offer as well. Most days you can even see Catalina Island off to the distance.

Don’t forget, horses are allowed in certain parts of the park, so take your large and friendly pet with you if the steed is up for it.

Park maps are located throughout the park, including JOHN FREDRICKS/Lariat STAFF the dirt parking lot TREK: Tanner Grimshaw, 22, film, hikes up located off Glenn a trail at Whitting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Ranch Road. Here Orange County. Although this you will pay a $4 fee for escape will require moderate park usage – but not to worry, physical activity, it can suit there are plenty of free parking anyone’s outdooring pleasure. spots in the surrounding areas.

The park is very popular with This is a great quick escape mountain bikers because for the student with those long, the area offers a variety of lingering class gaps due to the experience levels ranging from closeness of the park’s proximity. beginning to moderate trials. Make sure you don’t let the If biking isn’t your fancy, lace mountain lion warning signs up your trail shoes and go out scare you too much. There have for a walk in the woods. Pick not been any attacks within this a path to fit your preference on park to date. Enjoy yourselves! one of the park maps. Make sure jfredricks2@saddleback.edu you check out the great views

7

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W E D N E S D AY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

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Alumnus drummer releases second album with band SHAWN HEAVLINMARTINEZ

“

Stix and Stones” is the second album of local band Beyond Conception, and unfortunately, this shows in the album’s shortcomings. The good news about this band’s second try is that it is a perfectly serviceable effort. The guitar work is fine, the piano and bass (Justin and Matt Abrams, respectively) are competent, and the drums (played by Clint Armstrong) sound…well, like drums. However, the album, which can loosely be described as your run of the mill rock, seems to lack any coherent theme or voice. Each single, while good, eventually adds to the album’s lack of momentum.

The album’s eponymous first track is especially out of place with the rest of the songs, with its rumbling guitar riffs (dualteamed by Blake Kennedy and Justin Abrams) and tamborines

giving way to the later tracks’ more subdued piano stylings.

The band is at its best when it moves away from the tediously generic style of the first song, expanding it’s style with the slower, but better, middle of the album. The Shoeshiner

and Miles, especially, are the best songs on the album and effuse the listener with a mix of energy and relaxation after listening. The jazz/rock mix works well in these two songs, and while vocals are clearly not the band’s strong point,

Courtesy of beyond conception

the instrumentals manage to close the gap very nicely.

Unfortunately, the energy of the early album fails to carry into the later tracks. A sort of lethargic repetition sets in at about the halfway mark, with each song giving less and less to distinguish itself from the others. By the end of the album, the listener is wondering how much longer is left.

While technically competent, Stix and Stones never manages to find a voice, and seems to be blundering through track after track. There is no sense of identity in the music, just a gaping emptiness. The album is perfectly, terribly average, and in the fierce competition of the Southern California music scene, this bodes ill for the band if they cannot manage to develop a distinct style. Hopefully, the group will have done so by their CD release performance on Nov. 25 at The Coachhouse.

DOWNLOAD: Stix and Stones is available for purchase on iTunes sheavlinmartinez0@saddleback.edu

The Great Comedian’s performance is a success SHANE WELD

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aturday night’s comedy show entitled: “The Great Comedians— Those Felt Hat Big Cigar Funny Men” hosted by Brad Zinn drew a big crowd.

A recent interview with Zinn about his show gave me a taste of what to expect, but I was surprised that Zinn’s creative, comical Within seconds of my car being parked and locked, a Saddleback faculty member in a golf cart offered me a ride up to the theatre. The theatre may not have been far from the parking lot, but I had to commend the great service that Saddleback

College presented before me.

After deciding to walk, I arrived in the theatre and plopped down into my seat like an anchor falling into the ocean. As I was sitting down I noticed the gifted artwork of Brenda Zinn, Brad Zinn’s wife.

Soon the artwork was done and 8 p.m. came around the corner. The lights were dimmed and the show began promptly on time. A voice came on the loud speaker introducing Zinn. Brad not only wrote and directed the show, but was the person behind everything, including the producing.

Zinn has over 30 years of experience of being a professional entertainer, and it showed as he

performed impressions of old comedians such as Jonny Carson, Will Rogers and other great comedians.

One of the impressions he made of Johnny Carson was a joke where he asked the audience to “describe Kermits wedding night”. The answer he gave in response to his own question was, “piggly wiggly”.

While doing this impression he wore a giant red, genie type hat with a feather in it.

Another impression was of Will Rogers, who was born in the late 1800’s. His impression of Rogers consisted of Zinn wearing chaps, and a cowboy hat, while twirling ropes and telling old jokes from things Roger had read in the news

back in the early 1900’s.

The audience seemed to love the impressions, clapping and applauding with laughter throughout the 90-minute show.

“The humor was clean, which was refreshing compared to what you hear from most comedians nowadays”, said Leisha Clark, 20, Sign Language major.

Soon the show was over and after the audience finished applauding, Zinn took the time to meet with me and sign autographs for the audience members. Zinn was very friendly and treated everyone with the utmost respect. Overall, the show was very entertaining and a pleasurable experience. sweld2@saddleback.edu

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With practice runs done, true test looms for football team ZACH CAVANAGH

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he practice runs are done.

The No. 10 Saddleback College football team’s mettle will be put to the test this week against No. 7 Mt. San Antonio College.

After outscoring their previous two opponents by a combined total of 1247, the Gauchos will face a Mounties team that is averaging 33.3 points scored per game and allowing 21.3 points per game.

Neither stat is truly daunting, considering Mt. SAC’s competition. The Mounties beat then No. 20 Pasadena by only five points in their first game.

Mt. SAC handled Golden West 33-14 a week after Saddleback defeated the Rustlers 33-23.

The heart of Mt. SAC’s dominance can be seen with a closer look at the ground game. The Mounties are averaging 168 per game rushing while only allowing 2.7 rushing yards per game.

This could be a big trouble for the Gauchos’ star running back, Jai Morris.

For the Gauchos to win, they must exploit the air attack. Mt. SAC has allowed an average of 198 yards passing per game. Quarterback David Ingram and towering receiver T.J. Knowles will be the major offensive keys for the Gauchos.

Saddleback was sloppy in game one, but has shown dominance against their last two quite hapless opponents.

The true test of this team will be the mental aspect.

Motivation won’t be a hard to find for the Gauchos after a crushing last-second, overtime 23-20 loss.

The Gauchos must persevere and overcome the adversities they will face in this top-10 battle. Saddleback has shown flashes of their ability to rise to the challenge, but the Gauchos haven’t needed to sustain it.

Both teams are talented.

Both teams are ranked.

Both teams are undefeated until Saturday at the least.

One team has to prove themselves as a contender.

One team will have to discover a championship swagger.

One team will find these and prove to be victorious.

Can Saddleback sustain a mentally strong, 60-minute effort? Or does Mt. SAC have all it needs to push on?

After Saturday, we’ll know. zcavanagh0@saddleback.edu

Follow the Lariat sports page on twitter @ lariatsports

T.J. Knowles

PHOTO COURTESY OF SADDLEBACK COLLEGE

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S addleback 52, B ernardino V alley 0

Gauchos roll in shutout of Wolverines ZACH CAVANAGH

N ext G ame

No. 7 (3-0) No. 10 (3-0) fter a record setting rout last week, the Saddleback College football team took the field 1 p.m. at Mt. San Antonio College Saturday night and torched San Gauchos: 8-6 all-time vs Mt. SAC Bernardino Valley College, 52-0.

Saddleback, then ranked No. the first quarter. On third down 11, completely shut down the with 20 yards to go, receiver Wolverines. The win extended T.J. Knowles hauled in a 20the Gauchos’ record to 14-0 all- yard reception for a first down time against San Bernardino and and the offensive momentum.

Knowles capped a fourhanded the hapless Wolverines their 18th consecutive loss. minute drive for Saddleback The win also marked one by catching a four-yard last run-through before the touchdown pass from Ingram Gauchos start a two-game with 30 seconds left in the road swing starting with No. first quarter. The touchdown 7 Mt. San Antonio College put Saddleback up 21-0.

The Saddleback defense at 1 p.m Saturday (Sept. 26).

Saddleback running back reared its head again with a Jai Morris wasted no time fumble recovery by free safety getting the offense back Cameron Chadwick. A 30-yard into the flow with a 70-yard reception by Morris set up a touchdown run on the Gauchos’ three-yard touchdown run by first play from scrimmage. running back Charles Neal.

On the Wolverine’s next “Definitely, for the first time, Richard Crawford we’re clicking with Jai back play, in the rotation,” quarterback snatched an interception at David Ingram said. “With a guy the Saddleback 21-yard line.

After a botched snap and like him, you can just make it easier and hand the ball off.” a penalty, Ingram was forced Midway through the to chuck a pass out the end first quarter, Jeremy zone. The pass was intercepted Rodenburg made the first by Marcus Williams, and it major defensive play for the forced the defense to step up Gauchos with an interception. at the Saddleback 39-yard line.

The defense did not “Interception was thankful to Kory (Johnson),” Rodenburg disappoint. Matt Reza, Jason said. “He got a tip and I made the Young, and Paul Gonzalez three consecutive play.” Ingram quickly followed made with a 39-yard touchdown strike sacks on the first three to receiver Tre Villahermosa. downs of the possession.

The Gaucho offense faced The Wolverines tried for a its first true adversity of the fourth down conversion, but game with four minutes left in Crawford pulled in his second

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SEAN LARA / Lariat Staff FINGERTIPS: Saddleback wide receiver T.J. Knowles beats two San Bernadino Valley defenders for the leaping highlight catch in the first quarter on Saturday. Knowles led all receivers with 114 yards in the air.

interception for the Gauchos.

On the ensuing drive, the Gauchos took up chunks of yardage, highlighted by a 15yard run by Ingram and a 17yard reception by Knowles.

Michael Frisina knocked in a 43yard field goal for the 31-0 lead.

With six minutes left in the half, Neal broke off a 32-yard run and quarterback Brian Curtis threw a 23-yard pass to Morris and a 36-yard touchdown to Brad Boles for the 38-0 halftime lead.

The Gauchos gained 13 first downs and 317 yards of total offense in the first half. Defensively in the half, Saddleback grabbed three interceptions with 62 return yards, forced four fumbles, and held the Wolverines to 127 yards of total offense.

On the other side of halftime, Curtis threw a pass to Knowles who dragged several Wolverine defenders for the 52-yard reception. Aziz SpellmanSmith finished the drive for the 12-yard touchdown catch.

Substitutions and punts ruled most of the second half.

Curtis added the final score of the game with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Boles with 31 seconds left in the third quarter.

Morris led all rushers with 78 yards on four carries. Charles Neal had 60 yards on 10 carries.

Curtis led in passing with 164 yards and three touchdowns, going 10-for15. Ingram was close behind with 150 yards and two touchdowns going nine-for-17.

Knowles led in receiving with

114 yards on five receptions.

Rodenburg led on defense eight tackles, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Reza had seven tackles and a sack.

Crawford took in two interceptions and had five tackles.

Seventh-ranked Mt. San Antonio College looms ahead for the Gauchos.

“This may sound just trite,” McElroy said, “but we really do take one game at a time... It’s going to be a battle. Scoring 50 on Mt SAC may be difficult.”

The Mounties are 3-0 this season, went 12-2 last season and beat the Gauchos 23-20 last season with a 49yard field goal with four seconds left in overtime. zcavanagh0@saddleback.edu

Water polo falls to Hornets Gauchos sweep Grossmont TAYLOR ROGERS

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addleback College women’s water polo lost to Fullerton on Wednesday.

The game started out with 2-0 in the first quarter, and Saddleback never got close with an 11-5 final.

Main scorers were Dani Peeler and Whitney Warner each with two goals. Goalie Krista Mueller made 15 saves.

“The girls played really well, we just gave them the opportunity to score and they took it,” said coach Higginson.

The Gauchos play today at home agasint Santa Ana at 3 p.m.

CASIE NGUYEN / Lariat Staff

TRACKING: Jackie Csira tracks and dribbles the ball in a 5-0 OEC loss to Santiago Canyon College.

Soccer shut out in two straight defeats JOHN FRANZ

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range Empire Conference play started, and the same old story played for the women’s soccer team. The Gauchos were shut out 5-0

by Santiago Canyon College, last year’s OEC champions.

The Hawks quickly scored just 18 minutes into match, when Jessica Olsen served a ball to Sara Foley who scored

the goal. Later on Foley would get an assist on an Olsen goal.

Stacey Cervantes also scored for the Hawks, who later scored in the second half.

Goalkeepers Marissa Ghani and Cassie Becker combined in the shut out of the Gauchos.

The Hawks are now 5-0-1 on the season.

Saddleback’s goalie Kim Goupille had eight saves for the Gauchos in the first half.

With four minutes remaining

Athletes of the Week

T.J. Knowles was instrumental in the Saddleback College football team’s aerial attack in a 52-0 win on Saturday.

Knowles led all receivers with 114 yards on four receptions.

Knowles caught a touchdown in the second quarter.

The 6’8” 235 lbs. freshman came to Saddleback from Cornado High School in Nevada, where Knowles was an all-state selection in 2007. He redshirted at West Texas A&M in 2008.

Morgan Kavanaugh led the way in the Saddleback College women’s volleyball team’s 3-0 victory over Grossmont College last Thursday.

Kavanaugh led the Gauchos with 15 kills on 27 attempts.

The 5’10” freshman middleblocker game to Saddleback after graduating from Dana Hills High School in 2009. She was an second team all-South Coast League selection last fall for the Dolphins.

- ZACH CAVANAGH

- ZACH CAVANAGH

in the game, she collided with a Hawk attacker and left the game under her own strength.

The Gauchos were outshot in the game 22-2.

Saddleback was shut out again last Friday at Cypress College 3-0.

The Gauchos now have a 1-5-1 record overall and a 0-2 OEC record. The Gauchos will play Fullerton at the Rancho Capistrano fields at 3 p.m. jfranz1@saddleback.edu

Morgan Kavanaugh

MELISSA CONSER

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addleback College women’s volleyball swept Grossmont last Tuesday for its second win with scores of 25-21, 25-23 and 25-20.

Morgan Kavanaugh had 15 kills and Melissa Chavez had 11 kills. Rachel Talafus had 14 digs, and Denielle Espejo had 21 assists and 9 digs.

“It’s encouraging that we are able to win while not playing to our full potential,” coach Carmen Stratton said.

The Gauchos play tonight at home against San Diego City College at 5 p.m.

trogers11@saddleback.edu

mconser0@ivc.edu

IVC round-up ZACH CAVANAGH

Women’s volleyball: Last Wednesday, the Lasers were given the No. 5 spot in the first state poll of the season. IVC is behind El Camino, Santa Rosa, Sacramento City, and Orange Coast.

IVC lived up to its early ranking with a win that night over San Diego Mesa to improve to 3-0. The Lasers swept the Knights in three games, 25-20, 25-17, 25-16.

Katie Wilkerson led the way for the Lasers with 14, nine digs, and fice aces. Nichole May had 12 digs, and Allie Hammer had 34 assists.

IVC gets back on the court tonight at home against the Moorpark College Raiders at 5 p.m.

Men’s soccer: IVC brought its record back to even last Tuesday against Glendale.

IVC was down 2-0 in the first half after goals in the 24th and 41st minutes of the game.

Edward Zepeda got the Lasers in the game with a goal in the final minute of the second half. Zepeda helped tie the game with a cross into the box that was knocked home by Andy Martinez in the 55th minute.

Martinez got the deciding goal for the Lasers in the 80th minute .

Martinez beat the goalie with a shot inside the box for the 3-2 lead IVC starts Orange Empire Conference play on September 29 at Riverside Community College against the Tigers.

Women’s golf: At the Orange Empire Confernce golf match last Wednesday, the three individual Laser golfers posted the three lowest scores.

Nicole Rivera was the leader with a two over par 76. The score earned Rivera medalist honors for the second consecutive match.

Sam Roberts swung an eight over par 82 for second place. Tiffany Kane swung a 13 over par 87 for third place.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SADDLEBACK COLLEGE

zcavanagh0@saddleback.edu