Spring 2013, Issue 15, Vol. 45 (March 13)

@lariatnews /lariat.saddleback /LariatNews @lariatnews VOLUME 45, ISSUE 14

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Opinion Life

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SADDLEBACK AND IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGES’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2013

LARIATNEWS.COM

Wounded Warriors get recreational Su sa n Ray

Staff Witer

Susan ray / Lariat

BATTER UP: Leah O’Brien-Amico, former softball player for the US olympic team,stands on deck.

The Wounded Warrior’s, friends of the Saddleback VET club, played their annual Amputee Softball game March 9th at Mission Viejo’s Youth Action Park. The event commemorated veterans injured in the line of duty.

It was an all-day event raising money and awareness for the medical costs of military veterans, and promoted research and development of prostheses.

The team travels the country year round playing games and speaking publically for the cause. It’s made up of 14 players from 12 states around the country. These are veterans and active-duty soldiers whose injuries resulted in amputation while serving.

Thefirst game was played by the Wounded Warriors against the OC Veteransand First Responders. For game two the Wounded Warriors played local celebrities including former Colts and USC football player Chris Galippo; former Among the Wounded Warriors was Josh Wege, 23, a Marine Corps. medical retiree flown Wisconsin for Saturday the game. Josh is a double-leg amputee who was injured in an explosion in Afghanistan. He served from 2008 to 2011 and now travels year-round doing public speaking and playing at events. He now plans on attending Florida Golf Coast after having toured the campus and

later “hope[s] to become police officer or join the SWAT team”.

Also at the game was the Mayor of Mission Viejo, Rhonda Reardon, who shared how honored and privileged the city was to have the Wounded Warriors call their home in Mission Viejo. While the traveling team did not feel welcome in other cities, last year the Wounded Warriors were Mission Viejo was offered as their office annual home for the

“... you’re going to see some things that you have never had. These are men and women who fought on our behalf.

They have paid a very high price.”

-Rhonda Reardon event. She told her grandchildren “you’re going to see some things that you never had. These are men and women who fought on our behalf. They have paid a very high price.”

Eileen Gamble, 24, a Business major or was among the crowd and happy to support the cause. Gamble, an active member of the VET club, though not a veteran herself, said “it was a good event”.

For the full story go to www. lariatnews.com

sray.lariat@gmail.com

CSUF, community colleges partner in new scholarship program K y l i e Cor b e t t

Staff Writer

adam kolvites / Lariat

INFORMATION SHOWCASE: High school seniors browse the booths at IVC

IVC senior day here Ale x Apont e

Staff Writer

Irvine Valley College showcased its many programs and clubs for local high school seniors Last Tuesday. Information provided included the Transfer Center, to the Administration of Justice, and everything in between.

At the Student Success Center booth, Jose Arroyo, faculty tutor and math instructor, explained the options and purpose of the SSC. “We are here basically to talk about the different subjects that we offer free tutoring for,” Arroyo said.

Members of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) or Extended Opportunity Programs (EOPS) and Services can get up to two hours

at a time and one free hour per week for regular students involved in DSPS or EOPS. Jasmine Kim, one of the seven members of Associate Justice Club, explains the process of how to become part of Associated Students of IVC (ASIVC), “I believe you have to have above a 2.0 GPA to be able to qualify and have to get an ASG sticker that costs ten dollars,” she said.

Some programs such as Financial Aid, EOPS, Admissions and Records, Careers and Job Placement, fine arts, journalism had insight from guidance counselors wer there as well.

Joey Nguyen, 17, a Segerstrom High School student from Costa Mesa, explains “his favorite booth.”

“The guidance counselor one was pretty cool, they gave me a lot of information.”

Helen Locke, the director of

student life, had been working for IVC for 33 years, 13 of those as the director.

“We have clubs involved, ASIVC involved, honors students, as well as other students ... it’s a combination of everyone participating in it [senior day].” Locke said.

The seniors were also participating whether it was the pullup competition at the Marines booth, pigging-out at the InN-Out stand, training for boot camp in an over sized bounce house, or firing at a pretend shooting range at the Administration of Justice booth. Students got a lot out of the event and are already planning their college success.

For the full story go to www.lariatnews.com.

lariatemailhere@gmail.com

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) awarded Cal State Fullerton’s Research Scholars Program with a $1.2 million annual grant.

The program is choosing four college students from Cal State Fullerton, Saddleback College, Mt. Sac, and Santa Ana College to engage in the program.

HHMI strives to further educate people’s knowledge in biology and other sciences, while aiming to improve the future of science.

On CSUF’s website, Maria

C. Linder, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, wrote, “The overarching goal is to promote and encourage the flow of undergraduates from our diverse and disadvantaged population into science and math careers as leading researchers and teachers.”

“With the proper funding, students can get more of a hands on experience, which would also help them use their training in school for their future work,” said former Saddleback student, Matt La Tourette, 21, business.

The new grant is focusing on bringing in a diverse group

New gas tax passed S h i r l e y s mi t h

Staff writer

California just passed a 3.5 cent gasoline excise tax as of Feb. 28, to begin this summer.

The new tax was passed by the State Board of Equalization under Assembly Bill x 8 6, chapter 11 and Senate Bill 70, chapter 9 (BOE).

This excise tax brings the total California tax package to 70.6 cents on every gallon of gasoline. Beginning in July 2013, California will be the highest gasoline tax state, (American Petroleum Institute).

“It’s just ridiculous,” Deanna Valle, child development said.

“I think sometimes I need to get a smaller car, just to go places.”

Automobile Association of

America (AAA) reports that gasoline has risen by 46 cents per gallon since the first of the year.

“No matter how high they go, people will pay regardless,” Kelcui Mclean, 20, accounting said. “There’s a small percentage that will probably start walking or maybe start biking, but for the most part I don’t think there’s much you can do if you live a few miles away from school and work.”

“Gasoline prices affects me financially.” Joshua Squirrell, 21, undecided said. “I started walking more, riding my bike, taking the bus.”

For the full story, go to www. lariatnews.com. ssmith.lariat@gmail.com

of students that are passionate about “science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” according to CSUF’s website.

The program is year-round and begins Jun. 1. Application deadlines are Mar. 15 for graduates and Apr. 1 for undergraduates. A 500-word essay is required upon submission of application.

For further information or steps to apply to the HHMI Scholars Program, visit http:// hhmi.fullerton.edu/apply.asp.

More coverage is available at Lariatnews.com kcorbett.lariat@gmail.com

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OPINION

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Editorial:

Lariat

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013

The tug-of-war with Saddleback administrators Why Saddleback administrators should comply with federal regulations.

Lariat Staff

The Saddleback College administrators have “respectfully declined” the Lariat access to public information that could be used for awareness in terms of future tragedies.

Saddleback student Ali Syed went on a shooting spree Feb. 19, killing three people and ultimately taking his own life. Concerns, speculations, and mostly fear sprouted within Orange County.

In turn we, the Lariat staff, took it upon ourselves to dig to the core on the rarity of this issue, one which seldom occurs.

A specific email from the Lariat was sent out on Feb. 20 to Juan Avalos, Vice President of Student Services, and Saddleback College spokesperson Jennie McCue stating, “Under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that pertain to any involvement in the Disabled Students Program/Special Services that former Saddleback student Syed may have had. [FERPA does not apply]” Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) had been previously used as a shield by the college to protect the rights of shooter Syed, which media lawyers called out as “bogus”-

Photo by Angie L. Pineda

LAWBREAKERs: Saddleback administrators have declined to disclose public records that could reveal information pretaining to a murderer.

In essence, the California Public Records Act requires a response within ten business days, and within that allotted time span we were denied.

“Saddleback College must respectfully deny your request for DSPS records pertaining Ali Syed. These records are medical and/or psychological records and are protected under HIPAA laws and are not considered public information,” McCue

told the Lariat in an email.

The lack of transparency Saddleback administration has

tected the use of HIPAA as a flaw that would weigh down the investigation process; just

However, Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center was consulted to furthermore confirm that HIPAA did not apply in this case.

“This is really obnoxious.

HIPAA only applies to people primarily in the business of providing health care, insurance providers and billing companies working with insurance companies. It covers nothing a college has, ever. This is just disre-

“This is really obnoxious ... This is just disrespectful. They don’t respect you enough to come up with a good lie anymore,” Attorney Adam Goldstein bestowed upon the community is wrong and conspicuous.

The Lariat immediately de-

the same old run-around for the persistent yet undeceived journalist.

spectful. They don’t respect you enough to come up with a good lie anymore,” Goldstein wrote to the Lariat.

Immediately another email from the Lariat was sent to for McCue in which the process of HIPAA was dissected and cautiously cut part by part so that the structure of this Act that was passed by Congress may be examined and analyzed thoroughly. Essentially HIPAA does not protect Syed’s records nor does FERPA; these rules cannot shield the most recent Orange County shooter.

According to Goldstein, Pima Community College refused to disclose student records of a murderer in January 2011 and ended up paying over $25,000 in attorney fees. Which is another reason why Saddleback administrators should comply with the Lariat’s requests.

If Syed had been a part of the disability or health service programs, the information would be essential to the public. The administration needs to help shed light on the situation to create awareness and promote the services that Saddleback College has for it’s students.

Hindering this information from the community is unacceptable and irreputable. lariateditor@gmail.com

Domestic violence is everybody’s business, but Rihanna and Chris Brown’s relationship is not valery fregoso

IVC Editor

photo courtesy of Getty ImageS Photo Illustration by Valery Fregoso

STAYING POWER: Some domestic violence victims “Stay” with their abusers, like Rihanna, but she cannot expect people to not pry.

Rihanna and Chris Brown’s relationship is ‘nobody’s business’ (like the song they recorded in September 2012) but domestic abuse is a major issue that needs to be addressed.

On Feb. 8, 2009 at just before midnight, Rihanna and Chris Brown were coming back from a pre-Grammy party when they got in verbal argument and Brown physically abused Rihanna.

Four years later, Rihanna and Brown have reconciled their relationship publicly for the second time after the assault.

Rihanna said to Rolling Stone in Janurary 2013, “he’s not the monster everybody thinks he is.”

One hundred students from IVC and Saddleback College were surveyed with the question, “Do you think its okay that Rihanna has gotten back together with Chris Brown after the domestic abuse incident

back in 2009?” Of all students surveyed, 31 percent of students said yes, they find it okay. The other 69 percent of students said no, it’s not okay.

In a November 2009 interview with Diane Sawyer, Rihanna publicly spoke out for the first time about the abuse, and even owned up to the decision to become a role model by stating, “This happened to me and it can happen to anyone. I’m glad it happened to me, cause now I can help young girls when they go through it. Don’t react off love. F love. Because love is so blind.” She even recognized that it takes up to 8 or 9 tries to end a relationship with an abuser.

Why is Rihanna back together with him after she admitted that she should be a role model to her fans? We cannot blame her for being back together with him.

“As an advocate, I expect one thing from the survivor, where society expects her to be a role model, [for] the victim to speak up, to do something, to

Campus Comments:

not return to her abuser, [society] expects so much from the victim,” Marissa Presley, Prevention Education Specialist for Laura’s House said. “I expect one thing for the victim, to remain alive. That is my highest expectation and my only expectation.”

In an interview with Oprah in August 2012 she mentioned how she was “embarrassed” and “humiliated.” How can our society expect someone who is a victim of a physical and mental crime to be a spokesperson when they possibly are still being abused?

“I personally never been in that situation,” Alexis Lee, 21, health science said. “Brown took it seriously and got help to better himself which makes me okay with it’.”

Will Brown continue to abuse her? According to the statistics, possibly.

According to Presley, studies show that people who complete the 52-week batter intervention program, 80 percemt

of them will continue to abuse.

Brown completed this program by tweeting out a picture of his diploma for his fans back in December 2010.

Domestic abuse is everybody’s business. This case is a great example to educate the young and our fellow students about domestic abuse.

Saddleback counseling center and the IVC health and wellness center have many resources when it comes to help with domestic abuse by counseling and providing outside resources if needed. You can call, go online or even drop in to make an appointment. If it is an emergency, they will not turn you away.

Go to Lariatnews.com to read the extended article:

vfregoso.lariat@gmail.com

Do you think it is okay for victims of domestic abuse to continue relationships with their abusers?

By Shannelle Sanchez and john wilson

“If you can hit somebody and beat them then you say you love them it’s obviously not love.”

“In that case I think it’s just better for those type of people to just split up.”

Hayley Vaughan, 18 English Saddleback

Rodney Woodland, 22 Undecided Saddleback

Lariat

“I guess everything in life is a matter of choice. You build your own path. So if you decide to get back with somebody, I guess it’s...your own choice”

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968”

Angie L. Pineda Editor-in-Chief Anibal Santos Arts/Entertainment Editor

John Wilson News Editor Ashley Reyes Online Editor

MElanie Roberts Copy Editor Valery Fregoso IVC Editor

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Hayley slye Opinion Editor

KristINE Martinez Life Editor

Michael Grennell Cathy Taylor Steven Jung Sports Editor iPad Editor Production Editor Web: www . l ariatnews . com Address: 28000 M arguerite P arkway , M ission V iejo CA, 92692

Reporters: A lex A ponte , S ean B yrne , S teven C hernow , K ylie C orbett , E ric G orman , A lexan dria L arsen , E lizabeth O rtiz , S usan R ay , M el anie R oberts , S hirley S mith , K risten W ilcox Faculty Adviser: A mara A guil ar Instructional Assistant: A li D orri Advertising Manager: M ary A nne S chults Phone: (949) 582-4688 E-Mail: l ariateditor @ gmail . com

Edwin Lamothe, 32 Math Saddleback

About the Lariat

The Lariat is the student newspaper of Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The Lariat is an independent, First Amendment, student-run public forum.

One copy of the Lariat is free.

Additional copies may be purchased for $1 at the Lariat newsroom, which is located in LRC 116.

Letters to the editor are welcomed. Please limit letters to 200 words or less and include a name, valid e-mail address and signature.

All letters are subject to editing by the editorial board.

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

Lariatnews.com launched in fall 2007. Visit us on Facebook at “Lariat Saddleback” or follow us on Twitter, @lariatnews.

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A Swinging Good Time

Shannelle Sanchez Media Editor

Alex Larsen / Lariat Anastasya Korol (left) dancing with child. Adryan Deleoen singing (top right) and Erin Leffler (bottom right) dancing in thw Anibal Santos & Alex Larsen staff writers

Saddleback College’s annual Big Band Swing thing was sold out last week in the Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo. The event was held to help raise money for student scholarships in the arts.

The 1940s-era swing dance party featured Saddleback’s Big Band led by jazz instructor Joey Sellers and vocalist Adryan DeLeon who provided musical entertainment.

A dance concert was organized by Angels for the Arts, a fundraising and support organization for the performing and visual arts in Saddleback College.

“We are thrilled to have this year’s Big Band Swing Thing.

It’s fun to have all these people here to celebrate what it is going on in Saddleback College, said Dean Bart McHenry. “It’s been growing every year.”

Vocalist Adryan DeLeon credits her time as a Saddleback student with the Big Band for her musical start.

“When I was going to Saddleback College, I auditioned for the Big Band,” DeLeon said. “I really started my career in Saddleback.”

Before the last dance of the night, Tom McCandess, of San Juan Capistrano, won $500 in a

Everyone needs a little Broadway Baby

Anibal Santos / Lariat

Anibal Santos / Lariat

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Lariat WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013

raffle give-away which was presented to him by Dean McHenry. “[I like that] ticket sales go for the arts scholarships, said Diane Hooper, a retired SOCCCD faculty member.”

For the full story go to www. lariatnews.com. asantos.lariat@gmail.com alarsen.lariat@gmail.com

Saddleback College’s production of “Broadway Baby” had a special guest, Bryonha Marie Parham, a Broadway star.

She joined the college’s chorale and concert choir, last week, in the McKinney Theater for a musical performance.

Parham recently performed in the Broadway production revivals of “Porgy and Bess” and “Ragtime.”

Scott Farthing, vocal music chairman, brought energy to the show, which kept the audience wanting more. Farthing happens to share a little history with Parham, because he was her high school music teacher.

“He taught at an all boys’ school in Kansas City,” Parham said. “I went to the all

Get ready for midterms!!

TUTORING SERVICES Grade 7-adult.

Experienced and multiAnibal Santos / Lariat Packed house: The Norman P. Murray Center was sold out and had a dance floor which was packed.

degreed tutor. Details at www.glenbaker-privatetutor.com

Danialle Rae Sepulveda / Lariat Broadway Baby: Byrohna performs in the McKinney Theater.

girls’ school down the street, so I would come after school and do shows, and he was the conductor. He paid a lot of attention to detail, and he knew what he was talking about. He knew the voice, and he was fun, funny.”

“He wrote my college recommendation letter,” Parham continued. “When he called me to do this I couldn’t believe it, because I haven’t seen him in almost 12 years. It’s a privilege to be here and this means a lot to me to be asked to do this.”

The show featured Broadway hits performed from productions such as, “Guys and Dolls,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “My Fair Lady”, “West Side Story” and “Les Miserables.” The musical numbers ranged from extremely upbeat, to mellow, and heartfelt songs.

For the full story go to www. lariatnews.com.

Danialle Rae Sepulveda / Lariat ssanchez.lariat@gmail.com

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While in college many students feel that they have only four years to get all they want accomplished in order to get a job after graduation. Unfortunately, due to this stress and heavy competition in the job market, not only do students feel they need to graduate in four years with a good GPA, but with many extra curriculars.

After talking to Irvine Valley College counselor and professor, Robert Melendez, he gave advice to how students should be balancing their time during this stressful time in their lives.

“We all have the same amount of time in a day,” Melendez said. “24 hours a day, seven days a week, we cannot add time. I put it to the student to come up with their priority management schedule.”

Melendez uses “priority management” instead of using time management because students need to find out what are his or her priorities and then to later figure out how to schedule it all together. Melendez encourages students to first chart what they do with their time weekly for students to be able to come to realize where their time goes and it helps when it comes to figuring out how to make their “priority management” schedule.

“Managing time can be hard when working 30 hours a week and taking 14 units, Dianna Rodriguez, 20, undecided said. “By making a list of priorities, I am able to determine what studying and homework I need to get done first.”

Another issue students run into are the amount of work and internships they want to take on while in college.

IVC student Vincent Tran, 20, business major recently left his job at Starbucks in order to work at a bank to get real world experience in the world of finance.

Melendez said that this was the best way to take on work or internships. It is important to be able to relate your experiences to what you want to do career wise.

The number one issue Melendez comes across with students r is the stress of finishing school fast.

“Most universities only care about your GPA,” Melendez said. “If that means staying 3, 4 years in school and lessening units each semester to get good grades then you should do it.”

Melendez also mentioned that many students he talks to tell him how it looks bad for them to stay more then two years or four years in college. And he always asks, “looks bad to who?”Many students come to a community college thinking that it is only a two years college, when in reality it really is not.

According to Melendez, .if you answered that it looks bad to your friends or family members, unless your friend or family member are the ones who will hire you outside of college, then you should take the time you need to finish college and get the highest possible GPA you can get.

Lastly the best advice Melendez can give to balancing your life is to allocate some ‘release time’ in your schedule. You will burn out with out this release time. It could be as simple as reading a book, getting coffee with friends or even playing sports. vfregoso.lariat@gmail.com Congratulations to the 11 members of Saddleback’s faculty that received tenure at the Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 25.: Christina Abel White Chemistry Marina Aminy English Composition April Cubbage-Vega Sociology M. Andy Ground Kinesiology Michael Hoggatt Learning Disabilities Chin Lam English as a Second Second Language

Heidi Ochoa Speech/Forensics Abby Sirulnik Biology Basil Smith Philosophy Christina Smith ChildDevelopment and Education Ray Zimmerman English Composition

do Srw

IVC Editor

T wo days a week with foam swords and shields, the Saddleback Sword memClub entertains the bers, as well as quad with costume and weapmedieval combat onry design.

In one post, and battling. group member

ck

Valery F re g oso

Freddy Valdez expressed his love for the sport. “A bunch of dorks that want to swing foam sticks in an epic fashion,” Valdez posted. “You guys make it fun, I witnessed great honor out there too.”

Saddleback Sword’s recent interaction with the campus includes being filmed by a student for a class project. The student wanted to film members of the group in action for a short commercial.

“We got a couple cool shots filmed, and he took a couple of interviews,” Dye said.

“Hopefully we will be seeing the progress on that soon.” Dye also mentioned that the best commercial project turned in, may possibly be aired on TV. Saddleback Sword is not the only group where foam swords will be seen on a college

taf S / t

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club is in the Belegarth lie y realm of MediK eval Combat, which is considered a national event.

Saddleback Sword has received recognition and guidance from the leader of the sword club at UC Irvine to become a Belegarth realm as well, Dye said.

Dye hopesthat Saddleback Sword will continue to grow in size and popularity.

“I want to show people that this sport is not only fun, but acceptable,” Dye said. “Saddleback Sword is a recruitment realm, where all people can feel comfortable trying it.”

t rbe o C

kcorbett.lariat@gmail.com

Saddleback’s civil debate on same-sex couples A same-sex marriage debate took place Mar. 7 between two of the nation’s leading and opposing voices on the topic, John Corvino and Maggie Gallagher in the McKinney Theater.

For

Against

M elanie R o b erts

Michael Grennell

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Wayne State University philosophy department chair Dr. John Corvino argued for the pro side. He said that often he is asked how, as a gay man and gay rights advocate, he can be friends with Gallagher, knowing she is actively fighting against his rights. Corvino joked that he answers, “I drink… a lot.”

Corvino opened the debate by addressing that it’s important to recognize that there are gay people in the world , they find happiness in same-sex relationships, their happiness doesn’t take away Courtsey of Saddeback .edu from heterosexual people and reJohn Corvino lationships are good for people.

“Relationships are good for people in the sense that having someone to come home to at night, wake up with in the morning and to share life’s joys and sorrows with is an important part of the human experience,” Corvino said.

Corvino brings up that people say they are against same-sex marriage for religious reasons, but he said that civil marriage is different that religious marriage.

“It’s important to recognize that whatever the state does with respect to civil marriage, that will not change the rights of religious institutions to decide what kind of marriages they want to perform or not,” Corvino said.

Another issue he addresses is that some people say same-sex marriage is a threat to traditional marriage.

“We can support traditional, heterosexual marriage, while recognizing that it’s not right for everyone,” Corvino said.

Some people say that same-sex marriage is bad for children, who need a mother and father, but Corvino responds that children can do well in “a variety of different family forms.”

“Every major health and welfare organization, who has looked at this research, has said the same thing,” Corvino said. “We find that children raised by same-sex couples do just as well children raised by different sex parents.”

He said same-sex marriage never takes children away from a biological parent who is competent and wants the child.

“Either marriage is this institution binding mothers and fathers, especially fathers, to their children or it’s this loving commitment between two loving adults.”

Corvino said he opposes what Gallagher defines as marriage, because he believes it to be both of those things.

“I don’t think we should fight about same-sex marriage, but work together to bring marriage for all,” Corvino said. mroberts.lariat@gmail.com

LARIATNEWS.COM/LIFE

campus. The University of California, Irvine, has a sword fighting club as well. UC Irvine’s sword fighti n g

ba

Irvine Valley College Counselor Robert Melendez gives advice for those who seem to be taking on more then they can handle while they are in college.

join the group. Rules of combat can also be discussed with current members of the group.

Posts within the group include discussion about upcoming events for g r o u p

le dd

Are you spreading yourself too thin?

eries of peculiar events play out before student’s eyes twice a week in the quad as Saddleback Sword group members go into Medieval Combat, battling with large swords made of foam.Elijah Storm Dye, 23, psychology, founder of the Saddleback Sword group admits that people watch and respond with uncertainty.

“People are kind of laughing at it, and you know, I’m okay with that,” Dye said. “Because if people are laughing, then they are smiling and it’s somewhat positive.”

The group is described as a club where people who enjoy the sport of Medieval Combat can come together. Combat takes place twice a week, Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.. Each sword is three layers of foam on the striking surface, preventing most injuries, Dye said and that here have been no sword related injuries. Injuries that do occur are often due to surrounding factors such as slippery grass and metal drains in the quad. For preventive measures, the club now places chairs over the drains. An increase in student participation led Dye to create a sign in sheet for every meeting, as well as liability waivers for all participants. “We had about 56 members signed in for one day,” Dye said. Another look at the sign in sheet later revealed that the number was even higher.

“A final count of attendance yesterday shows a total of 62 people who came and picked up a sword to fight with us,” Dye said. “Keep it up guys, and we will run out of swords.”

Despite the group’s growth since fall, Dye is hesitant to take the steps towards making the group an actual club under Saddleback, in fear of losing its authenticity.

“There’s a lot of red tape we would have to go through,” Dye said. “There’s a liability factor, a need for an instructor, and I feel that these aspects would take away how open and free the group is currently.”

Dye describes Saddleback Sword as a laid back club, in which anyone should feel comfortable exploring what it has to offer. Not only are people trying the unfamiliar sport, but everyone is talking about it, Dye said.

“I was actually sitting at a restaurant the other night with my girlfriend and we were just chatting with a friend,” Dye said. “A table over, we heard someone mention Saddleback, and sure enough they were talking about Saddleback Sword.”

The group’s Facebook page “Saddleback Sword,” has roughly 75 members. A website for Saddleback Sword is also in the works.

Anyone interested in Medieval Combat can

WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2013

Sa

Anibal Santos/Lariat

Briana Terrafranca poses as she is shown, llike many students, juggling school and a social life

LIFE

Lariat

Former president and chairman of the board of the National Organization for Marriage Maggie Gallagher spoke at a debate regarding same-sex marriage, where she opposed the idea of allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Gallagher said that she first got into what she called, “The Marriage Fight” around 1986.

Back then, the largest problem to her was the divorce rate and the number of children that were born out of wedlock.

She said that as she joined Courtsey of Saddeback .edu the fight, it seemed like the state Maggie Gallagher of marriage was beginning to improve; there were fewer children being born out of wedlock and the divorce rate was declining. But then, about 10 years ago, Gallagher said that marriage took a big hit as the debate over allowing same-sex couples to marry sprung up.

According to Gallagher, one of the biggest reasons for keeping marriage between a man and a woman is for the wellbeing of the children.

Gallagher says that the ideal structure for children is that they are born into a married family of one father and one mother.

“Everywhere, marriage has the same basic shape. It is a sexual union,” Gallagher said. “It is a union of at least one man and one woman. Marriage really matters, because children need a mom and a dad.”

Gallagher said that the most important part of marriage was to procreate and care for the next generation of humans.

Gallagher also pointed out that marriage between one man and one woman has been universally recognized across societies and cultures for centuries.

She said that marriage is an institution that is sacred, dating back to the beginnings of Judea-Christianity, and that the idea of a man and a woman committed to each other and to raising a child is essential to society.

As Gallagher finished up her speech, she told the audience that despite what their beliefs might be, that they might take something from what she had to say.

“I’m hoping that you will go away from this talk with a new appreciation of marriage,” Gallagher said. “Not just as an intimate bond between two adults, but as a way to create the next generation that can be loved and loved by a mother and a father.”

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