Vol 43, No 20 (4-20-11)

Hands Across California: People brought together for community college education.

Page 2

SOCCCD’s STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Dr. Carl Cranor: Guest

speaker discusses human interaction with everyday toxins. Page 7

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, California

Vol. 43 No. 20

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

‘Aida’ brings Elton John musical to locals

DRAMA: Amneris (Hannah

Schwartz) and Pharaoh (Michael Mayo) discusses punishment with Aida and Radames. “Aida” was shown on April 8 to 10 and 14 to 17.

Story on Page 5 Photo by Dylan Lujano

Victims of sexual abuse hang feelings out on The Clothesline

Photo by MaryAnne Shults/Lariat

CATHARSIS: T-shirts on the clothesline depict the victims’ stories of murder, violence, and sexual assault. The T-shirts are a way for the victims to express their emotions toward their abuser.

MARYANNE SHULTS

T

-shirts hung on lines of rope last Monday in a colorful display in the Saddleback College Quad.

Written on the shirts were distressing and personal messages

from those who have suffered unspeakable abuse, shared and displayed for others to read.

The Clothesline Project advocates awareness of this shocking information. Started in 1990 to speak to violence against women, the project uses a unique form of art therapy to allow

victims to pour out their emotions by drawing or writing on a colored T-shirt. The shirts are hung on a clothesline in a colorful yet poignant display as a personal testimony to this predicament that crosses lines of demographics word-wide.

Dominic Fucinari, 20,

computer science was deeply affected emotionally by some of the poignant messages. They reminded him of his own “personal code of honor.”

“They remind me that I have a code of ‘death before dishonor,’” Fucinari said. “I’d rather die than be a perpetrator in one of these acts. I couldn’t live on knowing I’d committed a sex crime.”

On average, about three women a day are murdered by their intimate partner in the United States. Nearly one third of American women will experience some type of intimate partner violence.

Many of these women have children living in the household—and those child are often victims as well.

This abuse may render dysfunctional activities or mental health issues later in life including obesity, tobacco abuse or drug abuse.

A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina of 390 university women found a strong correlation between sexual assault and eating disorders.

The Family Violence Prevention Fund gathers statistics

such as these from agencies including the Department of Justice, FBI and local law enforce-

“Rape is an act of violence. It’s not a sexual act.

It’s all about control.

- Tiare Block, counselor with The Clothesline Project

ment relative to violent crimes against women.

Many are too ashamed to admit their abuse, which goe unreported.

Community Service Programs, Inc. in Santa Ana was at Saddleback last week to outreach within the community to provide education and resources as well as prevention tips.

“Rape is an act of violence,” said Tiare Brock, a sexual assault advocate and counselor with CSP. “It’s not a sexual act.

It’s all about control.”

The number one drug involved in sexual assault of college students is alcohol, according to Brock. The attack is usually by an acquaintance.

“It used to called ‘date rape,’” Brock said. “However, 99 percent of the time, they are not on a date.”

Brock said CSP is the only rape crisis center in Orange County. They offer a hotline that is available 24/7. It responds to all calls including hospital cases.

CSP’s outreach program is offered through Girl Scouts, schools and colleges, and parent and teacher organizations.

It also provides one-on-one counseling for acute cases as well as including adults molested as children.

Further information is available about The Clothesline Project on the organization’s website at www.clotheslineproject.org. CSP’s website at www. cspinc.org provides program information and educational opportunities. Their 24-hour sexual assault crisis hotline is 949-831-9110 or 714-957-2737. mshults0@saddleback.edu

You’ve got mail...and BTW an STD, too MARYANNE SHULTS

S

exually-transmitted diseases and infections from unprotected partners create not only physical problems, but emotional as well, particularly when it comes time to share the news with the other person.

Kimberly Heffernan, a professor at the University of Maryland, said it is difficult to find statistics gathered specific to college students and STDs, more recently referred to as STIs. “Most are clumped together with their age cohorts (1519, 20-25 years). But, the fastest growing incidence rates are among these age groups. Figures fall around two-thirds of all STDs occur in individuals under 25-years old.”

InSPOT, a program developed by the San Franciscobased organization Internet Sexuality Information Services, offers a technological method to advise a sexual buddy it’s time to see the doctor, circumventing the traditional in-person or via telephone routine.

Now, one only has to go to a web browser pointed to www. inspot.org, select “Tell Them,” and create an e-postcard.

There are several design options available, all displaying a witty yet serious messages such as “I got screwed while screwing, you might have too.” Messages are available in English, French and Spanish.

There are tips for telling your partners, as well as medical information, written without medical jargon about the various STDs, their symptoms and

possible treatments and cures.

This site also provides and STD Q-and-A and lists numerous resources covering topics such as the use of condoms, sexual risk charts, and HIV testing.

The last section of the website is a searchable database of testing centers. One need only to type in his or her ZIP code for a list of nearby clinics.

Bob Ferguson, a psychology instructor who teaches human sexuality said he is impressed with the website.

“It seems that the information on the website would serve a very distinct purpose in educating the general public about STDs,” Ferguson said. “Also, I feel that this would serve a very positive purpose in alerting past partners about potential health issues.”

The best part — the e-card

can be sent anonymously, or more courageous may sign his or her name.

However, Ferguson expressed a caveat about confidentiality issues.

“I understand that the information can be sent out anonymously but I feel that this could be easily compromised and that the information could be held against the originator of the information,” he said. “ This is a very sensitive moral issue that could be used legally and personally to harm users of the website.”

Ferguson added there is a legal precedent about advising, or not advising, partners about one’s STDs, specifically with AIDS. “(Actor) Rock Hudson had AIDS and continued to be intimate with his partner Mark

Christian without telling him,” Ferguson said. “Mr. Christian sued the estate of Hudson and collected.”

Heffernan and her colleague, Robin Sawyer, expressed both pros and cons of inspot.org.

Heffernan felt the verbiage used on the website was targeted towards those more educated than the normal demographic contracting STDs. She said rates are consistently highest among racial and ethnic minorities, most likely the result of poverty, lack of access to health care and an already high prevalence among these populations. “Developers of the site seem to be targeting a relatively well-educated market,” Heffernan said.

Continued on Page 3

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W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 11

Joining hands across the state to support community colleges SARAH BLACK The sun shone brightly through the Quad’s trees on Sunday afternoon. The rustle of paper was constant as members of the Associated Student Government put together a long line of colorful links, creating a myriad chain of yellows, whites, and greens. College students laughed playfully as they set up plates of donated pizza and bagels for the cause of higher education, while a spry dog named Ruby chased after them.

Below the Quad in the Bowl, amps were being plugged in by band members as students sat down in the cool shade in anticipation.

Saddleback College’s Events Cabinet collaborated two events, Hands Across California and the Battle of the Bands, together Sunday to help benefit California’s 3 million community college students and their hopes to receive financial aid.

Hands Across California was an event all over California, in which students hold hands for a 1,000-mile route to support an annual scholarship.

Saddleback hopes this scholarship will be made permanent.

It wasn’t an easy start, but Justin Huft, Inter-Club Council president, arranged the event to help raise money for Saddleback students. About four months ago, the ICC received an invite to join

the hands Across California cause. “[Hands Across California] didn’t give us any details about the event,” Huft said.

“They only gave us the map points about two days ago.”

“It’s a cluster-f**k right now,” he said, laughing.

But the chance to be part of the original Hands Across America stunt, pulled off in 1986 by Ken Kragen with more than 6.5 million Americans holding hands, was too

“It’s the largest event for higher education,” Huft said. “It’s our last big event [for the semester].” good for Huft to pass up.

“It’s the largest event for higher education,” Huft said.

“It’s our last big event [for the semester].”

Meanwhile, Dante Liddi, secretary of commerce for the events cabinet, was organizing the stage for the band “Heads Up” down in the Bowl.

Liddi volunteered to arrange the Battle of the Bands to help the Hands Across California event see more people participate for the publicity stunt.

He involved members of his own band “Skavengers” to set up the sound stage with him, Nick Escutia, 19, TV/radio production, and Josh Bray, 20, undeclared.

Dancing and whooping

photos by

STANDING TOGETHER: Inter-Club Council invited all students to come and show support for community colleges for the Hands Across California benefit, where several dozen people showed up and received free T-shirts and complementary food and drinks. broke out as “Heads Up” began to play their acoustic music, and just around that same time, people started to hold the chained links together as Hands Across California began.

Saddleback President Tod A. Burnett also put in an appearance for the event, jumping and posing for a picture when the chained links were piled in the center of the Quad.

“It’s about raising money,” Burnett said. “We’ve raised

Sex abuse stories meant to shake up audience to act KIMIYA ENSHAIAN Orange County, raking third highest in sexual assault cases in the state of California, has a serious problem that Clothesline Project supervisor Dawn Foor raises awareness to at Saddleback College.

Earlier in the week, the Clothesline Project hung multicolored T-shirts with messages describing violent abuse suffered by victims of all ages.

These shirts symbolize a liberation from a lifetime of trying to cope with pain inflicted upon them by others.

“The clothesline really is meant for victims to literally air out their dirty laundry. This seems to have strong healing effects on the victims ability to better cope,” Foor said.

Foor, who says she’s been an advocate against sexual abuse for 40 years now is a strong figure within the community service program entitled Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS).

In her speech,“Things That Outta Bother You: The New Sexual Assault Prevention” which was presented on April 14, Foor promoted awareness of sexual abuse in Orange County, taking students as well as guests from the community, into the world of sexual abuse.

She gave her audience simple tips to be an advocate in the fight against sexual abuse, explained the work of her crisis hot-line, and told the stories of raped and assaulted individuals.

She did not have to tell stories of violent assaults from distant lands to make her point across because according to Foor, sexual abuse has run rampant right in Orange County.

Foor says that within the state

over 670,000.” Matched 2-1, the Osher scholarship fund is putting out $1.4 million for community college students, he said.

When the stunt was finished, people began to filter back out to the parking lot or down to the Battle of the Bands.

“Take five of everything,” Huft said about the multitude of leftover food. sblack15@saddleback.edu

ACOUSTIC SOUNDS: The band “Heads Up” played songs such as “So Happy” at the Inter-club Council’s hosted event Battle of the bands Sunday, April 17, in the Bowl at Saddleback College.

Get Your Associates Degree and go to Law School.

Good Idea.

Great Idea.

All of the above.

photo by storem/Flickr:

CC BY-SA 2.0

ASSAULT: Each year many cases of sexual abuse and assault go unnoticed and unreported, despite its everyday occurrence. of California, Orange County ranks third for having the most sexual abuse cases.

“According to the Center of Disease Control, in 2006 sexual assault became an epidemic in our nation,” said Foor.

She continued to say, “When something becomes an epidemic, it is up to individuals in every community to pick up the pieces of our society’s problems.”

Foor encourages the volunteer work of young people in this fight to help the sexually abused cope and express themselves openly, as well as fight to prevent further abuse from occurring.

She especially urges young men to help the cause, as she explained that a man’s strongest peer pressure influence is another male.

Though rape and assault victims are not limited to females, Foor says that 99 percent of sexual abuse is a man’s doing.

That is why males counsel-

Julie Tran/Lariat

ing other males is necessary to progress in this battle.

Allison Greene, 20, animal science said, “It’s sad to realize that there is all this violence and it’s not being openly spoken about.”

In regards to the high number of assaults in Orange County, Greene said, “It’s shocking to hear this bad new since we often think that Orange County is really sheltered and safe.”

With a full-house of guests, Foor spoke about this reality of our community from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

With a quote on the projector from Martin Luther King, Jr. that read “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Foor concluded her advisory.

Visit SAVS website http:// sa18.state.fl.us/vicsvcs/savs. htm for more information about the fight against abuse. kenshaian@saddleback.edu

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LA R I AT.

W E D N E S D AY, APRIL 20, 2011

Kudos for achievements in Sacramento

Briefly photo by

Carmen Ulloa/Lariat

ACHIEVING GOALS: In the face of a $1.4 million budget deficit, causing rising tuition fees at schools, Margie Reese decided it was necessary to go back to school at 64 years old and with stage 4 cancer and achieve her dream of becoming a journalist.

Going to school, against all odds CARMEN ULLOA Margie Reese dreamed of becoming a journalist. Like many other women, she chose paths that kept her from pursuing this goal.

Married and raising children, going to school seemed impossible.

Later in life she divorced, her children became adults and they left home. Before she even had time to think of what she was going to do, her then-sick mother moved in with her.

Reese chose to take care of her mother.

Years later, following a regular check up, Reese received disconcerting news. Her mammogram results confirmed what every woman fears to hear—she had cancer.

Her mother died three months after Reese was diagnosed with a breast tumor. Margie felt

her time ticking away. She remembered that she still had a project pending. Reese owed herself a journalism degree.

“I had my tombstone made, and I wrote on it ‘everyday above the ground is a good day,’” Reese laughed.

Struggling with alternative treatments to cure her disease, juggling with life’s ups and downs and emotional distress, Reese has succeeded in her pursuit. At 64 and with stage 4 cancer, she will be graduating from Southwestern College this fall.

“Where there is breath, there is hope. If you got a dream you need to follow it,” Reese said.

“Don’t wait for something big to happen, for you to decide to do something for yourself.”

She encourages students of all ages not to look behind, nor question what they have or haven’t done. Reese believes we can all start

today.

“Speak good things to yourself,” she said.

“Don’t believe the voice that stops you and worries you of the things that could happen.”

According to Carla Rivera, Los Angeles Times staffer, “Public colleges in California, including Cal State, the University of California and the community colleges, have been under particular pressure. Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed cutting $1.4 billion from the state’s higher education budget, potentially leading to enrollment cuts, tuition hikes and pared course offerings. The numbers could grow if a budget stalemate is not overcome.”

Read more at lariatnews.com

culloa0@saddleback.edu

ASG elections’ final day held today Today is the final day of Saddleback College’s Associated Government Student Elections. Students can vote for next year’s ASG leaders at h t t p s : / / s u r v e y. s o c c c d . edu/survey/TakeSurvey. aspx?SurveyID=9l1H47l.

Elections have been on going since Monday at 12 a.m. and end at midnight tonight. Fellow students are running for leadership positions including ASG President, Vice President of Senate, and Vice President of Events Cabinet. Students can also vote on the Commencement song and Student Representation Fee. Visit www.lariatnews. com tomorrow morning for election results.

Several members of the Saddleback College community were recognized in Sacramento for achievements representing Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and from the college’s journalism department.

Students Michael Clute and Sheila Azarkia were recognized on March 21 in as part of the PTK All-California Academic Team. PTK is the national honor society for community college students.

Clute and Azarkia were selected from thousands of applicants for accomplishments in grades, leadership and community service. President Tod Burnett also attended the award presentation.

Twelve members of the Lariat staff attended the Journalism Association of Community College’s annual state convention in the capital city. The students competed in various contests in writing, editing and design and multimedia as well as attending workshops and seminars presented by experts in the field of journalism.

Awards were presented to Julie Tran for copy editing and Oliver Yu and MaryAnne Shults for multimedia team feature. The Lariat also received the award of General Excellence.

Saddleback’s journalism chairman, Mike Reed, was honored at the event’s awards banquet for his more than 25 years of service to JACC. Reed plans to retire from teaching this year.

Written by Lariat Staff, McKenzie Sixt

Saddleback seeks alumni by using social network to receive more funds MCKENZIE SIXT Facebook said if it were a country, it would be the world’s third largest with 500 million users. Imagine trying to search for a former Saddleback College classmate or instructor in a “country” of almost half a billion. Such a task may resemble the impossibility of searching for a needle in a hay stack.

However, there is now a new social networking site designed specifically for Saddleback College alumni who are trying to find and reconnect with other

InSpot Continued from Page 1

“More people could be positively impacted if wellintentioned program planners thought more about this.”

Sawyer saw benefits with inspot.org and also noted that females have few symptoms for STDs, if any. Because of this, it’s crucial they be told they need a check up. If the male doesn’t contact her, she may not know she has an infection.

“Women tend to better at notifying, but men aren’t exactly princes of communication about anything, never mind something as sensitive as this,” Sawyer said. “I’m a man, so I’m allowed to be frank about our shortcomings, so for males in particular who often shrink from direct contact, this is a great service.”

All three experts agreed that many college students often ignore, or are unaware, about sexually transmitted infections and diseases in general.

“I find that most (University of Maryland) female students use the pill as birth control which, at best, provides very little STI protection. So how

alumni and their alma mater.

The site is the Saddleback College Alumni Network. It was recently launched by the Saddleback College Foundation, which coordinates college fundraising for the athletic, academic, and cultural programs at Saddleback College.

At many colleges and universities the finances from fundraising are often donated by alumni, said Jennie McCue, Director of Information and Public Marketing at Saddleback College.

This site allows Saddleback to keep their alumni informed about opportunities to donate

funds for scholarships and other programs. Alumni who use the site are also kept updated about events at the college, opportunities to donate, and can even create their own profile.

Alumni can log into their profile and keep it updated with pictures and posts for other alumni to view. If you want only select people viewing your profile, there are privacy settings that can be applied to keep information from the public.

Users can also search for former classmates and teachers using the site.

Fellow users can join groups

many are using condoms/dental dams for every sexual encounter? Not enough,” Heffernan said. “In general, we are dealing with members of a population who believe that they are invincible. As bright as these college students may be, we know that simply having the knowledge

some information at the campus health centers.

As for college students and STDs, this is a topic every sexually active person should be thinking about every time they have sex.

Chris Hogstedt, the director of the health center at IVC said STDs is a topic every sexually active person should think about because some like HIV and herpes are not curable, only manageable with expensive medication. Others can cause irreversible damage.

“Talking about this important topic should be mandatory if you are having a sexual relationship,” Hogstedt said. “I am pleased to have students come in often to talk about STDs, and ask for testing. I worry about the ones who don’t.”

ISIS, the founders of the inSPOT concept, was established May 2001. According to their website, www.isis-inc. org, it develops technology for promotion of sexual health and healthy relationships, and to prevent the transmission of disease. Its mission is “to provide leadership, innovation, educational resources and research in online sexual health promotion.”

“I’m a man, so I’m allowed to be frank about our shortcomings, so for males in particular who often shrink from direct contact, this is a great service.” that they are at risk does not equate to behavior change.”

Sawyer said most campuses have high, perhaps pandemic levels of STIs, as the 18-24 age group represents the highest proportion of STI infection in general. The most common are human papillomavirus (HPV or genital warts), chlamydia and trichomoniasis (“Trick”).

Students at Saddleback and IVC have a free and easily accessible source to turn to for testing, counseling or just for

mshults0@saddleback.edu

and clubs and create blogs to communicate with other members.

For example, if someone wanted to create an alumni golfing group they could do that and other alumni could join, McCue said.

Also, the blogs and messages provide sources for alumni to post jobs and find employees she said.

The tools and applications on the site provide users with communication and updating capabilities similar to Facebook. For those alumni not familiar with the tech-savvy ways of Face-

book or Twitter, this site is easily navigated.

There is a step-by-step process to set up an account. Once you log in there is a menu on the side bar featuring tabs for uploading pictures, posting messages, or searching for other alumni.

There is a section called Class Notes that provides members with a place to share information about their lives. A member can search specific criteria, such as marriages or births, for other people’s notes they would like to read, according to the site.

There are about 500,000 Sad-

dleback College alumni, said McCue. This website allows the college to easily and efficiently communicate with those alumni who sign up to use the site.

However, the site is still new and has yet be fully promoted to alumni and staff.

“We are making sure everything is running smoothly with no problems,” McCue said.

To find out more alumni information and get started updating a profile, register at http:// alumni.saddleback.edu/s/1343/ start.aspx. msix0@saddleback.edu

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation projects are made possible by Tobacco Settlement Revenue Funds administered by the County of Orange Health Care Agency/Tobacco Use Prevention Program.

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Campus Comment: How do you help the enviornment?

Christina Dietz, 20 philosophy

“I perform music at environmental benefit concerts, and bring awareness to people.”

James Gardner, 22

Rachel Zumbo, 22 public relations

Andrew Crawford, 21 business

Molly Shapiro, 20

Jeremiah Rigdon, 27

“I run 3.2 miles to the gym to cut back on gas. I save all bottles and cans and turn it in for money.”

“I don’t use bottled water, I bring a cup and I use canvas bags when I get groceries.”

“I recycle, I make sure not to litter. I wish there were more recycle bins at this school.”

“One of my favorite things to do is recycle and sing about it. I would bike to school if I could.”

“I pick up trash at doheny beach twice a month, I also recycle and donate money to non-profit organizations.”

undeclared

psychology

tv, radio and film

Teaching heterosexual couples traditional family values?

SARAH BLACK In a vote of 110-24, Texas the passed a budget that will match dollar-for-dollar centers that teach “traditional family values” for heterosexual couples. Can we all take a moment to please pause and give a heavy sarcastic sigh?

After the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and other institutions implemented centers to provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and other sexualities, some commotion went around in the great state of Texas.

State Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, believes it is fitting that if we provide safe places for gays and lesbians to learn about their sexuality, we should be paying for the exact

same thing for straight folk.

Excuse me “ladies of the gallery,” but that’s cods-wallop and hogwash.

“I’m not treading on their rights to that, to teach alternative sexual behavior,” Christian said. “But dollar for dollar they must advocate heterosexual “traditional values.”

Hate to break it to you Rep. Chistian, but it’s pretty much taught wherever you go that heterosexuality is the “value” of our society. Even “objective” sex education courses (the two that exist in this country) don’t bother teaching anything about homosexual sex, but only educate on the heterosexual sex.

These value centers are purely the homophobic side of the Texas legislature say-

ing “I’m rubber you’re glue, whatever you say to me sticks back onto you.” It’s childish, it’s pointless, and ultimately it’s a waste of Texas taxes on something that is already rampant throughout the country.

We’ve got terrorist and economic problems up the wazoo, and now you’re really going to stress that telling people that putting a penis in the vagina is a necessary traditional value?

On top of this, Texas is facing a $27 billion deficit. How can we waste more funds on values that have not yet been prperly specified?

Hey, straight couples, raise your hand if you’ve ever been called horribly offensive names because of your sexuality. Now raise your hand if you’ve ever been punched in

Bullying runs rampant in modern society Action is overdue for standing up against abuse ADAM JONES Last week here at Saddleback was Awareness Week, hosted by the Associated Student Government and the Health Center at Saddleback College. The purpose of this week-long event was to bring awareness to topics like suicide, substance abuse, and sexual violence. I believe that an anti-bullying message should have been more apparent.

It is more important now than ever to stand against bullying.

With bullying-induced suicide, or bullycide, on the rise, it is more important now than ever to stand against bullying. YoungShin Kim, a professor at Yale University, conducted a study which found that people who are victims of bullying are 5.6 times more at risk of attempting or thinking about suicide.

Bullying is an enormous problem in our society. The term bullying encompasses everything from playground roughhousing at school, to intimidation in the workplace, all the way up to

the face or beaten otherwise for that sexuality. Raise your hand if people refuse to tell you how to have proper and safe sex with your intimate partner because it’s “unnatural” or “disgusting.”

Maybe it’s because I’m just print on the page, but I don’t see any raised hands.

In a room where one representative didn’t even know what a “pansexual” was, I think rather than blowing raspberries at homosexual couples and trying to take away their thunder, we should be focusing on what the hell sex even is.

Being straight in this country is widely accepted and expected. Homosexuals and otherwise do not have that same luxury. The purpose of these

Road rules prove to be insufficient protection LEE EISLER Photo by Dylan Lujano/Lariat

DAY OF SILENCE: Students gather to stop bullying. abuses of power in the military.

Bryan Stow, 42, of Santa Cruz, is still in a coma after the March 31 Dodgers vs Giants game. Stow was beaten to the point of brain damage, according to doctors, and was put in a medically-induced coma for a number of life saving surgeries that were performed. According to CBS San Fransisco, Stow was scared about leaving the stadium, and then assaulted along with his friends in a parking lot after the game.

The Gay Straight Alliance at Saddleback held a demonstration in support of the national day of silence to prevent Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender bullying, last Thursday in the quad. Bullying is known to have caused several suicides in the last year alone in the LGBT community.

Bullying happens for a number of reasons. The least of which is people making themselves vulnerable to it. According to stopbullying.gov, it is more difficult to get the bullies themselves to change, rather than to work to prevent

bullying as a whole. With social media an everyday part of our lives, some people choose to take video of someone being bullied, rather than taking any action to prevent it.

It is important to report bullying in order to help the victim. Verbal abuse and physical abuse are both equally important to report to any available authority. If a fight breaks out, it may be difficult to get involved, but it is important to, at the very least, call out for help. A first reaction should not be to grab a cellphone and start recording.

YouTube has a plethora of videos where bullies injure or harass their victims with no intervention from onlookers. It is shocking that people would not call for help or call the police when someone is being physically or verbally abused. If you were being assaulted, would you want someone to help you?

Or would you prefer a video hosted online of your potentially life-threatening encounter? ajones54@saddleback.edu

Driving is a privilege, something we look forward to in our younger years of life and the cause of over 30,000 deaths a year.

It is a constant battle being on the road trying to survive.

Whether you are slamming on your brakes to avoid the person going 50 mph who decided to cut you off without signaling or getting tailgated by some crazy driver with road rage.

There are many types of drivers on the road. People do not take the responsibility of driving very seriously. There are specific rules we are supposed to follow that are implemented to try to ensure everyones safety.

However, these rules are often not followed. Some broken rules are considerably more dangerous than others.

The number one cause of automobile deaths is drinking and driving according to statistics found at www.alcoholstats. com. This is possibly the stupidest thing one can do. Getting into your vehicle drunk shows that you do not care for anyone elses safety on the road and you don’t deserve to be behind the

Reporters: Kimiya Enshaian, David Gutman, Adam Jones, McKenzie Sixt, Carmen Ulloa

MaryAnne Shults Managing Editor Julie Tran News Editor

legislature getting all hot and bothered by it is just a sad attempt to keep this society a patriarchal mess that only listens to daddy when it comes to “the serious issues.”

Texas legislature, get off your high horse and go spend that wasted money on that moat you’re trying to build to keep Mexicans out instead.

Because we’re a “traditional” country. We all know that America wasn’t really made up with a bunch of immigrants trying to escape persecuted existences. Let’s be “traditional” here and keep everyone in their white picket fences with their 2.4 kids and their golden retriever named Rover.

Because freedom of choice is overrated right? sblack15@saddleback.edu

Driving: A privilege leading to 30,000 deaths annually

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968”

Sarah Black Editor In Chief

centers was to allow people of alternate sexualities a chance to open themselves up without fear of being persecuted and relentlessly teased.

It may not be a big problem for the straight couples in society, but gays have to deal with the whole country getting up in arms over who they want to live the rest of their life with, all because they don’t have “the right parts.”

The situation is so bad for some of these kids that they end their lives because they have no one to turn to. Imagine not being able to be with the one you love and simultaneously people thinking you’re a horrible person just for loving them.

These are real issues people face with daily, and the Texas

Austin Messick Leif Kemp Sports Editor Evelyn Caicedo Life Editor Oliver Yu Photo Editor

Kylie Corbett Arts Editor

Photographers: Oliver Yu, Dylan Lujano

Lee Eisler Web Editor

Ad Manager: Shawn Heavlin-Martinez

Dylan Lujano Opinion Editor

Faculty Adviser: Paul McLeod Instructional Assistant: Ali Dorri

Phone: (949) 582-4688 Fax: (949) 347-9483 E-Mail: lariateditor@gmail.com Web: www.lariatnews.com Address: 28000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo CA, 92692

wheel of a car. I don’t care what you do to yourself but for others safety this shouldn’t happen. Plenty of alternative public methods of transportation are offered to ensure people’s safety and gives an option other than driving home drunk.

People are constantly multitasking while on the road.

I drive by people putting on make-up, texting, eating, letting

“Getting into your vehicle drunk shows that you do not care for anyone elses safety on the road.” the dog sit on his or her lap and just about anything else you can think of.

Besides that you have to deal with drivers who have road rage, drivers that seem to have left their brains at home and people who are simply too lazy to let everyone know they are switching lanes. It is so easy to hit the turn signal up or down to let everyone else know where you are going. They literally could not have put it in a more convenient spot.

This is actually something that at times can be very frustrating. I find myself cursing people for not using their turn

signals quite often. It is not only good to let cars know where you’re going, but also the occasional biker or pedestrian.

When I drive I like to keep my speeds around 70 mph and I pay pretty close attention to the road. I find that this is a good speed to not get pulled over, however people are constantly flying by me. Faster drivers will tailgate you, honk at you and give you the finger.

This however only causes me to slow down. After the horribly rude driver switches lanes, I pick my speeds back up. This is my style, I like to take some pokes at the beehive and irritate it more.

Again I have no problem with people driving fast. If you are paying attention to the road and are aware of your surrounding cars then driving fast isn’t necessarily dangerous. These drivers will usually be on task and on the lookout for police cars, seeing as though they are prime targets for a ticket.

With all of this being said, every driver is different, however with an estimated 200 decisions per mile while driving there may not be many decisions you can afford to miss.

For the most part making good driving decisions and driving as traffic and weather conditions allow can help tremendously with road traffic conditions. leisler@saddleback.edu

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

One copy of the Lariat is free.

Additional copies may be purchased at the Lariat newsroom, located in the Village 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.

LA R I AT

Bo Bice brings country to Coach House

Spring musical ‘Aida’ packs McKinney’s auditorium

KIMIYA ENSHAIAN

DAVID GUTMAN “Aida” is the story of a forbidden romance between Egyptian captain Radames (Alex Walter) and his captured slave, the Nubian princess Aida (Jenna Slipp). The story includes many different elements, from being dark and dreary in situations, to comedic in some roles.

Mereb (Eric DeAnda) the young Nubian slave was the focal point for much of the comedy. DeAnda was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak dramafilled performance.

Saddleback theater arts instructor Dan Trevino, directed the contemporary musical and chose “Aida” for it’s relativity to present day.

“With the recent events in today’s Egypt, Aida is again a story for our time, as it is set against battlefields, warring countries, racial prejudice, and the search for freedom,” Trevino said.

“Aida” was first brought to the American stage circuit in 1998 before going to Broadway in 2000. Composer Elton John and Lyricist Tim Rice, have both led astonishing careers of their own before working together to make the contemporary musical “Aida.”

The audience packed into the auditorium like sardines, some students, some parents, and others were supporters of the arts in Mission Viejo.

“We’re seeing it because we just like musicals,” said Willy Costanza, a member of the audience.

The stage was altered for the show, allowing the actors

5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

W E D N E S D AY, APRIL 20, 2011

photo by dylan lujano

AIDA MUSICAL: Instructor Dan Trevino directed the contemporary musical and chose “Aida” for it’s relativity to present day events. to come to a platform that was quite nearly in the faces of the first row patrons. With Egyptian paintings to the sides of the main stage, the show spared no expense in terms of props and setting.

“The audience packed into the auditorium like sardines, some students, some parents, and others were supporters of the arts in Mission Viejo.”

The costumes ranged from timely Egyptian outfits to more modern wear. Amneris (Hannah Schwartz) was dressed in what seemed to be a fashionable linen dress during her first musical number.

It was quite unlike those seen in ancient times, but the costume choice was appropriate to the character of a spoiled princess.

While the show was visually fantastic, with massive beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes, the show suffered in many technical ways.

The actors weren’t trained to sing their voices out onto the audience, but instead into their convenient microphones.

There were specific times where the mics seemed to be malfunctioing and the leads’ performance suffered.

During these moments of technical difficulties, the actor’s voice could only carry to the third row, while the chorus was heard throughout. Overall, the music was heard easily, but the diction of its lyrics was drowned out in the plethora of noise.

Technical problems aside, “Aida” was a beautiful show, recalling the plight of love found and lost, but then found again in a different life. dgutman1@saddleback.edu

Season four contestant of “American Idol,” Bo Bice continues to sing and perform music for his fans while also trying to remain grounded and true to himself.

With a musical talent that Bice says he’s had all his life, he believes that there was not a time when he was not singing.

“I started with singing from a really young age,” Bice said.

“My first bit of exposure was at 9 years old.”

Though Bice gained the majority of his fame on “American Idol,” bringing a flavor of Southern rock to the season, Bice had a career in music prior to the show.

“I was involved in music before the show, had my band and played throughout England,” he said.

His decision to join the show was pushed onto him by his mother.

According to Bice, trying out for “American Idol,” where he finished in second place to Carrie Underwood, was not a dream of his.

“We had a unique cast with a lot of great folks,” he said.

“We all had a chance to really shine in our own genres so it was easy to stick to what I sang best.”

He thanks the people behind the scenes of “American Idol” as well, saying they were the catalyst that kept him going throughout the season.

Five years later, as he tours the country to perform his songs, his inspiration has now become the fans of his music.

“I love what I do for a living. I’m passionate about my music and now I’m passionate about my fans,” Bice said.

“I want to do the best for the fans because they’ve paid

their hard earned money to watch us perform.”

A change in musical style may be hard to do for most musicians because of a fear of losing a fan base.

Bice believes his style has been leaning more toward country music lately, as opposed to the rocker image he had sported on “American Idol.”

“While some fans will stick with me, others will not care to stick around but as long as my fans know that I’m not chang-

ing, they will continue to appreciate my music,” he said.

On April 17, Bice was in the city of San Juan Capistrano performing at the Coach House.

“I love San Juan Capistrano, I’ve been there couple of times and I think the Coach House is a great venue,” Bice said.

Describing San Juan Capistrano, Bice said “I just think that it’s a beautiful town and beautiful part of our country.” kenshaian0@saddleback.edu

photo courtesy of bo bice

BICE: Though he was majorly recognized on “American Idol,” bringing a flavor of Southern rock to the season, he had a career prior to the show.

Students receive technical theater scholarships at IVC MCKENZIE SIXT Carley McNammee and David Aldrich waited nervously backstage with three other technical theater students.

Carley’s first thought was perhaps they were in trouble for making technical mistakes during Irvine Valley College’s production of Philadelphia Story. However, relief came

for the group when Ron Ellison of IVC revealed that the five students had been selected to receive $500 scholarships for their talent and work in technical theater. Lexxi Cooper, Scott Johnson, and Trevor Roehler were the other scholarship recipients.

“I was excited that the students were completely surprised by their awards,” Elli-

son said. “The faculty hoped to surprise the students with this ceremony.”

The recipients of the 2011 Irvine Valley College Department of Theater “Outstanding Technical Theater Student Scholarship,” were voted for by the Department of Theater’s Faculty. msixt0@saddleback.edu

Q&A The Lariat “L” sat down with Carley “C” and David “D” to get their reactions for receiving their scholarships.

Lariat:

What was the scholarship for?

Lariat:

Carley:

Basically it was an award the five of us received for stage management. It was for all of us who excelled in backstage work putting on the show.

What were your thoughts when you were called on stage?

David:

L:

What was your reaction when you heard your name called?

I thought we were receiving an award, but I did not expect a scholarship. It was nice to be recognized because there is not a lot of recognition for the backstage aspect of theater.

L:

C:

It was terrifying, we all thought we were in trouble when we were called backstage before the show. We knew there had been some surprise since January, so when Ron started talking about it we all realized and started freaking out and getting excited.

How long have you been involved in theater productions?

I guess you could say it started at IVC, in college mostly. I participated in high school, but nothing as involved as what I am doing at IVC.

L:

What are you future plans involving theater?

C:

I still have another year at IVC finishing up my general ed classes. I am not sure where I want to transfer, but I was looking at University of Texas for its Theater Technology department.

D: L:

How was your experience with the “Philadelphia Story” this spring?

D:

It was definitely on par with any other IVC production with a fun atmosphere. It was a great place to work and learn.

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LARIAT.

W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 0

Current Events Quiz Test your knowledge of recent happenings around the world QUESTION ONE:

What is the national average on gas prices? a)

$3.72

b)

$4.06

c)

$3.81

d)

$3.96

Photo by Madmolecule/Flickr: CC by 2.0

QUESTION TWO:

LARIAT STAFF

L: Where did you go to

college?

thought you would be doL: What three material ing when you were young? things would you bring on AB: I always knew a desert island? there was something huge AB: Tooth brush, box in my future, I have always of protein bars, and an been a dreamer and have iPod. always dreamed big.

L: Piece

L:

of advice for spot? young people?

$25,000

b)

$100,000

a) Hosni Mubarak

a)

7.1

c)

$50,000

b) Barack Obama

b)

6.6

d)

$65,000

c) Moammar Gadhafi

c)

9.0

d)

5.2

QUESTION SEVEN:

David Grann, The New Yorker staffer and author of “The Lost City of Z” has launched his second book.

The blazing flames on the book cover seem to be the doors that lead the reader to those personal hells which some people live in their ordinary lives. The book is a collection of 12 narrative journalism stories.

Each story represents a wagon in a roller coaster that takes the reader into an emotional ride.

The author descends from the climax of crimes into the deep minds of those who, driven by unexplainable forces, are committed to live on the edge of society and justice.

Grann, who has worked for major newspapers and magazines, has previously published each story independently. The

Lady Gaga

b)

Jennifer Lopez

c)

Nicki Minaj

d)

Britney Spears

As of now, which YouTube video just surpassed 100,000,000 viewers? a)Justin Bieber’s “Baby” b)Rebecca “Friday”

Black’s

c)Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” d)Alexandra Wallace’s “Asians in the Library”

Answers: So how savvy are you? Find out now!

2) B 4) B 1) C 3) D

N A T I O N A L

In a recent study by Health. com, what habit caused people to have increased appetite? a)

Sleep deprivation

b)

Chewing gum

c)

Smoking

d)

Yoga

7) A 6) C 5) B

U N I V E R S I T Y®

Transferring?

Finish School YOUR Way!

AB:

‘Devil and Sherlock Holmes’ adds suspense to the saga CARMEN ULLOA

d) MahmoudAhmadinejad

QUESTION FIVE:

a)

Favorite vacation

AB: Hawaii. It’s tropiFollow your cal and only 4 hours away! dreams and never give up, souri. don’t change for what peoL: Style icon?

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stories are full of exciting and intriguing details. His language is simple and forceful. His narrative is challenging and inviting.

The book begins with the murder of Richard Green whose existence revolved around the life and work of Conan Doyle’s creation, Sherlock Holmes. Making it more difficult for the reader to recognize fiction from reality, this story presents a fascinating world of mystery and crime.

Characters are obsessed with things that aren’t common. For instance, a marine biologist who is determined to find a gigantic ocean creature; or an actor who performs in people’s most painful scenarios -their real lives.

Grann brings the characters from different parts of the world Australia, France, America, England. The author not only tells their story, he meets with every single one, interviews family members, victims and

tracks those involved making the narrative rich and bright.

The author uses Watson’s words to say that fiction can never outdo real life.

“If we could fly out of that window hand in hand hover over this great city gently remove the roofs and peep in at the queer things which are going on......it would make all fiction most stale and unprofitable” Watson said.

“The Devil & Sherlock Holmes” engages the reader into an adventure that for most is quite calm—real life behind the eyes of criminals, cons, odd workers, heroes, victims, and ordinary people living extraordinary circumstances.

Released by Vintage books, the book is sold at $15.95 at major bookstores.

culloa0@saddleback.edu

© 2010 National University 8916

Reality star Alexis Bellino, 33, has always dreamed big

How much money was Kobe Bryant fined when he used a derogatory gay slur? a)

Which artist released her seventh studio album, “Femme Fatale?”

A ‘Real Housewife of Orange County’ chats it up

QUESTION SIX:

As of April 11, what was the magnitude of the most recent earthquake to hit Japan?

QUESTION THREE:

Dylan Lujano/Lariat

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LA R I AT.

W E D N E S D AY, APRIL 20, 2011

Earth Week events bring environmental awareness MCKENZIE SIXT Earth Day is officially today, but Saddleback College has been celebrating Mother Nature with environmentally-friendly events since Monday, and will continue to do so through Friday.

The events this week will be informing people about the human impact on the environment and preventative measures to keep Earth clean.

Guest speaker Dr. Carl Cranor, author of “Legally Poisoned: How the Law Puts US at Risk from Toxicants,” was on campus Monday discussing our everyday interactions with toxins.

If students missed the Campus Clean Up which was held yesterday, or Cranor’s discussion, students would be able to join in on the festivities tonight and for the rest of the week.

Disney’s “OCEANS” documentary will be shown tonight in Student Services Center, Room 212, at 7 p.m.

“People who come out to the movie night will learn about what is in our ocean and the impact different species have on each other,” said Candice Morey, president of the Environmental Awareness Club.

Of all the events this week Morey said she is most excited for the Go-Green Expo.

Photo by Oliver Yu/ Lariat

MUTATIONS: Dr. Carl F. Cranor, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and faculty member of the Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Riverside, speaks about his research in regulating toxic substances that cause birth defects and other health complications.

This is the second annual expo and will take place on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bowl.

The expo will feature local businesses, non-profit organizations, and innovative people

who are doing their part to help save the planet.

They will be educating visitors about current effective methods to reduce human impact on the plant.

There will be free give aways

and many environmentallyfriendly products available for purchase.

The Environmental Awareness Club will close the week’s events with an informative Earth Day booth in the Quad on

Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be Earth Day Tshirts available at the booth as visitors learn about how to help the environment, their homes, and save money.

Even after Earth Day and it’s

celebrations have passed there are still many ways to help the environment on a daily basis.

“This up-and-coming green generation can start incorporating more responsible practices into their daily routines that will foster a lifetime of good earth stewardship,” Morey said.

Remembering to turn off lights, the television, and the computer after use are little actions that can help a lot.

Also, taking the bus, walking, biking or carpooling all help reduce human impact on the environment.

Recycling cans, bottles, plastic, and newspapers support the effort.

There are many benefits to recycling that include less trash being sent to the landfills and saving natural resources and elements such as trees and aluminum, Morey said.

The Earth’s natural resources and species need protection because once they are depleted there is no way to reproduce them.

Preventative measures and thoughtful actions should be taken to keep the resources sustained.

“In the effort of protecting the environment, we should all consider the effect of our actions before making decisions,” Morey said. msixt0@saddleback.edu

National Day of Silence delivers message for LGBT community

Photo by Dylan Lujano/ Lariat

ENDING DISEASE: Irvine residents came out last Thursday for food, fun, and to spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease at Central Park.

Photo by Adam Jones/ Lariat

SHOWING SUPPORT: Saddleback students sit silently in the quad between 11 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.to bring attention to the bullying and harassment suffered by the LGBT community.

ADAM JONES Rainbow flags and colored handkerchiefs covered part of Saddleback College’s Student Services Quad last Thursday during the Gay Straight Alliance’s Day of Silence, as a part of the GLSEN.org National Day of Silence which was last Friday.

The National Day of Silence is a demonstration against bullying and harassment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network sponsors this event annually in order to raise awareness about the hardships suffered by victims of bullying and harassment.

Carmenmara HernandezBravo, the faculty adviser to Saddleback’s GSA, was eager to recruit students to join in the event, and handed out fliers and spoke to students before the silence began.

At 11 a.m. the group began their demonstration, tying hand-

kerchiefs over their mouths to signify their silence.

Over the course of the hour, more than 70 students stopped by to show their support. At its peak, the event had 45 students sitting silently.

“The

group...was

surprised when people even turned down free candy given away by Saddleback’s Associated Student Government...”

“The idea is to send a message,” said Hernandez-Bravo. “A lot of people came and sat and supported the gay community.”

She was pleased with the turn out despite the other activities going on in the quad that were blocking visibility of the event.

Hernandez-Bravo and the

GSA had put up fliers about the event around campus during the week prior, and noticed that a large number of the fliers had been removed.

The group was not discouraged, however, and was surprised when people even turned down free candy given away by Saddleback’s Associated Student Government in support of Awareness Week.

Saeed Marandi, 18, communications and music, and Camellia Mazhar, 19, psychology, supported GSA by handing out lollipops with facts about the LGBT community wrapped around them.

“Today was LGBT awareness. Monday was domestic violence awareness, Tuesday was drug abuse awareness, [And Wednesday] was mental health awareness.” said Mazhar, in reference to ASG’s Awareness Week. “So [ASG] just decided to have the table on the same day as [GSA] to combine the message.” ajones54@saddleback.edu

Food truck party for Alzheimer’s research DYLAN LUJANO JULIE TRAN Alzheimer’s disease is known to be one of the most degenerative health issues to people over the age of 50, but there have been ways to spread awareness.

The Orange County chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association held an event dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease research at Central Park West in Irvine.

The event saw over 2,000 people attending the benefit party on Thursday, April 14.

Over 19 food trucks were at the occasion with cuisines ranging from Vietnamese, Filipino, barbecue, and a truck dedicated to the all-American treat, bacon.

Despite all of the fun and food present, the event also sought to bring awareness of the disease.

Numerous booths from local nursing centers, hospices, and hospitals had information and brochures dedicated to the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Alzheimer’s.

According to Paul Wexler, board chairman of the O.C. Alzheimer’s Association, a total of

5.3 million people in the United States are affected by the disease.

In California alone, about 600,000 people have Alzheimer’s and 75,000 people in Orange County carry the disease.

“The disease is mostly age-related with symptoms appearing in people in the early-mid 60s,” Wexler said. “In that age range, there is a 10 to 12 percent chance of people getting Alzheimer’s, but it’s 50 percent for those who are in their 80s.”

For Mrs. California, United States 2011, Christy Van Der Westhuizen, Alzheimer’s disease had a personal impact on her. She chose the Alzheimer’s Association as her charity of choice due to her grandmother, who was afflicted with the disease four years ago. “[Alzheimer’s disease] has affected me on a personal and emotional level with my family. It’s hereditary in my family and I wonder if I would be affected by the disease itself,” Van Der Westhuizen said.

Van Der Westhuizen currently works as a marketing director for sales in the Whittier Place Senior Lounge.

The center is dedicated exclu-

sively to people who succumbed to the Alzheimer’s disease and she hopes from the event that people will become more aware.

Among the activities present in the benefit party, a live DJ played the latest hits to an eager crowd.

A volleyball court was set up in the area in order for people to play a game or two.

Most of the activity however was dedicated to the awareness of Alzheimer’s with guest speakers talking about the disease.

Some of the upcoming events that are happening within the current year are the Memory Walks that are known to be the biggest fundraisers for Alzheimer’s research.

The next Memory Walk is on May 7 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

The walks have been going on for 27 years and the lengths range from 2K - 5K walks.

For more information on upcoming events and Alzheimer’s disease, visit http://www.alz.org/ oc/. dlujano0@saddleback.edu jtran82@ivc.edu

Transfer fair provides opportunity to inquire about going to next level DYLAN LUJANO

Attending a transfer fair gives Saddleback College students an opportunity to discover more universities to transfer to while receiving a wellrounded view of the entire school’s curriculum.

Saddleback students attended the transfer fair last Thursday in the Student Services Quad in order to meet with college representatives.

Many representatives from four-year colleges, private schools, and art schools were present.

Saddleback student Christina Dietz, 20, philosophy, explained that the transfer fair helps students get the info they need.

“Right now my [applications] are in the process for Clairmont schools,” Dietz said. “[I am] looking into UCLA because the philosophy department is amazing.”

“The transfer fair helps a lot, since the transfer rate is not brilliantly high,” Dietz said.

Along with the popular and traditional schools present, art schools were also included like the Interior Design Instiutute.

“I like the transfer fairs because we meet people that are interested in getting masters degrees that we offer,” said Emily Wilson, IDI representative.

“It definitely gets my mind on track,” said Seth Klidley,

22, medical laboratory technician program.

Klidley is looking to transfer in fall or spring 2012, with Azusa Pacific and Vanguard as the goal.

The Transfer Center will be hosting another transfer fair on April 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Quad and will include colleges like Oregon State, Devry, Miami and University of Arizona. dlujano0@saddleback.edu

Photo by Dylan Lujano/ Lariat

COLLEGE SUCCESS: Christina Dietz, 20, philosophy speaks to a representative of UCLA, her desired transfering university.

8

la r i at

w e d n e s d ay, Ap ril 20, 2011

Single-leg amputee Trenten Merrill sprints through adversity with a smile Refusing to surrender to his disability, this Saddleback College athlete has proven unstoppable Austin messick After hearing his right foot would be amputated, Saddleback College track and field athlete Trenten Merrill immediately burst into tears. It seemed his dreams of one day becoming a professional athlete were slipping away as his doctor broke to him the painful news.

“I instantly cried because I thought all my dreams were gone,” Merrill said. “I decided I can’t go through life sitting in this hospital bed, I have to take it as it is.”

This January he joined the Saddleback College track and field team where he has competed in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 800-meter run, 4x400 meter relay, long jump and javelin, and he is doing it all on one leg.

He endured five surgeries to repair his foot after he was hit by a car in 2005, but after the surgeries his doctor told him that transmission fluid had spilled into his open wound during the accident, and blood was no longer circulating in his foot.

Merrill and his best friend Scott Agostini were planning to make some repairs on Merrill’s KX 110cc dirt bike on March 30, 2005, so they could ride on a track they built in front of Agostini’s house.

After realizing they had forgotten a vital tool needed in their repairs, they decided to ride back to Agostini’s house

and take turns riding his motorcycle.

The duo rode tandem on Agostini’s dirt bike north up a bike path running parallel to the southbound lane on San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano, Agostini in front and Merrill in back.

When they reached Agostini’s street, Paseo Christina, Merrill said they looked both ways several times and saw a Toyota Tunda heading south, but decided there was enough room between them for the duo to cross the street safely.

He said that at that time Paseo Christina was the only street on San Juan Creek Road that did not have a stop sign in front of it, and the bushes planted on the center median had grown too high so they could not see the northbound lane.

Neither they nor the oncoming BMW saw the other coming as Merrill and Agostini entered the interesection, and immediately after they passed the center median they were T-boned by the BMW. “We start proceeding across the lane, and right as we got into the [northbound] lane it was just like BOOM—instant hit,” Merrill said.

“The car couldn’t see us and we couldn’t see her, and it was one of those things it was like meant to be.”

Merrill said he was pinned by his right foot between the dirt bike and the BMW, and Agostini rolled over the car.

“They were saying my foot got stuck for a little bit and that I got dragged into the dirt and got flung off, but I mean no one really knows because I blacked out right away and then woke up on the side of the road,” Merrill said.

“It was a pretty crazy experience. I remember waking up

p h o to c o u r t e s y o f s a d d l e b a c k c o l l e g e at h l e t i c d e pa r t m e n t

chasing the dream: Saddleback College track and field athlete Trenten Merrill sprints down the jumps runway during a meet earlier this year. He will continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional athlete this June at the Paralympic Nationals in Forth Lauderdale, Florida. thinking it was a dream, and at first feeling no pain whatsoever. It was a freak accident for sure.”

Though he had been through a traumatic experience, Merrill did not allow negativity to weaken his resolve.

“In the hospital I was as happy as can be, feeling the love from my friends and family and the presence of the lord who has the biggest influence in my life,” he said.

About three to four months after the amputation, he received his first prosthetic foot and began physical therapy.

He said he began jogging and doing as much as he possibly could to see what he could and couldn’t do.

After regaining his strength, he began to consider participating in competitive athletics again.

“Before I knew it I was doing a lot more things than I

could do before,” Merrill said.

“I ended up surfing better than I could before, I’m running faster now than I could before.”

Despite having a prosthetic leg, while at Capistrano Valley High School he competed in volleyball, wrestling and even returned to motocross and earned a sponsorship from Rekluse Motor Sports.

“I was amazed at how much [the accident] didn’t affect him,” said Agostini. “Ever since then he’s been growing and growing.”

In April 2010, Merrill was inspired to begin training in track and field after traveling to the paralympic training facility in Chula Vista to see what paralympic athletics was all about.

He said his dream has always been to become a professional athlete and this was his chance. Merrill had only a month and a half to train with sprint coach Gary Cablayan before the paralympic tryouts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and said they did all they could to get him as fast as possible by tryouts.

After an array of complications at the paralympic tryouts, Merrill did not end up qualifying but said “everything happens for a reason, I gotta stay positive, I’m going to come out here next year and just keep putting in work.”

“He doesn’t know anything else than to keep trying and keep going out and doing his best,” said Cablayan.

To keep his dream alive, Merrill joined the Saddleback track and field team.

He said that competing on the team is an inspiration, and that he is also inspired by the effort and attitude of his teammates.

“My teammates inspire me

so much because they’ve been competing for a longer time, but they’re always out there cheering me on no matter what place I’m in, how good I’m doing,” Merrill said. “They’re always out there just giving me inspiration to just do better and to do all that I can.”

His best friend Agostini is now racing as a professional class motocross and supercross rider, which Merrill says has been his dream his whole life.

He said the accident changed both their outlooks on life, and has helped them to live with a more positive perspective.

“Both of us have realized that this happened for a reason,” he said.

“There is a reason why we got hit that day, there is a reason why we are still competing right now, and it’s all through the Lord, it’s all through His works.”

Merrill said he tries to give every ounce of effort possible through the grueling workouts each week on the track.

He will compete in his final meet for this season with the Saddleback track and field team this Friday at the Orange Empire Conference Championships at Riverside City College, and plans to compete again at the Paralympic Nationals in Florida this June.

For Merrill, faith, positivity and perseverance are what have helped him remain strong through a life changing amputation and his inspirational return to competitive athletics.

“I just try to push my limits and kind of set a good example by giving all the glory to God, and not giving up no matter what the situation is,” he said with a smile. amessick1@saddleback.edu

Photo by Leif Kemp/lariat

Teamwork: Saddleback baseball player Spencer Kuehn congratulates Jordan Helmkamp as Lee Casas looks on. The three were key to helping the Gauchos snap their 7 game losing streak.

Saddleback baseball snaps losing streak, Coach Hodges to retire after 22 years Leif kemp It was a week of streaks for the Saddleback College baseball team. The Gauchos ended one streak and began another as the Gauchos seek to wrap up the 2011 season strong in what was announced last week will be Coach Jack Hodges final season.

Saddleback’s all-time winningest coach announced this week that he is retiring as coach of the Gauchos ending his streak at 22 years. Hodges and the Gauchos look to add to his already record 574 victories when they host Santa Ana College in the season finale April 28, 2011.

Saddleback lost 9-3 to inter-district rival Irvine Valley College Tuesday, April 12, effectively knocking the Gauchos from playoff contention and completing a sweep for IVC thus extending the Gauchos losing streak to seven games.

The Gauchos then returned and began a winning streak by pounding Golden West College 12-4 Thursday, April 14,

and turning right back around and taking a 6-3 victory the following day in a 13 inning marathon to sweep the Rustlers.

Saddleback used strong performances by sophomore pitcher, Jordan Helmkamp, and freshman, Chasen White to defeat Golden West.

Helmkamp went 6.2 innings, allowing 4 runs, while scattering 11 hits, striking out five, and giving up only one walk before giving way to the freshman, White who went the final 2.1 innings without giving up a run.

The Saddleback offense also came alive as the Gauchos collectively broke out of a hitting drought that has lasted close to a month.

The Gauchos banged out 13 hits against Golden West pitchers, and were led by sophomore right fielder Spencer Kuehn, and freshman designated hitter, Lee Casas.

Kuehn finished the day 3 for 5, scoring twice and driving in two RBI’s. Casas, who also plays first base, drove in four RBI’s on 2 for 5 hitting.

The Gaucho’s are on the

road this week participating in The Easter Classic Tournament at College of The Sequoias in Visalia, Ca. The Gauchos are scheduled to take on Reedley College, College of The Sequoias, and Bakersfield College Saddleback looks to finish their season on a winning note, and bring the Jack Hodges era to a victorious end when it hosts Santa Ana College in the final home game of the coach’s illustrious career on April 28, 2011.

With the sweep of Golden West, Saddleback improves its record to 14-17 overall, and 7-12 in Orange Empire Conference play.

Santa Ana comes in atop the OEC standings and is currently ranked number 2 in Southern California with a 22-9 overall record, 15-4 in the OEC. Hodges who this year became Saddleback College’s all-time winningest coach is in his twenty second year with the Gauchos, and has been a head coach in Southern California for forty two years. lkemp4@saddleback.edu

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