San Jose City College Times, Vol. 78, Issue 6, Dec 9, 2014

INT’L EDUCATION WEEK Students are given a chance to learn different cultures and languages

TIMES STAFF WINS AWARDS City College Times staff honored at Journalism Convention in Sacramento

MORE ONLINE AT http://sjcctimes.com

Tuesday, Dec. 9 , 2014

MEDIA CLUB Students learn how radio hosts put their programs on the air MORE ONLINE AT http://sjcctimes.com

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The Voice of San Jose City College Since 1956

Volume 78 Issue 6

SJCC sells ceramics

Students raised money for art department

BY ANN ELIZAGA TIMES STAFF

San Jose City College was set to host Jaguar Ceramics Sale and Open Studio at the Carmen Castellano Fine Arts Center on Dec. 7- 8.

“Both functional and sculptural artworks were for sale (dishware, vases, sculpture etc),” Michelle Gregor, the ceramics instructor, wrote in an email. “All works are made from clay.”

Some past and former students participated in the sale.

“The sale has been going on for 30 years and we do it annually,” Gregor said. “We invite past students and alumni, also current instructors and students to participate.”

The ceramics class held the event to raise money for the art department and materials for the class.

SCCU Student Andrea Brown, creates artwork at the ceramics class on Monday, Nov.24.

“Alumni, students, instructors and instructor Emeritus were participants.

Artists gave 20 percent of their sales to the Potter’s

SJCC students gather for Thanksgiving dinner Associated Students will host a Christmas event Andy Nguyen, the director of activities for the Associated Student Government, and Haley Leonard, a member of the ASG, helped organize the SJCC Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 25 in the Student Center. The ASG is organizing a Christmas dinner for Dec. 11, as well. It will be on the 2nd floor of the Student Center in Room SC-204 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please visit http://sjcctimes.com to read the full story.

PHOTO BY GARY MOUNTAIN / CONTRIBUTOR

Fund,” Gregor wrote. “This fund helps purchase equipment as well as paying for visiting artist honorariums.”

sale and open studio,” said Andrea Brown, a visual arts transfer from San Jose State University.

Lady Jags optimistic despite only four returning sophomores Head Couch Oberg-Hearn describes team as family

BY ZACH TATAR TIMES STAFF

The San Jose City College women’s basketball program has had a strong history, appearing in 20 Northern California regional playoff games and making it to four state championship tournaments all by coach Terri Oberg-Hearn, entering her 25th. season as head coach. This season’s team is “overall better than we have been in the last couple of years,” Oberg-Hearn said.

The 2014-2015 season is underway with the Lady Jags holding a 2-4 record after winning their season opener 73-63 against Feather River College Friday, Nov. 1.

The Lady Jags have faced a

NEXT NEWSPAPER: Jan. 27

Some of the ceramics students participated and sold their artwork.

“I used some of my sculptures and other works for the ceramics

PHOTO BY ANN ELIZAGA / TIMES STAFF

few of Northern California’s best teams. Three of its six games have been matched up against schools ranked within the top 10 in the north region preseason poll. In their last two games, the Jaguars had the lead in the final two minutes but lost each by a two point margin.

This season the team has a strong connection.

“Coach-O” described the team as “a family” she said the key to this team’s success is “team chemistry.”

“They are really supportive of each other.

Sometimes it’s easy to get negative,” said ObergHearn, “ but they are just positive, not trying to find the negative, but the good in each other I think that’s what a family does.”

A weakness for the Jags this season is their lack of reserve players off the bench.

“We’re not carrying 15 players, but the 10 players we have I think are strong enough to help us compete at a higher level,” Oberg said.

See LADY JAGS page 7 PHOTO BY CAMERON SMITH / TIMES STAFF

Christine Golfo

Freshman Guard Averaging 10.7 points per game, Golfo is one of three players averaging double digits per game for the Lady Jags and had 12 points versus Mission College Wednesday, Nov. 26 at SJCC.

EMAIL US: citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu CHECK US OUT ONLINE: http://sjcctimes.com

2 Opinion

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

Equal pay for equal day of work W omen today seem to be focused on hair, makeup and creating a fashion statement. Since the era of the women’s rights movement, women have been empowered to join in solidarity and continue the fight for equality. The women’s rights era paved the way for women today.

Women are still waiting for equal pay in the workplace.

Media and society seem to dictate a woman’s thought process about what, when, where, women should feel about their appearance, how they should dress or act.

Common sense is when one thinks before one acts. For instance, common sense tells us not to put ourselves in dangerous situations such as becoming so intoxicated that you become vulnerable to

the world by not knowing where you are and who you are with. These types of vulnerable situations occur because one has not used common sense. Take your power back.

Women can still be powerful by dressing appropriately; one can still dress fashionably without looking like a street hooker, such as the new fashion of shorts and crop tops. Take your power back.

Lastly, when walking anywhere stay in groups or have a walking partner and don’t be alone at night in a secluded place. Protect yourself by using common sense.

We all have common sense and unless we begin to use it, the equality for women that our predecessors fought for will diminish.

So take your power back. valued up to $10 and bring it to the event. The event will start at 12:15 p.m.

Also, donations for the EOPS & CARE Toy and the CALWORKS Gift drives will be available.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 n 5K FUN WALK At 12:30 p.m.

Meet at the track (will walk the campus) Everyone welcome! n FREE Flu Shot From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

SJCC Health Services Room SC-109 Student ID required n Roi Ann Thompson, senior division administrative assistant, will retire at the end of this calendar year.

Happy retirement celebration From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

At the Science Complex All invited!

Thursday, Dec. 11 n SJCC Employees Holiday Social At the Auxiliary Gym From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

n Gift Exchange! Purchase a gift

COMPILED BY JAVIER BECERRIL AND PATRICK JENKINS / TIMES STAFF

Name: Duy Vo Age: 18 Major: Business Administration I learned about Economic theory.

Name: Hoang Thai Age: 22 Major: English

Name: Deria Rodriguez Age: 18 Major: Kinesiology

Good teamwork makes great outcomes.

I learned communication is the best skill to have in all your classes.

n Christmas dinner On the second floor of the Student Center in Room SC-204 From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18 n 5th annual toy drive/recognition event Hosted by The SJCC EOP&S and CARE at 6 p.m. Donate a gift or two.

You can pick up a tag or two off the wish tree at the office or bring a gift or two to the office.

Age range: newborn to 10 years old.

All gifts must be collected by Friday Dec. 12 to ensure SJCC’s Santa to deliver presents to the student’s children Dec. 18.

For more information contact Andrea Lopez, senior division administrative assistant (408) 288-3129

Name: Richard Bamber Age: 48 Major: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration In Chemistry I learned about covalent and ionic bonds. In Archery I experienced camaraderie community and the competitive spirit.

Name: Harveen Karu Age: 21 Major: Computer Science

Name: Monica Stanston Age: 18 Major: Undecided

I learned that many of my teachers actually care about The faculty is extremely whether or not you pass helpful. During the their courses. They provide semester, a teacher left and assistance and make a substitute took his place. themselves available to He made sure our learning those that need extra help. objectives were fulfilled.

n End of Fall Semester

Email your letters to the editor at citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu

NOTE: The ASG provides students with supplies such as scantrons, blue books and pencils.

“Skip or Succeed to the Future ”

The Times welcomes comments and opinions that do not exceed 200 words.

Letters can be dropped off at or sent to:  the Times mailbox at Reprographics  the newsroom in the Technology Center  citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu

ABOUT US

What is the one thing you learned at SJCC during the fall semester?

By Patrick Jenkins / Times Staff

Sports Editor Zach Tatar

Design Editor Miguel Norona

Ad Manager Magnolia Lopez

Lifestyle Editor Annmarie Elizaga

Graphic Designer Patrick Jenkins

Arts and Entertainment Editor James Hartley

Reporters Erika Arevalo Esthela Ramirez

Photographers Cameron Smith Javier Becerril

News Editor Dianne Escalante

Contributors Larry Harris Gary Mountain

Faculty Adviser Farideh Dada

Technology Center, Room 302 San Jose City College 2100 Moorpark Ave. San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 298 2181 x3213

citycollegetimes@jaguars.sjcc.edu

The City College Times is written, edited, designed and produced entirely by students. All copyrights are reserved.

No part of the Times can be reproduced without permission.

The editorial on Page 2 reflects the views of a majority of the Times’ editorial board.

Other opinions expressed are those of individual writers and not necessarily the opinions of the Times staff.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.”

Denis Waitley, American writer

Dance show goes on despite power outage Students overcome obstacles to display talent

BY DIANNE ESCALANTE TIMES STAFF

“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised,” American writer Denis Waitley once wrote.

“Dance Expression,” the student choreographer dance concert, was almost cancelled because of a power outage at 5 p.m. that affected the campus including the theater.

At 7:45 p.m. the final word came: no power until Monday morning.

Finally, the news everyone was waiting for: the performance would be moved to another location on campus, the Carmen Castellanos Fine Arts Building.

Last-minute changes and movement of costumes to another building did not affect the quality of the performance. The crowd was directed to the new location for the performance and with a lack of chairs and space, some attendees sat on the floor.

The dance program began with a fun and upbeat;hip-hop dance routine called “Kory-ography,” created by choreographer Koryen King K Harper. “Wall,” that was choreographed and performed by Pablo Baltazar and background dancer Elrik Gallardo was executed masterfully with grace and arm styling.

“Indesirable,” a solo performance choreographed and performed by Kevin Gaytan, was intense and mesmerizing. A dance filled with anger, emptiness and sadness.

“Mobility of the quirky mind,” was performed and choreographed

by Alex Andres, who dressed in a checker pantsuit and danced to jazz music, which was executed and brilliantly arranged.

“Sweethearts,” choreographed

by Holly Lampe Brosius, was a tap dance about a dancer’s future husband. This dance was fun, hilarious, modern and upbeat. The dancers: were Tashi Baisy, Robert Davis, Jazmin Delgado, Antoinette Espino, Kevin Gaytan, April Henderson; and Ashley Lopez.

The finale was all dancers and choreographers together in a dance routine to music called “Everybody Loves a Carnival.”

Overcoming the obstacles clearly displayed the dancers’ commitment to their trade.

CAMPUS NEWS 3

Escobar focused on student success VP emigrated from Ecuador, made his dream come true

BY ESTHELA RAMIREZ TIMES STAFF

There was a man from Ecuador who came to the United States, dreaming of the American Dream. He faced many difficulties. He missed his family. But he continued to work hard.

He had high expectations and great ambition to become a leader at a top college. Today, the man from Ecuador has been transformed into a leader. Jorge Escobar is a vice president of San Jose City College.

He has achieved his American Dream, and Escobar has big plans for the school and the students.

As a vice president of SJCC, Escobar, who joined the college in July 2014, is responsible for directing all of the administrative functions of the school. He wants to improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the college.

His goal is to bring professional growth to the college, with emphasis on creating more opportunities for students.

Escobar’s focus is on

ensuring that students achieve is always smiling and cheerful. their dreams. By adding new Janitors say he is a friendly programs and new opportunities man who always says hello for students, he wants to help and asks if they need anything. students meet their academic When a new person is hired, goals. He wants to help with the Escobar personally introduces students’ financial needs and the newcomer to the others and academic plans to transfer to a helps him/her feel welcome. university.

In order to reach his goals, “I am delighted Escobar continues to have Jorge on to work to improve board,” SJCC himself as a leader.

President Byron He participates in Clift Breland and leads volunteer said. “He brings a groups. unique set of skills His volunteer and experience, activities are professional dedicated to charisma, passion helping those for educating of Hispanic historically backgrounds under-represented become engaged Escobar populations in the and succeed in their America.” education and career.

Escobar’s dream took He is a board member for flight when he graduated Hispanics Inspiring Students’ from Rider University in New Performance Achievement, Jersey and earned a master’s a nonprofit organization that degree at Walden University provides role models to students in Minnesota. For 10 years in middle school.

Escobar was a business leader “I want to tell the Latino in Canada, Japan and England. students ‘si se puede’ (yes, you He was an adviser to the can),” he said.

International Commission of For Escobar, working in Science and Technology in SJCC is an opportunity to make the Dominican Republic. His a difference. background in management “I am grateful to work at made him a top candidate to be SJCC and excited to change a vice president at SJCC. the system as a leader,” he Escobar considers himself said. “I achieved my American hard-working and friendly. He Dream.”

Dads share experience of fatherhood at SJCC

BY JAMES HARTLEY TIMES STAFF

The President’s Community Arts & Lectures Program directed by Merylee Shelton, presented “Many Styles of Fatherhood” with guest speaker Prentice Powell and panel of community fathers Thursday, Nov. 20. In SJCCs Technology Center.

The panel featured Oponna Oharra, the father of a newborn boy and SJCC student; Tim Woodring, father of a boy and two daughters and SJCC student; Ron Murjera, nonprofit consultant and the father of a small son and daughter; and Carlton Connor, the father of a boy and a daughter and football coach at SJCC. “Every time I speak, I am doing it because I have a family I am trying to feed,” Powell said. “Fatherhood is an amazing experience. It’s a hard experience. It’s a rough experience.

There’s always pressure. There always will be pressure to provide for your family even if you’re a millionaire.”

Powell, featured on the Arsenio Hall TV Show, performed his poem “Good Father”. He said he’s had his child in the back seat and thought about robbing because he was depressed as a father and at times felt less than a man about his

means to provide for his family.

Woodring who has visitation with a son every other weekend from a previous relationship said it “doesn’t matter what society thinks” about whether he as a father is macho or not, and when people see him doing things with his daughter at gymnastics, and the room is full of women, they congratulate him.

He’s just doing what he has to do as a dad. He said. “I and my wife do what we both have to do. The only thing that matters is what you need to do to provide for your family,” said Woodring.

Murjera said he got laid off the same year his daughter was born and that forced him to gain a job that would allow more time with his children. If he had a regular 9- to- 5 jobs he couldn’t be there like he can now. Murjera Said.

There is no fathers club at SJCC but Shelton said she hopes the event will stimulate enough interest so that a father’s support group will be formed.

“In any human relationship it is about who needs the help or who needs the support.” Shelton said.

If you are interested in the President’s Community Arts & Lectures Program or would like to see a fathers club at San Jose City College contact Marylee Shelton at Merylee.Shelton@sjcc.edu

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From left panelists Opana Ohara, Tim Woodring, Ron P. Murjera, Prentice Powell, Carlton Connor share fatherhood hopes and experiences with SJCC community Nov.20 at the Technology Center.

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Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

Art and Entertainment 5

Dance Expressions

COMPILED BY CAMERON SMITH/TIMES STAFF

Below: The cast members and choreographers dance to “Everybody loves a Carnival” for the grand finale during the rehearsal at San Jose City College Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 19. This dance routine was creative, fun and a memorable finale.

Above: Antionette Espino, Sarah Neal, Layla Ojeda and Stephanie Torres brought down the house in their performance to Sade’s “Soldiers of Love.”

Right: Kevin Gaytan’s “Indesirable” performance left the audience captivated with his emotional dance.

Choreographer Tashi Baisy’s expresses her love for dance through “Feel the Beat” with the dancers high energy and eclectic blends of movement and creativity. The dance finished with each dancer taking a bold bright stance while the audience roared for an encore.

6 Entertainment

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

Editorial Cartoon “Cafeteria Germ Party”

By Patrick Jenkins / Times Staff

UMOJA Academic Success Program available at SJCC Cuba is next study abroad destination for summer 2015

BY ERIKA AREVALO TIMES STAFF

If you are a student at the basic skills level in English looking for support on writing and reading, the Academic Success Program UMOJA is an option.

“The main goal of this academic success program is to get students who are in the basic skills level in English to the university and transfer level in English for writing and reading,” said Khalid White, UMOJA coordinator and Ethnic Studies professor.

UMOJA is a community that offers services to increase a student’s retention and persistence through graduation and the transfer process.

The services offered are priority registration, individual academic, career and personal counseling, learning communities, trips to universities and study abroad, cultural events and leadership opportunities.

This study community was created in the fall of 1991 by Charles J. Murray, an Ethnic Studies professor and former student of San Jose City College.

It is now a statewide academic program first introduced at Diablo Valley College in 2006 and initiated at SJCC in 2010.

“Any students can participate in this program,” White said.

“They only have to be fullnational circulation,” White time students with a 3.0 GPA wrote in an email. and eligible to take Ethnic The study abroad trips offer Studies 20-African American the opportunity to students to Culture, English 92/1A-Writing learn other languages, culture, and Guidance ancestries and 130-College people’s lifestyle.

Success.”

UMOJA, a SJCC took part in Kiswahili word the first study abroad that means “unity” trip to Belize over is an Academic the summer. With Success Program the collaboration of with the objective UMOJA and its sister of providing program AFFIRM students at SJCC at Evergreen Valley academic support College. to get to a higher “While in Belize, level of education our group made successfully.

Newton national headlines “It was a lifein the Amandala changing experience newspaper, which is the leading for me. This is my first trip newspaper and the largest in out of the country. It was eye opening, being out of your element, experiencing different cultures, foods and learning how other people live,” EVC student Derrick Newton said.

Countries for study abroad trips are chosen by their ethnic background, countries rich in culture and mixture of ethnicities.

Belize met the criteria because of its different indigenous groups and infusion of civilizations and backgrounds.

“Belize was chosen because we

Jump Start Your Future.

were looking for a place where Africans, Latinos and Native Americans have a connected history for a study abroad trip last summer,” White said.

“Belize was chosen for being a country with an established itinerary recommended by other study abroad programs. Also, it is an English-speaking country,” EVC English instructor Kennan Norris said.

The next study abroad trip will be to Cuba in summer 2015. The students must apply and go through a process, meet the required academic criteria and complete interviews to be selected. Students also must participate in all the activities to obtain funds for the trips.

Most of the activities involve fun racing, selling candy at the campus basketball games and asking for community support.

“We have to raise every dollar.

Every student must put in some blood and sweat in order to get the trip off the ground; it makes the trip more worthwhile,” White said.

This program offers an opportunity that contributes to the students’ knowledge and values, not only academic but personal.

For more information and to get started, visit www.sjcc.edu and submit an application.

SJCC hosts arts exhibit

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…It’s About Building Relationships For Life

Student artists present their artistic talent

BY ANN ELIZAGA TIMES STAFF

San Jose City College hosted the second annual Creative Arts Exhibit at the Carmen Castellano Fine Arts Center on Dec. 2.

“This exhibit was designed for students of SJCC to show their artistic talents and creative work to the community,” said Andy Nguyen, the Associated Student Government director of activities.

Nguyen told students the reason for the contest.

“The goal of the Creative Arts contest was to continue to make a difference and connect with other colleges with the help from their supporters,” Nguyen said.

SJCC arts major Jon Calamateos told students the importance of art.

“I think that art is one of those very valued or undervalued … because people can walk past it and never notice it for years and all we need to do is take time to

ANN ELIZAGA/TIMES STAFF

From left Andy Nguyen , Jonathan Calamareos and Andrea Brown attend the 2nd annual Creative Arts exhibit at the Carmen Castellano Gallery at the Fine Arts building on Dec.2. look at these pieces of art and see the difference in all of them,” Calamateos said.

Jesse Nelson, an SJCC visual arts student and creative arts exhibit participant, explained what his art was about at the exhibit.

“The story behind my art is waiting on water. … I was trying to show there is the same types of people around the world,“ Nelson said. “There is this jungle girl that lives in the jungle and she walks barefoot and she cares about her looks and there are still people who are still going to be high maintenance even though they live in this lifestyle.”

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

sports 7

Men’s basketball is in SJCC Jag store for a promising cheerleaders season ahead take to the field Jaguars roaring in first eight games

BY ZACH TATAR TIMES STAFF

The men’s basketball program of San Jose City College is classified as the most successful program on campus, making the playoffs four of the best five years.

Coach Percy Carr has taken his team to the playoffs in 35 seasons in his 39 year tenure at SJCC with eight state championships and 12 conference championships along the way.

So far the Jaguars are off to what looks like another impressive season led by California Community College Basketball Coaches Association (CCCMBCA) Hall of Famer, Carr, who is in his 39th year coaching the Jags.

Carr also holds the record as a coach with over 800 wins in California community college history. So to say he knows a playoff team when he sees one is an understatement.

“I would be disappointed if we don’t make the playoffs this year,” Carr said.

Season expectations for the fresh campaign is the team will “play hard and play together,” Carr said. “I will have a better understanding how far we can go (in playoffs) in the next few weeks we play,” Carr said.

The farthest the Jags have gone

in postseason play in the past five years was losing in the first round

expect of them as players,” Carr said.

I would be disappointed if we don’t make the playoffs this.

Head Coach Percy Carr

of the state tournament in the 2009-2010 season, finishing with an overall record of 26-5. Since then, SJCC has not made it past the second round of the NorCal playoff tournament (800 Wins).

SJCC finished last season ranked No. 20 in the state and No. 10 in Northern California in the final CCCMBCA State top 20 poll, despite losing 77-65 to Butte College in the second round of the NorCal playoff tournament.

This season, with a combination of talent and key returning players is expected to boost this team to success.

“Eight to 10 guys have the talent to play at the next level. I’m not sure how high of a level, but we have that type of talent,” Carr said.

On paper in the game this team is pretty good, but in the locker room and at practice, Carr said he feels “this is the best team I’ve been around in a long time.” “ Four leadership players are returning: Sophomores TJ Viney, Josue Salaam, Stevinaire Young, and Maurice Joiner. They know my system and can communicate to the first year players what I

Talented leadership is a strength for this team with two of the four returning players leading the way in points per game this season.

(Salaam 13.9 and Joiner 11.4) The CCCMBCA came out with its second ranking of the 20142015 season Wednesday, Nov. 24.

San Jose City College ranked No. 9 in the State Poll, and No. 4 in the Northern California Poll, all while the Jags had a 4-1 record.

After sweeping all three games during the annual Chevron Tournament which was hosted

by Diablo Valley College, they walked away with first place out of eight teams. The next CCCMBCA poll rankings will be posted Monday, Dec. 8 on CCCAAsports.org.

SJCC currently has an overall record of 7-1 and will play eight more games before opening Coast-South conference play Friday, Jan. 9 in Aptos at Cabrillo College. At this point last season, the Jags were 5-3 in this maximum 16 game-schedule, pending tournament play, all before entering conference play.

The Jaguars (7-1) were scheduled to take on Ohlone College (5-2) Friday, Dec. 5 in Fremont.

San Jose City College will host the annual SJCC Classic, Thursday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 14. The Jags are set to play College of the Alameda of the Bay Valley Conference in its first of three game max Thursday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. in the Jag Gym.

LADY JAGS FROM PAGE ONE

This season’s team will rely on the returning sophomoreleadership and work ethic.

“They worked very hard in the offseason,” Oberg-Hearn said.

“They were here (SJCC) almost everyday over the summer, working on their shot, working on improving their game. That says a lot about our leadership coming back,” Oberg-Hearn said.

There are four returning women to the roster this season: Nidia Pech, Angellina Vallejo, Steffanie Sum, and Kelani Desoto. ObergHearn is calling them her “core group.” As a group they averaged 12.1 points per game last season.

This season, the same group has improved to averaging 20.3 points per game, led by SJCC’s leading scorer, sophomore guard Kelani Desoto(14.0 points per game).

The Lady Jags completed the 2013-2014 season with an overall record of 6-19, averaging 48 points per-game and finishing fourth in the Coast-North Conference.

After going 0-6 in it’s first six games, the Jags earned fives wins in the final 10 games of the season.

Coach O’s goal each season is to “get better each day as a team.” As she talks with her coaching staff she feels “excited and feels like we can compete with the best.”

The Lady Jags have two tournaments scheduled for the next two weekends in San Pablo and in Fresno, then they will

Above: Sophomore No. 23 Kelani Desoto (middle) pulls up for a two-point-shot, adding to her 18 points in the 64-62 loss to Mission at SJCC. Right: Freshman Christine Golfo (left) battles with, Mission College Saint Freshamn LaChae McMolor (right) on Wednesday, Nov. 26

PHOTO BY LARRY HARRIS / TIMES CONTRIBUTOR

Freshman Breshana Carpenter performs as part of a group stunt during halftime as San Jose City College plays Los Medanos College at Jaguars Stadium on Sept. 27.

BY LARRY HARRIS TIMES CONTRIBUTOR

The San Jose City College Cheer Squad bring Jaguar pride and excitement to the athletics of SJCC. The squad has been active hosting all of the home football games and hope to debut at basketball and other athletic events at SJCC. The squad numbers over 20 members, said cheer coach Ojae (OJ) Balgos, Balgos, who has been coaching cheer for over 12 years, recognized a need at SJCC to provide a cheer experience for students who didn’t develop the cheer skills needed to try out for a four-year college squad while they were in high school. The SJCC squad has been in existence since August 2014.

“I love cheering,” squad member Merisa Cabuboy said.

“There is so much you can do with it. You get to dance.

In stunting you have to work together and trust each other in order for the flyers and pyramids to work together.”

“Cheer leading gives us a chance to show spirit for the team and pumps up the team a little,” Jossie Taska said.

Taska said he hopes to earn a cheer scholarship and transfer to San Jose State University.

Like in many sports, cheerleading has its positions.

Lifters who lift the flyer up into place, the back and front spotters who also lift, adjust the pyramid and protect the flyer or stunter as they are on top of the pyramid or in the air.

“It is fun to be in front of a crowd performing, and I hope I don’t make a fool of myself,” Erica Honesto said.

On kneeling down during a game, she said, “We take a knee for an injured player as a sign of respect.”

Mario Guzman, the only male on the squad, is a back spot and calls the cheers.

“Not everyone can throw someone in the air. That is what I do; being trusted with someone’s life has helped me to gain additional responsibilities (confidence),” Guzman said.

“Sometimes the players get down and the crowd doesn’t know when to bring us into the game, the cheerleaders bring us up,” Jags football running back, Joseph Valenzuel said, Each member is responsible for his or her uniform and each has spent $500 to date but the squad still needs warm-up clothing.

Practices are held for 2 ½ hours on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. in the auxiliary room behind the main gym.

WHAT IS IN A NAME? SJCC HAS THE LADY JAGS, SOFTBALL TEAM; BUT ITS CHEER SQUAD DOES NOT HAVE A NAME. WHAT SHOULD IT BE CALLED? SUBMIT YOUR NAME SUGGESTION TO THIS NEWSPAPER AT CITYCOLLEGETIMES@JAGUARS.SJCC.EDU PHOTO BY CAMERON SMITH / TIMES STAFF

travel to De Anza College on Friday, Dec. 19. San Jose City College is hosting their annual

Lady Jag Tournament, set to begin Saturday, Dec. 27, time is to be announced.

CONTACT COACH BALGOS FOR TRYOUT INFORMATION AT SJCCCHEER@GMAIL.COM. WATCH CHEERLEADING VIDEOS ONLINE AT WWW.SJCCTIMES.COM.

8 Lifestyle

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

What is your favorite part of the winter season?

COMPILED BY CAMERON SMITH /TIMES STAFF

Name : Lucas Gutierrez Age: 31 Major: Business administration Spending time with family and eating food that I don’t eat regularly throughout the year Name: Rose Smith Age: 51 Major : Alcohol and drugs study Eating food during the winter season.

Name: Jeff Hancock Age : 45 Major: Business I enjoy spending time with family and eating during the winter season.

ant. He didn’t like that but I had to. How do I get him to change?

Sincerely, TIRED OF THE SMELL

COMPILED BY ESTHELA RAMIREZ/TIMES STAFF

Dear Tired of the Smell, First you should tell him about the importance of good hygiene. Find a kind and polite way to explain it. You should make sure you do not embarrass him. Tell him about the health problems that he may face.

Bad hygiene can make it easier for him to catch colds and flu. It can also cause parasitic infections. Explain the importance of brushing his teeth at least twice a day. He can end up losing his teeth.

He needs to use soap to get rid of the germs. If he is allergic to soap there are alternatives. You can try glycerin bars, olive oil or lemon water mixed with baking soda. Talk to medical professionals for more options.

Sincerely, Jazzy

Dear Jazzy, I need some advice. It’s about my boyfriend. I won’t say his name. Let’s just call him Smelly.

I love him. I really do. I don’t want to lose him.

But he has to grow up. The problem is he’s a slob. He cares about how he looks, but he doesn’t think hygiene is important.

He doesn’t like to takes a shower. I mean he takes a shower once a week if I’m lucky.

And when he does, he doesn’t use soap. He says he’s allergic to soap. He doesn’t brush his teeth sometimes. He never washes his hands after going to the bathroom. He wears clothes 4 or 5 times without washing them, maybe more than that. I don’t really know.

His car and bedroom are both very messy.

He’s a great guy. Everything I want. But I can’t put up with this anymore. I bought him deodor-

Custard and pumpkin cream cheese flan Here is a pumpkin flan recipe for holidays, such as Dia De los Muertos, Christmas and New Year. This recipe is part of Mexican culture.

Ingredients 1 1/4 cups sugar cane Keep separate ¼ cups sugar.

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 6 eggs 3/4 cup canned pumpkin 1/8 teaspoon salt Two spoons of water table 1/6 cup chopped pecans Prepare oven to 350F Directions

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Stir 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until it is completely dissolved and an intense color. Pour the caramel immediately into a 9-inch spring form pan then cover the mold to coat the “bottom.” Blend milk and cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of roast pecans and sugar, eggs, salt and blend pumpkin.

After, “pour the candy into the mold, cover with foil.” Fill large pan with water so that the smallest pan is submerged halfway. Bake flan 50-55 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove pan with other water custard. Put in a container and let it cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Boil ¼ cup of sugar and two spoons of water in small pan keep cooking, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in pecans in small skillet over medium low heat for 2 or 3 minutes until completely hot. Add the caramel and stir them to coat well. Put them on a baking sheet covered with foil. Let it cool. Take out the pudding from the mold and put in a container then sprinkle the pecan and caramel over the pudding.

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