The Official Newspaper of Cerritos College
TALONMARKS.COM MAY 9, 2018
@TALONMARKS
VOLUME 62 | ISSUE 21
Director of Athletics asks for mold-ridden pump to be replaced
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Carmelita Islas Mendez News Editor @talonmarks
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egislation has been introduced to the Associated Students of Cerritos College senate to purchase the “Powerflo 50” hydration unit. The legislation was introduced by the Director of Athletics and student athlete Angel Salcido who is in the football team. The bill asked for $4,000 to replace the current mode of hydration which have been contaminated with mold. The problem was first noted by Salcido about a year ago, but did nothing because he said, “athletes see it but they are so focused with practice and to them water is water.” It is suspected that the mold is mildew, however it is unclear if it a health hazard as the current hydration pump don’t allow for the pipes to be removed and cleaned. The current pump was installed about 15 years ago which with time has deteriorated. Salcido said that it has been repaired so many times and that the machine is being held with “extra screws and tape.” Salcido said, “I actually have no doubt that they will pass the legislation despite the sitting chair having a problem with my presentation.” He has also started a petition that he hopes student athletes will sign to support the legislation.
OPINION
L DAVID JENKINS JR.
Budget cuts for all: During discussion ASCC leaders (left to right) Minority Leader Samuel Jimenez, Vice President elect Christopher Rodriguez, Chief of Staff and Clerk Esmeralda Murillo and ASCC Vice President David Ramirez reflect on the budget. It was unanimously approved on May 2.
Major cuts despite leaders’ effort Carmelita Islas Mendez
T
News Editor @talonmarks
he budget for the year 2018- 2019 has been passed by the Associated Students of Cerritos College. The budget and adjustments to it were discussed and amended by senate over the course of three meetings. It was unanimously approved by senate on May 2. ASCC Vice President David Ramirez said, “Honestly, I am happy that the process is over.” However, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the budget and the cuts made to it saying that it was, “really hard” to decrease the funding from clubs and organizations. The reason for the reduction in funding was that ASCC was, “coming down from a $1.6 million budget to a $1.3 million budget.” ASCC Vice President-elect Christopher Rodriguez shared the same sentiments and said, “The way I see it, this was a
lot of hard work from the Budget Committee and I appreciate what they have done. I am just happy that the senate got through it.” According to the adopted budget, student activities were reduced by about $35,000. Organizational programs including academic departments, committees and clubs had budget cuts of about $335,000, and student services were downsized by almost $341,000. Student Trustee-elect Phil Herrera said, “It’s just unfortunate where we have put ourselves as far as what kind of money we had to work with this year and the kind of money that we spent for other extra things throughout the year.” In terms of the budget cuts, Ramirez said, “I wouldn’t really say that the cuts were outrageous, I would say that they were necessary and fair. Herrera explained that the reason for finances running short is due to many legislations being passed during the fall se-
mester and not having the future in mind. Herrera said, “You are looking at this account that you are supposed to be helping the students with and so at the beginning of the semester when the account looks really huge and you have to distribute and allocate it, it’s like, ‘Yeah, why shouldn’t we?’” He continued to say that it is at the end of the semester when, “frugality comes in.” He said it is also the time where, “everyone is trying to figure out how we are going to fund some $4,000 project when at the beginning of the semester $4,000 doesn’t seem like anything.” Ramirez explained that coming into meetings “and tie a face to the picture” would help with funding and that “we need the clubs or departments that we fund to come out because at the end of the day anything that happens to our funding gets passed down you know like trickledown cutting.” Herrera believes that it is
the responsibility of senators and other student leaders to be conscience of what is being funded. This is because he believes that being entrusted with an income is “a privilege, not a right.” Rodriguez said that even though the need to pull from reserves is projected it is something he is “trying really hard to avoid,” to ensure that following student leaders have enough funding for following semesters. Ramirez said that even though the process was quick in comparison with other years, there was still room for improvement. He said. “The only possible improvement is to have senators who do want to [discuss] an item show up the next meeting and not just pull things out and not show up.” Ramirez concluded by saying that overall he was happy even though he wished he could have done more to fund clubs and organizations.
Senate decision will ‘make or break’ Phi Beta Lambda said PBL advisor Jasmine Martinez
O
DAVID JENKINS JR. Phi Beta Lambda too well funded?: PBL advisor Jerry Ramos addressed Senate asking for funding to attend a conference. He was met with opposition.
Staff Writer @butchmartian
pposing views concerning funding for the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference leads to discussions about the club’s recurring financial requests. PBL requested about $11,000 from the Associated Students of Cerritos College senate, so that six students and one adviser would be able to attend the 2018 conference in Baltimore, Md. Minority Leader Samuel Jimenez believes the club is asking too much to only send a small amount of students. “Why only six students? Why not more?” questioned Jimenez, “They’re asking $10,000 for six students, and I’m like, ‘really? That’s just outrageous.’” Jimenez also stated the sen-
ate has not met the six students who will attend conference and have not received any pictures or awards that have proved what they’ve won, making him question how they would benefit Cerritos College. Jerry Ramos, professor and co-adviser of PBL, expressed appreciation for Jimenez’s diligence, however, felt his words were ill-advised. “I believe the comments were offensive… it made us sound money hungry, greedy and selfserving,” Ramos stated. “I wish the senator would have elaborated a bit more, but in what he did state it was offensive.” he finished. Ramos claimed that the club is visible, active and people should make the effort to get to know them. Jimenez said he is here to serve the student body of the
school and if he feels like PBL is taking advantage, he is going to try and go against it. He is also aware of senators who are in PBL and has made his concerns known about bias during voting. If there was a motion he could make to not have those senators vote for the bill, he would. Ramos said he understands and will leave it up to student leaders whether members should be allowed to vote or not, although he worries the students will not be able to serve their community as well. “It’s really a make or break. If we don’t get funding, I think we’re done,” Ramos emphasized, “How can you even put a price tag on one person’s achievements?” ASCC will decide whether or not to fund PBL at its next meeting.
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COLLEGE LIFE Changing art perceptions at Cerritos College Learn the true story of ‘Cinco de Mayo’ Bianca Bitches:Congrats grads! Enjoy having your life back Breaking racial barriers ‘Dear White People’ season 2 review
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SPORTS Talon Marks’ athletes of the spring semester Baseball advances to Super Regional Final Football head coach Frank Mazzotta retires after 40 years
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