The Telescope 65.11

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the telescope Palomar College’s Independent Newspaper Vol. 65, No. 11 • Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 1140 W. Mission Rd, San Marcos, Calif.

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Student government

STUDENT GROUP SUES COLLEGE Ian Hanner, David leonard & joel ramos THE TELESCOPE

A struggle between a group of reformers and the student government will now be decided in court.

The reformers want Palomar’s Associated Student Government to democratize their process for selecting new members and split off from the college administration.

INSIDE THIS EDITION NEWS BRIEFS Transfer Dates Dates and information for students transfering to a four year college. • PG 2 Wellness Center Discounted memberships and promotions for the campus gym. • PG 2

The group, called the Coalition for Democratic Education, asked ASG in November to put those questions before students in a campuswide election.

Coalition members filed a lawsuit on Jan. 19 against the college demanding the courts intervene and force the ASG to hold a special election to decide the issue.

“Our hope is that the courts can force the ASG to follow their own bylaws,” said Nestor Venegas, a coalition

leader and Palomar student.

Voter initiative College officials said the ballot initiative, the Proposition for Student Control of Student Government, wasn’t properly documented and couldn’t be put to a vote.

College spokeswoman Laura Gropen said the administration doesn’t comment on ongoing lawsuits.

Turn to lawsuit Page 6

CONSTRUCTION

ITC building now open

Ceramics Boehm Gallery is hosting an event and featuring Palomar students. • PG 2

OPINION

New carseat regulations for kids New safety requirements reduces chances for childhood injuries in the event of a car crash. • PG 4 EDITORIAL The student group is doing the right thing suing the school forcing separation from the ASG. • PG 4

CLUBS

VOICES OF REASON Kaity and Colleen voice their opinion on texting and use of other electronics during class. • PG 4

LIFE Courtesy of Melinda Finn

Debate team racks up national awards Peter Behr THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar College Speech and Debate Team took home a plethora of awards last semester, and is preparing to defend its standing this year.

The success earned the team an invitation to some of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, The Point Loma Round Robin and The Sunset Cliffs Classic, according to school officials.

Joining Palomar on Feb. 4 at the Point Loma Round Robin will be 20 other universities, 16 of which are traditional four-year schools.

In all there will be 43 schools competing at the Sunset Cliffs Classic, including Notre Dame, Wheaton College, University of Utah and University of California, Los Angeles.

The tournament, nicknamed “The Blood Bath,” has accrued a bit of a reputation.

“It is the hardest competition in the nation,” said Dewi Hokett, director of forensics. “They literally annihilate each other.”

Palomar’s top debaters are feeling the pressure of competing against some of the best the country has to offer.

“The best teams in the nation are going,” said Saxon Metzger, a high school student who has been taking classes at Palomar since 2008, “There’s a lot of stress and pressure there.”

But the students are ready, said Brandon Fletcher, a third- year debate team member.

Turn to debate page 6

A feature on Cody Dean, ASG Vice President

Student body vice president honored to represent classmates, not the ASG. • PG 5 Sip of the week Sour Apple Jolly Rancher cocktail provides a nice treat when craving a sweet treat. • PG 5 Feeding the Pig Saving money on a college student’s budget. • PG 5

SPORTS

Women’s basketball looks to rebound

After a winless season last year, the Comets are looking to improve off of last year’s failures. • PG 8 Men’s Volleyball After a bad season last year they are revamping the team with many returning sophomores. • PG 8 Women’s Tennis Working hard toward a successful season with a group of new players. • PG 7 men’s Tennis Striving toward a prosperous season with a group of young guns. • PG 7

Students walk down the stairs after having class in the newly opened ITC building on Jan. 31. • Sergio Soares/Telescope

ITC building is 23,000 square feet, has two auto shops and state-ofthe-art equiptment

We now have enough of everything...

The most important part is that the needs of the students have been met.

Sergio Hernandez Professor

April Testerman THE TELESCOPE

After almost two years of construction, the Industrial Technology Complex is now open and seeing its first classes.

“We now have enough of everything, it’s like day and night. The most important part is that the needs of students have been met,” said diesel mechanics instructor Sergio H. Hernandez.

Thanks to Prop. M, a construction bond approved by voters in 2006, the Trade and Industry program was able to build the ITC and remodel the previous N and T buildings.

The ITC is 23,000-square-feet and has classrooms that are designed for 25 students each. The building contains two shops large enough so cars can easily be examined, worked on and even lifted. Most importantly, the shops are where students get the hands-on experience employers look for, according to officials.

The ITC has brand new equipment ranging from car lifts to stateof-the-art alignment racks. The wireless network and dozens of computer workstations enable students to access interactive technical networks. According to Hernandez, Palomar is the first school to have the upgraded racks.

Hernandez has taught diesel maintenance, engines and hydraulics for almost four years.

Of the two shops, one shop provides working space for automotive technology courses, including colli-

sion repair taught by David Wright and the other shop is used for the diesel mechanics courses.

The building alone, with no equipment was roughly $7 million to build, the equipment was just under $1.5 million.

Before the ITC, the auto-shop was located in N-13 while diesel mechanics and collision repair were taught in the T building. With the N building built in 1967 and the T building built in the mid-1970s, not only were the buildings outdated, but so was the equipment.

“The new building is bright, has updated equipment and well-organized work areas,” Professor Steve Bertram said. “It is nice to have all of these related disciplines located in the same area.”

Bertram has taught automotive technology at Palomar for 17 years.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have been involved in the opening of this new building, and look forward to many more years of training and helping automotive students.”

Bertram’s father, Larry Bertram, helped design and open the previous auto shop in 1967 and taught until 1995 when he retired.

Not only are professors and IT department members excited about the new building and new equipment, but the students are enthusiastic as well.

Student Anthony O’Connor has been studying diesel technology for almost a year, and said he loves the new building.

Turn to itc building page 6

2 • NEWS

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012

THIS WEEK IN IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT

BY JOEL RAMOS

PALOMAR NEWS IN BRIEF

ELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, MEMBERS APPOINTED The Associated Student Government board voted to appoint Sen. Rocky Brady as the Chairperson for the Election Committee.

The board also appointed Sen. Sina Azartash, Sen. Greg Torres, Sen. Troy Stewart and Sen. Johnathan Farmer as well as Delegate Shovan Vatandoust as members of the Election Committee.

During discussion, many of the senators who have been on the ASG during previous elections advised those nominated that they should be prepared for personal attacks in the event that the election brought any form of controversy. Advisor Sherry Titus added that often times supporters of certain candidates make allegations of bias on the election committee when a candidate is disqualifed.

“This is a very important committee because there is a lot of work and members must remain objective,” ASG President Evelyn Lucero said at the meeting.

ASG HOSTS MARCH IN MARCH March in March will be held on Mar. 5 in Sacramento. Students are encouraged to sign up at the Office of Student Affairs. The ASG invites all students to sign up.

Those interested in going must complete the application by Feb. 1, sign a waiver of liability and pay a reservation fee of $15.

Students’ names will be entered in a raffle and drawn at random. Snacks as well as breakfast and lunch on Mar. 5 will be provided, but students must cover their own meal that Monday night.

Students will be refunded the reservation fee regardless of whether they are selected from the raffle or not, however those who are selected and not attend will not be refunded their reservation fee.

Students can contact the ASG president at elucero@palomar.edu as well as at the ASG senator’s office SU-102 for more information. Applications can be picked up in the OSA.

ASG grants Student Union for Avenidas to Success ASG voted unanimously to allot the Student Union for the use of Avenidas to Success dinner on Feb. 2.

The event will consist of many separate workshops held in different locations around the San Marcos campus.

Palomar College GEAR UP Supervisor Cecilia Rocha spoke at the meeting during oral communications and asked the board to approve the event’s use of the Student Union for the dinner sponsored by Palomar’s Foundation from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30p.m.

The members seemed very pleased with the event’s goals of educating the different student groups from Palomar, Cal State San Marcos and local high schools who do not have legal status in the U.S. about their rights and opportunities for achieving higher education.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT. ASG MEMBERS SPEND YOUR MONEY AND REPRESENT YOU ON CAMPUS. IT’S YOUR JOB TO KEEP THEM HONEST AND TELL THEM YOUR NEEDS.

PRESIDENT Evelyn Lucero elucero@palomar.edu 760-744-1150 x3766 SENATOR Rocky Brady rocky.e.brady@gmail.com 760-744-1150 x2605 Visit the student government executives in their offices on the ground floor of the student union.

Attend their weekly board meetings at 1 p.m. every Wednesday in SU-204.

ABOVE: The Boehm Gallery’s new show Wastelands & Candylands opened at Palomar College Feb. 1. The show is Palomar’s Ceramic Biennial and is curated by Sasha Koozel Reibstein. BELOW RIGHT: Shay Church works on his current installation at the exhibit. • Brian Korec/Telescope

FEB. 1 - JULY 15

IMPORTANT DATES FOR TRANSFER HOPEFULS LOOM The Palomar Transfer Center has important deadlines for students hoping to further their education elsewhere.

Students aiming to transfer to CSUSM must have submitted official transcripts with Fall 2011 grades and AP scores by Feb. 1. The deadline to submit Intent to Enroll and enrollment deposit is June 1. By July 15, students must be able to prove their completion of admission requirements in Spring 2012 by sending in a final official transcript, according to Transfer Center officials.

San Diego State University hopefuls submit their Intent to Enroll deposit, as well as official transcripts with Fall 2011 grades, by May 1. The deadline to submit finalized accredited transcripts with AP scores and Spring 2012 grades from all colleges attended is June 30.

Applicants for UCSD will be able to view transfer admission decisions online throughout the months of March and April. The ultimate deadline to submit final documents including: IGETC certification, AP scores and official transcripts is July 15.

Undecided students can meet with representatives from the Academy of Art University in the Student Union Quad on Feb. 16, March 15 and May 8. University of Maryland will also visit the Student Union Quad on Feb. 1-2, 15-16 and 29 and on March 1 and 14-15.

For more information, visit the Transfer Center during office hours, visit palomar.edu/counseling/ transfercenter, or call (760) 7441150 ext. 2552.

LEXY PEREZ

WORKOUT AND LEARN

GYM ON CAMPUS OFFERS MEMBERSHIPS TO STUDENTS Palomar’s Wellness and Fitness Center holds promotions and discounted memberships, according to the gym’s lead front desk staff member Lexy Zuniga.

Military, senior citizens and staff can benefit from memberships at a 40 percent discount. Family members may also receive the same discounts on memberships. Parking is also discounted with memberships.

Students, as well as local community members, can obtain memberships and use the facilities.

The fitness center is a joint venture between the city of San Marcos, Palomar College and Palomar Pomerado Health System. The focus of the center is to maintain wellness among community members, students, faculty and staff.

JESSICA BROOKS

FEB. 1- 29

CERAMICS EVENT AT BOEHM GALLERY The Boehm Gallery will be hosting a ceramics biennial event, called Wastelands & Candylands, Feb. 1-29.

Ceramics professor Sasha Reibstein is curating the exhibit that features six student artists. The gallery will be spilt into two, dueling concepts that Reibstein describes as “man’s interaction with nature.”

Shay Church, an artist for the Wasteland concept, describes his work as, “a dry, cracked river bed, made out of wet clay, that changes over time.”

Joe Page, an artist for the Candyland side said he’s inspired by “digital images and video games,” and said he plans to create a, “sugar-sweet environment.”

Emma Maliszewski

NEWS • 3

the telescope CALIFORNIA WATCH

UC using more private developers for student housing

UC Irvine student housing apartments have barbeques and pools • Photo Courtesy of University California Irvine

Erica Perez

Palomar Police Officer Tim Mayer looks at his ticket book in Lot 12 on Feb. 28, 2011 • Telescope File Photo

California Watch

Jan 30, 2012 The University of California has been slowly expanding the use of private developers to build student housing over the last decade, authorizing seven such deals since 2000 at UC Irvine, UC Davis and UC Riverside.

The growth of these partnerships in the Golden State is part of a national trend reported by The New York Times last week. In California, the partnerships have enabled the universities to meet student demand for on-campus housing while focusing their resources on other facilities needs.

But with fancier amenities, they sometimes cost students more than university-built housing options.

The share of beds built by private developers remains small, at 9 percent of the total. Still, new student housing developments built and financed by third parties on university-owned land have helped fuel an increase in on-campus housing options for UC students. University housing reports from 2002 and 2011 show the number of student housing units or beds has grown 64 percent during that period, from 47,100 to 77,088.

UC Irvine opened Vista del Campo Norte, a 545-unit student apartment complex, in fall 2006. The project was developed by American Campus Communities in association with a nonprofit owner, the Collegiate Housing Foundation. The nonprofit financed the $91 million project with bonds issued by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority.

The amenities at Vista del Campo Norte are more luxurious than university-built digs, with barbecue grills and a resort-style pool. Students pay $585 per month for a bed in a three-bedroom unit and $1,225 monthly for a one-bedroom, 550-square-foot apartment. That’s more than they’d pay for university-built housing.

Richard Orr, director of campus asset management, said the lease requires the management to keep rents at least 10 percent below market rates for off-campus apartments nearby.

“When you compare to the outside, you are saving them money from what they would pay externally,” he said. “Rent is just one element. They may have to drive.

There’s a lot of hidden costs when you live off-campus.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the management is required to keep rents at least 10 percent above what it costs to live in a comparable university-built unit on campus, Orr said.

“We want to make sure we have sufficient coverage on our end,” he said.

The Collegiate Housing Foundation owns the development for 40 years, or less if it pays off the bond debt earlier. After that, the property reverts to UC Irvine.

Orr said the development and others have helped UC Irvine increase the percentage of students who live on campus from 28 percent about a decade ago to 43 percent now.

“The campuses are very proficient in building core labs, classrooms, the faculty offices, those types of things,” Orr said. “We infrequently build housing. The funds for the capital program are focused on what the campus does well.”

At UC Davis, all of the student apartments on campus were built by private developers. Rents for The Atriums at La Rue Park, Russell Park Apartments, Primero Grove and The Colleges at La Rue developments are competitive with the local apartment market, said Bob Segar, UC Davis’ assistant vice chancellor for campus planning.

“We do it to create more choices for students to live,” Segar said.

UC Davis officials said it’s hard to compare the rents at these apartments with the cost of living in the university-built residence halls because the dorm prices include meal plans.

More recently, UC Davis partnered with private developers Carmel Partners of San Francisco and Urban Villages of Denver to open the West Village development, described as the largest net-zero-energy project of its kind. That means the buildings are supposed to generate as much energy as they use.

About 800 students, faculty and staff moved into the first apartments that opened in fall 2011, according to the university’s website. The project ultimately will include 662 apartments, 343 single-family homes, commercial space, a recreation center and study facilities. The development also includes a site for a preschool and day care center. Under the agreement, the developers have a 65-year ground lease.

Although the West Village project is a private-public partnership, it differs from other third-party developments at UC in part because of its energy component and because the university invested $17 million to bring utilities and infrastructure to the site. It also has gotten state and federal grants totaling nearly $7.5 million for the project.

Rent for the apartments includes amenities such as utilities, phone and unlimited high-speed Internet service, but apartment rents are at the high end of the Davis market, starting at around $745 per bed.

Still, UC Davis spokeswoman Claudia Morain said West Village is not a traditional residence hall or apartment complex.

“Utility rates are structured in an innovative way that makes them very difficult to compare to standard housing,” she said in an e-mail.

When the first apartments opened in the fall, UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi told The Sacramento Bee that the university would no longer pay for or plan such projects itself.

“We are far beyond that old paradigm,” she said.

This story was produced by California Watch, the state’s largest investigative reporting team.

It is a part of the independent, nonprofit Center for Investigative Reporting. For more, visit www.californiawatch.org.

Palomar Police Blotter Vandalism & Graffiti Lost or Stolen Jan. 4

Jan. 18

Escondido Campus

Men’s Locker Room

A report was filed at Palomar’s Escondido campus concerning graffiti on the outer windows of the 800 wing building on campus. It was estimated the vandalism occured sometime between 9 a.m. and noon in late December to early January.

A report was filed concerning a burglary of a locker in the men’s pool locker room. The incident is estimated to have taken place on Jan. 17 some time between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. This case remains unresolved.

Library A report was filed at Palomar’s San Marcos Campus concerning vandalism and graffiti in the first floor men’s bathroom in the library. It was estimated that the incident occured just a few hours prior to the report. Graffiti was later found in the stairwell of the building. It is estimated that these marks were made on the same day as those found in the bathroom.

Jan. 18 O Building A report was filed concerning graffiti that occured in both the men and women’s bathrooms of the O building on the San Marcos campus sometime between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Jan. 15.

NS Building A report was filed concerning vandalism on a campus computer printer. The vandalism is estimated to have occurred sometime over winter break.

Baseball Field A report was filed giving information to the campus police regarding a cracked windshield in a nearby parking lot. This case remains open.

Jan. 20

Jan. 25 Lot 9 San Marcos A vehicle was burglarized sometime between 5 p.m and 10 p.m. in parking Lot 9 at the San Marcos campus on Jan. 19.

The report was filed several days later.

The case remains unresolved.

Jan. 27 Bookstore A cell phone was misplaced. It is unclear whether the phone was lost or stolen. This case remains unresolved.

Jan. 30 NS Building A report was filed concerning petty theft of an iPhone. The incident occured around 11:30 a.m. in room NS-255. This case remains unresolved.

Medical Assistance San Marcos Medical assistance was requested three times throughout January. Medical requests were sent to the SSC building, the A building and the pool. All cases were addressed promptly and are now closed.

P Building

Escondido

A report was filed concerning vandalism that occured in the men’s restroom of the P building. Campus police are unaware of the time and date of the incident.

Medical assistance was requested once during January at Palomar’s Escondido campus. Medical requests were sent to room EC-2o. The case was addressed promptly and is now closed.

4 • OPINION OUR VIEWPOINT

ACTIVISTS ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING WITH LAWSUIT It has taken a lawsuit for students to get the attention of the administration.

A group of students called the Coalition for Democratic Education want Palomar’s Associated Student Government to democratize their process for selecting new members, and split off from the college administration.

It should have never gotten to the point where a lawsuit filed against the school was needed to get the administration’s attention.

The Telescope has been fully behind the efforts to make the ASG a stand-alone body. The ASG is in charge of $30,000 from the administration, according to ASG Treasurer Rocky Brady. That money is collected from all students during enrollment. We want the ASG to be independent so that they can be more accountable to the students, not just to the Office of Student Affairs which has been accused of having too much control. Now with the lawsuit, it’s obvious that the administration is not only listening to the students (through this activist group), but also blatantly ignoring them.

Currently, the only ASG officials elected by the students are the president and the vice president.

The senators, however, are selected by a panel of the president, the vice president, another student senator and the OSA representative.

We should have the right to also elect the senators, whose votes are essential in passing measures that will influence the general student population. If the ASG separates, they will have more power to reach out to the students in a way that will get more student involved.

Students obviously have a hard time taking interest in something that doesn’t benefit them in many noticeable ways.

Having the OSA standing as “big brother” to the ASG restricts student senators from reaching out to the full student population. Holding more elections would help students to see that these matters are important and affect them.

the telescope FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 Vol. 65, No. 11 Palomar College, San Marcos, CA

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012

New carseat requirements keep children safer in cars NATALIE SOLDOFF THE TELESCOPE

California parents now have to meet new requirements to keep their children safe in a motor vehicle.

Senate Bill 929 established a new safety law that went into effect this January requiring children in California to use a booster seat until they are eight years old or have reached a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

This new law may seem a bit overzealous, but when the risks of not using a booster seat are are considered, the safety benefits become clear and reasonable.

According to the Nation Center for Injury Prevention and Control, traffic collisions are the No. 1 cause of unintentional deaths and injuries for children ages 1 to 14 years old in the United States.

Senate Bill 929 bumps up previous vehicle safety requirements for the state. Before 2012, children under 6 years old or weighing less than 60 pounds had to use a booster or car seat.

The new law was created in hopes of reducing injuries in car accidents.

The Journal of American Medical Association stated that booster seats are able to reduce car accident injuries for children 4 to 8 years old by 59 percent.

But the truth is, after age 5 the percentage of parents that continue to use booster seats drops dramatically.

According to a national poll conducted in 2010 by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, “Once children reach age 6, only 82 percent of parents still use boosters; by age 7 it drops to 67 percent, and by age 8 only 40 percent of parents still have their kids in boosters.”

Vehicle manufacturer standards require seat belts to fit a person with minimum height of 4 feet 9 inches, meaning if someone is under that height he or she has a larger chance of getting injured because the seat belt will not properly protect him or her.

david leonard

design editor

NAtalie Soldoff

page designer

kaity bergquist

Page designer

matthew slagle

Kaity Bergquist

colleen peters

Joel ramos

deb hellman

ian hanner

Brian Korec

giovanni nieto

kiigan snaer

kelli miller

david leonard

colleen peters

Erin Hiro

Managing Editor news Editor news Editor

Opinion Editor life editor

sports editor

nsoldoff@thetelescope.com

page designer copy editor

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Asst. Photo Editor

office / ad manager Instructional Asst.

Journalism Adviser

Staff Writers| April Testerman, Aden Webster, Amber Wilson, Cyndi Lundeberg, Danielle Taylor, Emma Maliszewski, Jessica Brooks, Jacqueline Coble, Jasmine Hernandez, Lexy Perez, Michael Astorino, Mike Peterson, Peter Behr, Shaun Kahmann, Stephen Keck

Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS| Charles Lugtu, Allyson Watson, Dan Chambers, Ebony Avery, Kristen Campbell, Phyllis Celmer, Russell White, Sergio Soares

Address | The Telescope,

Palomar College 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 Newsroom | Room MD-228 WEBSITE | www.the-telescope.com Phone | (760) 891-7865 Fax | (760) 891-3401 E-Mail | telescope@palomar.edu Advertising e-Mail | telescopead @palomar.edu

BY COLLEEN PETERS & KAITY BERGQUIST

Texting in class?

Might as well leave the room

Photo Illustration by Brian Korec/Telescope

Matthew Slagle

Editor In Chief

Some parents argue against the new law stating that it is a result of car and booster seat manufacturers lobbying to create more profit, according to californiaseatlaw.com.

But stopping to consider the cost of buying a bigger booster seat to fit your child for a couple extra years seems like nothing when compared to the risks one is running by not using one.

Without a booster seat, the belt would sit across a child’s stomach, rather than the upper-thighs; the shoulder strap would sit across the child’s neck or face.

If an accident were to occur, the improperly fitted seat belt could cause a child to get lacerations, be choked by the belt or experience whiplash.

If a child chooses to twist the belt to get the length to fit better, this weakens the belt and causes it to rip easily in the event of an accident, according to carseat.org.

California lawmakers want to ensure every child is as safe as they can be in the car while riding on the roads.

If making a child sit in a booster seat for a couple ye a r s longer will ensure that, then it’s worth the extra money and time.

VOICES OF REASON

The Telescope welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten, under 300 words and include the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters can be e-mailed to telescope@palomar.edu or delivered to the newsroom in Room MD-228.

The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors and not to print lewd or libelous letters.

Letters must be receieved one week prior to the newspaper’s publication to be considered for inclusion.

California Newspaper Associated Collegiate PRess Publishers Association The Telescope is published 11 times per semester. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, Palomar faculty and staff members or the governing board trustees.

“omg this klas is sooooo booring da prof wont stop tking cant wait 2 get out n partayyyy!!1!”

That text was so not necessary to send in the middle of class.

It is time to understand that you are in college. We would assume that you are here for one reason: to learn. Learning does not include texting, Facebook or Twitter during class. That’s for your free time.

We understand that some professors are not the most captivating speakers, but texting during class is ridiculously rude and disrespectful.

We know that it is tempting to text your friends in class. But it’s not fair to everyone around you. You are potentially distracting your peers, your teacher and, most importantly, you’re distracting yourself.

Besides, when you’re haphazardly looking at your own crotch throughout class, your teacher will catch on to what you are doing.

A study done in 2010 by professors at Wilkes University surveyed 250 students. 91 percent said that they have used their phones to text during class. What bothers us about this is that it is so universal that it is almost considered acceptable to text during class.

In that same study, 75 percent said that they had been disturbed by a cell phone ringing during class, and 25 percent said they were distracted when someone near them was texting.

Not only is it distracting, but paying attention is important for things like upcoming tests, exams and ultimately finals. Why are you taking up a precious seat with your butt that someone else needs if you only plan to spend the entire semester keeping up on your social life? You can do that much more easily outside of the classroom. So leave.

Along the same lines, is it safe or smart to text and drive? When you read a text and respond to it, a portion of your attention is taken away from the road. It is the same concept for texting in class, your attention is no longer fully on the class.

No, it isn’t life-threatening to text in class. But you’re not learning anything when you cannot be bothered to pay attention to the lecture.

In a culture built on instant gratification, it seems that we have lost the ability to sit still and listen for long periods of time. We always have to be doing something, and our phones happen to be the most accessible distraction during class. Has it really become so hard to leave our electronics alone for 90 minutes?

If you would rather text than be in class, that is your choice. But don’t waste everyone else’s time in the process. Stay home and don’t even bother enrolling.

LIFE • 5

the telescope LIFE, LOVE & LIP GLOSS

BY KELLI MILLER

NEWS FEATURE

SERVICE BEFORE SELF IAN HANNER THE TELESCOPE

Feeding the pig As much as I wish differently, I can’t say I’m a stranger to failed New Year’s resolutions. Last year, my goal was to finish up at Palomar, but I’m still here. So that obviously didn’t work out too well. This year I’ve decided to do things a little differently. Instead of making one or two big resolutions, I’m opting out for 12 smaller (more manageable) ones.

Last month I decided to give up soda, which surprisingly wasn’t too hard, except for switching out my beloved Dirty Shirley (a Shirley Temple with vodka) cocktail for a vodka cranberry (which FYI doesn’t compare).

But for February, my resolution is to save a little dough. It’s no secret that college students tend to be tight on money, so I figured I’d share a few money saving tips with all you savvy guys and gals, courtesy of feedthepig.org.

Java

Paying over $5 for a cup of coffee at least once a week will not only break the bank, but it’s a joke. You can pretty much get a meal for that amount. So instead of wasting your bucks on a venti, over-the-top, caramel-lattemocha-frozen-whatever, feedthepig.org suggests “ordering the cheap stuff, then spike it with milk, ground cinnamon, and cocoa. It will taste great and save you 50 percent.”

Fees

There is nothing I hate more than having to shell out a few bucks for those annoying ATM fees. Most of the time, the pesky fees are avoidable by going to an ATM that your bank owns. If that option isn’t available, go to your local grocery store or gas station. The majority of markets and gas stations allow a “cash back” option, so pick up a pack of gum and request some money back. You still end up paying a fee, but at least you’re getting a little something in return.

Beauty Loot

As a product junkie, I have tried hundreds of beauty products, some of which I can’t live without and others I can. So instead of tossing your not-so-favorite beauty buys in the trash, host a beauty swap. Gather your friends together and have them bring their extra products and then trade. One girl’s trash might just be another’s treasure.

ASG Vice President Cody Dean has put service before self in his endeavors to serve the student body of Palomar.

The 20-year-old political science major was elected during the Spring 2011 semester to represent the student body in the ASG and on the Governing Board in the midst of political controversy regarding the presidential election.

When the fall semester came without a president to lead the ASG, Dean stepped in to lead the student senate until the special election yielded a winner. Despite the sizable role that Dean plays in shaping campus policy, many students remains unfortunately unaware of his presence.

“Sometimes I feel frustrated because— even my mom will say ‘Oh, ASG? Why does it matter?’” Dean said. “It still matters, ever if we’re not getting paid. What we’re doing will affect students for the foreseeable future.”

As vice president, his duties are not only leading meetings in the president’s absence. Dean is the representative tasked with ensuring the ASG follows its own bylaws, a position where the moral fortitude of a person is everything.

During the Sept. 28 ASG meeting in which the senators were first presented an initiative for incorporation from the Coalition for a Democratic Education, Dean objected to the actions of his fellow board members in taking on the matter as an agenda item without first checking its constitutionality through the appropriate channels, citing ASG bylaw Article IV. When the board voted to accept the measure anyway, Dean said, ”I’m disappointed that as a board, you guys decided to break the bylaws.”

Since that meeting, a lawsuit has been filed by the Coalition who believe they have deliberately stalled by the ASG and that their grievances had been ignored by the administration.

Though he has on a few occasions voiced opposition to the board, he remains a firm believer that the senate has

been acting in the best interest of the students, despite being accused of being apathetic.

“I know that they feel we’re disinterested, but that’s not true at all,” said Dean speaking of the proponents of the initiative. “It’s something that’s very important, especially to me. The only thing that I’m disappointed about is that sometimes they seem a little close-minded about it. I wish they would work with us more.”

The vice president says he doesn’t believe in implicit reactions when it comes to politics, rather that it’s more important to hold true to personal beliefs than taking sides. “... Compromise with [the other side] is what politics is supposed to be about,” Dean said.

Dean recently filed a letter of resignation, citing family matters and the resulting time constraints that he would be under as his reason, but rescinded the letter the following day.

“I was surprised, I thought people would be relieved that I was resigning because someone who could do more work would take my spot,” Dean said.

“Instead, people were telling me they really wanted me to stay and they would help make sure my workload

didn’t become overwhelming.”

It’s a workload that would weigh heavily on most students.

In addition to his time in the ASG, Dean sits on the Governing Board as the student trustee.

Dean takes the job very seriously, saying he is honored to be the voice of students on the board that has the final say on school policy.

“When I first got the position, I was a little skeptical about how much my voice would actually be heard in those meetings, but the directors have made me feel my input is very valued,” Dean said.

“My best experience at Palomar has been my work as a student trustee,” Dean said. “When I’m there, I’m trying my best to represent the student body as a whole, not the ASG.” He hopes to attend UCLA in the coming year and continue his education in political science with the end goal of a career in politics.

“I want to leave behind happy students,” Dean said. “It’s extremely fulfilling to feel like you’re working for something bigger.”

ihanner@the-telescope.com @ianhanner

SIP OF THE WEEK

Sour Apple Jolly Rancher Cocktail

Grubbing out

Eating at home may be cheaper, but as students, it’s not always the most convenient option and could easily put a damper on your social life. To shed a few bucks off your bill, dine out during happy hour. Most restaurants have yummy and cheap appetizers and drinks before 6 p.m. and some places even offer a late-night happy hour, so you have twice the opportunities for great deals.

Also, check online to see if some of your favorite restaurants offer a free dining membership. It’s highly likely that the eateries will give you incentives just for signing up and send out deals, coupons and freebies.

Hopefully some of these tips will keep you happy and pad your wallet. For more money saving tricks check out www.feedthepig.org and email me with your own money saving tips at kmiller@the-telescope.com.

Associated Student Government Vice President Cody Dean poses on Aug. 22, 2011.• Kristen Campbell/Telescope

Brian Korec/Telescope

KELLI MILLER THE TELESCOPE

If you love Jolly Rancher candy, then you’re going to go crazy for this cocktail.

The Sour Apple Jolly Ranch-

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If you want to add THE LAW OFFICES OF extra sweetness to your BRADLEY R. CORBETT drink, rim the glass 3 8 0 S o u t h Me l r o s e • S u i t e 3 0 0 • V i s ta

ARRESTED? DUI? THEFT? DRUGS?

6 • NEWS

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012

Lawsuit Continued from Page 1

Those documents are required before ASG can take action on the proposition, college spokeswoman Gropen told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The proposition and a list of 3,000 signatures from students who reportedly support it were officially submitted to ASG at a Nov. 9, 2011 meeting.

According to student government bylaws, ASG board members must refer submitted initiatives to a Policies and Procedures Committee. Committee members then have 20 days to review the measure for constitutionality, and the ASG board has another 20 days to call a special election and put the matter to students for a vote.

“After we submit our signatures, (the ASG) have 20 days to put the initiative to a vote. The ASG failed to do that. They violated their own bylaws,” Venegas said.

ASG report

In a Jan. 10 report to the college’s Governing Board, ASG President Evelyn Lucero said the Coalition for Democratic Education presented their initiative to ASG on Sept. 28, 2011, prompting the board to put a discussion item for the issue on their agenda for the following three weeks.

According to Lucero’s report, the Coalition did not show up to the next meeting on Oct. 5, 2011 when the first reading was scheduled. The second reading was done at the Nov. 9, 2011 ASG meeting; it was at this time when the required signatures (three percent of the student body) were presented to the board by Coalition members, according to Lucero’s report.

“On Nov. 9, (2011) when the signatures were presented it was not clear whether they were collected correctly. We don’t check that until it’s sent to the Policies and Procedures Committee,” Lucero said.

“There was a big discussion between the ASG and (the Coalition) and the ASG asked for documentation to verify that the allegations that they were making were actually true.”

At the end of the Nov. 9 meeting, the ASG board decided to table the item until the allegations set forth in the initiative could be proven true.

The Coalition alleged college administrators, through the Office of Student Affairs, were meddling in ASG actions and influencing board members.

In their initiative, Coalition members asked for the ASG to be separated from the college’s Office of Student Affairs and its administration; mandated the ASG “choose its own adviser(s) from a pool of tenured faculty applicants”; and proposed that ASG officers and senators be elected by a college-wide election.

Coalition members said the documents requested by ASG weren’t necessary to put the Student Control of Student Government initiative to a vote.

“We didn’t submit the allegations. We submitted the proposition. The ASG’s independence, having the ASG pick its own advisor, and having the senators (and officers) elected along with the signatures” are all parts of the initiative, according to Alberto Nunez, another plaintiff in the lawsuit and former ASG senator.

“The documentation that they’re asking for is not necessary. We’re going along with their bylaws.”

According to Lucero, the ASG has no part in the lawsuit because the plaintiffs are suing the school district. Lucero said she hasn’t read the lawsuit, indicating the matter is out of ASG’s hands.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to talk about an ongoing lawsuit right now.

It’s against the district, not the ASG,” Lucero said.

It will be up to the court to decide whether the student initiative will be presented before the student body for a vote.

ihanner@the-telescope.com jramos@the-telescope.com dleonard@the-telescope.com @ian_hanner @DavidLeonardII

Professor David Wright demonstrates proper technique to his class in the new building. • Sergio Soares/Telescope

itc building Continued from Page 1 “The building is much safer, there is brand new equipment, and everything is more organized,” O’Connor said. “There’s much more working space for everyone.”

Students who study within diesel technology typically go into public transportation, construction vehicles and sometimes mining.

As of Fall 2011, the classes that fall under the Trade and Industry discipline are official college courses. Before last fall, the classes were considered to be a part of the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and

Debate

were unable to get any substantial funding for renovations. This also means students can now obtain associate’s degrees in fields such as Diesel and Automotive Mechanics.

The T building is in the process of being remodeled to accommodate welding technology, waste-water technology, and cabinet and furniture technology.

The N building is serving as storage space until a new space is built for the ITC. The storage will be built behind the T building when the remodel begins.

atesterman@the-telescope.com

Continued from Page 1

“We put in a lot of time and a lot of effort and we’re just hoping it pays off,” he added.

Palomar College has had success recently against big name schools.

“In the fall championship tournament last semester we were going up against UCLA,” Metzger said. “The community on Facebook… was joking about how easy it was going to be for UCLA to win the tournament.”

Palomar ended up closing out the tournament. They had the last two teams left in both Parlimentary, two debating against two, and in Lincoln Douglas, one debating against one.

Palomar’s top two debate subteams are Metzger and his partner Jordan Menard, and Fletcher and Palmer.

Fletcher emphasized the importance of finding the right partner and counts the team as fortunate to find their partners when they did.

While the pressure is certainly there to

perform and win, Metzger said he sees competing against these schools as an opportunity to showcase his talent.

“We can show what we have to the colleges we are going to go to,” Metzger said.

As well as going to The Sunset Cliffs Classic, the Palomar team will be heading to both Phi Rho Pi, the two-year college national debate championship, and National Parliamentary Debate Association National tournament. They are being held in Chicago and Washington State, respectively.

The team received a donation from the Palomar Foundation to fund their trip to the NPDA tournament.

While the team will have a lot of work to do if they want to match the success of their fall season, they are putting in the time and effort and hoping to come out of “The Blood Bath” alive.

pbehr@the-telescope.com

Political awareness differs among students colleen peters THE TELESCOPE

Primaries are underway to select the Republican candidate who will run against the incumbent Democratic President in the 2012 Presidential Election.

For some Palomar students, this is the first election in which they will be able to vote. While some students are monitoring the elections closely, most aren’t. Many believe youth lack interest in politics.

“I kind of know who is running, but not really,” said 19-year-old student Jamey Robinson.

Robinson said that she would rather watch anything but politics on television, and she gets a trickle of information on the elections, but not much.

“I heard some of the presidential debates, like little bits and pieces,” Robinson said. “I heard one guy. I forget what his name was, but it’s the one with the creepy hair. Romney, that’s his name.”

Some students are interested. Les Brennan and Armando Telles, both Palomar students, have been following the prima-

ries closely, and have chosen a favorite candidate.

Telles called the Republican pool a “joke,” and said that he will be voting for Obama. He said that while he may not agree with all of Obama’s policies, he feels that he can trust in office the current President.

Brennan said that he feels strongly about many of Ron Paul’s beliefs, but finds him unelectable. Advocating a candidate that he believes could stand a chance against Obama in a general election, he puts his support behind Newt Gingrich.

That electability is something that most students think GOP candidates are missing.

“It is disappointing to believe that we have people running...that, in my perspective, have skewed morals and scruples of what this country needs,” Telles said.

Even if students are not watching closely, the upcoming elections will affect the future.

As Brennan put it, “It’s one of the most important things in society.”

Cpeters@the-telescope.com • @colleen_teresa

SPORTS • 7

the telescope MEN’S TENNIS

COMETS REBUILD ON BACKS OF NEW RECRUITS

Two Brazilian players round out fledgling team’s Spring roster GIO NIETO

THE TELESCOPE

The men’s tennis team at Palomar is in a rebuilding stage.

Last season, the team went 4-13 in the regular season and 2-6 in conference play.

The team is currently trying to find the best person to obtain the captain seat as practices continue.

Unfortunately, the team’s only returning player sprained his ankle.

“I feel excited this upcoming season with all the freshmen on our team,” said Head Coach Ronnie Mancao. “It is very important to begin establishing a new team for this year’s season.” The coach is trying to push the players to communicate more with each other on the court in hopes of developing a better team.

“We are letting the players take it upon themselves to lead each other by example,” Mancao said.

Mancao said he wants the team to get back into competing for the top spots.

“The goal every year is to win the conference and take it from there so that we can get into the Southern California’s dual teams,” said Assistant Coach Thomas Yancey. “We have a good team to be competitive this season.”

Yancey mentioned that the team has a lot

of players that are not from North County and two from Brazil.

“We did really good from a recruiting point of view,” Yancey said.

Mancao was Yancey’s tennis coach at Palomar from 2004 and 2005.

Both Mancao and Yancey run the men and women’s tennis programs at Palomar. When Mancao is at a home match with the men’s tennis team, Yancey will travel with the women’s tennis team.

At times, the two will switch coaching roles with the two team.

They have a mutual respect of knowing what their responsibilities are.

According to the men’s tennis 2011-12 possible line ups Tracy Beblie, is currently the No. 1 for the men’s singles and No. 2 for the men’s doubles. Beblie said he is motivated to test the skills of the other teams.

“I want to maintain a good singles record, win our league’s conference and just beat the people I am supposed to beat,” Beblie said.

Brandon Crisp is currently No. 7 for the men’s singles and No. 4 for doubles.

“I’m excited for the season to start because we have a good team and hopefully we can win some championships,” Crisp said. “I want to win my matches, and why not, win conference.”

gnieto@the-telescopE.com

MEN’S 2011 RECORD Saddleback Loss • 9-0

VICTOR VALLEY WIN •8-1

LB CITY

WIN •7-2

LA PIERCE LOSS • 9-0

IRVINE VALLEY LOSS • 8-1

ORANGE COAST LOSS • 8-1

SD MESA

LOSS • 8-1

SD CITY

LOSS • 5-4

RIVERSIDE CITY LOSS • 9-0

IMPERIAL VALLEY WIN • 6-3

GROSSMONT LOSS • 7-2

MT SAN JACINTO LOSS • 7-2

SD MESA

LOSS • 9-0

CERRRITOS LOSS • 7-2

SD CITY

LOSS • 5-4

IMPERIAL VALLEY WIN • 7-2

GROSSMONT LOSS • 8-1

Player Tracy Beblie sets up at a practice on Jan. 30. • Phyllis Celmer/Telescope

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Eight women on a mission to dominate

NATALIE SOLDOFF THE TELESCOPE

Though the Comets may only have three returning players this season, the team has high hopes for the season ahead.

After coming in second in the Pacific Coast Conference last year, Head Coach Ronnie Mancao is looking forward to the team’s performance in 2012.

“Last year we finished seventh in the state, and were able to knock off... Saddleback in the playoffs,” Manaco said.

“This year we have a great group of girls with a lot of talent.”

Some of that talent includes: returnee and All-American Mardee Littrell, All-American doubles returnee Pamela Cadmas and International Scholar Athlete, Tennis Academy alum and first-time Comet Liesl Galleisky.

“I think we can take conference this year, it’s just a matter of getting everyone in shape and comfortable playing with each other,” Mancao said.

Though the Comets have not yet played a match this season, the team seems to have fallen in step with each other just fine.

“It’s easy to become friends

with the whole team, because we only have eight players instead of a dozen,” Littrell said.

Littrell is one of only three returning players to a team full of fresh faces excited to play at the college level.

“So far this is a completely different level of playing for me,” freshman player Brittany Scism said. “I’m excited to face the challenges that lie ahead, and hopefully bring home some wins while we’re at it.”

The whole team is looking forward to the match against heavy-hitter Saddleback College on Feb. 9.

“Last season we lost to them 4-5 in the first match we played,” Tori Bohart said. “We were able to come to the playoff and beat them 5-4; it felt really good.”

While the team may be focusing on facing their big rival teams, they are putting equal effort into working together and training hard.

“We go with the flow and have fun, take it a day at a time,” returning player Pamela Cademas said.

“We have fun, we rock it and always stay to the coach’s motto of TCOB: taking care of business.”

nsoldoff@the-telescope.com

Palomar women’s tennis player Mardee Littrell, a returning sophmore, takes a swing during team practice at Palomar’s home court on Jan. 30• Phyllis Celmer/ Telescope

Palomar women’s tennis player Hillary Ramage participates during practice at Palomar’s home court on Jan. 30.• Phyllis Celmer/ Telescope

8 • SPORTS

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Coach points team in new direction

Palomar head basketball coach Leigh Marshall, who took over the position last season, talks to Brianna Alejandre at the Dome, Jan. 27 against Southwestern. The Jaguars defeated the Comets 72-39. • Russell White/Telescope

Michael Astorino the telescope

Last season, the women’s basketball team did not win a single game. This gives the team plenty of room to grow.

The team has already improved on its overall record. The Comets have won four games, and team members have their eyes set on much higher goals. The rebuilding process is well underway, under the direction of Head Coach Leigh Marshall.

Marshall was hired two weeks into the beginning of last season.

At the time she had three players and no high school recruits. There was a lot of work to be done.

Marshall said that now she is comfort-

able with her position, and easily taking charge.

“I have no trouble motivating these girls,” Marshall said. “They are all athletes who love to compete. They want to win.”

This season the players are aiming to leave everything on the court. The team refuses to stay off the radar-- losing games within 10 points multiple times this season.

Coach Marshall is relying on teaching fundamentals, and focusing on energy and effort.

This season 12 of the 15 team members are freshmen. There is no doubt that the team is young.

With no wins last season, coach Leigh Marshall hopes to turn her team’s chances around this year

The team members have set high goals for themselves this season.

“We want to win our conference,” said team captain Tiana Dominick.

Soliaana Faapouli agree, and said that this year was much different.

Energy is in abundance and team members think the team can win.

According to Faapouli, everyone has left the lackadaisical attitude with last season.

Marshall is a favorite of the players. Dominick and Faapouli

hailed her as easy to talk to and caring about every aspect of the team.

When the team is not practicing, both Dominick and Faapouli can be found playing basketball for fun. They say that the love of the game keeps them going through tough times.

With last year becoming a huge learning experience, it’s time to turn that knowledge into results.

Team members agree that hard work is only the first step towards accomplishing their goal.

The team takes on Grossmont College at 5 p.m. on Feb. 8 in El Cajon, and MiraCosta College at 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 in Oceanside.

mastorino@the-telescope.com

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

PLAYERS WANT TO SPIKE THEIR COMPETITION COLLEEN PETERS THE TELESCOPE

Palomar volleyball player Bryan Campbell leaps to spike the ball as Tim Rose and Koby Matsukado prepare to block during practice Jan. 26. The Comets first game is on Feb. 3. • Dan Chambers/Telescope

SPORTS ON DECK

After a season filled with injury and ineligibility, the Palomar men’s volleyball coach is looking forward to a promising season.

Last year, the team finished with a record of 2-15.

That team was comprised mostly of freshman, and Head Coach Bjorn Dahl said he is relieved to have these players return.

“We have key sophomores back and some big freshman,” Dahl said. “They know what they’re doing; we don’t have to teach them.”

Though Dahl said that the team doesn’t typically focus on any pre-conference matches, he is using the time to work out a core group of starters and tighten them into a whole unit. He added that they are trying to focus on conference play, because that is what counts toward playoffs.

Dahl said he is encouraged by the abilities of this season’s team members, but is wary of the abilities of players on the other teams in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

“You never know what the other teams get,” Dahl said.

But in regards to his own team, he said he is pleased with how the team is already playing. On Jan. 21, the team played in a tournament at Palomar. The matches were not scored, but overall Dahl said that the team performed very well.

“There was only one game where I really felt like we didn’t have control,” Dahl said.

In the immediate future, Dahl is looking forward to the team’s two matches on Feb. 11 at home. The team will face Santa Barbara Community College and Moorpark at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

cpeters@the-telescope.com • @COLLEEN_TERESA

Wed., Feb. 8

Fri., Feb. 10

Sat., Feb. 11

Sat., Feb. 11

Southwestern 7 p.m.

Chula Vista

Cerritos 1 p.m.

Palomar

College of the Desert 1 p.m.

Myers Field

Santa Barbara CC 9 a.m.

The Dome

Men’s Basketball

Softball

Baseball

Men’s Volleyball