The Telescope 62.12

PALOMAR COLLEGE, SAN MARCOS, CALIF.

TUESDAY JAN. 20, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

VOL. 62, NO. 12

the-telescope.com

Obama takes the reins

America ready to see if our first black president can bring promised ‘change’

The big issues affecting the nation are war and economy.

On the war front Obama plans to help After 2,920 days of the Bush adminis- world leaders to make their nuclear tration, many students are cautiously materials more secure within four years. optimistic as Barack Obama takes office He also wants to negotiate a global ban on the making of new nuclear weapons, to become our first black President.

After a grueling campaign he has according to his official Web site www.barackobama.com. made it to inauguration He plans to get day with his promise of Everyone’s... looking out of Iraq and change. rebuild alliances “Everyone’s... look- forward to seeing with allies and eneing forward to seeing mies to advance change no matter the change, no matter the America’s interoutcome. I’m really ests. Also in his interested to see what outcome. plans is the destruchappens,” said Palomar — Tyrone Wright tion of al Qaeda. student Tyrone Wright.

Palomar student In regards to the “He’s won the world over, he doesn’t have to do anything to economy, Obama wants to change the save face because race isn’t an issue,” he tax code and provide 95 percent of working Americans with tax relief they need. said.

He plans to eliminate all capital gain Obama has made many promises that range from turning the economy around, taxes on start-up and small businesses to pushing to go green, diplomacy, war, promote innovation and job creation. He plans to offer a $4,000 tax credit for coleducation and health care.

He has chosen a cabinet of both lege in exchange for community service.

The change Obama has promised has Republicans and Democrats, even selecting his rival, Hillary Clinton, to be mixed reactions from Palomar students.

“He has his hands full with the war his Secretary of State.

“He was very diverse in his choices of and everything else, especially fixing cabinet members. Something that most the economy,” Wright said. “He’ll be past presidents preached but didn’t heavily criticized whether he does it or not. He’ll do everything he can but we show much,” Wright said.

“Keep your friends close and your can’t guarantee a fast turn around will enemies closer, smart move,” Palomar | MCT CAMPUS student Brain Hamlett said.

TURN TO OBAMA PAGE 3 GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

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COURTESY PHOTO

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Construction causes rerouting CRYSTAL EVANS THE TELESCOPE

As Palomar College continues construction on new buildings, students may find obstacles in their way as they drive around Comet Circle and walk around campus.

In order to insure the safety of students, CW Driver, the construction company employed by Palomar, and the college will be rerouting pedestrians walking along the west side of Comet Circle, according to James Swan, superintendent of CW Driver.

Swan said pedestrians will be required to walk through Lot 12 instead of along the sidewalk.

Swan added that the left lane of Comet Circle near the construction zone will be closed for most of the semester, as it will serve as a loading and unloading zone for

materials and equipment.

However, the school has made a commitment to keep all lanes open during the first two weeks of school.

In order to reduce congestion, Facilities Construction Manager Chris Miller suggests students use the Borden Road exit at the north end of campus or the Las Posas exit instead of the Mission Road exit.

CW Driver is currently working on laying pipes and electrical lines and they plan on pouring cement in late spring or early summer. They will continue construction during midterms in finals, although they will limit noise.

Source: CW Driver Swan said they have estimates as to how long the construction GRAPHIC BY ERIC WALKER | THE TELESCOPE will last but they have not yet Pedestrians on the far west side of campus will be rerouted through Lot 12 due to construction of Building S and the Multi-disciplinary released dates.

Instructional Building. The left lane of Comet Circle will be closed except during the first two weeks of school.

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT Coaches use athletes for wrong reasons PAGE 4

Eastwood does it all in ‘Gran Torino’ PAGE 8

SPORTS

FOCUS The story of America’s 44th president PAGE 9

Orange Coast stuns Comets PAGE 12

2 | CAMPUS BEAT

THE TELESCOPE | TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009

CAMPUS CALENDAR

Discovering what Palomar offers

Discover Palomar is an event that takes place the first two days of every semester.

Booths will be set up in front of the Student Union to show students exactly what is available to them at the college.

The event will take place on Jan. 20 and 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. As in years past, there will be booths about financial aid, tutoring and various clubs.

Other booths will include Extended Opportunity Program and Services, REACH (a program that serves parents attending Palomar) and TRIO/Student Support Services.

“We’re aiming for those students who may not know about what is offered to them here at Palomar,” said Marilyn Lunde, staff assistant of student affairs and coordinator of the event.

“There might be one student that wanders by that has never heard of EOPS or TRIO.”

Tuesday,Jan. 20 INAUGURAL VIEWING Palomar College will be hosting a live broadcast of the inauguration of President Barack Obama from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in SU-204. The room will be open all day for students to come and witness this historical event. Contact Marilyn Lunde for more information at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2594.

DISCOVER PALOMAR DAYS Discover Palomar is a way for students to learn what is available to them at Palomar College and throughout the community. The Office of Student Affairs is sponsoring this event, to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Jan. 21, in the Student Union Quad. For more information, contact Marilyn Lunde at (760) 744-1150, ext.

2594.

Changes take effect for book grants

With the spring semester come changes to the President’s Associates’ Book Grant Program. The associates will no longer be granting $100 to students for the purchasing of textbooks. Instead they have granted significant funds to the library to purchase 150 core textbooks, to be kept on file in the Library Reserve Section.

The books will be kept in both the San Marcos Campus and the Escondido Education Complex libraries. Students can check out the books for use in the library. The books may be reserved online through the library’s Web site.

According to a press release by Kim Hartwell, scholarship fund coordinator, if the program goes well the associates will continue to grant funds until the library reserve sections are built up significantly.

If there are students, however, whose books are not on file in the library, or who need to have the textbook with them during the semester, there is a Book Loan Program available. Students must fill out an application and have both their professor and the Counseling Department sign off on it.

Turn in completed applications to the Palomar College Foundation Office. If accepted, the student is expected to return the textbook once the semester is over. Applications for the Book Loan Program will be accepted through Jan. 20 and are available in the Counseling Department, Financial Aid Office and the Palomar College Foundation Office.

National Stalking Awareness Month

January marks the seventh anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month, started in 2004 by the National Center for Victims of Crime.

According to a press release by NCVC, it came into existence after they received a phone call from the sister of Peggy Klinkle, a

Police Blotter

FLU SHOTS Health Services still has flu shots available. The shots are $15 for students and $20 for staff. They are available on a walk-in basis from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and until 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

Students must bring a valid student I.D. For more information, please contact the Health Services Department at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2380. Shots will be available on an ongoing basis while supplies last.

CIARA KEITH | THE TELESCOPE

Building up Palomar Construction for the new Multi-Interdisciplinary Building at Palomar College’s San Marcos Campus is under way. Above, an employee of C.W. Driver Construction Company transported dirt in preparation for the installation of utility pipes on Jan. 12.

California woman who was murdered by a stalker. Debbie Riddle wanted to use the tragedy to help improve law enforcement’s response to stalking.

There are many myths associated with stalking. One myth is that only celebrities are stalked. Another misconception is that if stalking is ignored, it goes away. Yet another myth is that although stalking may be annoying, it is not illegal.

According to the Stalking Resource Center, a division of NCVC,these are all untrue. Of the 1.4 million people stalked every year, the vast majority are ordinary people. Also, instead of ignoring it, victims should seek help from law enforcement. Most people also do not know that stalking is considered a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information on National Stalking Awareness Month or to report stalking, visit SRC’s Web site at ncvc.org/src or call NCVC at (800) FYI-CALL.

WALL GRAFFITI

Dec. 15 – Jan. 5

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Dec. 15, 2008, a woman was leaving the Escondido Education Complex when she noticed her ex-boyfriend in the parking lot.She requested a police escort to her vehicle, stating cause for alarm due to an alleged domestic violence incident three days earlier involving her ex-boyfriend. After being escorted to her car, the victim told the officer she was going to the Escondido Police Department to inquire about a restraining order.

The officer reported the incident at 1 p.m.,but the actual time of occurrence is unknown.

CAMPUS WEATHER Tuesday, Jan. 20

Wednesday,Jan. 21

Campus Police noticed pink spray-painted graffiti on the south wall in parking lot three the evening of Dec. 27, 2008, at the Escondido Education Complex.The parking lot was under patrol at the time of the incident, and the officer reported that the graffiti must have taken place during a three-minute window between 10:49 p.m. and 10:52 p.m. The suspects are not known, and the case remains open.

Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact Campus Police at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2289.

GRAFFITI IN MEN’S RESTROOM On Jan. 1, Campus Police reported graffiti done with black marker on a urinal in the men’s restroom in the Student Union, on the San Marcos Campus. The graffiti could have

Snack Shack may soon be expanded

The Snack Shack could undergo several structural changes in the near future, according to the Associated Student Government, who passed a resolution proposing the expansion.

Rob Frederick, president of ASG, said there are many steps in the the procedure that need to happen before the expansion can take place.

The ASG is optimistic that the resolution will get approved by the necessary committees. If approved, the expansion would be slated to take place as soon as the fall semester.

The Snack Shack currently occupies onethird of a large, temporary building.The expansion would likely move the two other units used as classrooms to a different location. The Snack Shack would be able to expand its square footage to include those two units.

been done between 3:30 a.m. and 12:19 a.m. on the dates of Dec. 29 through Jan. 1, police said. The Facilities Department was notified, and they painted over the graffiti in a timely manner, as is procedure. The suspect is unknown. If anyone has information in this case, they are urged to contact Campus Police at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2289.

VEHICLE THEFT A golf cart belonging to Palomar College’s Facilities Department was stolen between the hours of 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 5.

The golf cart was parked near the Wellness Center when it was taken. At press time, the golf cart had not been located. There are no known suspects in the theft. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Campus Police at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2289.

Friday, Jan. 23

Saturday, Jan. 24

Wednesday,Jan. 28 ESCONDIDO COFFEE HOUSE NITE Phi Theta Kappa will host Coffee House Nite from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Escondido Education Complex. They will serve coffee, cookies and hot chocolate to welcome students to Palomar College.

Please contact Marilyn Lunde for more information at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2594.

Thursday,Jan. 29 SAN MARCOS COFFEE HOUSE NITE Phi Theta Kappa will host Coffee House Nite at the San Marcos Campus from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Union. It is an opportunity for students to enjoy coffee, cookies and hot chocolate with members of Phi Theta Kappa. For more information, contact Marilyn Lunde at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2594.

Saturday,Jan. 31 LABYRINTH OF THE HEART Faculty and alumni present an evening dedicated to affairs of the heart through live music and dance, featuring Peter Gach on piano.

The show will begin at 8 p.m. in the Howard Brubeck Theatre. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for seniors and staff, and $12 for general admission.

For more information, contact Kimberly Loya at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2316.

What’s up?

Do you know something we should cover? Let us know. To submit story tips or events for the campus calendar, e-mail us at telescope@palomar.edu or call (760) 891-7865.

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Thursday, Jan. 22

Sunday, Jan. 25

74˚/40˚

66˚/41˚

64˚/41˚

69˚/43˚

70˚/42˚

72˚/41˚

PARTLY CLOUDY

PARTLY CLOUDY

RAIN

PARTLY CLOUDY

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Monday, Jan. 26

73˚/40˚ PARTLY CLOUDY

NEWS | 3

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

New GI bill pays more MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

The largest education package since the GI Bill in 1944 will make it easier for veterans to continue their education without previously faced financial constraints, according to a report released by the California Postsecondary Education Commission.

Under the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the 21st Century GI Bill, military veterans will receive $1,000 annually for books and supplies, an increased monthly living allowance ($1,758 for Palomar students) and tuition assistance of up to $22,165 per academic year, according to the report.

Palomar students said they are excited about the changes, which they will be able to use beginning Aug. 1.

“This year I was only able to take eight credits,” Palomar student and veteran Joel Dominguez said. “Under the current GI Bill, I still have to hold down a full-time job, so I am looking forward to the bill’s improvements. I won’t have to work as much when I transfer to the university level.”

The changes to the bill are keeping Palomar College’s Department of Veterans’ Services busy.

“I work with veterans all day,” President of Veterans’ Student Alliance and Associated Student Government Senator Shaun Briggs said. “One of the hardest

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things is to see them only being able to afford community college. It is nice to know that now they will also be able to afford to get a four-year degree.”

But while the bill is slated to take effect in August, they are still grasping to understand how it will all come together.

“We are waiting for the Veterans’ Administration to figure it out first, and then explain it to us,” said Katherine Khaskin, who is the certifying official and veterans’ affair adviser for Palomar College.

“It is so unlike any GI Bill we have ever seen, and we are all wondering where the money is going to come from,” she said. She is currently reviewing a 40-page document from the Veterans Affairs —Katherine Khaskin regarding the proVeterans’Affair Adviser posed changes.

According to Khaskin, under the current Montgomery GI Bill of 1985, veterans pay for their schooling out of money that they paid into while still in active service. Once they joined the military, the service members paid $100 every month for the first 12 months of their enlistment.

When they get out, they have those funds to use toward education. She estimates that between 50 and 60 percent of veterans use the money, but foresees that this number will skyrocket as more veterans come home from the war in Iraq.

“They enlisted so many people to go to this war, that when they come home, the number of them going to college will be much more significant, and the VA is scrambling to find out where the money is

When they come home, the number of them going to college will be much more.

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ROBERT BACON| THE TELESCOPE

Shaun Briggs is a veteran, Palomar student, and employee of the Veterans’ Services office at Palomar College. He helped another veteran student on Jan. 9. going to come from,” Khaskin said.

While there are many good things about the bill, there are also some things that veterans need to be aware of, Khaskin added.

Previously, they could take all of their classes online, and still receive the GI Bill.

Under the new provisions, the VA will discourage them from taking online classes at all. Most of their classes will need to be taken in the classroom.

“I believe they will still be able to take at least one online class, but the other three (for students taking 12 units) will need to be on campus,” Khaskin said.

Another difference is that tuition will be directly reimbursed to the school, which

has never been done in the past. Now the veterans will receive only the housing allowance payments, as well as the book stipend, directly.

During the spring semester, colleges are still trying to figure out how it will all come to fruition.

“At this time, the VA is not ready to administer these payments. We are still waiting for them to explain it all to us, so that we can pass the information along to the students,” Khaskin said.

“There is enough money in the VA to get us through the first few years of the new bill. It may eventually come out of taxpayers’ pockets.”

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| OPINION

THE TELESCOPE | TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2008

OUR VIEWPOINT

Palomar behind the times with online classes Within the last few years, online classes have become more predominant at universities and community colleges. Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are all offered through accredited online universities. If a student decided to go that route, they would not even have to step foot on a college campus.

Take a look at Palomar’s spring class schedule, and it is obvious that Palomar is way behind other schools when it comes to online classes. Although it offers over 100 online classes, they are on an extremely limited number of subjects.

The only English class offered is English 100. The only math classes offered are pre-algebra and algebra.

The only foreign language class offered is Spanish 101.

These fill up too quickly that most may be unable to take an online course during the duration of their time at Palomar.

Other colleges in the region have adjusted their class offerings in response to the popularity of online classes.

Mt. San Jacinto College offers over 120 online classes, including everything from Spanish to psychology to art.

Southwestern College offers over 150 online courses, Grossmont Community College District offers over 100, MiraCosta College offers over 180 and Mesa Community College offers over 200 courses.

Online classes are a way for students to gain an education on their own time, without having to rearrange their work schedule to fit into a confined class schedule.

Online courses may also benefit students who don’t live close to a college campus, or do not have transportation.

They can also be useful for “re-entry” students—those who have spent time in the work force but have chosen to return to school to obtain a professional degree. Stayat-home parents are another instance in which online classes could come in handy.

The parking lots at Palomar are jam-packed because students must take all or most of their classes on campus, due in part to the lack of variety of online classes offered here.

To add to the parking lot drama, beginning in August, veterans using the GI Bill will not be able to take more than one of their classes online; therefore there will be even more students looking for a coveted parking place.

It is time that the college took some steps to offer a wider range of online classes. Many of the students come to Palomar because of the high number of degrees offered at this college. As President Robert Deegan has said many times before, Palomar offers over 300 different degrees or certificates—more than most of the other colleges in the region.

But the system is flawed and imbalanced when, with so many areas of study, very little of it can be done online.

More general education classes need to be added, at the very least.

Maybe if additional classes were offered online, the college would be able to put some of the part-time professors back to work, as well as gain more revenue from online tuition.

Contact President Robert Deegan or the Board of Trustees with concerns and suggestions. Student support is a necessity.

MONDAY JAN. 20, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

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.

ADDRESS | The Telescope, Palomar College 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 NEWSROOM | Room MB-1 PHONE | (760) 891-7865 FAX| (760) 891-3401 E-MAIL | telescope@palomar.edu ADVERTISING E-MAIL | telescopead@palomar.edu

NATE BEELER | MCT CAMPUS

Student athletes aren’t pawns College sport coaches are using students to further their own agendas JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

The line between student athletes and their coach is considerably thin.

When a person is hired to coach a sports team there are certain stipulations that are put in place. These stipulations can be different depending on the person, team, reputation of the person or the team, or the reputation of the university that the coach is representing.

Some things, however, remain in the gray area when it comes to coaching, such as the relationship between the coach and their athletes.

Parents give permission to these coaches — people that they don’t even know — to help their kids become better athletes and better individuals. The coaches tell the parents and students what they want to hear; when they get to campus, it’s a whole different story for the new recruits.

The coach gets a big figure sneaker deal for his team to be a walking billboard for his school, the school gets money from this also and the team wins, but what happens to the athlete?

Occasionally, he or she becomes a star and gets the star treatment. He or she doesn’t get punished for not going to class, because when they play, they make the coach look good — or even great.

In some cases, they don’t graduate and their athletic eligibility is used up. Then it’s, “Thanks for

making us rich, but here’s where we have to cut ties.” Where’s the justice for the athlete? It seems that they’re being used.

There’s an ethic that needs to be followed, but it is not. What coaches really see is that the athletes are their way to a certain goal.

They use the student athletes to gain fame, make money and sell products that bear the student athletes’ names, and the school gets the money: the student athletes are just being used.

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Student athletes aren’t tissues. You don’t throw them away when you’re done with them.

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 MB-1.

VOLUME 62 NUMBER 12

EDITOR IN CHIEF | CRYSTAL EVANS NEWS EDITOR | MELISSA LERAY ASST. NEWS EDITOR | MAGGIE AVANTS OPINION EDITOR | ERIC WALKER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR | ALEJANDRA JACKSON FOCUS EDITOR | KELLEY FOYT SPORTS EDITOR | JARRED POWELL PHOTO EDITOR | ROBERT BACON COPY EDITOR | ERIC WALKER AD MANAGER | CRYSTAL EVANS DISTRIBUTION MANAGER | KEVIN THOMPSON INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS | CHARLES STEINMAN | MATT NULL JOURNALISM ADVISER | ERIN HIRO PHOTOJOURNALISM ADVISER | PAUL STACHELEK

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This past year in the college football season, Myron Rolle, a starting football player at Florida State University, was interviewed and selected as a recipient of the Rhodes scholarship.

This is an exclusive scholarship given to students who excel in the academics. He’s only the second athlete ever to receive this exclusive scholarship. Despite this, it’s extremely under-reported.

He’s a stellar athlete who gets recognition for his athletic prowess, but didn’t get any accolades from the media when he received something better that can benefit his life in the long run.

A majority of coaches are more worried about what they can receive from these players in a short term, regardless of the cost to the students. They really don’t care if they don’t get education, make it to class, or are better individuals when they leave school than when they were arrived at school.

In a classroom, you can tell who the athletes are by the way they carry themselves. Many student athletes can be distinguished by how they try to ease out of things or how they never pay attention.

The consensus is that if a student athlete can’t focus and think in the classroom, then how can they be expected to function correctly on the playing field?

Where’s the coach who’s supposed to make sure that this doesn’t happen?

Coaches have an obligation to make sure that their student athletes function in all aspects.

Whether it is in athletics, academics, performing community service, they are trusted by parents to take care of the kids.

Ultimately, if a student athlete doesn’t graduate, it’s the student’s fault. The coach however should take some blame as well if the student athlete has a history and still comes up short.

Students athletes aren’t like tissues. You don’t throw them away when you’re done with them. They’re still young, and they need to be nurtured, guided and directed.

To many coaches, that seems to be forgotten.

The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors and not to print lewd or libelous letters. Letters must be received one week prior to the newspaper’s publication to be considered for inclusion.

STAFF WRITERS | SHAWNNA CLEARY, NIGEL HARRIS, CHRIS MEYER, EMILY MIKSAK, MELISSA LERAY, CYRILA RICHARDSON, TYPHANIE SHARFNER, MATT WADLEIGH, GRAIANNE WARD STAFF CARTOONISTS | JOSEPH BONNET

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS | ROBERT BACON, HUGH COX, PATRICK CUBEL, CIARA KEITH

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

CFAC CALIFORNIA FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION

JOURNALISM ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2008 | THE TELESCOPE

Obama has what it takes, but this won’t be fast TYPHANIE SHARFNER THE TELESCOPE

With the excitement that accompanies every new president elect, there is an assumption that they will be able to accomplish all their promises overnight. “The first hundred days are usually what measures a president’s success or failure,” said Bill Jahnel, associate professor of history.

However, every new president inherits the successes and failures of the former and Barack Obama is no exception. With the failing economy, the war in Iraq and a slew of other problems, he faces an uphill battle. “The change we seek” may not come for a while and we should be prepared.

President Bush is leaving behind a multitude of bad decisions that have created long-term problems for Americans.

“These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in

Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush” said Obama at the Democratic National Convention.

With the strength of the economy in question, many are concerned. “I’m worried about the economy and I don’t know if Obama can fix it,” said Palomar student Kyle Callahan.

Economists are even less hopeful Obama can bring about change in the near future. “The economy is like breathing,” said economist Jennifer Pakula. “It expands and contracts. The cycle is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing when it will expand again.”

Pakula warned: “I don’t think it will happen in one year, or even one term. We need fundamental changes, it’s not something you can snap your fingers and fix. We will start to see change, but in his second term is when we will see the hard work paying off.”

Obama faces many challenges as president, but he’s facing them realistically. In his acceptance

speech Nov. 4 he told the enthusiastic crowd, “You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.

For even as we celebrate this week, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime: two wars, a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a century.

We need to stand behind our new president-elect knowing it will not happen overnight.

Necessary change will come but it will take time.

We need to have patience and unite to support our president.

We have spent eight years as a divided country; now is the time to come together.

“The road ahead will be long.

Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term,” said Obama in his acceptance speech.

“But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. This is our victory.”

That’s just the kind of mindset this country needs.

SPEAK OUT!

OPINION | 5

How do you feel about the upcoming inauguration? Will change come?

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I don’t think he will make any drastic changes without a lot of thought.

He is very methodical.

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—Shanon Dreyer

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Of course, Obama is pretty different from George W. Bush. I strongly support the democratic party. I think his change will be very fast.

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— Byunggyu Kang

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I don’t think that it will be a fast change because he is African American and the people here have different political views; they will try to stop him.

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— Patricio Diaz

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International relationships will become better for sure.

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—Rafael Garcia

“ Economic stimulus: How much of a good thing?

I think he will bring change. I think it will be years and years before change happens, because it has been so bad.

GRAPHIC BY MCT CAMPUS

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER MCT CAMPUS

President Barack Obama’s speech promoting a massive economic recovery plan was bracketed by two statistics that show the difficult balancing act confronting him.

The day before Obama’s the nonpartisan speech, Congressional Budget Office said the federal deficit will grow this year to $1.2 trillion. That will be the worst budget hole since World War II, calculated as a percentage of the overall economy.

The day after Obama’s speech, the government announced the unemployment rate for December rose to 7.2 percent, the highest in 16 years, and 2.6 million workers lost their jobs in 2008.

It’s clear that the recession is deepening as Obama prepares to take office. The challenge facing Obama and Congress is to approve a recovery plan big enough to turn around the economy, and doesn’t burden taxpayers with more debt than is necessary.

The staggering national debt of $10.6 trillion has nearly doubled in the last eight years; the stimulus proposal under consideration is believed to cost $775 billion over two years.

Obama showed that he under-

stands what’s at stake, noting that inaction could lead to doubledigit unemployment and years of recession. He’s correct that only spending by the federal government can take place on a scale large enough and rapid enough to blunt such a prolonged downturn.

States have hundreds of billions of dollars worth of “shovelready” projects awaiting funding, to repair bridges and mass transit, pave new roads, and rebuild schools. And spending on public infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to jump-start the economy. Not only will these provide jobs, they’re an investment in a more efficient marketplace.

Building the framework of a “21st-century economy” in a few weeks is a tall order, but many of Obama’s longer-range proposals make sense, too. Computerizing all medical records, bringing all classrooms into the digital age, and investing in renewable energy will boost America’s competitive edge. This crisis is also an opportunity for fundamental transformation.

Obama has promoted tax cuts for workers and corporations, which would account for 40 percent of the recovery plan. He would give families a cut in payroll taxes of up to $1,000 per year, but wants to make this provision permanent. Given government’s

record-setting red ink, a temporary tax break seems more responsible.

Obama wants to offer companies a $3,000 tax credit for each job created, but that incentive could be hard to police. If a company first cuts 100 jobs and then “adds” 50, it shouldn’t qualify for tax breaks.

Another provision, to allow corporations to increase their tax write-offs for losses, could free up resources for expansion. However, there needs to be a way to limit the cost to the Treasury. And why should some Wall Street firms, which have already bellied up to the taxpayer trough, get another bonus from the IRS? Congress must strike the right balance between business incentives and aid to individuals — unemployment benefits, food stamps, health-care assistance — which is more likely to be returned directly into the economy. But lawmakers should make measures temporary, instead of turning a short-term recovery into costlier long-term entitlements.

Social Security and Medicare weren’t mentioned in Obama’s speech, which is understandable.

He’s talked earlier about trimming entitlement costs, but that challenge is too important to share the stage with this urgently needed rescue package.

”

—Raquel Duehlmeier

“

I believe that he will bring change. Change, quickly, is irresponsible.

Change overnight is rarely good change. I think slow change is a thought out change.

”

—Lynette Kirwan

“

With the economy as it is now, he has a while to go.

But I do feel he will bring change, it is just a matter of when.

“

What’s important right now is to put people back to work. Hopefully his first priority is the financial crisis.

”

—Myrna Valencia

”

—Brady Connors

6 | NEWS OBAMA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

happen. It may take 10 to 12 years and the next president will have to coast off of (Obama’s) policies.”

Palomar student Steve Caruso has a more skeptical outlook.

“Democrats are mad he’s not Democratic enough. Republicans are mad he’s not ‘enough’ of each party. So unless the senate is over 60 percent Democratic not much will happen (in his first 100 days) since nothing will get passed.”

“Most people are going to continue with their lives and not really see a major change that directly influences their lives,” Caruso said.

“No matter what, there are millions that will continue to go through their daily routine 9-5 jobs,” he added. “Drug dealers will continue, gangs will continue, rich people will not like their taxes being so high but will get over it, and only those that are really, really expecting a change will be on top of it daily. Let’s see Obama’s change.”

Retraction In the Dec. 8 issue we stated in our editorial that, “...a .72 percent bonus...” was due to the classified employees; this was incorrect. It is not a “bonus” but a pay increase.

The statement, “The district wants to spend the money on a study to reclassify certain staff members who had not been reclassified in as long as 10 years,” is incorrect, because that study has already been paid and performed by the Segal Company.

The funds for the classified employees are delayed in being distributed because there is disagreement on how they should be dispersed.

We apologize for the errors.

JML Copyediting/Proofreading Hand in written work with perfect punctuation,spelling,grammar. j.logue@cox.net (760) 732-1380

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Enrollment rises with unemployment have enough sections to meet Palomar student Brandon the means of students. I think Hamlett. He also said he doeseveryone understands it’s a n’t drop classes even if they Since last spring, enroll- difficult financial time, and don’t fit his schedule. “I adjust ment is up 4.6 percent and we’re doing what we can with my schedule accordingly. I there are no additional funds finances,” Deegan said. make sacrifices.” to handle the extra students.

Deegan said, “We don’t “The division dean has been “We’ll receive a little more asked to cut sections with low close the doors until every for the 3 percent growth of enrollment and non-high seat in every class section is full-time-equivalent students demand courses because of full. If a student wants 18 but in no way will it be the budget,” said Professor units they may get 15. There enough,” President Robert Marlene deLeon, who teaches isn’t as much of a selection for Deegan said. t e l e v i s i o n people to get the full load they According want.” courses. to Deegan, Faculty try to accommodate Deegan when the said, “Seven students. “If most teachers economy is h u n d r e d have 60 students but can fit 70 bad, enrollclasses have they would say yes to 10. ment goes up, been can- Teachers may take extra from people c e l l e d because they know students wanting to — Robert Deegan between the drop classes. Some (teachers) improve their President of Palomar College s u m m e r , have more cushion while othjobs and spring and ers are more strict,” DeLeon careers prospects. Many stu- fall semesters. Over the year, said. “Most add a few. It dents want to work but can’t. we had about 8,000 classes depends on discipline, too. If To save money, some stu- and now we’re down to 7,300.” there’s a lot of writing or comdents choose not to go to fourEven with the cuts, Deegan prehension classes that have year universities and go to said that Palomar continues to more grading, and papers they community college instead. maintain academic integrity may not add the extra stu“I first started school in for students. That means dents,” she said.

1998 but I didn’t go continu- adjunct professors will still be Deegan had a few suggesously. Now I’m a full-time stu- teaching, but not as much. tions, “Continued students dent and the economy forced “There aren’t as many sec- should register at appointed that decision,” said Palomar tions to go around. Teachers time, don’t wait. New students student Brandon Hamlett. that work part time that are have to be patient, flexible, “I’m going to school for a offered three and keep career change. I used to be a classes may t h e i r building inspector but there’s get two. If options no more building.” open. You t h e y ’ r e Palomar on the other hand, offered two have to be wants to build more buildings. they may get patient, it “We want new labs, class- one. If they may take rooms for students, and no usually get time but more temporary buildings in one they may can you MARLENE DELEON — the parking lot,” Deegan said. get none,” still get Palomar Professor “We plan to replace class- Deegan said. them. Go rooms and we’re making more to the “The partspace to add them when fund- time staff (is) getting hit the classes and ask to be added. If ing becomes available so we hardest. Even though there it’s not full you may be added can accommodate more stu- aren’t as many classes to go at the teacher’s discretion,” he dents,” he said. around there are still a lot of said.

New buildings and class- sections,” he added.

DeLeon explained the comrooms, are further down the Students do what they can munity’s need for Palomar. road, but the present situation to get the classes they want. “Community colleges need to has staff and students alike in “I’m a firm believer in crash- be looked as special, not UC’s. a bind. “No one likes to not ing and begging,” said We accept everyone. We serve GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

“

...even with the class cuts, enrollment is still high,

”

“

We accept everyone. We serve the whole community.

”

the whole community. We’re needed to help the economy,” DeLeon said.

“We have approximately 5,000 students online because there’s not enough room here (on campus). But that takes teachers, money and so much more,” she said.

“People shop online now, stores are closing, and you have to be trained and educated. There’s a lot of different new jobs, fast food will always be here, but who wants to work there,” she added.

A decision many recently faced, “As unemployment rates rise in today’s world we’re left with two choices: go back to school and tough it out, or wait until your unemployment benefits burn out,” said Palomar student Joel Rosas.

8

| ENTERTAINMENT

THE TELESCOPE | TUESDAY, JAN 20 , 2009

WHAT’S ‘Sarah’s Key’ HAPPENING

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Saturday,Jan. 24 Who: Fountains of Wayne What: Power pop/Rock Where: Anthology Cost: $12-$22 More info: (619) 595-0300

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Sunday,Jan. 25 Who: Tracey Byrd What: Country Where: House of Blues Cost: $32.50-$55 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

spotlights forgotten past

camps such as Auschwitz.

Sarah Starzynski and her family are among thousands that find themselves in this ghastly situa“Sarah’s Key”, by French tion. The author takes the reader author Tatiana De Rosnay, has vividly inside this l0-year-old girl’s everything to offer anyone who world as she journeys from her has been waiting years for a book family’s Paris apartment into Nazi of the same caliber as “The Diary captivity, and to the aftermath of Anne Frank.” The book grabs that follows. All the while, Sarah the reader’s attention from the keeps a key hidden in her clothes very first sentence; it is graphic, that, if she can escape from the consuming and hard to put down. camp, will open up a secret comThose who are fascinated with partment at home in Paris.

It is not just Sarah’s world that World War II era tales will be the reader enters. De Rosnay thrilled with the angle uses her own personal taken by De Rosnay, as BOOK REVIEW experience as a journalshe exposes the French ‘Sarah’s Key’ ist to form the heroine government’s involveJulia Jarmond’s characment in the cruel ter. Julia is on assigndemise of over 13,000 ment for a French magParisian Jews. azine to write about the De Rosnay, through Jewish roundup on its her own research for the 60th anniversary. book, brought to light As she begins to do these tragic events in a Tatiana De Rosnay her research, she uncovcountry that had tried to HHHH ers the uncanny connecbury it in history, not OUT OF FOUR STARS tion her French huseven teaching it in band’s family has to the school.

Along the way she met a high events of that day in 1942.

The book intricately weaves school teacher who spent time in a French concentration camp, the young girl and the journalist’s whose story is strikingly close to lives together, alternating back that of the main character, Sarah. and forth between each of their The book is historical fiction, own personal tragedies.

Julia becomes more and more and it is based on the real-life drama that unfolded on July 16, connected with Sarah’s story, and 1942; when French Jews, includ- ultimately lives and breathes her ing men, women and children, research as she visits the former were taken to a holding arena to concentration camp that Sarah await transport to concentration was held in, and tries to locate MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

COURTESY PHOTO

De Rosnay drew from her own experience as a journalist when creating one of the main characters, Julia Jarmond, in the book “Sarah’s Key” anyone who may have known her.

Her mission is to find out what became of Sarah and her family, and whether or not they survived the horrific events of 1942.

The story is entrancing, creating suspense as Julia moves closer to finding a modern day connection between Sarah’s past and her present.The book is well-written in that not only does it reveal a little-known fateful event that took place in France, it also takes the reader on a journey through

the six decades following it.

De Rosnay grew up in France and Boston, and is the daughter of a British mother and a French father.

Her previous novels have all been written in French, but this one she wrote in English, she said, because it came from her gut, according to her Web site.

“Sarah’s Key” spent six consecutive weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and a movie is currently in the works.

Clint Eastwood still scares in ‘Gran Torino’ MATT WADLEIGH THE TELESCOPE

The film “Gran Torino” has a perfect blend of violence and humor, along with a good story line that shows the evolution of a solitary old man to a neighborhood hero and a role model.

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a Korean War veteran who lives in an urban Detroit neighborhood among Hmong immigrants. Kowalski’s neighborhood, which was once peaceful and quiet, is now riddled with gang violence. His car, a 1972 Gran Torino, sits in his garage, as a symbol of his days at the Ford plant, where he worked for over 50 years. He also has a medal COURTESY PHOTO| MCT CAMPUS from the war, which he looks at as a symbol of his military days.

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood, from left), Thao (Bee Vang), Vu (Brooke Chia Thao), Grandma (Chee Thao) and Sue (Ahney Her) star in Following the death of his wife, “Gran Torino.” Eastwood not only wrote and directed the film but starred in the lead role as the bigoted Walt Kowalski.

Kowalski takes on a solitary existence, relying on no one, accept- gang is trying to get Thao to join, actors, who, for most of them, that he can be both kind and ing no one’s help and refusing and they try and persuade him to made their acting debut. tough when dealing with the chalgifts from anyone. He is join at any costs.

Eastwood also encouraged the lenges of his changing neighborMOVIE REVIEW very independent and Walt and Thao supporting actors to improvise in hood. He is a consist character still lives as if a part of become close friends, the Hmong language, to add some throughout the entire movie.

‘Gran Tornio’ the military. The movie and Sue also becomes originality. This movie also feaThe audience is able to see begins by painting HHH close with the pro- tures both of his sons, with one, Kowalski’s growth throughout the OUT OF FOUR STARS Kowalski as being prejuclaimed “grumpy old Kyle Eastwood writing the score, film. The movie introduces diced and conflicted in STARRING: Clint man” of the neighbor- and the other, Scott Eastwood, Eastwood as a man prone to Eastwood, Ahney Hey, a primarily Hmong Brooke Chia Thao hood. playing Trey, Sue’s boyfriend. racial stereotypes but convincingneighborhood.

Eastwood can still The plot to this movie is pretty ly portrays his evolution from RATED: R Sue (Ahney Hey) and scare people, even at straight forward, and the setting intolerant antagonist to protector Thao (Brooke Chia the age of 78. He did a is mainly in the colorful neighbor- and role model.

Thao) are among the Hmong great job directing and writing hood of Kowalski and his new Though the ending did not susneighbors of Kowalski, and their the movie, as well as being the friends. Eastwood did a great job tain the strong plot, overall the first cousin, Spider (Dou Moua), is main character. This movie also in every aspect of this movie, film was well done and worth the the leader of the local gang. His includes a leading cast of Hmong skillfully convincing the audience money.

FOCUS|

TUESDAY JAN. 20, 2009 |THE TELESCOPE

The 44th president

9

Barack Obama Early life Biracial background: Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Aug. 4, 1961. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was a student from Kenya who herded goats as a child. His mother, Ann Dunham of Wichita, Kan., was a student at the University of Hawaii and the daughter of a furniture salesman. She married Obama Sr. unaware that he was already married to a woman in Kenya, with whom he had two children.Two years later, Obama Sr. accepted a scholarship at Harvard University and moved to Boston, and the couple divorced.

To Indonesia: Dunham married an Indonesian student named Lolo Soetero, and in 1967, when Barack was 6, the family moved to Jakarta. Barack (known as “Barry” as a child) attended Indonesian schools for four years. He was 9 when his half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, was born. In 1971, Dunham sent Barack back to Honolulu to live with his grandparents, and in 1972 she left her husband and moved back to Hawaii with Maya.

When Barack was in the fifth grade, his father came to visit him briefly — their first meeting since he was a toddler.

To college: Obama played basketball in high school, graduated with honors in 1979 and enrolled at Occidental College in Los Angeles. There he befriended black students — who were few and far between everywhere else he had lived — but he had difficulty seeing himself as one of them. After two years, he transferred to Columbia University in New York, where he started running three miles a day and immersed himself in his studies. In 1982, he was informed in a call from Africa that his father had been killed in a car accident.

Barack Obama, Sr.

Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, with young Barack.

Early career Community organizer: Obama graduated in 1983 with a degree in political science, and in 1985 he moved to Chicago and worked as a community organizer with poor residents of the city’s South Side. Despite his atheistic upbringing, he joined theTrinity United Church of Christ. In 1988, he traveled to Kenya to meet his grandmother, half-siblings and other relatives.

Harvard standout: In fall 1988, he enrolled at Harvard Law School. The following summer, he worked as an intern at Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where he met and began dating Michelle Robinson,a Harvard Law grad and first-year associate.In 1990,Obama was elected president of the Harvard Law Review, the first black man to hold the prestigious post. In 1991, he graduated magna cum laude and returned to Chicago. He married Michelle in 1992 and went to work for a Chicago law firm, while also lecturing on constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School and directing a voter outreach program.

On to politics: In 1996, Obama ran for and won an Illinois state Senate seat representing Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park. During his eight years in the state Senate, he would introduce more than 20 successful pieces of legislation.

One small failure, one big success Failed House run: In 2000, in the biggest miscalculation of his career,he ran for a U.S.House seat held by four term incumbent Bobby Rush, a charismatic former Black Panther. Rush defeated him by a 2-1 vote in the Democratic primary.

Race for Senate: In 2003, with a one-term Illinois senator retiring, Obama entered the race for the U.S. Senate. He easily won the Democratic primary against a multimillionaire businessman whose ex-wife accused him of domestic abuse, and his Republican rival dropped out of the race in June 2004 after his ex-wife said he took her to sex clubs.To oppose Obama,the GOP drafted Alan Keyes, a conservative radio talk show host from Maryland.

Rising star: Obama was chosen to give the keynote address on July 27, 2004, at the Democratic National Convention in Boston,where he said,“There is not a black America and a white America, and Latino America and Asian America, there is the United States of America.” Obama went on to defeat Keyes with more than 70 percent of the vote. Obama, then 43, had the distinction of being elected to the Senate with relative ease.

Barack’s Indonesian family:Lolo Soetero, Ann Dunham, Obama’s halfsister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Barack.

Election 2008 Presidential run: Obama announced his run for the presidency in February 2007 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. He proved to be a standout at fundraising, and he won the nation’s first electoral contest,in Iowa.He went on to win 13 out of 22 states Feb. 5, Super Tuesday. His neck-and-neck delegate race with Sen. Hillary Clinton made this year’s primary contest one of the closest in history. Controversy dogged Obama when the media broadcast inflammatory quotes from his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. But despite narrowly losing many of the later primaries, Obama’s lead in the delegate count forced Clinton to drop out of the race June 7. On Aug. 23, Obama named Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his running mate. He was formally nominated for president at the Democratic National Convention on Aug.27,and accepted that nomination a day later, on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States.

He becomes the first AfricanAmerican in U.S. history to win the presidency.

— San Jose Mercury News

Obama with his wife, Michelle

Hillary Clinton and Obama debate during the contentious Democratic primary season.

Obama’s keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

10 | DIVERSIONS

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Horoscopes

By Linda C. Black

Jan. 20

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today is a 6 — You're sometimes a loner, but you can do very well working with a team.

You're the spark that gets them ignited. You push them from thinking to doing.

Today is an 8 — Follow a friend's suggestion and get into a new book. Consider it research for the next novel you write. If you still haven't published your first, this could be your inspiration.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 — You should be able to advance your cause quite a bit in the next few weeks. So figure out what your cause is, exactly, and what you'll do to achieve it.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7 — Initial difficulties give way to a wonderful evening. Set up a date to go out with a person who always makes you laugh. Foreign fare and films are highly recommended.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7 — A home-based business can do well now. Do you have one of your own? If not, now's a good time to begin. Make a few notes, as a start. Figure out what you can sell.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7 — Double-check any information you receive before sending it on. You have a natural compulsion to tell the truth, which is good. Make sure you know what that is.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today is a 7 — If you've spent too much lately, don't fall into a pit of despair. Look around for ways to make more money. Find something you can sell. Money is everywhere.

Today is a 7 — No need to act hastily. Better to wait and see what you can generate from what you already have on hand.

Don't race out and buy new.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Today is a 7 — Conditions are good for cuddling up in a comfortable place. If obligations interfere, just get back as soon as you can. Invite your favorite companion to join you there.

Today is a 7 — A difficult morning eases into a lovely afternoon. You have a good excuse to eat out, or get something already cooked.

Celebrate for having made it as far as you have.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 — There will be more work, and more breakdowns, for the next four weeks.

Be sure to have extra parts; you may have to fix something.

Think about it and be prepared.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 6 — You're probably thinking of lots of reasons why a grand scheme won't work. You might be right about some of them, too. Better make a list, while they're on your mind.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

SPORTS ON DECK

Tuesday,Jan. 20 MEN’S BASKETBALL Imperial Valley vs Palomar at 7 p.m. at Palomar Dome

Wednesday,Jan. 21 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Palomar at Southwestern at 3 p.m.

Thursday,Jan. 22 MEN’S BASKETBALL Palomar at Cuyamaca at 7 p.m.

Saturday,Jan. 24 MEN’S BASKETBALL Southwestern vs Palomar at 3 p.m. at Palomar Dome

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Cuyamaca vs Palomar at 5 p.m. at Palomar Dome

WOMEN’S SOCCER Grossmont at Palomar at 3 p.m. at Minkoff Field

Wednesday,Jan. 28 MEN’S BASKETBALL MIra Costa vs Palomar 7 p.m. at Palomar Dome

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Palomar at Imperial Valley at 7 p.m.

Saturday,Jan. 31 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Palomar at San Diego City at 3 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Palomar at San Diego City 5 p.m. at Palomar Dome

For updated Comet scores, go to www.the-telescope.com.

COMET SPORTS |

11

Palomar no match for Knights

ers who saw significant playing time. Freshmen Ross Williams, Neiko Robinson and Jonathan The Comets fought hard, but lost Allen left the team for unspecified to the San Diego City Knights 88-65 reasons. on Jan. 3.

With the losses, the Comets still Theo Overstreet led Palomar gave a great effort. with 25 points, 10 rebounds and “We have a great group of kids five assists. Richard that are willing to LaFleur scored 13 COMETS learn so it’s a matter 65 points and Kristoff KNIGHTS of what we teach 88 Thande scored 11 them and what they UP NEXT points. retain,” O’Neill said.

The Comets now With the three Imperial Valley at Palomar have a 7-9 record with players The Comets foughtout, the Jan. 20 the loss, and are 1-2 in Comets could not hard, but lost Pacific Coast compete with the 7 p.m. to the San Diegosize, City as they Conference play.

Knights Knights were 88-65 outrebounded This was the eighth AT STAKE ranked team that 41-28 and only took on Jan. 3.

Palomar has played 12 free led throws, an stay Overstreet Comets are trying toTheo this season, with all of above .500 in Pacific Palomar Coast indication that the them ranked in the top Comets took a lot of Conference play.with 25 points, 10 10. It marks the third perimeter shots. rebounds “We and have to play time that Palomar has five assists.

Richard played against a team play together harder, that was ranked either first or sec- and never LaFleur 13 givescored up,” Overstreet said. ond in the state.San Diego City was “We only have players so we points andnine Kristoff ranked No. 2. to play scored stronger need Thande 11 and work San Diego State-bound Malcolm around being a small team.” points.

Thomas led the Knights with 25 The Knights front-court play was The now points and 15 rebounds. the key inComets the game. a 7-9playing record with “We practiced hard for this game started a triangle “Wehave and we kept our focus,” San Diego and two the on loss, and areand 1-2McGuire in Thomas City head coach Mitch Charlens hoping to take them out of the Pacific Coast said. “We have a tremendous game Conference but they just got too many play. amount of talent and we some- offensive rebounds and we couldn’t This was the eighth times lose our focus. Palomar is a do anything with them after that good team, but as long as we keep point,”ranked O’Neillteam said.that Palomar has our focus we’ll be fine.”

The Knights played never led by ROB BACON| THE TELESCOPE Despite the loss, Comets head more this season, of half. than six inwith theallfirst Palomar's Theo Overstreet tried to shoot over 6-feet-11-inch Myles Luttman of SD City. coach John O’Neill said his team Overstreet almostinsingle them ranked the tophandfought hard and never gave up. edly 10. kept the game close with It marks the third started to focus and open its lead, was virtually unstoppable in the “I thought we competed very his 3-point shooting. The by going up by as much as 20 at one low post.The Knights’ size allowed time that Palomar has hard,” John O’Neill said. “We’re Knights led 41-37 at halftime, point. City started to look more them to draw fouls when they played against a team still grinding out the edges, but but Palomar seemed to be con- like the second-ranked team in the drove to the basket as players shot that was ranked were not a finished product yet.” fident going into theeither half. state after halftime. Thomas was 25 free throws compared to the The game came during a time or second second half was a different dominant during the game and Comets’ 12.

Thefirst when the team lost three key play- story in forthe Palomar.

SanDiego Diego City state.San City was ranked No. 2.

San Diego Statebound Malcolm Thomas led the Knights with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

“We practiced hard for this game CHRIS MEYER and we keptguard our Theo Sophomore THE TELESCOPE Overstreet focus,”connected San Diego on five of six beyond the coach arc accounting for City head Mitch The Palomar men’s basketball 15 of his 23 points. Freshman team dismantled San Diego Mesa guardCharlens Kevin Deeb also had his “We have abarrage con100-83 Jan. 5 with long-range hand said. in the 3-point tremendous shooting and double verting on three of digit scoring contri- COMETS amount of talent andopportufive 3-point 100 butions from several OLYMPIANS nities.

83sometimes we players The first half was lose our focus.

The team was as lively after the owned by Overstreet, as he accuPalomar is a game, as it was at the opening tip mulated 20 points. Overstreet team, but as the field, off after they collected their shot good 63 percent from long assend we keep eighth win of the year and first and helped the Comets to a game eclipsing 100 points. The 14-point ouradvantage focus we’ll at behalftime. fine.”

Comets showed a lot of enthusimorethe could a coach ask of What Despite loss, asm and appear to be having fun Overstreet?

Comets head for the first time this season. and get another "Try coach John O’Neill said 20," The Comets maintained strong Overstreet said with a laugh. his team was limited to only form throughout the entire game Overstreet fought and never and sent a message to the one shot in hard the second half, but Olympians that they could domi- the rest gave ofup. the Comets answered nate, despite having only nine the call with four “I thought we other players players suited and able to play the scoring in very double digits. competed game.

Sophomore Cory Leitzke added hard,” John O’Neill "It’s easier and harder. It's eas- his first double - double of the seaier to motivate the guys because son said. with“We’re 17 points and 10 still grinding outalso the had 22 everybody knows they are going rebounds and Deeb to get to play," Assistant coach points, edges, five but rebounds and eight Brad Hollingswoth said. "It's assists. were not a finished harder because sometimes you Inproduct the Comets’ yet.” next game, have to back off in practice and sophomore Richard LaFleur The game came you got to do a little more less led the team with 21 points. He during time claim a 71intense drills to make sure we helped the aComets when the team lost have our legs for games.”

67 win versus Grossmont at keythe players Both teams began the game home.three With win, Palomar's with high intensity and record to 9-9 overall improved who saw significant exchanged 3-point buckets consis- and 3-2 in conference. playing tently through the first half. time. Freshmen Ross Williams, Neiko Robinson and JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

Comets rebound, score 100 in win

12 | COMET SPORTS

TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Comets suffer back-to-back losses of tying the score with 6:15 to go till the half. The Pirates would eventually go into the locker room with a The Palomar College women’s 30-27 advantage. basketball team lost back-to-back Palomar ran into trouble congames the first time this season as taining Orange Coast sophomore Coast Orange guard Casey Gomez College won 54-52 COMETS who had 14 points and 52 on Jan 3. forward freshman 54 PIRATES "Most frustrating Samantha Harrell who for me right now is UP NEXT had 10 points and eight our lack of commitrebounds in the game. at Southwestern ment to communicaThe second half was tion, which is a critifilled with much more Jan. 21 cal aspect of the intensity and thrills.

7 p.m. game,”Comets head Palomar opened up the coach Sheri Jennum half again in the fullAT STAKE said. court press, forcing The loss marked another inbound violaThe Comets play in a the Comets fourth of tion on Orange Coast. conference atmosphere the year and brings The closest the after losing a close game to Comets came to tasting their record to 12-4. the Pirates.

Sophomore forvictory was being down ward Kristin by one point with 18:18 Marquardt gave a laugh of frustra- left in the second half. The Pirates tion after the game. tried to milk their lead as time "It was a very tough loss, they started running out for Palomar. are a good basketball team," Freshman guard Kiara Stinson had Marquardt said. a nice steal and added two of her The game began with a fiery eight points with a lay up that gave Comet team applying a full-court the Comets hope with 4:30 left. press. Orange Coast appeared to be Sophomore guard Katie Girten flustered and unable to adapt to stepped up as well in the final minthe press as Palomar took a quick 7- utes with a nice follow to the basket 0 lead five minutes into the game. and then connected on two free "Our full-court press is very throws that put Palomar within two effective when all the players on points of taking the game. the court are committed to aggresIn the final seconds of the game sive play," Stinson colJe n nu m lected two said. quick fouls T h e conserving Pirates vital seconds even had and sending trouble Orange Coast inboundto the foul ing the line.

The ball and P i ra t e s w e r e missed two called on consecutive — SHERRI JENNUM free throws to multiple Women’s basketball coach keep occasions the for five Comets down second inbounding violations. by a pair. Stinson made her way Palomar held the lead most of the past center court and Jennun first half until Orange Coast made called a timeout to set up what its push coming within two points would be the final play of the game.

CHRIS MEYER THE TELESCOPE

“

Most frustrating for me right now is our lack of commitment to communication, which is a critical aspect of the game.

”

ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE

Palomar's Kiara Stinson (32) displays her usual tenacity during Saturday's tough match against Orange Coast at the Dome.

With 4.5 seconds left the ball was sent around the perimeter looking for an open look and ended in the hands of JaDawn Holler. She tried a 3-pointer for the win but the shot went deep off the back rim as time ran out.

Palomar freshman forward Lauren Matheney had another strong game with 16 points.

"It felt good being able to

step up and help my team, but at the same time it would have felt better to come out on top," Matheney said.

Jennum has been impressed with Matheney's play recently.

"I am pleased with her effort; she is aggressively going to the basket on offense which makes me very happy," Jennum said

Girten had 10 points, and Marquardt had eight points and eight rebounds.

"We will not reach our potential as a team unless we communicate more frequently and more effectively...and our lack of leadership- we do not have on court leadership," Jennum said.

Palomar defense shines in conference win over Knights outside,” Jennum said. “At one point I went to look at the score book and we were 0 for 10 from the 3-point arc. In another game, we lost last week we were 0-for-10 from the 3-point line and that is something we have to be able to hit.”

San Diego City head coach Heidi Sorour said she felt her team played a great game by being able to stay close and run with the Comets.

“We came into the game with only seven players,” Sorour said. “I think they just out rebounded us in the last two minutes of the game.”

“We play them in a month or so in the next round at our house. The fire will be there.”

With the win, the Comets team improved its record to 13 – 4 and 1-0 in conference.

PAT CUBEL THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar College women’s basketball team ended its two game losing streak Jan. 7 with a 67 – 63 overtime win over San Diego City College to open Pacific Coast Conference 67 COMETS play.

KNIGHTS 63 The games leading scorer was Palomar’s sophomore guard Katie Girten who scored 16 points. Palomar forward Kristin Marquadt scored 14 points and pulled down 22 rebounds in the match-up.

“Coach always puts rebounding as one of the biggest things we need to work on,” said Marquadt. “She talks about it at every game and I made it my goal to rebound tonight.”

The Comets, playing every game with a big target on its back, and a state No.4 ranking, coach Sheri Jennum said that every team in the conference will bring their best to the court.

“These teams are always jacked up to play us and right now we’re not. If City had beaten us tonight that would have made their season,” said Jennum. “We need more leadership and better communications in the game and that is something that the players have to bring.”

Poor 3-point shooting for the Palomar club was another aspect that allowed the Knights to remain in the game.

“We’re just not shooting well from the

Comets named Athletes of the Week

PAT CUBEL| THE TELESCOPE

Palomar’s Lauren Matheney (30) recovered the ball during a close home game win against San Diego City.

Kristen Marquardt and Richard Lefleur were named PCC Athletes of the Week.

Marquardt had 27 points and 37 rebounds in two wins last week against San Diego City and Grossmont respectively to help the Comets to their 19th straight win in conference play. LaFleur scored 35 points and had 19 rebounds in wins last week at Mesa and against Grossmont to help improve the Comets to 3-2 in conference play.