The Advocate, October 15, 2010, Issue 5

Volume 46, Issue 5

October 15, 2010

Behind the scenes

of a campus evacuation Page 3

4

Students polish children's theater performance

6-7

Issues on the ballot and other campaign coverage

9

Volleyball - still undefeated in the South

2 OPINION

THE ADVOCATE

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Editorial Editors-in-Chief

Jen ashenberner & Jordan tichenor

Sports Editor Jon Fuccillo

Advertising Manager Copy Editor David Guida

Living Arts Editor David Gambill

Assistant Living Arts Editor Anevay Torrez

Photo Editor

Devin Courtright

Opinion Editor L. John King

Reporters Joseph Baird Jill-Marie Gavin Chanel Hill Riley Hinds Laura Knudson Yuca Kosugi David Lopez Mike Mata Jess Peterman Kylie Rogers Mario Rubio Shelby Schwartz John Tkebuchava Jessica Winters

Adviser

Bob Watkins

Assistant Adviser Dan Ernst

E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax) www.advocate-online.net

Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

Submissions

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board.

The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length.

Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu.

Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Front-page photo

by Devin Courtright

Burden of mistaken bomb saga falls on taxpayers “This is not a drill.”

These were the words echoing throughout the hallways and classrooms of MHCC last Friday.

As true as it was that it wasn’t a drill, it was a toy, desk prop, or whatever college officials choose to call it that was the reason for the emergency campus evacuation which resulted in the Gresham Police Department being called in, as well as the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit. Students and faculty stood on the outskirts of campus from 11:45 a.m. to 12:37 p.m. while they waited to be told what the emergency was and when they could return to their classes.

First and foremost, The Advocate would like to thank the people in the lime green vests and others involved in the organization of the evacuation for getting everyone out of the buildings in under five minutes and removing us from any possible threat.

Second, The Advocate reported in an interview with Maggie Huffman, director of communications, and Huffaker that the suspicious device made Director of Safety and Security Gale Blessing “back away” from it after getting within eyesight of it. They said it looked like “three sticks of dynamite marked explosive attached to a clock.”

Huffman later said it was a prop sitting on a computer tower under an employee’s desk. They

said it was so realistic that when they presented the device at a President’s Cabinet meeting, “people were in awe” of just how real it looked.

The Advocate’s concern isn’t that the campus was evacuated due to a prop or that it wasn’t determined to be harmless until after the bomb squad showed up, but who should pay for responders like the Gresham Police Department and the Metropolitan Explosive Device Unit when events like this occur? Well that’s easy: We are. The taxpayers.

None of the burden in this case will fall on the shoulders of MHCC for dispatching to police and the bomb squad because, as Huffaker put, it’s a public service to the community and none of the burden (as far as we have been told) will fall on the shoulders of the college. While that’s a good thing in the midst of our current financial crisis and to us as students, it’s not such a good thing to us as taxpayers.

In the middle of a recession, taxpayers don’t want to foot the bill for evaluation of a desk prop.

The Advocate believes that to be fair, there should be established guidelines for what is determined to a reasonable situation for the bomb squad to be called in and that its costs are covered by taxpayer dollars and in the off chance it isn’t reasonable, the person or persons who called in the threat are responsible for the charges.

Surprised to see 'kinder and gentler' attack ads

By David Lopez The Advocate Oregon’s Nov. 2 election is a few weeks away, which means political campaigns are in full swing. This year however, the mood is different. With the nation’s financial woes persisting, politicians, both current and hopeful, have put a large amount of focus on finances as opposed to the usual mudslinging we’ve come to expect around election time.

Whereas campaigns are typically centered around what-my-opponent-didand-with-whom, this time around the fo-

Letter to the editor

cus is more on what-my-opponent-spentor-wants-to-spend.

I think this is a good thing. Sure, every campaign ad on television seems to be the same, “He/she will work to create more jobs and control government spending,” but is this really a bad thing?

I get the impression that for the first time in a long time politicians are actually focused on something that affects everyone and not just an interested few.

Even the smear campaigns have been somewhat mellow and contained. Hell, they’ve even been pretty mature. I was in California last weekend and saw an ad detailing the spending-spree of thenGov. Jerry Brown in the ‘70s, yes - the ad wanted voter’s to know that current candidate Brown was incapable of han-

Both Dr. Ski (MHCC President John Sygielski) and a recent Advocate editorial pointed out the questionable validity of the findings of a report critical of community college by a Coalition for Educational Success, an advocacy group for private for-profit colleges. While we know logically that the report is not very scientific, accusations such as the one that community college recruiters engage in “unsavory” or exploitive practices can still deliver an emotionally blow.

To set the record straight, the true story of how dedicated to students the recruiters at this college need to be told. For example, in recent years one of our recruiters, Jessica Ruiz, went

dling the state’s financial crisis based on decisions he made over 30 years ago.

Now that may seem a bit immature to some, but hey, at least it’s factual, sensible, and even somewhat relevant. It’s also much better than the alternative, which could be anything from analyzing who he hung out with in college, to who may have contributed to his campaigns.

I’m writing about California but the same rules apply in Oregon. Every campaign ad seems to be focused on the same major points; taxes, jobs and spending.

What about the smear tactics? The worst thing I’ve heard so far has been, “Elect the same people, expect the same result.” Short, simple and to the point, to say the least.

to great effort to organize a special recruiting event for students for whom English is not their native language to inspire them to go to college. Not only did she not earn extra money for this, but it required extra work on top her regular duties. She did it because it came from her heart and from her own experience which motivated to help others find a better life. Nor was this something a college would do merely try to make a quick buck. It was done because it was the right thing to do. This is the same spirit with which all MHCC recruiters and other MHCC staff carry out their work day -in and day-out.

- Malcolm McCord MHCC counselor

Correction In the Oct. 8, issue 4 of the Advocate, the article “Of flocks” mistakenly listed artist Stephanie Donaldson as a Oregon native.

Donaldson is actually a native of Germany.

The Advocate regrets this mistake.

NEWS 3

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Friday's evacuation triggered by a bomb-like desk prop

By Jen Ashenberner & Jordan Tichenor The Advocate

Uncertainty about the threat of what turned out to be a bomb-like desk prop is what led to Friday’s evacuation of MHCC’s Gresham campus.

What was called a “suspicious device” was examined by the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit Friday morning and determined to be non-explosive.

The device was found by an Information Technology employee while working on a project, according to Director of Communications Maggie Huffman in an interview Friday.

“He (the IT employee) took a picture of it with his cell phone,” said Huffman. “The picture made its way to Public Safety and looked very much like an explosive device — but it turned out to not be.”

Huffman said the device was found in the Allied Health Department in the 2700 area but would not say in which specific room. Police and emergency responders were stationed in the Parking Lot H just west of the 2700 area.

Huffman said in an interview Tuesday that MHCC Director of Safety and Security Gale Blessing and the Information Technology employee who found it were the only staff members who came close to the device. Blessing then contacted the Gresham Police Department.

Huffman said Tuesday, “She (Blessing) saw it and immediately saw it was a source of concern and backed away.”

Huffman said the prop consisted of three sticks of fake dynamite, marked with the word “explosive” and attached to what she described as a “souvenir clock.”

The alarm and the PA system announcing evacuation was set off at 11:45 a.m. and Huffman said everyone got out in under five minutes. People attempting to leave campus in their vehicles were subject to a search by police if parked anywhere other than the lots closest to Kane Road. The evacuation ended at 12:37 p.m., according to Huffman, and everyone was allowed back in the campus buildings.

Classes resumed for the rest of the day.

Huffman declined to name the employee who the prop belongs to and said she thinks they are embarrassed about the incident. She said the employee was not on campus at the time of the evacuation.

“It wasn’t an intentional hoax,” Huffman said. “It wasn’t meant to alarm anyone.”

According to Staci Huffaker, MHCC risk management coordinator, the prop was removed from the employee’s office and is being used in cabinet meetings as an example. Huffaker declined to release a photo of the device to The Advocate.

“What you might perceive as okay may not be to someone else,” said Huffaker.

Huffman said, “People who have seen it have been in awe of how realistic it appears.”

Huffaker said the evacuation was timed, adding it took less than five minutes to get everyone out of

the campus buildings.

The evacuation process went very well, said Huffman. “Big kudos should go to students and employees for their cooperation,” she said.

Asked who incurs the costs of an evacuation and dispatching the police and MEDU, Huffman said the college would not be billed for the emergency responders since it is a public service to the community.

Huffaker said, “It offered an opportunity to say, ‘What can we do better?’ ” A Gresham police officer told Huffaker the students and employees at MHCC did an outstanding job. Huffaker credits the people involved in the Incident Command System that the college utilizes.

“It’s a way to manage different types of incidents whether natural or manmade,” said Huffaker. “It’s a uniform, standard protocol.”

The MHCC Public Safety Office is the command post for emergencies. It’s also where the personnel trained in the Incident Command System meet.

Huffaker said there is a pre-established chain of command and job responsibilities, and everyone knows what they are supposed to do according to their training.

Asked what procedures are established in a hypothetical situation where a person is on campus with a firearm, Huffman declined to comment but said there is a lockdown procedure as well as the evacuation procedure used last Friday.

'Small but mighty' forensics team takes second at Lewis and Clark The seven-member team is looking forward to the Phi Kappa Delta Nationals held at MHCC Laura Knudson The Advocate

The Mt. Hood Forensics team swept a second-place finish in the community college sweepstakes during the Lewis and Clark Steve Hunt Invitational Oct. 8-10.

More than 31 schools were present. Among them were The University of Washington, Whitman College and Santa Clara University.

El Paso was the only community college to beat Mt. Hood. They have “great kids and a great coach,” said Shannon Valdivia, the MHCC forensics instructor. Valdivia said she is pleased with the results of the competition in that “it took a school from out of region to knock us off.”

In Forensics there are three competition levels. Novice competitions are for beginners whereas junior competition contains mostly secondand third-year students. Senior division, also known as open division, consists of the most experienced competitors.

There are 11 types of individual speech and three styles of debate.

The MHCC team has seven members: Zach Nicholas, Jeff Lewis, Rob Seprich, Kevin Craig, Dalton Hellman, Jordan Bradford and Ryan Rhodes. “We are small but mighty,” Valdivia said.

However, numbers don’t seem to have an effect on the team’s success. The team is defending regional champions.

This school year’s Phi Kappa Delta National Championship for

community colleges will be hosted contest? The team gathers Tuesat Mt Hood March 24-26. It is the days and Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. first time since Phi Kappa Delta was for their speech practice class. Offounded in 1913 that a community ten times in preparation, they will college will be host the event. “It stay until 9 p.m. During meetings says a lot about our program here. they discuss international issues, It’s a compliment to the students philosophies of speech and debate as that we have,” Valdivia said. well as ideas and theories they have.

Nearly 70 schools from around Practicing their debates and rethe country will searching are be in attendance also essential. with an estimat“As long as Lewis and Clark Steve ed 800-1000 comyou read The petitors. “I’m terEconomist Hunt Invite Results rified,” Valdivia every week said, laughing. you’re good,” Zach Nicholas Team memsaid Valdivia.

1st - Impromptu th ber Dalton HellMany topics 6 - Junior Prose man agreed. for the British Jeff Lewis “Our coach will Parliamentary 1th - Open Impromptu be all stressed competition th 4 - Junior Persuasion out about that, are taken from 6th - Junior Informative beginning with The EconoRob Seprich the New Year,” he mist.

The New 4th - Novice Extemporaneous said.

York Times is Kevin Craig As for the comanother man3rd - Junior persuasion petition, Valdivia datory reading has high hopes for the team.

6th - Open communication Analysis for her team.

CommitDalton Hellman st Her goal lies in ment, time and 1 - Junior Persuasion the race for the work are key sweepstakes. to success in Although she is forensics. Hellsure the individual speech competi- man a said he sometimes spends tion is promising for her students, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Mt hood.

“There are no individuals on this At times, he said sleep is hard to team. We are a team,” Valdivia said. come by. He said the forensics proAnd with that in mind, they plan to gram provides beneficial skills for compete strongly as one and build his other classes. Dalton said that off each other. “being able to explain yourself is alBut how does one prepare for this ways useful” and “I get to learn so

much about what’s going on in the world that other people don’t know” he adds.

Mt. Hood Forensics has also enlisted the help of David Childers.

Childers attended Mt Hood in 200405 before going to Anchorage Alaska University to continue speech and debate.

While attending Mt. Hood, Childers won two national titles. He felt it was time to return to his roots in Mt. Hood, “an ‘ex-Hoodlum,’ to help them grow to their fullest potential.” Childers attends practice sessions to help critique and prepare the team. “If I can get them to understand more in debate and deliberation, that’s my goal,” he said.

Basically “we have to know a little bit about everything to be competitive,” said Valdivia. So far this is the most competitive Valdivia has seen the division in years.

The goals of the team go beyond their areas of competition. They plan to “to grow as students and as debaters,” said Liz Kinnaman, assistant coach of the team. Valdivia said they are ultimately striving to “make a better world.”

The team will next travel to Diablo Valley College in Northern California for the Kevin Twohy Memorial Tournament on Oct. 22-24.

Team of Seprich and Jordan Bradford won the novice British Parliamentary debate championships. Seprich was named 3rd best speaker for the tournament and Bradford 5th.

4 LIVING ARTS

OCTOBER 15, 2010

 Second-year actors build the stage they'll act on in the upcoming children's play 

By David Gambill The Advocate

When the MHCC Theater Department opens its season Nov. 8 with the children’s play “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” two veteran actors will lead the way.

Coleton Sticka fills the role of Peter the tailor and Jordan Brown is cast as the emperor. Both are second-year students at the college majoring in theater and fine arts.

Sticka said he has a focus on lighting design. He started acting in high school when a buddy asked him to join a play.

“Toward my senior year, I said, ‘Hey, I really want to see what the technical aspect (of theater) is, and lighting design was the most artistic out of all of them,” he said.

Sticka said he received scholarships for acting in college, but this year he hopes to spend more time with lighting. Sticka credits theater director Darryl Harrison-Carson for guiding him through technical work. “She’s helping me out so that this year I can just do lighting design,” he said.

The two actors are familiar faces on the Mt. Hood stage. Last year Sticka was Jesus in “Godspell,” Edmund in “King Lear” and played a small part in the children’s play. Brown was a minor character in the “Emperor’s Dragon,” was the Duke of Burgundy in “King Lear” (as well as being a stagehand) and was the assistant stage manager for “Godspell.”

Brown calls himself an “acty,” a theater term for someone who does acting and technical work.

“I’m receiving a technical grant. I work, build all the sets, do tech, but at the same time I started with acting and acting is my real passion.” There are benefits in working as both, he said. “Overall, if I can become a good techy as well as a good actor, then I’m well rounded and I know what I’m

talking about and I don’t come off as an arrogant bastard.”

Both Sticka and Brown are working tech on this show.

Brown said he got into theater because “there was this girl I really, really liked in high school.” He said he got a lead part in the first play he auditioned for. Then, after getting another lead role, “It just kind of snowballed from there,” he said.

The actors each have found part-time theater director Jennifer Hunter easy to work with. “She has fun with us,” Sticka said. “She’s open minded when it comes to plays, it’s really awesome.”

Brown describes the emperor as “haughty, vain. He loves looking at himself, he thinks he’s always right because he’s the emperor, oh, and he loves clothes. He is a diva. He’s pretty gullible because this guy (Peter the Tailor) tricks me.”

Brown, a self described medieval nerd, said he draws inspiration to play the king from watching movies with kings in them and from role playing with the Dungeons and Dragons game.

The tailor doesn’t want to work nor do anything besides tricking people into giving him money, said Sticka.

“Pretty much the whole story is him tricking the emperor and then getting in trouble for it,” he said.

“Peter also knows when he is in trouble. He has knowledge. He knows what he’s doing. He isn’t all stupid like everyone thinks he is,” he said.

Sticka said he relates to Peter.

“I’m just a normal guy but if someAbove - Jordan Brown, left, and castmate Coleton Sticka practice the mirror-image scene.

Left - Brown and Sticka go through the motions during rehearsal for the upcoming play.

Photos By Devin Courtright/ The Advocate

thing comes to a circumstance where I’m going to be in trouble I’m going to be a quick thinker. I’m going to think of something fast. I’m going to get out of the situation which is what Peter does the whole play.”

Sticka listed “Godspell,” “Music Man” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” as plays that inspire him.

“The girl singer in that is always amazing,” he said.

Brown said he’s a huge fan of Shakespeare. “I also like a lot of modern musicals as well, such as ‘Urinetown,’ or ‘Dr. Horrible’s sing-along-blog,’ anything really,” he said.

Sticka said his favorite actor is Edward Norton. “I have a giant wood poster behind my bed of ‘Fight Club,’ Edward Norton’s face on it.”

Brown said he loves comedians. He listed Robin Williams, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Seth Green as some of his favorites. Brown said his favorite of all time is Nathan Fillion who played Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly.

Neither can imagine themselves outside of the theater department. “I’ve got very few talents other than this,” said Brown.

Sticka said, “This is the only thing I truly like. If I didn’t get to do what I like, what’s the point of doing anything.”

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” can be seen at the College Theater on Nov. 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19.

The play is roughly 45 minutes to an hour in length, said Brown and Sticka. All performances start at 10:30 a.m.

LIVING ARTS 5

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Latin American Film Festival celebrates Mexican independence

Calendar Friday, Oct. 15 Global Warming Event 12-1pm in the College Center

Multiple theaters host event

Saturday, Oct. 16

Student Success Seminar: Take Control of Your Time 4:10 - 5 p.m. AC 2307

Fall Basketball League PE102 / GYM 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Student Success Seminar: How to Concentrate and Remember 12:10 - 1 p.m. AC 2307

Portland Latin American Film Festival www. pdxlaff.org Oct. 14-20

By David Gambill The Advocate

The Portland Latin American Film Festival started Thursday and concludes Wednesday and features films from Mexico.

This is the fourth year of the Portland festival. This year’s festival celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence, according to a guide by the PDXLAFF. Several film styles will be presented, including drama, documentary, comedy and thriller.

Films will be shown at the Hollywood Theatre and the Regal Broadway Metroplex.

General admission tickets are $9. An $85 all-access pass will admit you into all the films.

For more information and schedules, visit www.pdxlaff.org or call (503) 470-0736

Tuesday, Oct. 19

Sunday, Oct. 17

Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra play at MHCC College Theater from 3 p.m.4:30 p.m. Tickets sold $30 adult; $25 senior; $10 student (+12); $5 child (under 12) are available online at www.columbiasymphony. org, by phone at 503-234-4077

Monday, Oct. 18

Student Success Seminar: Effective Interviewing 12:10 - 1 p.m. AC 1152

Wednesday, Oct. 20

Understanding Test Anxiety 2:10 - 2:45 p.m. AC 1152

Volleyball Game against Linn-Benton in Albany at 7p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 21

Red Cross instructor training GE201 /classroom 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 22

Integrated Communications task force AC2057 / town & gown 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Photo contest winner to be announced

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large 1-Topping Pizza Valid on Pan, Thin ‘N Crispy® or Hand-Tossed Style Pizza.

Student IId.

By Kylie Rogers The Advocate

MHCC will host a global warning awareness event from noon to 1 p.m. today in the College Center.

Activities include the announcement of the 350.org photo contest winner, talks about global warming, and a dance performance from the ‘Students for Education Empowerment and Direct Service’ (SEED).

Political science teacher Janet Campbell was responsible for choosing the 350.org photo contest winner. The winner will receive a $40 gift certificate to Burgerville, a local company

8

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who practices using locally grown foods whenever possible. “(The winner) wrote a poem along with the photo. I think the explanatory statement was the clincher,” said Campbell.

Faculty adviser Chris Gorsek is one of the speakers at the event and SEED students will offer a presentation about how global warming is affecting their countries.

Campbell said she is excited about the positive spin on today’s activity. “Environmental activities seem so doom and gloom. It’s more of a ‘here is what people are doing’ not ‘this is what’s going to happen,’” Campbell said.

Boat races fill the pond

Dine-In • Delivery • Carryout in Portland

503-292-2222 Expires 12/31/10. Valid with College Student ID. Not valid with other promotions or offers.

Additional charge for extra cheese. Participation, delivery areas and charges may vary.

Cash value 1/20¢. © 2010 Pizza Hut, Inc. 0910NP_MTHOOD

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528

PHOTO BY DEVIN COURTRIGHT/THE ADVOCATE

Enginneering students battle it out last Friday afternoon at the collge pond in boats made from cardboard, ducktape, glue, paper and paint. Engineering instructors Troy Donaldson and Andrew Dryden assigned and hosted the event.

9/15/10 2:52 PM

6 NEWS

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Make your

Democrat John Kitzhaber is a previous Oregon governor (19952003), state senator (1981-1993) and doctor (1974-1988). His goal of becoming governor for a third term stems from his experience and knowledge of Oregon’s challenges and says he knows what to do about them. He believes what Oregon is doing now isn’t working and it’s time for a change.

As governor of Oregon, he plans to: • Create more jobs in the immediate future and restructure Oregon’s longterm economy in order to compete successfully.

• Create a system focused on accountability and student success while improving education from preschool to post-secondary school.

• Reduce the size and scope of Oregon’s government in order to stabilize it financially while delivering Oregonians services they depend on.

universities and community colleges Former Portland Trail Blazer Chris to be the job and idea factories of toDudley is in the race for governor morrow by unshackling them from of Oregon. Dudley, a Republican, is the outdated regulations that unnecrunning a campaign directed toward essarily increase costs and limit innogetting the state going in a new divation and accountability of individurection. Dudley’s educational and al institutions. occupational backgrounds include • Control spending and reform governdegrees in economics and politiment by ending automatic budget cal science from Yale University and increases, along with growing costs treasurer of the NBA Players Union. in areas of: payroll, health care, and pensions. Also, end government conDudley’s goals as Governor include: trolled liquor sales.

• Educate for Oregon’s economic future • Promote private sector job creation by funding the K-12 budget first inby enacting job-creating tax relief for stead of last, setting aside 3 percent small business owners and the enof forecast revenue into a rainy day trepreneur. Provide support for susfund for education and enhance and tainable natural resource industries. encourage ongoing teacher training.

Work to position Oregon colleges,

Requires increased minimum sentences for certain repeated sex crimes, incarceration for repeated driving under influence

Establishes m assistance and

Yes means that you want to increase minimum sentences for “major felony sex crimes” to 300 months. It also means that you want to impose a minimum sentence of 90 days for driving under the influence repeated convictions.

Yes means you want O income assistance program grants limited state regulati

No means that you want the existing mandatory sentence of 70-100 months for “major felony sex crimes” to be retained. It also means you want no mandatory sentence for repeat convictions for driving under the influence.

No means you want to r does allow certain people to its growers to six mature pla

NEWS 7

OCTOBER 15, 2010

vote count

MHCC voter registration drive gets ‘booster shot’ Voting events

Monday: Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Kitzhaber will be on campus taking an informational tour and meeting with President John Sygielski and student leaders.

Color The Vote campain from noon-2 p.m. in the College Center. ASG will be speaking to encourage minority students, regardless of their race, color, sexual orientation, to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

Wednesday:

Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

President Barack Obama will speak on behalf of Kitzhaber at the Oregon Convention Center, located at 777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd. in Portland, at 4 p.m. The event is free to the public but requires registration at www.dpo.org.

Secretary of State Kate Brown said Monday she is proud of the ASG for their efforts to campaign for voter registration. Above, she talks Monday with ASG President Larry Collins-Morgan, right, after attending class

Secretary of State’s visit offers opportunity to boost voter registration Joseph Baird Jen Ashenberner The Advocate Secretary of State Kate Brown visited MHCC Monday to help the Associated Student Government gather more voter registrations.

Earlier this year, Brown set a goal of 18,000 newly registered Oregon voters for the November election. An MHCC goal of 1,500 students was set as a local community goal, according to Oregon Student Association representative and ASG member Josh Baker.

“We are trying to make sure students understand how important and critical the election is in terms of impacting student loans, or tuitions, or even the structuring of higher education,” said Brown. “There will be a number of discussions regarding those issues.”

Brown said Monday, “These guys have done a great job. I think the student turnout is going to be great.”

medical marijuana supply system and d research programs; allows limited selling of marijuana

Asked about the progress of the voter’s registration drive, ASG President Larry Collins-Morgan said Brown’s presence on campus gave ASG’s campaign a “booster shot.”

There were 1,101 voters registered by ASG during the campaign, which began at the start of Fall term, according to Raul Reyes, ASG director of communications.

The key for voter turnout in November relies on the number of registered voters, according to state officials. “That’s why the efforts of the Oregon Student Association and the student governments and organizations have been so important. It has been a vital part of our efforts,” said Brown.

“We’re hoping for good things this election cycle,” Brown said as she complimented ASG members on their efforts Monday afternoon.

“The power is in numbers,” said Baker. “The more students that we can get involved, the more impact we can have on important issues that affect our lives.”

Authorizes Multnomah County casino; casino to contribute monthly revenue percentage to state for specified purposes.

Oregon to establish a medical marijuana supply system, a low m for medical marijuana cardholders, a research program, ion authority and limited marijuana sales.

Yes means you want to authorize a single privately owned casino in Multnomah County requiring casino gives percentage of monthly revenue to state lottery for specified purposes.

retain current law that does not establish any of the above but o become registered growers of medical marijuana which limants and 24 ounces of useable marijuana for each cardholder.

No means you want to retain the current law which doesn’t authorize any privately owned casino or casinos anywhere in Oregon.

8 LIVING ARTS

OCTOBER 15, 2010

CONCERT REVIEW: VIOLET ISLE

Gresham band plays with unique fervor mon’ and ‘When Pigs Fly’.”

To their credit, the band didn’t let the sound ruin the evening. The show In late August 2008, four local went on as planned. guys with bright musical talents Their biggest strengths were Gardecided to clash together as one cia’s voice and the melody of the sound. and form the band Violet Isle.

Garcia’s ability to hit every note, high, Lead guitarist Kevin Jones left low and in between, brought chills runthe band at the beginning of 2010 ning down my spine I think most of the (January) and good friend Jordan women in the audience would agree.

Clark took over.

They played two cover songs; The Since the beginning, the magical Doors classic, “People are Strange,” sound of the group has been getting with their own twist, and Talking citywide recognition. They released Heads’ “Psycho Heads.” their debut album, “I am Ivy,” in In February 2007, Garcia (then 20), Portland Aug. 8. It was well worth placed as runner-up in the Portland the wait – it blew my mind.

Songwriter’s Association for the SingerOnly a handful of bands can Songwriter of the Year for the 2006 calfit into as many categories of muendar year. sic genres as this foursome from This was my second time to catch the Gresham. Violet Isle is acoustic, band live in action. Hands down, both root, alternative and indie rock all PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VIOLET ISLE thrown into one, with a hint of folk Violet Isle band members, from left to right: Alva Valencia, Nick Gable, Sean Garcia (along with former guitarist times, my favorite songs were, “Rabbit Hole” and “I Am Ivy.” rock. It’s the perfect ‘happy-medium’ Kevin Jones).

According to the band, they have been balance, something that all can enAsh in downtown Portland. By no surprise, the strongly influenced by: Radiohead, Kings of Leon, joy.

Sean Garcia, lead singer and guitar player, has show was full of energy and young alternative hip- Death Cab for Cutie, Minus the Bear and Local Nahad a rough time trying to describe the sound of sters, but the sound tech at the Ash Street Saloon tives (just to name a few in no specific order). was having an off night. The sound had its ups and Members include Garcia, Nick Gable (drums), their music.

“Tough question,” said the 24-year-old. “Still downs, but mainly downs. Can’t blame that on the Alva Valencia (bass) and Jordan Clark (guitar). artist.

I would give the show a solid 8.5 out of 10. My have a hard time describing it myself.”

At times you could see the frustration in Gar- only issue was the sound tech’s inability to mix well.

Whatever it is, it works.

The group was born out of singer-songwriter cia’s dark brown eyes that float above his semi-thick But that’s part of the industry.

Their next Portland show is Nov. 13 at The BufGarcia’s desire to stretch the imagination of what’s brown beard. He agreed the sound was distracting over the course of their hour-long set. falo Gap, located on 6835 SW Macadam. The show musically possible.

“I felt the show went okay,” Garcia said of his starts at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, the band opened for one of PortTo follow the band, check out: http://www. land’s most talented indie bands Water & Bodies, band’s performance. “I couldn’t hear my vocals and at the Ash Street Saloon on Southwest Second and guitar very well. But overall it was pretty decent myspace.com/violetisle and I enjoyed playing the new songs, ‘Green De-

By Jon Fuccillo The Advocate

Khabarovsk All-Stars perform with MHCC jazz students

By Shelby Schwartz The Advocate

Several MHCC jazz students recently had the opportunity to play with the Khabarovsk All-Stars, musicians from the jazz department at a university in Khabarovsk, Russia.

The group of six, consisting of three faculty members and three students, visited MHCC Friday, Oct. 8.

According to Susie Jones, MHCC Jazz Band director, the group was here on an exchange sponsored by the Portland/Khabarovsk Sister City Association, specifically to learn how jazz is taught at public schools in the

United States.

Several MHCC jazz students had the chance to perform for the Russian group and a few select students had the opportunity to play with them.

Bass player Corbin Wescott, tenor saxophonist Morgan Herst and trumpet player Patrick Nearing played with the group.

After leaving MHCC, the group was scheduled to visit PSU’s jazz studies program and Davis Douglas High School, according to Jones. They also performed at a Portland jazz club, Jimmy Maks, and spent more time in Oregon visiting the coast and the Columbia River Gorge.

Photos by Devin courtright/The advocate

Top right: Saxophonist Zakharov. Bottom right Pianist Iliya Lushnikov. Bottom Left: Khabarovsk All-Stars drummer and MHCC trumpet player Patrick Nearing. Top Left: Guitarist Pima Tyan.

SPORTS 9

OCTOBER 15, 2010

"They have people ( Saints players) that can jump out of the gym and put the ball anywhere they want."

Katherine Woods, Cougars head coach

In a league of their own, undefeated at the half-way mark The Saints volleyball team continues to play on cruise control, 5-0 through the first go-around

By Jon Fuccillo The Advocate

The Saints moved a step closer toward a perfect season in the Southern Region, winning in three straight games (25-20, 25-21, 25-19) against long-time rival Clackamas Community College Cougars Friday night at home.

Not only did the Saints volleyball team (5-0) show up strong but a sea of “red, white and black” packed the student section for the first time this season. The fans came out in full force, heckling the Cougars (2-3, 14-13) on almost every possession.

“That was great,” head coach Chelsie Speer said. “I was thankful for that (turnout). It doesn’t help you win or lose but it’s nice. I come from a small town (Pendleton). That’s how it always was,” referring to the student and town support.

The Saints must be doing something right with a record of 5-0 in conference and 21-4 overall.

Both 5-foot-8 outside hitters, Kyra Speer (sophomore) and Devan Belshe (freshman), had their way with the Cougars offensively. Kyra ended the contest with 13 kills, most of which came in game one. Devan finished with 10 kills.

“It’s really fun to watch,” coach Speer said of their performances. She added that it’s been a blessing to have six players who can give opponents trouble on any given night, instead of relying on Kyra to hold the weight.

“Everyone can walk in the gym and see that she’s (Kyra) an amazing athlete,” coach Speer said. “It’s nice to have six people that can swing. Now teams have to worry about a lot of people.”

Cougars head coach Kathie Woods was also impressed with the athletic ability of the Saints.

“Mt. Hood is just so powerful offensively,” Woods said. “They have people that can jump out of the gym and put the ball anywhere they want, which

Contributed photo by Paul Kester

Saints freshman Demi Belshe jumps up in celebration Friday night in a victory against the Clackamas Community College Cougars at home. The Saints swept the match (25-20, 25-21, 25-19).

makes it really hard to defend against.”

Freshman Demi Belshe, twin sister of Devan, felt that Kyra and Devan dominated the match and turned in one of their strongest performances of the season.

“Kyra probably had the best (match) of the season so far,” Demi said. “And the team knows that Dev

is the go-to-girl to set (for kills) if we are struggling to get out of a rotation.”

Woods was left in awe with the performance of the Saints and said she hopes the competition in the South strengthens in the second half of the season.

“Right now Mt. Hood is at the top and have really dominated the first

half of league play,” the long-time coach said. “Hopefully some of the South will be able to play better to challenge them a bit more in the second half.”

Although they won in three straight games, coach Speer wasn’t completely satisfied. “They (her team) didn’t play our pace of the game; they played their (CCC’s) pace.”

“I felt we played well,” coach Speer said. “I almost thought we were too focused, that it became too much. It wasn’t our level. I thought we were doing too much thinking out there.”

The Saints have yet to drop a game in regional play. They have swept all five opponents 3-0 in the first half of the season. Coach Speer has been proud of their effort on and off the court.

“It’s definitely a goal,” she said of repeating an undefeated season. “We have the ability, obviously not a guarantee. That would be great.”

The team has written goals in the locker room that they reflect on each week, along with personal goals in a binder that coach Speer made for them. Going undefeated and winning NWAACCs was definitely on their agenda.

“If we look tunnel vision on these goals like we have so far, there is nothing our team can’t do,” Demi Belshe said. She insisted that their team still has a lot to learn, but they are headed in a positive direction.

“It really helps keep our mind focused,” she said. “Even though we have had a great season so far, we all have room for so much growth and improvement. We can’t let down.”

Kyra Speer added that the team needs to stick to the same game plan, and attack competition exactly the same way in the second half “We have been working hard, so let’s just keep at it so we can bring home a title,” she said. Her plan on prepping for the second half of the season is “stay focused on our goal and always come ready to give 100 percent and nothing less.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Match Oct. 22 SW Oregon at MHCC, 7 p.m.

The first 100 people that arrive to the game will recieve free t-shirts that say "Go Pink or Go Home" - "Battle of the Dome"

Southern Region volleyball scores Oct. 8 matches: Chemeketa def SW Oregon (23-25,25-18,25-19,25-14) Mt. Hood def Clackamas (25-20,25-21,25-19)

Oct. 9 matches: Linn-Benton def SW Oregon (25-16,25-17,25-14) Chemeketa Storm def Umpqua (25-17,25-9,25-15)

Oct. 12 matches: Clackamas def Multnomah University (25-15,25-18,25-22)

10 SPORTS

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Cross Country Schedule

Friday, Oct. 15 Mike Hodges Invite Clackamas CC Campus Oregon City

Saturday, Oct. 23 Beaver Classic Corvallis Running Project Avery Park Corvallis

Saturday, Oct. 30 Southern Region Championships Southwestern Oregon CC Coos Bay

Saturday Nov. 13 NWAACC Championships Clackamas CC Campus Oregon City

Photos by: Devin Courtright/The Advocate

Mt. Hood cross country member Markus Stevens and a Willamette University runner compete in the 8K run at the Charles Bowles Invitational Oct. 2. (Right) First-year member Gabriella Diaz competes in the 5K run.

Saints cross country teams hope for strong showing at Clackamas Tahir Chakisso, who should add more depth to the men’s side.

The runners have established a few personThe MHCC cross country team will be par- al goals on top of the ones already established ticipate in the Mike Hodges Invitational today for the team.

Personal goals for the Saints, top runner at Clackamas Community College in Oregon Donnie Coulson are to break his own personal City.

Schools such as the University of Oregon, record and the 28-minute mark in the 8K run, Oregon State, University of Portland and Uni- something he just missed during the Charles versity of Washington and other four-year col- Bowles Invitational in Salem on Oct. 2, with a leges from the Northwest will compete in the time of 28:00.64.

Although times and personal records are event. an excellent way to According to measure the sucClackamas Comcess of one’s season, munity College’s effort is the focal athletics website, point. the course is con“(Coach Maneval) sidered to be flat doesn’t like talking and have fast grass, about times. As long with only a short I’m competing, segment of the race Keith Maneval as time doesn’t matter. being on pavement assistant cross country coach They’ (the times) and gravel for the will come themmen’s race. selves,” said GabriMore than 300 runners will compete at the invitational, in- ela Diaz in a phone interview Tuesday.

As the NWAACC championship gets closer, cluding 17 from MHCC: nine women and eight the cross country team is not taking the edge men.

“We’re expecting a strong showing from off its intensity. “We might be tapering in pracboth the men and women this weekend,” said tice, but every meet is 100 percent (effort),” assistant coach Keith Maneval in an email said Coulson in a phone interview Tuesday.

The women’s race Friday begins at 3:30 Wednesday.

Included in those participating is newcomer p.m., followed by the men’s race at 4:15 p.m.

By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

i wonder ...

“We’re expecting a strong showing from both the men and women this weekend.”

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OCTOBER 15, 2010

By Chanel Hill The Advocate

Blazers are back in action, or are they?

It’s basketball season and the Portland Trail Blazers are off to a great start and . . . oh no, wait.

They’ve lost two of three preseason games they’ve played, and instead of looking forward, I’m stuck trying to figure out if what I’m witnessing is actually sports.

Lately, the Blazers organization has me flipping channels to make sure I’m watching an NBA game and not an ABC soap, where Rudy Fernandez stars as the whiny prettyboy Spanish lover wanting to go back home.

Or our last hope for extra help in the center position, rookie Jeff Pendegraph, tearing his ACL in a preseason game, sidelining him for the rest of the upcoming season. I’m tempted to ask: Is this for real?

Blazer fans have suffered their share of disappointments and I can’t help but think that somewhere in a city not so far away there’s a Blazerhater casting evil spells and poking needles into voodoo dolls made to resemble our roster.

It makes me think back to 2007 when the Blazers had the number one draft pick. They drafted thenpromising center Greg Oden out of Ohio State. Fast forward through two knee injuries, one x-rated cell phone picture and questionable work ethic and you have the “O-Damn” cloud that hovers over Blazer fans.

Oden, Joel Pryzbilla, Pendegraph . . . all out. At the core is golden boy and three-time NBA All-Star guard Brandon Roy who has watched as the organization traded away all the now-missing pieces around him.

At point guard, we’ve got Andre Miller, who has the personality of a resting stump, but after the Blazers told Jarrett Jack to hit the road and sent Steve Blake to sunny So-Cal, that’s all Roy’s got. We need a fill at shooting guard after Martell Webster the Blazers money three-shot, was traded to the Timber Wolves and fans won’t be getting the western sound effect that accompanied Travis Outlaw scoring, because he has mosied off to the Nets and a bigger paycheck.

Atop the mountain high sits Paul Allen, who fired the man who brought us Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge, General Manager Kevin Pritchard, making all this seem more and more like a bad melodrama than a professional sport.

But I’m determined to ignore the ghosts of Blazers past and move forward. I’m optimistic that the shadows of the past won’t continue to cast a reminder of failure at their feet.

If not, I can just change the channel.

SPORTS 11 Intramural basketball returns to MHCC

By Yuca Kosugi The Advocate

Basketball games in the MHCC gym last week kicked off the new intramural sports program, which according to coordinator Geoff Gibor had a good turnout.

The basketball sessions are noon to 1 p.m. on Monday’s and Wednesdays, and two of the three courts are already in use. If more people show up, the third court could open up for intramural basketball.

How to join? “Just show up,” said Gibor, who is also the men’s basketball head coach.

Most of the people who attend are MHCC students, but

Frisbee and soccer.

“We want to get a barometer – a temperature – of what the students want,” says Collins-Morgan.

Collins-Morgan and Gibor are working on hanging posters around campus so students are more aware that the program exists. Gibor urges students to provide feedback on what kind of sports students would like offered.

People can email Gibor at intramural.sports@mhcc. edu with questions or suggestions.

"We want to get a barometer - a temperature - of what the students want."

Larry Collins Morgan

Associated Student president

some staff and faculty have also joined in on the action.

Creating an intramural sports league is one of Associate Student Government Larry Collins-Morgan’s goals for this year.

“Fall is going to be like tryouts and the winter and spring are (going to be) more organized,” said CollinsMorgan.

Volleyball also started last week, but attendance was not as good as for basketball, said Gibor. Sessions are from noon to 1 p.m. in the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“I think that once the word gets out, volleyball will have a better turnout,” Gibor said.

Both Gibor and Collins-Morgan want to offer other sports as well, such as flag football, softball, ultimate

Photo byYuca Kosugi/the advocate

Intramural basketball draws MHCC students and staff members to the court.

Sports Saturday

Off campus and around town sports action Upcoming events for Saturday College football

Sports staff Saturday predictions

Time

(12) Arkansas at (7) Auburn

12:30 p.m.

Texas at (5) Nebraska

12:30 p.m.

BYU at (4) TCU

1 p.m.

(10) South Carolina at Kentucky

3 p.m.

(1) Ohio State at (18) Wisconsin

4 p.m.

Iowa State at (6) Oklahoma

Jon Fuccillo

Chanel Hill

4 p.m.

College football picks

5 p.m.

Mississippi at (8) Alabama

6:10 p.m.

(24) Oregon State at Washington

7:15 p.m.

Montana at Portland State

5:05 p.m.

Arkansas Nebraska TCU South Carolina Ohio State Oklahoma Boise State Alabama Washington Montana

College football picks

(3) Boise State at San Jose State

MLB playoffs

Time

NY Yankees at Texas (Game 2)

1:07 p.m.

San Francisco at Philadelphia

4:57 p.m.

NBA preseason

Time

Golden State at Portland

7 p.m.

Denver at LA Lakers

7:30 p.m.

MLB playoff picks NY Yankees San Francisco

NBA preseason picks Portland Denver

Auburn Nebraska TCU South Carolina Ohio State Oklahoma Boise State Alabama Washington Portland State

MLB playoff picks NY Yankees Philadelphia

NBA preseason Portland LA Lakers

Deadlines for winter scholarships approach

12 THE FLIPSIDE Jill-Marie Gavin The Advocate MHCC winter term scholarship applications are now available online.

Application deadline for submission is Nov. 3.

Students are asked to turn in the entire application to financial aid, even if they are only applying for one scholarship.

Students may review various scholarships at www.mhcc.edu/scholarship, where links are provided to different scholarships available. Some of the scholarships are available through the generic application provided by MHCC and some are available through different websites and may have alternate deadlines.

The deadline for the MHCC Foundation’s High School Scholarship has already passed for this term, but will be available during next term.

There are scholarships available according to programs, such as the GED program, or those seeking help with child care costs.

The “General Academic Scholarships” link provides a list of scholarships available to all students including students not enrolled in a specific program of study at MHCC. The direct link for the generic MHCC scholarship application is www.mhcc.edu/scholarship.

There is a link provided for the Oregon State Assistance Commission scholarship, where you can read the specifications for eligibility. The application for this scholarship is not provided by MHCC but is free and available at www.GetCollegeFunds.org.

Those with questions are advised to contact Marilyn Newman in Financial Aid at marilyn. newman@mhcc.edu.

GED testing, Maywood Park Campus

THE ADVOCATE

OCTOBER 15, 2010

Bringing costs 'closer to the average' subject of discussion of negotiations Jordan Tichenor The Advocate The health and benefits package of the full-time faculty contract (Article 19) was the main discussion point during contract negotiations Monday.

The administration presented data that compared health and benefits plans of community college faculty around the country. Randy Stedman, the labor relations consultant hired by the board to bargain the contract for the administration, said the administration’s goal is to bring the health and benefits costs “closer to the average.”

Stedman said MHCC fac-

ulty members contribute significantly less to the health and benefits costs than the average community college faculty member.

Sara Williams, a math instructor and the faculty’s chief negotiator, noted that the administrations proposal would increase faculty contribution to health and benefits three to five times.

“It is a big increase, but you’re starting from a low base,” said Stedman.

The faculty also expressed concerns about the administration’s proposal to Article 18, which outlines the grievance procedure. During contract negotiations on Sept 30, the administration presented

a proposal that entailed eliminating separate processes for filing informal and formal grievances, and having one process for both.

“You have created an entirely new process which requires a huge learning curve and we see it as an attack.

It is disheartening that you would make such a radical change,” said Williams.

Article 22 (early retirement and fringe benefits for retirees) and Article 12 (extra teach and summer teach) were also discussed Monday.

The next round of negotiations will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the district board room.

OSU Degrees

Online

GED testing will be offered beginning Oct. 20 at MHCC’s Maywood Park Campus.

Testing will be available every Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. The testing fee is $95, paid in the Maywood Business Of�ice.

First-time testers must schedule an appointment ahead of time. Testers must attend a session to �ill out the GED test paperwork. These sessions are approximately 45 minutes. They must come 10 minutes early and bring the test fee receipt and photo ID.

Writing and math tests are offered on alternate weeks at 12:30 p.m. Social Studies, science and reading are the available tests after 3 p.m.

The Maywood Park Campus is located 10200 NE Prescott, Portland. To make an appointment, call 503-491-7678 or email maywood.testing@mhcc. edu.

www.advocate-online.com

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