Cementing a Dynasty
With a suffocating defense, Rams capture sixth state championship
By Lloyd Cobb Jr. lcobb1@mail.ccsf.edu
When the final buzzer echoed through Mt. San Antonio's gym on March 16, the celebration was less an explosion and more an exhale. For the City College Rams, their 75–58 victory over Fullerton College in the 2025 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship game wasn't just another win. It was validation, vengeance and victory—the sixth time over.
“I wouldn't say relief, but it was a deep breath,” head coach Justin Labagh said. “This one was a two-year project. It took everything these guys had.”
After heartbreaking losses to Fullerton in the 2019 and 2023 playoffs, City College entered the 2024–25 season with unfinished business. And they didn't just finish it—they wrote the ending in bold.
The Rams opened the championship game with suffocating defense, their signature full-court press forcing Fullerton into rushed shots and costly mistakes. By halftime, San Francisco had built a 32–23 lead, their defense holding Fullerton to just 34% shooting in the first half.
“After the first five minutes, I knew they weren't ready for our pressure,” Labagh said. “We forced them to play faster than they wanted, and once they were on their heels, we stayed there.”
City College never let up. In the second half, the Rams poured in 43 points, pulling away behind the steady hands of sophomore guard Miles Amos, who finished with 20
points on 5-for-11 shooting, including 3-for-5 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Remarkable Redemption
It was fitting that Amos delivered the knockout blow. After battling through two ACL tears and years of grueling rehab, his return to the floor was a victory in itself. That he would become the team's offensive engine on the biggest stage was nothing short of remarkable.
“Everything he's been through—two ACL surgeries—and then he comes back and leads us to a championship?” Labagh said. “He is the biggest success story, I don't know, maybe we've ever seen.”
Amos not only returned from back-toback ACL injuries but was named league MVP in consecutive seasons—a feat never accomplished before in program history.
“I was out two years,” Amos said. “To come back and win this with these guys... it means everything.”
He added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, doing a little bit of everything for a Rams squad that outworked, outhustled, and outlasted Fullerton in every phase of the game.
While Amos carried the scoring load, City College's depth and defensive intensity wore Fullerton down. Rickey Mitchell Jr. contributed 14 points, knocking down 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Forward John Squire added 13 points and 6 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends. King-Njhsanni Wilhite chipped in 7 points, including a clutch three that opened up the game in the second half.
La Doña Mural
Men's Baseball
Aztec New Year
The victory against Fullerton capped a 32–1 season for the Rams—their second 32-win season in the last three years. Walnut, Calif. March 16, 2025. Photo courtesy of Eric Sun.
The victory against Fullerton capped a 32–1 season for the Rams—their second 32-win season in the last three years. Walnut, Calif. March 16, 2025. Photo courtesy of Eric Sun.
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Climate Action 2025: “It's Up to Us”
By Kyra Young kyrajyoung@gmail.com
“Drill, Baby Drill!” The fossil fuel industry applauded President Trump's barrage of climate and energy executive actions, which redirected funding away from former President Biden's climate agenda.
From withdrawing from the Paris Agreement to halting any new wind energy projects, local entities are left to carry the weight of the world's climate on their own.
Trustee Alan Wong proposed a new climate action plan, which, adopted in 2024, continues to guide the college's steps toward a more sustainable future.
The policy sets up the goalposts for City College to address its current status on various sustainability and environmental measurements by 2026 while establishing incremental benchmarks for improvement over the next decade. The policy updates City College's sustainability plan for the first time since 2009.
As outlined in the resolution, the college has committed itself to an ambitious path of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste, increasing water conservation, acquiring green building certifications, decreasing overall energy usage, serving sustainable food on campus, and adopting a zero-emission vehicle fleet.
“It's up to us to act locally, and
City College is one of the largest property owners in San Francisco,” expressed Wong. “So we need to do our part with all our facilities to reduce our carbon footprints.”
Currently, the college already receives 100% greenhouse gas-free electricity from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission through the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water and Power System.
Commitment In Practice
In 2019, the California Community College Board of Governors adopted a Climate Change and Sustainability Policy, urging trustees across the state to adopt local climate action plans.
In January, the CCC's Board of Governors released an updated 2025 Climate Action and Sustainability Goals. This builds on the Board's 2021 framework, which set ambitious energy reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions for the state's 73 community college districts.
City College's own policy touches on the same priorities as the CCC's Climate Action goals.
“We spent over three calendar years just getting feedback from administration, talking to environmental groups, and a lot of extensive outreach and communication— especially for me as a layperson,” said Wong. “With such detailed policies,
I had to do a lot of research and develop my own understanding.”
A year later, the college is still in the preliminary stages of implementing the policy, collecting and assembling data to develop baselines by 2026.
“We're not gonna have a report for several months as we're trying to get all the data together,” said Alberto Vasquez, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Facilities and Capital Planning. The college has partnered with Cumming Group, a project management and consulting group, for the data analysis and reports. The resolution also called for the designation of a Sustainability Officer by June 2024. Vasquez nominated Kwok Hong “Tom” Lam as the District Sustainability
Coordinator, who currently leads the data collection process.
“We're looking at data that goes back to 2022—one year is too short to give a good average, but two to three is a range that gives us enough of an idea,” said Lam.
Working in conjunction with Vasquez, Cumming Group and the Buildings and Grounds team, data is being analyzed from 2022 to December of 2024.
The study spans all campus buildings across the city, with each center having its own meter—electrical, gas and water.
“One of the challenges with the analysis we have on Ocean campus is that all the utilities come from
David Yee's Journey from Student to Vice Chancellor
By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu
On Feb. 27, 2025, Interim Chancellor Mitchell Bailey announced that David Yee had been appointed the permanent Vice Chancellor for Academic and Institutional Affairs. In his announcement, Bailey stated: “Mr. Yee is a City College success story. Beginning as a physics student and later returning as a faculty member, department chair, Academic Senate president, and, for the last decade, as dean of our Evans Center and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics before assuming the role of interim Vice Chancellor, Mr. Yee has a four-decade relationship with City College.”
Following the Chancellor’s vision, The Guardsman has explored the remarkable journey of Vice Chancellor David Yee.
A Champion of Students
engineering. David excelled in his studies. His political science instructors even asked if he would be interested in tutoring the subject. Surprised but eager, he agreed. After the interview, he got the position, his very first job. “I have my first job!” he recalled with excitement.
During the 1980s and 90s, community colleges saw an increase in both domestic and international students. At City College, many students came from Asia, the Middle East, and Arabic-speaking regions. They frequently sought help at the Learning Assistance Center, where David tutored them.
Throughout nearly two years of tutoring, Yee grew alongside his students, he learned about diverse cultures, developed communication skills, and, most importantly, discovered a passion for teaching. “I found tutoring fun and engaging. When I reviewed students' papers, I saw it as an art like dancing, where letters were notes and words formed rhythms. That's when I realized I enjoyed teaching.”
This realization reshaped his career aspirations as teaching gradually replaced engineering as his primary focus. He decided to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in physics to return to City College as a teacher. This decision extended his studies at City College by an additional year.
David Yee's tutoring experience exemplifies how education should be subtle, enjoyable, and deeply embedded in students' hearts. It gradually nurtures their interests, leading him to change careers and ultimately succeed as a professional teacher. A famous Chinese poem by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu encapsulates Yee's transformation: “It (a good rain) falls softly with the wind, moistening everything in silence.” Like the quiet yet transformative spring rain, Yee's experience at City College nurtured his journey into education.
From Student to Faculty
In 1985, UC Berkeley rejected Yee's application, so he instead transferred to San Francisco State University to major in physics. To return to teach at City College he would need a master's degree, so he continued his graduate studies.
During his second year of graduate school, he learned about a temporary job position at City College. Some doubted his chances, saying, “You don't have a master's degree and teaching experience. You should give up.” But he was determined, having always had the college in his sights. He applied, was hired, and balanced teaching while completing his master's.
In his first year of teaching, Yee taught General Physics in a large lecture hall with over 100 students. Over time, he expanded his expertise, teaching physics courses to scientists and engineers. He loved teaching. In 1994, during his third year, he secured a permanent faculty position. By
CLIMATE 2025 continued on page 3
David Yee was born and raised in San Francisco by a Chinese immigrant family. In 1982, he became the first in his family to attend college. His initial academic plan was to take general courses at City College and then transfer to UC Berkeley to major in engineering science, leading to a career in
DAVID YEE continued on page 3
The Harry Britt Building was constructed in 2012 and received a LEED Gold certification. The building was designed to be "ultra-efficient" in its architecture and mechanical systems. (Photo by Janeth R. Sanchez and edit by John Adkins/The Guardsman)
Interim Vice Chancellor David Yee addresses a room of students during a meeting in the Student Union building on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Elias Gutierrez/The Guardsman)
CEMENTING A DYNASTY
continued from page 1
Wilhite's growth throughout the season stood out to Labagh.
“King had to make some changes for someone else to come in and invest in him,” Labagh said. “Sometimes there are trust issues with guys not being held accountable by their former coaches. King grew up and kept up with the standard every step of the way.”
Dominic Williams scored 8 points off the bench in 16 minutes, giving the Rams a spark when they needed it. In all, 13 Rams saw the floor, and 10 scored, epitomizing the team-first mentality Labagh has preached for two decades.
City College held Fullerton to just 58 points, well below their season average. The Rams forced 11 turnovers and grabbed 38 rebounds to Fullerton's 27. Their relentless press kept Fullerton out of rhythm, and their half-court defense denied easy looks.
“We wanted to be professional,” Labagh said during a timeout as his team built a 20-point lead. “Don't screw around and let it go back to 10.”
That discipline, combined with the relentless pace and pressure, has become the hallmark of Labagh's program. This was City College's sixth state championship under Labagh—more than any other coach in CCCAA history, surpassing the legendary Jerry Tarkanian.
A Legacy
Labagh now stands alone with six titles, passing Tarkanian's five. And yet, he's not ready to talk legacy.
“Jerry Tarkanian did it in probably six years,” Labagh said. “It took me 21. That guy was an amazing coach and went on to win a national championship at Division I.”
Consistency is an understatement for the Rams program. Since taking over in 2004,
CLIMATE 2025
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Science Hall. It's not broken out per building,” explained Vasquez. “The newer buildings across the street on Frida Kahlo are easier to get the data as those are per building. So there'll be a lot of extrapolating, confirming, and double-checking. It's not gonna be an exact science, but we'll be able to make it work and take the next steps.” Lam said these early data collections have reflected the efficiency of the newer buildings versus their older counterparts on campus. “The data for the older buildings looks much different to me than what we were finding for the new buildings like STEAM, which were built with updated code requirements and technology.”
Certified Green
The resolution also calls for campus buildings to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, and WELL standards.
“I believe we're on track for a LEED gold for the STEAM building and Student Success Building,” Interim Chancellor Mitch Bailey said during the Board of Trustees meeting in December. “The minimum target is LEED silver. But the analysis won't happen until the building is closer to completion. Then they can do all the point scoring and confirm with the U.S. Green to get a complete score.”
The U.S. Green Building Council first introduced LEED certification in 1998. LEED is a green building rating system with four different ratings, from lowest to highest: certification, silver, gold and platinum.
A LEED certification provides a
Rams guard Jalen Glenn maintains possession despite the defensive efforts of Fullerton. Walnut, Calif. March 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of Eric Sun.
Labagh's teams have reached the Elite Eight an astounding 14 times and the Final Four 11 times, including five appearances in the championship game.
“We've had some great teams,” Labagh said. “But this group—what they did over two years—it's special.”
As the team cut down the nets in Lemoore, the next generation of Rams was already on Labagh's mind.
“We've never gone back-to-back,” he said. “That would be something that would be fun.”
With over 60 players transferring to NCAA Division I programs under Labagh's watch, the pipeline remains strong. Players like Amos and Mitchell could be next in line for scholarships at the next level.
But even as they move on, they leave behind a legacy etched in banners, championships, and belief.
But Labagh isn't finished yet. “We're recruiting tomorrow,” he said, with a grin. “That's how we do it.”
framework for “healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings that offer environmental, social and governance benefits.”
The WELL Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute, is a holistic, performance-based system that measures how different features of the built environment impact human health and well-being.
"I believe we're on track for a LEED gold"
Currently, the Harry Britt Building, STEAM and Chinatown Center have each received LEED Gold Certifications. Vasquez explained that these newer buildings have met WELL criteria, and the college will understand the WELL assessment value for its existing buildings.
For now, the team of Lam, Vasquez and the environmental consultants will continue collecting data to establish baselines by 2026 for greenhouse gas emissions, Energy Use Intensity, water usage and transportation. From these baselines, the team will develop strategies for the college to reach new benchmarks by 2031 and eventually 2036.
“At an elementary level, it's all feasible, it just comes down to the return on investment,” Vasquez said. “There are two extremes: one is making it happen and, in a sense, almost tearing down a building for a new one, or do you make do with adjusting the best you can within the building footprint you have? Until the data is out, it's hard to say what we can and cannot achieve.”
DAVID YEE
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his fourth year, at just 30 years old, he was appointed department chair, marking the beginning of his leadership journey.
Trusted Academic Leader
Throughout his 30s, David Yee held multiple leadership roles, including serving on the Faculty Academic Senate and Executive Council. His most significant impact came from his two decades as Dean of the Evans Center. No matter where or when people talk about him, they all give him their respect and approval.
“David is amazing,” praised physics instructor Dr. Roger King. “He has deep institutional knowledge of City College and truly cares about the college community. As department chair and dean, he was a great problem solver. If he didn't know the solution to a problem, he knew exactly who to contact. He's the perfect choice for Vice Chancellor.”
Garth A. Kwiecien, Senior Director of Administrative Services, recalled that several years ago, he and Yee worked together on the community's charge piles project. “He loves meeting new people, and he does things very effectively. He is great, and I like him. I know his team members, and it's a great team.” He also knows Yee's fondness for soda.
Dr. Edith A. L. Kaeuper, Dean of the School of Health and Public Safety at John Adams Center, echoed these sentiments: “I've known him for 25 years. He's amazing and does a great job. I'm very happy he's my boss. He doesn't talk much about his achievements, but he's highly accomplished.” Kaeuper explained that back when Yee taught physics and
David Yee has worked his way up through the ranks at City College. From student, to professor, to dean and finally Vice Chancellor. (Qi Mai/The Guardsman)
was chair of the Academic Senate, she worked with him to change the minimum qualifications for hiring faculty in new areas of biotechnology. That change became a statewide standard in California. This year marks Yee's 35th anniversary at City College. A person leaves their reputation wherever they stay, just as a goose leaves its voice wherever it flies. David Yee has left a lasting legacy at City College, earning deep respect across the institution.
The Road Ahead
David Yee is the first male Chinese Vice Chancellor in City College's history. He is deeply familiar with academic operations, regulations and policies. Beyond daily management, his team is working to improve operational efficiency, maximize resources and address critical challenges like staff shortages and underutilized buildings.
One proposed solution involves consolidating some classes into fewer
buildings rather than spreading them across different locations. This would allow the college to allocate resources more effectively while ensuring a manageable workload for staff.
Regarding the complexities of current government policies, he emphasizes that academic operations must also prioritize student support. City College offers numerous resources for students, and his team works to ensure the institution secures sufficient funding and grants to sustain these programs.
He strongly encourages students to apply for available support services. In particular, he urges international and undocumented students to seek assistance from the City DREAM office when needed. Yee also highlights that when international students face academic challenges, City College may introduce additional classes to support them. His team remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Looking ahead, David Yee and his team are focused on sustainable enrollment growth across Chinatown (North Beach), Downtown, Evans, John Adams, Mission and Ocean campuses, as well as CityOnline.
Following Interim Chancellor Bailey's personal appointment of Yee, he spoke to the qualities that made him the right candidate for the job. “He's a trusted, respected academic leader. He knows this college inside and out and has the institutional knowledge that we need right now. He has a manner, personality and approach that engage people and try to reach consensus and collaboration. So he is really going to serve the Academic and Institutional Affairs Division well.”
Rams guard Miles Amos maintains possession while holding off Fullerton. Walnut, Calif. March 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of Eric Sun.
La Doña Mural in the Mission Exemplifies Resilience of Latinx Community
By Ana Woods anagwoods@gmail.com
Alarger-than-life mural of native San Franciscan musician La Doña proudly displays the word “RESILIENT” on Casa Guadalupe supermarket at 26th and Mission. The mural has been a part of the Mission since June 2021. Local artists Agana, Vogue and Robz were asked to create the mural for a collaborative campaign with the SF Giants.
For the mural, Agana, Vogue and Robz had to wait to find the right wall and the right circumstances. However, after finding out the wood on the side of Casa Guadalupe was weak, Agana said, “I basically repainted the whole mural twice. It was worth it because I knew how much it meant to the folks who lived there. Through creating the mural, I was able to connect the dots and cross-pollinate music, sports and Bay Area love.”
Agana is also from the San Francisco Bay Area, and her art includes contemporary street art and large-scale muralism. She uses
City College Iftar Celebrates Community and Honors Leaders
By Finbar LaBelle finbarlabelle@bennington.edu
For the past two years, City College has hosted an Iftar celebration, honoring the Muslim student body and inviting anyone interested in participating in or learning more about Ramadan. From 6–9 p.m., people from all different religions, creeds and races filled a conference room at the front of the College's new STEAM building, bringing their children and loved ones together for a night of awards, ceremony and delicious food. For those unfamiliar, Ramadan is a holy month of fasting within the Islamic calendar wherein Muslims neither eat nor drink from sunrise to sunset. Two meals take place before dawn and after dusk. The first is called Suhoor, usually done before the dawn prayer, and then Iftar, which breaks the fast after the sun has fully set. The practice is a testament to Muslim faith and religiosity and is practiced to bring about a closeness to God.
However, this year, City College's celebration was handled slightly differently. The event was overseen by the new Islamic Student Society Club, headed by President Heba Alsulaihi and Vice President Saeed Javed. The Iftar was also made possible thanks to Sagan Chowdhury, the society's events coordinator.
The Guardsman met with Maha and Faiza Nasher, the aunt and niece duo heading the ISOC's social media, to discuss what the Iftar celebration meant to them.
her platform to speak out on issues such as racial injustice and women's empowerment. Agana became more widely recognized for her work on the “RESILIENT” mural but said, “I've painted a million murals for free.” Agana's cultural work through intentional and intricate artistry can be admired throughout the Bay Area.
When asked about the connection between art and activism, lead artist Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza said, “Art is a way for the community to engage. Walls and borders are built to separate us. If we put our stories on them, it brings us together and creates unity. It's a big responsibility and I don't take it lightly.”
Cecilia Cassandra “La Doña” Peña-Govea grew up in a musical family playing trumpet for her parents' conjunto. In “To My Sister Before Fame” from her most recent album “Los Altos de Soledad,” her sister René performs a spokenword poem about fame and family.
La Doña embraces the ties with others and the support we can provide to those around us during troubling times.
La Doña's music embraces many different Latin American
rhythms heard around the streets of the Mission, such as reggaeton, cumbia, salsa and norteña. La Doña represents her community through music and doesn't compromise her activism or values for palatability.
She expresses this in her 2023 song “Can't Eat Clout”:
Ya I might sound good
But you can't eat clout
Me dicen que no puedo (they say I can't)
Sin elles no puedo (without them I can't)
Pero esto es mi juego (but this is my game)
Siempre gano en mi juego (I always with my game)
La Doña takes power in her music to embrace who she is and where she comes from. She rejects notions of having to conform to those who don't agree with her message or values.
She described the San Francisco music scene as “such a tight-knit, close community. A lot of us are making art around a shared reality of resistance to gentrification, of cultural integrity, and cultural art. Community has been built around
migration, this exodus from other places. By home-making within San Francisco and the larger Bay, we share a lot of the same messages, which makes it very worthwhile, exciting, and comfortable.”
When asked how she felt after seeing the mural completed, La Doña said, “We did a beautiful unveiling with my family. They came out and played music, and we had just a really beautiful moment to celebrate their artwork. Murals' act of occupying public space is so unique to me. It's combating whitewashing, putting color on the walls and painting our stories, but also maintaining a presence.”
La Doña and her mural remind us now more than ever of the importance of staying true to our values. Amidst recent political attacks on vulnerable communities, La Doña's intersectional activism shows the resilience of San Francisco, the Mission and the Latinx community. Artists like Agana and La Doña aim to inspire younger generations to reimagine their monuments and idols to create a world that reflects their lived experiences.
The "La Doña de San Francisco" mural was painted by Vanessa "Agana" Solari Espinoza in 2021. It's located at Mission and 26th Streets on the side of Casa Guadalupe in the Mission District. Photo courtsey of Cecilia Cassandra "La Doña" Peña-Govea.
San Francisco artist La Doña in front of the "RESILIENT" mural by Agana on the side of La Casa Guadalupe Supermarket on 26th and Mission. Photo courtsey of Cecilia Cassandra "La Doña" Peña-Govea.
Alma Soto gives a guest speech at 3rd Annual Iftar Event. Photo courtesy of Kevin Kelleher and Emily Trinh. CITY COLLEGE IFTAR continued on page 5
CITY COLLEGE IFTAR
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Faiza spoke passionately when saying, “We used social media specifically to get the word out there so it wouldn't just be about Muslims. We want people to experience what we do for Ramadan. Muslims are not viewed as good human beings in America, and we want to show everyone we can who Muslims actually are.”
The room quickly filled up before the night began. A separate space for prayer was lined with white prayer rugs, commonly referred to as Sajadah. All faced toward Mecca for Maghrib, one of five daily prayers. Maghrib takes place after sunset and literally translates to “the place where the sun sets.”
As an evening of religious observance, attendees were pleased to see the event unexpectedly blossom into a dual celebration. Alongside spiritual reflection, trustees, city officials, and current and former students were recognized with awards and certificates while people prepared to break their fast.
Chancellor Bailey began the night with reaffirming words, “Our Iftar event gets bigger and better every year. It is so amazing to see everyone in the community at a time when we need it so much.”
The speech was followed by other important figures in the community being awarded. Guest speaker Alma Soto, after greeting the crowd with Salam Alaikum, shared her story of finding Islam, all while attending City College:
“I am forever thankful for CCSF. I was born into a Catholic Mexican American family. I was not exposed to diverse communities until I came to City College. The first person I met was a Palestinian American. One day, she took me to the bathroom, removed her hijab, and told me about being Muslim. It was also through humanities courses here that I learned more about my religion. It opened up my eyes to engaging with life more. It was here, in the quad, that I heard the Quran for the first time. And it penetrated something in my soul. And I knew it was a calling.”
Soon after, Soto converted to begin her life as a Muslim.
Awards continued to be given out, including one for student trustee Heather Brandt and a certificate of recognition for the ISOC, all before the sun had finally set. Anyone could tell that those participating in Ramadan were ready to eat.
There was deliberation on what minute exactly the fast was to be broken, but believers and nonbelievers alike decided to wait until 7:27 to take their first bite.
Soon after the evening prayer, the room lit up with laughter, lively conversation, and lots of food.
Although the fast is typically broken with dates and water as in the tradition of the Prophet Mohammad, that night, there was an array of delicious traditional foods and desserts.
The evening's success was marked by a sense of community transcending religion while still beautifully illustrating the unifying nature of Islam.
Equity Talks Challenge Myths of Self-Reliance
By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu
Lasana O. Hotep delivered a powerful presentation titled “Dismantling the Myth of Rugged Individualism: Challenging Stigmas of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.” The presentation, which took place on March 12, was the second part of the Equity Talks Speaker Series.
Hotep is “an educator and entrepreneur committed to developing strategic and practical solutions to address systematic inequities in educational, corporate and community organizations.”
In his presentation, he critiqued the myth of rugged individualism: the idea of self-reliance, pulling oneself up by the bootstraps and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. While these stories often highlight personal resilience, Hotep emphasized that they also contribute to stigmas surrounding efforts to address historical inequalities. These stigmas, he explained, are designed to evoke feelings of shame, hopelessness and isolation, ultimately reinforcing the status quo and maintaining institutional power.
Hotep centered his discussion on the persistence of racism and discrimination despite legislative milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He stressed the ongoing need for affirmative action and EEO measures to combat structural racism. He examines cases
of children's prejudice in income, housing appraisal bias, the “name game” in employment and disparities in education.
A striking moment in his talk came when Hotep used a pop culture analogy to highlight America's selective memory regarding racism. Referring to the movie “50 First Dates,” he compared the heroine's short-term memory loss to America's tendency to repeatedly forget its history of racial injustice.
“Every time they go out, it's like the first time because she has short-term memory loss or a sense of amnesia,” he said. “That's kind of how America is when it comes to racism. We keep going on this date again and again.”
During the Q&A session, one student asked Hotep what inspired him to pursue his work. Hotep shared his roots, growing up in Los Angeles in a loving family with financial stability but always wondering why the African American experience portrayed on television looked so different. He explained that these disparities weren't just about individuals or families—they were about the structure of society. This realization drove him to become a professor, helping others understand systemic inequality.
“Don't make the Black experience as a Black person. Hope fostering relationships destroys some racism.” He called for a more effective approach to addressing racial inequities and breaking down systemic barriers.
This discussion marks the second part of the Equity Talks Speaker Series, organized by the Office of Student Equity and the Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee. In Part One, Hotep's topic, “Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Institutionalizing Belonging at the College,” set the stage for these important discussions. The series will conclude with the third presentation, “Culture Eats PD for Breakfast: Culture Change vs. Risk Management,” scheduled for April 16 at 10 a.m. in Harry Britt 140.
Celebrating 90 Years of City College with an Aerial Photo
By The Guardsman Staff
In recognition of the college's 90th anniversary, community members gathered on Tuesday, March 18, for a unique photo opportunity, forming the numbers nine and zero in the George M. Rush Stadium.
Despite the underwhelming turnout that forced relatively small numbers into the lower portion of the field, everyone from football players to top administrators showed their vibrant love of their college as they waved to the drone overhead.
The drone spun through various camera angles while the pilot and DJ orchestrated their gear beside the press box. Songs like “Y.M.C.A.” by The Village People blared over the loudspeakers.
After Interim Chancellor Bailey said a few words and the drone photographer was satisfied, participants scattered and swarmed the table for cookies and the red and white stickers that read “City @ 90.” The stickers were designed by City College's graphic design group, Emerge Studio.
“Whether it be at our 90th anniversary or 100th anniversary, our job is to make sure that we are as connected as we can be with our community, providing equitable educational opportunities for all members,” Bailey told The Guardsman upon reflection of the anniversary.
Celebrations for the college's 90th anniversary will continue throughout the spring semester of 2026, considering that the first academic year ran until the spring of '36.
Lasana O. Hotep engaged with students during the Q&A session after his presentation. March 12, 2025 (Qi Mai/ The Guardsman)
Classified faculty members and students gathered at the George M. Rush Stadium to celebrate 90 years of City College. March 18, 2025 (Kyra Young/The Guardsman)
Mexika New Year Unfolds Beneath World's Largest Tonalmachiotl
By Kyra Young kyrajyoung@gmail.com
Over 100 community members came together at City College's Mission Center on Tuesday, March 11, and into the early hours of Wednesday, March 12, for the 18th annual Mexika New Year celebration.
Abiding by the Tonalmachiotl, the Aztec calendar, the new year begins six hours later than the previous year. At the stroke of midnight, March 12, or 12 Tekpatl, the Azteca Mexika community rang in this new year.
The gathering began at 6 p.m. and stretched into the wee hours of the morning until 1:30 a.m. Visitors could pass through the community dinner and grab fresh fruit, robust coffee, sweet conchas from La Reyna Bakery and other savory sides. A handful of local artists and vendors
were present to showcase their handcrafted jewelry, apparel, art and other cultural goods, reflecting the craftsmanship of the heritage.
The dinner closed with an educational session about the use, symbolism and significance of the Tonalmachiotl led by Elder Mazatzin Aztecayollazalli Acosta, who spent two decades studying the calendar.
“The Tonalmachiotl represents the pre-American calendar system here,” Mazatzin said. “It took thousands of years, by thousands of people across thousands of miles to put this together. It was a culmination—a continental patrimony. It doesn't belong to any one particular group.”
An Assessor of the Ancient Culture of the Anauak, a Master of Ceremonies and an Ambassador of the Federation of Indigenous Nations of America, Mazatzin began
the traditional celebration at City College with his sons.
“He's a guide in many spaces, the head of the table, the safe keeper of the knowledge and the final say,” said Student Chancellor Malinalli Villalobos of Mazatzin.
“Our elders are the ones that guide us with knowledge, and it's our responsibility to keep learning and share it as we grow.”
The celebration then took to Valencia Street between 22nd and 23rd Streets, where an intricate display of flowers, candles, shells and smoking sage could be found reflecting the Tonalmachiotl sitting on the entryway of Mission Center. The college's commissioned piece is said to be the largest sacred Aztec calendar in the world.
Beneath a night sky and a protective circle of flowers, the traditional dancers took to their places, welcomed into the circle by an intentional saging. As the clock struck twelve, members looked to the stars and each other in appreciation
and excitement, glowing with the radiance of the burning candles beneath them.
“Part of the work they're doing is important because they represent the culture, and most of the people recognize them as the representation of the culture,” said Mazatzin of the dancers.
“A ceremony is good, but we must continue the study,” Mazatzin continued. “I made a proposal for a curriculum to be put together, since the calendar is outside on the front of the building. I'm hoping there could be a class put together for calendar study, what it's about and how to use it.”
The hand-engraved and painted Tonalmachiotl sits on the Valencia Street entryway to Mission Campus. The stone Aztec calendar consists of 660 tiles and stands at 27 feet tall, said to be the largest in the world. March 15, 2025 (Kyra Young/The Guardsman)
Valencia Street was closed off between 22nd and 23rd Streets for the New Year Ceremony. Members lit candles and sage and adorned the street with colorful flowers and shells. March 11, 2025 (Kyra Young/The Guardsman)
Genado Martinez of Oakland inserts feathers by hand into his traditional headdress for the New Year Ceremony. March 11, 2025 (Kyra Young/The Guardsman)
Gio Vasquez, left, and Xico Garza tie their ayoyotez around their ankles before heading out for the ceremonial dance. Ayoyotez are ankle rattles decorated with the hard shells of the ayoyote tree. March 11, 2025 (Kyra Young/The Guardsman)
Letter to the Editor
Lack of Accountability Within SF's Skate Community
Before anyone gets upset, I'm not calling anyone out or looking to start “gossip.” I'm recounting personal anecdotes from my lived experiences, not sharing stories that aren't mine. If you feel some of what's described can be applied to your actions, try to evaluate that!
To be clear, I think skateboarding is a cool sport. I love that it's easily accessible to kids of all socioeconomic statuses and is now recognized by the Olympics. I don't have anything against people who enjoy skating. What I don't care for is the tendency to tolerate and partake in misogynistic behavior.
From what I observed from spending time around skaters, there's a prevalent willingness to overlook sexual abuse within their community. Or at least a hesitancy to believe victims who came forward. They can't seem to accept the fact that people they willingly associate with could be capable of such abuse.
I had never knowingly met a rapist until I hung out around skaters. This particular rapist wasn't held accountable for years until people
decided to believe his victim. She endured endless harassment for the “allegations” presented against him. I don't even know if she ever got an apology. When the reality of the situation was found out, it became an open secret whispered about before the predator was eventually cut off.
... the depravity of some of it is hard to look past; these actions are irredeemable.
The skate community acts as a fraternity. I have nothing against the friendships and community created through shared interests among boys and young men. However, it's primarily boys raising boys who grow up to be manchildren; thus creating a lack of accountability. It can be said that these things happened years ago while everyone was in high school, but the depravity of some of it is hard to look past; these actions are irredeemable.
I remember multiple friends dealing with private Instagram accounts leaking intimate photos they sent, essentially distributing child pornography. First, these guys would send these photos to group chats with their friends for some kind of gratification. It would go on to be shared with a wider audience consisting of the accounts following. Aside from this, a friend dealt
with her ex sharing revenge porn, photos she wasn't aware existed, after she broke up with him to try to punish her.
What's difficult is that no one pressed charges or possessed the bandwidth to hire lawyers and go through the legal process. No one wants to revisit their sexual trauma, they want to leave it behind and live their life. It's up to you who you
From “Revitalizing” Downtown to Immense Muni Cuts
By Emily Thorsen ethorsen@mail.ccsf.edu
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency recently announced that residents should anticipate Muni cuts in the coming summer months due to a $50 million budget shortfall. These cuts to our city's public transportation system will affect residents of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The $50 million budget deficit is causing Muni to cut corners, such as increasing wait times, removing transit stops or removing transit lines altogether.
The SFMTA introduced this rude awakening to residents through three approaches which they developed into a singular plan of action after receiving feedback from community members. The chosen route seeks to keep equity lines intact while reducing or removing services in sporadic intervals. In summer 2025, Muni service will be cut by 2%, saving around $7 million in revenue. The agency plans to compensate for the remaining deficit by improving fare compliance and optimizing existing parking programs. These cuts will cause the K Ingleside and M Oceanview lines to run one-car trains on weekends due to reduced ridership compared to weekdays. The 30X Marina Express will continue running in the mornings, but the afternoon and evening services will be suspended until further notice. Two morning trips on the 1X California Express will also be eliminated. On weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., wait times for the 24 Divisadero, 38 Geary and 43 Masonic buses will be extended by two to three minutes each.
The 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 8 Bayshore, 8X Bayshore Express, 91 Third St./19th Avenue OWL, 18 46th Avenue, L OWL, 19 Polk, 29 Sunset,
57 Parkmerced and 58 Lake Merced bus lines will either have spots relocated or removed altogether. The only change occurring before the summer was the implementation of a 30 Stockton Short line along the busiest portion of the 30 Stockton line starting March 15.
Muni should not increase prices and limit service times because doing so negatively impacts the community's mobility and could negatively impact the SF economy. A lack of public subsidies should not force Muni to make decisions like this. At one time, the city boasted of Muni's expansiveness, with stops within three blocks throughout the entire city. This sentiment is no longer true with how expansive these recent cuts will be.
San Francisco is not alone in experiencing public transportation budget cuts and their inevitable consequences. A similar situation occurred in the Pittsburgh Regional Transit system, resulting in a 50% ridership reduction from 2001 to 2023. Fewer opportunities to take public transportation lead to decreased ridership, which in turn leads to increased budget cuts. San Francisco could next be affected by this transit “doom loop” if it is not careful with how they handle this delicate situation.
I am one of many in San Francisco who do not own a car. I take pride in riding Muni every day, if not multiple times per day. Our vast public transportation system is one of the many beautiful things this city has to offer. It is a conflict of interest to boast of “revitalizing” downtown while simultaneously cutting the systems that would allow people to enjoy themselves safely and efficiently.
associate with and who you choose to cut off; your friends reflect your values. But this disturbing rape culture and lack of accountability enabling it seem embedded in the skate community; there's a reluctance to address it even from the “good guys.”
— Alexa
The Guardsman wants to hear what you think. Have something to say about the state of the world, or the state of City College? We welcome any and all community letters, however we reserve the right to not publish any submission. By submitting a letter to The Guardsman, you agree to its potential use in a future edition. If you are a student please include your name and area of study. Please make all submissions to editor@theguardsman.com
The Guardsman is looking for skilled Adobe Creative Suite users to join the design team. Contact faculty advisor Juan Gonzales at jagonzal@ccsf.edu or 415-517-4426.
Skater loses control of his board. Illustration by David Thomas.
The K Ingleside and M Oceanview lines will be reduced to one-car trains on the weekends beginning summer 2025 as a result of Muni's $50M budget deficit. Dec. 6, 2023 (Henry Crowell/The Guardsman)
Field of Dreams Turns into Nightmare in 25–4 Loss
By Henry Crowell henrycrowell5@gmail.com
City College was the victim of a beatdown from College of San Mateo on Thursday, March 13, losing in blowout fashion.
The final score was 25–4, more akin to the results of a football game, although it was still a closer score than the team's previous matchup, which ended in a 27–2 win for the Bulldogs.
“Our problem is not throwing strikes and making errors,” said Rams Head Coach Mario Mendoza. “You throw strikes, and you don't make errors, you always have a chance. We're trying to cut down on our walks, make them earn it, and then make the plays behind them.” City College pitchers allowed 11 walks and struck out six in the game.
This loss put the Rams at 4–15; at press time, their record was 5–21. They are also 0–6 against conference opponents and are in last place both in conference and when taking into account their record against all opponents.
Freshman second baseman Kaleo Velez's performance shined as a bright spot on the diamond amidst the crushing scoreboard. Velez laced three hits, including a double, and scored two runs in the process. “I'm trying not to chase their pitches. I hit what I know I can hit.”
Velez also stopped a hit short when he dove off his base in the 4th inning to snag the ball. He said he got there by working on his “prep step,” expecting everything, and being ready for whatever came his way.
The Rams managed to put ten hits on the board, a valiant effort that was subdued by CSM's 21. “Hopefully, we're in a better situation where at least we're in the game, where it's not 10–0, 12–1, 11–1. When you're down 10 to 12 runs, it's hard to do anything,” said Coach Mendoza.
Kaden Healy, freshman right-fielder for the Rams, was able to secure two hits on the day, smoking a double and scoring both times he reached on a hit. His reserved technique at bat also earned him a walk before he was through. “My approach was pretty much, let it get in deep and drive it hard the other way, really just see the bat hit the ball.”
This game was originally supposed to be played at Fairmont Field in Pacifica, but it was moved to Skyline College's field the day before it was played.
“You can't let things like fields get to you. You can't let it change how you play. It's a baseball field, and you play on it every day. Nothing changes, it's the same game. You're just playing on someone else's field,” Healey said.
“We're just trying to keep getting better every day. Every day is a new day, and every day is a blessing to be on the field,” Coach Mendoza said. “We will keep competing, keep getting better, keep focusing on each other and keep focused on playing good baseball.”
Rams Badminton Kicks off the Season with a 3-Win Streak
By The Guardsman Staff
TheRams badminton team set the tone for the season with their 21–0 win over Mission College on March 6.
The team continued to dominate their opponents when they put up the same numbers in their next match against the Foothill College Owls.
Then on March 18, they scored an 11–10 win over Fresno City. This year's lineup of Rams badminton stars are so far tempering any hopes that a rival team might have of winning.
Infielder Isac Mendoza bats for City College in their game against College of San Mateo. San Bruno, Calif. March 13, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
Kaleo Velez (No. 4) runs to first base. San Bruno, Calif., March 13, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
City College baseball team regroups after crushing 24–5 defeat to College of San Mateo. San Bruno, Calif. March 13, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
Wyatt Rowland pitches against College of San Mateo. San Bruno, Calif., March 13, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
Jacqueline Leong extends for the birdie in a competitive rally against Mission College player. City College Wins 21–0. San Francisco, Calif. March 6, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
Maria Yau Zhang in a competitive match against Mission College. City College wins 21–0. San Francisco, Calif. March 6, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/The Guardsman)
Isabella Li reaches for the birdie in a competitive match against Mission College. City College wins 21–0. San Francisco, Calif. March 6, 2025. (Isaac Ortiz/ The Guardsman)