The SKYLINE View The Voice of Skyline College, San Bruno, Calif.
November 8, 2018
theskylineview.com
Volume XLIII-Issue 6
Voting at Skyline made easy
By Kylea Pearson
TSV STAFF WRITER
Voting is a right of passage when you turn 18 in America. When you vote, you choose a candidate of your choice to represent not just you but your community and your beliefs. Surprisingly enough, not many people of the legal age voted in the last election. It’s understandable that most college students are new to the voting process, but that doesn’t mean that students shouldn’t exercise their right to vote. This time around, Skyline College has a new addition to the campus that will change student voting rates for this year’s midterm election: a vote center.
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Nov. 8, 2018
The Staff Editor-In-Chief Simone Ledbetter Digital Editor Lauren Gozon News Editor Raymond Rapada Opinions Editor Mark David Magat Focal Point Editor Maria Isabel Del Castillo Schmidhuber Sports Editor Diego Emilio Perez Editors-at-Large Laurel B. Lujan Chief Copy Editor Olivia Bowman Photo editor Mark David Magat Staff writers Elvis Lopez Kylea Pearson Gem Vem Pilon Faculty Adviser Nancy Kaplan-Biegel
News
Free speech forum reveals grey area of first amendment rights speech all the people start will having [a] problem with it.” The next question raised was, “Can they really say that?” in reference to racism, name calling, sexism and bigotry. The answer was “yes,” which was validated by Garcia. A short video was shown on the difference between hate and free speech where it went over most of the guidelines of where people can spout free speech and why, despite some of it being deemed free speech. “I think the difference between hate speech and free speech can be protected under a free speech blanket,” Cantina said. “But I feel like hate speech is more associated with violence when it becomes different than free speech.” Most of the questions and comments were in reference to the pro-life group Project Truth who came on campus. In September, after Project Truth made a demonstration for their beliefs, many students voiced their concerns and attitudes about the group. With blown-up graphic images of aborted fetuses, it triggered the students and others who are still recuperating from it. “When the anti-abortion protesters came, I made pro-choice posters and using our free speech and our right to counter protest ... and I handled it respectively...” said Cassidy. The forum also discussed how the campus could have handled it better due to the effects it had on
people on campus. Garcia made it clear that protesters or any groups who want to practice free speech do not need to fill out a form due to the campus being public property. Free speech can happen in the streets of a public city street, universities, government buildings and other government establishments. However, there are rules protesters have to follow called time, place and manner. The time can’t be disruptive and regarding place and manner, they cannot block pathways of others, touch students or be in a place where it disrupts education. The quad is a popular place to hold such protests to get people’s attention. Another factor in not being able to warn students that Project Truth was coming to campus was that they had sent out an email showing interest in coming but did not follow through with a confirmation notice according to Garcia. The loopholes that protect the protesters’ rights also protect the students’ and community’s rights to counter protest. The students had the idea to set out a table full of informational pamphlets in order for students to get the help that they need such as counseling services, and other information based on the protesters’ event. The other suggestion was that Skyline should send out an email on the free speech rights that people have and why they can take place on campus.
In 2014, 18- to 24-year-old voter turnout was 17 percent, the lowest turnout rate for young adults ever recorded. 42 percent of these 18- to 24-year-olds were registered, and only 17 percent voted, according to the Campus Vote Project. “Many students are new to voting and aren’t aware of the process. In 2008, 21% of young people ages 18-29 said they weren’t registered to vote because they missed the registration deadline. 6% said they didn’t know where or how to register,” according to the organization’s Communications Director Kristen Muthig. At Skyline College, not knowing where to vote was no longer an excuse. Located in Building 19 was a vote center, right at the student’s fingertips. Despite this, students still felt like their vote doesn’t matter. When
it comes to this, Gabriel Valles, a high school student and one of the vote center’s many volunteers, believed this voting center changed their minds. “I think it would [change their mind] because they would see other people coming to vote and then they’d want to because it’s accessible and everyone else is doing it,” Valles said. Rebecca Mingione, a student at Skyline, voted on campus on election day, Nov. 6, as soon as she found out there was a vote center on campus. “Having a polling place on campus will increase the number of student voters because of the convenience of having a booth walking distance from class saves people’s time rather than driving somewhere or looking up places to go,” Mingione said. By having a polling place so easily available, students could
have dropped off a ballot if they didn’t have time to vote by machine, therefore making it easy for even the tightest of schedules to go and vote. Statistics professor John Freedman was asked if students were more likely to vote considering the vote center on campus. “Providing the facilities for voting seems like a natural bookend to that process. I’d like to think that once you’ve signed students up and given them a convenient place to vote they’d have little reason not to go out and do it,” Freedman said. “That said, I’m more concerned that poor turnout is symptomatic of disenfranchisement or apathy and that we need to keep building understanding and awareness of the significance of the democratic process in all of our lives.”
Ariana Grande releases news single
Frank Ocean gives away merch to voters
US Olympic Committee to shut down USA Gymnastics
Ariana Grande dropped a new song called “thank u, next” on Saturday, Nov. 3 that references her previous relationships, including recent ex-fiancee Pete Davidson. The song alludes to her relationships with rapper Big Sean, dancer Ricky Alvarez and rapper Mac Miller, too. It was reported that Sean and Alvarez heard the song before it was released. That night, on Saturday Night Live, Davison said about Grande, “She’s a wonderful, strong person, and I genuinely wish her all the happiness in the world.” Grande also announced that “thank u, next” is also the title of an album to come.
Singer Frank Ocean gave away free merchandise to fans who voted in the elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6. An announcement was made on his official Tumblr page, informing followers that if they provided evidence that they voted in Tuesday, they can pick up free merch from one the pop-up shops located in only four cities. The four shops were in Miami, Atlanta, Houston and Dallas. This intentional placement of the shops was to support Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacy Abrams and Texas Senate candidate Rep, Beto O’Rourke; all ran as Democrats.
The U.S. Olympic Committee, also known as USOC, is taking action to rescind “national governing body” status from USA Gymnastics. USOC CEO Sarah Hirshland penned an open letter where she told gymnasts that they “deserve better.” The USOC is granted power to investigate any situations regarding the recognition of any national governing body. “Until the process is completed and a final determination on [USA Gynamstic]’s status is made, we will work to ensure that gymnastics training and competitions will continue as usual,” Hirshland wrote in the open letter. “I don’t know how long the process will take, and we will make every effort to proceed quickly.”
By Laurel B. Lujan
TSV EDITOR-AT-LARGE
On Nov. 6, a forum was held by the Associated Students of Skyline College, commonly referred to as ASSC, on the open discussion of the difference between free speech and hate speech and what is allowed on Skyline campus. As guests to the forum, Skyline College Vice President Dr. Garcia, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Cherie Colin and Connor Fitzpatrick, a communications manager, sat in to answer students’ questions. In the beginning of the forum, some of the students volunteered their definition of the two speeches. Hailey Cantina, a psychology major said, “Free speech can be calm and hate speech can be just violent and hostile.” Another student, Ryan Thompson, agreed with Cantina but elaborated that hate speech comes with free speech despite having an audience who covet this right to speak freely without offending others. “So I feel like when you bring hate speech in your free speech... you kind of bring down the important part of it when you do hate speech,” Thompson said. “Because it’s the part no one wants to hear and when you’re protesting, all you hear is people protest. When you bring hate
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Weekly Briefs
The Skyline View is a First Amendment Publication. The Skyline View is published bi-weekly during the spring and fall semesters by the journalism students at Skyline College. The Skyline View is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writers and should not be interpreted as the views of Skyline College, SMCCCD, the faculty, administrators or the newspaper adviser. Additionally, the paper does not endorse any of the products or services advertised. The Skyline View welcomes Letters to the Editors; letters must include full name, address, and phone number for verification. The Skyline View reserves the right to edit letters for length, libel, clarity, and taste.
The Skyline View
Midterm Election results Measure W Unapproved Measure BB Approved Measure LL Approved Measure UU Approved Measure FF Approved Measure II Unapproved Measure PP Approved Measure VV Approved Prop 1 Approved Prop 2 Approved Prop 3 Approved Prop 4 Approved Prop 5 Unapproved Prop 6 Unapproved Prop 7 Approved Prop 8 Unapproved Prop 10 Unapproved Prop 11 Approved Prop 12 Approved United States Senator Dianne Feinstein Governor Gavin Newsom Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Secretary of State Alex Padilla Controller Betty T. Yee Treasurer Fiona Ma Attorney General Xavier Becerra Insurance Commission Ricardo Lara Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony K. Thurmond SMCCD Governing Board Member Richard Holober San Bruno Park School District Governing Board Members Teri L. Chavez Andrew T. Mason Henry Charles Sanchez Daly City Council Members Ray Buenaventura Pamela DiGiovanni Gabriella Makstman Pacifica Council Members Sue Beckmeyer Mike O’Neill Mary K. Bier
Climate Change isn’t Fake News
Opinions
Nov. 8, 2018
our planet can, in fact, control our mental stability depending on how we treat it, is scary. This shows that the better we treat our planet, the better our mental health. Climate change affects us more than we know. The Guardian states that 100 large companies have been the source of more than 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, according to a new report. But luckily, not all businesses are feeding into this planet-damaging trend.
By Kylea Pearson TSV Satff Writer
The earth we love and call home has been changing since the 1830s, according to Carbon Brief, an organization whose main focus is our climate. I was taught at a young age about global warming and how we as a society can help Mother Nature in these environmentally-trying times, but not everybody has the opportunity to learn about this. I believe that if we start showing more care for our planet and cease being ignorant about climate change, we will be making life better for us and people who will be living on this planet long after our generation.
“There is a growing wave of companies that are acting in the opposite manner to the companies in this report,” said Michael Brune, executive director of U.S. environmental organization the Sierra Club. We can see there are companies willing to evolve with our planet as it goes through an environmental change. We can’t fight mother nature, so we have to support her and some of the most popular companies are one step ahead. “Nearly 100 companies including Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea have committed to 100% renewable power under the RE100 initiative. Volvo recently announced that all its cars would be electric or hybrid from 2019,” said Tess Riley, a reporter for The Guardian.
“Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are dying, and wildlife is scrambling to keep pace,” National Geographic’s reporter, Cory Richards explained. “It’s becoming clear that humans have caused most of the past century’s warming by releasing heat-trapping gases as we power our modern lives.” I know there are people who refuse to believe that our world is changing, and because of this, we cannot succeed in helping our planet. We all need to come together as a community and find ways to solve our environment’s struggles. I believe those who do not believe in climate change are scared to admit that we are the issue. “Most Americans treat climate change, as the saying goes, seriously but not literally,” Michelle Nijhuis, a project editor for The Atlantic wrote in a New York Times article earlier this year. “We accept the science, we worry about its forecasts. We tell ourselves that the effects won’t be as bad as predicted, or that they will happen elsewhere, a long
Crerative commons
time from now.” Earth’s climate does not just affect the dirt under our feet, but it also affects us. CNN Health did a study to see if the changes in our environment have more than one victim. Turns out, we are one of them. Th results of the study stated that “an increase in average monthly temperatures to over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), up from an average of 25 to 30, was correlat-
Tech Talk with Mark David Magat
“Siri, call me daddy” In “Back to the Future 2”, 2015 was theorized to have amazing technology such as automatic size-adjusting clothes, hoverboards and other out-of-this-world ideas. And believe it or not, a lot of the tech has come to life now, three years after the movie was set. But with all this automation and connectivity, is there such a thing as too much technology? Absolutely. Yes, technology has connected and advanced us as a society, but we forget the subtle nuances that might mean we’re getting too reliant on technology. Kids nowadays would rather play inside, watching Youtube videos or playing the latest video game, which isn’t the safest form of entertainment in more ways than one. And parents around the country, to pacify their children, would gladly let them. Children should be outside exercising and socializing with other children. But this problem of our reliance on technology doesn’t stop with how children are raised, but also how we function in work and even daily life. Technology makes things easy and convenient for companies and organizations, like schools. That isn’t being debated. But what if there were a power outage or something wrong with their software, which happens a lot, what would these organizations do? To be honest, they would put their effort into fixing the technical issue or wait it out if there’s nothing that can be done. These companies and organizations, no matter how big or influential they are, are reduced to children with their thumbs in their mouths due to malfunctioning technology. It’s almost like the thing keeping these companies going is the technology and that was the only thing keeping them going. Even technology as simple as a light bulb has greatly affected our lives, and not all of it for the better. A blog post by Posturepedic
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says we have lost four hours of sleep due to the ability to work and travel during the night. But technology doesn’t only affect sleep hours; schools and workplaces cancel a day of study or work just because their lights won’t work. Just a couple weeks ago, on Oct. 25, Skyline canceled its classes for that reason. And it doesn’t stop with just our work. Our personal lives have shifted as well. Those who live in the U.S. will know about the new presidential text alerts. This begs the question, has the government known my information all this time, and what do they know? Privacy has now come back into question, but with this more-connected world, it’s a question that will never be definitively answered, but it should always be asked. The benefits of a more transparent society are very clear: easier detection of crime and such, but is it worth all that’s being sacrificed? People are talented and desperate enough to figure out how to steal other people’s identity and information from basically nothing. Imagine what would happen if all this valuable information was in one place. Of course it’ll be secured, but nothing is unbreakable. Hackers can still find a way to crack it open. Of course, we can’t do anything to stop the advancement of technology, and we shouldn’t. But what we should do is be more cautious with what we let our children play with and what information our social media attains, and keep back-up plans and physical files of what we can so if the system goes down, we don’t have to wait for it to come back and halt our work. Technology is doing a lot to benefit us and with it becoming more advanced every day, we need to recognize its importance. But that doesn’t mean we have to let it take over our way of living. We’re the ones in control and we’re the ones to dictate how these things should function, not the other way around.
ed with a 0.5% increase in mental health issues.” Now, this seems like a small number but Nick Obradovich, the study’s lead author and a scientist at MIT’s Media Lab explained, “[This] would produce approximately 2 million additional individuals reporting mental health difficulties.” This gives us another reason to find solutions for climate change. The fact that
If climate change isn’t an issue, then why are large businesses, such as Apple, shifting to go green? Because they know our environment needs help and they have an impact. It’s clear that the damage to our planet is caused by humans, but we can’t forget about those who are doing their part to evolve with the solutions. I know the climate isn’t what it used to be and those who decline to learn more are scared by the thought of environmental damage, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find solutions. I think we could have a happier, healthier Earth depending on our actions as a society, and that’ll lead to happier and healthier people.
Crocheting to Health By Laurel B. Lujan TSV Editor-at-large
On a stressful day, my fingers twitch in anticipation until I get home. As soon as I get home, I reach for my unfinished project and my crochet needle. Crocheting seems to pick up speed as a DIY hobby amongst young people. On Pintrest, Etsy and possibly Buzzfeed there are videos on how to make your own scarves, bags, etc. The important aspect of crafts is that it can help improve mental health such as anxiety, depression and other mental ailments. According to the Anxiety Resource Center (ARC) website, “Repetitive movement,” aids in removing anxieties: “Many of us use repetitive, rhythmic movement like pacing, rocking, tapping, picking, hair pulling, smoking, drinking, or eating, to calm ourselves when we are stressed or traumatized,” stated ARC. “There are many, many stories of people who have replaced an anxiety crutch with knitting or crochet. Knitters with PTSD report they have fewer flashbacks and other symptoms.” As someone who suffers from anxiety, crocheting helps to concentrate on a particular pattern or colors that are used in this particular craft. The elderly often do it, but why not younger people? To build brain muscle in another way is better than never. It isn’t just for those who are over the age of 60 who enjoy crafting projects for their family. People often are told that math and word games are the best to work out the brain but so do the yarn crafts. In an article from The Independent newspaper, a new study done by Knit for Peace just published on how it can also “diminished chance[s] of developing mild cognitive impairment and
Luarel B. Lujan/The Skyline View
memory loss.” A study done by the Mayo Clinic for those who are over 70-years-old and knitting. Now, yarn crafts such as crochet do not have to be done not only for health reasons but to save money and to give out personally made gifts. Christmas is coming up and there are tutorials out there on Youtube where easy patterns on making scarves and hats are out there. Sure, if the opened minded person decided to make these things for 10 people then the person should wisely increment their time until the day of gift giving. On a personal note, there are three blankets that are being made currently for Christmas and it is indeed challenging and rewarding for me and the gift receiver. Try it, if crocheting is not for someone there are other yarn crafts out there such as weaving looms, knitting or other crafts activities.
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Opinions
Editorial
We need to earn your trust Trust in the media has never been lower and it has never been more important for the media to be right. According to a Gallup poll, 32% of Americans say they have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media. This is down eight percent from last year. This statistic is not wholly unsurprising since it comes on the heels of “fake news” and “enemy of the people” comments that have many journalists feeling defensive. While usually, we might be inclined to agree, it has become noticeable that the media has been derelict in its duties of reporting, analyzing and breaking down news for the public. In this Trump era, news sites jump on every new tweet the president sends. However, not every comment by the president is newsworthy just because he says or tweets it. And unfortunately, news companies do people no favors by jumping on a tweet and retweeting it without doing their due diligence. Last month, USA Today got into some hot water for publishing an op-ed by Trump without ensuring a coinciding fact check. Associated Press and several other news outlets have gotten into trouble for tweeting out comments made by Trump without including context. It’s sad to say but the news media is partly culpable for the spread of misinformation by retweeting comments without analysis or context. By doing so, they provide no new information to their audience and are perpetrating whatever lies the president says. This is an era of news opacity and now more than ever, people need to know that their news outlets are providing them with accurate information. And if they are reporting on comments made by someone else, they need to make sure to fact check those comments. Trump has a tendency to lie and try to get away with what he can. As journalists, we can’t allow that. We have to catch every lie and call it that.
Artistic License
Part of the problem with the media today is that many outlets twist themselves into knots to avoid using certain language that could be deemed negative. While journalists should always strive to be objective, when the media calls a lie a “falsehood” they make communication with the audience more difficult because they are trying so hard to do word gymnastics to avoid certain terms. If someone lies, it should be called a lie. The public has difficulty trusting the media as is, we should make it easier by speaking plainly. And the same goes with saying that someone’s comments were “racially insensitive”. In plain speak: they said something racist. Journalists have a lot of jargon and words at their disposal, but it’s our duty to be able to convey information to the public as clearly as we can while also providing analysis so that lies are not perpetrated. That is every journalist’s goal. But we are human, and we are fallible. We are journalism’s greatest strength and weakness. The human element of journalism is what makes readers from all over feel connected when reading an article. It’s also how mistakes can get by us and how reporting is never 100 percent perfect. But the effort is there. Journalists don’t choose their career for the money (because heads-up: There really isn’t any), or for the accolades (angry letters are more common), or because of the burgeoning growth of the field (yes, we know, print is dying). Journalists choose to become journalists because they care about people and they care about telling the truth and disseminating information that affects people’s lives. Simple as that. So while we can’t guarantee that we will always get everything right, we promise to try. The first step to do this is to make a concerted effort to call out lies, fact check everything and publish the fact check concurrently with the running article and be transparent and honest with the American people. Truth is a rare commodity and the press has the power to wield it. It’s now our responsibility to make sure that we honor and protect it by keeping others honest and being honest ourselves. Journalists need to regain trust.
Mark David Magat/The Skyline View
The View from Here
The prevalence of student homelessness Simone Ledbetter
housing insecurity is greater among college students than the general population and even Ivy League students with full financial aid are struggling with hunger.
Homeless college students is a topic we’ve addressed before, but with recent studies, I would like to further stress the importance of helping these students in our community.
Personally, I found these statistics to be shocking. Many may be aware of the possibility of homeless students, but few are aware of the prevalence of the issue.
When people think of the word homeless, it is sometimes imagined as drug addicts or ‘dirty’ people on the street. But the harsh reality is, especially within this area, many people who are homeless are just like you.
In our paper’s past article about homelessness, it was revealed the student we had interviewed was not comfortable utilizing the resources available to her because of stigma. This can be a common thing.
It’s not uncommon to see people in decent clothes, or even a suit, asking for food or handing out their résumé on the street.
In an article by CBS News, a homeless student named Alejandro Reyes was interviewed and stated, “The problem with homelessness in universities is that because we don’t want to stand out, that the university has no idea that we even exist.”
With editor in chief
TUE Nov 13
WED Nov 14
THU Nov 15
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK CELEBRATION 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Building 4, Multicultural Center
SPECIAL GUEST: Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens Consul General of France in San Francisco
STUDY ABROAD & GLOBAL INTERNSHIP FAIR 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. GLOBAL INTERNSHIP PANEL 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Building 6, Fireside Dining Room INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Building 6, Fireside Dining Room
For more information, visit: iew.state.gov
According to a news article by NPR, a study was done by Wisconsin HOPE Lab and Temple University this year that states of the college students surveyed, 36 percent said they were food insecure, 36 percent said they were housing insecure, and 9 percent reported being homeless. But the numbers are even greater when limited to solely community college students. In this case, 42 percent struggled to get adequate food, 9 percent said they had not eaten for at least one day during the last month because of money, and 46 percent had trouble affording housing and utilities. Being at a community college campus, there is an even greater possibility a student in your class is homeless. According to academic article called “The Dark Side of College (Un)Affordability: Food and Housing Insecurity in Higher Education”, the same study stated “nearly 90 percent [of students] indicated that they were upset or worried about not having enough money to pay for the things they needed in order to attend college; 78 percent stated that they were having difficulty paying their bills”. The same article also explains, food and
Thankfully, Skyline does address the presence of homeless students. However, they could help lessen the stigma by making this issue more widely known and both offer and advertise more resources for these students. Taking care of these students can greatly benefit them, as homelessness does have an impact on their success in college. “The Dark Side of College (Un)Affordability: Food and Housing Insecurity in Higher Education” also speaks of a study that reported college students who don’t have enough to eat are 22% less likely 3.5–4.0 GPA rather than a 2.0–2.49 GPA. The article also explains being homeless negatively affects both the students chance of degree completion and the school where they are enrolled. Therefore, it is greatly in the interest of Skyline to provide help for these students, and for other students to be aware and break down the stigma.
Focal Point
photo essay
November 8, 2018
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Falling into place Photos by Mark David Magat
Black long sleeve with loose blue jeans paired with white boots and oversize scar with a color pop of yellow.
Long rose gold satin dress matched with black long sleeve, SF giants cap and an oversized black jean jacket filled with multiple patches and pins.
Backless long sleeve grey sweater matched with plaid long skirt and light brown slip on shoes along with long necklace and flower earrings.
An oversized black sweater paired with dark blue skinny jeans, dark beanie and cheetah booties.
By Olivia Bowman TSV copy-editor
Olivia Bowman shows off her earrings on Nov. 07, 2018.
Long rose gold satin dress matched with black long sleeve, SF giants cap and an oversized black jean jacket filled with multiple patches and pins.
Fall is upon us and although the last minute heat wave has staved off the cold for now, sweater weather is fast approaching. This season, fall staples can be punched up with accessories that bring new life to your outfits. For fall/winter 2018, big earrings are making a comeback. They pair perfectly with your favorite chunky knit sweater and add a pop of shine to an otherwise bland outfit. Tortoiseshell earrings and revamped hoops are a great addition to any fall outfit. Beanies get a twist with metallic thread that catches the light and Lenny Kravitz-esque scarves are not to be eschewed. Many people can fall into the trap of wearing sweats to school when the temperature drops, and while comfort should always come first, a cute pair of earrings is an easy way to take your outfit to the next level. Cool kicks are also a good way to add an unexpected touch to your look. Cheetah print boots add some sass to a more traditional sweater-and-jeans combo and patches on an oversized denim jacket make a dress a bit edgier. This season, don’t be afraid to make your accessories the center of your look. It takes minimal effort and makes a huge impact. When the trend is to wear muted colors, take a risk by standing out and wearing a bright pop of color; it will add life back into your wardrobe and make getting dressed for school on a cold morning a little less dreary.
Black skinny jeans paired with oversize red jacket along with white tee and tennis shoes.
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Focal Point
November 8, 2018
feature
Remembering and celebrating loved ones By Shamal Prasad TSV staff writer
On the evening of Friday, Nov. 2, darkness fell upon the Mission District where hundreds of people gathered together on the streets to celebrate their loved ones on Dia de Los Muertos. When one thinks of death, a feeling of gloom and despair is conjured up but the air was rich with love and smiles as people of all ethnicities clapped in unison to the beating drums and hearts of those who are no longer present on Earth. There was a feeling of restlessness and excitement looming through the streets. But it wasn’t menacing, nor was it grim. It was vibrant and beautiful. Monica Vega-Galeano, a Mexican immigrant who lives in San Francisco, brought her family to commemorate the special evening. “Today is a day to recognize all the people we’ve lost in our lives,” Vega-Galeano said. “The cloud has kind of lifted so everybody that has passed away is present on Earth in this moment.” Skyline student Cesar Garcia mirrors Vega-Galeano’s reason for honoring the deceased. The day is important because it allows him to “remember the people who passed away and show that we didn’t forget them,” Garcia said. “It’s a way of showing how much they meant to us when they were alive.” Vega-Galeano’s husband is not Mexican, but of Latin descent, so being able to share the experience with him was very special for her. It was important to allow the tradition to carry on. “My grandparents celebrated the day in Mexico and we were colonized by the Spanish so all of our indigenous traditions were stripped away,” Vega-Galeano said. When the Spaniards colonized Mexico, the tradition already existed but they began to incorporate the Catholic religion into the celebration and therefore created a mix of traditions which shifted the way Dia de Los Muertos was celebrated prior to the colonization.
Maria Isabel Del Castillo Schmidhuber/ The Skyline view
Focal point Editor’s Maria Isabel Del Castillo Schmidhuber displays Dia de los Muertos home altar.
Aside from participating in a parade where people dress up in formal attire and paint their faces to look like skeletons, altars are created with offerings to remember long-lost loved ones. “These altars are created with the intention of symbolizing four very important elements: earth, fire, wind, and water,” Michael Morales, a San Francisco resident said. Morales recently began celebrating Dia de Los Muertos after wanting to get in touch with his heritage. Growing up in Texas, he was surrounded by the culture but never paid too much attention to it until he dealt with some family deaths that shook him to his core. “One of my favorite things to create with my daughter are papel picados, which are decorated pieces of tissue paper to symbolize the frail and delicate gift we call life,” Morales said. “It’s a great way for me to tell my daughter stories about people she’ll never get to meet.” Candles are lit upon the altars as the light of the flame is believed to guide the souls of the past back to visit the living.
“One of my favorite things to create with my daughter are papel picados, which are decorated pieces of tissue paper to symbolize the frail and delicate gift we call life,” -Michael Morales
“It’s a beautiful thing, really,” Morales said. “I wish I had paid more attention to the philosophy of this wonderful day, but I am so happy I’ve been able to open my eyes.” Luckily, we live in an area where people are encouraged to promote their culture in public and not have to feel embarrassed about what others may think or say. “Our ancestors, grandparents, still believe those [traditions] whether they practice[d] it secretly… In this society, we can practice it a lot more openly,” Vega-Galeano said.
Achieving the best together
Maria Isabel Del Castillo Schmidhuber / The Skyline View
Chart with information about peer mentors , schedules, and help specialties on Nov. 07, 2018 in buidling 5.
By Maria Isabel Del Castillo Schmidhuber TSV focal point editor
Transitioning to college for any student can be a bit challenging and hard to handle at first, especially when you are new and intimidated by the system, but Skyline College has created a new program that helps students with transitions and the college life overall. Retention specialist, Raymond Gutierrez from Skyline College, has helped create a program called Peer Mentoring to help students understand the system and know the many resources that this campus has to offer, while also helping them learn new skills and meet people on campus. “Many students don’t know the foundations of checking with emails and professors,” said Gutierrez about one of the things that new students have a hard time with. College is a choice for many students, and many professors know and want to help out. Communication between students and professors is key in college to understand and have a successful experience. “[The program] is meant to enhance and get the most of their education,” said Skyline student Christian Shelley who has seen the benefits of this program as a peer mentor himself.
During an interview, he shared the many things they do to help new students with the challenges that college comes with. They do workshops about time management and how to de-stress for students as well as meeting with students to check in with them about school and help them set goals. Shelley said, “We [peer mentors] know everyone’s struggles, we know what they are going through.” Teachers are not peer mentors in this program. It’s only students that have been in college for at least one full academic year. This allows the students to be more comfortable with the mentors and feel understood. Peer mentors also help students find the resources that Skyline has to offer, and not just by pointing their finger on a map. They personally take the student to the resources and explain what it is that the resource has. Gutierrez talked about how this also allows the students to learn about their school and meet new people. This program is brand new to Skyline College. Gutierrez said that this program officially started in the spring semester of 2018 with only seven mentors. They have grown over the course of these few months and all with a good purpose. A Skyline student and mentee of the program, Brandon Wong, said that the program has been a “good learning
experience, to get to know the school”. He also added that it’s “extremely helpful for someone who is new to Skyline and wants to achieve goals”. Wong is just starting his first year in college and the program has helped him with résumés and setting goals during his one-on-one sessions with his mentor. “Peer mentoring is so beneficial, they help you out with any learning strategies and help you out with coping with college life and how to manage it with their own personal experience,” said Skyline student Matthew-Vincent Seludo who has been at Skyline for three years and benefits from the program’s services. Seludo also said that the mentors are approachable and give great advice for him since he has a hard time with math and time management. They helped him organize himself with an agenda and a to-do list. Gutierrez also emphasized that this program is simply “here to provide positive space” for everyone. There are mentors with different specialties: time management, organization, etc. There are students that are already in a four-year university and can help any student at Skyline college if they have questions. A student can become a mentor for next semester, with applications opening up this month. All that is needed is a minimum of one year at a community college and to be enrolled in 6 units. Gutierrez’s office is Building 5 Room 5-110 for more information. This program is for everyone; college is hard no matter the age of the student or the years one has been in college.
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Nov. 8, 2018
Sports
Alfonzo McKinnie adds talent to the Warriors second unit By Diego Emilio Perez TSV Sports Editor
The Warriors have an effect on ordinary players that transforms them into impactful role players; the Dubs have continually found unsuspected talent around the league, and Alfonzo McKinnie is the their most recent surprise X-factor. Last season McKinnie only played 14 games with the Toronto Raptors — now in 2018-19, he has made it on the court every game for the defending champions. The talent in the Warriors front office, especially in scouting, is unrivaled. Golden State’s Head of Player Personnel Larry Harris was at a work out in Wisconsin in 2014 when he was impressed by McKinnie’s. The 26 year-old small forward played eight months in Luxembourg’s second division, he moved on to Mexico’s best basketball league, Reyos de Hermosillo McKinnie then earned a spot on Chicago’s G league team before he earned the final spot on the Warriors roster before the teams final preseason game on Oct. 11. McKinnie is a notable success story, and his early season performance has caught the attention of NBA analysts and Sports writers across the nation. In a tweet about McKinnie on Monday,Stephen A. Smith said “Remember his name,” and “If this kid is what I think he is, it ain’t even fair. Just isn’t. #RichGetRicher” There is a high ceiling for McKinnie’s potential and it is a mystery how he did not find a spot on any other NBA teams before the warriors picked him up. The second year pro has secured a place in the
Warriors rotation, after an injury put Shaun Livingston out for extended time. McKinnie has earned the support of his fellow teammates “I can’t believe that guy has not been in the NBA for years now,” Klay Thompson said in an interview after the Warriors commanding win over the Memphis Grizzlies. “He’s so efficient and he fills up such a great role for us as far his defensive versatility, his ability to rebound and his ability to knock down jumpers.” The Warriors most notable off-season acquisition was free agent DeMarcus Cousins, but he is out with a torn achilles until Jan. Since the start of the season, McKinnie has had the most impact coming off the bench. Averaging just under seven points and four rebounds a game, his stats do not do a justice to his in game influence. His defensive prowess and hustle on rebounds have earned him extended minutes in a few of the Warriors early season match-ups. McKinnie has seen significant an increase in his minutes in the first 11 games of the season. In the Warriors season opener against Oklahoma City, McKinnie only played two minutes and 21 seconds. On Monday night against Memphis he played 29 minutes and three seconds. This uptick in minutes on the defending champion warriors is a testament to the rapid growth of McKinnie and how much potential he truly has. McKinnie took an unconventional route the NBA and is thriving in his time to shine.
In the Post Oracles’ fareWith Diego Emilio Perez The Golden State Warriors have only 71 games left to play in one of the greatest arenas in sports history — after 52 years of playing in Oakland, next season the Warriors are moving to the brand new Chase Center in San Francisco. The sadness felt by the fans behind the loss of Oracle Arena comes at the gain of the city of San Francisco and the Warriors franchise. The new center will host 200 or more non-NBA events per year and the other teams who have moved into brand arenas in the past five years (Sacramento, Brooklyn) show great promise for a boost in significant boost revenue. Oracle Arena could be torn down after the Warriors leave, this would eliminate an arena that is truly in a league of its own. When it comes to atmosphere, it is unimaginable to think of another stadium emulating the captivating experience of the Warriors' home court. The Warriors have an alltime great roster that has the potential to make history on any given night — last week Klay Thompson broke the record for three pointers made in a single game when he drained 15 three’s against the Chicago Bulls. The Warriors have the biggest home court advantage of any team in the NBA; they are currently 10-1 and have not lost at home. The crowd and environment at Oracle Arena is the perfect mixture of passionate fans and generational talent that we can only hope carries
over into the Warriors' new home. From an expansion team on the brink of collapse to a multibillion dollar corporation, over the last 52 years the Warriors have won four NBA titles while playing in Oakland. They have built a rich team history with an arena that is an embodiment of the teams’ journey to the pinnacle of professional sports. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, the Warriors have played there since 1971 and, the team won their first championship on the West Coast in 1975. The arena received a $121 million dollar renovation in 1997 that added nearly 5,000 more seats to the 15,000 maximum capacity. These added seats were the main contributor to the astonishing noise level in the arena. The Warriors did not make the playoffs for 10 seasons after the renovations. However, when the Warriors finally made it into the '06-'07 playoffs, the “We Believe” team defeated the topseeded Dallas Mavericks and turned Oracle into "Roaracle". The Warriors went through a five year playoff drought after being eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals in 2006, and the playoff atmosphere of "Roaracle" was itching for a comeback. Golden State began their ascent to the top of the NBA rankings when they drafted superstar Stephen Curry in 2009. Management followed up when they got two-way all-star Klay Thompson in 2011 and all-star and former Defensive Player of the Year
Draymond Green in 2012. According to a Harvard Sports Analysis study conducted in 2017, home court advantage is declining in the NBA, and with 1,532 fewer seats than Oracle Arena, it is almost a positive that the Warriors' move to the Chase Center will affirm these stats. When the Warriors move they will bid farewell to one of the last impactful environments left in the NBA.
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TROJAN ATHLETICS Trojans shutout Evergreen Valley Hawks
Upcoming Games Men’s Soccer Nov. 9 vs. Cabrillo College Women’s Soccer Nov. 9 @ Las Positas College Wrestling Nov. 10 @ Sacramento Nov. 17 @ Modesto Volleyball Nov. 9 @ City College of San Francisco Nov. 13 vs. Hartnell College Men’s Basketball Nov. 9 vs. Los Medanos Nov.10 vs. Solano Women’s Basketball Nov. 16-18 San Jose City College and Skyline Tournament
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Miguel Torres battles two Evergreen players over control of the ball on Oct. 30, 2018
By Diego Emilio Perez In an outstanding defensive performance; the Skyline Trojans defeat the Evergreen Valley Hawks with a score of 2-0. The Skyline men’s soccer team continues their pursuit of the regional playoffs after a commanding 2-0 victory on Oct. 30, over Evergreen Valley College. The Tuesday afternoon game had clear weather with constant gusts of wind sweeping across Skyline’s field. The Trojans improved to 6-2-1 at home with only three games remaining in the regular season. In the first 15 minutes of the match, Skyline was stopping every drive down the field by Evergreen Valley in an outstanding defensive performance that Skyline consistently kept up throughout the game. Second-year midfielder, Shayan Charlaghi was at the core of the Trojans’ defense and effectively communicated with his team to stop any goals. “We just came in focused; we just wanted to get back on track because you know we haven’t been in the best form,” Charalghi said. “We knew that this part of the season we really have to step up and clamp up in the back.” With no wins in their past three games, Skyline needed to get back in the win column if they wanted to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Trojans had solid passes in the first half that lead to a couple of shots on goal. The Hawks were struggling against the speed of Skyline’s forwards and were on their heels for most of the half. With 10 minutes left in first half, Trojan forward Jason Hernandez scored the first goal of the game off a smooth header that found the back of the net. Evergreen Valley looked discouraged going into halftime; on the other hand, Skyline’s forward, Hernandez, provided a boost of momentum for the home team in the closing minutes of the first half. Skyline immediately capitalized on their newfound momentum when Herminio Umanzor scored the Trojans’ second goal of the game just 40 seconds in to the second half. The transition goal was executed
flawlessly and stunned the Evergreen Valley Hawks. The Trojans allowed 9 goals in the three games coming into Tuesday’s matchup against Evergreen Valley and it was apparent that defense was an emphasis in preparation for the game. “Keeping our heads and being a little more conservative in how we’re defending, not trying to rush out and win balls, just waiting for them to come to us, absorbing some of the pressure,” Skyline Assistant Coach Stephen Cordova said about his team’s defensive performance. “Just staying calm and playing with that mentality of composure and trusting the teammates around you, that they will take care of their responsibilities.” The Trojan defense created great offensive opportunities for their team by breaking up passes, putting pressure on the ball and forcing turnovers. The intensity of this game was at an all-season high due to the significance of a win this close to the playoffs; as a result, there was a fair amount of penalties in the game with a double red card ejection occurring with 21 minutes left to play. Skyline defender Marcus Lau got in a heated altercation with an Evergreen Valley player that received a yellow card earlier in the game. They were both given red cards after some pushing from both sides and numerous minutes of dirty play. Trojan defender Toshi Hensley was fired up by the emotion present on the field. “Honestly I don’t know why it just fires me up ‘cause you know I’m already angry and you know sometimes when you’re angry you play a lot better,” Hensley said about the effect of the second half ejections on his intensity. “This is just coming from me but, it just fuels us and you just want get that dub.” Skyline got a well deserved win and used the high level emotion to there advantage, the team needs to finish the season strong if they want to make it into the post season. The Trojans have only one home game remaining, and are looking to clinch a playoff berth with wins in both of their next two away games.
Photojournalists tell stories with photos, instead of words Skyline College Journalism Department Email: kaplann@smccd.edu Phone: (650) 738-4297 Twitter: @skylinejour Instagram: @skylinejour