The Sun. Vol 60. Issue 5

A N AT I O N A L PA C E M A K E R AWA R D N E W S PA P E R

Volume 60, Issue 5

theswcsun.com

Lawsuit filed in race controversy

By Katy Stegall Viewpoints Editor

A former dean and an IT employee have filed separate lawsuits against the college in San Diego Superior Court charging racial discrimination and retaliation. Dr. Donna Arnold, the former dean of the School of Arts and Communication, and PC Systems Technician Johnny Blankenship allege that the college systematically discriminates against African-American employees and is guilty of “outrageous conduct” and unfair employment practices. College officials said the suits have not been sent to the

college and declined comment.

Shortly after the lawsuits were filed, former classified union president Andre Harris released to The Sun a death threat he said was mailed to his home in April 2015 after a letter he wrote published in The Sun said he had not experienced discrimination at SWC. Arnold and Blankenship were put on paid administrative leave after Harris received the letter, and their college computers were removed from their offices.

Blankenship was reinstated about one month later, but Arnold never returned.

She retired in June 2015.

Arnold has been at the center of

the college’s latest upheaval of racial tension. She leaked a letter addressed to Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber to The Sun on Jan. 19, 2015 signed by four custodians and Blankenship that alleged serial racial incidents and threats against African-American employees going back years. Former CSEA Vice President Silvia Lugo said the custodians told investigators that Arnold wrote the letter, though she never showed it to the custodians and Blankenship. They were directed to sign a blank second page, Lugo said, that was later attached to the letter. Letters with signature pages attached were sent to the NAACP,

attorney Deborah Brady-Davis and some African-American campus leaders. BradyDavis is now Arnold’s attorney and is attorney of record on the lawsuits.

Some of the signers, when questioned

by The Sun, confirmed that Arnold asked them to sign a blank page and did not show them the actual letter. Arnold has not responded to numerous phone calls seeking her response. Prior to her suspension, Arnold had denied writing the letter.

“A number of us who are AfricanAmerican who are employees (or perceived please see Lawsuit pg. A3

SWC police Pushing back against Trumpism chief on leave again

By Alejandro Muñoz Anguiano Assistant News Editor

Campus Police Chief Michael Cash has been placed on paid administrative leave and replaced temporarily by a former Orange County Sheriff ’s Department captain.

College administrators have been secretive about Cash and the nature of the his leave.

Details regarding the reasons for the leave have not been made public. Cash has not responded to multiple interview requests.

Acting Chief Davis Nighswonger said he was contacted regarding the position last semester and met with former Interim President Robert Deegan in late 2016, though he said he could not specify when.

New president Dr. Kindred Murillo announced Cash’s leave in an email to all employees. Murillo said Nighswonger would run the SWCPD until further notice. She said she did not know how long Cash would remain on leave and would not say if it was a disciplinary matter.

“Sometimes bringing (in) someone from outside the organization is wise,” Murillo said.

“It gives us a chance to look at ourselves Cash through other’s eyes, an essential part of continuous improvement.”

Nighswonger is currently in charge of managing SWCPD’s finances and other administrative tasks, such as updating the Daily Crime Log on the SWC website, both areas Cash has struggled with. A year-long investigation by The Sun brought to light numerous systemic problems with SWCPD record keeping, including inaccurate and outdated crime logs, and inaccuracies with the college’s federally-mandated Cleary Crime Report. Some of these issues have not been corrected.

In February The Sun received reports that Chief Cash had overspent the SWCPD’s budget.

Tim Flood, vice president of financial and business affairs, said SWCPD is not under investigation for overspending. Flood also denied reports of financial mismanagement.

“Is there financial mismanagement? No,” he said. “Do we need to make budgetary changes based on changing revenues? Yes we do. We’re going to talk about that as part of our planning and budget committees.

(We’re going to) talk about revenue streams and the various financial problems the please see Cash pg. A5

JoseLuis Baylon/Staff

Thousands gather in downtown San Diego to protest the dangerous rhetoric of the Trump administration pg. A16

Former student sues PD for sexual harassment

By Alejandro Muñoz Anguiano Assistant News Editor

A former SWCPD student employee filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault, civil rights violations and a hostile work environment in the campus police department.

She also claims to have experienced long-term sexual harassment and witnessed sexual harassment directed towards other women.

Court documents filed with the Superior Court detail repeated sexual harassment the anonymous victim, Jane Doe, alleges to have experienced from Oct. 2014 to Oct. 31, 2016.

A “right-to-sue” letter signifying that Doe had exhausted all other administrative courses of action was issued by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing in February.

Doe is suing the college, former employee Kevin McKean, Emergency Management Officer Joseph Martorano and Cpl. Ricardo Suarez. She said in the charge document that she reported sexual harassment to SWCPD Chief Michael Cash, but that he did nothing to assist her.

She is seeking damages and civil penalties.

“In addition to sexually charged and vulgar comments made towards Doe,” the document says, “she was also sexually assaulted by one coworker at her workplace while another coworker aided and abetted in the sexual assault.”

Doe claimed McKean sexually assaulted her while Martorano aided and abetted by luring her into a storage room and shutting her in.

“McKean forcefully grabbed her, turned her around, bent her over the sink and proceeded to force his groin into Doe’s buttocks area,” the lawsuit reads.

“As Doe struggled to get loose, McKean stuck his tongue in Doe’s mouth as he tried to forcefully remove the clothing from her body.”

Documents say Doe believed this was a please see Harassment pg. A5

Blackboard specialist escorted off campus Larry Lambert, a 17-year SWC employee, is put on leave for undisclosed reasons

By Brelio Lozano News Editor

Larry Lambert, the college’s Online Instructional Support Specialist and Blackboard expert, was put on indefinite paid administrative leave and escorted off campus by Director of Human Resources Marvin Castillo. Lambert said he was given no reason why he was placed on leave.

“I was blown away,” he said. “I asked him ‘can you tell me why you are doing this?’ and he said ‘no I can’t.’ I read the letter (Castillo gave me) and I saw that I had to give him my keys. I had to leave my computers in my office. I was told that I

ARTS A9

@theSWCSun

March 6, 2017

Edgy faculty art show takes on the Age of Trump.

can’t pick up any of my personal stuff except for my phone and (Castillo) said that he had to escort me off campus.”

Lambert has worked at Southwestern College for 17 years and in higher education for 30 years. He is generally held in high regard by faculty who rely on him to keep Blackboard running smoothly.

Last year Lambert was vocal about his concerns with the transition from Blackboard to Canvas, which he opposed.

In an article published in The Sun last year, “Blackboard erased by Academic Senate,” Lambert insisted that it was an unfair comparison between Canvas and Blackboard Ultra.

“Blackboard has a brand new version

VIEWPOINTS A7

Students may not like GOP healthcare coverage changes.

that’s coming out and it won’t be ready really until summer, possibly fall,” he said. “What the Academic Senate is going to compare with Canvas is ridiculous because that version is going to be gone shortly after they decide to make the decision. They’re going to try to make Blackboard command demo a system that’s not ready to be shown yet.”

Canvas is slated to replace Blackboard by spring 2018.

Castillo said under the terms of the labor contract he was not allowed to divulge information about Lambert’s situation.

“I am unable to talk to you about any ongoing personnel actions,” he said. “I can’t even confirm that Mr. Lambert is on administrative leave.”

Lambert said Castillo personally handed him his notice and escorted Lambert off the premises. He also said he was cut off from all campus communication.

CAMPUS A14

Black Student Union puts an emphasis on history and culture.

“I can’t use any of the campus resources,” he said. “My email was shut down. I’m not supposed to come on the premises or be any way associated with the campus, and I’m supposed to have my cell phone and be available for a phone call during regular business hours for the entire time of whatever suspension that I have.”

SWC’s classified union contract states: “From time to time it may be necessary for the District to place a classified employee on paid administrative leave. This may be to investigate a matter, to facilitate organizational actions, or to address other issues of a temporary or transitory nature.

Administrative leave is NOT discipline and employees so placed are not to abe stigmatized or otherwise negatively affected based solely on being on this form of leave.” please see Lambert pg. A5

SPORTS A15

Baseball team is hitting its stride despite a slow (and soggy) start.

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NEWS

March 6, 2017 — Vol. 60, Issue 5

1

Five employees addressed a letter to Assembly Member Dr. Shirley Weber alleging institutional racism, differential treatment, harassment and a hostile work environment.

(Jan. 14, 2015)

2 CSEA President Andre Harris wrote that he had not experienced racism at SWC and custodian complaints are not a racial issue, but a management issue.

(April 8, 2015)

Brelio Lozano, editor

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: news@theswcsun.com

NEWS

The Southwestern College Sun

Lawsuit: Former SWC dean files racial discrimination lawsuit Continued from pg. A1

to be African heritage) of the Southwestern Community College District are constantly subjected to institutional racism, differential treatment, harassment and a hostile work environment on a daily basis while in performance of our jobs,” read a passage from the letter.

After the letter was published Jan. 20 on The Sun’s affiliated website, theswcsun. com, then President Dr. Melinda Nish wrote a letter to the newspaper published Feb. 14, 2015 insisting that the complaints were old and had already been investigated.

“We want to assure our campus community that every allegation—three of which are three to six years old—has been fully investigated and appropriate action has been taken,” wrote Nish.

Later in her letter she wrote that one allegation was “never reported to Human Resources or to Campus Police, but was immediately investigated when Human Resources received the recent letter.”

Though mostly accurate, Nish’s Feb. 14 letter was criticized by members of the governing board and swaths of the campus community as tone deaf or insensitive.

In the following issue of The Sun, published March 17, Harris wrote that he disagreed with statements made in the January custodian’s letter and that, in his opinion, African-Americans were by and large well treated at the college.

“As an African-American male and having worked at SWC for the past 15 years, I can honestly tell you that I (personally) have never witnessed any type of racial discrimination at this institution,” Harris wrote.

Harris predicted his letter would “prompt some to call me an ‘Uncle Tom’ or even a ‘Sell Out.’” He was correct. His letter angered some African-Americans on campus. Lugo and other college employees reported that they heard Arnold and Professor of Commercial Music James Henry, an African-American, engage in a loud and heated discussion about Harris and his letter in Arnold’s office. Though the door was closed, Lugo and others

present said they could clearly hear Arnold and Henry use disparaging and racist language. Lugo said she heard Henry refer to Harris as “a house nigger” and making reference to Uncle Tom. “Here we are, an African-American dean and African-American faculty talking about another African-American colleague with those types of words,” Lugo said. “It was disturbing.”

Arnold, prior to her retirement, denied the conversation took place. Henry declined to comment on the record. Arnold’s lawsuit said that neither she nor Henry said anything threatening or inappropriate regarding Harris. Her complaint also said Lugo misconstrued the conversation. Lugo stood by her testimony.

One day after the incident in Arnold’s office, Harris received a death threat through the U.S. mail at his home. Rife with graphic and racist language, the letter warned Harris that “your day is coming nigger and we’re taking care of business on your ass.” It also warned “watch your back and get ready.”

College officials put Arnold and Blankenship on administrative leave after Harris turned the letter over to college officials. Outside investigators were brought in, though college officials would neither confirm nor deny that it was the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

FBI officials would not comment on the case.

Shortly after she was placed on leave, Arnold insisted that she had not written any of the letters. She said she did not know why she had been suspended and had her office computer removed. SWC human resources personnel, with the assistance of outside investigators, spent weeks interviewing Arts and Communication personnel and other college employees.

Some employees said they were interviewed several times, one claimed to have been questioned for a total of 17 hours.

Blankenship was reinstated about a month later and his computer was returned. Arnold was not allowed back and retired at the end of the academic year. At the time she denied any wrongdoing and said she was disciplined because she was African-American. SWC custodial staff was sent to seminars and workshops hosted by the Staff Development Department to share their experiences and feelings about racial conditions on campus. Faculty and

staff were also encouraged to attend staff development offerings by outside speakers with expertise in race relations.

Harris said he honored a request by investigators not to release the letter while the case was under investigation. After it was deemed a closed case, Harris said, he was able to disclose the content of the letter and express his anguish.

“I want folks to know how I felt,” he said. “When I got that in the mail, it was unbelievable.”

(A scanned copy of the letter is printed in its entirety in this issue.)

Blankenship’s court complaint states that he denies writing the hate letter.

“The implication from Mr. Harris and others at Southwestern College was that Plaintiff (Blankenship) wrote the alleged threatening letter to Andre Harris,” reads the lawsuit. “Plaintiff denies having written any such letter.”

Harris did not mention Blankenship’s name during a recent interview with The Sun. He said he does not know who wrote the death threat letter, but suspects it was an African-American who works at the college.

“It had some language that made me believe it was (a person) of AfricanAmerican descent with the terminology and the words being written,” Harris said. “Being an African-American, those words would only come from an AfricanAmerican.”

Lugo agreed.

“Some of the wording in the letter also led us to believe that it had to have been an employee,” she said. “It wasn’t somebody from off campus. You could only know those things if you worked here.”

Two custodians who signed the Jan. 19 letter said the NAACP is involved. NAACP President Dr. Andre Branch said he would put The Sun in contact with his legal team. The legal team did not respond to numerous emails before deadline.

Blankenship continues to work at SWC. He refused comment for this story.

Arnold has not returned three calls to her cell phone. SWC President Dr. Kindred Murillo, who assumed her new position Feb. 1, said she has not seen the lawsuits and said they have not been sent to the college.

“I’ve heard the allegations,” she said, “but until I have all the facts, I don’t feel comfortable making comments.”

March 6, 2017 — Vol. 60, Issue 5

Timeline

F

ormer SWC dean Dr. Donna Arnold has been at the center of a series of racially-charged events over the course of the past two years.

She retired in June 2015 and filed a racial discrimination suit against the college in December 2016.

Jan. 19, 2015 - The Sun is leaked a letter to campus leaders that claims racist acts against AfricanAmerican custodians. Recipients include Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber, Dean Dr. Donna Arnold, NAACP San Diego Branch, San Diego Office of the EEOC, U.S. Office of Civil Rights, Governing Board President Norma Hernandez, Professor Stan James and Attorney Deborah Brady-Davis.

Feb. 2015 - President Dr. Melinda Nish, Hernandez and Trustee Humberto Peraza meet with Weber.

Feb. 14, 2015 - Nish writes letter to the editor of The Sun. “Every allegation has been fully investigated and appropriate action has been taken,” she wrote.

March 10, 2015 - Full story reporting the accusation of college racism published in theswcsun.com. Nish meets with custodians.

March 17, 2015 - Director of Facilities John Brown and Facilities Supervisor Romero Ramsey put on administrative leave. In a Letter to the Editor published in The Sun, CSEA President Andre Harris said he had not experienced racism at SWC. March 20, 2015 - College hosts diversity training conducted by the Anti-Defamation League.

Journalist denied accesss.

April 13, 2015 - Performing Arts Coordinator Silvia Lugo reports to Human Resources that she overheard Professor of Commercial Music James Henry and Arnold using racial slurs against Harris.

April 14, 2015 - Harris receives death threat in the U.S. mail.

April 16, 2015 - Brown resigns.

April 24, 2015 - Office computers of Arnold and Blankenship are confiscated by the college. Both are placed on paid administrative leave. More diversity training.

April 27, 2015 - Series of employees interviewed by Human Services investigators, some multiple times.

June 30, 2015 - Arnold retires from the college.

Dec. 9, 2016 - Arnold files lawsuit with San Diego Superior Court against SWC for employment discrimination based on race, retaliation and constructive discharge. She insists she was forced to resign.

Jan. 25, 2017 - Harris releases death threat letter to The Sun.

Harris received a death threat filled with racial slurs three weeks after he wrote a letter downplaying racism on campus. (April 14, 2015)

Feb. 3, 2017 - Blankenship files lawsuit with San Diego Superior Court against SWC for employment discrimination based on race and retaliation.

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March 6, 2017 — Vol. 60, Issue 5

Brelio Lozano, editor

NEWS

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: news@theswcsun.com

Thousands gather to stand against Trump’s Muslim Ban

Photos by Jeanette Sandoval

BANE OF THE BAN — A crowd of protesters gather along the sidewalks of San Diego International Airport in support of those detained or barred by the “Muslim ban.” Hundreds of Southwestern College students, faculty and staff joined the gathering at Terminal 2.

By Jeanette Sandoval Assistant Arts Editor

Alt-right supporters of President Trump pushed for a Muslim ban.

San Diego County pushed back.

Southwestern College students and staff were among the more than 2,000 protesters that rallied at Terminal 2 of the San Diego International Airport in support of Muslim immigrants affected by Trump’s Executive Order 13769, “The Muslim Ban.” Protests cropped up in hundreds of American cities, i n c l u d i n g m a j o r p r o t e s t s i n Ne w Yo r k , Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Washington, D.C. ASO President Mona Dibas and ASO Vice President of Public Relations Nada Dibas were vocal participants.

“These are my people,” said Mona Dibas, an American Muslim. “It’s my brothers, my sisters.

My best friend is Syrian. One of our (ASO) senators is Somali. This applies to people at Southwestern College. This applies to my family, this applies to my friends, so I don’t see how I couldn’t be out here defending them.”

Nada Dibas agreed.

“Initially, I was very hurt, very angry and I wanted to do something about it,” she said.

Trump’s order, titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” called for an immediate halt of all refugees for the following 120 days and a 90day suspension of the entrance of citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Provisions for refugee entrance were also changed. “(T)he Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest – including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution,” read Section e of the executive order.

Nada Dibas said the executive order was causing chaos at airports and anxiety among law-abiding Americans.

“Before I came out to the protest, I was at my friend’s house,” she said. “She’s Syrian and while I was at her house that night she was expecting her grandparents and also another family friend. While at her house, I got word that her friend was detained at LAX and then we got really worried because her elderly grandparents were supposed to be coming in that same night and we didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Sa n Die go airp or t protester s rema ined peaceful, said Nada Dibas, but moved inside the airport once it became known that two Iranian travelers had been detained for two hours.

Protesters chanted “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here!” stopping only to sing Bill

I’ll BE YOUR FRIEND — Protesters sing Bill Withers’ classic, “Lean On Me.”

Withers’ “Lean On Me.” “Each person is here for so many different reasons,” said Mona Dibas. “They are here for LGBTQ rights, they’re here for Muslim rights, for Black rights, for Latino rights. There are so many causes that people feel so strongly believe in and it’s uniting us under one roof, so I think that’s what’s different. It’s that feeling that of every person here has my back, every person is here to help me, to support me. If I was hurt, they would come to my rescue and so that feeling of, ‘I’m not alone.’”

Nada Dibas said the protest reinforced the power of people uniting for a cause.

“If people just knew, if the people just knew that if they work together, to defy this opppressive government, this fascist regime, then we could actually win,” she said.

Both ASO leaders said they want to bring the spirit of activism and unity to SWC. “In the ASO we are all there to support each other and to support our students in any way we know how,” said Mona Dibas. “We try to come together the same way we are here today, from all different backgrounds, to fight for this cause.”

“If the people just knew that if they work together, to defy this oppressive government, this fascist regime, then we could actually win.”

Nada Dibas, ASO Vice President of Public Relations

NEWS

The Southwestern College Sun

March 6, 2017— Vol. 60, Issue 5

New President faces many challenges

Photos by Thomas Contant

SO MANY GOOD THINGS GOING ON — Dr. Kindred Murillo said the college has some critical challenges to address this year, but she predicts a bright future.

By Brelio Lozano News Editor

Two days after America inaugurated a new president, Southwestern College got a new chief executive too.

Dr. Kindred Murillo officially assumed the presidency on in Jan 23. She came here from Lake Tahoe Community College where she was superintendent/ president.

Murillo took over from interim president Robert Deegan, who came in soon after Dr. Melinda Nish resigned on June 30, 2016.

Murillo has served as faculty and in several administrative roles during her 20 years in the California community college system.

Inclusiveness, transparency and service are important to her, she said.

“I came in here because I believe in what we do,” she said. “I believe this college is one of the places where we can really do good work around inclusion and student success.”

Murillo said SWC must reduce its achievement gap and the opportunity gap.

“That is why I came here,” she said.

“The only way we can do that is if we come together as a campus and really focus on what we believe in, which is students.”

Murillo said she will be an advocate for SWC. “This college can do such great things in this community,” she said. “I think it has got so much more potential than it is showing, and it needs an advocate and it needs someone to pull it together and really show the world how good it is.”

Much of the good at the college is overlooked, Murillo said.

“Because there’s so many good things

Harassment: Student worker charges three employees in lawsuit Continued from pg. A1

rape attempt, but she did not report this incident because of trauma, humiliation and fear of reprisal from command.

In July of 2015, the documents state, Martorano asked Doe if “her boyfriend knew she had ‘fucked Kevin (McKean)’” in front of a student worker.

Doe was a student when the SWCPD hired her as a Public Safety Assistant in January 2014.

Court papers claim the problem began when Suarez returned to work from leave in fall 2014 and reportedly asked Doe for nude photos, inquired about her sex life and shared unsolicited details about his sex life.

In January 2015 Suarez told Doe to grow her hair longer because he likes to pull on long hair during sex, according to documents.

The lawsuit also states Suarez bragged for months about seeing a female employee’s undergarments when strong winds blew her dress up. Suarez allegedly also bragged about walking in on another employee changing in the women’s locker room. The employee said she saw texts on Suarez’s phone about herself written in a “sexual nature.”

Doe stated that complaints to supervisors, including Cash, were ignored or mishandled.

In July of 2015, Doe complained to Suarez, her immediate supervisor, about Martorano’s behavior.

going on at this campus and it gets overshadowed by some of the negative things, and the negative things are really a small number of people,” she said.

“But because they are so negative, they overshadow 95 percent of the people on this campus that are really doing good work. My focus is making sure the good stuff is where we’re spending our energy.”

In her third week as president, Murillo released a statement to faculty and staff regarding newsworthy issues happening at SWC. “As these uncertain times unfold before us, our students, and our community, I try to stay optimistic and focused on the good things we at SWC do for the students and the communities we serve,” read Murillo’s email. “I believe it is more important than ever for all of us to provide critical hope for our students.”

Just minutes after sending the email, Murillo announced changes within the campus police department.

“Chief Michael Cash will be out temporarily,” Murillo wrote. “During his absence, Davis (Dave) Nighswonger will be acting police chief.”

Murillo’s first weeks as president have already seen controversy as the college was hit with several lawsuits.

Former dean Dr. Donna Arnold and IT employee Johnny Blankenship have filed separate lawsuits charging racial discrimination and retaliation. Soon after, a former SWC employee filed suit against the college alleging serial harassment when she worked in the campus police department.

Murillo gave a lengthy interview with the Sun to discuss her background in higher education, her thoughts on the current political climate and her hopes for the future of SWC. “Suarez did absolutely nothing to investigate Doe’s complaint or discipline Martorano for his inappropriate behavior,” court documents say. “Instead, Suarez’ solution was to move Doe away from Martorano (into) a back office where she was relegated to doing needless busy work in order to kill time.”

Doe then complained anonymously about Martorano to Cash, court papers say, but Cash revealed to Martorano that Doe was the source of the complaint.

“As a result,” papers say, “the tension in the office grew more unbearable for Doe, especially when she worked near Martorano, who continued to repeatedly harass her.”

In November 2015, Suarez advised Doe not to complain to Cash again because he favored Martorano, the suit states. Suarez said he would talk to the chief, but the court documents say that he never followed through. Suarez advised Doe to apply for a Campus Security Officer (CSO) position so she would not have to work near Martorano, and in January 2016 she was informed that she was not selected for the position.

Around that time, Suarez was promoted to Corporal, and he denied Doe’s request for a transfer to a clerical position on grounds that Martorano worked near the clerks and her complaint against Martorano would “bar her transfer.” Suarez said she would be granted the transfer if she remained silent about Martorano, Doe Charged.

“I was denied transfer opportunities that would have lessened my contact with the individuals who were sexually harassing me and was told by one supervisor that I would have gotten the transfer I requested had I not

complained about the sexual harassment I experienced,” court documents say.

In spring 2016, Sgt. Robert Sanchez told Doe he would grant the transfer if she could work with Martorano. Doe agreed, and as a result she saw Cpl. Suarez less often. Suarez, however continued to harass her, according to the lawsuit..

“Suarez continued to make inappropriate remarks about Doe’s body and clothing and expressed how much more he preferred looking at her body as a clerk than when Doe would wear the (Public Safety Assistant) uniform,” reads the court document.

The complaint states the harassment by all three McKean, Suarez and Martorano continued until Doe was relocated off the main campus in October 2016.

Marlea Dell’Anno, the attorney who filed the complaint, was formerly in charge of the city’s criminal division as an assistant San Diego City Attorney. She recently initiated a lawsuit against former San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith for wrongful termination.

Her law firm has not replied to interview requests.

SWC officials is currently reviewing the complaint, according to a written statement.

“The District is reviewing the complaint and takes such claims very seriously,” their wstatement said. “The District will take appropriate action, as needed, to prevent workplace harassment and to remediate any instances of harassment that are found to have occurred.”

Also named in the suit are 20 “Roes,” unnamed people who could become potential defendants in the future.

Lambert: Blackboard specialist put on administrative leave Continued from pg. A1

Lambert contacted his union, the California School Employees Association. CSEA president Matthew Millus said he was only able to confirm the personnel action placed on Lambert.

“I can only say that Mr. Lambert is on paid administrative leave pending conclusion of a fact-finding investigation,” Millus said. “The district has not divulged the scope of the investigation, nor is the district obligated to at this point.

Mr. Lambert has the full support of the chapter leadership in resolving this situation and restoring the support for distance education and Blackboard. We are awaiting contact from the district to determine the appropriate course of action.”

Lambert said he is suffering great distress.

“I’m feeling some extreme stress and I already have physical problems that have surfaced because of stress over the last couple of years with everything that is going on with the college,” he said. “I have (an) arrhythmic heart and inflammation in my gastrointestinal tract and my lungs.”

“I’ve been in higher education for 30 years and have never been treated this badly. Ever.”

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Cash: Controversial chief once again on administrative leave Continued from pg. A1

college is working through.”

Nighswonger said he has not been in contact with Cash and has no information about his situation. Campus Police Officer Torrance Carrington said he did not know in advance that Cash would be on leave.

SWCPD Sgt. Robert Sanchez, who has previous experience as acting chief, said he did not apply for the position this time.

A lawsuit filed with the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego on Feb. 16 alleged serial sexual harassment within the police department. The document states that an anonymous Jane Doe faced repeated sexual harassment in the workplace and was sexually assaulted by two SWCPD employees. Named in the suit are former employee Kevin McKean, Emergency Management Officer Joseph Martorano and Campus Police Officer Ricardo Suarez. Doe claims in the suit that she complained to Cash about Martorano’s behavior in 2015. Cash said he would speak with Martorano about his behavior without revealing Doe as the source of the complaint, she said in the court documents. Cash, however, told Martorano the complaints came from Doe, according to the lawsuit.

“As a result,” the suit states, “the tension in the office grew more unbearable for Doe, especially when she worked near Martorano, who continued to repeatedly harass her.”

Cash was not named as a defendant, though 20 unidentified SWC employees were listed as “Roes” and possible future defendants.

Cash was previously placed on administrative leave in August 2013 after his weapon discharged at head level and narrowly missed three people in an adjacent room at SWCPD headquarters.

Witnesses reported that SWCPD officers approached Cash and told him to drop his weapon. Cash sat down his pistol, then dropped to the floor, rolled over on his back and had what was described as seizure-like symptoms. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

Billy Brooks, a carpenter, witnessed the events.

“He was hysterical and kept hollering ‘Accidental discharge! Accidental discharge!’” Brooks said. “He became more and more hysterical and couldn’t hardly talk.”

Cash later told The Sun there was no medical issue that caused him to fire his gun. He was put on administrative leave by former president Dr. Melinda Nish.

An internal investigation by Sgt. Robert Sanchez concluded the gunfire was not accidental, while an external investigator concluded it was an accident.

Nish reinstated Cash after five weeks.

In 2013 The Sun requested that Nish and the governing board release the Cash gunfire report by Betty P. Kelepecz, but Nish declined the requests citing the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights (POBOR).

First Amendment attorney Frank LoMonte of the Student Press Law Center said Nish and college lawyers applied POBOR incorrectly and that the report should be released.

The Sun requested the release of the report again this month, but Murillo and college lawyers reaffirmed Nish’s decision to withhold the report under POBOR. “The parties seeking the report must follow the POBOR procedures to obtain the report,” Murillo said.

When journalism students sought the release of the Kelepecz Report, Cash filed an Equal Employment opportunity (EED) complaint against The Sun’s adviser, Dr. Max Branscomb, charging him with racial discrimination. An investigator hired by the college ruled against Cash.

Cash has experienced controversy throughout his career.

In 1987 he was suspended for excessive force while serving in the San Diego Police Department. He worked for the NFL coordinating security at the Super Bowl, but left under unknown circumstances.

In 2007 Cash was relieved of his position as Head of Security for the San Diego Chargers following curfew violations by several players prior to a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Nighswonger said he is willing to serve until the Cash situation is resolved.

“I’m not sure what is going on with Chief Cash,” Nighswonger said. “For me, filling in could mean a long-term absence, but I don’t really know. I’m gearing up to continue this role as long as the college needs me.”

March 6th, 2017— Vol. 60, Issue 5

VIEWPOINTS

The Southwestern College Sun

A5

Editorials, Opinions and Letters to the Editor

The mission of the Southwestern College Sun is to serve its campuses and their communities by providing information, insights and stimulating discussions of news, activities and topics relevant to our readers. The staff strives to produce a newspaper that is timely, accurate, fair, interesting, visual and accessible to readers. Though the “Sun” is a student publication, staff members ascribe to the ethical and moral guidelines of professional journalists.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ALYSSA PAJARILLO

Mirella Lopez

Trans rights endangered by Trump’s rhetoric

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jaime Pronoble NEWS

Brelio Lozano, editor Alejandro Muñoz Anguiano, assistant CAMPUS

Victoria Gonzalez, editor Carolina Rubio Ruiz, assistant Veronica Cruz, assistant VIEWPOINTS

Alyssa Pajarillo, editor Katy Stegall, editor Matthew Reilly, head cartoonist ARTS

Marty Loftin, editor Chelsea Pelayo, assistant Jeanette Sandoval, assistant SPORTS

Michael McDonald, editor

Michelle phillipsW/staff

ONLINE

editorial

Mirella Lopez, editor PHOTOGRAPHY

Natalie Mosqueda, editor Thomas Contant, assistant SENIOR STAFF

Nicholas Baltz Andrew Dyer COPY EDITOR

Brian del Carmen STAFF WRITERS

Corina Barragan

Miguel Martinez

JoseLuis Baylon

Priscilla Mendoza

Tayler Costello

Alex Morales

Sergio Esparza

Ivana Morales

Elibeth Esquivel

Alethze Meza

Elizabeth Farin

Karen Olea

Anthony Johnthan

Tristiana Rodriguez

Fiume

Armando Sanchez

Elena Hernandez

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Maria Joaquin

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Leon

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AWARDS/HONORS Student Press Law Center National College Press Freedom Award, 2011 National Newspaper Association National College Newspaper of the Year, 2004-16 Associated Collegiate Press National College Newspaper of the Year National Newspaper Pacemaker Award, 2003-06, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012-2015 General Excellence Awards, 2001-16 Best of Show Awards, 2003-17 Columbia University Scholastic Press Association Gold Medal for Journalism Excellence, 2001-16 California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

California College Newspaper of the Year, 2013, 2015 Student Newspaper General Excellence, 2002-17 San Diego County Multicultural Heritage Award

Society of Professional Journalists National Mark of Excellence, 2001-16 First Amendment Award, 2002, 2005 San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards 1999-2016 Directors Award for Defense of Free Speech, 2012 Journalism Association of Community Colleges Pacesetter Award 2001-17 General Excellence Awards, 2000-16 American Scholastic Press Association Community College Newspaper of the Year San Diego County Fair Media Competition Best of Show 2001-03, 20052016

The Issue: ASO and SAGA are calling for a safe space for minority, LGBTQ and intersectional communities on campus similar to the veterans space.

Our Position: Due to rising violence in America against these populations, our administration must support the ASO and create safe spaces..

Vulnerable minorites and LGBTQ students, like veterans, need a safe space

Southwestern College’s Police Department needs to be stopped and frisked. Its chief needs to be cuffed and led away.

Shocking charges of systemic years-long sexual harassment and attempted rape in the SWCPD outlined in a lawsuit are somehow not shocking at all. Chief Michael Cash and some (not all) SWCPD personnel have been cavalier toward sexual assault on this campus and have intentionally misled this community about the severity of the problem by keeping inaccurate records and downplaying a very serious malignancy.

It would be untrue to say that relations between civilians and officers are shaky. There are no meaningful relations. Our police do not know us and we do not know them. Most students cannot identify a single officer on campus. Cash’s dysfunctional methods of “public safety” are to have officers parking their empty cars randomly around campus and watching video back at HQ. Interaction with students and employees is virtually nonexistent. SWC’s campus police are invisible. Yet, magically, we are supposed to trust in them to protect us.

This is not a superhero movie. We do not need our protectors to have a secret identity, wear a cloak of anonymity and surreptitiously monitor video in a hollowed-out volcano. We need friendly, engaged cops who walk the beat. We need professional men and women who are visible, accessible and trustworthy. We need community policing at Southwestern College.

Community policing is democracy in action.

More important, community policing works.

Don’t take our word for it, ask Dr. Adolfo Gonzalez, the legendary former National City Police Chief who integrated community policing and cut a violent city’s murder rate to zero.

Crime plunged, fueling a Renaissance in the long-beleaguered community. Ask former Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejerano, who used community policing to make Chula Vista the 10th safest city in America.

Community policing is a U.S. Department of Justice initiative created in 1994 and employed successfully in hundreds of American towns and cities. Southwestern College is, once again, late Online Comments Policy

to the party. In fact, we are going directly backwards, away from engagement and trust, and headlong into isolation and suspicion. Instead of proactive partner, Cash is a reactive overlord.

Community policing is a long-term strategy that encourages officers to get to know their community and make connections. Community-oriented law enforcement is about committing to people, working to walk in their shoes and aiding conflict resolution. By every quantifiable measure it works. It works very well.

We know many of our better SWCPD officers are itching to use community policing strategies, but have been hamstrung by Cash. Our chief is a bully and a bullshit artist who has lost the respect of his officers and most of the campus.

Cash is reckless (firing weapons indoors), has engaged in cover-ups (using the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights to hide his mistakes and tamping down sexual assault data) and misogyny (victim shaming and permitting rape culture in the SWCPD).

Speaking of misogyny, is there a reason all of our sworn officers are male?

Cash told us last year he had hired a female officer, Emalee Pallis, but that was another lie. She was not a sworn officer, but an a RAD Instructor who Cash masqueraded as a uniformed sworn officer who carried a gun. When the deception came to light, Pallis was let go the same day, which means SWCPD is a testosterone-only club again. Cash did similar illegal hiring for other high-ranking former SWCPD officers, including sergeants he was not authorized to hire at all.

A police force should not look like a frat house, but ours often does. If a police chief and his officers are more concerned with protecting one another than holding each other accountable, the murky culture will not change.

Our new president Dr. Kindred Murillo has many serious issues to deal with, one of which is our dysfunctional campus police. We hope she can devote some time and energy to transforming our police department.

She speaks often of the importance of a civil, transparent culture. She is so right. We need to transform this campus away from silos and fiefdoms, and toward transparent, service-oriented leadership.

Cash, alas, is beyond repair. He needs to go.

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For 100 years African-Americans in the South were split off from the rest of the population. Black Americans had separate bathrooms, drinking fountains, schools and places to eat. An 1898 Supreme Court ruling, Plessy v.

Ferguson, made segregation legal and permitted “separate but equal” facilities.

Martin Luther King Jr. was right, they were separate, but they sure are not equal.

Donald Trump, Mike Pence and Attorney Jeff Sessions (an old-time Southerner) have embarked on the biggest roll-back of Civil Rights since Plessy.

First they came for the Muslims, then for the undocumented immigrants and DACA students.

Now Trump’s regime has its sights set on the LGBTQ community.

Trump, Pence and Sessions have taken aim at the Obama Administration guideline meant to protect transgender rights, which includes the controversial transgender bathroom policy, that allows individuals to use the public school restroom of their gender identity.

Most Americans yawned and gave little thought to the policy. Cynical right-wingers like Pence and Sessions practically came unglued. Trump and Sessions have decided that the transgender bathroom policy be “left to the state,” which is code for let the conservatives trample on civil rights.

Just as “states rights” enabled a century of Jim Crow segregation, states can now decide whether or not to let transgender students use the bathroom of their gender identity. North Carolina is already a rights-denying state, along with Indiana.

Like the Jim Crow days, this is about more than just bathrooms, according to trans rights activist Laverne Cox. “When trans people can’t access public bathrooms we can’t go to school effectively, go to work effectively, access health-care facilities — it’s about us existing in public space,” she said.

Denying transgender individuals the right to use their bathroom of choice is about keeping them segregated. Legitimizing this bit of prejudice will spawn more.

Conservatives have already began slurring trans people by claiming that the Obama policy will cause more attacks on women and children. This baseless claim is nothing more than a way to paint transgender individuals as violent and instill fear.

Data says otherwise. There have been zero cases of transgender individuals attacking women or children in bathrooms. None. Ever.

There has been, however, a rise of violence against transgender people.

At least seven transgender individuals have been murdered this year. At least 27 were murdered last year, according to GLAAD. Violence against transgender individuals is underreported, so numbers are almost certainly much higher.

Pushing the false narrative that transgender people are violent will only increase the violence against them.

Southwestern College is on the right side of this issue. Dr. Guadalupe Corona, SWC’s director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, said the college will continue to have gender neutral bathrooms and support transgender students on campus, no matter what Trump and crew do.

History repeats and the Great Restroom War of 2017 will someday cause laughter and disbelief by future Americans just as (most of us) look back at Jim Crow segregation with disbelief.

Until then, though, serious people must

Alyssa may be reached at sexandthesun@theswcsun.com

Alyssa Pajarillo and Katy Stegall, co-editors

VIEWPOINTS

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: viewpoints@theswcsun.com

?

Thinking

March 6, 2017 — Volume 60, Issue 5

A7

Trump may pull plug on healthcare

Out

Loud

How long have you been attending Southwestern College and how many of your instructors have been people of color during that time?

“I’ve been here for four years and around four instructors have been people of color.”

Maya May, 22, Journalism

“I’ve been going here for three years and honestly I have no idea…probably half of them.”

Hanna Garritson, 21, Kinesiology

“I’ve been attending for three semesters and during those three semesters I’ve had two people of color.”

Liz Sprinkle, 21, Biology and Geology

“I started last semester, fall 2016, and so I’ve had five in total out of the eight classes I’ve taken.”

David Pinon, 19, Computer Science

Matthew reilly/staff

By Katy Stegall A perspective

Politics has rarely been so vicious or intentionally misleading as the American healthcare saga. A CNBC poll showed that 46 percent of Americans opposed Obamacare and 37 percent opposed the Affordable Care Act. They are, um, the exact same thing.

More than a third of Americans do not know that. President Trump, with great cruelty, played that card.

Trump is to blame for millions of people not having health insurance in 2017.

With the start of a new semester, some students have already missed one of the most important deadlines of the year-- the cutoff date for health insurance. After midnight on January 31, people lost the opportunity to be covered by Affordable Care Act in 2017.

Or Obamacare. A rose by any other name.

Trump’s administration made sure roadblocks were put up to insure that potential applicants missed the deadline to sign up for the 2017 year of Obamacare. Slander and empty promises, were used to create mistrust between governmental health security and Americans.

Before his inauguration,Trump went on one of his infamous Twitter rant.

“Obamacare was a lie from the beginning,” tweeted Trump. He closed out the series of tweets with a wish to create a plan that was, “much less expensive & FAR BETTER,” as if using capslock

was going to make his statement come true faster.

Repealing ACA is more complicated than Trump’s single-syllable diction could communicate. Besides, most Americans do not want it repealed. Even polls by right-wing Fox News show that 50 percent supportACA, while only 39 percent support Trump.

Perhaps they wish for a president that was FAR BETTER. The roadblocks to insuranceville do not stop there.

One trick the ruler in the White (Power) House include halting ads that encouraged people to apply to ACA before the deadline, according to Politico reporter Paul Demko.

Another tactic included slamming ACA consistently throughout the campaign. What our president says and what is true are on opposite ends of the veracity spectrum.

Trump made several claims that Affordable Care Act was a “catastrophe” due to its alleged “higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality.”

Right-wingers are guilty of being “pro-life” before a baby is born, but indifferent afterwards. Post-partum, the quality of health is no longer a GOP priority. “At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins,” wrote Shakespeare.

College students had few health care options before ACA. Now students under 26 years old may stay on their parents’ insurance plans. There are also a variety of plans someone can look through and research to decide what sort of coverage and payment works best for their lives.

Most SWC students are low-income. More than 70 percent qualify for financial aid. Textbooks and

tuition are tricky enough, but students also need money for those pesky essentials like food and shelter.

Health insurance could be seen as unnecessary if the student is healthy.

It might be, until a medical emergency. Car accidents and diseases still happen. Broken bones and stabbings still happen. Trump’s biggest lie of all is that he has a better plan. Trump and the GOP have NO replacement plan. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Despite what Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham bellow on hate radio, Obamacare/ ACA was working. Uninsured America dropped from 37 percent to 9 percent by 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

And, despite the mendacious bluster of the Republican establishment, Obamacare is still cheaper than privatized insurance.

Only in America would lower and middle class citizens destroy their own healthcare because their political party says they must. Students need to be aware and prepare. Something new is coming, we don’t know what, and it won’t be good.

Students need to be smarter than Trump. Plan for whatever grenade he throws into Obamacare by checking qualifying factors for Medicaid or other low-income healthcare alternatives. Do not wait until “breaking news” is flashing on the screen as an anchor talks about the executive order repealing the Affordable Care Act. Call your senators and your congressman and tell them there will be consequences if they take away your healthcare.

Fight like your life depends on it… because it might.

Suicides by college students are on the rise

By Alejandro Muñoz Anguiano A perspective

“I’ve been here for one semester and I’ve had zero intructors that have been of color.”

Terrell Brown, 19, Communications

Follow us on: The SWC Sun Theswcsun

@theswcsun

Theswcsun

Theswcsun

Teens and young adults often feel invincible, unless they don’t.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, according to the Center for Disease Control, behind only vehicular accidents. Sadly, so many suicides are preventable.

Mental health issues drive most youth suicide, and are not taken as seriously as they should be. Primary care doctors often do not treat mental health as seriously as they do physical issues even though the two are completely intertwined, according to a 2016 study by Health Affairs.

When it comes to suicide, support- ive people can make a difference.

Suicide rates among 15-24 year olds are at a 30-year high, making it especially important for friends and family to keep watch for signs of depression and intense sadness.

Recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics has spurred healthcare professionals to urge college students to be aware of suicide risks among their peers.

“Suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing and among the leading causes of death for those demographic groups,” the NCHS reported.

A survey by the National College Health Association revealed that 7.1 percent of polled students had seriously considered suicide within the last 12 months. At least two students in each 30-person classroom have suffered from suicidal thoughts.

Not all of these students will actually attempt suicide, according to NCHS statistics, but that does not mean they are do not need help. Suicidal thoughts, even without follow-through, can invade and other aspects of life and are indicative of long-term depression.

Depression sufferers and their peers need to communicate. Isolation creates more danger, CDC studies show.

“Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts” is a key risk factor for suicide, according to the CDC report.

This stigma is harmful because it discourages people from seeking the help and services they need. Many fear being branded as someone with a mental disorder. This leads to a vicious cycle of deterioration.

Friends or family should be the first to notice when something is wrong. Risk factors include recent loss or isolation. Friends who notice these signs and take action can save a life.

Students suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts should turn to people they trust and love for help. This is often difficult. Reaching out for help requires overcoming

Stephanie garrido/staff

fear of the mental health stigma.

Societal norms are not helpful. Most religions condemn suicide. Unsympathetic people often call suicide victims “selfish” people who “took the easy way out.”

Students with suicidal thoughts must shed the stigma and seek help by contacting the SWC Health Services office in the Student Center, talking openly about mental health and asking professors or college employees about options.

If we talk openly about mental health, we can create a better environment for all young people.

A8

Alyssa Pajarillo and Katy Stegall, co-editors

VIEWPOINTS

March 6, 2017 — Volume 60, Issue 5

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: viewpoints@theswcsun.com

Letters to the Editor Board, employees pledge to protect immigrant students Dear Southwestern College Student, The events of the last four months have created challenges, fear and uncertainty for our entire nation, and in particular our region in South San Diego County.

As a college community, we are addressing the divisive actions and language with respectful civil discourse, support for our students and appropriate advocacy that ensures a safe learning environment at our Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center (HEC) at Otay Mesa, HEC at San Ysidro, HEC at National City and Crown Cove Aquatic Center. Southwestern College has a long history of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of our diverse community, and we will continue to treat one another with dignity, trust and fairness.

The Southwestern College Governing Board and college constituents are standing up for our students and community by providing the respectful college environment that supports students through the following actions: • Our Community College Police will not detain, question or arrest any individual solely on the basis of personal characteristics, such as religion, or suspected immigration status.

• In accordance with the Family Educational

Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Board policies and administrative procedures, the College will not release any personally identifiable student information, including any data related to immigration status, without a judicial warrant, or court order, unless authorized by the student.

• Southwestern College will not participate in the creation or maintenance of any registry designed to facilitate discriminatory treatment of its residents or students based on any personal characteristic protected by the Unruh Act or the United States Constitution.

We also have several resources available to assist students that include free legal services, counseling support, student organizations, financial assistance (AB540/Dream Act students), and many more that can be found at www.swccd.edu/EDIresources. We are continually adding to the list of resources, so please look there for updates.

While on campus, if you approached by a federal, state or local official asking for information or documentation regarding immigration status, immediately contact College Police at 619-216-6691.

College Police will serve as a liaison with the on-site officials.

environment. Southwestern College will staunchly protect those rights. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean of Students, Dr. Malia Flood, at 619-482-6369, Room S109 in the Chavez Student Services Center.

Tim Nader, Governing Board President Griselda A. Delgado, Governing Board Vice President Roberto Alcantar, Governing Board Member Norma L. Hernandez, Governing Board Member Nora E. Vargas, Governing Board Member Kindred Murillo, President Angelica Suarez, Vice President for Student Affairs Kathy Tyner, VP for Academic Affairs Tim Flood, VP for Business and Financial Affairs Trinda Best, VP for Human Resources Dan Borges, Chief Information Systems Officer Andrew Rempt, Academic Senate President S. Rob Shaffer, SCEA President Silvia Cornejo, SCCDAA President Matt Millus, CSEA President Kim Radar, Representative, Confidential Employees

As students of Southwestern College, you have certain rights to privacy and deserve a safe learning

Chicano Studies continues to Sexual assault victim be neglected by college leaders says work remains I was gratified to encounter the editorial in the Winter Session issue of the Southwestern Sun which pointed out the “disgraceful” situation at the college because it still lacks a fully-developed Mexican American Studies component to complement its diverse course offerings for a diverse student body.

It is verifiably true that course offerings in this area have dwindled and three retired faculty in the discipline have not been replaced by a single instructor. Course offerings are very limited and amount to a token few courses in Mexican American history. There isn’t much more than that. The editorial blames administration for the disgraceful state of affairs. However, the circumstances are a bit more complicated.

Like most community colleges in the state, new faculty positions and replacement of retired faculty are faculty-driven, of course with the approval of administrative officers. However, it is faculty, not administration that has the greater responsibility to advocate for positions and the replacement of retired faculty.

Currently there is no faculty member that advocates for faculty positions within the Social and Cultural Studies area. Current faculty within the department have been complacent, to say the least. There exists a seriously deficient level of interest and energy to upgrade faculty and course offerings.

Left in place by this complacency are the archaic terms “Mexican American” as a discipline identifier for courses with Mexican American content. Not a single department in the state uses this antiquated terminology, except Southwestern College.

At other colleges across the state the situation is both mixed and distinct in some ways. For example, The Chicano Studies Department at East Los Angeles College in an independently standing department that responds directly and efficiently to student needs. The department employs at least 10 full-time instructors and more than two dozen adjunct instructors, offering over 60 courses per semester on the main campus and various satellite sites near the college.

There are similar examples at Santa Ana College, Bakersfield College and the San Diego Community College District,

where the Chicano Studies Departments at City and Mesa Colleges were established in 1970—that’s over 45 years ago!

Southwestern College has never had a full-time instructor in the discipline. Its instructors have traditionally taught under co-contracts: History/Mexican American studies for example. There is no independent department and its course offerings in the subject matter are highly limited. There has been no diversification of curriculum in many years. All of this even though Southwestern College has earned the distinction as one of the top 10 Latino serving institutions in the state. But there is a change unWderway.

The Southwestern College’s faculty priority hiring committee recently reviewed and approved the first full-time Mexican American Studies professor in the college’s history.

Thanks to the talents and energies of two of Southwestern College’s adjunct instructors, Angelica Palacios and Gregorio Pantoja, the position is ranked #8 in the college’s hiring priority. We are optimistic that it will be funded and a search can begin this semester.

Most revealing of all were the maneuvers of two of the faculty in the division, Department chair Stan James and faculty member Victor Chavez, who attempted to sabotage the application for a Mexican American Studies instructor which had been approved by the faculty committee. They attempted to “withdraw” the application and in doing so, conspired to undermine the authority of the faculty hiring committee and the right of faculty to propose new positions.

He also failed to submit his own promised proposal within the established deadline. Chavez was seriously rebuked by Acting Dean of the School of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences William Kinney for unprofessional and unethical behavior. It is a situation I would liken to the comments by a Mexican politician who was lamenting the condition of Mexican politics when he said, “…por eso estamos como estamos.”

Michael Ornelas Professor of Chicana/o Studies Mesa College

The Southwestern College Sun is a First Amendment Forum publication that exists to serve its communities. Readers are encouraged to share their points of view by writing Letters to the Editor.

Letters may be mailed to: Southwestern College Sun, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista CA 91913. Online submissions may be emailed to the Viewpoints Editor: viewpointseditor@theswcsun. com. Letters may be edited for length or libel.

First, and foremost, let me congratulate you and your staff for taking on the issue of sexual assault against women.

Admittedly, this is a sensitive issue, and unfortunately the very people you need to reach will not read your well thought out passage. Nor is this a current issue. Indeed, the inequality of women and the treacherous path we all wake, may be as old as time. Through genes or social indoctrination, we are all victims.

Now, for my story. More that 60 years ago, I was molested repeatedly, by my uncle, from the age of four through 13. He only stopped when I reached puberty and my “little girl-ness” ceased. Clearly grown women had no appeal for him.

At the time, I told numerous relatives what he was doing, but, they absolutely refused to believe that such a thing was even possible, and sided with my uncle. There was no public awareness of incest and any suspicion of it was handled within the family.

I carried this burden for many years, through school, marriage, my own family, and my training in Child Development. It wasn’t until quite recently, that I could speak openly about the horrors of growing up as my uncle’s “girlfriend”.

Of course, it impacted my life, in ways even I am unaware of, but I survived, and grew old.

My uncle never paid the price for his detesatable, repugnant behavior. He died at 89, after a life spent traveling the world, living sumptuously in an exclusive area of Palm Beach, and accumulating great wealth.

Painfully, I learned there is no such thing as “divine retribution” and some unbearable sorrows must be carried forever. My memories have not faded nor have they been forgotten, they simply become a part of me, and who I am.

Growing up in the 1950s and the 1960s, my uncle’s behavior, though extreme, was not that unusual. Women, especially in the workplace, experienced sexual harassment almost daily.

It was typical for women to be confined to the secretarial pool,

and to be treated as “girls” well into their 60’s. Catcalls and whistles were the obnoxious background of our lives.

Society seemed happy enough to have one-half of its members totally subordinate to the wishes of the other. Women were expected to fill certain roles, secretary, teacher, nurse, the “helpers” but not the “thinkers” Outrage greeted any renegades.

It was my fondest wish to be an astronomer. I was excellent at math and science and that should have been my oath.

Instead, I was steered toward a “safe” area like teaching. The very though of a young woman wanting to “stay up all night with men” was laughed at and soundly ridiculed.

Theses notions seemed misguided and almost quaint, given the progress women have made over the past 50 years. Yet as your special issue on sexual assault has made abruptly clear, women are still seen as objects and their words and actions are somehow suspect and easily manipulated.

For many men, smart, ambition women are seen as threats. On so many levels, they are scared. They are comfortable in their dominance and are genuinely puzzled as to why we don’t enjoy being acquiescent and complaint. Our love for beautiful women and our nearly total neglect of intelligent, thoughtful females speaks volumes about what we prize and value.

There is so much more to be said, and the road to mutual understanding, even today, contains potholes of half-truths and outright misconceptions.

Our treaties are still filled with mutual mistrust and at times, it seems that our victories are not solid, but epithermal.

Still, I want my granddaughters and their unborn children to grow up in a better world. It is my fondest hope that a meaningful dialogue may yet emerge and finally, we can begin to respect and truly care for each other. Perhaps, your special issue may help pave the way. Bravo!

Sean Feldstein.

N AT I O N A L PA C E M A K E R AWA R D N E W S PA P E R

n o i t i cial Ed

Spe

theswcsun.com

Volume 60, Special Edition

March 6, 2017

Brelio Lozano //News Editor

Southwestern College is preparing for a follow-up visit from the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in March to determine whether the college can get out of the accreditation doghouse. A comprehensive report by the college is due to ACCJC March 15.

One year ago an ACCJC team put SWC on warning status with 15 sanctions. SWC has 18 months to make corrections or face closure.

Leading Southwestern’s revamped accreditation team is Professor of Spanish Angelina Stuart, the hero of the 2011 accreditation crisis that put the college on the edge of being closed down, and Linda Gilstrap, dean of Institutional Effectiveness.

Stuart and Gilstrap, along with more than 100 faculty, put together accreditation follow-up report that Stuart said she hopes demonstrates the college’s improvement on all 15 sanctions.

Major sanctions centered on the college mission statement, Student Learning Outcomes and distance education training.

None were related to teaching and learning.

Tracy Schaelen, distance education faculty coordinator, presented new DE practices to the Academic Senate.

“Our 2014 DE plan set forth goals and objectives for distance education for a threeyear period, 2014-2017,” she said. “Of the 25 objectives in that plan, 20 have been met.”

Schaelen said she is optimistic the remaining five will be completed this semester.

To be reaffirmed, SWC must demonstrate to the ACCJC complete resolutions or

proof of improvement. Accreditation team members gathered more than 400 pieces of evidence for the report, said Stuart. Due to ACCJC in March, the report must first be approved by the Academic Senate, Shared Consultation Council and governing board.

Stuart and Gilstrap assigning a workgroup to each of the 15 sanctions.

“So we have 15 recommendations, that means 15 workgroups that have been working and their leads, with faculty working with their leads to make sure that these things get done,” Stuart said. “It’s been a lot of work.”

During the 2009 accreditation visit SWC was hit with 10 serious administrative sanctions and placed on probation, one step lower than its current placement of warning.

SWC narrowly missed dropping to “show cause” in 2011, one step from shutdown.

“There are many levels in being affirmed,” Stuart said. “Even if you are in a sanction (warning, probation and show cause), you still retain your accreditation. It’s like being given a speeding ticket and you show up to court. You have a chance to prove you were not speeding.”

In January 2010 Stuart became Academic Senate President shortly after SWC was put on probation under since-disgraced former superintendent Raj Kumar Chopra, who resigned in December 2010 and charged with multiple felonies for corruption in 2012.

Chopra was combative with AACJA and uncooperative with faculty and staff working on accreditation.

“In the last accreditation cycle, when I came in, Chopra was still in power,” Stuart said. “When he left and we got our interim

president, (Denise Whittaker), the school had already (been on sanction for) about a year, because they gave you 18 months.

In January, February, March (2011), the faculty, administration, classified, everyone pulled together.”

ACCJC reaffirmed SWC in June 2011 after the show cause scare.

“It was tight, we were all very worried,” said Stuart, “but after all that work and showing how much we can turn around, they granted us reaffirmation and I fell to my knees and said, ‘Thank You God,’ and I don’t say that lightly, I say that very seriously.”

ACCJC was handed its own warning by the U.S. Department of Education last year. Staff from the California Community College Chancellors office has been working on a recommendation made by the state taskforce last year to replace or restructure ACCJC. Barbara Beno, ACCJC’s caustic and controversial president, was placed on leave prior to her scheduled retirement. Beno feuded with administrators at City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and tried to shut down the state’s largest college. CCSF, however, was reaffirmed last month for seven years after enormous pressure from state and federal elected officials.

The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Equity, a federal panel, is expected to review ACCJC’s recognition and scope at a meeting next week.

SWC Board President Tim Nader has been highly critical of Beno, ACCJC and what he has called “their high handedness.” He has testified against ACCJC in Washington D.C.

SPECIAL E The Southwestern College Sun

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the Accreditation Commission of Community and Junior Colleges can decide whether an institution may receive financial aid and award degrees. In recent years ACCJC closed Compton Community College and tried to close the City College of San Francisco. Southwestern College was nearly closed in 2011, but rebounded and remained fully accredited.

EDITION

March 6, 2017 – Volume 60, Issue 5

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Accreditation strikes fear into the hearts of college campuses throughout the state. With life and death power, Karen-Alleluia Agbuya, Michelle Phillips, Dan Cordero, Stephanie Garrido, Victor Santander, Blake Tomczak

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VIEWPOINTS Editorials, Opinions and Letters to the Editor

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March 6, 2017– Volume 60, Issue 5

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The Art OF THE PROTEST

Marty Loftin, editor

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: arts@theswcsun.com

Some of The Sun’s favorite protest signs with an artistic flair from the San Diego Women’s March, Defend Planned Parenthood Protest and the March in Solidarity with Immigrants.

Photos by Jeanette Sandoval and Chelsea Pelayo

“If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you at night.”

-Dr. Angela Davis

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March 6 , 2017—Volume 60, Issue 5

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Beloved musician Chunky Sanchez voiced la causa

By Cristofer Garcia Staff Writer

Southwestern abandons its architectural traditions in its new construction

By Marty Loftin Arts Editor

Southwestern College has something most colleges lack, but is in danger of losing — a unified architectural theme.

Architecture is more than building a fancy box to work or live in. It should blend art, history and science to create structures that help to define the people within.

Ivy League universities like Harvard and Yale feature Gothic arc h i t e ct ure t hat invokes the intellectual energies of the European Renaissance.

SWC established its fauxMesoamerican style when the college completed construction in 1964. Similar to the Mayan Revival architectural movement of the 1920s and 1930s, SWC architecture uses concrete facades to blend different pre-Columbian cultures from Mexico to Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica.

San Diego State University may not have a unifying architectural style, but it has Hepner Hall. Built in the Mission Revival style that takes inspiration from late 18th and

early 19th century Spanish missions found across California, Hepner Hall was completed in 1931 and has become the face of SDSU. SWC should embrace its connection to the ancient civilizations of pre-Columbian Photos by Natalie Mosqueda Mesoamerica through art and architecture instead of phasing it OLD SCHOOL VS. NEW SCHOOL — With each new building at SWC, out with each new building. Ideally, the campus moves further from the Mesoamerican-inspired architectural style stepping onto the Chula Vista established when the college was first constructed in 1964. campus should be like visiting an alternate universe where Hernán and a Performing Arts and Cultural future more attention should be Cortés never reached the New Complex, but none of the designs put into making the campus more World, but with less human sacrifice. fit the historical aesthetics of the unified architecturally. SWC should Future buildings should draw Chula Vista campus. There may be also make sure to consult cultural more inspiration from the Mayans, some token iconography in the form experts that can take inspiration and Aztecs and other cultures than this of hieroglyphs and sun disks, but make accurate references without batch does. the new buildings themselves look alienating the original source Too many folks are unaware of nothing like the rest of the campus. material. the intellectual achievements that Designs lack the Teotihuacan/ While the Spanish Conquistadors allowed some ancient cultures Tikal talud tablero-like roofs, the m a y h a v e t r i e d t o e r a s e t h e to build massive pyramids that geometric designs reminiscent of native cultures and religions of align themselves with astronomical the step frets found at the Zapotec Mesoamerica, the decedents of those phenomena and instead focus on the Palace of the Columns and the people still exist and their history gory aspects of these civilizations. concrete buttresses that help sell the should be celebrated just as other Proposition R and Proposition illusion that classrooms and offices campuses use their architecture to Z a l l ow e d S WC t o f u n d t h e are akin to the pyramids found celebrate specific cultures. c o n s t r u c t i o n o f a n u m b e r o f across Mesoamerica.

SWC should try harder to help projects, including a new Aquatics It may be too late to inject more keep these civilizations alive. and Wellness Center, a Math, culture into the newest additions SWC should try harder to help Science and Engineering building, to the SWC campus, but in the keep these civilizations alive.

Former journalism student heads new music magazine

By Jeanette Sandoval Assistant Arts Editor

Rebecca Niebla is a woman with vision. Now she is the publisher of Vision Magazine, a publication dedicated to the Latin music industry.

With A-list artists like Wisin, Camila and Ximena Sariñana gracing the cover, the year-old magazine’s popularity has pushed it into major cities in the U.S., Mexico, Spain and Columbia.

Upbeat and optimistic, Niebla’s publication reflects her personality.

“Mainly our magazine is to teach and educate about music,” she said.

“It’s time to do something different that the music industry really needs.

That’s why I like Vision, because that was my vision. Our slogan is ‘Where music connects’ because that’s what music does.”

Niebla grew up in Tijuana with her brother and was raised by a single mother. She studied journalism and public relations as a Southwestern College student and was a staff writer for The Sun. “I think it was the most amazing experience I had,” she said. “Being at The Sun, I learned a lot as a journalist, as a person and about music. I grew up in Tijuana and English is my second language. It was a bit of a challenge for me to write in English, but my professor would always push me to be my best.”

SWC gave Niebla a formal education in journalism, she said, but her musical

teacher was her older brother.

“He is my inspiration,” she said.

“He took me to my very first concert.”

Niebla and her team create a new edition every two months, covering events from spanning the country and across the border. Her art director is former Sun photographer and designer Marianna Ricalde, a 2009 Student of Distinction Recipient.

Most work happens at home, where Niebla created an office in order to spend more time with her soon-to-be three-year-old son. Niebla said she draws inspiration from her family.

“My brother is my inspiration, my son is my motivation,” she said.

Vision came to be during Niebla’s 10 years in journalism and the many music industry connections she cultivated during an internship at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. Vision magazine has become a musical antidote in a journalistic field recently under attack and dominated by negative news. “(People) need to have something positive to read,” she said. “Music inspires and it heals. That’s my goal, to educate people on what’s out there.

You turn on the news right now and you see people killing, people dying everywhere, hate everywhere, racism and discrimination. I think music will bring us together, in unity, bring us Courtesy Photo together as a strong community. It’s a fusion of different flavors and sounds. WHERE MUSIC CONNECTS — Rebecca Niebla combined her outgoing That’s what keeps music alive and that’s personality, love of music and journalism talent to create Vision Magazine. what I enjoy.”

Cesar Chavez was the face of the Chicano Movement.

Chunky Sanchez was the soundtrack.

A Chicano music legend and a beloved San Diego County activist, Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez died in October. He was 64. He and his band, Los Alacranes Mojados, recorded the iconic “Chicano Park Samba,” the story of the 1970 uprising that created the world’s largest collection of outdoor murals underneath the Coronado Bridge.

Sanchez was born in Blyth, California. His parents were both farm workers. A proud San Diego State University graduate, the humble and unassuming Sanchez became a national treasure. He frequently performed at United Farm Workers rallies at the request of Chavez and UFW leader Dolores Huerta. His friends said Sanchez would always drop whatever he was doing, hop in his car and join Chavez if the legendary Chunky Sanchez Chicano leader called.

In 2013 Sanchez was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship.

President Barack Obama counted himself among the legions of Chunkistas.

Sanchez was in the thick of America’s best known Chicano uprising, the 1970 Chicano Park standoff in Logan Heights. Residents of the neighborhood were promised a park during the construction of Interstate 5 and the Coronado Bridge in the 1960s, but were shocked to learn in 1970 that the never-developed parkland was to become a California Highway Patrol substation with a large parking lot. Protestors from all over the United States put their bodies between bulldozers and the open space. Others started to build their own park and paint murals on bridge support beams.

Sanchez wrote “Chicano Park Samba” to memorialize a rare victory by the region’s Mexican-American community. It celebrated “a park where all the chavalitos could play so they wouldn’t have to play in the street” in a Chicano vernacular that was revolution with a smile.

Sanchez was popular throughout the county for his appearances at schools where he spoke to classes and sang to children. He was for decades a staple at Adams Avenue Street Festival and other musical gatherings.

Congressman Juan Vargas of Chula Vista read the lyrics to “Chicano Park Samba” into the Congressional Record. Vargas called Sanchez a “talented musician” and an “incredibly active member of the San Diego community.”

“Through his music he would tell the story of the Chicano Movement and of the Mexican-America bicultural experience,” Vargas said. “He worked as a coach, an educator and a gang intervention counselor.”

Chicano activist Herman Baca, chairman of the Committee on Chicano Rights, said he was a compadre of Sanchez since they met in 1970 during a protest at SDSU while Sanchez was a student.

“Chunky and I were doing what we were going to do for the next 45-plus years,” Baca said. “Chunky was singing and playing and I was speaking, and we kind of hit it right off.”

Their friendship grew through all the protests and rallies they attended, Baca said.

“I saw Chunky over the next 45 years at community struggles that had been brought or initiated by the Chicano Movement,” he said. “There was a lot of activism, a lot of what you call social-political conciencia. There was a whole bunch of clamor and yelling and screaming for change in U.S. society by various groups.”

Baca said he and Sanchez fought together for Chicano Park, which became Chunky’s second home.

Baca and Sanchez are both featured on a gateway Chicano Park mural.

“Chunky would play every year at the anniversary of Chicano Park,” said Baca. “Chunky immortalized Chicano Park.”

Chicano Park celebrated its 45th anniversary on April 22, 2015 and the old activistas were both there.

“When I spoke at Chicano Park at the 45th anniversary of the takeover,” said Baca, “I read a little part of Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales’s epic poem ‘I Am Joaquin.’ Afterwards, when I was getting off stage, Chunky said ‘Herman, if you’re ever able to recite that poem for me, please do it.’”

Baca read from the poem at an emotional memorial service for Sanchez held at Chicano Park attended by thousands.

“I must fight and win this struggle for my sons and they must know from me who I am,” Baca read. “I look the same, I feel the same. I cry and sing the same. I am the masses of my people and I refuse to be absorbed.”

“I Am Joaquin” encapsulates Sanchez’s life work, said Baca.

“It was powerful in that it was in memory of Chunky because I think the poem epitomizes what Chunky was all about,” he said. “He refused to be absorbed by those we confront who have placed us in this situation.”

Baca said the Chicano Movement lost a big part of its history with the death of Sanchez, but his spirit would continue in the community through his music, and the activism of those he taught and inspired.

“As long as you listen to those songs, Chunky is always going to be here,” he said. “If you’re ever in a demonstration, a picket, a rally or you come to Chicano Park, you’re going to know Chunky’s spirit is here. We buried him, but he has not left us. He was the heart and soul of the Chicano Movement and he was the cement that held our people here in San Diego and Aztlan together. That’s his great contribution.”

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Festival rocks art and science of music

By Chelsea Pelayo Assistant Arts Editor

Academics have it wrong about science and art. STEM and VAPA are linked like a strand of DNA. Ginger Shulick Porcella, executive director of the San Diego Art Institute (SDAI), gets it. She threw open the doors of the 70-year-old facility to make a space for science, music and technology.

Porcella collaborated with Southwestern College gallery director Perry Vazquez and the Fleet Science Center to put on the inaugural Art, Music and Technology Festival. AMT was exhibited two days at SDAI and one day at SWC. Porcella said it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

“For me it was really about organizing a program that highlighted what’s happening in San Diego County,” she said. “I think it’s important to show people that we are at the forefront of these particular trends that are happening here.”

Silos disappeared as experimental panels and performances fused art, music and technology with remarkable results.

Fusion creates a vibrant platform for pioneering, cerebral experiences.

Porcella said the AMT festival aimed to

wed San Diego County’s rich science, art and music scenes. Creativity has linked a diverse crowd of artists, scientists, sound engineers and thought leaders who used science and technology to create art.

Panelists were diverse, so were the tools they used to create. Technology like Skype, Google Earth, game consoles and audio programs became palettes to create art and music.

Francisco Eme, an electroacoustic sound engineer from Mexico City, said technology fueled freedom. “ When I was studying musical composition, I found that traditional music was not enough for me,” he said.

“You have to learn rules that have been there for 200 years—rules that Johann Sebastian Bach used and I got sick of that.”

Early in his career Eme played in rock, alternative and psychedelic bands, but craved the discipline of academic music. He satisfied his drives with electroacoustic music, which encourages new combinations.

“In electroacoustic music you make music with ever ything you have (including noise),” he said. “When you include noise as a musical element you can use anything, a volcano, a waterfall, a truck. Your instrument becomes the

world.”

Eme composes sound installations that explore elements of movement and finds inspiration in the borderlands.

“I think it took me a year or a little more to finally understand that it’s this clash of two cultures that create a new one,” he said. “So I’m amazed by this new culture that is neither Mexican nor American, but something in between.”

Vasquez collaborates with SDAI and helped bring the AMT festival to SWC. “Southwestern is trying to establish itself as a cultural center in the South Bay and Ginger was interested in getting off the beaten path,” he said. “She was really open to the idea of bringing it down to a part of a city that doesn’t get that benefit of having that kind of programming often.”

AMT Fest aims to make these conferences accessible to students.

Porcella said next year she plans to stage the festival later in February to generate greater student attendance.

“So we want more time to promote with students at the different universities because we really want to make it affordable for students to attend,” she said. “We want to make it accessible both in terms of price and demystifying the (artistic) process for people.”

Photos by Chelsea Pelayo

MIND BLOWING MUSIC — Violinist David Rosenbloom (left) performs “notes” suggested by brain waves transmitted to his computer monitor by two volunteers. Nick Lesley (above) is a composer, computer scientist and DJ vamping beats on his lauchpad.

SWC alumnus helps power Chinese Museum exhibit

By Jeanette Sandoval Assistant Arts Editor

PLAYING AGAINST TYPE — Rich and complex, the 40,000 characters of Chinese languages required a remarkable typing machine.

“Radical Machines: Chinese in the Information Age” runs through April 6 at the San Diego Historical Museum in downtown San Diego.

Tucked away in downtown San Diego, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is the only remaining part of what once was the historic Chinatown District of San Diego. The museum of Chinese culture rang in the Year of the Rooster with the debut of its international exhibit, “Radical Machines: Chinese in the Information Age.” It runs through April 16 before moving to San Francisco.

One exhibit is dedicated to the evolution of a typewriter from a country that is pivotal to the technological industry of today and is the first of its kind, said Museum Executive Director Tiffany Wai-Ying Beres.

“Chinatown San Diego doesn’t really exist beyond its architecture and our museum nowadays, but that’s what we’re trying to keep alive,” said Beres. “As the only Asian thematic museum in San Diego, it is our responsibility to tell stories.”

A small number of employees and volunteers run the museum, including former SWC student Rashid S. Hasirbaf, the museum operations manager. A talented artist, Hasirbaf is also the resident cartoonist for the children’s section for the San Diego Historical Society Museum Magazine.

Dr. Thomas S. Mullaney, an associate professor of Chinese History at Stanford University, donated several pieces from his personal typography collection for the international exhibit. Two Chinese and Japanese typewriters, Chinese telegraph code books, cultural references and interactive displays grace the exhibit.

Glass displays filled with photographs, literature and

typewriters line the room, educating museum visitors about the evolution of the Chinese typewriter and the many technical conflicts that arose while trying to create a device for a language that has no alphabet.

Manuals displaying nearly 40,000 Chinese characters illustrate the complexity of the language and the merits of the typewriting struggle.

Cultural references surrounding the Chinese typewriter highlight some of the struggles and stereotypes created. A scene from “The Simpsons” depicts Lisa’s struggle to write down what Homer is dictating.

The animated Chinese typewriter is massive in size and is shown as four massive keyboards filled with thousands of Chinese characters.

In a clip of James Bond movie, “Tomorrow Never Dies,” the spy himself regretted volunteering his hand at the keyboard, soon yielding the job to his partner, Michelle Yeoh.

“Radical Machines: Chinese in the Information Age” exhibits the story behind the machine and the people who dedicated their lives to accomplish it. Books thick with thousands of Chinese symbols that make up the language had to be studied by the craftsmen that made typewriting their life-long profession.

Chinese typewriting tales have parallels to the implementation of technology in America today, said Beres.

“To realize the technology that we use isn’t just the same everywhere in the world and that there is an analogous story that was happening in Asia around the same time, is fascinating,” she said. “Every day billions of people are typing in Chinese and to think about how that is even possible, it’s a cool thing for people to explore.

It just brings us closer as different peoples and different cultures and languages. Language really isn’t a barrier anymore.”

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> REVIEW

By Alex Anguiano Assistant News Editor

“Resist!” declared the bold letters at the bold faculty art show, “Nasty Women & Bad Hombres.”

Patrons found the edgy exhibition irresistible.

With “Resist,” Bekkah Walker asserted the arts’ role on the frontlines of political activism. In the heat of the country’s social turmoil, Walker threw all notions of subtlety onto the bonfire of outrage lighting the night of the Trump Administration.

Even the name of the show, strung together from two of the Tweeter-in-Chief’s most caustic slurs, is a linguistic middle finger to the alt-right takeover of America.

“Allegory 2016,” a Nathaniel Clark painting, features a skeleton dressed in patriot’s red, white and blue presenting a woman, bound to a chair, gagged and blindfolded. Her breasts are exposed to an elephant with an ominous look in its eyes. In the background a small girl holds a candle while a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows watches over the skeleton’s shoulder. If we accept the bound woman as a representation of Lady Liberty, the piece makes a powerful statement about how it feels to live in dangerous times where elected officials have adopted misogynistic and unethical rhetoric.

“Backyard Archaeology” by George Essex makes use of the remains of a dead opossum found in a classroom as well as bones, fish fossils and all sorts of ephemera that might otherwise be regarded as junk. It is presented on a backdrop of panel painted with earthy-red tones under sky. Essex uses depth brilliantly, the objects on the panel could perceived lying flat on ground or buried deep in the earth.

Essex poses the question “Offended?

A Racial Sensitivity Test” to viewers.

A flattened can of Crazy Horse Malt Liquor, named after the great Native American leader, was displayed above a mock advertisement emblazoned with “REDSKIN” and “INDIAN.” Perry Vásquez deftly captured the current social climate with “Burning Palm Tree Series 3 and 4.” He took the palm tree, the symbol for breezy SoCal fun in the sun, and set it aflame. His smoking metaphor reminds viewers that environmental

degradation promises to be a hot topic over the next four years.

An untitled abstract painting by Patrick Mason is a brilliant splash of color. Viewers who study it long enough are sure to get lost in free-flowing shapes swirling around on a black background like strange lifeforms in a faraway alien sea.

“My Tower of Power,” by Grace GrayAdams was perhaps the most impressive work in the gallery. Walled away, the tower is in its own private world. The Tower is a collage made of seven nightstands themed after women who have produced great art. Each nightstand is detailed with multimedia objects such as beads, vials of colored sand and birds. Adams’ attention to detail merits close inspection. Beatrice Woods’ nightstand is playfully prepared with the things to which she attributed her longevity - art books, chocolates and young men.

“Galleon,” by Nikko Mueller, evolved as audience members shaped it. Mueller painted over a painting of Spanish galleon with chalkboard paint. Students were invited to leave messages and drawings on the piece. As they did, the image of the galleon became more prominent. Mueller said he hoped the galleon would convey that America is a land of immigrants, many of whom came to the Americas in boats similar to the galleon.

Kathy McCord created “Julia,” a shrine to Las trece rosas, a group of girls executed by firing squad after the Spanish Civil War. The centerpiece is an impressive tapestry featuring the image of a young girl imposed on a background of 13 roses.

Christopher Ferreria’s two images, “Hawk, San Jose, California (Home is where one begins)” and “Jack, San Francisco, California (Home is where one begins)” are part of an ongoing series depicting gay men in their own homes.

There is an interesting contrast between the two images. “Hawk” features a Spartan bedroom only a mattress on the floor.

“Jack” displays a kitchen with an abundance of clutter and a nearly-naked man who stares blankly as if daring you to tell him to clean up. Paired together, both images make for a compelling statement about people constructing their own identities through their homes.

“Nasty Women & Bad Hombres” was a fine display of the vast talent here. At least Trump and Co. will provide lots of material for artists, satirists and songwriters.

Photos by Chelsea Pelayo NOT BAD FOR A BAD HOMBRE— Gallery attendees, including Karly Olivas, 20, a studio art major, were able to contribute to Nikko Mueller’s interactive chalk piece at the faculty art show, “Nasty Women and Bad Hombres.”

(DY)NASTY WOMEN GET IT DONE— Richly symbolic side tables by Grace Grey-Adams paid homage to “nasty women” of the past.

The Southwestern College Sun

CAMPUS

March 6, 2017 – Volume 61, Issue 5

Cheerful Muslim women transform student government

Thomas Contant/Staff

BE THE CHANGE – ASO

President Mona Dibas and her sister, Nada (above), lead an activist and effective student government that includes five Muslim women. Personable and brainy, the Dibas sisters have said they hope to show other Muslim students that they can be leaders while being themselves. They were recently honored as Chula Vista Champions by the mayor.

By Elizabeth Farin his controversial Muslim ban, Dibas By joining the ASO, Obeid said she fill positions, she said.

Staff Writer said she is concerned by the elevated wanted to show people how American Obeid said they were able to remain level of ignorance and hostility that Muslims really are, instead of the often- strong and stand up for themselves with Five American Muslim women who immigrants and minorities face each unflattering ways they are portrayed the help of SWC’s Muslim Student wear hijabs stand out in the ASO. They day. in the entertainment media and by Association (MSA) and each other. are also standouts in the ASO. Because of this oppression, she said, American conservatives.

Nada Dibas is president of the MSA. Associated Student Organization she is able to relate to more students at Obeid’s quest to educate others has She said she understands the challenges President Mona Dibas and her sister, SWC, who are primarily minority. She borne fruit, she said. Now she is able to that come with her position, but she Vice President for Public Relations has managed to turn diversity into a have one-on-one contact with students focuses on understanding issues and Nada Dibas, were first known as positive by motivating other students. who respect her as a human being and resolving conflicts. Working alongside Southwestern’s first student executives “Being a triple minority has helped respond to her more open-mindedly. her sister they found a common goal. to wear the Islamic headscarf. Now they me to empower other women,” said “They see behind my scarf,” she said.

“I realized we need more are known as two of the college’s best- Dibas. representation,” she said. ever student leaders.

She wears her scarf passionately each She described the acute lack of Mona Dibas said joining the ASO as a day as a statement to other Muslim diversity in SWC’s leadership and said Palestinian Muslim woman was difficult women. she wants to encourage other minorities at first. She said she found little support “I’m the first Muslim hijabi ASO on campus to participate in student for her ideas from others. president,” she said. “I hope I’m not government.

“I am often told you can’t do that, you the last.”

Nada Dibas said being an ASO leader can’t accomplish this,” Dibas said. “You Dibas said she will continue her social has required a great deal of sacrifice. She are too sensitive to be in charge. You’re activism after she leaves SWC because has a full class schedule as a student, too nice to take responsibility.” she wants minorities to embrace their works relentlessly on issues, is an intern Dibas said she received a great deal of culture and be proud of who they are. for Congressman Juan Vargas and pushback from some people on campus She said she would like to be a history competes on the SWC debate team. when she was elected president. professor and come back to teach at Mona and Nada were honored “I always feel like people are waiting Southwestern.

-Mona Dibas recently as Chula Vista Champions by for me to mess up,” she said.

ASO Social Vice President Yasmeen Mayor Mary Casillas Salas.

Dibas said sometimes her hijab Obeid said she is proud and excited Brainy, energetic and charismatic, the overwhelms her words and actions. to represent SWC with other Muslim “And that’s exactly why we wear the Dibas sisters have reshaped the face of Anti-Muslim prejudice has been more women who wear hijabs. When she scarf.” the ASO. Five Muslim women are either out in the open since the election of joined the ASO she said she only knew It has not always been smooth sailing executives or senators. Obeid said it is Donald Trump, even in multicultural one other Muslim on campus, Mona for Obeid in the ASO. She recalled a healthy for student government to open San Diego County.

Dibas. Obeid struggled to find a group time when another student threatened itself to all students.

“Now the fear is real,” she said. “If I’m with shared beliefs, she said. As a result, the Muslim women who served in “If you have people to support you walking alone, someone can just walk she began to educate others who did student government. The student no matter who you are,” she said, “you’re from behind me and pull my scarf.” not understand her religion and why verbally attacked them and demeaned not gonna find it as hard to adjust to the With Trump elevating tension with she wears a hijab. them, criticizing their qualifications to changes around you.”

“Being a triple minority has helped me to empower other women.”

Debaters sacrifice championship for principle

“Unfortunately, they didn’t quite make it, but for a second-year team, up against teams that are on full scholarship to four-year schools, to be only one round away from breaking was actually very impressive,” he said.

SWC students taking the intersession debate class had the opportunity to debate for the first time among the nation’s best.

Novice debater Amanda Estevané, 18, a psychology major, debated against UNLV. She participated because she thought it would be interesting.

“We had only done one debate in class, so that was like our first actual debate really,” she said.

Estevané said she was impressed by the UNLV students’courage and raw talent.

“The UNLV team was really good,” she said. “It was sort of scary because they Victoria Gonzalez/Staff have experience and I knew they were VICTORIOUS VEGAS – UNLV’s Don Fagan and Amber Jones win at going to be good right off the bat.”

Hannie Schaft Invitational Debate Tournament.

Mills said the tournament was an opportunity for first-time debaters.

By Victoria Gonzalez 25 debating duos from 10 institutions, “It was a really good chance to get Campus Editor including the University of Miami, USC people a chance to sort of get their and The New School from New York. feet wet and try out debate when they “Alternative facts” had no place at SWC was represented by debaters wouldn’t have had a chance normally.”

SWC’s second annual Hannie Schaft Arantxa Calles, 20, a telemedia major Professor of Communication Graciela Invitational Debate Tournament. Reality who won second place nationally last Saez, a star debater from Gonzaga ruled as college and university students year, and Jorge del Castillo, 21, a political University, serves as SWC’s second debate discussed topics straight out of recent science major, the reigning Southern coach. She said the team participates in presidential speeches.

California district champion. Debate cross examination debate, often referred Turns out that the truth can be kind coach Jordan Mills said Calles and del to as policy debate. of sexy.

Castillo put in a very good showing in “We focus on whether a policy should This year the tournament, the only one the Open category, where they got to the be implemented or not, so it’s usually of its kind in San Diego County, drew sixth round. more connected to policy making and

what our government does and should be doing and how we relate to our governments,” she said. “Some other types of debate don’t discuss policy as much.”

Greenhouse gas emissions is this year’s topic. Topics are selected annually by the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), the organizing body of policy style debate.

This year’s National Championship Tournament located in Kansas City, Kansas, was itself the subject of a debate. Kansas is subject to a boycott

by California Assembly Bill AB 1887, which forbids California public funds to be spent in Kansas, Mississipi, North Carolina and Tennessee, all states that have legislated discrimination against the LGBT community. All four states prohibit transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Mills said he thinks the site should be moved, but considered a plan to have the team stay in neighboring Kansas City, Missouri.

“If we can make it so we are not spending any money in Kansas and we stay in Missouri, we might go out to Nationals there,” he said.

Before the team figured out how to participate in Nationals, it first needed to qualify. Unfortunately, it did not.

Four SWC teams participated in the District 1 Qualifier and Pacific Championships at USC in the Open and Novice categories. Three were able to get to round six before being eliminated.

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Cal rehab program puts student on track

By Veronica Cruz Assistant Campus Editor

Bipolar disorder is the worst of both worlds.

Feeling euphoric and minutes later feeling the “worst a human being could feel” are symptoms of a disability that affects as many as 5.7 million adult Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

SWC student Victoria Leyva is one.

Leyva, 23, said she has struggled with mental illness since she was child.

“You can prepare as much as you want, but when you’re actually in the thick of full blown mania it kinda goes to hell,” she said.

Leyva receives aid from the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) for her Rapid Cycling Type 1 Bipolar Disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. These ailments at one time derailed her academic career.

Kathleen Alonzo, a senior DOR vocational rehabilitation counselor, said she helps students who are interested in entering or returning to the workforce.

“A lot of the time people don’t feel that their disability is really impacting them, and when it finally does it creates a barrier,” she said.

Leyva was a student at CSU Fullerton when the symptoms of her mental illness caused her to have a mental breakdown that left her severely depressed and required a medical withdrawal, she said.

“It was so incredibly frustrating,” she said. “Loving school and learning, but not feeling like you could do it because your own mind hates you.”

Aid from the DOR is geared towards helping those with mental or Leyva physical disabilities earn their educations and start a career leading to independence.

“They want to give me a career,” said Leyva. “They made a plan for me and realized that a part of my journey was to go to school.”

DOR can provide financial aid for essentials such as gas money, computers and college expenses.

Students are provided with whatever materials are deemed necessary for their success, said Alonzo, as well as help entering the workforce.

Jenny Nominni is a coordinator with Workability Three, a partnership program between the DOR and SWC meant to help students enter and succeed within the workforce.

“It’s a juggling act,” Nominni said.

“Students with disabilities need more one-on-one time. Sometimes it’s not that easy to write a resume for someone who has a disability or a 10-year work gap.”

Workability Three counselors help students navigate through a range of tasks such as disability disclosures, job retention, government internships and volunteer work. “ We w o r k w i t h s t u d e n t s f o r sometimes weeks and then they get a job,” said Nominni, “sometimes we work with them for years.”

Workability Three offers other tools like vocational counseling with the aim of finding the best employable fit for each student’s individual capabilities.

Combined with DOR assistance, it works to make a successful, contributing student or employee who manages their disability.

Leyva said DOR changed her life.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much help there is,” she said. “They have given me the freedom to pursue school, earn a career and not have to worry so much. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders.”

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Victoria Gonzalez, editor

CAMPUS

March 6, 2017 — Vol. 61, Issue 5

Tel: (619) 482-6368 email: campus@theswcsun.com

Despite drought, landscapers do not run dry on ideas drew her to the program, she said.

“It turned out that a lot of what I knew about electronics applied towards sprinkler Record rainfall in Northern California design and a lot of the other skills,” she said. has not ended the dryness in SoCal. Hildebrandt said her interests include More than 24 million people in the state sustainability, tiny homes and urban are still affected by drought, according to planning. the California Water Science Center.

“I know that any new ideas brainstormed Southwestern College’s Landscape and with Mark leading the program are going to Nursery Technology Program intends for be sustainable,” she said. “He is very open.” students to help water down that number.

Hildebrandt said she would like to see a SWC’s South Bay Botanical Garden sister program in South America and help provides a sanctuary start vegetable gardens at where students can local elementary schools practice for horticulture to pass on horticulture and sustainable living, techniques. and make it grow.

“We can create the Mark Valen, assistant opportunity for outreach professor of landscape to the community and technology, said those local schools to share practices will provide ideas from across the job opportunities in globe and exchange landscape architecture, information,” she said. garden installation, golf LNT student Efren course management, Ortiz, 36, said he nursery, floriculture and comes from a farming sustainable landscape background.

-Mark Valen practices. New skills are “I strongly support the Assistant Professor of necessary. effort Mark has placed Landscape Technology “The industry, jobs into the garden and the and the nature of opportunities it presents working with plants in the landscape has to students in the South Bay,” he said. changed recently and is changing very Ortiz said he has learned to love the land. fast,” he said. “The theme of our program “When you show love, a person cares, is sustainability. We want to make sure that cultivates and builds up something,” he we are working in a way to help the planet.” said. “The land can have the same effect Students come from all walks of life to on us.” cultivate the opportunities the program Valen said he hopes students will has to offer. gain a better understanding of the best Paula Hildebrandt, 64, is landscaping practices that are friendly to majoring in landscape practices the environment and wildlife, can supply and landscape architecture after food and preserve water.

25 years in the electronics industry.

“We’re hands on and where else do you Valen’s work at the Living Coast Discovery get to eat the results?” he said. “You can’t Center where he created training courses take a test and eat the test but in our classes in composting for the City of Chula Vista you can.”

By Elena Hernandez Staff Writer

“The theme of our program is sustainability. We want to make sure that we are working in a way to help the planet.”

Maria Joaquin/Staff

ELIXIR OF LIFE— Retired electronics professional Paula Hildebrandt is nurturing her new love of sustainability, water efficiency and environmentally-responsible urban planning at the SWC Botanical Garden.

Black Student Union president says knowing history is essential

By Veronica Cruz Assistant Campus Editor

Thomas Contant/Staff

MUCH LOVE FOR OUR VETS—SWC’s Veterans Center was cited as an asset to students by Victory Media, a veterans advocacy group.

Southwestern honored as a Military Friendly Campus

By Carolina Rubio Assistant Campus Editor

Fragrant coffee and steaming lunches are not uncommon in the Veterans’ Resource Center (VRC). It is the existence of the VCR itself that is uncommon.

Southwestern College earned the designation of a Military Friendly Campus by Victory Media, a veterans advocacy organization. SWC was one of seven military friendly colleges in San Diego County. Victoria Media produces the Military Friendly website, centered around helping ser vice members transition to civilian careers by connecting them with colleges and jobs.

Military Friendly institutions “excel in supporting post-military students, both financially and socially.” Other criteria are graduation rates, financial aid eligibility and job placement.

Army veteran DQ Fryersoa said he attempted to enroll at Mesa College, but an employee there turned down his Cal Vet college tuition fee waiver. By state law, Veterans are entitled to waivers of tuition and fees at any California community college, State University or University of California campus.

Freyersoa said Mesa College personnel told him that the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs Department took too long to reimburse the institution. Southwestern College

was the only community college that did not require money upfront for tuition.

Army Veteran Tammy Rivera, 32, a political science major, said she experienced the same situation at Grossmont College. Financial reasons aside, Rivera said Southwestern has a more veteran friendly environment.

Fryersoa agreed.

“The school is very understanding of the fact that people haven’t come to school in years,” he said. “Teachers really help you out.”

VRC coordinator Jonathan White said SWC’s inclusion in the list could also be attributed to the resources it provides, including a “home base” to share lunch and talk to people with experience.

Rivera said VCR is a home away from home.

“There’s always coffee, water and today I brought tacos,” she said. “People can come here to print out their homework.

It’s by veterans, for veterans. We are helping each other out.”

Rivera said some veterans decline assistance, but Fryersoa said they are always free to change their minds.

“Sure, there’s still vets that need help, it’s just on us to reach out for the help,” he said. “It’s not about race, it’s not about religion, it’s about protecting each other.”

Maya May grew up in the Old West End neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio, one of America’s highest crime areas.

She took alternate routes to school to avoid dead bodies on the street.

“I didn’t understand that other people didn’t live that way,” she said.

“It was just life for me.”

May, the effusive president of the Southwestern College Black Student Union (BSU), is the mother of a fouryear-old boy and highly involved in the community. She is also a big fan of black history who led an energetic conversation at the first spring meeting of BSU. “Learning black culture and history is a big part of who I am,” she said.

A struggle to find an identity is a theme shared by many members of the BSU. Club secretary Khalil Adisa grew up in Southeast San Diego and was one of only four black men in his high school’s graduating class.

“Even if people don’t bring it up you can see the way they look at you,” he said. “I never really fit.”

Adisa, 20, is now a criminal justice major at SWC. He works to learn about himself and his culture through

Black history figures that are crucial influences to the current way of life are often ignored and underrepresented, said Adisa.

Abdimalik Buul, assistant professor of personal development, agreed. “(The African-American community) has always been a people who look at the collective and the benefit of the whole society,” he said. “When we look out for folks, it’s all folks.”

Buul, co-chair of the SWC Black

“I never really knew what being black meant.”

-Khalil Adisa

“Sometimes there’s so much hate pushed towards it that you forget it is something to be proud of.”

While attending a predominantly white Catholic high school that lacked ethnic diversity, she experienced racism and stereotyping by fellow students.

“It didn’t make me mad that they were being racist towards me,” she said.

“It made me mad that people were seeing me as ‘the black girl’ and not just ‘Maya.’”

This made it extremely hard to find her own identity, but through adversity she learned to find her own talents and transformed how people saw her, she said.

“I have to live with stereotypes, but they don’t have to make who I am,” she said. “I know who I am.”

Maria Joaquin/Staff

NEVER, NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT— Maya May, the cheerful president of the Southwestern College Black Student Union, said she is serious about celebrating the culture and beauty of African-Americans.

African-American history courses and BSU. “I never really knew what being black meant,” he said. “(The courses) helped me know who I am and where I come from.”

Adisa said it is important to look past traditional black figures such as Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr. because black history has much more to offer.

“You wanna know black history?” he asked. “Tell me about the people no one talks about. Tell me about the Sojourner Truths and Marcus Garveys.”

Alliance, said he teaches students of all backgrounds to be open minded to history and other perspectives.

“You can look at black history and see how black people persisted,” he said. “We’ve always been at the most vulnerable stages.”

May said that sense of shared struggle and community is what she values, and what makes her proud to be who she is.

“My culture, my skin color, my history, my ancestors, they’re gold. I wouldn’t let that go and I’m willing to get shot for it.”

The Southwestern College Sun

SPORTS

March 6, 2017 – Volume 60, Issue 5

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Finding their stride

Tayler Costello/Staff

READY FROM THE FIRST PITCH — Shortstop Alyssa Garrette stands ready as pitcher Yazzy Jameson brings the heat against Riverside College. SWC won 7-0.

Lady Jags’ bats come alive to keep the team on top

A BIG FIRST STEP— Pitcher Brandon Weed got his first win of the season in the first game of an opening day doubleheader against Victor Valley College. SWC swept, 12-8 and 11-6.

Courtesy of Mary York

Unusually heavy January rains hamper Jaguars’ preseason practices, but not their high expectations for the season

By Armando Sanchez Staff Writer

Heavy winter rains were a welcome relief for most Californians. Not so much for the SWC baseball team.

The Jaguars’ rocky start coincided with the unusual rainy weather that hit Southern California. Rain fell for four straight days, preventing the Jags from practicing.

Head Coach Jay Martel said rain played havoc with pitchers most of all.

“We only got on the field for five days due to all the rain,” said Martel. “We didn’t get to pitch many innings.

Basically these games early in the year are like preseason games, except now they count for wins and losses.”

Martel blamed the lack of preparation.

“We haven’t pitched very well, we haven’t played defense well and we haven’t hit,” he said. “All three phases of our game are not where they should be at this point of the season.”

A baseball powerhouse for four decades, SWC suffered a losing season last year. Despite a stumbling start, Martel said he expects the team to bounce back in 2017.

Sophomore pitcher Andrew Lopez said the pitching

staff has not pitched to capacity, but has been effective.

“Overall we’ve pitched a lot better,” he said. “We’ve allowed our offense to stay in the game. The more opportunities we get, the more changes we have to shut down opposing hitters.”

With the team playing solid baseball, Martel is confident heading into conference play.

“We’re getting hot at the right time,” he said. “All the pieces are there to be a good club. If we can pitch and play defense as the season rolls along, we will get better.”

Martel has been impressed with the way his team has bounced back, crediting timely hitting and execution in close ball games.

“We started off really slow,” he said. “Our guys have hung in there and have proven they are hungry and want to eat. Our ability to stay in a game for all nine innings says a lot about our ball club,” Freshman Baley Castro’s presence at the plate has helped the offense heat up.

“As simple as it sounds, we’ve been able to put the bat on the ball,” said Castro. “Our team is getting stronger as our team chemistry grows.”

The Jags will begin conference play with a record of 10-5.

By Tayler Costello Staff Writer

Lady Jaguar softball players roared out of the gate and opened their season by sweeping a doubleheader from Los Angeles Mission College, 5-4 and 7-1.

Head Coach Yasmin Mossadeghi said she was not surprised by the strong start.

“There is no weak position on the field and no weak position on offense, 1 through 9,” she said. “Every person on this team is capable of being successful, including players in the dugout and that is usually rare at this level.”

Clairemont High graduate Yazzy Jameson set the tone for the season.

Jameson only gave up four hits through five innings in the first game of the double header, before surrendering a three run homer in the sixth.

The Jags responded with a RBI single in the bottom of the seventh by shortstop Alyssa Garrette winning the game 5-4.

Jameson and her team kept their cool.

“The key thing for me is how I perform after (allowing a home run), you just gotta erase it and keep going,” she said.

Garrette agreed.

“During my at bat I just try to clear my head and not stress about it too much,” she said. “But afterwards I was happy. I mean, we had just won the game in the last inning.”

Garrette said she has a pregame ritual to stay positive.

“Every game I pre-wrap my wrist and I write ‘focus’ and ‘trust the process’ on

the tape,” she said. “These words really get me through the mental aspect of the game because if I’m doing bad I’m constantly reminded on my wrist.”

Jameson has already committed to Mercy College, a Division II school in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

“My goal is to keep my pitching going and getting better because my scholarship offer to New York,” she said.

Last year Jameson received a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Women’s Athlete Player of the Week award and was Most Valuable Player at the Golden West Tournament.

She started her softball career at Clairemont Girls Fastpitch, then played on the travel ball teams San Diego Renegades and San Diego Powersurge.

Mossadeghi said leadership requires great attitude and passion on and off the field.

“Yazzy is considered a leader because of her quick growth and development as a person and athlete,” she said. “That helped our team garner much success last year.

Everyone at some point in the season will have opportunities to be a great leader.”

Coach Mossadeghi said she expects there to be no “I” in team this year.

“Our obstacle this year is making sure that we all stay on the path to succeed as a team and not as individuals. This team compared to past has more depth in talent and a positive attitude.”

Since the opening day doubleheader the Lady Jags have continued their momentum through February, going 5-3 in the month, giving them a 9-4 record for the season.

A rare losing year as the young Jaguars’ late-season resurgence still falls short

By Michael McDonald Sports Editor

Thomas Contant/Staff

FAILURE TO LAUNCH — Much like the rest of the season, this attempt by guard Rich Grove did not go as planned. The Jags did go on to beat Imperial Valley, 84-75.

Bad injuries and bad grades hammered the men’s basketball team into the losing side of the ledger this season.

Though the SWC men’s basketball season was an exercise in perseverance in the face of disappointment, the young Jaguars rallied at the end to create hope for 2018, finishing 6-21 overall and 3-7 in conference.

SWC was lean, mean and very green with only one sophomore with collegiate basketball experience. Sophomore guard Richard Grove said it fell on him to teach the importance of constant improvement. “(College is) a whole other level,” he said. “This isn’t high school. We’re sometimes playing seven footers that could be at Division I schools if they had the grades. You have to constantly be getting better. No plateaus.”

Inexperience hurt but so did the injuries. Before the season even started, guard Iman Chatman-Dixon was knocked out of the lineup due to a football injury.

Forward Edward Winslow went down with an MCL tear and meniscus rip.

Surgery was not required, leaving the window open for Winslow’s return.

Head coach John Cosentino said the injures made it difficult for the team to find their footing early in the season.

“ The injuries that we had were brutal,” he said. “We had all freshmen to start with, so we knew we were going to struggle. And we’re not that big, so when Winslow went out, that really hurt us.”

“Our goal is to win every game. It might not happen that way, but it doesn’t change the goal.”

-Iman Chatman-Dixon Injuries were not the end of the Jags’ problems.

After the fall semester the bench was depleted when three players were deemed academically ineligible, slicing the roster to just eight.

Cosentino said all three players were point guards, leaving the Jags with few options.

“Terrell (Brown) stepped in, but he

was never a true point guard,” said Cosentino. “My hat’s off to him. He’s good now, but it took a few weeks.”

With three weeks to play, Winslow returned from injury and Beni Mokili became eligible just in time to string together some conference wins. Mokili took advantage of winter intersession classes to reestablish his eligibility. In their first game back the re-energized Jags beat Imperial Valley, 84-75.

Forward Emilio Arellano credited the win to a renewed intensity.

“We were able to come out in the second half stronger,” he said after the victory. “We were really struggling in the second half with low intensity, but this time we came out and threw the first punch and that really helped out a lot.”

Guard C.J. Tamborrino said the return of Winslow and Mokili was game changing.

“They really helped us in a big way,” Tamborrino said. “We had a lack of motivation because of all the adversity we’ve faced this season, so just picking up the energy with those players back really helps.”

SWC next beat Cuyamaca College 66-63, winning two straight games for the first time this season.

Chatman-Dixon said that despite the team’s record, the players never wavered.

“Our goal is to win every game. It might not happen that way, but it doesn’t change the goal.”

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March 6, 2017 — Vol. 60, Issue 5

Design by Jaime Pronoble

BACKPAGE

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Pushing back Massive Women’s Marches around the globe challenge Trump and the alt-right

Photos by Thomas Contant

PINK POWER—More than 45,000 participated in the San Diego Women’s March, part of the nearly 5 million who marched in 600 U.S. cities. Millions more marched on every continent, including Antarctica, to express frustration with Trump administration threats to roll back rights and protections developed over decades. Marchers rallied for women’s rights, the environment, social justice and other progressive issues. Hundreds of SWC students and staff marched.

By Alyssa Pajarillo and Thomas Solis Staff Writers

“What do you do when you’re under attack?”

“Stand Up! Fight Back!”

Southwestern College students did. They were among the more than 40,000 protesters who came out for the San Diego Women’s March. Supporters also marched down the streets of thousands of other cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico City, London, Cape Town and Sydney. In all there were an estimated 3 billion protesters worldwide on every continent – including Antarctica.

Millions of women and girls wore homemade pink “pussy hats” to signal their displeasure with President Trump’s misogynistic behavior.

Alida Ranganesh, 45, walked in the San Diego march.

“I’m not so much protesting as I’m standing up for positivity, personal freedom and human rights,” she said.

Protestors said the trigger for these worldwide protests was the threat to civil rights under the Trump administration.

Simon Clark, 20, said Trump needed to act presidential and respect all Americans.

“I want Trump to realize that the position of president is a position of power and a position of responsibility,” he said. “He is responsible for all the people in this country.”

Many protestors expressed fear that the

inauguration of a conservative president and cabinet would threaten their reproductive rights.

Victoria Leyva, a 23-year-old SWC journalism major, was among them.

“It was important for me to march because I wanted to stand in solidarity with other marginalized groups and to peacefully show that I’m not happy with the current political climate and I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

Trump took to Twitter the following day to respond to the marches.

“Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an election!

Why didn’t these people vote?” he tweeted.

San Diego’s march was as diverse and intersectional as the city. Men, women, children, people of all colors, straight and LGBTQ people all came out to show support.

L e y va s a i d t o o m a n y A m e r i c a n s i n homogeneous parts of the country are afraid of diversity when they should not be.

“Seeing such diversity made me feel seen and cared for,” she said, “that if something were to happen to me, I have all of these people who will not only stand with me but will also stand behind me.”

SWC President Dr. Kindred Murillo said that while she was not in attendance she appreciated the inclusive message of the march.

“I thought it was a very organized, thoughtful

protest,” she said. “It was about everybody, even though it was supposedly a woman’s march. It was very inclusive and exciting to have people come together in all these different cities and all over the United States saying ‘look, we are concerned about this and we are going to fight to make sure we are including everybody and that we’re going to fight for civil rights, and for people.’”

Though the Women’s March was a powerful statement, Leyva said follow up is required.

“I think it was a big first step,” she said. “It’s a small victory, but there is so much more work that needs to be done that we can’t really revel in it. I will attend more protests, call my representatives, continue to support my marginalized brothers and sisters and be steadfast.

I love my country and I love its people and I’m not going anywhere.”

Murillo said protests are necessary going forward.

“Your civil rights are tied to the ability for any person to have a decent life. Fairly, equally, with equity. If we can’t allow people to have that and provide that opportunity for them, then what kind of nation are we?”