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March 8, 2012Volume 104, Issue 3

InsideStudent at Egypt riotsPage 2

Transparency vs Censorship Page 4

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

Winter session’s fate weighedNICHOLAS ZEBROWSKIStaff Writer

A proposal to consider cuttingwinter intersession was sched-uled to be discussed by theBoard of Trustees on Wednesday.

As the Courier went to press,the board had not made a deci-sion on this item.

“If Jackie Robinson were withus today, he would be protesting[the cuts] with us,” said RogerMarheine, English professor,told the board.

Starting at about 4 p.m., secu-rity around the Campus Centerbuilding was boosted as it wason Feb. 22 when a large crowddemonstrated inside the boardmeeting room, and in the Quadoutside.

The item in which the propos-al of a Trimester AcademicCalandar for the 2012-2013 yearwas contained, was near the endof the agenda.

Background materials provid-ed to the board stated: "For oneyear only in 2012-2013, the

District will assure that the num-ber of class sections (271 sec-tions) that were offered in thewinter session 2012, will bemoved to the summer semesterand therefore added to the 2012-13 class schedule.

"These additional classes willbe high priority courses neededby students for graduation andtransfer."

Word of the removal of thewinter session had spread acrosscampus. On Wednesday morn-ing, blue fliers reading, "PCCPlans to cut Winter 2013,"appeared on campus invitingstudents and faculty to appear atthe Board of Trustees meetingand voice their concerns.

"We're going to allow over-flow," said Officer Tyler James

Robins earlier in the day. "If thereare more people coming in,they'll broadcast the meeting inthe Piazza."

Few attended the meetingOfficials had already shown

strong disapproval of the discus-sion to eliminate winter.

"The appearance of the pro-posed ‘trimester' in the nextBoard of Trustees' packet, with-out the idea first being vetted inshared governance committeesor even negotiated with the

Protestersgather for the

March inMarch rally atthe CaliforniaState Capitolon Monday.About 5,000

demonstratorsfrom colleges

all overCalifornia

assembled toprotest the

recent cuts instate funding.

GabrielaCastillo/Courier

‘Intimidation’at meetingassailed bySenate leaderNEIL PROTACIO AND ANDER AROSTEGUIStaff Writers

In an open letter addressed to the Board ofTrustees, the administration, faculty and staff,Academic Senate President Edward Martinez saidmembers of the Senate had been "intimidated" byevents surrounding the group's Feb 27 meeting.

Many Senate members had expressed anger atthe time, the Courier reported on March 1.

"Some membersof the SenateBoard, includingthe SenateSecretary an theSenate Treasurer,were angered thatour normal proce-dures were so bla-tantly interferedwith and that a situation of intimidation had beencreated," Martinez wrote.

"Both of these officers and other representativesleft the meeting in protest.

Roger Marheine, as an English division repre-sentative, moved to cancel the meeting, but I hadto overrule the motion after a vote since it had notbeen properly agendized."

At a meeting of the Senate Executive Board onMonday, Martinez declined to elaborate on the

Local group joins protest at CapitolMERCY FABILA ANDCICELY CHISHOLMStaff Writers

Thousands of students from variousCalifornia colleges, including a largegroup of students from PCC, walkedthe streets of Sacramento to protest thecuts in funding to higher education atthe state Capitol on Monday.

The event's primary goal was tovoice students' support for Gov. JerryBrown's measures to increase taxes onthe wealthy in order to provide morefunding for higher education.

Students have been building up theirexcitement for weeks in light of heatedprotests.

"I want to be able to transfer and notworry about student loans and classcuts for the future," said Derek Vuong,engineering, at the final meeting beforeheading to Sacramento.

"I'm going because of the budgetcuts affecting everybody," echoedLoyanee Lopez, psychology. "I hope toget or point of view across."

The massive group began its marchat Southside Park, one mile away fromthe Capitol building. Buses droppedstudents off who were there to repre-

Community Colleges Chancellor, ex-PCC chief, to retireNICHOLAS ZEBROWSKINew Editor

Jack Scott, former PCC presi-dent, announced Tuesday that hewould be retiring from his posi-tion of California Chancellor ofCommunity Colleges as ofSeptember this year.

He assumed his position at thehelm of the nations largest sys-tem of higher education inJanuary 2009.

Scott plans to spend his retire-ment in Pasadena, and is lookingforward to spending more timewith his eleven grandchildren,he said in an interview. “I plan

to take it easy, no nine to fivework…consulting, reading,maybe some writing.”

The former PCC leader saidthat his greatest achievement asCommunity College Chancellorwas the implementation of acommunity college-to-CSUtransfer system in 2011.

“I look forward to seeing more[of] PCC,” Scott said in a tele-phone interview Tuesday after-noon. “There will always be awarm spot in my heart for PCCand the time I spent there.”

Scott added that he is retiringbecause he feels he has had a ful-filling career and wants to relax

with his family and travel. Scottalso said that he hopes studentscan pursue the best educationpossible, even though the statehas made some serious mistakeshandling higher education.

Commenting on Scott’s retire-ment, PCC President MarkRocha said, “Jack is a monumentto our school and the state.” Headded that Scott is a “Mt. Rush-more; type landmark character.”

Rocha said that Scott’s retire-ment came as a surprise, but thatScott has served 58 years for thestate and done a great service tous all. “[PCC] and the state are ina much better state [after Scott].”

Rocha said.Scott served as PCC President

from 1987 and was elected in1996 as state representative tothe Senatorial District, whichincludes Pasadena, Glendale,and Burbank.

His highlight achievement atPCC was the completion of a$100 million master plan bring-ing the colleges needs into the21st century, according to theChancellor’s website. Also onthe website, it says during Scottspresidency at PCC, “the collegebalanced its budget, laid-off no

Continued on page 10

More pictures / Pages 6, 7

Continued on page 10Continued on page 10

Continued on page 10

Courtesy of CaliforniaCommunity Collge Chancllors

OfficeFormer PCC President Jack Scott

To read the fulltext of theletter, visit

Courier online

pccCourier.com

For up to the minutecoverage,

visit Courier online

pccCourier.com

Speak out!Should taxes on the richbe raised for in support

of education?

vote atpccCourier.com

2 Courier March 8, 2012News

CHRISTINE MICHAELSStaff Writer

About 50 demonstrators took the Quad onMarch 1, protesting the administration's last-minute decision to cut classes a week before thesemester started.

The goal of the protest was to inform the stu-dents about the class cuts and the add code limita-tions started this semester, said history major SamResnick.

Protesters on Thursday first gathered on theraised grass platform outside the Campus Center,holding signs and chanting into bullhorns, invitingstudents to join them.

Among those students was Brittany Ulloa, bio-chemistry.

"I am here because I want to get classes back,"Ulloa said. "We want to continue education theway we planned it."

Undeclared major David Nunes-Childes said:"[Students] get the bad end of the stick. [Students]are having more difficulty getting classes."

Protesting students were not alone in thisdemonstration, as members of Occupy LosAngeles joined the rally.

"There is under funding of education by thewealthy in this country," said Pablo Oliva ofOccupy LA. The wealthy should contribute more,he added.

The protesters marched down to the Quad dur-ing Club Week and circled the area before makingtheir way to the C Building where campus policewere already waiting for them.

In an e-mail sent earlier to the faculty and staff,Vice President of Administrative Services Richardvan Pelt told employees that [officials] were awareof the protests and that safety precautions weretaken.

The protesters settled on the C Building stepsand engaged students in dialogue, speaking aboutclass sections and the current problem of add codelimitations.

For the first time this semester, instructors weregiven only up to five codes for students to addtheir classes. Previously, dozens of codes were pro-vided.

Student Tamar Boehm was one who couldn't getan add code. "I have a class that has 30 seats, butonly allows 16 students to register for it," she said.

CHRISTINE MICHAELSStaff Writer

At first glance, undeclared freshman JoshuaAldecoa seems to be an average student whoskateboards in his spare time. That is, untilyou hear about his five – month hitchhikingjourney from Germany to Israel, including astop in Egypt, where he found himself in themidst of a violent rebellion against the mili-tary regime.

In October, Aldecoa, 18 years old at thetime, witnessed the first two days of Egypt’scitizens rioting in Tahrir Square, protestingthe authoritarian rule of the military regime.

“People were yelling with megaphones,there was an older guy next to me makingMolotov cocktails and throwing them…it wasintense,” he said.

Aldecoa was stuck in the middle of the sec-ond major rebellion since the Egyptian peopleoverthrew former dictatorial president HosniMubarak in February 2011.

He remembered having tear gas thrown athim.

“I couldn’t breathe, my eyes were tear-ing…I had my scarf wrapped around my eyesbecause I couldn’t see,” he said.

There were children being carried into

emergency tents after the riot, “It was sad towatch,” said Aldecoa.

Friend Laine Perine was enticed to hearAldecoa’s story when he narrated it on thesidewalk in front of the IT Building.

Aldecoa had planned his venture becausehe “wanted to see for [himself] what wasgoing on, [in the Middle East] instead of justhearing it on the news.”

After saving up $2,500 from his job as awaiter at the Vintage Café in Whittier, he quit,packed his bags, and flew to Germany withsome friends.

Cory Liggins economics major said, “It’samazing how he made his money stretch thatlong. I’d spend all of it in a week tops.”

“I loved Germany. It was cheap and therewas good food,” Aldecoa said while eatingMiddle Eastern okra dish.

Via e – mail, Aldecoa’s German instructor atPCC, Lydia Mc Donald praised her student.

“[He] seems very interested in learning thelanguage, and I’m glad that his experiences inEurope motivated him to start studyingGerman in a formal classroom environment,”she said.

“Using a foreign language in the countryitself is always an exciting opportunity to get

to know its people and culture.”From Germany, Aldecoa hitchhiked to

Spain, which he described as “one hugeparty.”

Then he continued to hitchhike to France,Denmark, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia,and Bulgaria, where he slept at the country’sborder until the next morning, when he wentto Turkey.

From Turkey, Aldecoa traveled to Georgia,Armenia, Iraq, Cyprus, then Egypt and Israel.

During his 136 days of travel, Aldecoa oncestayed at a hotel with some people he hadmet, but otherwise slept in parks, or stayed atthe homes of the natives’ he met along theway.

“You meet a lot more cool people thatway…you get a real feel for the culture,” hesaid.

“I love to travel, I’m a travel bug,” Aldecoaadded with a smile while lighting up a ciga-rette, “I want to travel to places that nobodyhas gone to before.”

He can’t stay home anymore, Aldecoa said.“I want to explore more countries, and growfrom there.”

Anthony Richetts / CourierStudents march across campus March 1, protesting section cuts and the new add code system which limitsfaculty with to only five add slips.

Protest marches down Quad

Courtesy of Joshua AldecoaJoshua Aldecoa in front of thePyramid at Giza in Egypt.

Freshman on global, arrives in Egypt during riots

BRANDON DREXELStaff Writer

A special 12 week programcalled Spring Forward will aidstudents whose schedules wereaffected by the recent cancella-tion of classes, college officialssaid.

“The session is targeted toaddress the 428 students whoseschedules were impacted by theclass cancellations that occurredjust prior to beginning of thesemester,” said Robert Bell, vicepresident of instruction.

Bell went on to say that theclasses that will be offered willhave the primary focus of assist-ing those who only need one ortwo classes to graduate, transferor obtain a certificate.

“In bringing these classes for-ward in this special session, thehope is to assist other studentswho are near completion aswell,” said Bell.

Bell’s office will try to contactall affected students to informthem of the program and offerthem the classes they need. Inorder to avoid conflicts with stu-dent’s current schedules, theclasses will be offered via onlineinstruction as well as weekends.

According to Crystal Kollross,the interim director of institu-tional planning and research,one of the main goals of SpringForward will also be to seek outstudents who are close to a trans-fer.

Two hundred nineteen of the428 affected had completed 35units or more, said Kolross, butwere not in classes needed totransfer in 2012.

“If we can find students that

were detrimentally affected bythe cuts, those are the ones wecould target for SpringForward,” Kollross said. “But wejust don’t see that in their tran-scripts.”

Kollross said that the SpringForward program will be used apilot to get students who justneed that one class to transfer.

“We want to get those studentswho don’t have financial aid anddon’t want to stay any longer,Kollross said. “It’s not just aboutthose 45 classes that were can-celled.”

The number of classes can-celled has differed in light ofheated protests. Kollross clari-fiec, however, that the total sec-tions cancelled is 45.

“Some of the sections can-celled were time changes,”Kollross said. “When an instruc-tor requests a change in time, thesection will have to be cancelledand another will have to beadded.”

Other sections that were rein-stated were classes that tookplace in surrounding highschools and also ESL classes.

“Some of the ESL sectionswere set up for international stu-dents,” Kollross said. “But weneeded to add more because oftime conflicts.”

The Spring Forward programwill begin on March 26 and con-clude at the same time as thespring semester, June 17.

Once the classes to be offeredare determined a list of the class-es and the information studentswill need to register will be post-ed on a special link on the PCCwebsite. Currently, there is a linkon the PCC website for informa-tion on the Spring Forward.

Special 12 weekprogram to helpstudents affectedby class reductionsIntersession to targetstudents close to atransfer, officials say

Anthony Richetts / CourierStudents protesting as they march down the alleybetween the C Building and the V Building.

RAYMOND PECSONStaff Writer

Announced by PCC PresidentMark Rocha at the Feb. 22 Boardof Trustees meeting, The“Graduation Fund” aims to cre-ate more sections needed tograduate.

According to an e-mail fromRocha that was read at theAcademic Senate meeting lastTuesday, he said that the fundwill focus on offering extra“high-demand” classes to stu-dents.

Bobbi Abram, executive direc-tor of the PCC Foundation,explained that the fund was cre-ated in response to the outcriesof students angered by recentclass cuts. She added that thesuccess of the fund will ultimate-ly depend on the generosity ofdonors.

“It costs [about] $5,000 to savea class,” said Abram. “The morethe graduation fund grows themore classes [will be added].”

Mon-Shane Chou, AssociatedStudents Vice President forPublic Relations, said in an e-mail that the fund is a smart wayof helping students who’ve beenfailed by the system.

“There are questions that [still]

need to be answered regardinghow [the] demand of a course ismeasured [and] how enrollmentto these sections will be adminis-tered. [But] these new and strate-gic ways of approaching classenrollment has potential andcould be the start of what ourcollege needs to best serve itsstudents,” Chou said.

According to Abram, Rochahas pledged to donate a portionof his salary to the fund himself.

Rocha will take a week-longfurlough during Spring Breakand donate that week’s pay,totaling $4,370, to the fund, shesaid. Abram and other membersof the Executive Committee willalso donate an equivalent of twoday’s pay, amounting to about$8,000. She also added thatmembers of the ManagementAssociation, full-time facultyand staff are also to considerdonating.

“The graduation fund is a han-dle where people can grab a holdof [the problem] and help it up.It’s well within our power to doit…it requires for us to open ourheart,” Abram said.

In addition to the donations,“Spring Break campus shut-down” will be in effect fromApril 16-22. PCC will be closed

and shut down during that weekto produce a savings in utilitiesand operating costs of about$25,000, said Rocha.

A total of $1 million in savingsis the estimated figure thatwould come from the initialsteps of the Graduation Fund,according to Rocha’s e-mail.

“For every $1 million in thegraduation fund, we could offeran additional 200 class sections[needed to graduate],” Rochasaid.

The Graduation Fund is nowsolely targeting studentsapproaching graduation. But asmore money is raised, it’s a pos-sibity that the benefits of thefund could trickle down to allstudents, Abram said.

EDWIN LEEStaff Writer

The study abroad program hasbeen expanded this semester tothe reaches of Beijing, Chinawhere students and instructorsare learning from the differentculture and gaining a rare expe-rience of the Far East.

Funded by the student pro-gram fees and PCC Foundation,Dr. Cathy Wei professor of theLanguages division and DanielRaddon assistant professor ofthe PCC Business and ComputerTechnology division are the twoinstructors visiting Beijing withthe 14 students. “This is a won-derful life-changing experiencefor the students,” said Raddon inan email.

Upon arriving in Beijing onFeb. 20 at Beijing InternationalAirport, the program began witha visit to Tianan-men Square, theForbidden City and QianmenStreet. As reported in the travellogs, inspired architect TeresaSung and Business Major NancyNghia wrote, “Looking at photosof the Forbidden City doesn’t

compare to seeing the architec-tural details up close.

Experiencing the palace in reallife was awesome and showinghow amazing the artist wereback then. It was a humblingexperience... As we walkedthrough the city, it felt like wewere experiencing history, wecould almost hear the royal offi-cials announcing the arrival ofthe emperor.”

“With the coming of the sec-ond week, the honeymoon phaseis over,” said Daniel Tong, busi-ness major, the courses arebeginning to get underway, hesaid, with daily dictation quizzesand homework each night.

The students are staying indorms at Capital NormalUniversity, Raddon said.

“The dorms are nicer thansome of the university dormrooms in the U.S,” he added“these dorm rooms house twopeople with their own bed anddesk with a private bathroom,internet connection, telephoneand television.”

“Food is delicious and cheap,

and with restaurants selling 15dumplings for 3 Yuan (about 50cents)” said Daniel Adamczyk,business major. “It makes good

deals in Los Angeles seem virtu-ally non-existent.”

The program will last untilApril 29 with more visits

planned to locations such as theMilitary Museum, CapitalMuseum and the UrbanPlanning Bureau.

3CourierMarch 8, 2012 News

KAREN GUZELIAN AND NEILPROTACIOStaff Writers

Following numerous sectioncuts and hundreds of studentsbeing unable to get their classes,a major decrease in studentenrollment has occurred thissemester.

Although enrollment has beendecreasing since 2009, thisspring enrollment has decreased

by 8.72% compared to last year.As of Feb. 29 there were 23,084

students enrolled at PCC,according to Crystal Kollross,interim director of institutionaleffectiveness and enrollmentmanagement. That is 2,204 stu-dents fewer than last year’s Feb.28 number of 25,288. “The headcount has gone down,” Kollrosssaid, “but that’s a trend.”

On the other hand, the numberof Full Time Equivalent Students

has passed its 19,634 cap set bythe state. A FTES is one studenttaking 12 units, or two taking six,or three taking four each. Thestate pays only for a limitednumber of FTES.

“As of [Feb. 29], we are 250students over capped,” saidKollross. The school, accordingto Kollross, is paid $4,652 by thestate for every FTES.

In order to pay for those addi-tional students, PCC will now

have to dig into its reserves, anact that President Mark Rochahas said was required afterProposition 98 — a fundingmodel that the state followed —was removed in 2008.

Records show that while thestate has lowered the cap onFTES funding each year, PCChas continued to ignore the capand fund those FTES out ofreserves. In addition, the schoolhas continued to fund additional

sections, leaving PCC with a $2.9million deficit in 2011-2012.

“The state has downsized usover the last five years by nearly3,000 FTES,” Rocha wrote in anemail, “but we are still spendingas if the college is the size it wasin 2007.”

The funding cap will continueto drop, says Kollross. Next year,the funding cap is expected todrop by 1,150 FTES.

Graduation fund to create more sections

Study Abroad inBeijing for Spring

Photo courtesy of Cathy J. WeiStudy Abroad students and staff at Tiananmen Square on the first week travel in Beijing. This is the firstprogram ever to go to China.

Enrollment down by 8.7 percent

Photo illustration by Gabriella CastilloThe new graduation fund proposed by President Mark Rocha aims tocreate more sections necessary for transfer or graduation.

Editors note: The following com-ments were posted in response to theopinion article “ Marriage is a reli-gious sacrament, not a legal issue.”(March 1)

A religious sacrament? Yes asfar as a given religion might beconcerned but a religious.ceremony is NOT what a civilmarriage is. No marriage can berecognized without a marriage.license issued by a county gov-ernment.

That is what this struggle isabout — gaining the legal protec-tions and legal recognition that isinherent in a marriage. In thiscontext, any discussion of reli-gion is not relevant and confusesthe real issue. Gay people ARENOT asking for society’sapproval, but demanding thattheir rights be recognized and notarbitrarily withheld because ofsomeone disapproving of homo-sexuality.

Frank Cardinalli

“If marriage is a religious sacra-ment, then you need to makedivorce illegal.”

Jen Kritch

Marriage is a legal contract.That’s why you havedivorce….another contract.”

James McCaslin

Is marriage a federalized insti-tution? Yes. Did the U.S. Supremecourt rule that marriage is a civilright in 1965 in the Loving vs.Virginia case? Yes.

Is the government supposed to

support equality and protect it’scitizens and their civil rightsbecause all people are createdequal?

Yes. Given all that, it’s not areligious issue. It’s a legal issue.

Mo Dane

Why shouldn’t it be the “legal”union that’s named marriage, ifpeople are going to be so childishas to insist the word cannotencompass both?

Plenty of atheists and agnosticsget married, and call it that.

John Seregent

4 Courier March 8, 2012Opinion

Letters to the EditorThe Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about

300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must containyour full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can bedelivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by e­mail to Cornejo_courier@yahoo.com.

Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its

reporting. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at(626) 585­7130 or via e­mail to Protacio_courier@yahoo.com.

Note to Readers

Courier2011 JACC General Excellence

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ONLINE POLL RESULTSONLINE POLL RESULTSOnline, we asked: Do you think the class cutswere well managed?

Results as of 11 a.m. Wednesday:Yes 10%No 90%

vote atpccCourier.com

Editorial

Transparency yes: Censorship noDespite of all the budget cuts, class cancel-

lations, revealed salary figures, teacher reas-signments and student protests, we believethat PCC is still a great college.

In fact, all of the turmoil proves thateveryone who is connected to PCC is pas-sionate about its future.

However, there has been a lack of trans-parency on the part of the administrationand the Board of Trustees.

Because of the public relations nightmaretheir decisions have created, they haveresorted to censoring the voices of PCC stu-dents.

There is no question that the administra-tion and board have a vested interest in thecontinued success of PCC.

However, during the broadcast of the Feb.22 Board meeting the customary live videostream was cut at the very moment that theprotest inside the meeting room began. Thatwas blatant censorship. It countermandedthe transparency that the administration andthe board have repeatedly promsied to pro-vide.

The public, including students, needs anddeserves to have access to Board meetings,whether by broadcast or in person, no matter

the climate of the meeting. Several studentswere denied physical access to the meetingand had to resort to standing outside thebuilding or watching the proceedings online.

Board meetings are always streamedonline live. The only time it may be accept-able to turn off the camera is when the boardis in closed session, as Director of PublicRelations Juan Gutierrez told the Courier,because technically there is no meeting totelecast.

However, if the live feed has historicallycontinued even during the closed session ofthe board with the camera focusing on theaudience or the American flag, why was itshut off on this particular occasion? All of ushave the right to know what went on during

the entire proceeding. In contrast to Gutierrez’s statement, Vice

President of Information and TechnologyDwayne Cable told the Courier that if he’dbeen asked to turn off the feed, he wouldhave. He said it would be a bad thing for thecommunity to draw the wrong conclusionsabout students and faculty based on theprotests.

We are the community and we had theright witness all of the proceedings on Feb.22 and draw our own conclusions, whetherthey put PCC in a negative light or not. Thatright was taken from all of us.

Regardless of who gavethe order to shutoff the camera, it is obvious that everyone onthe Board and in the administration wasattempting to censor the voice of protesters.Is that what they consider to be the best forPCC’s staff, students and the community?

Board member Bill Thomson told theCourier that the protests were “threateningto the board.”

Many others feel that through censorshipthe Board is threatening to them and thefuture of PCC.

This kind of action should not be repeated.

Letter to the editor

To the students:We hear you. Your protests led

to some surprising changes; I’venever seen a school respond to asituation more quickly. We wantyou to continue to make yourvoice heard.

One other way to tell us yourneeds is through yourAssociated Students representa-tives. They expressed to us whatyour needs are. Communicatewith them; they’re in roomswhere decisions are made.

A large part of the current frus-tration is because if we can’t giveyou your classes, you can’t moveon with your lives. But thesechanges don’t always happen soquickly.

The math department hasmassive projects going on tostreamline the curriculum andmake it more relevant to more

students’ educational goals, andother such efforts are beingmade across the campus.

We have programs in place(like Chem Jam and Math Jam)that are designed to get morepeople into, through and out ofPCC in an efficient way by offer-ing extra assistance and guaran-teed classes.

While the campus is clearlydivided, I can’t pick sides, for Idon’t see different sides. Fromwhat I’ve seen I would say:

1. Every employee on campuswants every student on campusto achieve his or her educationalgoals, and in an efficient way.

2. It is clear that there are prob-lems.

3.The situation can beimproved.

No. 1 will always be true. I’venever heard a teacher or admin-

istrator say, “I wish we couldturn more people away,” or,“Not enough of our students arefailing out.” No. 2 isn’t alwaystrue, but only because problemsaren’t always so obvious. Andclearly No. 3 can be said on anycampus in the country.

The divide is not in that wehave contrary goals, but that wedon’t all agree on how best toachieve our shared goals. We allthink we have the best solution,but whether that comes from astudent or a staff member, wecan’t try them all at the sametime.

Sometimes we pick the wrongone and have to fix it. Sometimeschoices are so poorly made thatthe fix is to replace the personmaking them. Sometimes wepick the right one, but it still isn’tperfect, so people suffer anyway.

In any case, it’s rare when a bigchange happens within the spanof a semester, but we’re trying tomake things better.

Some of us are doing every-thing we can to get more peoplethrough here. If someday youhave to protest again to makeyour voice heard (provided wemaintain respect for one anotherand it doesn’t lead to violence),then so be it.

But, I also encourage you totake a moment to look aroundand see what good things arehappening. I want you to knowthat even through all of this, I’mproud to say that I work at thebest campus I’ve ever set foot on.We will get through this.

Matt HenesMathematics Instructor

Best of the web

Proposition 8 opinion articles spur robust online debate

Teacher welcomes participation by students

Cutting the live videostream from the Boardmeeting was tanta-mount to silencing thevoice of the protesters.

5CourierMarch 8, 2012 Op­Ed

Were the protests against class cuts effective?

Reporting by: Mary Nurrenbern and Philip Mc Cormick, Photos by: Max Parez

The budget should be cut.Teachers are losing jobs and that

is not a good thing.”Ja-ron Williams, Criminal Justice

“This is less education for me. Iwill have to take more classes next

semester.”Chanice Norman,

General Education

“They didn’t let Rocha talkbecause they were screaming.

The administration has to do cer-tain things to keep school running.”Mariel Blum, Environmental Science

“It was the best thing to do for thecommunity. We have a voice and

can change things. Studentsshould be more involved.”

Koloneus McClaren, Business

“Protesters are doing it for the rightcause. Hopefully it does not turn

violent.”Eddie Fuentes,

Business

“It’s good to know our school has avoice and we are trying to get whatwe need. I am glad that the teach-ers support us, it affects them too.”

Sacha Guevara, Psychology

“I think as of right now, they arebeing effective. They are bringing

in a big crowd of students.”Maria Rodarte, Theater

“Some things need to change inthe way they are protesting, for it

to become more effective.”Eron Aguilar, Undecided

“The protest looks like it has a lotof followers, and I think that shows

its effectiveness.” Hilary Bremner, Cognitive Science

I think a lot more people couldshow up, and that would make it

more effective.”Robert Storey, Film

VOICES:

Release of each employee’s income was necessaryPAUL OCHOAAsst. News Editor

The gross incomes of all PCC employ-ees were released on the school’s websiteafter a public records request from twonews organizations.

The document shows how much everyPCC employee makes, including thepresident, vice presidents, faculty andstudent workers and any other person’semployed by the college.

The posting of the compensationreports comes at a time when many atPCC feel that administration officials aremaking too much money when money isscarce and classes are being cut. It is time

this information was released. The release of the gross earnings

may be seen by some as a way to dividestudents and faculty who, for the mostpart, have been on the same side when itcomes to classes being cut and facultybeing fired.

The theory is that when students seehow much certain professors are making,they might feel as if the faculty has itsown agenda during this “educational cri-sis”.

Considering that the faculty contract iscoming up for negotiation, this might bea way for the administration try andshow students that certain faculty mem-bers have their own goals for the protests

and that cuts to certain classes were nec-essary because of the high salaries pro-fessors are paid.

The release of all PCC employees’annual gross income also comes as ablow to employees like student workerswho are not making anything close to themajor players and those who are notcomfortable with the public knowinghow much they are making.

Someone who is working part timeand making $8 an hour might not wanteveryone to know his or her grossincome for the year, but it is a small priceto pay to see how much faculty andadministrators are making during theseharsh economic times. Besides, state law

requires it.The release of the gross earnings

should make this “Educational Crisis” atPCC a bit more interesting now that thepublic knows exactly how much everyemployee is making.

Since the teachers protesting with stu-dents are on the list, perhaps studentsmight see them as having their ownagenda, and the whole face of the move-ment might change.

Regardless, if it gets stronger ordivides students and faculty the releaseof the gross incomes of each employeewas something necessary and wasrequired by state law.

Class cuts cost some students more CHRISTINE MICHAELSStaff Writer

With over 20,100 Full Time Equivalent Studentsattending PCC this semester, along with the class cutsand limits to adding classes, finding a spot in a class is atrying task. For the 1,501 international and out of statestudents, identified by the Director of InstitutionalEffectiveness and Enrollment Management department,the most difficult obstacle is the heavily and unnecessar-ily burdensome cost of attending classes at a communitycollege.

International computer science student Ashish Ingoe isin his second semester at PCC. Botswana native Ingoelives with his sister who is an international student atCSU Los Angeles.

Like every international student attending PCC, Ingoemust be registered for a minimum of 12 units eachsemester, and he must pay at least $3,564 each semesterfor those 12 units. Ingoe is registered for 13 units thissemester, a total cost of $3,818.

According to the International Student Tuition andFees section on the PCC website, international studentsmust pay a minimum of $3,564 per semester. An averageinstate student has to pay only $432 for 12 units.

What is most upsetting is that international students

will not get financial aid, since it is exclusively availableto U.S. citizens.

That is not the only restriction for coping with the highcost of college tuition, “[International students] areallowed only to work on campus, except in economichardships,” said Ingoe.

With the stressful 12 unit requirement for internationalstudents to keep their U.S. visas current, they must alsomaintain a GPA of at least 2.0.

“I have a 3.5 GPA, but that’s only from one semesterhere. I’m taking more units this semester,” said Ingoe,“and I’m looking for a job, but I’m limited to only the on- campus [jobs].”

It seems the entire community college system is doingeverything possible to discourage international studentsfrom attending. International students are not funded inany way by the state.

Out of state students may not have to hassle withemployment restrictions and financial aid qualificationsas much as international students, but the tuition fees forthem are still at least $238 per unit, according to the PCCwebsite. To qualify for financial aid, an out of state stu-dent must register for 12 units, which can be a heavyload for some.

Another problem for out of state students confrontsthose who had paperwork lost, thus having the stateassume that students who have been residents ofCalifornia are instead newcomers to the state. One ofthese students is undeclared major Ana Delacerda, whohas been in foster care.

“My custody files were lost, so I was marked as nolonger being a current resident of the state,” she said. Sheis taking 14 units this semester, but she has financial aid.

“It’s ridiculous,” she said. “I don’t even know why it’sthat expensive with it being $238 [per] unit. You’realready an out of state student, with other bills, and theschool wants you to pay more.”

In the end, it is fair to say that although resident stu-dents don’t have priority registration, the ridiculouslyhigh cost of attendance for out of state and internationalstudents certainly gives them the right to get the classesthey need to keep their eligibility as U.S. citizens as wellas residents of the state.

Those from abroad who pay farmore in tuition than in-state students risk losing their visa

status and employment.

SCENESCENE March 8, 2012 7Courier

Gabriela Castillo/CourierProtesters gather for the March in March rally at the California State Capitol on Monday, March 5, 2012. About 5,000 protesters from colleges all over California assembled at theCapitol to protest the recent cuts in state funding to California colleges.

March in MarchPCC delegation participates in state-wide protest

Gabriela Castillo/CourierA swarm of protesters marches towards the Capitol from the west, down Capitol Mall in Sacrementoon Monday. The march began at 10 a.m. and ended with a rally at the steps of the Capitol.

Gabriela Castillo/CourierDaniel Mateo, 20, PCC math major, holds up a protest sign at theCapitol on Monday. He was one of over 100 PCC students and facultywho traveled to the Capitol to take part in the "March in March".

Gabriela Castillo/CourierProtesters holding flags and signs march down Capitol Mall towards theCapitol.

Protestersassembleposters on atable atSouthside Parkin Sacrementoon Monday.Groups frommany collegecampuses allover Californiagathered in thepark before themarch to theCapitol.

GabrielaCastillo/Courier

Gabriela Castillo/CourierMyra Whyttington, 19, PCC political science major, and Auriana Duffy, 22,PCC forensic science major, hold up signs as they march towards theCapitol on Monday.

ANTERO BARRANTES IIIStaff Writer

Associated Students Boardmembers have since fall beenposting new blogs to the ASwebsite with information for stu-dents, written by students withsimilar interests and concerns.

The main AS objective for theblogs is transparency, in whichthere’s openness, communica-tion, and accountability onissues of concern to students,bloggers said.

AS Vice President of PublicRelations Mon-Shane Chouexplained how a connection isforged between the AS and thestudent body.

“When everyone is involved,there is a sense of shared gover-nance,” said Chou. She sees theblogs as a perfect opportunityfor this.

Chou explained how studentgovernment implies a distancebetween student officials andother students. AS is an associa-

tion where everyone participatesin shared governance, Chousaid.

“There has to be a studentinterest,” she said. Without stu-dent initiative, there’s no partici-pation. “There is only so muchwe [in the] AS can do.”

According to Chou, student

feedback to the blogs is largelypositive. The students want theinformation. “It’s pretty intu-itive,” said Chou. “Usuallythere’s always something to blogabout.”

Although students may getcollege news from other sources,some value the blogs.

“I keep up with the issues byreading the newspaper, but I’malso interested in looking intothe blogs,”said Yousef Tobgy,administration of justice. Herealizes the importance of beinginformed, and is open to newsources of information.

“The more of us, the bigger thevoice,” said Natasha Nicholson,sociology. Nicholson is aware ofAS news but points out there arestill students who are notinformed. “Then again, there’sonly so much AS can do whengetting the news out there,” saidNicholson.

Chou encourages Tobgy,Nicholson, and others to read theblogs.

“[They’re] written by studentsjust like you, and that’s whyposts go up late,” she said.

The blogs were made possiblewith the new AS website,as.pasadena.edu, which was setup in the fall semester.

Chou and AS Chief JusticeSimon Fraser are the top twobloggers on the site. “The web-site along with the blogs is about70 percent of what I do, Chousaid. “It’s part of the job and theresponsibility of public rela-tions”.

”This is more than a one per-son job, where having ranges ofpeople who blog can create equi-librium,” she said.

8 Courier March 8, 2012Features

Club Week shows diversity of campusCOLIN SUM

Staff Writer

Club Week activities and pre-sentations drew throngs of stu-dents to the Quad during thesecond week of the semester.

Associated Students VicePresident for Internal AffairsDaniel Perea, said clubs werethere to build relationships.

“Some clubs have [presented]great events,” said Perea.“Currently there are 68 clubschartered and others whoexpress an interest will need tofill out paperwork.”

The AS set up a booth fromFeb. 27 through March 1, andprovided students informationon scholarships.

It also held a “free food” event,during lunchtime hours Fen. 28and March 1 to promote ClubWeek.

Students had to visit a certainnumber of clubs and have a formchecked out in order to receivethe food.

“Free food is great,” saidMichael Sniffin, film major.

“It makes students listen towhat clubs have to offer. But[some of] the people in charge ofthe booths think students careonly about food, not the clubs.”

Dominique Calderon, art, saidshe likes joining clubs and meet-ing different people who sharesimilar interests.

She is one of the newer mem-bers of the Japanese Visual

Animation Club, and is interest-ed in the Germania CultureClub.

“Club Week gives everyone achance,” Calderon said.

“Walk around and you’ll seethe opportunities each cluboffers.”

Harlan Entler, computer sci-ence major and public relationsofficer for the Campus Crusadefor C’thulhu club, said ClubWeek is a good opportunity forcross-club activities.

He is also interested in theSalle Lancier Fencing Club andwould like to see an activitybetween the two clubs.

Some members from each areinterested in fencing and the“Magic: the Gathering” card

game, he said. Nicholas Schauer, nursing

major and current president ofthe “animation” club, said clubweek is enjoyable and he metmany new people.

He is also interested in theCampus Crusade for C’thulhuclub, mainly the board games itoffers.

Marlon Roma, architecturemajor and member of theIntervarsity Fellowship Chris-mtian club, said Club Week wasa lot of fun and had high energy.

It was also a way to socializewith different people. Roma isalso interested in the “fencing”club. “It’s a cool skill to have,” hesaid.

Teresa Mendoza/CourierStudents walk and wander by thevarious club stalls during ClubRush in the Quad at PCC onFebruary 29.

AS officials’new blogsaimed attheir peers

Freshmenimprovingmath skillsKARLA SOSAStaff Writer

The Math Department hasbeen helping incoming freshmanimprove their math skills since2006. Math Jam is a free summerprogram lasting two weeks.

The purpose of the program isto help students who struggle inmath. Most students don’t likemath, and tend to not do so wellon the placement exam.

Math Jam starts two weeksbefore fall semester begins.Students don’t focus only onmath, they also learn about themany other programs that areoffered at PCC. They take toursaround campus so they can getfamiliarized with their sur-roundings.

Ann Davis, an instructor whohelps in Math Jam said,“Students aren’t always learningabout math every day. [They]learn a little bit of everything.”

According to Co-Director Dr.Brock Klein, Math Jam helped325 students in 2011 with morebeing expected this summer.Three to four math teachers arein charge of teaching pre- alge-bra, beginning algebra and inter-mediate algebra. Tutors workone on one with students orsometimes in groups.

“This program really doeshelp. The math department isworking to improve the mathskills of students,” said Davis.

Since the program is expectingmore students this year, it isgoing to do something different:there will be two sessions, one inthe morning from 9am to 12pmand then from 1pm to 4pm.

Klein said, “This year we wantto spilt the groups, and if itworks then we’ll do this fromnow on.”

The directors of Math Jamhave seen a huge improvementon the students’ math skills.According to the Math Jam web-site, 100% of students would rec-ommend Math Jam to theirfriends.

“The tutors involved in MathJam are previous students thatwere part of the program,” saidKlein.

Other community colleges inCalifornia have adapted this pro-gram, including out-of-statecommunity colleges.

“There are about 20 colleges inCalifornia that have started theirown Math Jam program,” saidKlein.

Natalie Sehn Weber/CourierMon-Shane Chou, vice president for public relations, plays a video project posted on her blog page in theCC Building on Tuesday. The video included students’ views on education budget cuts and was recentlypresented to state legislators in Sacramento.

Goal is to increasetransparency

ANDER AROSTEGUIAssistant online Editor

After attending a conferenceon student success in 2010,Architecture Instructor DeborahBird and Engineering InstructorSalomon Avila, saw a need fortargeting the needs of design stu-dents jumping into an ever-changing and over-competitivetechnological world.

Students struggle to find thenecessary classes to advance intheir studies and be up-to-datewith the necessary new skills.With this in mind, Bird and Aviladeveloped the Design TechProgram.

“Students need to learn criti-cal thinking along with the tech-nical and creative skills neces-sary in these competitive fills, incontrast with the obsolete

method of creating a class forjust a certain skill” Birdexplained.

The program’s goal is to pre-pare students to be on the cut-ting edge of technology whileenjoying and acquiring skillsthat will benefit them for life,added Avila.

This instruction method isapplied in all basic classes thatstudents in the program arerequired to take together.“Although these classes teachthe regular curriculum, thelearning process is more hands-on”, Avila said. “Students arepresented with a problem andthen motivated to learn the nec-essary skills to solve the prob-lem”.

Jay Cho, mathematics instruc-tor, collaborating with the pro-gram has noticed the positiveeffect of this teaching method.“Since students are alreadyinterested in the solution to theproblem they are more eagerand motivated to acquire thenecessary knowledge and apply

it”, he said.Jasmin Fabela, 19, fashion, was

looking for a pre-algebra class.While searching the class cata-logue she came across theDesign Tech program in its firstsemester of existence.

Sandra Gonzalez, 20,Mechanical Engineering, pointsout, “ being part of it [the pro-gram] doesn’t only give me theskills that I need but a differentview on design since I have tocollaborate with other designerswith completely takes and viewson design .”

The program started last fallwith a high level of success ,28out of 32 students completed thefirst semester.

On their second semester theyhad guaranteed enrollment inentry-level classes in a chosendiscipline during the secondsemester of the program.

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Cutting edge Design Tech

JESSI ALVAStaff writer

Faculty and students in theVisual Arts & Media Studiesdivision and professionals willparticipate in the city ofPasadena’s ArtNight on Friday.

Pasadena ArtNight is a freeevening of art, music, and enter-tainment presented at 12 differ-ent locations in Pasadena,including PCC, the PasadenaMuseum of History and theArmory Center for the Arts.

Students from the advancedlevel art classes, including theadvance film class will showcase their works that are alreadyon display at the Art Gallery oncampus.

“All students who are interest-ed in art and music should stopby and check out what some ofthese students have to show,”said Brain Tucker, Art GalleryDirector and an instructor in theVisual Arts and Media Studiesdivision. “ You might just findsomething that catches youreye.”

Professional artist ErinCosgrove will screen her satiricalshort animations in Room 122 ofthe R Building. Cosgrove is aprofessional artist who got herMFA in Art from UCLA in 2001.

Books that she has publishedwill be on display in her show-case.

Among the students who willdisplay art is Inga Mitinyan,film. With the help of CarlosLemus and animation artistEduardo Remez, Mitinyan creat-ed a 25 second animation loopthat lasts eight minutes.

“I wanted to show a love storyin 25 seconds,” said Mitinyan. “ Ialso wanted to show that [love]can repeat itself over and overagain, hence the loop going onfor eight minutes.”

The untitled animated filmwill be on display in the gallerythrough the end of March.

ArtNight is sponsored by thePasadena Arts & CultureCommission . Four bus shuttleroutes will be available for thepublic to use for free after 5 p.m.This is to transport the public tothe other 11 locations that arehosting events. Locations anddirectories to what will be dis-played can be found on the art-nightpasadena.org website or bycalling in the ArtNight Hotline at626-744-7887.

Last fall, Art Night Pasadenahad an attendance of around14,000 people.

Students’ projectsfrom last semester’s

Design Tech Programare displayed.

Ander Arostegui/Courier

Campus to joinArtNight eventsShowcase to be held in Art Gallery

Critical thinking skillsoffered along withtechnical know-how.

10 Courier March 8, 2012

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Cuts protested in Sacromento

Intersession cut proposed to boardunion demonstrates the same incautiousbehavior that lead to the disastrous dis-ruption of the last Academic Senate meet-ing," said Martha Bonilla, an Englishinstructor and also the Academic Senatesecretary, in an email.

Simon Fraser, chief justice of theAssociated Students, said that they willstrive to continue to fight for the interses-sion.

"We campaigned on keeping winterand we will continue to follow through onthat campaign to keep winter," saidFraser.

According to General Counsel Gail

Cooper, the trimester calendar is a part ofthe District's proposal for new PCCFaculty Association contracts for 2012-2015.

"The District will negotiate this and sev-eral other aspects of the proposal withPCCFA in the coming months," wrote GailCooper in an email. "As stated in theDistrict's proposal, a trimester calendarmodel will result in savings to the Districtand will enhance the ability of the Districtto increase enrollment seats at less cost."

According to Cooper, the public hear-ing will be set for the Board of Trustees onApril 4.

Senate blasts officials’ behavior

letter. " We have nothing further to add.We already send a response to Mr. Rocha'sletter."

Martinez added that the Senate was anindependent organization "It is theAcademic Senate that will decide whenand where we meet. We will decide thecircumstances of our discussions," hewrote. "Furthermore, I must make it clearto the College President that he is a guestat our meetings."

In a Feb.29 letter to the Martinez, PCCPresident Mark Rocha had apologized.

I write to offer my sincere apology toyou and the Academic Senate for theevents that occurred last Monday's meet-ing. Pure and simple the situation wasmishandled and I assure you it won't hap-pen again.

The Senate meeting on Feb. 27 came asa surprise to many of its members as cam-pus police were dispatched to guard thedoors of C233, the usual location of theAcademic Senate meeting. Chairs wereremoved and members of the administra-tion were present, seated front row. Avideo camera was also present to recordthe meeting.

The setting, according to Senate mem-bers, set an intimidating tone that pre-vented the group from functioning prop-erly.

"The atmosphere was not comfortable,not collegial, and not appropriate for theSenate to carry out its responsibilities,"said Roger Marheine, President of theFaculty Association and also an Academic

Senate representative for the EnglishDepartment, in an email to the Courierafter the meeting.

Marheine had motioned to postponethe meeting to a later date in order toaccommodate other members but theSenate was told that the vote to adjournwas invalid under the Brown Act. Themeeting was forced to continue despitethe fact that the Senate secretary, treasur-er, and two representatives dismissedthemselves in protest.

In his letter of apology to Martinez,Rocha stated that the "situation was mis-handled." Rocha had requested to movethe Senate meeting to the CrevelingLounge, but later discovered that therewould be a conflict with the AssociatedStudents Townhall. Campus police werethen dispatched to the C233 location afterhaving informed Rocha about their con-cerns regarding fire code regulations inthe room and security.

"My intention was to insure the exactopposite of what occurred, that is toinsure the broadest possible participationand comfortable environment for theSenate meeting," Rocha wrote.

Martha Bonilla, secretary of theAcademic Senate, addressed Rocha at themeeting, saying that his request to movethe meeting was more of a command.

"If you would like us to move, it wouldbe a good idea to present that request atthe first Senate, put it to the road of thefaculty and its representatives rather thancommand our movement," Bonilla said atthe meeting, before dismissing herselffrom the meeting.

Chancellor Scott to retire in September

members of its faculty and staff, andmaintained an educational program ofhigh quality.”

It also says that PCC had reserve fundsof more the $6 million when Scott retired.He was also the first person the be hon-ored as President Emertitus of PCC

Scott holds a Ph.D in American Historyfrom Claremont University.

He formerly held positions as Presidentof Cypress College and Dean ofInstruction at Orange Coast College.

After being elected to the stateLegislature he authored 146 bills thatwere signed into law.

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

ent the UC, CSU, and community col-leges.

Prior to the rally, PCC students and fac-ulty wore custom shirts to give recogni-tion to the college and planned to marchtogether in a group. Participating schoolsdid the same.

According to coordinator Carrie Afuso,94 PCC students and staff attended theprotest. Some studentsbecame involvedwith the rally with a personal goal inmind: to represent others who could notmake the trip to the state's capital.

"Even though my classes were notaffected, I want to do it for my friendswho will be going to college in thefuture," said Arian Davoudian, 21, filmproduction major at PCC.

Alba Hernandez, a 21 year-old formerPCC student attending CSULA, took partin the protest to represent students whoare not aware of the affects of the budgetcuts.

"I have friends from many campusesand I'm just emotional when I see every-one here. I just hope more people getinvolved," said Hernandez, a liberal stud-ies major. "I'm representing for those whohave no idea how difficult it will becomeand also for minorities. I'm here forchange."

Other students from California's highereducation institutions were present at themarch as well.

"This is a strong movement. I feel reallyproud that I am here," said Mt. SanAntonio College student Skyler Rendon.

"All levels of higher education are here.This rally means that students are com-mitted to affordable education," said UCMerced student Jon Ly, 20, political sci-ence. "It is a large event and it shows justhow important it is to fulfill educationalgoals."

After completing the mile-long marchto the Capitol, students of all ages campedout on the steps of the building.

Continued from page 1

CHRISTINE MICHAELSStaff Writer

The Shatford Library will berunning a food drive where stu-dents can waive current fees bydonating canned goods frombetween March 3 and 23 duringlibrary business hours saidAccess Services Librarian PearlLy. “A lot of people are food inse-cure.” The food drive aims tohelp those whom are in need offood. Although there are anabundance of donations duringthe holidays, there is a dry spellduring the months with outthem, Ly said. Students whodonate can waive up to $20 incurrent fines at the library for $2

per can donated. The fine waiverdoes not cover lost book replace-ment fees, processing fees, ordamage costs. All food dona-tions will be accepted at the frontCirculation Desk on the mainfloor of the library.

In reference to students whohave current library fines of $5 ormore. The library wants them tocome back,” said Ly. While thefines block students from check-ing out books from the library,they do not restrict studentsfrom the online research data-bases and e-books.

The library has posted a linkon its website where the detailsof the Food for Fines programcan be found.

11CourierMarch 8, 2012

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First year head coach out to prove herselfLINDA PINEDAAsst. Sports Editor

At age 26, the new head coachof the women’s softball teamBrittany Williams has alreadyaccomplished great lengths, andturned some of her dreams intoreality.

“I have wanted to coach sincehigh school, so this is like adream come true for me,” saidWilliams in an email.

While Williams says finishingher education and coaching areher greatest accomplishments, attimes she feels underestimatedfor her youth as head coach.

“I do think that I am underes-timated at times, but I can’t com-plain because it usually works tomy advantage,” she said

Sophomore player AlexandraBallesteros admits to findingWilliams really young.

“[Williams] is really young tobe a head coach, but she knowsher game and knows what she’stalking about and is doing good

at coaching us,” said Ballesteros.This season will be Williams’

second season coaching theLancers, but her first year ashead coach.

She began coaching as a pitch-ing coach for Lafayette College, aDivision I team in Pennsylvania.

Williams says she values thePCC team, and enjoys steppingout onto the field every time.

“I have a great time coachinghere at PCC. I lucked out in myfirst year and ended up with afantastic group of student-ath-letes who work hard and have a

passion for the game,” she said.Player Jasmine Villalobos says

she enjoys softball practice morewith Williams as a coach.

“Honestly, [Williams] is the

best softball coach I’ve ever had.I get excited to go to practiceeveryday, it’s not a drag becauseshe makes it fun,” saidVillalobos.

Williams’ love for softballbegan at a young age.

“I started playing softballwhen I was seven years old…Iplayed every sport there was tobe played, but I fell in love with[softball] and have played yearround ever since,” she said.

Williams went on to play on aUSA Athletes International teamthat toured Holland in 2008, andfor three years played on theDivision II Sonoma StateUniversity team.

Upon graduating fromCapistrano Valley High Schoolin Mission Viejo, she attendedArkansas Tech University beforetransferring to Cypress College,where she redshirted due to anarm injury in 2006.

That same year the team wenton to win the state champi-onship.

Coach Williams hopes to sendher sophomore players off tofour-year universities, and makea good impact on them.

“I just hope to make a differ-ence in the lives of the youngwomen I get the opportunity towork with,” said Williams.

CICELY CHISHOLMStaff Writer

The women's softball team lostto East Los Angeles College witha score of 8-0 on March 1 atRobinson Park.

The loss was the second afteran injury to sophomore leadinghitter Kayla Moore, causing herto be out for the week due to amuscle strain. The first loss wasagainst Cerritos College on Feb.28, with the same 8-0 score.

"We hit the ball hard through-out the game. We just didn'thave the luck," said BrittanyWilliams, head coach.

Moore's absence seemed tohave contributed to the loss asshe has proved to be the team'spitching ace and hitter, havingthe most hits on the team.

Sophomore center fielderBrittany Skoien achieved a triplein the first-inning.

Freshman pitcher CaseyRamirez did prove her ability asa pitcher, filling in Moore's placewell.

"Casey Ramirez kept us in thegame. She pitched well enoughand kept [ELAC] off balancebasically the whole game," saidWilliams.

By making a few errors, theLancer's actually gave theHuskies four runs, giving themthe upper hand to carry out therest of the game and win.

According to Williams, Moorewill be out for the next fewgames, but is working with thetrainer for a fast recovery.

"Basically, the plan [for thenext game] is to do the smallthings right, like run the plays,and we'll be in a good spot. I tellthe girls to take care of the ball asit leads to wins," said Williams.

Softball team can’tscore in two games

Blair Wells / CourierFirst baseman Natalie Ficocellimakes contact on a pitch

Steven Fuel / CourierPCC women softball new coachBrittany Williams 1st season in2012. Practice on drills March 5,2012. As the Lncers get ready toplay Long Beach College.

Library trades food for fines

NICHOLAS SAULSports Editor

In celebration of Black HistoryMonth, the men’s baseball teamhonored PCC’s most famous andmost decorated alumnus JackieRobinson by sporting his throw-back uniform in a Feb. 28 homegame against Irvine Valley.

The Lancers would eventuallylose the tribute game, 13-5, butthe sentiment was not lost on theplayers.

“They were really excited to bein the Jerseys,” said Head CoachEvan O’Meara on his player’sthoughts. “They certainly knowthe history and significance ofJackie Robinson, and getting toplay in that type of jersey on aday that honored him, wasgreat.”

Present at the tribute gamewas President Mark Rocha,Athletic Director John Woods,PCC alumnus and former MLBall-star and world championDarrell Evans, and Jackie’s niece,Kathy Robinson Young, whospoke before the opening pitch.

“I had never seen my uncle’sPJC uniforms,” Young said. “Itreally is an honor to call some-one uncle after what had beenpresented.”

The game itself was not muchof a competition as the visitingLasers of Irvine Valley were hit-ting with ease and pitching an

early no-hitter.The score was 12-0 in favor of

Irvine Valley until PCC scoredfive runs in the seventh inning.

PCC centerfielder MannyPantoja was the lone bright spotas he hit for three RBIs in a large-ly poor team performance.

“I know they want to win,they never want to lose, it’s notin their DNA,” O’Meara said.“And they don’t need me toremind them that they got beaton a day we really wanted tohave a strong showing.”

Coach O’Meara indicated thatdespite the loss, Robinson’s his-torical significance was honorednonetheless: “I’m alwaystouched by how connected base-ball is to the fabric of our historyand how it is that a man likeJackie changed the face of base-ball, but the face of America,” hesaid.

SPORTSSPORTSMarch 8, 2012OURIERC

Jackie Robinson’s legacy honored Women’sbasketballplayoffrun endedNICHOLAS SAULSports Editor

The women’s basketball teamlost a playoff heartbreaker atVentura College on Feb. 25.Coming off of a last-second, mir-acle win over Antelope Valleyjust days before, the Lancerswere unable to continue theirCinderella playoff story, comingup just short, losing 55-50 to thehighly favored Pirates.

“I’m saddened that we lost,”said Head Coach Joe Peron. “ButI’m happy with the effort wegave.”

The first half saw a stagnantLancer offense unable to convertpoints in the paint; missing easybaskets from point-blank range.The team shot an abysmal 24percent from the field but man-aged to put up four three-point-ers, keeping them within strik-ing-distance.

Coach Peron commented onhis team’s poor shooting per-formance: “We can get to thepaint when we want; we justneed to quit settling for jumpshots,” he said.

Game-winning hero from theprevious playoff game, StellaGhazarian, sunk another buzzer-beating three, this time in thewaning seconds of the first half,quieting the rowdy home crowdand foreshadowing events tocome. At the half, the score was27-24, Pirates.

The second-half saw a defen-sive workshop put on by bothteams as baskets did not comeeasy and set the stage for anoth-er close game.

Lancer all-state guardMarquetta Stokes managed tomake it to the free throw line fivetimes, sinking 7-10 freebies andkeeping the Lancers in the game.Stokes, who recorded 15 points,3 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal anda block, was PCCs best player,but was not enough to overcomethe stalwart defense of theVentura Pirates.

“It’s really tough because Iknow we could have had them,”Stokes said.

Unlike the first half, theLancers were unable to sink anythrees, going 0-6 for the half.

Despite this, the game wastied, 50-50 with a minute left andthe ball in the Lancers posses-sion. The Lancers set screens andthe ball wound up in clutch-shooter Ghazarian’s hands, look-ing to go 2-2 for miracle shots.With the playclock windingdown Ghazarian heaved up ahail mary but the ball rimmedout and the Pirates secured therebound. The Lancers playoffrun was ended.

Baseballteam rocks1938 vintage jerseys intribute game

Blair Wells / CourierTop: The Robinson family seen with the Lancer baseball team andJackie Robinson’s replica jersey.Above: Sophomore outfielder Brandon Spicer swings a strike.

Swim team splits wins as Liu continues to impressPHILIP MCCORMICKStaff Writer

Cario Liu led the PCC swimteam in the dual meet Friday,March. 2. against El CominoCollege and Chaffey College, butthe team came up short againstChaffey.

“I was a little bit disappointedin the men’s performance,” saidHead Coach Terry Stoddard. “I,felt though, we could havepulled out one of the relay races,and losing both really set usback.”

The Lancers found themselvesdown by 40 points at the 10-minute break.

“It’s really difficult to comeback that late in the meet, whenyou are down by 40 points,” saidScott Wong, who got first placein the 100-yard breaststroke.

Stoddard said the difficultlywas because the team did nothave any divers for the diving

events. When a team doesn’t have

anyone in an event, the otherteam is going to get first, secondand third place without havingto really compete, he added.

On a brighter note, Liu camein first in all his events at themeet.

“[Liu] is a really good swim-mer,” said Sandra Rios, Liu’steammate. “He has earned thenickname ‘the fish’ because ofhow good of a swimmer he is.”

Stoddard praised Liu andCourtney Jensen for doing wellin all of their events.

The women’s team didn’t doas well as the men’s team. “Ikind of expected that,” saidCoach Stoddard. “They were in[over their heads] against thoseteams. We have more [swim]meets ahead of us, though...We’ll get back in the water andbe ready for them.”

Anar Nyantaisuren / CourierA Lancer swimmer takes early position on the blocks. The swim teambeat El Camino but came up short against Chaffey at the PCC AquaticCenter.

Ronald Johnson / Courier