Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Hitchiker sets eyes on Europe

3Solano wins game 45-0

OPINION ON 3 A&E ON 5 SPORTS ON 7

FAIRFIELD, CALIF.www.solanotempest.net

VOL. 28, NO. 3OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET To check out more stories and make use of links,

check out the website online! “If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” - Carl Sagan

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Student cartoon spurs controversy at SCC

Recycling club faced with moral dilemma

Forum in 1200 building spurs passionate discourse

THE TEMPESTT H E V O I C E O F S O L A N O C O L L E G E

A cartoon published by the Solano Community College student news-paper resulted in heated discourse and protest last week on campus. The cartoon, published in the Sept. 21-Oct. 4 issue of The Tempest shows a four-panel car-toon of black women express-ing frustration with black men. The last panel shows one of the women making the statement, “Black men need to just Go AWAY!.” According to Editor-in-chief Sharman Bruni, The Tempest staff was not aware of the reac-tion to the cartoon until Tempest faculty adviser Samanda Dorger read an email sent out by SCC Superintendent/President Jowel Laguerre to faculty and admin-istration condemning the strip. “In the last issue of the Solano Community College Tempest, a comic strip appeared that is highly offensive, insensitive and contradicts our District’s phi-losophy, core values and mis-

sion,” Laguerre’s email stated. In the week following publica-tion, The Tempest received two emails and one phone call. One student came by to speak directly to the cartoonist to get his side of the story. No other communi-cation was directed to the staff of The Tempest in that week. At a meeting on Sept.27, a “teach-in” hosted by Karen McCord, eth-nic studies coordinator, had stu-dents, faculty, and members of the Peace and Umoja club voicing their opinions on the piece. One writer from The Tempest was invited. McCord hosted a forum on Sept. 28 allowing for a larger au-dience and longer discussion. Media and police were also in attendance. The Tempest staff, including Bruni, and cartoonist Phil Temple, was on hand to ad-dress questions from the audience. Heated remarks ensued as several audience members de-manded to know how this cartoon was able to be placed in the paper and published.

“Aren’t we tired of being a whip-ping post?” said Marion Lee, a stu-dent who directed his comment at Temple. “What were you thinking?” Temple, who sat quietly listening to the audience, said the cartoon

should have been presented differ-ently. He said the series was de-signed to show African-American men and women in a positive light. “It was not the intention of myself or anybody on this staff to come

across as insensitive, Temple said. Bruni read a prepared state-ment, which was also posted on The Tempest website, saying

Solano takes part in Breast Can-cer Awareness MonthBy Kayla Doria Co-News editor October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all across America people are readying themselves for a campaign to raise money and awareness for this deadly disease. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is holding two events in the area this month; on Sunday, Oct. 16: Making Strides againt Breast Cancer is being held in Sacramen-to. This walk has already acquired more than $69,205, according to the ACS’s information page. Registration will take place at 7 a.m. at the west steps in front of the Step Capitol, and the walk will begin at 8. For those unable to make to attend, on Oct. 22 the ACS will be taking their event

to the Bay Area, and the event starts at 8:30. Meeting in Speed-way Meadow in San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Park, the Guadal-upe River Trail will be the host area of this walk. Visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org

For those who wish to help a little closer to home, Solano Community College is holding an event on Oct. 15 in the cafeteria. The event, “Bunko goes Pink,” will start at two that evening; the entry cost at the door is $25, but the price is knocked down to $20 if tickets are pre-ordered. To reserve your place, call Pam Walter at 449-4702, or JJ Eaves at 372-2531. All proceeds will go to National Breast Cancer Founda-tion.

By Anthony Gutierrez Co-News editor SCC Recycling harbors a moral dilemma: if individuals depend on bottles and cans as a source of financial security, is it okay to take from them? Joseph Zapantis, founder of the Solano College Recycling Club, pointed out that there were individuals who use recycling as a source of financial security, noting one individual who used the recycling he collected from the school to save for a gift for his granddaughter. “I wanted to grow the club, but not at the expense of these individuals,” Zapantis said.

This led him to change his goal from raising as much money as fast as could to just recycling. He said that he doesn’t want to be greedy; if the school is recycling effectively and reducing waste, then he is happy.

Zapantis realized the capital growth may be slower, which, he says, “reduces the club’s ability to buy more bins for the school,” but he doesn’t want to develop a feeling of entitlement; he said he’d rather be a promoter of waste-reduction, rather than lay-ing claim to the recycling as he believes that to be selfish.

To deal with the competitive factor, Zapantis developed strate-gies that collect money for the club’s growth, as well as respect

the goals of other individuals. So far the club is doing very well and continues growing, raising their first 100 dollars in recycling ef-forts since last semester. The club had 100 lbs of plastics and an estimated 100 lbs of aluminum. With the money that was raised, Zapantis plans to place new bins inside the buildings and class-rooms. Currently, he is looking for volunteers and an accountant to help keep track of the club’s finances. In closing, he stated that they had a fundraising plan like a Gyro stand.

To sign up for the recycling club, visit the Student Develop-ment room across from the SCC bookstore.

3

Ben Gogna/ Tempest

Karen McCord (left) speaks to Sharman Bruni (in red), Tempest editor-in-chief, and Sara Berzman (right), opinion editor, about sensitivity and timeliness concerning the cartoon.

8SEE CARTOON, PAGE 6

Deborah GrahamOnline editor

On Sept. 20 the military policy regarding homosexuals in the armed forces “don’t ask don’t tell” was repealed with approval from President Barack Obama, Secre-tary of Defense Leon Panetta, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen. The story of homosexuals in the armed forces has been a tragic tale of hate and injustice; something the gay and lesbian communities of our country have dealt with for far too long. With the repeal of this policy one can only hope for a new chapter in the lives of those in the homosexual community, one plac-ing their democratic liberties on par with the rest of the citizens of our country.

Bill Clinton adopted DADT as the only means of opposition to the federal gay ban policy; some-thing Congress strove to uphold in the infancy of his presidency. Clin-ton’s endorsement of the policy was spurred by the gruesome mur-der of gay Naval officer Allen R. Schindler Jr. by fellow shipmates; after which his body was deemed unrecognizable. Schindler’s mur-der served as a platform for Clin-ton in the ensuing debates. DADT was well intended as a protective

measure with regards to the privacy of homosexuals in the armed forces, yet it si-multaneously ostracized the very people it was intended to shield.

U p o n DADT’s de-mise, closeted enlistees from all over the globe took to YouTube to tell the world who they were, called their families and told them who they were, and were finally able to tell their fellow servicemen who they were. They were able to tell them without the fear of prejudice and intimidation; something taken for granted by so many of us today.

The treatment of homosexu-als as second class citizens in our country is a dated and primal prac-tice fueled by ignorance.

Alex Wagner of the Huffington Post reported that a recent poll of 7,000 soldiers showed a 75 percent approval of gays openly serving

in the military. Sadly, the hostil-ity that continues to reside in our country was made evident during the recent Repub-lican Party debate in Florida.

During the debate Stephen Hill a soldier cur-rently serving our country in Iraq, presented the candidates with

a question via video. Hill identi-fied himself as a recently outed gay man and asked “If elected, do you intend to circumvent the progress that has been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?” he and his question were followed by a roar of boos and Presidential candidate Rick Santorum stating he would reenact DADT if elect-ed. None of the nine presidential hopefuls felt the need to defend Hill.

A soldier that defends the rights of the citizens of our country over-seas should not have to defend his individual rights when he returns

home. The repeal of DADT was a step

in the right direction. A step to-wards progress. The equality that has eluded the homosexual com-munity of our nation is unjust and hypocrtical to the basic ethics of this country. America land of the free, when will it be their turn?

Allow them to marry, allow them to serve, allow them to take their piece of the American dream.

correction

OPINION2 THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

OctoberFlu Shots Room 1409$15 DonationBy Appointment(707) 864-7163

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26Planned Parenthood Express Clinic Room 14099 a.m. - Noon

Thu, Oct. 6, Making Tables & Graphs for Math & Science Using Microsoft XL10:00–11:00 pm, Rm 505; Presenter: Bruce Alex Riddell

Fri, Oct 7, Alternate Media & Assistive Technology Tools for Student Success1:00–2:00 p.m. Rm 407E; Presenter: Max Hart-man

Mon, Oct 10,Lose Weight & Gain Smarts- Noon–1:00 pm, Rm 1746; Presenter: Sally Bald-win “Netiquette for Effective Com-munication” 2:00–3:00 pm, Rm 135; Presenter: Christopher McBride

Thu, Oct. 13Dr. Ssex Safe Sex ClinicVallejo Campus 1400 Building2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat, Oct. 15Bunko Goes PinkMain campus 1400 Buildingdoors open: 1 p.m.Bunko: 2 p.m.

Coffee break

During my years in elementary school, I used to watch my peers at lunchtime, puzzled as to why they would never throw away any of their trash. My mother would throw a fit if I didn’t throw my trash away. So, you can imagine my surprise when I began attend-ing college and I am confronted with the same behavior.

Now, please forgive me if I’m wrong, but aren’t we all adults?

Therefore, I think that it’s safe to make the generalized assump-tion that we were all taught basic hygiene, never mind being taught how to throw away trash. You can imagine my confusion as I enter the cafeteria only to be greeted by boxes of trash on the tables not to mention the large amounts of food generously scattered about

the carpet. I stand and won-der: who t h o u g h t this was ac-ceptable?

At the s c h o o l l i b r a r y where I work, my c o - w o r k e r and I count down the hours until closing, and then we’re asked to go clean the commons. For those of you who don’t know, the commons are the computer area inside the library.

I begin moving chairs out of the way while my co-worker retrieves a bottle of cleaning solution. I stand

in the background as I witness my co-worker picking up keyboards, flipping them upside down and then viciously pounding his fist on the back. Stunned, I begin to protest to the harsh treatment of the keyboards until I see the reason behind the abuse. Tiny black flecks of dirt begin to

rain out of the keyboard. A literal, full-scale storm of dirt.

Disgusted, I inquired if all the keyboards are like that. Not only are all the keyboards full of debris, it gets worse with some keyboards. I could go on in my intricate de-scriptions, but I will keep the fol-

lowing brief for the constitution of the reader.

As I began cleaning individual desks, I scraped off gum from the back of five monitors, scrubbed pencil and pen marks off of every other desk and cleaned nasal excre-ment from every station, whether it was off of the computer moni-tor, deck or keyboard.

Needless to say, this, in its en-tirety, is putrid. Who in their right mind thinks it is acceptable to smear whatever comes out of their nose and leave it on a workspace, never mind a public workspace. Have we all lost our sense of basic hygiene? I’d always wondered why no one was allowed to eat or drink in the library, but now I tremble at the thought of being granted such a privilege.

By Rebecca NaranjoSports editor

Lack of cleanliness on campus is disgusting

Phillip Temple/Tempest

Campus calendar

A long time coming ...out

By Mitchel BoboStaff writer

The story “Budget cuts cause unrest” in the Sept. 7 print edi-tion of The Tempest incorrectly stated the amount of money that Solano Community College will receive in deferral payments from the state. California Commu-nity colleges together will receive about $961 million dollars in deferral payments, according to Alan Frey’s figures.

Campus conversation ...

OPINION 3THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

THE TEMPESTThe Voice of Solano College nVol. 28, No. 3

The Tempest is published by Solano College

students. Opinions expressed in the paper

are those of the individual writers and artists,

and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of

the college’s governing board, the administra-

tion, the faculty and staff, or the Associated

Students of Solano College.

Readers may take up to five copies of The Tem-

pest free. Additional copies may be purchased

for 25 cents.

Memberships: Journalism Association of Community Colleges • California Newspaper

Publishers Association

Sharman Brunieditor-in-chief

Kayla Doria Anthony Gutierrez

news editors

Nick Sestanovich a&e editor

Sara Berzmanopinion editor

Rebecca Naranjosports editor

Deborah Grahamonline editor

Ben Gogna photo editor

Sam ZaghloulNatalie IcazaJeffrey StockMattia AustinMark BeierlyMitchel BoboRoy Taisaguestaff writers

Anthony Peterscopy editor

Phillip Templecartoonist

Samanda Dorgeradviser

contact us

It is Tempest policy to correct any errors in the paper. Please contact us if you spot one. To get in touch with us:phone:(707) 864-7000, ext. 4361e-mail: tempest@solano.edupostal address:SCC, Room 18614000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, California 94534

Letters to the editor

Racially offensive cartoon

Editor-

This letter is sent in response to the cartoon which appears in the Tempest volume 28, no. 2.

I found the cartoon to be offen-sive and in very poor taste. While I acknowledge First Amendment rights, I do not believe that bad judgment and bad timing are pro-tected.

In this instance the cartoon is not only poorly timed, it offers no context or meaning to the publi-cation. The fact that editors have discretion to print something, does not mean that they have to print it because there is a heavy sense of responsibility that goes with edito-rial discretion. In light of the fact that one of our African-American male students was recently killed this cartoon had no place in this school publication where students are mourning the loss of a loved one. The cartoon clearly states “black men just need to go away”!

This cartoon is inappropriate and absolutely should not have been placed under the editorial about a student who has just died.

It should not have been included in this edition of the Tempest

While the First Amendment provides important protections to the press and to each of us who wish to speak out in protest against oppressive governmental institutions, the press also carries important ethical obligations that in this instance have been ignored. Not only is this cartoon strip ra-cially offensive on its face, it offers no context in its presentation. For example, there is no research pre-sented in a companion article that documents any of the things said about black men, as depicted in the cartoon.

A serious journalistic effort would have given thought to con-text and impact. So the editorial board can stand behind the First Amendment however, what comes across is a seriously dismissive and unprofessional error.

I trust you will consider how this experience becomes a “class-room of real life in real time” and transcends a theoretical discussion of hypothetical events.

Karen M. McCord, PsyDProfessor of Psychology and

Ethnic Studies

Coordinator Ethnic Studies Program

Solano Community College

Disgraceful

Editor-Just read the cartoon about all

black males are lazy and no good in the Tempest. That is very dis-graceful.You offended a friend of mine.He is a very educated and good man. Shame on the cartoon-ist.

-Sandra Mahar

Attacking the messenger

Editor-I want to lend my support of

Phillip the cartoonist who raised the issues of black fathers not taking care of their kids. I would hope that Phillip and Tempest do not cave in to the negative reac-tions from blacks, the President of Solano etc. who chose to attack the messenger and not address the message that needed to be put to

the public to address. This car-toon may be sensitive but is not insensitive. It would only offend those guilty of what your cartoon speaks of. It should not offend those black fathers who are taking care of their kids and their respon-sibilities to their kids. The black woman who took an opportunity to get her picture in the paper should have been pissed about the effects irresponsible black fathers and their lack of support have on the kids they father and the nega-tive impacts on the families dam-aged.

The issue needs to be put on blast and I commend Phillip the cartoonist and the Tempest for do-ing so! I am a mother of six, di-vorced, not on welfare, taking care of my responsibilities.

Also shame on the women that help contribute to this diseased way of life that exist in our families and communities.

Please keep this issue in the public’s mind and eye. There is much more supporting evidence from others as well, just don’t back down and apologize for having the courage to take on this issue.

-LaDonna Williiams

Cartoon sparks debate

In the last issue, the Tempest published a car-toon that offended the student body. We have gone on record apolo-gizing for the incident and have admitted that we made a mistake. Nor-mally, something like that would have been brought to the editors and would have been discussed bringing to light various concerns that could have been addressed. However, through no one’s fault the cartoon was turned in 15 minutes before deadline, so the usual process was not followed. We did not

intend to offend anyone and if we had more time to review the content we may have gone on to set the context of the cartoon and bypass this incident.

We understand that peo-ple were offended by the cartoon and we are going to learn from our mistake. What we feel was lost in all of this is the fact that we are students and as students we are going to inherently make mistakes. Part of going to school is learning how to handle making a mistake and that is how we as students are approaching this. That we made a mistake and how we should handle the

fallout. Teaching takes pa-tience as does learning, so please have patience as we learn from this incident.

A cartoon was published in the Sept. 21 issue of The Tempest that has offended many people. There is no tolerance for racism in the newsroom and it was never the intention of myself, as editor-in-chief, or our graphic artist Phillip Temple to provoke anger in any in-dividual. I will make it clear that the cartoon is a part of a series.

The story would have shown the innate strength of black male and female re-lationships, and would have shown there is nothing that black men and women can-not overcome. We realize

that providing more context to introduce the series may have alleviated initial confu-sion, but it is by no means intended as a racist rant.

This cartoon was never intended in any way to re-flect upon Ennis Johnson and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

We acknowledge that there was an error in judg-ment in publishing the strip without proper context and we take full responsibility for this.

The Tempest is a news-room operated by a multi-cultural student population and we are, and have been,

available to anyone who has comments or questions con-cerning the newsroom.

Tempest responds to cartoon backlashMoving forward in the newsroom

By Anthony PetersCopy editor

VOICE YOUR OPINION

If you have something to say, a reaction to a story or an opinion on a topic, email us your view at:

tempest@solano.edu

If you do send letters please make sure to include full name, and contact information (for verification purposes) and be advised that letters may be edited and/or shortened for length.

Cartoon lacked proper context

ON THE WEB

Check our website for more letters at:Solanotempest.net

By Sharman BruniEditor-in-chief

FEATURES4 THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

PAY OFF YOUR EDUCATIONTuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life. By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!

Staff Sergeant Brian White 707-803-2652 NATIONALGUARD.com • 1-800-GO-GUARD

AMS-02_5.9x7_White.indd 1 8/30/11 1:52 PM

Candy festival returns to Fairfield at a new venue

By Deborah GrahamOnline editor

Twelve-year old Jenna Gray from Antioch, squealed with glee as she glided down the zip-line. “This is so much fun. There re-ally wasn’t a lot of free candy, but lots of rides to go on,” she said. She wasn’t the only one hav-ing fun, as crowds of people braved the winds, to attend the 2011 Candy Festival. The festival, held in the past by the Fairfield Main Street Association, not only changed its name, but also its venue. This year the festival changed its location to the Jelly Belly Factory and its adjoining lot. According to media reports, the California Candy Festival changed from the eight-year run in downtown Fairfield, to its cur-rent venue due to city funding drying up. Curt Johnson of the Fairfield and Suisun Public Edu-cation Foundation told the Daily Republic that the festival was supported by local tax dollars. When that ended, their founda-tion took over and convinced city leaders to bring it to Jelly Belly. A number of activities were fea-tured this year, including a Kid’s Zone; a 42-foot Ferris wheel; Zip & Dip, a three-story mobile zip line; a dunk tank; a walk on wa-ter experience; and pony rides. There was no shortage of food

at the festival. The crowd piled into truck food alley where they munched on everything from roast-ed chicken and paella, to kettle corn and funnel cake. Sugar Rush, one of the live bands featured at the festival, had the crowd danc-ing as they performed on the main stage adjacent to the Kid’s Zone. “This is a great venue to spread the word not only about my busi-ness, but let others who have never experienced chocolate-covered berries get that oppor-tunity,” said Shari Fitzpatrick, Founder of Shari’s Berries brand of chocolate dipped strawber-ries. This is Fitzpatrick’s first time with the festival and she said the crowd support has been amazing. Dena Green, Fairfield, was a little disappointed that there wasn’t that much free candy at the event, but noted she would definitely bring her grandkids back to the event next year. “I love the fact that the pro-ceeds are going to a good cause. My grandbabies had fun and isn’t that what a candy festival is supposed to be? A combination of sweets and fun?” Green said. Entrance fee was $10 for general admittance and $5 for active and retired military personnel. Admis-sion was free to children under 12. All proceeds went to the Fairfield and Suisun Education Founda-tion.

Deborah Graham/Tempest

Sugar Rush appropriately gave audience adrenaline highs.

Deborah Graham/Tempest

Caramel covered apples were just one of the many treats offered at the Candy Festival.

Deborah Graham/Tempest

The Candy Festival delivered lots of attractions for both children and adults.

ADVERTISEMENT

Like what you see? View more mouth-watering Candy Festival photos over at SolanoTempest.net.

FEATURES 5THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

Progressmoves slowlyon renovationof art buildingBy Nick SestanovichA & E editor

The planning and approval stages have passed, and reconstruction is almost ready to begin on the 1300 building. The remodel of the art building is one of the last major projects of the Measure G bond, which has led to the creation of satellite centers in Vallejo and Vacaville, a new student services building, and a completely revamped gymnasium. The renovation process is almost ready to start, but Jeffrey Lamb, interim dean of the school of liberal arts, says a few steps need to happen first. “We still need a bidding process for a contract to be done as well as asbestos abatement to start the renovation,” he said. However, the remodeling stage is likely to start soon, according to Lamb. The Division of the State Architect approved two of the three permits required for construction with the third being a guarantee, he said. In the meantime, classes are being held in portables in the 1100 area. “We’ve had to reduce the amount of classes because we don’t have the space we’d like, but the facilities have done a great job using the space,” Lamb said. “Kathy Kearns helped over the summer by bringing supplies and materials and helping us set up.” After all the necessary steps are taken care of, the renovation will begin and is expected to conclude by July 1, 2012. Among the proposed features for the new building are a glass entryway and a new graphic design lab with iMac computers. “The facilities look top-notch, so the wait should be well worth it,” Lamb said.

Ambitious hitchhiker shares travel tales

By Ben GognaPhoto editor

“You got a cigarette?” she asked, followed by, “Can I get a ride?” Jericho is 18 years old and is on a trip across the country. “I’m headed to Reno ‘cause smokes are only two bucks a pack! Eventually I’m hoping to get down to Louisiana; actually, eventually I want to make it over to Europe. I’m from New York, a little town called Woodstock.” “It’s the famous Woodstock,” she said. “But, like, the concert didn’t happen there though. It was supposed to or something. It’s way

too tiny to hold that many people.” I agreed to give her a ride to the next city, but I let her know I didn’t smoke and didn’t let anyone smoke in my car and so off we went to the eastern edge of Vacaville. Jericho left home in June and plans on traveling throughout the winter

and into next summer, hoping she will somehow reach Europe. A part of the reason Jericho took this trip was because she doesn’t know what she wanted to do with her future.

“I probably wouldn’t be traveling if I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I’m done,” she said. “I’m hoping I’ll flesh something out.” When she was 14, Jericho said she used to “squat,” or live in abandoned buildings. “I came to the West Coast because of my limited world view,” she said. Her mother was “a hippie”

herself and was very supportive of her, but her brother wasn’t. She says her brother was two years older and a “redneck.” In terms of her education, she said that she went to a community college for two semesters after dropping out of high school at the age of 16 and obtaining her GED at 17. Jericho has funded and fed herself on this trip with approximately $2,000 she had in her savings account. She relies on “bum feeds” and “church dinners.” When Jericho started running low on funds while in San Francisco, she applied for food stamps and was approved for $200 a month. “I decided to get them in San Francisco because they are so lenient,” she said. “You go in, tell them that you are homeless, you plan on staying in the city limits and that you’ve been there over a month.” Jericho doesn’t sleep in shelters

or any place where there are “hobo” camps. She tries staying in the woods and away from setups where others might regularly stay. However, she does use “a really nice sleeping bag.” She says she feels safe when sleeping by having common sense. Sometimes one of the locals would offer couches, but never once will she stay in a shelter because of body lice. Jericho said one of the “weirdest” places she has been to is a “train town” called Pocatello, Idaho. She met one nice couple, but walking through town, “everyone looked like a crackhead and a lot looked like Nazi skinheads.” However, one of the nicest places she passed through was Missoula, Montana on I-90, which she said had one of the friendliest city environments of all the places she had been to. “There was not one single night I had to sleep in the woods and life was good in Missoula,” she said.

Ben Gogna/TempestJericho, a drifter since June, sits off of Interstate 80 and waits for her next adventure to take place.

Eighteen-year-old travels country, hopes to end up in Europe

“I probably wouldn’t be

traveling if I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

- Jericho

What is more important-- the principle behind free speech, with the ability to revolutionize the world, and change thoughts, or the goal of political correctness, with the ability to soften the truths of today’s society, and leave people in a comfortable state of mind? Banned Book week, which took place last week, is celebrated by the American Library Association to shed light on literary pieces that have been banned in the past or faced retribution. On this subject, it’s important to reflect on the many great works that have been censored because of its presumed immorality; these works include “Lord of the Rings,” “The

Great Gatsby,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and many others. Our speech and our ideas define us. Expression is a way we define ourselves and our goals in life; an artist would do his or her best to show themselves through the media of their choosing, be it traditional/digital art, literature, or music. If the ability to express oneself was taken away, we as a society would be left as a fairly bleak group of people who would never advance ourselves in the realm of By censoring the reporter, the artist, the teacher, and the student, ignorance can be bred. Imagine “Avatar” without the spiritual overtones because it might

paint pagans and Neo-pagans in a tribal, uncivilized light; imagine “Glee” without the music, because

it might promote homosexual stereotypes; imagine “Pokemon” without the battles, because it promotes animal violence. People are so miraculously varied, so vivaciously vibrant that every facet of entertainment and creativity calls and involves a group in our community; however, that means that there is the probability that something within that group might have some type of “morally reprehensible” content. Humans are a spectrum of life, experience, and passions; to break or cover up these beautiful stories is both a slight to humanity, and a slap in the face to every human who has a unique tale to tell.

The more one knows about the world around them, the more one can protect itself from future mistakes. To read more on the books that were banned in the past, please visit the “Banned & Challenged Books” section on the American Literary Association’s website.

Free speech vs. political correctness: what holds more importance?

By Kayla DoriaNews Editor

WE’RE ON THE WEB

- See more stories at SolanoTempest.net

- Follow us on Twitter @SolanoTempest

THE TEMPEST6 THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

News Briefs

Currently only car dealers can offer maintenance of hybrid ve-hicles. That is about to change.

Solano Community College has received a $500,000 grant from the California Employ-ment Development Depart-ment.

“Solano is the only school in the Bay Area offering this train-ing,” said Lynette Gray, the in-terim grants and resource devel-opment manager at the college. “Only car dealer staff has knowl-edge of hybrids.”

Gray said the college is part-nering with the Solano County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the State Energy Commission to use the grant to allow 300 incumbents and 120 new workers access to the new technology.

The program, called the Alter-native and Renewable Fuel Ve-hicles and Vehicle Technology Program, will serve both Contra Costa and Solano counties.

“This grant represents our ef-forts to bring in outside resourc-es to support the mission of the college and to meet the needs of the community in regards to advanced technology, “said Su-perintendant/ President, Jowel Laguerre. “With outside sup-port we envision a state-of-the art-technology program.”

The program is slated to roll out January 2012. Training loca-tions within Solano County are still being determined.

SCC Receives $500,000 for hybrid training grant

“We need to understand that our children can be much more than athletes or entertainers.” This was the message that key-note speaker Mychal Wynn left with the audience at Solano Com-munity College’s educational con-ference on Saturday, September 24. Wynn is a motivational speaker and author of 24 books on guiding educators, parents, counselors and mentors to ensure all students from primary to postsecondary have a chance at a college education. The four- hour forum, located at SCC’s theater, brought together educators, school administration, church groups, Greek organiza-tions, local youth clubs, parents, and many others who wanted an understanding of the tools needed to decrease the dropout rate among the African-Amer-ican youth in Solano County. Saturday’s meeting was the launch of the Solano County Educational Initiatives (SCEI) movement. The organization was created to assist and help local communities address the many challenges facing African-Ameri-can youth, specifically males. Co-Chairman Peter Bostic, who is also the director of Institutional Advancement at SCC, said the organization grew out of a chal-lenge that Solano College Su-perintendent/President Jowel

Laguerre and Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis issued in December 2010, during a Kwanzaa celebration. “The formula is not that com-plex,” Bostic said. “We start right at the beginning with our kids. We give them constant encourage-ment and we never let them go.” The program started with a welcome by Jowel Laguerre, presi-dent of SCC. He introduced trustee members and emphasized the importance as a commu-nity of having an action plan to stop the high school and college dropout rate in Solano County. Karen McCord, professor of psychology, social science and eth-nic studies, introduced a musical rendition of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” by Umoja scholar Ed-ward Clark with accompaniment by William Johnson. McCord also gave the program overview and used a slide-show presentation to show statistics that emphasized

the critical need for the commu-nity and educators to become in-volved with the educational pro-cess of African-American males. Wynn spoke to the group about the importance of getting the African-American youth ready for college as early as middle school. His speech, peppered with bits of humor and examples of his own children’s success story, stirred the crowd and affirmed commitments from various organizations in the audience that they would take up the call to action to not only help decrease the dropout rates, but increase college readiness. After Wynn’s speech SCEI committee member and co-chair Edison Kelly introduced other members of the committee. In-vitations were extended by Bostic and McCord to put their commit-ment plans in action by signing up with initiative representatives at booths set up in the cafeteria. “It was inspiring to see that it was not just me trying to help the com-munity, but to see so many other people turn out today wanting to do the same thing,” said Trina Turner, human services student . “I want to open up a group home for disadvantaged teens and I found so many people today who gave me encouragement and support.” Another student Kelcey Cromer thought because she did not have any children of her own that there was not anything she could

take away from the conference. “I found out though, because I do work with young people, that this conference was a wonderful opportunity to learn about dif-ferent ways to help them work to advance themselves towards sec-ondary education.” Cromer said. Dr. Dorothy Maddox, standing at a nearby booth handing out in-formation about the newly formed chapter of “Parent Revolution” wanted people to know that par-ents really need to step up their in-volvement in their children’s edu-cation. She emphasized the parents need to know about the trigger law which stipulates that at least 51 percent of the parents of children enrolled in a school sign a peti-tion, that can bring about change. “Parents need to know about this law, especially since it was recently passed in California which assists parents in the decision where their children go to school,” said Maddox. “It is our hope that we can have more forums like this to get the word out about programs geared toward transforming low performing schools into great per-forming schools.”

“Keeping it Real!” conference on Solano campus brings awareness to what SCC students can achieve

Club promo day livened up the cafetria on Sept. 21. Tables were adorned with paper pam-phlets, free candy, and poster boards; club members sat at each one, eyeing passersbys eagerly. The clubs themselves organized along several types. There are the culture clubs- groups like the French Club and the Asian Pacific Islander club for people who wish to learn about different walks of life. Students join the groups to celebrate their own culture, or to experience the cultures of others. They do things like visit mu-seums, and prepare and eat traditional food, all the while reveling in the company of oth-ers who share their interest. Then there are the social interest clubs– the cosmetology club or the Carrie Underwood fan club–clubs based around interest and subject matters that can’t be expressed or experienced in the classroom.

Last, but not least, there are the academic support clubs, Like the S.I.S.A.A. (Support, Inform, Spread Awareness for Advance-ment) which gives support and aid to undocumented students and Alpha Gamma Sigma, a commu-nity college honor society. These kinds of clubs help members reach academic success, usually by help-ing them get scholarships. For students working multiple jobs, or those in need of financial aid, these clubs can help by informing members about scholarships—this would generally require a good grade-point average, so for the dedi-cated and the financially impaired, these clubs are good to look into. Despite their obvious differenc-es, all of these clubs offer the same fundamental principles: a sense of community and friendship, cre-ated by shared hobbies and pas-sions.

Club Promo Day returns

Ben Gogna/ Tempest

The forum at the 1200 building discusses the cartoon that was seen offensive.

Deborah Graham /Tempest

Mychal Wynn adresses the audience.

the cartoon would have shown the innate strength of black male and female relationships. “There is no tolerance for rac-ism in the newsroom and it was never the intention of myself, as editor-in-chief, or our graphic artist Phillip Temple to provoke

anger in any individual. I will make it clear that the cartoon is a part of a series,” Bruni said. Temple said he would discon-tinue the series from the newspa-per. The series has been placed on his personal Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tempest_cartoonist_2/sets/.

Student cartoon is topic of open forum in theater building

On the Web

Check out more Tempest stories at

http://www.solanotem-pest.net/

8CARTOON FROM PAGE 1

The Tempest responds:

see page 3

By Sam ZaghloulStaff writer

By Deborah GrahamOnline editor

By Deborah GrahamOnline editor

SPORTS 7THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

By Rebecca NaranjoSports editor

The Solano Community Col-lege football team took a very dis-appointing 28-12 loss to Feather River College on Saturday, Sep-tember 25.

One has to wonder if this defeat was connected to the recent loss of linebacker Ennis Johnson, a team-mate the Falcons are still grieving for.

A moment of silence was held for Johnson prior to kickoff as teammates, friends and family members alike wished for the Fal-cons success since they have dedi-cated the season to him.

The Golden Eagles took an ear-ly lead in the game, leading 14-0 just over halfway through the first quarter.

It wasn’t until the end of the first quarter that Solano’s Keith Leenders, the only player to score any points in this game, kicked a field goal for the Falcons.

Feather River increased their lead towards the beginning of the second, adding seven more points on the scoreboard with another

touchdown.Leenders managed to gain a

second field goal for Solano just before the half to put the score at 21-6.

During halftime, Ennis John-son’s parents along with church members celebrated Johnson’s life. A song composed by John-sons in honor of his memory was played over the loudspeaker for all to hear. The dancing, singing and cheering that ensued continued until the end of the break.

Halfway through the third quar-ter, Leenders again pulled through for the Falcons with his third field goal putting the score at 21-9. Leenders advanced the team again towards the end of the third with his final field goal, but the Falcons would be halted from there.

The Golden Eagles would go on to solidify their victory during the last minute of the third with a fi-nal touchdown.

The fourth quarter of the game proved fruitless for both teams as the struggled to get any points, ending this matchup at 28-12.

Falcons outshined by Golden Eagles

Solano falls to Feather River in second loss since the death

of Ennis Johnson

Ben Gogna/Tempest

A moment of silence is held in honor of the memory of Ennis Johnson before kickoff as Solano faces West Valley Sept 25, 2011.

SPORTS8 THE TEMPEST n OCT. 5 - OCT. 18, 2011

Oct. 5 – Oct. 18

Detailed information regarding games can be found at solanotempest.net/sports.

Fri, Oct. 73:30p.m. - Waterpolo VS Los Positas College Club3:30p.m. - Soccer VS Mendocino College6p.m. - Volleyball @ Napa - Napa Valley College

Sat, Oct. 86p.m. - Football @ Monterey - Monterey Peninsula College

Tue, Oct. 113:30p.m. - Soccer @ Pittsburgh - Los Medanos College

Wed, Oct. 126p.m. - Volleyball @ Pittsburg - Los Medanos College

Thu, Oct. 135p.m. - Waterpolo VS Cal Maritime Academy

Fri, Oct. 143:30p.m. - Soccer VS Napa Valley College6p.m. - Volleyball @ San Pablo - Contra Costa College

Sat, Oct. 156p.m. - Football @ Sacramento - Sacramento City College

Tue, Oct. 183:30p.m. Soccer @ Kentfield - College of Marin

SPORTS CALENDAR

Sept. 22 – Oct. 1

Detailed information regarding games can be found at solanotempest.net/sports.

Football9-24-11 Feather River 28, Solano 1210-1-11 Solano 45, West Valley 0

Women’s Soccer9-27-11 Solano 8, Contra Costa 0

Water polo9-23-11 Merced 13, Solano 19-24-11 San Joaquin Delta College 15, Solano 4 De Anza 13, Solano 3

Women’s Volleyball9-28-11 Solano 3, Alameda 0. (25-7, 25-5 , 25-13)

GAME CAPTURE

Falcons decimate vikingsSolano bounces back from current loss streak to beat West Valley 45-0

By Rebecca NaranjoSports editor

The Solano Community College football team bounced back from two cruching losses, destroying West Valley 45-0.

After giving away two games since the pass-ing of fellow Falcon Ennis Johnson, its about time that the Falcons pulled through with a win. Its no suprise considering West Valleys 0-4 record.

The Falcons defensive line played a key roll

to their success as they intercepted the Vikings foru times and recovered one fumble.

While neither team scored in the first quar-ter, Solanos Demondre Boler was the first to score after an 83 yard drive that led to a touch-down, putting Solano ahead 7-0.

Myles King was the next Falson to break through the Vikings defensive line, scoring a touchdown towards the middle of the second quarter.

Keith Leenders increased the gap further with a 40 yard field goal, ending the first half

of the game 17-0.From the beginning of the third quarter on,

it was a complete slaughter for West Valley. So-lano scored an additional 28 more points in the second half, most of which were during the end of the third quarter.

The Falcons are now 3-2 in conference. Solano will travel to Monterey on Saturday,

October 8 for their next game against Monterey Peninsula College.

Rebecca Naranjo/Tempest

Solano’s Angelo Perry shakes off six of West Valleys players to score a touchdown during the third quarter on Oct.1.

Ben Gogna/TempestRebecca Naranjo/Tempest

Solano’s Demondre Boler leaps into the in-zone to make Solanos first touchdown Oct. 1.

Falcon Myles King blocks a Viking as he goes in for a touch-down Oct 1.