volume 104 issue 07

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CORSAIRvolume 104 issue 7• october 17, 2012 • santa monica college FiRST COPY OF THE CORSAIR IS FREE, EACH COPY AFTER IS 25C

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We believed it could fly, we believed it could touch the sky. It was on the move both night and day. It spread its wings, and crawled its way through the streets of Los Angeles at a snail’s pace for more than 56 hours. In a massive parade lasting two-and-a-half

days, the space shuttle Endeavour traveled 12 miles through the streets of Los Angeles

this past weekend, rolling through the communities of Westchester, Inglewood and Baldwin Hills, before finally arriving at the California Science Center Sunday morning. Endeavour’s historic move began at 10 p.m.

on Thursday, as it crept out of a hanger at LAX airport in the chilly night air. The shuttle arrived at its first public viewing on the corner of La Tijera Blvd and Sepulveda Eastway at around 7 a.m. Friday morning, meeting loud cheers and excited onlookers.

Spectators awaited the arrival of Endeavour for several hours. Frank Lazares, a resident of the city of Downey, arrived at his spot along La Tijera at 3 a.m Friday. His reason for being there so early in the morning resulted from a yearlong love of astronomy and the space program, he said. Richard Stock, a local marriage and

family therapist and former professional photographer, was looking to take the perfect shot of Endeavor. “You never know

when the shot is going to be there, he said. “You stay as long as you can and hope for the best.” The next destination of Endeavour was

the world-famous Randy’s Donuts in the city of Inglewood. Spectators gathered to see the massive shuttle next to the larger-than-life donut affixed atop Randy’s. While not as iconic as Endeavour, the restaurant is a familiar sight in film and television

Last night, the Associated Students held an event called the “State of Education Teach-In” at the Cayton Center in anticipation of November’s election. About fifty students and community members attended the workshop for information regarding the November elections.Members from the Peace and Freedom,

Libertarian, Republican, and Green parties spoke on a panel to share their platforms’ views on politics, Proposition 30, and their stances on education. An official representative from the Democratic Party was unavailable, however, student Yacob Zuriaw filled the seat on the panel.Republican representative Liz Cato

expressed strong opposition to Prop. 30, saying, “the money is there, [the government is] choosing to use it improperly.” She said Prop. 30 wouldn’t solve all of Santa Monica College’s problems, and that the initiative’s campaign was disingenuous. Cato said that the money spent by unions

to advertise the proposition could have gone to funding schools.

The event was intended to end at 6 p.m., in time for a viewing of the second presidential debate, but each speaker exceeded their time limit. The national debate was not televised to Teach-In attendees until approximately 7 p.m., an hour after it began. Associated Students President Parker

Jean said that the event was a great success and that he was pleased to find out that everyone in the room was a registered voter. Jean said that the AS wanted to reach out to professionals from all parties. “I wanted to get different views from every candidate,” Jean said.While the event featured food donated by

Chipotle (a photo of a burrito appeared on the event flier), students said they were there for more than just free food—they wanted to know how the election will effect their future education. “It’s helping us know what’s happening—

what’s going to help me here as a college student,” SMC student Jose Eduardo said. He also commented on how the importance of Prop. 30 was stressed at the panel discussion. Kevin Cosney, a volunteer speaker from

community organizing group California Calls, shared his personal story of pursuing higher education and the “American Dream.” He believes that a degree is more difficult to obtain in the current state of the economy, and cited a doubling of UC Riverside’s tuition since his graduation in 2009. In actuality, tuition for residents in 2009

was $3,046.75, with current year tuition is $4,561.08, an increase of around a third, according to the UC Riverside website.Cosney explained the provisions of

Prop. 30, and was open to questions from audience members who challenged the proposition.“Prop. 30 is not an end-all-solution to our

problem. It will restore about $6 billion in cuts, but we still have about $6 billion to go,” Cosney said about the state deficit.Keith Parker, assistant vice chancellor of

government and community relations for UCLA, agreed with Cosney, adding “there has been a dramatic drop in support for community colleges.” The event concluded up with the last half

hour of the national Presidential Debate.

alex vejarStaff Writer

allie silvas & Molly philbinStaff WriterS

DaviD J. Hawkins Corsair

Workers near Los Angeles International Airport lead space shuttle Endeavour on a 12-mile journey to the California Science Center early Friday morning.

endeavour on PG. 6

EndEavour’s final mission: HomE

amy Gaskin Corsair

Keith Parker, assistant vice chancellor of government and community relations at UCLA, speaks to students at the “State of Education Teach-In” Tuesday regarding state budget and funding on the campus of Santa Monica College.

Students muse, chow over state of education

for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com • @the_c orsair • /thecorsairnews • /thecorsaironline

volume 104 issue 7 • october 17, 2012 • santa monica college 2

The first presidential debate was a stark loss for President Barack Obama. It seemed that Obama was barely present; professorial, too calm, frustrated—whatever the adjective, it gave pause to many undecided voters about the leadership and passion of the president.But last night’s second debate was a different

story. It seemed that, for both candidates at least, it was time for politeness to be put aside, and to finally show the American people the stark differences between both candidates. I believe that Obama represents the values that will be required to usher the United States of America as a leading nation into the globalized 21st century. I reject former Gov. Mitt Romney’s proposed

policies. I reject his vague tax plan. I reject his proposed cuts to family planning. I reject his backwards, unprogressive immigration

policies. I reject his consistent inconsistency, and above all, I reject how he insults my intelligence.The president is by no means perfect; but to

suggest that his policies have failed because they don’t have merit is completely and unequivocally false. At nearly every step of the way during his administration, the president has encountered a blind opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress. The Republican Party has shown itself to

be a party of extremist outliers. Their policies do not reflect reason, but a blind, nearly religious zeal to the upper two percent, and the policies that would benefit them. This party has consistently ignored scientific evidence towards policies that would not only help our country, but would help the world. Gov. Romney has, without a doubt, qualities

about him that make him a good man. But the party he represents, the values that he upholds, do not speak to the interest of all

Americans.I would like to know why the Republican

Party opposed the passage of the Small Business Jobs Act. I would like to know why they continually blocked the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” I would like to know why they blocked the bill that would provide healthcare to 9/11 first responders who got sick in the aftermath of the attacks. I would like to know why they were against the Fair Pay Act, ensuring that women earn equal compensation to men for the same work. I would like to know why they desperately want to reinstate the very same policies that delivered us into the lion’s den of this horrible financial crisis. I would like to know why they’ve begun to

use the filibuster in Congress to a degree that I can only describe as perverted. If that’s not proof enough that they are committed against progress, I don’t know what will convince you.These are only a fraction of the bills that

have been blocked in Congress during the past four years. Now you ask yourself, do you think things

will get better if their cheerleader wins the highest office of the country? Do you think the world will be steered in a better direction with Romney at the helm?I don’t agree with everything Obama has

advocated—indeed, political sycophants are a part of the problem of our completely polarized political culture. But one has to judge for themselves which leader will lead the country in a direction that will be for the benefit of all. Don’t listen to the extremists who will tell you

that you are voting for a cult. Don’t listen to the extremists who will tell you that you are voting for a socialist, or a communist, or a Muslim. Don’t listen to them. Do your research, and vote with your

conscience. It’s the best you can do for your country at this very moment.

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letter from the editor: and the GLoves come offnathan gawronsky

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sam Herron Corsair

Santa Monica College marine biology Professor Ed Tarvyd (center) speaks to marine biology students about the natural habitats of Morro Bay on Saturday in Morro Bay, Calif. Professor Tarvyd has been leading trips to Morro Bay to teach students about the marine life and habitats near the bay since 1967.

SMC community!if you have photos, feelings or opinions on what we publish, we want to hear from you! e-mail, tweet, or

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volume 104 issue 7 • october 17, 2012 • santa monica college 3news

The Low-P moniker at the top of one Calabasas gas station stands for “low price.”On October 5, a gallon of premium there

was selling for $5.99.But it’s not just our neighbors to the north

who are coping with the octane sticker shock. Gas prices were over $5 per gallon at the 76 station at 20th street and Pico Boulevard last week.Gas prices all over California have hit an

all time high, according to AAA spokesman Michael Green. An average statewide cost of $4.61 per gallon beats the previous high in June 2008 by a fraction of a penny at $4.60. Santa Monica College student Sara

Jensen encountered the high prices while filling up her Honda Accord. “It costs me $78.00 to fill up my tank, and that’s on a good day,” she said. “Lately I’ve spent as much as $90.00 depending on where I am in the city.”But students at SMC looking for

alternatives to driving don’t have to go very far to find relief.Free ridership on the Big Blue Bus is

provided to all members of the Associated Students. The offer is a joint partnership with the school and the BBB, financed by member’s semester fees. For non-students, regular fares for the BBB are $1, and transfers to LA’s metro are only fifty cents. Transfers to the Metro’s by bus and

subways cover public transit over much of Los Angeles. Day passes for the Metro are $5 and up for weekly, monthly, and annual passes; the prices vary with time and whether riders are taking bus or subway, according to their website.

“$4.77 for a gallon of gas?” laughs commuter Marcus Howard. “I think I’m going to have to start riding a bike to work.” While historically known as an automobile

city, Los Angeles has recently focused efforts on improving conditions for bikers. Locally, a construction project at SMC will increase bike racks for two-wheeling students. Additionally, students can map out their

routes to potentially avoid hazards with Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s twitter updates for biking commuters.For those students looking to pool

resources to split the cost of gas, SMC’s Sustainability Department recommends a ride-share program called “ZimRide” to connect carpooling students.The website says it uses social networks to

connect riders to drivers who are heading in the same direction. Who’s to blame for the gas price hike? It’s

due to a couple of things, say state officials.A power failure at an Exxon Mobil refinery

in nearby Torrance earlier this month shut down production, according to the LA Times. According to the San Fransisco Chronicle, the refinery produces 10 percent of the state’s gasoline. Earlier in August, a fire at a Chevron refinery in Richmond damaged the plant’s ability to process crude oil. This, coupled with California’s

requirement of higher-grade gasoline to combat air pollution, has led to a scarcity, driving prices higher. Governor Jerry Brown allowed for the

state’s winter blend to be sold immediately as opposed to later this year. While prices are expected to decrease

later this month, proponents of alternative transportation hope the trend of commuters ditching driving won’t be temporary.

annjelicia houstonStaff Writer

Jennifer Gomez Corsair

A man pumps gas at a Costco on Friday in Hawthorne. In recent weeks, gas prices hit an all-time high of $4.61 per gallon.

Alternatives for students during “Gasaggedon”

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors announced a unanimous selection of Brice W. Harris as the 15th chancellor on Sept. 27, according to a CCC press release.Harris will replace Jack Scott, who retired

earlier this month. During Scott’s time in office, state funding to community colleges was cut by $809 million—12 percent of the total budget. Additionally, tuition fees have doubled and schools have cut course offerings by about 15 percent. From course reductions to potential

layoffs, and a cancellation of a winter session, Santa Monica College hasn’t been spared in these cuts.“I know that this is the right person for the

right job at the right time,” Scott said at a news conference in Sacramento.“He has the knowledge and the skills to

lead this system during what we all know are going to be some difficult days ahead,” board President Scott Himelstein said at a news conference in Sacramento.The chancellor’s office is awaiting the

decision of Proposition 30, Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative, and has continued to educate the public about it’s importance.If the Nov. 6 ballot measure fails, CCC

would face a mid-year funding cut of $338 million and nearly 100,000 more students will be shoved out of the system. Locally, that means a reduction in 500 sections from spring semester, and fewer seats for SMC students. Part-time faculty and classified employees could also face layoffs

and furloughs, the school says.Vice Chancellor for Communications

Paul Feist said that Harris’ priorities don’t fall far from Scott’s. “The community college as a whole will be cut by the middle of the academic year,” he said. “I think [Harris] is not banking on it passing, but has expressed support for it.Harris has previously served 16 years as

chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District, which is one of the largest multi-college districts in America, according to the college’s website. Harris was also the president of Fresno City College and has provided guidance to four community colleges: American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento CityHarris said that he and the board of

governors are in place to interpret the state’s priorities and to set guide posts, not to dictate or direct the teaching and learning that takes place at each of the colleges. Harris encourages improvement in student success, funding, and access and degree completion rates, according to Feist. Married with three grown children,

Harris previously attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the University of Arkansas, Nova Southeastern University and Harvard University before joining the community college system. He will receive an annual salary of

$198,500, plus a standard benefits package afforded to state employees, the same as his predecessor, according to a CCC press release.Harris will replace Erik Skinner, who is

serving as acting chancellor Nov.6.

Among the other California ballot initiatives vying for voter approval in November’s election is Proposition 32. Advertisements supporting and bashing the initiative are cropping up on television, radio and in newspapers across the state.Proposition 32, known as the “paycheck

protection” initiative, bans all corporate and union contributions to state and local campaigns. Santa Monica College’s Board of

Trustees voted to publically oppose the initiative at their October meeting, saying it would prohibit supporters of community colleges—namely employee and teachers unions—from participating in public elections.“This initiative would make it difficult for

unions to raise money,” says Louise Jaffe, trustee. “It can have a direct impact on the college. Labor unions are friends of public education.” The board reasoned that because

the measure doesn’t apply to private corporations, equity firms or individuals, it targets middle class workers and members from labor unions, and restricts their voice in public elections. The proposition will also ban contributions

by government contractors to politicians, and ban automatic deductions from wages by corporations, unions, and government employees.According to polling conducted by the

Public Policy Institute in late September, 40 percent of likely voters said they didn’t want the proposition to pass, while 51 percent supported its passage. According to The Los Angeles Times,

supporters of Prop 32 say it would reduce union influence on politicians to make them more accountable to voters.Proponents include the American Future

Fund, backed by billionaire oil and energy tycoons Charles and David Koch, who have

so far allocated $4.8 million to support the proposition, according to Politico. Other supporters include billionaire

Charles Munger, Jr., who has donated close to $1 million, and The Republican Party, according to Ballotpedia.But opposition isn’t just found at SMC’s

board. Steve Smith, Communication Director for the Labor Federation, says defeating Prop. 32 is at the top of his priority list. “It’s an effort to disguise an attack on unions under a phony veneer of reform,” he says. Smith says the proposition is an

unbalanced measure that targets unions and prevents workers from having a collective voice, while exempting wealthy individuals and corporations from the same restrictions. Other opponents of Prop. 32 are The

California Teachers Association, who have donated over $18 million, the California School Employees Association, who have donated $1.6 million, and The Democratic Party. According to the Huffington Post, most

union contributions go to Democratic campaigns.Additionally, The League of Women

Voters also objects to the measure, saying it gives an advantage to private corporations. “It unfairly targets one set of large campaign donors while giving the other donors unlimited power,” says Raquel Beltran, Executive Director at the League. Even if the proposition stands in

November, supporters might have a constitutionality fight ahead. The US Supreme Court decided in January of 2010 that the first amendment prohibited the government from banning political contributions by corporations and unions in candidate elections.The Citizens United v. Federal Elections

Commission case overruled legislation like Prop. 32 in Montana that had attempted to restrict corporate campaign contributions.

tina eady Staff Writer

molly philbin Staff Writer

Prop kills union contributions

New community college chancellor sees rough waters ahead



With the presidential campaigns well underway and the election less than a month away, Americans want to know how their money will be spent over the next four years.Republican presidential candidate Mitt

Romney announced during the first presidential debate that he would stop all federal funding to public broadcasting if elected. “Is the program so critical that it’s worth borrowing money from China to pay for it? If not, I’ll get rid of it,” he said.Big Bird death memes aside, a Romney

win in November and a potential defunding of the Public Broadcasting System could have real implications for state-sponsored journalism, says the website of National Public Radio.While Sesame Street (which makes $49.5

million annually from licensing revenue, according to the Huffington Post) is in no immediate danger, NPR could be faced with millions in cuts from its budget, according to their website.While cuts to subsidies may not be enough

to kill Big Bird, some stations gooses may be cooked.“Elimination of federal funding would

result in fewer programs, less journalism—

especially local journalism—and eventually the loss of public radio stations,” the website says. “Particularly in rural and economically distressed communities.”The NPR affiliate KCRW, which

broadcasts from the campus of SMC, has a staff of around 60 employees, according to their website. Programming recorded at the station like

music show Morning Becomes Eclectic is syndicated on NPR affiliates across the country.The station promotes cultural events

featuring live music and community art, and also maintains an internship program offered to all colleges, according to their website.KCRW could not be reached for comment

despite, multiple requests from the Corsair.Revenue for NPR is generated from a

variety of sources, including the local, state, and federal governments. In addition to subsidies like those given through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NPR also receives money from listener donations and philanthropic foundations. The CPB is a non-profit organization

created by the federal government, which is financed by funds appropriated from congress. For the year 2012, $445.2 million were allocated to public radio, according to the CPB’s operating budget for 2012.Money from the government and CPB

account for 16 percent of NPR’s annual revenue, their third largest source of income, according to financial statements released by NPR. In a report published by the CPB on the

2006 fiscal year, funds appropriated from the CPB accounted for 16.3 percent of revenue for all public broadcasting and television stations.And NPR isn’t alone in cutbacks from

PBS. Programs that have received a portion of federal funding for their budget like Antiques Roadshow and Frontline could also be in jeopardy, ABC News says.Those spared from the cuts would be

flagship programs such as Sesame Street and Barney, which have marketing rights totaling $1.3 billion, according to a report by former Florida Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite.

news

HOMECOMING 2012SMC Corsairs host SBCC Vaqueros

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Jesse A. Ramirez, Director of Publicity(310) 434-4965

www.smc.edu/associated_students

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FACULTY ASSOCIATION

YES

NO

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONPlease join us in honoring and thanking all veterans of the UnitedStates Armed Forces. All are welcome to attend.Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the Quad, 11:15

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

VIEWING PARTYPresented by Corsair Athletics, A.S., SMC Future AlumniDetroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears. Free popcorn!October 22, 2012 in the Cafeteria, 5:30 pm

PEP RALLYPresented by Corsair Athletics, A.S., SMC Future AlumniGet pumped up with your SMC cheerleaders and football team for the SMC Homecoming football game. Top two spirited SMC students win a prize! First 100 SMC students in attendance will receive a free “Proud to be SMC” t-shirt.October 23, 2012 in the Cafeteria, 11:15 am

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS BOARD MEETINGExpress your concerns regarding all things student life.October 22, 2012Cayton Center3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

SPIRIT WEEKOctober 22 - 26

A.S. FUNDS AT WORKHere’s how your contributions make

a difference.

Homecoming CeremonyDecorations and food.Black Collegians Club

T-ShirtsPre-Health Association

Sustainability WeekA.S.-branded stainless

steel water bottles, postcard/flyers, and food.

The Center for Environmental and Urban Studies

STUDENT PERKSPaid upon enrollment, your

Associated Students fee of $19.50 entitles you to:

Big Blue Bus transportSMC Club Funding

Discount Movie Ticketsat 9 participating theaters

$15 worth of Free Printingat the A.S. Computer Lab

henry crumblish Staff Writer

Cuts to KCRW? Big Bird in the clear, journalism in the dark

sam Herron Corsair

KCRW public radio is located on the SMC main campus. A decrease in public funding could cause KCRW public radio to rely on increased donator support.

Actress and Santa Monica College student Sammi Kane Kraft, 20, was killed in a car accident on Tuesday, Oct. 9.Kraft was the passenger of an Audi that

rear-ended a truck and was struck by another car on the 10 freeway at around 1:30 a.m. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, according to the California Highway Patrol.In 2005, Kraft starred as Tate O’Neal in

the baseball movie Bad News Bears. She

graduated from El Camino Real High School in 2010, where she played Varsity Girls Softball and attended college in San Francisco, according to The Los Angeles Times.Kraft enrolled at SMC earlier this year.

Additionally, she was an aspiring musician

who was writing a musical, The Los Angeles Times said.She is survived by parents Shelly and Lulu

Kane Kraft, brothers Frankie and Bobby; and a grandfather, Syd Kane.

-anDy riesmeyer Corsair News editor

SMC student, actress killed



Most people lament high gas prices, whine and moan every time there is any significant increase, and for good reason. We immediately feel the impact of any increase in fuel prices right in our wallets, especially in a car-based commuter town like Los Angeles. High petroleum prices effect us at the gas pump, the mall, and the grocery store as nearly all of the goods we purchase travel via petroleum power at some point.That pain at the pump is not the end of the story

though. There are vast benefits to increased fuel prices. Although it may take more of a long-term perspective to realize it, high petroleum prices are forcing society to change some of our bad habits. Because gas is expensive, individuals and industries are looking for a variety of possible methods to decrease their fuel consumption, which has many positive implications.The environmental impact of burning fossil fuel is

well known, and the adverse effects of the subsequent carbon monoxide emissions well documented. We saw a local example of this with Carmageddon, during which UCLA researchers found an 83 percent increase in local air quality due to the decrease in vehicle usage over that period of time, according to a UCLA press release.The drilling and transportation of gas and oil

inevitably leads to leaks and spills. The most obvious cases, like the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill off the Alaskan coast in 1989, and the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2011, receive a lot of media attention and spark public outrage for short periods of time, but large leaks occur regularly throughout Africa. BBC’s website dubbed Nigeria the “world oil

pollution capital” in a June 2010 article. There is currently a high-profile international legal battle between four Nigerian farmers and the Dutch oil giant Shell before The Hague, concerning the damage oil leaks have created in their region. Of course, if higher gas prices equal less driving,

then there is less traffic and less wear and tear on America’s aging infrastructure. The current 405-freeway improvement project is going to cost an estimated $1.03 billion, according to L.A. Metro, just

to keep up with increased demand and wear on the Los Angeles section of the freeway. Higher fuel prices also encourage and compel

improvements in transportation technology—from huge cargo ships to small passenger vehicles. Manufacturers are trying to improve the efficiency of their products. Elders remember the old days when gas was cheap, and America made big, heavy, sloppy cars with huge, carbureted iron block engines, with virtually no concern for aerodynamics or fuel efficiency. My stepfather had a 6.6 liter Camaro, and you could literally watch the fuel gauge drop towards empty if you accelerated with a sense of urgency.The 1973 oil crisis sparked the beginning of the

end for carbureted engines, and the push fore more efficient fuel delivery systems—namely fuel injection—began. Anybody that remembers carbureted engines no

doubt also remembers how hard it was just to get you car started on a cold day, and the poor performance of the engine until it was properly warmed up. Frequent trips to the mechanic were common just to keep the highly sensitive piece of equipment properly “tuned-up.” Nowadays, we take the ease of use of the ubiquitous electronically injected engine for granted; you get in your car, turn the key, and go. Believe it or not, increased fuel costs can also benefit

the economy. The more expensive it is to transport goods from overseas, the more viable it becomes to produce locally. Those high transportation costs can offset some of the higher costs of doing business in America, where factories have to at least pretend to follow costly environmental and labor regulations. There is also more money being spent on developing

fuel-efficient technologies. Both of those factors can equal more domestic jobs, which are needed now more than ever.The next time you feel like you want to cry because

you had to spend half of your paycheck to fill your gas tank, remember, petroleum is a limited resource, and its extraction, refinement, transportation, and emissions all have a negative impact on the environment. The greater the cost of that tank of gas, the more

our society benefits from a greener planet, a more localized economy, and better personal transportation options.

With the second presidential debate already behind us, it is hard to forget that election season is just around the corner, and it’s not just the presidency that’s at stake. California ballot measures will determine a great deal about the future of our state in the years to come, and Californians need to understand the measures they’re voting for, in order to cast the right vote, before it’s too late to save our drowning state economy.It’s important to understand that our children have

as much, if not more, of a stake in the future as we do. Education and public safety are sectors that have suffered from an economic downturn that has kept unemployment in California above 10 percent for years now. There is no reason to sacrifice our children’s ability to learn, their opportunity to grow and succeed, or their safety, just so the wealthiest individuals and corporations can continue to grow their bank accounts and their influence.To this end, both Proposition 30 and Proposition 38 have

found their way onto the ballots this November, and both of them promise to protect our once exceptional but now ailing public education system by raising taxes. Prop. 38 means more money for schools, but no new revenue for public safety or anything else. Prop. 30 guarantees funding for both education and public safety, a more balanced approach than Prop. 38. Despite attacks against Prop. 30—which claim it is a shell

game and a deception—it is structured reasonably, and addresses two very important issues facing the California public in a time of economic hardship. It has also been

endorsed by the former U.S. President Bill Clinton during a rally for Democratic congressional candidates in Davis, Calif.It bears mentioning just how dramatically budget cuts have

affected our schools in the past few years. According to the California Teacher’s Association, California ranks 47th in per pupil funding, 48th in teacher-to-student ratio, and 50th in librarian, counselor and nurse-to-student ratio. These are low ranks for a state like California, which used to boast the crown jewel of American public education systems. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office 2011-12 budget report, $500 million was cut from the Universities of California and the California State Universities, $400 million from the California community college system, another $129 million deferred, and $947 million was cut from the general fund supporting student aid. These statistics only prove that it has become more

difficult for middle or lower income Californian residents to obtain a higher education. Art, physical education, and early childhood programs find themselves on the chopping block in financially stressed districts. For California community colleges, tuition jumped from $600 in 2007-08 to $1,380 in the 2012-13 proposed budget. That is a 130 percent increase in tuition, according to the LAO 2012-13 budget report. These tuition increases will only get worse if Prop. 30 doesn’t pass and students will greatly suffer.Prop. 38 aims to restore funding to the public education

systems to pre-recession levels through a series of tax increases that would be distributed broadly. This measure will raise personal income tax and not sales tax. For those of us making over $7,316 annually, taxes would increase on a progressive scale by a minimum of 0.4 percent, while increasing to 2.2 percent on incomes over $2.5 million. However, this measure will not support public safety,

lessening its value. Prop. 38 goes a long way in dealing with the crisis in our education system, but firefighters, police and social workers would not benefit from these tax increases.

“The biggest shortcoming of Proposition 38,” according to the Los Angeles Times, is the “fact that it walls off from the general fund most of the money it raises. That’s a real problem for the current fiscal year, which will be over before much of the funding would kick in.”Prop. 30, on the other hand, does not increase funding

to the education system, but rather safeguards current funding levels. The measure has been vocally sponsored by Gov. Jerry Brown and would raise the state sales tax one quarter of one percent, from 7.25 to 7.50 percent. It would also raise marginal income tax rates for single filers making $250,000, $300,000, and $500,000 annually by one, two, and three percent above the current 9.3 percent marginal rate. Joint filers would see the same rate increases on income of $500,000, $600,000, and $1 million respectively. The revenues from Prop. 30 would not only be allocated

to schools, but would be distributed to police and firemen around the state, ensuring our safety and preventing further reckless cuts that could seriously threaten our quality of life.Rather than overreacting to one problem, we must

endorse a responsible approach to public welfare. Through shared sacrifice, the residents of this state can stop the state government from hemorrhaging jobs in the public sector, and prepare for a future with a stronger national and state economy.If Prop. 38 passes, then Prop. 30 will not be able to pass.

Both cannot become laws. “If Proposition 38 attracts a larger majority than Proposition 30,” according to a Los Angeles Times article, “none of the provisions of Proposition 30 will take effect, and vice versa.” Voting money out of our collective pocket book is never

easy. But we owe it to ourselves, to each other, and more importantly to our children, to secure a safe and promising future. Prop. 30 will provide that future for Californians, while Prop. 38 will not.

opinion

peter s. chengStaff Writer

william dugganStaff Writer

Yes on 30, no on 38

illustration By Jhosef herN

High gas prices bad for your wallet, good for the environment?



productions. Not only was the showing at Randy’s another

opportunity for the public to witness the shuttle, but it also the site of an upcoming Toyota commercial where a Tundra pickup towed Endeavour across a bridge over the 405 freeway. Uproarious cheers and chants of “USA, USA!” filled the air during the three-minute moment that had to be seen to be believed. While waiting for the shuttle to be towed, Santa

Clarita native Paul Cardey expressed his feelings on the significance of Endeavour’s stroll through the city streets. “The people paid for this,” Cardey said. “I have paid

thousands every year in tax money to wherever it goes. So I think it’s great to put it out for the people to go view it.” NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Commander of the

International Space Station who flew on Endeavour, shares Cardey’s thoughts on the shuttle’s potential lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles. “I think people are going to be inspired. Not just the

little ones, but even older people. It’s going to bring to their minds a little more about science, technology and exploration,” Fincke said. For the remainder of its journey, Endeavour was met

with various unexpected delays. Slated to arrive at the Baldwin Hills mall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, the shuttle did not arrive until five hours later. On numerous occasions, the shuttle was stopped

completely in order for city workers and engineers to trim tree branches, disassemble streetlights, and to fix a hydraulic malfunction. Endeavour’s original arrival time at the California

Science Center was estimated to be 9 p.m. on Saturday. Most people who were waiting for the shuttle to arrive went home upon hearing the arrival time had been pushed back to 6 a.m. the next day. However, Robert Haymond, who arrived at the museum

on Saturday afternoon, did not follow the crowd. Instead, Haymond waited overnight for the shuttle’s arrival the following day.“This is kind of a big deal,” he said. “I think it’s worth

waiting it out and seeing it show up to the Science Center.” At 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, Endeavour made its final

turn onto Bill Robertson Lane, breaking through caution tape, symbolizing the end of a slow but steady race to its new home. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, President of the California Science Center Jeff Rudolph, and others

present at its arrival welcomed the shuttle.Obtaining the space shuttle Endeavour was no simple

feat for the California Science Center. The process was a one-year, national competition that saw the center competing with 29 other institutions vying for the opportunity to adopt the shuttle. Rudolph reflected on the events leading up to the

beginning of Endeavour’s final mission. “Every step of the way, it’s still hard to believe. When we

first got the announcement from NASA 18 months ago, it was amazing. When it landed at LAX, it was another amazing feeling,” he said. “And then, when we left the hangar, emotionally it’s like ‘Wow, this is real. We’re on the way, our last journey,”Dr. Ken Phillips, Curator for Aerospace Sciences at the

California Science Center, hopes that Endeavour will positively influence young students’ education. “If we do our homework right, if we do our job right, we can

use this vehicle not only to inspire some real science learning, but to empower kids; to actually help them do some real critical thinking and problem solving,” Dr. Phillips said. Such a monumental task could not be completed

without some casualties. Many local businesses closed their doors on the days Endeavour crept by, resulting in lost revenue. Candance Blankenship, owner of Delian Music in

Inglewood, stated she would take “a huge loss” on the day the shuttle was supposed to pass by her store. “It’s great for the community, but for business, not so good,” she added. Loretta Gordon, owner of a beauty salon named A

Style Of Your Own on Martin Luther King Blvd., was so upset about the closing of the streets that she did not want to participate in viewing the shuttle. “I’m pretty sure I can watch it on TV,” she said. “I don’t

want to be in all that crowd.” Endeavour’s transport through Los Angeles was part of

the $200 million budget to improve the CSC, which also includes the construction of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. But even with a delay stretching Endeavour’s journey by

17 hours, Mayor Villaraigosa was proud of the events that unfolded, calling Endeavour’s journey “a resounding success.” “Mission 26, mission accomplished,” Villaraigosa said. Endeavour will go on display at the Samuel Oschin

Display Pavilion, open to the public on Oct. 30th.

photostory

from endeavour on PG. 1

endeavour comes home


Endeavour makes a stop at Randy’s Donuts on Manchester Boulevard and the 405 freeway prior to crossing the bridge while people take photos with their phones on Friday in Inglewood, Calif. Endeavour had to be hoisted onto a dolly system to be trans-ported across the bridge due to weight restrictions.

marine Gaste Corsair

Children sit at the intersection of Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Boulevards to see Endeavour’s last trip through South L.A. from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center on Saturday. The space shuttle arrived at the intersection five hours later than scheduled.


volume 104 issue 7 • october 17, 2012 • santa monica college 7photostory


Endeavour makes a stop at Randy’s Donuts on Manchester Boulevard and the 405 freeway prior to crossing the bridge while people take photos with their phones on Friday in Inglewood, Calif. Endeavour had to be hoisted onto a dolly system to be trans-ported across the bridge due to weight restrictions.

amy Gaskin Corsair

Crowds stand on a rooftop for a glimpse of the Endeavour along Martin Luther King Boulevard on Sunday.

amy Gaskin Corsair

Children peer out of a window at the Endeavour as it travels down Crenshaw Boulevard on Satur-day.

amy Gaskin Corsair

A Lego replica of a space shuttle rests on a street sign along Bill Robertson Lane as the Endeavour passes by on Sunday.



Deborah Sale-Butler had just moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and voiceover, and was without health insurance. After abnormal pap smear results at a free clinic, she had a colposcopy, a procedure she described as “incredibly painful,” where a snip of cervical tissue was removed without anesthesia. She was advised to return for a second colposcopy, and after a three-hour stint in the waiting room, scared and shaken, she was told she would have to come back another day. She then called Planned Parenthood, who set her up with

an appointment immediately, and confirmed that her cervical cells were precancerous and needed to be removed. Planned Parenthood arranged for her to have a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, performed at Good Samaritan Hospital, free of charge. There, doctors performed the surgery and biopsied the margins until they were certain that they had removed all the precancerous tissue.Sale-Butler’s story is hardly unique. According to Serena

Josel, director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, 3 million people turn to Planned Parenthood each year for reproductive health care and family planning services. “Until I was able to join SAG and get benefits, and later

pay for private insurance, I stayed with Planned Parenthood for yearly gynecological exams,” says Sale-Butler, who has been cancer-free since her surgery in 2000. But these services may not always be as accessible for low-

income and uninsured individuals.Republican presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney’s

plans to improve the economy include saving a projected $300 million by eliminating Title X family planning funding, according to his website.Title X was created as part of the Public Health

Service Act to disburse government funding to health clinics—including Planned Parenthood—that provide “comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services,” according to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs.“Health organizations use Title X funding to support

the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services, outreach and education to low-income patients,” says Amy Moy, vice president of public affairs at California Family Health Council, the largest Title X grantee, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.Moy says that CFHC is responsible for allocating Title

X dollars to more than 350 California health centers that serve over 1 million people each year.Republican President Richard Nixon signed Title X into

law in 1970. The measure received bipartisan support until recently, but Romney portrays Title X differently in his pledge to eliminate it. “Title X subsidizes family planning programs that benefit

abortion groups like Planned Parenthood,” according to Romney’s website. Josel claims that it is not accurate to refer to Planned

Parenthood as an “abortion group.”“Abortion is a small part of the work that Planned

Parenthood does,” says Josel. “Ninety-seven percent of the services Planned Parenthood health centers provide are preventive, including life-saving cancer screenings, contraception, and STD testing and treatment.”Planned Parenthood could continue to operate without

Title X funding, but the organization would be severely strained, according to Josel. “Our ability to reach people with preventive care and

information would be diminished,” says Josel. “We would be forced to dedicate more of our time and resources to fundraising efforts to make up for the new gap in funding as a result of the elimination of Title X.”A spending bill for fiscal year 2013, approved by the

House on July 18, has already eliminated Title X funding, as well as all funding for Planned Parenthood, “unless it certifies it will not provide abortions,” according to a press release from the House Appropriations Committee.In sharp contrast, President Barack Obama’s budget

requests $296.8 million for Title X for the 2013 fiscal year, continuing current stipulations that no Title X funds may be spent on abortions, according to a Congressional Research Service report. “We are hopeful that whatever party controls Congress or

is in the White House, we can find common ground on the importance of continuing to invest in family planning,” says Moy. “Doing so is good for women, families, communities, and sound fiscal policy.”The Senate passed a continuing resolution on Sept. 22

to temporarily maintain funding at current levels through March 27, 2013, according to a press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.Data from the Library of Congress states that the Title

X family planning program was provided with $293.8 million during the 2012 fiscal year. “CFHC will work with our partners throughout the state

and the country to protect Title X funding, and access to quality sexual and reproductive health care for all in 2013 and beyond,” says Moy.

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Do I have the flu? Is this a bug bite? Why is my cough not any better? How do I treat a steam burn? Why am I so sick?Many individuals—who lack health

insurance, harbor fears of the doctor’s office, or simply have inquiring minds—may choose to seek answers to these questions from WebMD. According to the website,

WebMD “provides credible information, supportive communities, and in-depth reference material about health subjects that matter to you.” The site has five medical editors who

are all board-certified medical doctors in various areas of treatment. They are responsible for reviewing content for accuracy and credibility.“It has a fairly reputable editorial board,”

says Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, whose Santa

Monica-based practice focuses on allergy and immunology. “Presuming that the editors go through the articles submitted by the practitioners, it should be reliable. But patients or consumers should also do their homework.”The site appears to have an answer for any

medical inquiry. If users are concerned if they have the flu, for example, they can type “flu” into the search box, and over 2,000 results will appear according to relevance.“I, personally, use it,” says Kasi

Gountoumas, a registered nurse at the Santa Monica College Health Services Center. “I think it does provide some credible and in-depth medical news.” The site has a “symptom checker” that

suggests various diseases that may be associated with certain symptoms, which may promote fear for hypochondriacs. “You have to know how to use it,” says

Gountoumas. “Don’t always believe what you see. That’s why you have to go see a

medical professional.”The “symptom checker” works by

prompting users to input some basic information, such as gender and age. The image of a human body appears, upon which users can either pinpoint the location of their pain, or search according to symptoms. What follows is a list of possible conditions, from the most likely (flu, cold, food poisoning) to the least likely (cancer).Tachdjian says that additional steps

should be taken for an accurate diagnosis, beyond simply searching for symptoms or reading an article on the site. “You don’t know if you have your

facts right in gearing yourself toward a potential article, because it’s going to now completely steer you toward an angle; it’s going to pigeonhole you, potentially,” he says. “For that reason alone, I would say talk to a regular doc, at least to bounce it off him or her.”Like most health professionals, Tachdjian

says that self-diagnosis can be dangerous to a person’s health. “It can go on either side, where you miss it

and say, ‘Oh, this is nothing,’ or you can over-medicate or over-intervene,” says Tachdjian. While there are no other sites quite like

WebMD, Mayo Clinic’s website has gained traction in providing online medical advice. Mayo Clinic offers many of the same

services as WebMD, including lists of diseases and conditions, as well as a simplified symptom checker. The site is edited by a multitude of health professionals, doctors and registered nurses in varying fields of expertise.Gountoumas says that, in the end, a

website is still a website, so she recommends using it with caution.“If you have symptoms and it’s getting

worse, you should always consult a physician,” Gountoumas says. “Don’t rely on a website to tell you what to do.”

Tiramisu, chocolate cakes, éclairs, pastries, and cookies filled the glass cabinets of Elysee Bakery, a small French-style café located in Westwood Village. These sweet treats have attracted customers for more than 20 years. Leticia Silva, a Santa Monica College

student, is one of the café’s regulars; she visits Elysee at least twice a week. Her usual order is a mocha topped with whipped cream and five sugar cookies. The mocha contains 350 calories and 59 grams of sugar, and each cookie has 140 calories and 10 grams of sugar. In total, Leticia’s snack has 109 grams

of sugar, exceeding the 25 grams of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association. “The taste of the cookies is worth the

extra calories,” Silva says.However, extra calories are not the only

risk of eating sugar; several studies link the sweet substance to diverse degenerative chronic diseases, and consumers often wonder whether sugar can be consumed safely, even in moderation.According to the studies of Dr. Robert

Lustig, professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, sugar is responsible for many of the diet-related diseases and conditions that affect Americans today, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart diseases, and cancer. Lustig considers sugar a “poison” that

is killing people, and that should be considered as toxic as alcohol or cigarettes. Arguments like these may sound extreme, but numerous studies seem to corroborate the dangers of abusing sugar.A recent study published by the Duke

University Medical Center indicates that high consumption of high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener commonly found in sodas, energy drinks and sports drinks, is associated with liver scarring similar to the damage caused by heavy consumption of alcohol. Even though the Food and Drug Administration considers high fructose corn syrup a safe substance, the study highlights how difficult it is for the human liver to process it in high quantities.Sugar, in all of its forms, is a carbohydrate,

and according to Lustig, it is dangerous whether it is extracted from sugar beets, sugar cane, or cornstarch. According to Yvonne Ortega, a registered

dietitian and nutrition instructor at SMC, the only purposes of sugar are to add flavor to food, and to serve as a preservative. “The human body does not need sugar,

because there are no nutrients in sugar,” Ortega says. “We only sweeten things because that is what the palate likes.” Although sugar contains the same

amount of calories per gram as any other carbohydrate, the difference is that sugar calories are empty, according to Ortega. “They do not provide any nutrients, and

they do not produce satiety, so the body always wants more,” Ortega says. Humans feel the need to eat sugar

occasionaly because they have a “sweet tooth,” according to Ortega.Ortega says that it is necessary to satisfy

an occasional desire for desserts, rather than depriving the body. “Instead of ignoring the need, it’s better

to find a healthy replacement, like fruits or yogurt,” Ortega says. “That way, you satisfy the craving, but you don’t go overboard with sugar.”Ortega also recommends more indulgent

ways to curb cravings for sweets. “Dark chocolate is a wonderful treat to

have because it has many antioxidants,” she says. “However, it should be at least 70 percent cacao; the darker the chocolate the better.”Sugar stimulates the brain to release

endorphins, often causing mid-afternoon cravings, according to Ortega. “Sugar gives us a physical and emotional

boost,” says Ortega. Any type of carbohydrate can also

increase levels of the “feel-good hormone” serotonin, according to Ortega.The food industry is filled with different

types of sugar, including agave, maple and corn syrups, as well as white, brown, powdered, and raw sugars. Although some forms are more processed than others, they all have the same effect on the body, according to Ortega.“Sugar causes a surge in blood glucose

levels because there are no vitamins, minerals, fiber, or water accompanying the sugar to prevent that surge,” says Ortega.For Ortega, the major health risk

associated with sugar consumption is the increase of triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to heart disease. “Triglycerides are fat in the blood;

the higher the sugar intake, the more triglycerides there will be in the blood,” Ortega says.But sugar is present in most of the foods

that people eat daily. Some foods, such as fruit and milk, contain natural sugars. Other foods contain sugars added during preparation or processing. Although natural sugars are considered more nutritious than added sugars, both types are high in calories.On average, Americans consume 23

percent of their calories from added sugar, according to Ortega. “That is a lot of sugar, and most of

it is coming from sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks,” Ortega says. “It is unfortunate that we are drinking our calories, and not even getting nutrients from it.”Many consumers may choose to reduce

their calorie intake by replacing sugar with substitutes. “Most of them are natural and calorie-

free, and they add sweetness to food without adding carbohydrates,” says Ortega. However, the nutritionist recommends

consuming artificial sweeteners sparingly. “I think they are safe, and the FDA has

determined they are safe for us to eat, but some people do experience side effects with them, like headaches or diarrhea,” Ortega says. “Just like whole sugar, people should take sweeteners in small quantities.”James Conroy, a personal trainer at L.A.

Fitness, believes that sugar is an important source of energy. However, he recommends that his clients only eat natural sugars, such as the fructose found in fruit. “Personally, I don’t keep track of the

sugar I eat, but I try to stay away from it— especially processed sugar and artificial

sweeteners,” Conroy says. “Sugar is stored in the body and it turns into fat, so I think twice before eating sugar.” The trainer believes that exercise is the

key to staying healthy for those who cannot resist eating sugar. “As long as you are working to gain

muscles and keep your metabolism up, you can eat whatever you want,” Conroy says.Gloria Lim, president of the nutrition

club at SMC, says that she is mindful of eating well because of her family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and stomach cancer.“I am aware of what I put in my mouth,”

Lim says. “I always try to make a conscious decision about the best food option for me.” When it comes to sugar, Lim says she tries

to avoid it whenever possible. “I don’t drink soda or add sugar or

sweeteners to what I eat or drink,” Lim says. According to Lim, the extra-large portions

in the United States are responsible for the excess sugar and lack of moderation in the American diet. “Avoid sodas; it is one of the fastest ways

to reduce calories,” Ortega says. “Avoid the added sugar found in fast food, processed food, juices, and fruit drinks.” Despite its health implications, many

nutritionists agree that sugar can still be enjoyed sparingly.“If you need to have a sugary snack, eat it,

but just a small portion,” Ortega says. “It is not the same to eat a small cup of frozen yogurt as it is to eat a Twinkie.”

health + lifestyle

merissa weilandStaff Writer

anilec vitaStaff Writer

WebMD the go-to site for health questions

Pure, white, and toxic?

zacH JoHnson Corsair

A large cinnamon bun topped with sugary white icing is washed down with one cup of sweetened coffee at Elysee Bakery in Westwood Village on Tuesday.



I always thought bar food consisted of deep-fried food, placed over wilted lettuce, and was probably a little questionable. In the many visits I have paid to Q’s Billiards, I was never brave enough to try the food. But, as I soon found out, Q’s redefines the term “bar food.” Q’s Billiards’ happy hour is from 4-8

p.m. daily, and offers a wide selection of food—all under $10. Nachos, spinach artichoke dip, and creamy mac and cheese are just a few of the tasty fares on

the Happy Hour Menu, each under $5. The greasy goodness on this menu pairs perfectly with your favorite beer or spirit.With food under $5 and drinks starting at

$3, those over 21 can easily afford a meal and a beverage with only $10.If you have a bigger appetite and

need more of a substantial meal than the happy hour bites can provide, Q’s offers many dishes under $10. Burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas are prepared with fresh ingredients, and come out hot and ready to eat. Wraps and salads are lighter options that are surprisingly tasty and crisp. Q’s offers vegetarians

the option to substitute, which allows for any of the burger options to be substituted with a veggie patty.In addition, Q’s Billiards offers a fun,

popular atmosphere for those in the Brentwood area. On any given night, the bar is packed with a youthful crowd. A number of post-graduate fraternity brothers, young professionals out for a few brews and sports fans frequent the bar.Pool tables, shuffleboard, two bars, a lounge

and a patio make Q’s a pretty cool spot. The bar and billiards rooms are filled with a number of big screen TV’s and projection screens that enable everyone to enjoy the

game from any location in the bar.The place suffers no shortage of patrons,

especially during a college football game. One of the few bars in the area to subscribe to Time Warner Cable, Q’s is able to show all the PAC 12 football games.While football games dominate most

nights of the week, Q’s also offers Karaoke on Tuesdays and Trivia Night on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.Q’s Billiards is located at 11835 Wilshire

Blvd in West Los Angeles. Cheap, fresh food and a lively social scene any night, Q’s Billiards provides ample options for a night of food, fun and friends.

Arts + entertainment

With the sun shining down on Jerusalem, Yonadab enters the court of King David, speaking to the audience about his plan to destroy the house of King David.“Yonadab” is a complex story with strong

themes of deception, betrayal, murder, and incest. In the opening scene, Yonadab confides to the audience his true feelings about King David, as well as his schemes of bringing about the destruction of the monarch. While speaking, Amnon, King David’s son, walks in, telling Yonadab about his carnal desires towards his half-sister Tamar. Unbeknownst to Amnon, Yonadab had

just been given the perfect plot to bring about the destruction of the royal house..But while deceiving his friend to think it’s

okay to sleep with his half sister, Yonadab didn’t know that he would also be deceived by the person he least expected.“Yonadab” is a rich play, with each scene

demanding a different range of emotions. It requires a certain type of actor to bring out all the different elements of the characters. This cast did just that. They reached deep

within, and managed to draw out the vast range of dynamics for their characters.James Asdell did a wonderful job

portraying Yonadab. His facial expressions, paired with the delivery of his lines, took the audience on a fervent journey, from making the audience despise him to feeling human compassion for him. Asdell had a distinctly powerful stage presence. One actor that particularly stood out was

Janiqua Nettles, who played the part of Tamar. Nettles brought varying elements to her character by subtly changing the tone of her voice. She would be seductive one minute, angry and feisty the next. She carried a solid physicality on stage, with

every movement she made immaculate and intense. The simple stage worked for this play.

A large projection screen displayed bold colors that depicted day and night in the background. In the foreground was a set of stairs, with a throne for King David. What really made this play compelling

was the lighting and sound elements of the production. With each scene, the lights

would shift to powerfully bold reds, blues, and yellows, casting various moods. The music had seductive Middle-Eastern

cadences that set a convincing mood for a story in Jerusalem circa 1,000 B.C. The combination of music, lights, props, and exceptionally strong acting gave this play the perfect synergy.This theatrical play casts an incredible

group of students that took this play to

another level with their distinct body movements, facial expressions, costumes, and makeup. Seeing these wonderful actors engross themselves in this story of deception, betrayal and intrigue is highly recommended. Remaining show times are October 19,

and 20, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on Oct 14, 20, and 21. Ticket sales are $15 for general admission.

arezou zakariaStaff Writer

danielle rouillardContributor

A spectacular cast anchors the controversial “Yonadab”

$10 Tuesday : Q’s Billiards

fernanDo Baltazar Corsair

Yonadab, played by James Asdell, delivers a soliloquy during the dress rehearsal in the Theatre Arts Stage at Santa Monica College last Wednesday.

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volume 104 issue 7 • october 17, 2012 • santa monica college 11Arts + entertainment

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What is music? Is it simply an order of sounds, culminating in rhythm, melody and harmony? What about the spontaneous act of improvisation, that act of fleeting magic that once captured, can never be fully imitated? Is music a collection of genres,

forms, and artistic tastes? Perhaps these answers would suffice a dictionary’s definition; for some people though, music is connected more to passion, devotion, and childlike wonder than to linear and vertical expressions of harmony.That passion for raw expression

was on full display Friday night on the Edye Second Space at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center. The John Daversa Small Band, a small sextet combo led by John Daversa, played two inspiring sets of contemporary jazz.Daversa, an accomplished

trumpeter from Los Angeles who is a major force within the city’s insular jazz community, is a little hard to peg. While it is understandable within the context of conventional jazz song forms, it is at times wholly original. “John’s music is a mix of jazz, blues, pop, New Orleans

music, funk, and odd-time signatures,” said Katisse Buckingham, an alto saxophonist and vocalist in Daversa’s Small Band. Indeed, it seems at times that these six men are recreating

an idiom rich with new textures. Daversa, who has some serious chops on the trumpet and flugelhorn, was not shy to show off his EVI, or electronic valve instrument. The EVI is something like a lovechild between a trumpet and a

vocoder—a synthesized wind controller. Think of Eddie Harris’ electronic saxophone—but with

a seemingly limitless octave range, and a badass attitude. “It’s definitely forward thinking,” said Tommy King, the

combo’s pianist. During each set, Daversa showcased original songs from

his repertoire and recently released album “Artful Joy.” Highlights of the evening included “Shelley’s Guitar,” and “The Bridge.”While Daversa’s talents are undeniable, the showstoppers

of the evening were drummer Gene Coye and saxophonists Buckingham on alto and Robby Marshall on tenor.Buckingham and Marshall were in top form. Marshall,

who credits Lester Young, Stanley Turrentine and Joshua Redman as influences, commanded the evening with his tenor. His soft, bluesy tone contrasted wonderfully with Buckingham’s bright, hard-bopping alto solos. These cats played with some seriously bad attitude, and the net result was inspiring.Coye’s beats, accompanied by

bassist Jerry Watts, made for a formidable rhythm section. His solos, which were absolutely furious, were as much about the blistering tempos as they were about the pin-drop silence between the rapid-fire bursts of percussion.In short, Daversa’s music

accomplishes what some of the best jazz, and best music, seeks to do: To express life in all of its rich complexity. The musicians played with a joy and technical skill that was self-evident. Robert Bowman, a student of

Daversa’s at Cal State Northridge (Daversa is a full time jazz faculty member there) who attended the show, described Daversa’s source

of inspiration after the second set. “He’s truly passionate about making music. It’s all about

love and joy for what he does,” Bowman said. “It always goes back to love,” said a wide eyed, smiling

Daversa after the show. “It’s that feeling of looking at my daughters face, or feeling out-of-body. “I don’t know where it all starts, but I know it’s where I

want to end,” he said.To see John Daversa’s Small Band play live, check them

out at SevenGrand bar in Downtown Los Angeles every second Monday of the month. For more information, go to www.johndaversa.com

John Daversa and friends f lex chops at SMCNathan Gawronsky

editor-in-Chief

Juan c. martinez Corsair

(L-R) John Daversa, Katisse Buckingham, and Robby Marshall from the John Daversa Small Band per-form at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Edye Second Space on Friday evening.



It was only the second drive of the game when Santa Monica College quarterback Alfonso Medina threw a 10-yard touchdown to wide receiver Ralph Gordon II, setting the score at 7-0. The Corsairs never looked back.That play gave Medina the SMC all time

career touchdown passing record. Medina would power the Corsairs to a 68-0 victory over LA Southwest College.Medina came into the game tied with

former SMC Quarterback Dylen Smith ‘98-99 at 42 touchdown passes, a record that had stood for 14 years. Medina completed 17 of 31 for 274 yards

with 3 touchdowns, bringing the current touchdown passing record count to 45. “It means a big deal to come to a school

and set a record, and have my name up there with some of the best that have been here. It really feels great,” said Medina. “Alfonso is such a surgeon with the

football,” said head coach Gifford Lindheim. “He’s not the biggest guy in the world; he doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he’s meticulous with the way he operates and moves the football. He’s cool as a cucumber.” Lindheim also added what the record

means for the team. “His touchdown

record is a group record, not just an Alfonso Medina record, although he has done an unbelievable job with everything we asked him to do.”Santa Monica College played an

outstanding overall game by shutting out LA Southwest, scoring 47 points in the first half. Running back Myles Johnson rushed for 77 yards, and scored the touchdown. The defense was all over the field, causing chaos with four turnovers, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.“We’ve got a lot to still improve on,” said

Lindheim. “Every week we have to improve to reach our goal of winning a conference championship.” Currently at 5-1, the road only gets tougher

from this point forward. “It’s a journey. We have some very tough opponents ahead of us,” said Lindheim. Despite the overwhelming victory,

Lindheim believes the team can take it to another level. “We have to continue to get better in all aspects of the game. I feel like we reached our potential today, but that doesn’t mean we filled our potential as a team. I think this team can continue to play better, and I think we need to get better.” The Corsairs are in a three way tie for first

place in the Pacific Division, along with L.A. Pierce College and Antelope Valley. They will play their next game on the road against L.A. Valley on Saturday at 6 p.m.

sports

Record-setting performance by SMC’s Medina leads to drubbing

of L.A. SouthwestEugene Jones

Staff Writer

marine Gaste Corsair

Soccer player and sophomore forward Meg Pierce poses in the stands of Santa Monica College Corsair Field on Thursday.

Paul alvarez Jr Corsair

Santa Monica College Corsairs’ quaterback Alfonso Medina (12) hands off to Myles Johnson (21) against L.A. Southwest at Corsair Stadium last Saturday.

Meg Pierce, leading by example

After getting kneed in the quadriceps during a game and suffering a muscle tear, Meg Pierce was out for a year before physical therapy helped her recover.This year she’s come back as strong as ever,

becoming a standout for the Santa Monica College women’s soccer team. Pierce has scored ten goals since the beginning of the season.Determined and hard working, Pierce has

embraced her role on the team. “I just love playing. I love being on a team, being a leader. I’m not a captain, but I like to lead the team by example.”Her competitiveness starts during

practice and warm ups. Pierce believes it’s important to set a good example, and to take warming up seriously. “I believe that if I’m doing really well [in warm ups], it parallels the game.”She also carries a degree of a superstition

into her playing. She wears a piece of magenta electrical tape around her shin guards to bring herself luck. “No one else asks if they can use it because they know it’s mine.”Pierce believes that team unity is an

important part of success, and that bond can be strengthened during off-court activities. Aside from meeting three times a week for practice and two times for games, they all meet after hours as well. “We have movie nights, sleepovers, we go out for dinner. I think it has helped us understand each other better on the field,” Pierce said.Her sister, Emily Pierce, also plays on the

team as a left midfielder. “We’ve always played together, so we know each other very well. It helps bring a better game,” Emily Pierce said.Head coach Aaron Benditson considers

her a dynamic impact player that can definitely play at the next level. “She can change the game by making final passes or

scoring goals,” Benditson said. He believes she has what it takes to be recruited by a four-year institution, but he doesn’t want it to distract the team. “We’ll focus more on it once the season finishes,” Benditson says.Although Pierce knows she has the

potential to play anywhere, she wants to focus on her academics, and figure out if she can balance her schedule between playing soccer at a major university, working a job, and studying for her degree at the same time.She is currently a sophomore majoring in

business. She hopes to transfer to UCLA, UC Berkeley, or USC after finishing her last few units at SMC.Pierce has been playing soccer since she

was six years old, when her parents first signed her up for a team. Like most kids growing up playing soccer, she’s chasing a dream. Only for her, she seeks to erase the line

between dreams and reality.

Marine GasteStaff Writer

volume 104 issue 07

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