M essenger PRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB Volume 3, Issue 8 The March 2012 Add The Messneger & Associated Student Govenrnment via Facebook Follow us Via Twitter twitter.com/#/NPC_Messenger Or read our Wordpress online evergreenmessenger.org $1 off when you bring this AD in to EVC the Cafe’ Recognition of the efforts of women started as a weeklong endeavor, first promoted by President Jimmy Carter. Since 1987, the month of March has been declared National Women’s History Month and has been a time designated for recognizing the achievements made by women in history. The National Women’s History Month Project, a non-profit organization founded in 1981, has established inspiring themes for many years. The 2012 theme is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment”. The history of women and education has been a lengthy one, filled with strive and struggle that has led to the current position of women in today’s economy. What is this highly developed position that women have found themselves in? For every dollar a man earns at a job, a woman will only make 77 cents for the same exact job. This is not for lack of effort. Those 77 cents represent every inch— every struggle—that has been fought, by women for women. This constant crusaded for equality has always been met with the settling of second-class citizenship. The idea of granting an education to a woman relied on the notion that it was essential to motherhood. Women should have basic knowledge in order to raise respectable children. Yet, for hundreds of years this wish for an education was seen as unfeminine and unattractive. 77 cents on the dollar is not equality and when compared to a man’s pay it seems like far less but we must remember the great difficulties and fights that were undertaken to in order to bring us to this place. It was always acceptable for women to settle for less and a desire for more was not received well. As time has progressed more and more rights have been claimed by women and each year the road to equality is more and more traveled. Though 77 cents to a man’s dollar is nowhere near equality, Americans must set aside this month-long tribute to women in order to fully recognize the steps that have been taken toward equality. Only thirteen more cents to go. Jessica Diaz ASG President Herstory of Equality One of the most surprising things a student can learn is that public higher education used to be absolutely free. In a time when students are experiencing the biggest struggles to continue their education, it’s hard to believe that, at one time, the state of California once found students to be a worthy investment. California had once promised the right to an easily accessible higher education – through the California Master Plan of Higher Education- and obviously, this is a promise that the state has failed to keep. Due to the extreme severity of the budget cuts to education, resources are diminishing; sections of classes are constantly being cut, teacher after teacher is being let go, programs are almost non-existent and textbook costs are at an all time high. The California Master Plan of Higher Educa- tion was drafted up in 1960 and now in 2012, the state has completely abandoned it, along with its general message. What does that mean for California Community College students? The more reductions to education funding, the less likely it is for a student to receive higher education. This is especially true for community college students, given that community colleges receive most of their funding from the state. Resources are few and far between and expens- es are higher than ever. The state has cut fund- ing and in response the community colleges must find other sources of money. That source is the bank accounts of the students seeking an education. Exactly one year ago students had to pay 26 dollars per unit and now tuition fees have been raised to 36 dollars a unit. There is talk that by this time next year, all students will have to pay 46 dollars a unit. This is the burden of the community college student. We are paying much, much more for far less. These are drastic measures that have provoked a reaction amongst college students across the state. The spirit of uprising is high with the masses of today and California’s broken promise of equity is good occasion for students to exercise their voices and stand up for their educational rights. With the complete abandonment of the grand Master Plan, California residents can only surmise that access to education is not as important as it once was; that education is no longer a right but more of a luxury that only a small fraction of a the population –about 1% or so- can attain. That means that the major- ity of Californians must struggle and strive for education, a “natural right”, and they must fight for the protection of their schooling. This is the purpose of the March in March event. March in March is an annual event that has been held for the last ten years. This is an event in which students from UC’s, CSU’s and Com- munity Colleges around California organize a march together to the Capitol in Sacramento. The Associated Student Government will coordinate this event to give those at Evergreen Valley College a chance to rally with fellow students and harness their voices in this impor- tant matter, which directly affects all students everywhere. To sign up for a seat on the bus just visit the As- sociated Student Government office, G-205 (up- stairs in the Gullo building). Students will have to sign up, meet at EVC at 5am to be picked up by the buses and then march in Sacramento. It’s a day that students march and protest tirelessly because, while the state Legislators may have forgotten the promise of access to higher educa- tion long ago, the students haven’t. Anthony DiSilvestre Staff Writer In Memorium, Ismael “Izzy” Fabio Sanchez 10//4/92- 1/27/12, pg. 4 Jessica Diaz ASG President IN REVIEW Black History Month recap, pg.4 Party over here! Prop. 8 Overturned, see pg. 2 Feeling tied Down? chek out pg. 5 to see how you can Un- shackle your Burdens In a recent issue of the newspaper, I described a series of amendments to our Califor- nia Community College system being proposed by a group of professionals known as the Student Success Task Force. This series of 22 recommendations aims “to improve educational achievements here in California” by bringing some drastic changes to the way our Community Colleges function. Overall, the goal of the task force is to align the priorities of CCCs with those of the state: producing skilled and informed members of the future work force. Everything from the focuses of staff to the distribution of fee waivers will hinge on students taking the first steps towards their career of choice. Now, this may appear at first glance to be a cure-all for the failings of our schools and the full 70-page document available online looks good on paper. However, the point has arisen in public opinion that according to these recom- mendations, to combat problems of drop-outs and undecided majors, community colleges will have to forgo their original purpose. Photo credits: Nick Ta Should you go to March in March? check out the pro/ con on pg 3 Will you March in March? See Sacrifice pg 4
Transcript
M e s s e n g e rPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Vo l u m e 3 , I s s u e 8
The March 2012 Add The Messneger & Associated
Student Govenrnment via Facebook
Follow us Via Twittertwitter.com/#/NPC_Messenger
Or read our Wordpress onlineevergreenmessenger.org
$1 off when you bring this AD in
to EVC the Cafe’
Recognition of the efforts of women started as a weeklong endeavor, first promoted by President Jimmy Carter. Since 1987, the month of March has been declared National Women’s History Month and has been a time designated for recognizing the achievements made by women in history. The National Women’s History Month Project, a non-profit organization founded in 1981, has established inspiring themes for many years. The 2012 theme is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment”.
The history of women and education has been a lengthy one, filled with strive and struggle that has led to the current position of women in today’s economy. What is this highly developed position that women have found themselves in? For every dollar a man earns at a job, a woman will only make 77 cents for the same exact job.
This is not for lack of effort. Those 77 cents represent every inch—every struggle—that has been fought, by women for women. This constant crusaded for equality has always been met with the settling of second-class citizenship. The idea of granting an education to a woman relied on the notion that it was essential to motherhood.
Women should have basic knowledge in order to raise respectable children. Yet, for hundreds of years this wish for an education was seen as unfeminine and unattractive. 77 cents on the dollar is not equality and when compared to a man’s pay it seems like far less but we must remember the great difficulties and fights that were undertaken to in order to bring us to this place.
It was always acceptable for women to settle for less and a desire for more was not received well. As time has progressed more and more rights have been claimed by women and each year the road to equality is more and more traveled. Though 77 cents to a man’s dollar is nowhere near equality, Americans must set aside this month-long tribute to women in order to fully recognize the steps that have been taken toward equality. Only thirteen more cents to go.
Jessica DiazASG President
Hers to r yof Equal i ty
One of the most surprising things a student can learn is that public higher education used to be absolutely free. In a time when students are experiencing the biggest struggles to continue their education, it’s hard to believe that, at one time, the state of California once found students to be a worthy investment.
California had once promised the right to an easily accessible higher education – through the California Master Plan of Higher Education- and obviously, this is a promise that the state has failed to keep. Due to the extreme severity of the budget cuts to education, resources are diminishing; sections of classes are constantly being cut, teacher after teacher is being let go, programs are almost non-existent and textbook costs are at an all time high.
The California Master Plan of Higher Educa-tion was drafted up in 1960 and now in 2012, the state has completely abandoned it, along with its general message. What does that mean for California Community College students? The more reductions to education funding, the less likely it is for a student to receive higher education. This is especially true for community college students, given that community colleges receive most of their funding from the state.
Resources are few and far between and expens-es are higher than ever. The state has cut fund-ing and in response the community colleges must find other sources of money. That source is the bank accounts of the students seeking an education. Exactly one year ago students had to pay 26 dollars per unit and now tuition fees have been raised to 36 dollars a unit. There is talk that by this time next year, all students will have to pay 46 dollars a unit. This is the burden of the community college student. We are paying much, much more for far less. These are drastic measures that have provoked a reaction amongst college students across the state. The spirit of uprising is high with the masses of today and California’s broken promise of equity is good occasion for students to exercise their voices and stand up for their educational rights.
With the complete abandonment of the grand Master Plan, California residents can only surmise that access to education is not as important as it once was; that education is no longer a right but more of a luxury that only a small fraction of a the population –about 1% or so- can attain. That means that the major-ity of Californians must struggle and strive for education, a “natural right”, and they must fight
for the protection of their schooling. This is the purpose of the March in March event.
March in March is an annual event that has been held for the last ten years. This is an event in which students from UC’s, CSU’s and Com-munity Colleges around California organize a march together to the Capitol in Sacramento. The Associated Student Government will coordinate this event to give those at Evergreen Valley College a chance to rally with fellow students and harness their voices in this impor-tant matter, which directly affects all students everywhere. To sign up for a seat on the bus just visit the As-sociated Student Government office, G-205 (up-stairs in the Gullo building). Students will have to sign up, meet at EVC at 5am to be picked up by the buses and then march in Sacramento. It’s a day that students march and protest tirelessly because, while the state Legislators may have forgotten the promise of access to higher educa-tion long ago, the students haven’t.
Anthony DiSilvestreStaff Writer
In Memorium, Ismael “Izzy” Fabio Sanchez 10//4/92-1/27/12, pg. 4
Jessica DiazASG President
IN REVIEW
Black History Month recap, pg.4
Party over here! Prop. 8 Overturned, see pg. 2
Feeling tied Down? chek out pg. 5 to see how you can Un-shackle your Burdens
In a recent issue of the newspaper, I described a series of amendments to our Califor-nia Community College system being proposed by a group of professionals known as the Student Success Task Force. This series of 22 recommendations aims “to improve educational achievements here in California” by bringing some drastic changes to the way our Community Colleges function. Overall, the goal of the task force is to align the priorities of CCCs with those of the state: producing skilled and informed members of the future work force. Everything from the focuses of staff to the distribution of
fee waivers will hinge on students taking the first steps towards their career of choice. Now, this may appear at first glance to be a cure-all for the failings of our schools and the full 70-page document available online looks good on paper. However, the point has arisen in public opinion that according to these recom-mendations, to combat problems of drop-outs and undecided majors, community colleges will have to forgo their original purpose.
Photo credits: Nick Ta
Should you go to March in March?check out the pro/ con on pg 3
Will you March in March?
See Sacrifice pg 4
Prop 8 Overturned & Awaiting Appeal
A Civil Union is a legally recognized form of partnership that provides same-sex couples rights, benefits and responsibilities similar to those of an opposite-sex marriage. Nonetheless, a same sex marriage provides over a thousand rights unavailable to those in a same sex marriage.
In November 2008 many Americans were ecstatic over President Obama’s win in the presidential elections. But whether they were voting for or against Obama; a large number of Californian’s were disappointed that Proposition 8 had passed soon after with 52.3% of votes. Proposition 8 efficiently “eliminates rights of same-sex couples to marry. An initiative Constitutional Amendment,” it added a new provision to the California Constitution. Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights—that states; “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that same-sex couples could not be denied the right to wed (“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional”). Over 18,000 gay couples tied the knot before the ban took place just months after and now all of these same-sex marriages exist in limbo. Fortunately for some, the ban did not affect domestic partnerships in California nor same-sex marriages performed before November 5, 2008.
As of February 7, 2012, a federal appeals court declared California’s same-sex marriage ban to be unconstitutional in a ruling of 2-1 (“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional.”) U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote in the decision, “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples,” ending with “The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort” (Goodwin). It was also concluded by the court that Prop 8 violates the 14th Amendment rights of gay couples to equal protection under the
law (“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional”).
The court has stated that “[the Constitution] requires that there be at least a legitimate reason for the passage of a law that treats different classes of people differently,” and that Proposition 8 provided no such reasoning (“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional”). However, the majority did not issue a broad ruling on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. Instead, it focused on the fact that gay couples in California for a brief time had the right to marry and that Proposition 8 took that away (“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional”).
Access to same-sex marriage will remain on hold as the ruling is almost certain to be appealed and could reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chad Griffin, President of the American Foundation for Equal Rights expressed that, “Every American, regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation, deserves the same dignity and respect, deserves the same freedom to love and to marry, and to build a family.” (“Court: California Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional.”) Unquestionably, overturning Proposition 8 truly represents a milestone achievement in gay rights.
Sources:“California Proposition 8 Same-sex-marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional.” Washington Post 7 Feb. 2012.
“Court: California Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional.” The Washington Post: Online Video: 7 Feb. 2012.
Goodwin, Liz. “Prop. 8 Overturned in California.” The Lookout 7 Feb. 2012.
Page 2 - News March 2012NewsPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Remi KlothStaff Writer
Photo credits: old.crunchgear.com and instinctmagazine.com
Hello EVC, For February many students were treated to a wide range of opportunities on campus. One of the most important offerings from the Associated Student Government (ASG) is the Emergency Student Grant, which awards recipients a cash donation of $100. Almost 600 students applied for the monetary assistance, and those deemed the most in need were issued a check the following week.
For those students who were not aware of the Emergency Student Grant offering, there is still a chance to apply for the Emergency Student Loan. The student loan allows a student to borrow up to $100, which they can pay back at their convenience sometime during the semester. Visit the ASG office in Gullo I for more details.
One of the most exciting events in February was the TET Festival. Organized and hosted by the Vietnamese Student Organization (VSA), this elaborate event was held in Gullo 2 and was described as “one of the best events ever held here at Evergreen” by a random student in attendance.
Some of the clubs chartered this month were: Music Lovers club, Pride club (LGBT club), Art and Design club and the Latina Leadership Network club. Information on these clubs meeting days and times can be found on Facebook on the EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS fan page. The month of March looks just as promising as February turned out to be with events around campus. Start-ing off the month, the EVC ASG will sponsor students to ride to Sacramento to protest against the tuition increases, this is an event titled March in March and to join a student can just sign up to reserve a seat on the bus. Look out for signs and possibly a presentation in your classes by your Student Government officers.
See you all in March,
-EVC ASG
Page 3 - News March 2012NewsPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Many people will tell you the beauty of protest, the worth of actions and the struggle for rights! And they would be correct to do so. Yet they never talk about the downside of this type of social activity. In reality nothing is perfect; society has many do’s and don’ts, silent codes of eth-ics and basically, conformity. While we should and always must fight against evils and tyranny, we must realize the goal we have in mind comes with collateral damage just like any war. The Occupy Wall Street movement has had many positive reactions from society at large. Many agree with their arguments and ultimately support what they want because they themselves want the same things. However, there are people who, though they want reform, are being affected by these protests. Small businesses around Zuccotti Park, in New York City, have felt a huge financial hit:
“The Occupy Wall Street movement has cost surrounding businesses $479,400 so far, store owners said… A Post survey of a dozen restau-rants, jewelry shops, beauty salons, a chain store and mom-and-pop establishments tallied almost a half-million dollars lost in the 53 days since the Zuccotti Park siege began on Sept. 17” (Giove).
Nearly half-million dollars lost is difficult to overcome especially in these already difficult economic times we all face.
Additionally, violence has also plagued the OWS pro-tests throughout the country. Here in California, we saw it erupt in Oakland. “We go from having a peaceful movement to now just chaos,” protester Monique Agnew [says]” (Burke). This is sadly what can happen when you have such a large movement. Sometimes people with alternate agendas [anarchist, scabs, police plants, etc.] slip in and muddy the real reasons for the protests. What is worse is the level it can go to at times, ”Protesters also
threw concrete chunks, metal pipes, lit roman candles and Molotov cocktails, police said” (Giove).
In addition to what prob-lems small businesses have faced from the protesters, they also face over protection from police. In New York, one restaurant Milk Street Café, was forced to close due to po-lice barricades:
“It’s terribly sad,” Milk Street Cafe owner Marc Epstein told the News. Epstein blamed the barricades that remained in front of his restaurant even after the Occupy Wall Street protestors were removed from Zuc-cotti Park” (Furman).
It’s tough, because the police are working to protect the business owners from damages, and the pro-testers are just standing up for their rights. “Milk Street Cafe’s closure will result in the layoff of 70 work-ers. That’s on top of the 21 let go in October” (Furman). Definitely not something the OWS movement was looking to have happen.
What about all the confrontation with the police? What happened at University of California Davis is a travesty, unprovoked at a peaceful sit-in, the students greeted with pep-per spray to the face is not what is meant by ‘serve and protect’. None-theless, the unauthorized takeover of the ports in Oakland was completely out of line. “I think it will allow de-tractors to criticize the movement,” said protester Hale Nicholson. He has been staying at the Occupy Oakland encampment and said he and most people there were pacifists (“Oakland Protesters Condemn Violent Clashes”). Protestors are not helping the fight that way; they are just giving their enemies the right to lock them up and worse, paint the movement as nothing more than common hooligans. “This thing has to escalate so people see the violence and who is protecting the interests of the corporations,” said Denver protester Dwayne Hudson (“Oakland Protesters Condemn
Violent Clashes”). Maybe Dwayne is right; maybe the action will open up the eyes of the masses to what is occurring right in front of them. I don’t know. What I do know is that it never really worked for leaders of change; even Malcolm X changed his tactics.
This is why organization is important, why having a solid goal in place is essential. This is what benefited us with the protests of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the protests of Cesar Chavez. They organized, mobilized and intel-ligently stood up to their enemies. They boycotted their products, marched out of unfit working condi-tions, and refused to ride their buses. Though it was not easy, and even though all these leaders were framed as criminals in the public eye, it still proved to be the most successful tactic. They used their minds, not their brawn. Yes, they too met much violence and opposition, but they never started it. So if you want to join a protest, be smart. If you do it right, great things can be achieved, but if you march around with no di-rect leadership or unified goal, then what’s the point?
Giove, Candace M. “Occupy Wall Street Costs Local Businesses $479,400!” New York Post. 13 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. Furman, Phyllis. “Milk Street Cafe, Which Lost Business Due To Oc-cupy Wall Street Barricades, to Close for Good.” New York Daily News. 13 Dec. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. Burke, Garace, et, al. “Occupy Oakland Violence: Peaceful Occupy Protests Degenerate Into Chaos.” The Huffington Post. The Huffing-tonPost.com, 4 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. “Oakland Protesters Condemn Vio-lent Clashes.” USA Today. Gannett, 03 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2012.
Con: Protest Protests? Alexander Daryanani
Editor-in-Chief
On March 5th, students from across California will stand together to march in Sacramento. This march will lead students to the Capitol in Sacramento, where they will proceed to rally against the tuition fee increases that are implemented every year. So, why is March in March so important? It is important because, for one day, students from UC’s, CSU’s and Community Colleges will stand together on an issue that directly affects them all. Exactly one year ago, the fee per unit was $26, now it is $36. A ten dollar raise per unit is a big difference and students need to ask themselves, can we afford this? So, why is this important to students? Because change is not born out of passivity.
The past many years in America has seen an array of many different groups rising up and fighting for what is owed to them. African Americans played took a huge role with this in the Civil Rights Movement, in which the protestors practiced sit-ins, boycotts and marches. The most notable marches were the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Wom-en’s rights were strengthened with the many equal rights marches, including the Women’s Strike for Equality, the ’76, ’77 and ’78 marches for the equal rights amendment.
Many rights that are considered “natural born” are not free to the masses. Many generations prior to this current one learned this fact early in life. The reason that our genera-tion lives with so many freedoms is because the men and women of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were so willing to rally for what they felt they deserved. If not for these people, many of students involved with the Evergreen Valley Newspaper club would not be able to do so because of their race, some because of their gender and others because of their religious practices. Equality is no longer an out of reach notion, it’s real and tangible because of those that so willingly fought of it.
Do we not have that same conviction? For the average stu-dent at Evergreen Valley College, they live their lives with many difficulties, no doubt, but they often overlook the luxuries that they have, especially living in an area of such diversity and opportunity. It’s easy to take our educations for granted, because it has always been something that we have just had in our lives. We have never had to fight for a chance to have an education that was equal to everyone else’s. I have always been able to walk into a class a sit with about 30 other students, all with a different ethnic background, religion or race than my own. With every book price markup, every fee increase and ev-ery class section cut, public higher education becomes less and less accessible to us. So, only a small portion of the population will be able to actually afford a higher educa-tion. Is that equality?
One of the coolest things about February, aside from the Super Bowl, is that it is Black History Month. And here on our campus that means that AFFIRM presented its line up of speaker events designed to edu-cate and enlighten our college population on the struggles and accomplishments of Afri-can-Americans in our society. Many great events took place; panel discussions about Freedom Riders, and Healing and Helping Hands Of The Service Provider: Resources for Life and Career-A Panel Discussion, as well as Sistas’ Tea Circle, with special guest speaker—Sarah Payne, from Google Inc. But of all those, my favorite was the J.E.W.L. speaker event, with the special guest Chief Judge James Ware of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. As well, San Jose’s own Jazz ambassador Eddie Gale joined Chief Judge Ware for the event. It was great. Eddie Gale played When the Saints come Marching in, in an arrangement I have never heard. It was soulful and captivating. Chief Judge James Ware took to the stage with a poignant message. You can do anything you put your mind to. He spoke of Lewis Latimer, who in 1881 devised a method for fabricating the carbon filament in a light bulb. He made this discovery while in the employ of one of Thomas Edison's chief com-petitors, Hiram Stevens Maxim of the United States Electric Lighting Co. ("Lewis How-ard Latimer Biography." Bio.com). Latimer, an African-American, through his ingenuity proved that color of skin had no bearing in the merit of a man’s worth. At the end of Chief
Judge Ware’s speech, he showed the crowd a light bulb with the filament designed by Lat-imer. The bulb was approximately 90 years old, and shined brightly. What a testament to the quality of the Ameri-can spirit, and the qual-ity our great land poses. I agree with Chief Judge James Ware, you can do what you put your mind to. It isn’t al-ways easy, but that’s the fun of it. For the feeling of pride you receive af-ter conquering a difficult task is always much bet-ter then the proverbial layup. That was the great message of the J.E.W.L. event. Don’t sell yourself short; take pride in your heritage, whatever it may be. We have to remember, we are a community of diverse people. We will never succeed if we iso-late ourselves in cliques and pass judgment on others with out explor-ing what they are about. Also, did anyone catch the VSA’s (Vietnamese Student Association) Tet cel-ebration? Again, what an amazing display of cultural diversity we have on our campus. Sadly, I missed the Dragon dance as I was in class, but what I witnessed at the event was
inspiring. It makes me excited to participate as an observer, what more the excitement of the individuals who organize all these wonder-ful events at our college. I now can’t wait for
Womyn’s HERstory month. EVC Author's Series presents Esther Ludlow at Montgom-ery Hall; as well the Womyn’s Herstory committee is hosting a workshop Students Speak Out on Edu-cation at 1230-130 also in Montgomery Hall. In the workshop Trustee Mayra Cruz and Board President Maria Fuentes will fa-cilitate a bold conver-sation with the wom-en leaders of ASG and student clubs. The conversation will center on their shared aspirations, struggles navigating the California educa-tional system during severe budget cuts,
and the implications of the current “Stu-dent Success” movement. Then, coming up in May will be the 36th Annual EVC Poetry Festival and Cinco de Mayo! I want to see more events on campus, and I’m sure I will.
Photo Credit: Edward Balaoro
“you can do what you put your mind to."
Alexander DaryananiEditor-in-Chief
Page 4 - News March 2012NewsPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Club Advisors:
Marjorie Clark
Sterling Warner
Upper Management:
Editor in chief:
Alexander Daryanani
Chief of Graphics Department:
Edward Balaoro
Writing Department
Senior Writers:
Heather Garcia
Jessica Diaz
Managing Editor:
Francisco Zarate
Webmaster:
Alex Velasco
Web Editor:
Man Quoc La
Marketing Director:
Amy Dundon
Writers:
Remi Kloth
Graphics Department
Senior Layout Management:
Steven DeMartini
Layout Management:
Madison Muong
Senior Photographer:
Funded in part by EVC Associated Student Government
On Friday, January 27th, 2012, at approximately 3:36 PM, officers responded to the area of Yerba Buena rd on a report of a traffic collision. The driver, Ismael "Izzy" Fabio Sanchez was declared deceased at approximately 3:50 PM. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Ismael was traveling eastbound on Yerba Buena Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle approximately a quarter mile east of San Felipe Road. Detectives from the San Jose Police De-partment's Traffic Investigations Unit responded to the scene, and currently are in control of the investigation. Detectives haven’t yet determined whether excessive speed, or another factor caused the incident.
Ismael "Izzy" Fabio Sanchez was born on October 4, 1992 to Anthony and Lourdes Sanchez. Izzy attended Silver Creek High School where he was an accomplished wrestler. His most notable victory came in 2002, when he won the National Title in Oklahoma. Izzy was the 2011 CCS Champion, and 2011 State placer. He is survived by his parents, Lourdes and Anthony Sanchez; his sisters, Stephanie and Alina; his grandparents, Ross and Guadalupe Sanchez and Eliseo and Maria Acosta; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins Anyone with information about this collision is urged to contact the San Jose Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit, at (408) 277-4654. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP (7867), or may visit: http://svcrimestoppers.org/, and may be eligible for a reward. Staff Writer
Ismael "Izzy" Fabio Sanchez: 10/4/92- 1/27/12
Sacrifice continued
The new question stands: Will our schools ben-efit from the amendments of the Student Success Task Force in their current form, or is the docu-ment due some amendments of its own?After review by the Board of Governors, the primary decision making agency for the CCC system, the recommendations were unanimously approved due to their focus on putting student in jobs. Citing the “needs of students and the economy” the BOG feels that these amendments have the interests of the state at heart. According to Chancellor Scott, chief administrator of the Board:
At a time when resources are scarce, our system must implement solutions that improve student outcomes, deliver an educated and trained workforce, and ensure the efficient use of state investment in higher education—I am confident that this plan will do just that.
Our Board of Governors believes these guide-lines are a practical way to help students leave schools like Evergreen Valley College with more knowledge and experience in hand than they do today. Orientation meetings for the benefit of students and teachers will be used to gradually ease them into these new expectations. With the new student success measurement techniques that would be employed, any change in gradua-tion rates would be evident within a few years. To compare the CCC system to a machine would be an injustice, but making ours as efficient as one may be the path for our state.
As for our school district, the general belief is that the Student Success Task Force offers for our colleges to take a step forward and two back. At the District Board Meeting on Febru-ary 14th our Board of Trustees met to discuss exactly what these recommendations meant to
our campuses. Consensus from board members and school representatives was unanimously to prevent them from passing in their current form. For one, due to a poor flow of informa-tion and a short deadline the entire district had minimal time to organize a response before the SSTF proposed their “final report” in January. Based on the phrasing of the document, some speakers noticed plenty of room for interpreta-tion; this coupled with execution by solely the SSTF leaves the possibility of a metaphorical hijacking. Not only will prepared students be supported by college resources, but those unpre-pared will end up neglected. With this reorga-nization of resources, the community colleges will be unable to tend to students who have undecided majors or low GPAs. Some argue that the CCC system is the only place to turn for these students to pursue education beyond high school and find their interests, that the priorities
of universities aren’t the same as community colleges. Chancellor Rita Cepeda of our district stated that the recommendations would create a “false dichotomy of access and success”, or put student freedoms and their test scores at odds.
Whether the decisions of the Student Success Task Force are right (or even justifiable) is a subject currently under great controversy. Our district has plans to actively oppose the recom-mendations either by convincing the SSTF to give us more time reviewing them or by contact-ing legislature about the issue. Expect that until a compromise has been found between the two sides, the recommendations will not be imple-mented. How the problem of student success can be resolved will be based upon what the state and community colleges are willing to sacrifice.
Throughout the month of Febru-ary the Evergreen Valley College AFFIRM program brought to our campus several events to liven up Black History Month. These events were not only to remind us of the difficult past African-Americans have faced, but also how far they have come. “Relying on a strong cul-tural foundation to build tomorrow’s future,” was the quote used to describe these events. Knowing your past is the only way you can de-termine your future. Being aware of the strug-gles your ancestors have had to overcome is an important aspect when proceeding forward toward your own life goals. This line served as strong representation in the Resources for life and Career panel discussion that took place on February 7th. African-American guest speak-ers came to tell the students their trials and tribulation that took place before they made it to the successful position to where they stand today. It was a great event for students to gain resources and network. Many of the speakers admitted to not having the easiest path to fol-low, often walking back two steps before they could precede forward one step. Each person had their own way to reach success, which introduced to students that there is no one right way of reaching your goal.
Coming to success is not easy, but it is pos-sible. This may ask the question that Carl Ray asked in his presentation, “Why must we suffer? Why must we suffer? I’m just asking why…” pleads Comedian/Actor at the end of his play “A Killing in Choctaw.” Carl Ray was a young man living in Alabama when he witnessed his father being shot right in front of his eyes on September 6th of 1962 by Bill Carlisle. Not only was he left with the loss of his father, but he also felt responsible for his death, which is the struggle he dealt with
for much of his life. For not answering ‘yes sir, no sir’, as was the typical response by African-Americans during the time, but it is not what Ray Carl did. Because of this Carl Ray was beat by the murder Bill Carlisle and then followed to his home where Carlisle fired a 45-caliber into Ray’s father, George Carl’s chest. Yet even through the difficult struggle of watching his father shot before his eyes, Carl Ray was still able to accomplish his dreams of attending the Tuskegee Institute. Through thirteen years as an engineer in the aerospace industry, it was difficult to put the past behind him, until he decided to just laugh about it. In 1980 he retired and became a stand-up comic living his dream through entertainment. This play, “A Killing in Choctaw”, exhibits the essence of an African-American heartbreaking story through a family tragedy is a lesson on racism in America with a twist of humor from Ray Carl.
Yet Carl Ray is just one of many African-Americans who have experienced the bitter taste of racism. In 1961 from May through No-vember, 400 black and white college students rode interstate buses from Washington D.C. to New Orleans. During this time Jim Crow Laws prohibited any time of integration in the South, yet still these students risked their lives to make a statement that the racism occurring was not okay. Many of them risked their lives by being beaten, and imprisonment for simply traveling together on buses through the South. As students here at Evergreen Valley College, we were lucky enough to see this aspiring jour-ney through the eyes of guest speakers: Ajai Cribbs, Timothy Burpee, David Hendricks, Ethel Walker, and Samuel White on a discus-sion panel. The speakers gave us an in-depth point of view coming from educators, students
and professions. Several clips were shown to give a deeper understanding of the intensity in the lives of blacks and whites living in the South. One of the most important reasons for this trip was to get the movement into the Deep South, because most of the action was in the North. While many were hoping to start a nation wide movement, this action did exactly that. The riders anticipated a fairly easy trip that would end on May 17th on the anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision. The students who rode the bus knew that education was the key, but also knew that human dignity was important.An individual of importance that was intro-duced during the panel discussion was Diane Nash, who was a coordinator for the students. She was a fearless woman who felt that violence could not hurt nonviolence. Although they left one location of violence on the trip she encouraged to travel to next, and was not afraid of what they would encounter.
This panel discussion not only expressed their feelings towards racism and discrimination during the 1960’s, but it also brought to the surface the offensive words used by today’s youth. Often many of these words (the N-word) that the youth use today do not sit so easily with the elders. A controversy erupted from this, yet students represented themselves by stating that they do know their past. Though they admitted that they as a whole they would not be sitting where they are without actions such as that of the Freedom Riders. These were only a few of the events presented by AFFIRM. All were beautifully done in com-memoration towards the African-American community during Black History Month.
Black History Month Events
Carmen CandelariaStaff Writer
Page 5 - News March 2012NewsPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
The art of teaching is a process that within itself may require a lifetime of learning to perfect. Upon entering the learning environ-ment, teachers require a solid knowledge on their topic and a format for sharing that infor-mation with their students. For the students to get the best out of their experience, they must show up with a mental framework available to have the teacher fill in the blanks or reinforce its structure. Education has a simple format that is as ageless as it is effective, evident by the workers and thinkers of ages past and pres-ent. Formal education is just that, a more proper version of teaching and learning that yields students each with their own function in society. Neither the teachers nor the students
have full power over what the daily lesson is about, as a third force (the government) exists that keeps the coursework in check. We do get to choose our classes, but for the hours we are in class the topics choose themselves. In addi-tion, our teachers have only so much time in the day to help students outside of class. What about students who need more than that time for advice and knowledge?
In recent weeks, our school has had an offer by professional life coach and mentor Ade Faison to host a workshop to answer questions and share lessons in a low stress environment. The primary difference is that, unlike most workshops, this one doesn’t have a subject yet. While Mr. Faison has a lesson plan in mind -- as our Director of Student Life,
Mr. Garza who is organizing the event pointed out -- “if there is another need present, it will be addressed”. To be of most use, Ade is ready and willing to teach those willing to listen what it is they want to learn without a third party agenda. This event has been enigmati-cally called “From Shackles to Freedom” and though it has been done before in locations throughout the country, no two instances have been the same because the audience decides the course it takes.
During a telephone conference between mem-bers of our ASG and the host of this event, Ade found a framework to build the workshop around. When asked the question of the big-gest problem the campus was facing, the ASG mentioned a lack of communication from the
clubs on campus. They explained that students are generally feeling a “lack of interest” to-wards non-academic (and student government) related matters. All members available agreed at least a 30% increase in campus-wide com-munication would be preferred. In terms of content beyond that, the only promise has been that this event is “not your average workshop”. “From Shackles to Freedom” is tentatively planned to take place at EVC over a weekend and to be offered first to interested members of the campus clubs and any remaining spaces will be for open sign ups.
As the story develops, feel free to contact our Editor-in-Chief Alexander Daryanani by e-mail at <[email protected]>.
Anthony DiSilvestreStaff Writer
The reception for this year’s second half of the Staff Art Show took place on Wednesday, February 15. Students are always curious to see what their art professors’ work looks like and what they have been working on. This show certainly allowed students to see the pieces the staff has been working on, and gave them the opportunity to describe the spirit behind the various pieces in the gallery. Professor Rachel Lazo presented two incred-ible pieces. Both were filled with movement and color that did not allow my eye to settle on any single object. I kept it scanning and searching the works, finding different moods within each of the paintings. Professor Lazo spoke about her interest in color interac-tion. A technique that changes the viewer’s perception of color with contrast, “The reason I’m interested in that is because, sort of on a philosophical level, I’m interested in the idea that perception is malleable, that when we per-ceive something in a certain moment in time, the next day or the next moment we might perceive it differently.”
Another Art Professor displaying her work was Masako Miki who showed beauti-fully collaged pieces that worked as diptychs (two or more pieces that are meant to go together as one piece). Know for their ability to adapt and survive in new environments, deer serve as the inspiration for the pieces in the show. The pieces involved a lot of symbol-ism and meaning taken from Professor Miki’s personal experiences with culture and life. “I was working very abstract, very non-objective. After finishing school and having new life ex-periences, I realized that what I really wanted to draw was this sort of narrative of my own.” Professor Paul Roehl showed amaz-ing landscape paintings reminiscent of 19th century landscape paintings. Although Profes-sor Roehl was once primarily a printmaker, he now creates images that everyone can enjoy and find striking and inviting no matter what their level of education or understand-ing of art is. “Most of the art is just made up, I don’t take pictures or go out and do plain-air paintings […] I just try to create something that’s beautiful and speaks to people on that particular level” commented Professor Roehl.
The Staff Art ShowNahiely Zarate Staff writer
From Shackles to Freedom
The Messenger presents its weekly podcast roundup
check out [evergreenmessenger.org/weekly-podcasts] for the broadcast
every Monday! Or Subscribe via iTunes : “the messenger.” We cover
all topics on / off campus concerning you, the students, and staff
of our fine college!
“Stay Green Evergreen!”
Photo Credit: Jerome Guiang
Page 6 - Arts & Entertainment March 2012Arts & EntertainmentPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Ga
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C
or
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Every single decision changes someone’s opinion of you
Shepard must stop an ancient cycle of destruction from wiping out all life, as we know it.
You will be able to import saved files from Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.
Riddle of the month:
A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
Answer :The woman was a photographer
Comic Corner
Mass Effect 3 is the third and final installment of Commander Shepard’s journey. In summary of ME3, Shepard must stop an ancient cycle of destruction from wiping out all life, as we know it. Mass Effect’s theme is Science Fiction while its genre consists of shooter, role-playing and action.
Functions from previous games that may be included have in fact been confirmed to be available in Mass Effect 3. You will be able to import saved files from Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. Players will be able to import their version of Shepard from previous games, unless the character died in the final act of Mass Effect 2.
Game play in Mass Effect 3 is influenced by decisions from Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, and also effect settings throughout the galaxy, including Earth and Mars. Combat has been changed and refined; in particular, the cover system has been improved. There will be more options for moving around the battlefield; instant melee kills and more conventional grenades will be introduced as well as improved artificial in-telligence. Additionally there will also be a four-player multiplayer co-op mode available.
For a moment let’s flashback to Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. Throughout Mass Effect, you’re constantly making choices. Every single decision changes someone’s opinion of you, or alters the potential resolu-tion of a scene, or determines whether you’re going to have pancakes or French toast dunkers for breakfast.
Mass Effect takes place when civilization has unlocked the power of teleportation, but still use elevators extensively in their structural designs. An elite society in a galactic confederation of humanoid aliens confers on the matter of making the main character a member of their “il-luminati”, and sends him on a mission to take down Saren Arterius.
Mass Effect 3 should be a solid addition to the series. So, if your like me look out for it when it drops. I know what I’ll be doing march 6th, do you?
Madison MuongStaff Writer
News / AdsPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
Page 7 - News / Ads March 2012
EVC
*This is the tentative name of the program, will update with further detail.
To find out more, visit our Evergreen Valley College Asociated Students Facebook page - Link stated on front
page.
Presented by Immigrant Relations & Integration Services IRIS & The Santa Clara County Citizenship Collaborative
forfor C i t i z e n s h i p D a y , C i t i z e n s h i p D a y , M a r c h 1 7 , M a r c h 1 7 , 2 0 1 22 0 1 2
Your Community, Your Voice, Become a Citizen and Vote!
English speaking & bilingual volunteers needed in 14 languages: Amharic, Cambodian, Cantonese/Mandarin, Farsi, Hindi/Punjabi,
Korean, Tigrinya, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
HELP immigrants with their journey to become citizens of the United States
Volunteer Training! You will learn about the N-‐‑400 (Citizenship) application form, red flag situations, and important logistics for March 17, 2012. To volunteer you must attend ONE of the following:
10:00-‐‑12:00 pm on Saturday, 3/10/12 at CET, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110 OR
6:00-‐‑8:00 pm on Tuesday, 3/06/12 at CET, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Please fi l l out the “Participation Form” below and circle the role you want in the back of this page and return this to the staff or contact:
PARTICIPATION FORM VOLUNTEER NAME: ___________________________________ ORGANIZATION: (optional)____________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE: __________________________FAX: (optional)___________________EMAIL: _____________________________ YES, I will volunteer on Citizenship Day and will attend one of the following volunteer trainings
£ Saturday March 10, 10 a.m-‐‑12 p.m. £ Tuesday March 06, 6 p.m-‐‑ 8 p.m.
Page 8 - Calendar March 2012CalendarPRESENTED BY THE: EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE NEWSPAPER CLUB
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