City TimesCity TimesServing the San Diego City College community since 1945 Volume 60, Number 13 April 25, 2006www.sdcity.edu/citytimes

News, page 3

Environmental awareness isgoal of new club

Earth friendly

60Jay Sees

Fortknightly

City Times1 9 4 5 — 2 0 0 5

Keeping fi t at 15 ...Sports, page 12

Student centerplan off ballot

Campus celebrates culture during annual Language Day

By Natalie Perino-TerashimaStaff Writer

The proposed Student Community Center has been removed from ballots for the upcoming Associated Students Government elections to be held April 26-27.

City College students can expect to see the potential center on the ballot for the spring 2007 election.

The Student Community Center would provide future City College students with a place to socialize, study and relax. In addition, the proposed center would house many stu-dent services including space for student organizations, seminars and exhibits. Inter-national student information, housing information, student referral services, an orientation center and the ASG offi ce would also be part of this new facility.

In order for the proposed center to be approved, a total of 3,000 students must vote in the election and of these students, 2,000 must vote in favor of the measure.

“We felt we needed more time to publicize and get sup-port (for the center),” said ASG President Francisco Fabian.

The planned center would be constructed where the current D building resides and would add an additional level to the structure. Part of the M build-ing would also be used.

The concept for the Student Center was developed by City College students and would be operated and funded by stu-dents as well.

If approved by the student body, revenue for the center will be collected in the form of a Student Center Fee starting in fall 2007. The Student Service Fee will charge every student one dollar per unit, with $10 being the maximum amount charged to any one student in a whole year (two semesters). This money will be collected for a few years to build up a con-struction fund, and once the center is built, will be spent on maintaining and operating the facility.

Construction costs would be partially funded by the district, although without a concrete plan underway, such details remain undetermined.

“The diffi culty is in showing students that we need a Stu-dent Center,” Fabian said. “I’m here all the time so I can see the need for it.”

For more information on the Student Community Center, students can visit the ASG offi ce in D-105.

Downtown march draws thousandsProtesters fl ood the streets of downtown San Diego on April 9 during the March for Dignity, Respect and Hope. The rally attracted an estimated 50,000 people, considered to be one of the largest rallies of its kind in San Diego history. City College students took part in the march, which was held to protest congressional proposals to consider illegal immigrants felons.

Dashiell Kuhr / City Times

By Shanika WhaleyCity Times

“Language Day brings together the different world cultures represented at City College,” said Maria Clara Romero-Huerta, Spanish pro-fessor on campus and chair-woman of the Department of Languages.

Language Day, held on April 20, is an event that takes place every year. For eight years, it’s been a large celebration on campus.

Romero-Huerta is a primary organizer of the event, and City College students enjoyed

a diverse atmosphere, celebrat-ing the traditions and cultures of many different countries.

T e a c h -ers, faculty m e m b e r s and clubs

on campus got students involved with different cultures they may not be familiar with. Food, clothing and music were all a part of the celebration.

Students from different coun-tries demonstrated through dancing, food and music how other societies function and live in everyday life. From 10 a.m.

■ Event highlights college’s diversity. Pages 6 and 7

✗ ■ Candidates give statements for the election. Page 3

CityChoice

Spanish professor Maria Clara Romero-Huerta dances with chil-dren and students during Lan-guage Day on April 20.

Dashiell Kuhr / City Times

‘Language Day brings together the diff erent world cultures represented at City College.’— Professor Maria Clara

Romero-Huerta

See CULTURE, Page 9

2 City Times April 25, 2006NEWS / CALENDAR

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CityCalendarCompiled by Jenelle Jung and Nicole Cunningham

Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101e-mail citytimes@gmail.com, call (619) 388-3880, or fax (619) 388-3814

■ April 24-27Grad FairSchwartz Patio (in front of the Bookstore) 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, 10% discount on regalia

■ April 25Career and Job FairSchwartz Square, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

■ April 26-27A.S. Government General Elections

■ April 28-May 7Saville Theatre presents “South Pacifi c”April 28-29 and May 5-6, 8 p.m.Sunday matinee April 30 and May 7, 2 p.m.$15 adult, $10 student, senior and military

■ April 29Rob Novak, City Works 2006 ReadingB-103, 2:00 p.m.

■ May 1Intent to Enroll form, transcripts and deposit due to SDSU for Fall 2006 transfer

■ May 1Fitness Center Lecture Series“An Afternoon Spent With An Olympian”Mebrahtom Kefl ezighi, 2004 AthensOlympic Marathon Silver MedalistRoom A-101, 5 p.m.

■ May 9American Red Cross Blood DriveGorton Quad, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Participants entered to win a Harley Davidson donated by actor Kiefer Sutherland

■ May 101st Annual Transfer Achievement Celebration(Students must RSVP by April 27)A-111, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

■ May 23Deadline to sign TAG guaranteed admission agreement with SDSU for Spring 2007

■ May 31Deadline to sign TAG guaranteed admission agreement with UCSD for Winter 2007

Potential ASG offi cers introduce themselves below to students. The statements are pre-sented as submitted by the candidates, and only represent those candidates who sub-mitted statements.

■ Presidential Candidate:Francisco Fabian: My name is Francisco Fabian. I am running for President because I understand the importance of having student representation at the table when decisions are being made that affect us. As a developing leader, I feel that I have the skills needed. I am enthusiastic, committed and ready to work hard for the students.”

■ Candidate for Vice President:Travis Pollock: As A.S. Vice President I can offer a unique perspective to this leadership role due to my former Military experience. As a political science major and current Legisla-tive Analyst for the Associated Students, I have the knowledge and preparation for the position of Vice President. My leadership abilities have been developed through my past personal and professional experiences. The A.S. is the voice for students and raising awareness on campus will be my goal. I also believe in strong communication between stu-dents, faculty and administration. With this strong collaboration changes can happen at San Diego City College. I have a strong work ethic, a belief in public service and my aca-demic aspirations are to transfer to U.C Berke-ley. I have the determination and know how for the position of A.S. Vice President. Vote Travis Pollock for A.S Vice President.

■ Candidate for Treasurer:Daniel Luque: I feel that I am qualifi ed for the position of Treasurer, because I am strong with recordkeeping, analyzing budgets, and reducing spending. As Treasurer I promise to make sure that student funds are spent prop-erly and enhance student benefi ts.”

■ Candidate for Senator:Robert Leahy: Greetings to my fellow stu-dents, Let me start by saying thank you for all the support these pass 2 months in which I have already served as your student senator. If you re-elect me to this position I will con-tinue my every efforts to improve the commu-nication between the senate and the student body. My door is always open for questions comments and concerns. I am activley pursu-ing ideas to improve the morale for the stu-dents here at City College. I would like to see many improvements here at city college, I will be attending here for the next two years and I am more than confi dent that I can make a great impact on the lifestyle and the morale of my fellow students here at City. I am here to support you, and I will. I am qualifi ed to be your senator because I have been in large organizations that require its personnel to be professional and open to everyone they communicate with, I also work very hard in anything I do no matter how big or small the task is. I also have a lot of time that I can dedicate to the Associated Students and the Student Body. So if you want a qualifi ed and dedicated Senator then I am here for you my fellow students.”

ASG election candidate statements

CityChoiceStudent government elections April 26 & 27✗

April 25, 2006 City Times 3CityNews

ENVIRONMENTfriends of the

By Natalie Perino-TerashimaCity Times

City College has a new Environmental Club that hopes to educate and motivate students to bring about change by making earth-conscious decisions.

The club hosted Earth Week at City Col-lege April 18-20. The event took place in the Gorton Quad between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Local DJ Makeda Dread donated her time and services April 19. Dread played music and spoke about environmental issues throughout the day.

The club, organized by student Jessica Reeves, would like to make recycling at City College easier and more efficient by adding larger, more colorful recycling bins in more areas on campus.

Other goals include coordinating beach clean-ups, environmental education pro-grams for elementary through college-level students and ink cartridge and cell phone recycling events on campus.

Reeves, who grew up recycling and donat-ing to those in need, wants to educate younger

Awareness is campus club’s goal

Environmental Club founders Justin, left, Daniel Aramburo, center, and Jessica Reeves are building the campus organization to raise awareness of issues such as recycling.

Mauro Aragon / City Times

See FRIENDS, Page 11

Students mark Chavez Day with protest

By Natalie Perino-TerashimaCity Times

The City College Counseling Department experienced a loss in early March after the death of Lem Lemons, a counselor who worked on campus for 25 years.

While Lemons’ official title was General Counselor, he was also involved in some math instruction and is remembered as a hard worker who truly cared about students.

Lemons began working at City College in 1977. During his tenure, he pioneered the development of the Math 32 program, which prepares stu-dents for higher levels of trans-ferable math classes. Although Lemons was not a math instruc-tor, he taught this course occa-sionally.

Aside from the work he did at City College, Lemons also volunteered his time teach-ing math at Fanno Academy, an African-Centered Charter School in San Diego.

Lemons was also hired by the federal government from time to time as a math consul-tant.

“Lem was a 100 percent plus worker,” said Extended Oppor-

tunity Programs and Services Counselor John Sullivan. “He really cared about students and their futures.”

Before working at City Col-lege, Lemons was a basketball coach at San Diego High School

where his team won the state championship two years in a row. He also encouraged and helped students there receive scholarships to

four-year schools.In 2002, Lemons decided to

retire because of health compli-cations. He had struggled with kidney failure for many years, and after receiving a trans-plant, he was still not able to overcome the disease. Lemons was later diagnosed with bone cancer and was not able to regain his health.

“Lem had an infectious smile,” said EOPS Counselor Margie Spikes. “I don’t know anyone who didn’t like Lem. He will be missed tremendously.”

A perpetual scholarship will soon be available in Lemons’ name, and plans for a dedica-tion plaque are in progress.

Lem Lemons

Colleagues mournlongtime counselor

By Shanika WhaleyCity Times

Faculty members and stu-dents from City College joined with area high school students in celebrating Ceaser Chavez’s 79th birthday at Chicano Park and protesting the HR 4437 immigration bill on March 31.

Chavez was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and also a labor activ-ist who spoke out for migrant workers’ rights during the ’60s and ’70s.

Maria Figueroa, English and Chicano Studies professor at City College said, “It’s wonderful to see the students demonstrat-ing their democratic rights. As a community, parents, teach-ers and workers should guide them, relay them their history – like Cesar Chavez taught us, as well as other activists.”

“This is a good opportunity to unite,” said Selina Calvo, a City College student and member of

Resistencia Estudiantil. “We get to tell how we feel, speak out about issues that are going on.”

Resistencia Estudiantil is a club at City College. Students form together and discuss issues that affect everyone, not just Chicanos.

Nohelia Ramos, City Col-lege student and Resistencia Estudiantil events coordinator, reported that they brought 200 people to Chicano Park, most of which were City College stu-dents.

“It’s a great feeling,” Ramos said. “People are unifying, wanting to make a change. They do not want their family members to leave. Rights for all citizens.”

Vanessa Lopez, a new member of the Estudiantils, said she was glad to be part of a club that dealt with real issues.

“I’m glad there are clubs like this for students. All people, not just Mexicans, can unite and fight for the human race. The only difference is our culture, and we should all be treated

Faculty members join protestat Chicano Park

See CHAVEZ, Page 11

The following editorial ran in the Iowa State Daily at Iowa State University on April 14, distributed by U-WIRE

After months of deliberation, amendments and bipartisan efforts to reach an agreement, what seemed to be the most feasible compromise to federal immigration reform failed in less than 24 hours.

“I think politics got in front of policy on this issue,” said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

The good senator could not be more right. The Senate proposal would have brought illegal immigrants out of the shadows and met the nation’s needs for labor and legitimized the millions of undocumented immigrants presence in the United States, as opposed to implying a level of guilt and criminality to their residency.

The compromise plan would have created a temporary worker program that would allow 325,000 foreigners to fill jobs in the United States each year. Illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S for five years or more (about 7 million) would be granted citizenship if they remained employed, had background checks, paid back taxes and learned Eng-lish. Illegal immigrants who have lived here two to five years (about 3 million) would have to travel to a U.S. border cross-ing and apply for a temporary work visa, and would be eligi-ble for permanent residency and citizenship over time. Those undocumented workers who have lived in the U.S. less than two years (about 1 million) would be required to leave the country altogether and could apply for spots in temporary worker programs.

But conservatives condemned the compromise as little more than amnesty for lawbreakers, and Democrats refused to allow a delay and amendments they say would have gutted the legislation.

The issue looks to become even more politicized at the expense of a large population of Americans, as the Senate has adjourned for a two-week break. Other business, such as annual spending bills, is starting to pile up as the election draws even closer. Many lawmakers say the best opportu-nity to approve legislation may have been lost, leaving the all-too-likely possibility of the issue being left unresolved and pushed as a campaign/platform issue for the 2008 presi-dential candidates.

This cannot happen. We call on Iowa Sens. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Arlen Specter, R-PA, to return immediately to work on border policy and approve biparti-san legislation that solidifies an end to this national debate.

In the March 21 issue of the City Times, contributor Cindy Wimer wrote an article titled “Abortion — it’s all about con-trol.” While I commend Wimer for taking the opportunity to give women a voice through her article, I feel that there are facets to this argument that may have been left out.

There is no doubt that this issue is all about control; most issues involving government typically are. However, I do not see men at the root of this issue, but rather established religion.

Most anti-abortion groups are funded by church owned organizations. What’s more, the people who have been run-ning our country for the last five years have made additions to the Supreme Court (Alito) based on the fact that they share the same “values.”

The present state of abortion rights in the U.S. is a perfect example of the need for a clear separation between church and state and the sad fact that reli-gion has woven itself into our government. Aside from this, society and the role of sex in it are also to blame. Young people are growing up idolizing “sexy” celebrities and behaviors.

Anti-abortion supporters

may say the solution is simple — practice abstinence.

However, instead of acting like the proverbial ostrich, we

as a society need to accept that we all have a responsibility to educate our youth to prevent unwanted pregnancies from occurring. And at the same time realized that no one is per-fect and accidents will happen. It should be a punishable crime to force any woman to give birth to an unwanted child.

I am sure we have all heard the saying “where there’s a will there’s a way.” Well if a woman does not want to have a baby — she won’t.

We live in a time where the poverty rate is rising at an alarming speed; nearly half of Americans are living without healthcare and let us not forget we are also at war. To say the least, it is frustrating that our government is wasting so much time and money to reverse accomplishments that have empowered women to stand up for what they believe is right for themselves and their bodies.

Ladies, it is time to speak up if you have not yet. At this rate, women may have to resort to less than civilized or sanitary means if they are serious about aborting a child. Talk about scary.

Natalie Perino-Terashima is a City Times staff writer

4 City Times April 25, 2006CityVoiceImmigration debate needs bipartisan compromise

Established religion threatens abortion rights

ViewpointNatalie Perino-Terashima

City Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten (no more than 300 words) and must be signed with the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. City Times reserves the right to edit letters for space. Send them to City Times, San Diego City Col-lege, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, by e-mail to citytimes@gmail.com, or by fax to (619) 388-3814.

Letters Policy

In the March 21, 2006, edition of City Times, a story on page 3 about the photography department’s EuroFoto trip this summer incorrectly stated that the deadline had already passed, when it indeed had not. Contact the department’s David Eichinger at (619) 388-3368 for an update on the deadline. City Times regrets the error.

It is the policy of the City Times to clarify content or correct errors. Send them to the paper at citytimes@gmail.com or call (619) 388-3880.

Correction

Dashiell KuhrEditor-in-Chief

Josie SalazarNews Editor

Nicole CunninghamArts/Feature Editor

Shane CrumrineSports Editor

Mauro AragonGraphic Design

City Times is published twice monthly during the semester. Signed opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, City College administration, faculty and staff or the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees.

How to reach us:City TimesSan Diego City College1313 Park Blvd.San Diego, CA 92101Newsroom: L-125Phone: (619) 388-3880Fax: (619) 388-3814E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com

Member:Journalism Association of

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Newspaper Publishers Association

Volume 60, Issue 13April 25, 2006

Published as:The Jay Sees / 1945-1949Fortknightly / 1949-1978

City Times / 1978-Incorporating the newspapersTecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks

Jenelle JungAbinashi Khalsa

Nicole RiberaCopy Editors

City Times StaffMichael Bolmey, Jose Cruz,Natalie Perino-Terashima,

Shanika Whaley

ContributorsLaura Ferrise, William Humston,

Nicole Koenig, Manny Lopez,Mike Sullivan, Cindy Wimer

Roman S. KoenigJournalism Adviser

Learn what it’s like to be the mediaTake Journalism 200 this summer at San Diego City College. Learn what it takes to be a reporter, from developing story ideas to writing in crisp journal-istic style. The skills you learn can be applied to more than just news writing. Sign up for Journalism 200: 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays. Call (619) 388-4026.

CityTimesCityTimes

ViewpointIowa State Daily

Don Wright / KRT Campus

It is frustratingthat ourgovernment is wasting so much time and moneyto reverseaccomplishments that haveempowered women to stand upfor what they believe is rightfor themselvesand their bodies

MADISON, Wis. (U-WIRE) — When most people think of mass protests, they usually con-jure up images of the 1960s: the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement and the fight for women’s and gay liberation that emerged from them.

These struggles had tangible results in the end of the war in Vietnam, the erosion of Jim Crow and the legalization of abortion.

Despite these successes, the concept of mass protest has been relegated to the annals of history, a distant place that is remembered with nostalgia but ultimately inaccessible to the millions of people who want to win equal rights and end the injustice they see in the United States and abroad.

Many detractors say march-ing up State Street or attending a rally will change nothing, and that instead we should accept that the world is messed up but cannot be fixed, or else that we should focus on electing candi-dates who will go to bat for us.

The eruption of a mass movement around immigrant rights and against anti-labor legislation in France has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt the true power and efficacy of mass protests.

In response to a bill that would turn the more than 11 million undocumented immi-grants into aggravated felons overnight, make lawbreakers of anyone who assists them, and fund construction of a

massive wall on the United States-Mexico border, over a million people marched in Los Angeles, 500,000 in Dallas and New York City, and hundreds of thousands more in dozens of other cities across the country to demand equal rights for all immigrants.

The pressure brought by this movement has forced Congress to drop the most Draconian measures of the bill, effec-tively shifting the terms of the

debate. Over the past month in

France, hundreds of thou-sands of workers and students took part in frequent strikes to demand the repeal of a law that would create a two-year trial period for all workers under 26, during which employers could fire them without cause at any time.

After students and work-ers took to the streets and shut down over a third of the nation’s universities and many of the airports and rail stations, the right-wing government of President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin was dealt the black eye of scrapping their prized legis-lation.

In both of these examples, students have played an inte-gral role. The 40,000 Los Angeles high school students who walked out of school and French students who occupied their universities were large contributors to the success of their struggles.

These cases vindicate the strategy of mass protest and the importance of students in them. I know that I am not alone when I say that Monday’s protest made me feel that win-ning equal rights is not an arti-fact of our parents’ generation.

The fight is alive. “¡S’, se puede!”

Jesse Zarley is a columnist for The Daily Cardinal at the University of Wisconsin

City Times 5April 25, 2006 VOICE

For information on how to quit call 1-800-NO-BUTTS

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Enjoy the flexibility of an online degree with the backing of a fully-accredited and respected state university. Northern

Arizona University has been a leader in distance learning since 1979 and is dedicated to helping students pursue higher education through alternatives to the traditional classroom.

With the completion of your associateʼs degree, you are qualified to enter many of our online bachelorʼs degree completionprograms, including these:

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DL365

Protests matter in the battle over immigration reformViewpoint

Jesse Zarley

The eruptionof a massmovement aroundimmigration rights and againstanti-laborlegislation in France has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt the true power and efficacy of mass protests

Juan Perez of Ramona waves the national flag of Mexico in the midst of an estimated 50,000 people during the March for Dignity, Respect and Hope held in San Diego on April 9.

Mike Sullivan / Contributor

6 City Times April 25, 2006 April 25, 2006 City Times 7CityFocus

round noon on April 20 students and faculty gathered in the shade and sun to celebrate the many

languages and cultures of the world. The day was a learning experience for all, with a definite artistic flair. The festivities included activities to educate as well as to excite the senses. With ethnic foods to taste, an array of photographs to observe and different dances to take part in, the day brought the many wonders of the world here to City College. The atmosphere of spoken word, singing and music, children dancing, different languages being spoken and people smiling created a Utopia of sorts. Language Day, a day many students would appreciate every week, is an annual event put on each spring by City’s Lan-guage Department.

— Jenelle Jung

Day of CulturePhotos by Dashiell Kuhr and Abinashi Khalsa

Layout by Nicole Ribera

A

8 City Times April 25, 2006CityArts

By William HumstonContributor

“I’ve never directed a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. It’s like doing Shakespeare for musical theatre,” said June Rich-ards, stage director and member of City College fac-ulty, about her latest pro-duction, South Pacific.

With more than 100 plays under her belt, Richards wants to bring something new to City College’s Saville Theatre this spring.

South Pacific, a Tony-award-winning musical pro-duction, is set in an island paradise during World War II and focuses on many pressing issues that con-tinue to resonate within today’s social climate.

“It has beautiful music and a good story. It touches on racism and intolerance, and features one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s really great songs, ‘You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,’” said Richards.

“My first problem was finding people who can really sing. Many of the contemporary shows do not require real singing, but this one does,” she said.

Before coming to City College, Richards taught

June Richards’ talents bring a ‘South Pacific’ breeze to campus

City College actors perform during a dress rehearsal April 20 for “South Pacific” at the Saville Theatre. Mauro Aragon / City Times

By Nicole KoenigContributor

Ever since 22-year-old Brenna Briski was 8, she knew she wanted to act.

“My class did the play ‘Little Red Riding Hood,’ and my teacher told my mom ‘maybe you should put Brenna in the-ater.’ She volunteered for every role,” Briski recalled.

Today, with a bachelor’s in fine arts in musical theater from Syracuse University, Briski is just as eager to act.

“I live from play to play,” said Briski.

She is playing one of the leading roles in Rogers and Hammerstein’s award-winning musical “South Pacific,” which is showing at City College’s Sav-ille Theatre.

Briski plays the role of Nellie, a nurse who falls in love with a French planter while stationed on a island in the South Pacific during World War II.

“This role is different than roles I have had in the past because a lot of the characters I play are typically good people without flaws,” Briski said. “Nellie has one of the biggest character flaws.”

While Briski adds that on a

Local performer nets spotlight

“South Pacific” actor Brenna Briski was profiled in The San Diego Union-Tribune’s “Street” supplement on April 20.

The San Diego Union-Tribune / Courtesy Photo

Planted firmly in San Diego’s Little Italy, “Indigo Grill” spills its neon warmth in bold, scarlet font over the streets of Beech and Ash. A cold, metallic exte-rior provides a dramatic con-trast to the “rainforest-like” atmosphere of its woodsy dining room (a large tree spanning to the ceiling resides behind the hostess stand).

An elegant warmth draws you into this earthy, yet con-temporary setting, making you feel as is you’ve fallen down a rabbit-hole and discovered a lost culture whose native cui-sine is gourmet.

Their Southwestern cuisine ranges from Alaskan to Mexi-can origin. You may need a dictionary (or a friendly server, which you’ll receive) to help you with the Indigo lingo. Menus trimmed in copper offer a vari-ety of savory dishes based in the unusual, yet scrumptious.

One of the most impressive appetizers (for yourself or the entire table) is brie covered in pipian (ground pumpkin seeds) and plantains.

The platter arrives heaped with a wide array of accoutre-ments: grilled tortillas, scallion flatbread, mole negro, mari-nated cactus, roasted garlic and sorrano jelly (hot/sweet). Mixing and matching flavors make this dish suitable for even the tamest of palates.

Another must-have appetizer is the oven roasted mussels and clams, served with chipolte mojo — a broth so creamy and spicy, it could masquerade as shell-fish bisque (with a bite). When I tell you that this broth dances on your tongue, it sambas.

Served with the parmesan, scallion flatbread (for optimal sopping) and shipped from Prince Edward Island (known for its ultimate seafood), these were the tastiest clams my dining companion had found on the West Coast and continually commented on for their tender-ness.

Even if you’re a little skep-tical of mussels, this dish will put your mind at ease — small, plump and succulent.

As for the entrees, I found excessive delight in two par-ticular selections. The first being the blueberry lacquered lamb chops (sweet and savory) served with a “pot” of creamy, gooey, cheesy potatoes which are absolutely sinful.

You might want to curl up and take a quick nap after

FoodReviewLauren Ciallella

No bluesaboutIndigo

‘I live from play to play.’— Brenna Briski,City College actorSee RICHARDS, Page 9 See SPOTLIGHT, Page 9 See INDIGO, Page 9

you’ve finished this “pot of gold” and the small, yet meaty lamb chops, which will land you in a comfort-food coma (count-ing lambs, not sheep!).

The second favorite is pecan encrusted rainbow trout with caramelized orange-pasilla buerre blanc, accompanied by oven roasted potatoes and corn salsa. Swirled with crunchy bits of pecan and salty/sweet butter, the trout will have your mouth applauding “encore,” as it flakes off in thick, juicy clumps.

The potatoes and salsa weren’t impressive, but the featured fish made up for it — no throwing this catch back.

The only unfortunate experience was the pipian-rojo chicken, which was extremely pungent in flavor. “Just say

no to rojo,” since the spices overwhelm-ing the bird (stuffed with goat cheese, pancetta, dried fruits and arugula) made this chicken dish extremely foul. It was accompanied by journey cakes that had me longing for some pan fried goodness, but instead offered up tasteless squares of cornmeal.

As for everything else, it was exqui-site. Salmon with cucumber-dill moleto served on a cedar plank with squid ink pasta is refreshing, crisp and flavor-ful. Mojo (bone in) rib-eye with honey roasted garlic/corn relish, tamale and butternut squash in bourbon walnut butter also leaves you with a very happy belly.

Appetizers ($7-$13), entrees ($17-$28), full bar; $10 coupon in Uptown magazine.

Lauren Ciallella is a former City Times arts editor

personal level she strongly disagrees with some of the choices her character makes, she also identifies with her role.

“She is optimistic to a fault, there is even a song about it,” Briski contin-ued. “I consider myself a very optimistic person as well.”

This will be Briski’s fourth role in a Rogers and Hammerstein production, and second production of “South Pacific.” Her past experience includes roles in “Okalahoma” and “Cinderella.”

Though she has a flair for dramatic

roles, Briski said she loves playing funny characters.

“It’s not as challenging acting-wise, but I have never had so much fun,” she said.

Some of her more comedic roles include playing a fire chief at Legoland, in a more kid-oriented show.

At the time Briski was interviewed, there were only two weeks left of rehearsals before spring break and tech week — and there was still much to do.

“It’s hard working without a set,” said Briski of some of this production’s challenges, “but it all comes together in the end.”

The production opened April 21 at 8 p.m. and runs through May 7.

and composed musical theatre pieces in Northern California. Holding several degrees in theatre arts, she has stud-ied alongside Uta Hagen in New York, and continues her association as a fac-ulty member with the Drama Studio in London.

Richards is truly a one-woman show: directing, producing and promoting this production.

“Every show has a different set of problems to solve and that is why I enjoy directing,” said Richards, adding, “I’m also the producer, so I have to make certain all the backstage elements are moving forward like the set and cos-tumes, etc. I have to be sure publicity is happening, ads are placed, the program gets done — a million details.”

Alongside her directorial and produc-tion credits, Richards is an accomplished actress and playwright. Richards has appeared with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, as well as the Actor’s Workshop in San Francisco and the Lincoln Center Repertory Theatre in

New York City. With opening night just weeks away,

Richards says the cast and crew have spent countless hours rehearsing and editing this large-scale production.

“I’ve watched every moment in rehearsal, and even after South Pacific goes in front of an audience, I will still make changes. Sometimes, you just have to go back and continue rehears-ing,” said Richards.

“So many times I’ve left rehearsal wondering, ‘is it going to be a great suc-cess or a great failure?’ The kind of doubt that always plagues me.”

Years of experience, combined with meticulous eyes and ears for detail, has allowed Richards to press on for great performances this spring.

“Lots of mistakes occur by the second weekend while all the disparate ele-ments are coming together, but by the third weekend we usually have a great show.”

Richards’ production of “South Pacific” opened April 21 and runs each weekend through May 7.

Tickets are available at the Saville Theatre box office. Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For more information, visit http://www.sdcity.edu/savilletheater/events.asp.

City Times 9April 25, 2006 ARTS / NEWS

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RichardsContinued from Page 8

SpotlightContinued from Page 8

IndigoContinued from Page 8

Thanks for recycling your City Times

to 1 p.m., students watched, read and smelled the differences on campus.

Sonija Ghattas-Soliman, the adviser for the Arabic Club, believes strongly in the knowledge of other societies. The club offered traditional food such as hummus, and falafel, and showed par-ticipants how to write their names in Arabic.

“It’s important to share cultures,” Ghattas-Soliman said. “Students are interested not only to learn it, but speak-ing also.”

Organizers of the event seemed happy with the turnout and interest.

“It’s great to see students involved,” said professor Rosalinda Sandoval, who is the Spanish club adviser.

Wearing a bright red shawl, and a flowing black flamenco dress, you couldn’t miss Romero-Huerta.

“It’s a promotion of different coun-tries,” she said. “Belly dancers, salsa all to see.”

Throughout the day, there was something new and interesting to see. Whether it was eating apfelstrudel, a pastry dish from Germany, or watching different the Italian folk dancers from the Dancers of Balboa Park, you could see it all.

CultureContinued from Page 1

‘It’s important to share cultures.’

— Sonija Ghattas-Soliman,adviser of City College’s

Arabic Club

10 City Times April 25, 2006NEWS

By Josie SalazarCity Times

City’s sociology club, Stu-dents Taking Action Never Divided, celebrated its first meeting in over a decade with an inauguration into the col-lege’s club community April 4.

A few dozen students and sev-eral faculty members, including Vice President of Instruction Ron Manzoni, turned out for the event.

“I’m impressed, this is a wonderful event,” he said.

Sociology professor Fran-cisco Moreno said that he had not expected the big turn out of students and staff supporters at the club’s first official meet-ing.

More students are showing an interest in sociology, and professors Sara Pitcher and Moreno created STAND for students to come together and discuss society’s problems.

“I think that the number of students here suggests that there is a desire to have this club,” said Pitcher, adding, “it says that students want more out of sociology.”

“We are really excited to get the school community together,” Moreno said to the group.

“Most important is that I’m hoping you will take this role in the future and major in sociol-ogy,” he added.

One student, Esmeralda Cortez, said that she joined the club because it will allow her to get involved and work with the community.

“I think it’s important to have a club at college that incor-porates the diversity on campus into one club,” said Luis Rosas, club president.

According to Rosas, the club plans to raise funds for schol-arships and textbooks for soci-ology students. He also said plans include participation in community services and pos-sibly even some traveling, in order to experience firsthand other socio-economic problems in other societies.

For more information, contact Francisco Moreno at fmoreno@sdccd.edu or (619) 388-3653.

Sociology club takes STAND after decade absenceTurnout a pleasant surprise for group

A large group gathers April 4 for the first meeting of Students Taking Action Never Divided, City College’s sociology club. Right, club President Luis Rosas runs the meeting, which was held in the B building. Club organizers said they were pleased by the large amount of interest.

Photos by Abinashi KhalsaCity Times

‘I think it’s important to have a club at college that incorporates the diversity on campus into one club.’

— Luis Rosas, president of Students Taking Action Never Divided

By Dyanna QuizonUC Davis California Aggie

DAVIS (U-WIRE) — The first goal of members of UC-Davis’ newly created Assyrian club is to let students know that, yes, Assyrians still exist.

“I usually get one of three responses when I tell people I’m Assyrian: ‘What’s that?,’ ‘Aren’t you extinct?’ or ‘Is that Middle Eastern?,’” said sophomore Sevini Shahbaz.

The club, founded by Shahbaz and senior Shareil Nariman, was created last quarter to dispel the myth that Assyrians are extinct and to help bring members of the culture together, Shah-baz said.

In his paper presented at the first World Assyrian Conference held in Moscow in May 2002, Dr. Khoshaba Jasim said Assyrians are a “stateless national group,” not the extinct nation that is a common misconception among some scholars. However, because Assyr-ians are registered in the United Nations as a socio-religious group, they are not eligible to assume or attain the status of a national or ethnic minority.

Despite this label, Assyrian students say they are proud of their history and culture and hope to spread awareness to the rest of the student body.

“We still hang on to our language,

traditions and customs,” Shahbaz said. “Most Assyrians I’ve met are the same. We try to balance blending in with American society and still holding on to our own roots.”

According to Shahbaz, Assyrians were one of the first peoples to convert to Christianity and their language is a modern version of Aramaic, a Semitic language said to have been spoken by Jesus. Their calendar dates back to 4750 BC. The Assyrians celebrated their new year on Apr. 1.

Currently, there are over 3.5 million Assyrians in the world, the majority of whom are indigenous naturals in pres-ent-day Iraq, according to Jasim. The rest are dispersed in over 40 countries including the United States and Russia.

Shahbaz and Nariman are both from Turlock, which is home to a significant enclave of Assyrians. Shahbaz said she was prepared for the culture shock of coming to Davis, which has a signifi-cantly lower Assyrian population.

“It was expected because I was used to going outside of Turlock and having people ask me if Assyrians were the people in the Bible,” she said.

Currently, the club is still in the beginning stages — planning events, advertising the club and introducing members to each other in a comfortable environment, according to Shahbaz.

UC Davis club aims to build awareness of Assyrian culture

City Times 11April 25, 2006 NEWS / SPORTS

generations and fellow students about the benefits of recycling programs.

“If we all have the mental-ity that someone else will do it, nothing will ever get done,” Reeves said.

She also stresses the impor-tance of every individual’s responsibility to make deci-sions in daily life to recycle and

conserve resources.“It’s not the big things that

make a difference, it’s all the little things,” Reeves said.

Although the Environmen-tal Club is not yet chartered, it currently has more than 12 pro-spective members.

Meetings are held every Tuesday on the upper level of the cafeteria at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

All students are welcome to join at any time. For more information, e-mail Reeves at citycollegeenvironmentalclub@hotmail.com.

FriendsContinued from Page 3

with respect,” Lopez said. City College faculty members

expressed their thoughts and opinions about the new immi-gration bill to the crowd. Pro-fessor Elva Salinas, a teacher of English and Chicano Studies, spoke to the people about being proud of who they are and not to be afraid of the media.

“The right-wing media has this big concern about students not carrying the American flag,” Salinas said. “Why is it right to hold the American flag, but not the Mexican flag?”

Sociology professor Francisco Moreno was moved by how so many people were impacted by this new law. He said that not only will it affect Mexicans but everyone who is an immigrant as well.

“If this law passes, every-one will pay a big price,” said Moreno. “If passed, justice will be lost, and worse, families will be separated. We need a new reform bill but we need a better way to do it.”

Gathering around on the center steps in Chicano Park, teachers spoke out on the new law, stating that Chicanos are part of the working force in America and that they contrib-ute as much to society as born citizens.

Virginia Escalante, a Pulit-zer Prize-winning journalist and English teacher at City College, agreed that the stu-dents should take a stand.

“I’m impressed with the polit-

ical awareness of the students and their ability to mobilize,” said Escalante. “Society cannot function without Latinos.”

“History has called to them to be active in their culture,” said Makeda Dread, execu-tive director at the World Beat Center and DJ for 91X radio station.

“I don’t believe they’re just walking out of school. They do know what’s going on,” Dread said.

Another speaker at the pro-test was City’s Dean of Student Affairs Mario Chacón. He spoke to the crowd, thanked the stu-dents and congratulated them on trying to make a change.

“We must change the con-ditions that we live under,” Chacón said. “We must bring our thoughts together.”

“I’m happy we have such a deep visceral response,” Chacón said. “Young people are sen-sitized to what’s unfair, they come together in a primary response.”

Both college and high school students organized the protest themselves through a popular Web site, MySpace.com.

News Editor Josie Salazar contributed to this report

ChavezContinued from Page 3

‘I don’t believe they’re just walking out of school. They do know what’s going on.’

— Makeda Dread,San Diego radio DJ and

community activist

from third. Love hustled down the line and beat out the throw to set up their clean-up hitter David Dennis with two men on. Dennis ripped a double down the first baseline on the very next pitch scoring Hill but Love was thrown out at the plate attempting to score from first.

Billings continued his domi-nant outing pitching seven strong innings, allowing only one hit while striking out ten and walking three. Billings was taken out after the seventh due to minor injury to his finger.

“He’s (Billings) had some outstanding pitching perfor-mances. He has really stepped it up for us doing exactly what he needs to do, and what we need to do to get us into the seventh inning with a chance to win,” said coach Brown of his sophomore pitcher.

In the fifth inning the Knights loaded the bases with one out and Dennis up to bat. Dennis, who went 2 for 4 with one RBI on the game, grounded into what looked to be a double play ball, but Love slid hard into second taking out Mesa’s second baseman to score the runner from third. The umpire then made a controversial call saying that Love’s slide was dirty and called both runners out, which took back the run and ended the inning.

The Knights bounced right back in the sixth inning scoring

two more runs. The runs came on back to back RBI knocks by Kevin Hofmockel and Luna who drove in Hofmockel with a triple that split Mesa’s defenders in right-center field. Once Billings was pulled after seven innings coach Brown pulled Luna from second base and inserted him as pitcher to close out the game.

“There’s quite a few arms contributing here. Little Matty Luna coming in from second base, he’s been our closer. His nickname is Lights Out, Lights Out Luna,” said Brown, smiling, “and he’s come out and got the job done almost every time.”

Luna shut the door in the eighth but ran into trouble in the ninth, allowing two runs before Mesa’s shortstop grounded into

a game ending double play.With six games remaining,

the Knights have quite a chal-lenge ahead of them if they want to stay in playoff conten-tion. Their next two games come against the last place Imperial Valley team. Then they match up with conference-leading Palomar for two games, before ending their season with two against Grossmont who is cur-rently in the battle for second place.

“It’s a good group, you know. There’s no real, real all star on this club. It’s just a group of guys that like to play down and dirty baseball, and thats kind of the type of club we like here. They scrap, they battle and they hate to lose,” Brown said.

KnightsContinued from Page 12

those who would like to continue PE 153 after four years. He explains that these courses are different from a student’s regular classes because one will want to take them again.

“It’s because we have students here lifelong,” he said.

The Fitness Center uses a circuit training approach to their fitness education. A workout begins with a 10-minute warm-up, then the student alternates between cardiovascular and muscular exercise machines. A voice command integrated into the energetic music in the room lets students know how long to spend at each sta-tion.

The mantra at the Fitness Center reads: “Fit-ness for life starts here.”

Greer speaks with much passion about the program. “We’re in the business of changing lives,” Greer said. “We’re the best kept secret on campus.”

He believes this is because of their five key components: cardiovascular efficiency, muscular endurance, muscular strength, body composition and flexibility.

The center can save you money. Thirteen

dollars for a half-unit class and $26 for a 1-unit class gets you in for the whole semester.

“Something like that in the open market is easily over $100 dollars,” he said.

E x e r c i s e machines that are exception-ally taken care of, friendly hand-picked staff and fit-ness combined with educa-tion make this

a strong program, according to Greer.Greer invites City College students, “We’ve

opened the doors here, welcome to the Fitness Center!”

Check out what the Fitness Center has to offer and their hours of operation at City’s homepage: www.sdcity.edu, click the “Student Resources” tab at the top and then choose “Fitness Center.”

FitnessContinued from Page 12

train to maximize their athletic potential.

According to Greer, Balboa Stadium is one of San Diego’s historical monuments. Built in 1914, it is where the San Diego Chargers played from 1961-66 and where the Beatles once performed in 1965. Now shared between City College and San Diego High School, it is used for

local sporting and other events, including that of the SDTC.

On a good day at Balboa Sta-dium, nearly 300 people will turn out. Greer is able to fit so many runners on a 400-meter track by using an approach commonly used in swimming. He orga-nizes his runners by dividing them into three groups. Begin-ners are assigned to the outside lanes, intermediates run in the middle lanes and the faster run-ners get the inside lanes.

The SDTC is open to the com-munity, and anyone can join for a nominal, yearly fee. Members

of the club are entitled to bene-fits that include free year-round coaching sessions at Balboa Stadium track, a one-year sub-scription to the newsletter “San Diego Running” and discounted entry fees to all SDTC races.

The club consists of run-ners of all ages and abilities, from recreational joggers to elite athletes. Its mission is to support the development of dis-tance running, track and field and other related sports in the county.

For more information on the SDTC, visit www.sdtc.com.

GreerContinued from Page 12

Danitsa Velarde, left, Lindsay Dilorenzo, center, and Daniel Morino work out in the Fitness Center on April 21. Dilorenzo and Morino are visually impaired.

Jenelle Jung / City Times

12 City Times April 25, 2006CitySports

By Nicole RiberaCity Times

Fitness Center Director Paul Greer was recently recognized in The San Diego Union-Tri-bune for his significant contri-bution to the San Diego Track Club. Greer has been coaching for the club for 21 years.

Founded in 1954, the SDTC is San Diego County’s largest running club. With its 300 or so runners, the club meets Tues-day evenings at Balboa Sta-dium for supervised workouts by Head Coach Greer.

Also an assistant professor in Health and Exercise Sci-ence at City College, Greer has a master’s degree in physical education and a long, successful running career. He starred on the San Diego State University track team and competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1992.

Greer was just a sopho-more at SDSU when he began mentoring SDTC runners as a means to make up for his schol-arship money running dry.

“I asked my coach for more scholarship money, and he said that there wasn’t any more but that he knew about a job that paid a few bucks,” Greer said.

At that time, the club con-sisted of only 15-20 people.

Greer’s passion and pride for what he does, both as a coach and professor, is apparent in his work.

“I love teaching and coach-ing,” Greer said.

SDTC members meet on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Balboa Stadium’s all-weather track, located adjacent to City Col-lege at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. Here they are taught track etiquette and

Greer keeps runnerson track

Knights squeeze out victoryBy Shane CrumrineCity Times

The San Diego City men’s baseball team improved their chances of making the playoffs on April 20 when they defeated Mesa 4 to 2 at Morley Field. The victory pushed their record to 12-7 in conference play, which currently place with six games remaining.

“Right now this playoff race is very, very competitive because they take the top two teams from our conference, and we got three teams right now

(City, Grossmont, and South-western) that are just in a dog fight battling for that second place spot,” said City Head Coach Chris Brown.

With Mesa defeating the Knights in their previous match up 3-5 on April 18, City was looking for revenge. Sopho-more Eric Billings got the start for City. Billings, who is fresh off of being named Pacific Coast Conference Athlete of the Week, came out strong, not giving up a hit until the fourth inning.

Mesa’s sophomore pitcher James Doss pitched well, but

ran into trouble in the third inning. Second baseman and closer Matt Luna led of City’s third with a single. After Louis Templeton flied out, center-fielder Stan Hill hit a double over the third basemen’s head to move Luna up to third. During the next at bat coach Brown gambled and it payed off when he put the suicide squeeze play on. Dante Love, who went 2 for 4 with one RBI on the day, layed down a per-fect bunt which scored Luna

City sophomore pitcher Eric Billings winds up to make a pitch to Mesa batters on April 20 at Morley Field.

Abinashi Khalsa / City Times

See KNIGHTS, Page 11

Story and Photos by Jenelle JungCity Times

The City College Fitness Center has been around since 1991, and Director and Assistant Professor Paul Greer is very excited about this year — what he considers their big 15th anniversary.

“We’ve impacted thousands over the years,” Greer said. Located across the street from San Diego High and next to

City’s Harry West Gymnasium, it now serves between 500 and 600 students. Students in the offered courses range in age from 18 and up, and include athletes trying to stay in shape to those who want to lose weight or have medical concerns.

Lifelong Fitness Lab (PE 153) is the foundational course, but they also offer Lifelong Fitness Behaviors (PE 150) and Fitness Applications (PE 157), which is a supplement for

Maylem Medina, left, and Cecilia Catlin, right, use the stationary bikes April 21 at City College’s Fitness Center. Director Paul Greer, shown at left, and staff are celebrating the center’s anniversary.

FITat15Fitness Center marks anniversary

See GREER, Page 11 See FITNESS, Page 11