Picketing disrupts Mas Iron

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Union construction workers building LBCC's South Quad Complex walked off the job Thursday Jan. 25, when a short ironworker's union picket line developed in the morning on Lew Davis Street.
An ironworker representative, who didn't want to be named, said it's an un-said rule for union companies to walk off the job when they see a picket.
The picket at the LAC is to protest Mas Iron Co. hiring non-union employees. Mas Iron Co. is a subcontractor hired by the general contractor Taisei.
"Mas Iron is known for hiring non-union employees, paying a lower wage and letting employees work in un-safe conditions," the ironworker said. "We're here to make sure the non-union employees are working in fair conditions."
The ironworker said, "If a job goes on in Long Beach, local people should get the job and they should be union employees."
LBCC Interim Vice President of Administrative Services Gene Farrell said, "They're picketing because union workers are not being used, but union wages are being paid and there's no requirement to hire union employees."
The business agent for the local 433 Ironworkers, Piedmont Brown, said, "Basically, Mas Iron Co. is unfair to ironworkers. this job includes public money, it's a bond issue and Mas Iron Co. usually stays away from these types of jobs. An investigation needs to take place to find out how they got the low bid."
Brown also said 90 percent of employees working on the South Quad Complex are union and two different entrances now will be used for employees to enter the site. One entrance, along Lew Davis Street, will be for Taisei and other company employees, while the other entrance, in parking lot J near Taisei trailers, will be for Mas Iron Co. employees.
We'll be picketing only at the Mas iron Co. entrance," Brown said. "But if we find out that Mas Iron employees are entering through the other entrance, we'll start picketing all entrances. I'm not sure how long we'll be out there, but we're not going away until an agreement is met."
According to the Web site www.ironworkers.org, most union employed workers earn 34 percent more than no-union workers and unions gain health benefits, retirement plans, short-term disability benefits and vacation plans. Non-union workers are at the employer's discretion and usually not offered benefits. The Web site also explains that union workers are generally trained better and experience a lower turnover rate.
LBCC nursing major Tricia Vaught said, "It's confusing, if 90 percent of employees are union, then why aren't the other 10 percent? I feel like they're trying to pull something by hiring non-union, like trying to save a buck, but I don't quite understand all of it. There seems to be a lot of politics involved."
The 110,000-square-foot complex is expected to cost $36.6 million and is 10 percent finished, according to the LBCC Web site. The new building will house classrooms for the creative arts and applied sciences, history, political science, public service departments and the president's and administrative offices.

Accident delays students

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Two cars collided at the intersection of Clark Avenue and Carson Street near the LAC about 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12.
A Long Beach Police traffic unit arrived and handled the situation while campus police assisted. Police diverted traffic traveling south on Clark to east on Carson for a short period of time until the debris was cleaned up and the two cars, a white four-door Ford Focus and a gray Ford Escort, were rigged to a tow truck and carted off.
"It was just a traffic accident with minor injuries," Officer David Fritz said. "There were no students involved."
The Focus sustained front-end damage while the Escort was damaged on the rear, passenger side and front end.
"Campus police will usually handle traffic accidents occurring around campus or on campus," Lt. Julie Prior said. "In major intersections, usually motor units or beat units will handle them."

Smoking restrictions still a burning issue

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

State Sen. Jenny Oropeza D-Carson, introduced two bills on Dec. 4, which, if passed, will restrict people from smoking in a vehicle containing children younger than 18 and establish a $250 fine for smoking at a state beach or within a state park.
According to Oropeza's Senate bill regarding the smoking of cigarettes at a state beach or park, the bill would establish a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime.
LBCC liberal arts major Lilia Ramos said, "I'm not really against smoking, but I hate how they dispose of them on the ground, especially at the beach when I roll on to one, or when my dog picks one up."
LBCC board policy 7002, adopted in 1983 and revised in 2001, states that smoking is prohibited inside all buildings, enclosed facilities and all outdoor instructional and sports areas. The policy also states that smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of any access doorway.
Mechanical engineer major Candace Carlson said, "I think smoking restrictions are ridiculous. I've been told to step 50 feet away from a building before, but that's stupid because people can still smell it. It's just another reason for people to complain about something."
Assembly Bill 846 states that people smoking around a main exit, entrance or operable window must remain 20 feet away, but AB 846 does not eliminate the authority of California Community College campuses to enforce additional rules regarding smoking and tobacco control.
"It is the vice president of Administrative Services who is responsible for administering this board policy," Executive Director of Public Affairs and Marketing Chi-Chung Keung said. "The Board of Trustees has taken a more aggressive stance on smoking on campus and the government code and AB 846 allow for this action."
Photography major Ramae Edwartz said, "I've had people tell me that it's bad for me, but I don't care what other people think. Smoking shouldn't be banned everywhere."

Prescription abuse on the rise by teens

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Marijuana and cocaine use is declining among teens, but prescription drug abuse is on the rise.
In a report by U.S. drug czar and Policy Director John P. Walters, prescription drugs are the second most commonly used drugs among teens.
The report, titled Teens and Prescription drugs: An Analysis of Recent Trends on the Emerging Drug Threat, also reveals that drugs such as OxyCotin and Vicodin are the most commonly abused drugs and one-third of all new abusers in 2005 were ages 12-17.
The report states that girls are more likely to abuse prescription drugs than boys. Adolescents, more than young adults, are more likely to become dependent. Also, the majority of teens using the products are getting them easily and for free.
Teens using prescription drugs to get high can suffer from addiction, strokes, seizures, comas and death, the report explained.
LBCC psychology major Jack Bazz said, "It's a pattern of most fads. If kids are abusing prescription drugs, then it's the parents fault."
LBCC Police Lt. Julie Prior said, "We are not aware of nor have there been any reports to us regarding prescription drug abuse in the campus community."
For more information, students may go to www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov and the full report released by Walters may be found at www.mediacampaign.org/teens.

Journalists can keep a secret

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Jailed reporter finds out federal law fails to protect him.

I don't have to tell anyone anything, but I'll ask a lot of questions, I'll dig, I'll research and I'll hope for a truthful answer by the end.
I realize a non-journalist may perceive the action as selfish or uncooperative in certain situations, maybe even disruptive in a court of law, but a journalist has a job to obtain facts and attempt to print real truth, not tattletale.
I may see or hear things other don't. I may gain the confidence of an individual, which in turn, may lead me down a path of valuable and to some, unobtainable, information. The information may then allow me to inform the public regarding important issues.
Journalists have many jobs, faces and personalities, but journalism is not a branch of law enforcement, a fat arm swinging from a fatter body.
Journalists shouldn't be prosecuted for keeping sources secret.
Journalist Josh Wolf, 24, is sitting in a cell for committing journalism. Wolf holds the U.S. record for the longest amount of time a journalist has spent in jail.
Going on 8 months, Wolf is being held in "coercive custody" at the Federal Detention Facility in Dublin, Calif. A San Francisco protest against the G8 Summit in 2005 changed his life.
While shooting footage for his Web site, an officer was struck in the head and injured somewhere in the chaos, but Wolf said the action is absent from his tape. Wolf said he was filming an officer choking a protester when the officer in question was struck.
Wolf refused to comply with a subpoena ordering him to release the tape and testify. Wolf says all the newsworthy content was posted online the evening of the incident, but the government wants the entire tape and for him to identify individuals marching with masks.
More information may be found at www.joshwolf.net.
A shield law protects journalists from being forced to reveal sources and although California enforces a shield law for journalists, the federal government fails to recognize one and Wolf's case was deemed federal.
I believe the federal government needs to completely uphold the First Amendment and offer journalists protection to perform an accurate job.
The government needs to realize and accept the idea journalists are watchdogs and vital to a free nation.
If the public knew journalists were forced to give up any and all information to the police, nobody would talk to us, investigative journalism would wither and all news media would be completely unreliable. The nation's citizens would be forced to believe our country rules the world and all evangelicals are sane. No other side would be reported.
Opponents criticize journalists who harbor information for potential criminals, but journalists must have the option to offer confidentiality, otherwise a story may never be told and I believe in enlightenment before justice.
The federal government, with all the technology available, shouldn't have to rely on a reporter's notebook to apprehend thugs.

'Tomb of Jesus' debated

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Jesus had sex.
According to the new documentary produced by James Cameron the idea may not be so far-fetched.
"The Lost Tomb of Jesus" aired Sunday, March 4 on the Discovery channel and discussed the possibility that the family tomb of Jesus was found in Talpiot, Jerusalem. In the beginning credits of the documentary, viewers were asked to judge the evidence for themselves and were informed nothing has really been agreed on.
The documentary opened with an opinionated explanation of the aftermath of Jesus' death. It reported that the dead body of Jesus was wrapped in a shroud and laid to rest inside a tomb. The tomb was sealed and Jesus' body was left to decompose. Later, disciples returned to place the bones in a limestone ossuary and then placed the ossuary into a niche. Finally, the tomb was sealed again.
In 1980, construction blasts revealed a tomb and construction halted until archaeologists came in and cleared the tomb of all historical artifacts. Ten ossuaries were found and carted off to the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum to be catalogued and the bones were prepared for reburial. Then they were placed in the Israel Antiquities Authority warehouse.
LBCC department head of Anthropology, Adrian Novotny said, "It's not a verification of Christianity. It's a 2000 year-old quest focused on discrediting Christianity."
According to writer and director Simcha Jacobovici, the 10 ossuaries were inspected and found to be about 2000 years old. Six ossuaries had inscriptions revealing the names of the owners. One ossuary was noticed in 1980 saying Yeshua bar Yosef, an Aramaic translation of Jesus son of Joseph. All the names found related to the gospels and although most of the names were common during that period, Jacobovici suggests all the names found in one tomb are strong evidence the tomb belongs to Jesus' family.
Jacobovici and his team found one Hebrew inscription reading Maria and suggested it belonged to Mary, Jesus' mother. A Greek inscription revealed the name Mariamene e Mara and this could be Mary Magdalene, Jesus' wife, according to a mitochondrial DNA test conducted at the Paleo-DNA lab at Lake Head University in Ontario Canada.
They also discovered a Hebrew inscription reading Matia, or Matthew; guessed to be related to the Virgin Mary. Another Hebrew inscription, Yose, was discovered and suggested to be one of four brothers of Jesus.
Finally, the sixth inscription in Aramaic read Yehuda bar Yeshua, or in English, Judah son of Jesus. The ossuary was small enough to house the bones of a child and is speculated to be the son of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
According to the Web site www.jesusfamilytomb.com, the world's leading scholars in the field have authenticated every inscription and the inscriptions appear in L.Y. Rahmani's "A Catalogue of Jewish Ossuaries in the Collection of the State of Israel" published by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
On June 25, 2005 the tomb was rediscovered under an oddly placed slab of concrete on the grounds of an apartment building. After a brief investigation into the tomb by Jacobovici, the Antiquities Authority ordered it to be re-sealed.
A Republican from Florida and host of "Scarborough Country," Joe Scarborough said on "Real Time with Bill Maher," "Right now there is a lot of money in ticking off Christians. People are trying to ruin 2000 years of Christian doctrine."
Bar-Ilan University professor Amos Kloner told the Jerusalem Post on Feb. 25 he originally supervised the work in 1980 and published his findings. Kloner said the story is great for television, but it's impossible and it's nonsense. Kloner also explained the names were common and the fact they were found together has no significance. Also, Kloner said there is no likelihood Jesus and his relatives owned a family tomb.
They were a Galilee family with no ties in Jerusalem.

AIDS prevention education to hit the Himalayas

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

Cody Campbell, 24, is double-majoring in philosophy and literature, but an intense nine-month break beginning in November is approaching, which will put academics on hold and thrust him into an uncertain situation educating kids about AIDS in a small rural village in Nepal.
After three intense interviews, Campbell was chosen to represent Students Partnership Worldwide, a non-profit organization based in Great Britain.
"I'll try to build programs for children and try to incorporate some basic government health features with small rural villages lacking in services and education," Campbell said in a recent interview at the LAC. "I want to create self-sustaining programs, programs that will stay when I leave."
An interest in philosophy, literature, travel and human aid took hold of his life and adhered.
"I wanted to volunteer and travel so I researched non-profit organizations," Campbell said. "I checked out the Peace Corps, but I wanted something more hands-on."
Campbell chose the partnerships group because it deals with AIDS and allows a solitary experience educating the young in other countries.
"I'll be by myself, so it will have a personal impact," Campbell said. "Someone from Nepal will be there helping me understand the language and culture, but I'll be the only Westerner."
Although uncertain of his final destination, Campbell said he would, aside from focusing on AIDS education, address environmental and agricultural issues.
"I don't know the village yet, but I'll be in Kathmandu for one month," Campbell said. "I'll receive extensive training along with language classes. I've started practicing already."
Campbell said he might end up in the eastern part of Nepal, close to India, in a village lacking electricity and running water.
"People are dying from diarrhea because of bad drinking water," Campbell said. "I'll also talk about sexism and hopefully empower the women. They're confined in Nepal."
Campbell was accepted to the organization after a background check was initiated, letters of recommendation were received and paper-work was signed stating he would abstain from sex, drugs and alcohol.
"I have to raise $6,400," Campbell said. "The partnership program helps with ideas or contacts, but I'm supposed to raise the money."
So far, Campbell has conducted one fundraiser at B.J.'s on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore in Long Beach on March 27.
"It was a really good turn out," Campbell said. "I raised $200."
B.J.'s manager Sheldon White said, "I've known Cody for awhile and B.J.'s does a lot of fundraisers for various organizations, so I asked my general manager if we could help out."
B.J. server Joey Rota said, "Cody is the perfect guy to go. I've known him two years and he has the perfect attitude and gets along with everyone he meets."
Campbell said, "My friends think I'm a hippy. I don't drive and I ride my skateboard. Some friends are excited, but others are making fun of me, in a good way. They all support me."
More information on the program may be found at www.spw.org. Campbell may be reached at codycampbell_lb@hotmail.com

Security measures need to be heightened

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006. Letter to the editor.

I congratulate the entire staff on a beautifully produced Sept. 28 issue of the Viking, especially for the sexual assault coverage.
My stomach reeled while I thought of sitting under the same roof while the violation took place. There I was, safe in biology lab, listening to my teacher explain the nature of enzymes, while at that same moment a young woman was unwillingly having her life negatively changed by some scurvy savage who was lucky enough to evade immediate capture.
Most of us at LBCC are students, some are poor and others are already stressing about finals. To add the threat of sexual assault to the academic mix is unsettling, cruel and bordering a reality packed full of twitchy students constantly peering over their shoulder due to the unbearable stress.
To help possibly alleviate some of the stress, why can't we have cameras outside of the entrance to the restrooms? The Library has cameras and how often has a crime been committed there? Students are mostly sleeping or reading. At least the authorities would have a better chance in identifying the pervert rather than having just a sketched portrait of a random fellow exhibiting facial features similar to those of the actual criminal.
So many precautions could be adopted in the hopes of stifling the grim occurrence, but unfortunately humans are flawed so an absolute solution is pure fantasy.

Students offered first run on new ride

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

Tatsu roller coaster opens for biggest thrills at Magic Mountain.

VALENCIA-Press day at Magic Mountain on Friday, May 12 allowed college and high school students a chance to ride Tatsu, the new roller coaster specifically designed to fit the topography of Samurai Summit.
"Tatsu" is Japanese for flying dragon.
According to the Web site, Theme Park Insider.com, Magic Mountain was built by the same people who built Sea World.
"Tatsu took two years to finish," Magic Mountain public relations representative Sue Carpenter said. "Decisions went back and forth for a while, but we are extremely pleased with the final product."
Carpenter hosted a brief press conference next to Tatsu's entrance before anyone was allowed to cram in line. An estimated 100 students attended and after an epic composition of music, the bang of a gong, the explosion of black and red confetti and the chance to see Tatsu in motion, the students were allowed to ask questions, eat a free lunch and ride Tatsu how ever many times their stomach would let them.
"Our last press day was 2003 for the roller coaster Scream," Carpenter said. "I used to be a journalism student and we didn't have days like this back then.
We like to invite the student press out on a separate day then the mainstream media. That way you have easier access to us for questioning."
According to a Magic Mountain press release, Tatsu has soared into the record books as the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster in the world. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Switzerland, Tatsu marks the 17th record-breaking coaster for Magic Mountain.
The press release also states Tatsu reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 170 feet.
Tatsu's ride time is 2 minutes and has a track length of 3,602 feet. Tatsu can carry 1,600 riders per hour and riders must be 4-feet, 6-inches tall.
Details may be found at www.sixflags.com.

Grievance filed

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006. Byline shared with Fher Romero.


Theater production assistant and Rainbow Alliance adviser Needham "Yancey" Gulley attempted to file a grievance through the classified employees union under grounds of discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students at LBCC.
"I did attempt to file a grievance through the classified employees union, which is protocol. The union did not believe that my grievance had merit and so it cannot go forward unless I obtain a lawyer and prove discrimination through the court system," Gulley said.
"If I win a case in court, the union said they would support the grievance and officially file it at that time," he said.
"It's a different beast," Gulley said March 23 in a press conference in P126 at LAC. During the conference, he announced he would file a grievance with the union. He detailed the struggle it took to organize a workshop during Flex Day aimed at nurturing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer students.
Compared with other college campuses in the South, Gulley referred to LBCC as the most homophobic college at which he's ever worked.
Trustee Tom Clark said later in an interview, "Long Beach has a very active gay community and I'm very supportive of the gay community. I'm proud that the city has been open to the gay community, but it isn't a perfect world and even if polls were taken, they would be inaccurate. Trustees would not know much about this certain issue."
Clark said he did not hear of Yancey's struggles with Flex Day and his feeling of being discriminated against.
Gulley had proposed to organize a workshop to be held on Flex Day to discuss the topics of homophobia and heterosexism as well as others.
He spoke of the obstacles that have prevented him from presenting the workshop. He sights homophobia and discrimination by some members of the administration as the main cause for his failed attempts of presenting the workshop.
Gulley had first attempted to organize a workshop for the Spring 2005 semester, but continued to be denied because he was not qualified. He said he never received notice of who would be qualified to give such an orientation. Repeated attempts failed in the following semesters.
The workshop finally took place on Wednesday, March 15.
"It's not from the students or anyone in particular, but from a mentality that we are past this, and we don't need to talk about this anymore," he said.

EOP&S offices open 2 Saturdays a month

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The rescheduling of operation hours in two LBCC offices, EOP&S in A107-108 and Admissions and Records in A140, has been deemed efficient and helpful in the long run, college officials said.
Without additional funding, the EOP&S office extended its hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and the second and fourth Saturday of every month.
"We were not funded this year at the same level as we have been in the past," Associate Director of EOP&S and C.A.R.E. Robert Hill said. "We are just being more efficient."
Hill said the changes occurred to meet the demands and facilitate as many students as possible who are eligible for EOP&S.
"It was a concept that was supported by all of the EOP&S team, particularly the interim director, Toni Dubois, EOP&S counselors and the EOP&S support team," Hill said. "We have embraced a collegial and familial philosophy in our organization and everyone has bought into that concept. No one person is greater than the program or the team and we hope to be the example as opposed to the exception."
Meanwhile, the Admissions and Records office has temporarily restricted its hours on Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"This change in hours is only temporary for staff training during the Spring term," Dean of Admissions and Records Ross Miyashiro said. "We are moving from a paper environment to an electronic environment that will help students in the long run."
Miyashiro said to train the staff on new systems, they must pull the together as they only have a limited amount of hours for trainers to come to campus.
"We are also going to re-train staff on customer service for the new generation of students coming to LBCC every year and communication skills when dealing with a diversity of people," Miyashiro said.
To lessen the impact, Miyashiro said the college has recently created more services online, giving students access to multiple personal files such as unofficial transcripts, grades and schedules.
"We hope this will not cause any great hardship for any student," Miyashiro said. "Furthermore, we have opened drop boxes at each campus so students can still submit transcript requests, graduation and certificate application and admissions applications."
Miyashiro said the college's goal is to improve the experience for students at LBCC through a highly trained staff in Admissions and Records.

Presidential search to begin

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The Board of Trustees plans to have the new president of LBCC seated and working by Jan. 1 when President Jan Kehoe's retirement becomes reality.
"There is no successor named at this point," public affairs and marketing director Chi-Chung Keung said Wednesday, April 26. "The Board of Trustees will be initiating a process to find her successor."
Board President Tom Clark said, "The process of finding a new president takes awhile, roughly 7-8 months and we haven't started yet. First the selection of a search firm takes place and the firm would then advertise to develop a listing of potential candidates. It's hard to say how much it will cost, it depends on the time it takes, but I can tell you the price is not astronomical."
Clark said once the list is compiled, a preliminary selection committee composed of a broad spectrum of people from the college begins to conduct interviews, usually two, until the board gives a final interview. "The board will discuss the qualifications a candidate should have," Clark said.
Kehoe was hired from outside LBCC in 1997 and her predecessor, Barbara Adams, also was from another college. The last president chosen from LBCC was Beverly O'Neill in 1988.
Current administrative Vice President Eloy Oakley said, "As an executive vice president, I anticipate that I will meet the minimum qualifications and as for my interest in the position, I feel that leading this college, working with our exceptional students and serving the very best faculty and staff in the state would be an honor and a delight. At this time I am considering the possibility of applying, but I will not decide until the board gives an indication of what kind of president they will be looking for."
John Fylpaa, dean of physical education and athletics, said in an Apr. 28 email that Kehoe is still the president and an effective leader for many months to come.
"It is too early to be speculating about her replacement," Fylpaa wrote. "The replacement of Kehoe will be an open process and any individual who meets the minimum qualifications, yet to be published, will be eligible to apply."
Nursing student Diana Baker said, "I don't think it's too early to wonder about the process and who may become the new president. You can't just spring it on people at the last minute."
Gary Scott, school of creative arts and applied sciences dean, said the task at hand will be challenging. Scott applied to be vice president of Academic Affairs the last time it was vacant.
"They will probably be looking for a sitting president elsewhere to take over," Scott said. "I love LBCC, the leadership, the community, but I don't think I would be considered for the job. Personally though, I would be interested."
School of Health and Science Dean Lauren Sharp said, "I am far too new in the California Community College system to be interested in a presidency. I am interested that an experienced leader with strong administrative, financial, academic and interpersonal skills can be found for the college, particularly at this juncture."

LBCC faces budget crunch

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

LBCC may be forced to return about $4 million-$9 million to the state due to a declining enrollment status that's been plaguing the college for two years.
A memo released by the budget advisory committee states that the majority of funding is based on enrollment. The state requires the college to record at least 20,923 full-time equivalent students during the 2005-2006 academic year.
Stated in the memo is a current projection revealing the college may be short by 2,731 full-time equivalent students and should the college fail in achieving its base, the state chancellor's office will place the college in stabilization.
"The college has not been in stabilization in recent history," vice president of administrative services Eloy Oakley said. "There's a possibility of cutbacks in the number of sections offered, but that's unlikely as most of the loss in revenue will be absorbed by reducing staffing and other college operations. Also, we are not fully convinced that we will be in stabilization next year."
According to the memo, stabilization means that for one year, the college will not lose any base funding, but will not be eligible to receive any additional funding associated with growth and if the base is not met within the year, the college must return the difference to the state.
"I don't think there's enough advertisement," student Andrea Czapiewski said. "The school should advertise more at high schools, or even preschools where it can reach young teachers looking to further their education."

Bus crash alters trip

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

A female motorcyclist traveling down Big Pines highway, 10 miles northwest of Wrightwood, collided with a bus carrying about 30 LBCC geology students and their professor Sunday, May 7 physical science teacher Douglas Britton said.
Just after 2 p.m., the bus driver was motoring up an incline at roughly 15 mph when the motorcyclist appeared from around a bend, traveling in the wrong lane Britton said.
"The bus driver made a move in attempt to avoid the collision," Britton said Tuesday, May 9. "The move probably saved the lady's life."
Britton said the accident happened on the way home at the end of the field trip.
Britton said no one on the bus was injured, but the motorcyclist, coherent and talking, suffered from serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
"I'm a motorcyclist and I've sat on the side of those roads waiting for people to be airlifted before," Britton said. "I'm glad she'll be okay."
Student Carrie Jacoby said, "A couple of students screamed or gasped as it hit. I think the driver did a good job of swerving and giving the motorcyclist more room."
The field trip was planned to examine features relating to the roughly 800-mile San Andreas Fault. In a detailed journal entry, student Brandon Humphrey wrote, "I felt the bus lurch and I jerked up in my seat. There was a popping sound and screaming."
Humphrey also wrote, "I jumped out of my seat along with another kid and we sprinted down the road about 100 yards."
Humphrey found the woman on her back with her husband slitting open the leg of her jeans and the woman's mother shaking and crying.
"I asked her what we could do," Humphrey wrote. "Someone ran back to the bus to get a first-aid kit."
Humphrey said, the motorcyclist, a medic in the army, kept repeating that she was sorry that she had hit the bus.
Apparently she saw some dirt in the road and was afraid to ride over it and possibly skid out, so she attempted to avoid it, but when she veered she landed hard against the left front tire of the school bus, the entry read.
"There was a lot of blood coming out," Humphrey wrote. "Her leg was obviously broken and her wrists were at odd angles."
Humphrey wrote that the bus was out of commission due to a damaged tire and the group waited 4 hours for a rescue bus to arrive and then came home.
Efforts to find the name of the motorcyclist, her condition, and the name of the hospital were unsuccessful.

Vandals flood basement

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

Building E flushes $2,500-$10,000 when outside help needed.

Flooding on the basement floor of Building E at the LAC is an on-going issue caused by the unnecessary flushing of objects, which do not resemble sewage, but look more like knives and wasted underwear, maintenance personnel said.
Jeri Carter, manager of Student Life, said flooding has occurred roughly 2-3 times a year for the past 10 years.
"The building was built in the 1970's and is the most used building at the college," Carter said. "The pump below ground is not strong enough to handle the use, therefore it overflows and it's not pleasant."
Heating, ventilating and air conditioner mechanic Mark Garber explained that the spillage usually happens around registration time when hundreds of people occupy the building.
"Students are flushing underwear, pantyhose, knives, forks, syringes and wallets containing no money," Garber said. "The two 10-horse power pumps below in the sump hole are designed to cut up and store sewage, not big objects."
Garber also said underwear wrapped around the impeller, the blade that cuts up sewage, caused the latest flooding Tuesday, Feb. 7. The pump has been fixed, but the second pump is burned out and unusable due to the same type of incident.
"I've personally been in the sump hole up to my knees and when we can't fix it we call a company out to fix the problem," Garber said. "Flushing these objects is just another form of vandalism and it's costing the school $2,500-$10,000 every time this happens."
Garber also said even paper towels can cause flooding and people need to stop flushing them.
"Whatever can fit through the 4-inch hole in the toilet, we have found," Garber said. "People would flush the Super Bowl if they could."
Garber said Library books that will be moved to the basement of Building E will most likely be safe.
"Maybe a few gallons spill out, non of which is raw sewage, but we've never had a major flood," Garber said. "The mess is immediately cleaned up and the area is disinfected."
Garber also explained that along with a warning light near College Center coordinator Barbara Sorenson's desk, a loud alarm sounds when the water level rises over a certain point.
"It's gotten worse over the years," Garber said. "The student population is caring less and less about the school's appearance."
Garber also said student's need more education on the topic of vandalism and also need to understand that it is a large hindrance to everyone.
"The women's restrooms are always dirty, especially in the English building," student Miriam Morales said. "Students should be more aware of what they're doing, because keeping our restrooms clean will only benefit us, plus it's stupid and a waste of time to ruin the restrooms."

Trustee removed

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006. Byline shared with Julio Salgado.

Student Trustee June Tanskul received news in a letter signed by LBCC President Jan Kehoe on Feb. 24 that she has been terminated because she failed to meet California residency requirements.
In the letter, Kehoe wrote, "Please accept my appreciation for the outstanding job that you have performed and I can assure you that this determination in no way reflects upon your conscientious performance of your duties."
In a statement from the college, released by the executive director of public affairs and marketing Chi-Chung Keung, a periodic review of Associated Student Body by-laws and the California education code revealed information regarding Tanskul's ineligibility and LBCC was forced to take necessary action.
At the Tuesday, March 7 board meeting, Tanskul's table position and seat had been removed.
Tanskul said the board knew her fate a week before she did.
"Why didn't the information come to me first?" Tanskul said. "That's why I'm upset the most. If someone could have told me first, i would have resigned. Instead, I was let go with a letter."
Tanskul also said she had presented to LBCC's human resources department, a letter criticizing manager of student life Jeri Carter before the random review of the ASB by-laws came up.
"A couple of days after human resources talked with Carter, the college was presented with the information of my ineligibility," Tanskul said. "When I ran for the position,they knew I was an international student and paid $199 per unit. It wasn't a secret."
Tanskul said she had been voted into office by students.
Carter was contacted and she declined to comment on the possible connection between both situations, but referred to the college statement released by Keung regarding Tanskul's removal.
"I'm saying what I'm instructed to say," Carter said.
Section 11 in the ASB by-laws states the student representative to the board shall serve for a one-year term to begin on June 1 in accordance with the education code.
"I only had two months left," Tanskul said.
Tanskul originally grew up in England and Thailand and has been in the U.S. since Fall 2004.
"I would like to thank Dr. Kehoe and the Board of Trustees for their support through this process," Tanskul said.
ASB Rep. of communications Jude Calvillo said, "We don't have a date for the next election and we don't have anybody to take her place."
Tanskul said she didn't want to complain about the various aspects. "I want to be the bigger person in this situation," Tanskul said. "I want to go out with dignity."

Crime rises 5 percent

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The LBCC 2004-2005 comparative crime statistic report totals a 5 percent jump in crimes on both campuses ranging from drugs, motor vehicle theft and weapons to non-rape sex crimes, robbery and stalking.
At the LAC in 2005 motor vehicle theft was the most reported crime and at PCC petty theft was the most common offense, according to a report by Long Beach Police Lt. Julie Prior, who spoke to the Board of Trustees on March 14.
Criminal justice major Angelica Valencia said, "I've never had any crimes committed toward me at school. I feel safe at school because I usually see officers walking around on campus or driving in their cars."
She also said all crimes should be reported because it gives an idea what to look for or if certain patterns are consistent with certain people.
Although some crimes increased in number, other crimes went down in 2005, according to Prior's report. There were no reported rape crimes in 2005. Assault and battery decreased 20 percent. Arson and trespassing were reported less and vandalism is on a decline.
In a monthly crime report for February 2006, a robber with a simulated gun, three motor vehicle thefts, two automobile burglaries and two incidents of vandalism were reported. Also, 1,110 parking citations were issued. The total crimes for both campuses in February reached 38 with no arrests documented.
"Our busy shift with the most sporadic crimes usually happen during the day," Prior said. "Crimes during the graveyard shift, 11 p.m.-7 a.m., happen the least."
In an interview, Prior explained students should not leave valuables in plain sight.
"If you leave something out, you're inviting someone to steal," Prior said. "Students should lock and secure valuable items in the trunk."
Questions and problems may be reported to campus police at 938-4910 or 435-6711.

New firm to lead E bond

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

In a closed session the Board of Trustees decided the construction of the child development center on PCC will no longer rest in the hands of the Bovis management firm, but be completed by the Cordoba management team.
Board president Thomas Clark said, "Early on in the construction, we needed a team to search for health risks or hazardous waste and Bovis did a great job, but for the actual construction phase of the project, the college went with our own people.
"It just made sense economically to go with Cordoba at this time," Clark said.
Vice president of administrative services Eloy Oakley said, the Cordoba management team has been associated with the project through Bovis since the beginning, but now will lead as project manager.
"We decided to change management teams because we are entering a new phase of bond implementation, primarily construction for the next four years," Oakley said. "Bovis did a good job identifying the needs and costs of each project, working with our architects to design and plan projects and assessing all of our infrastructure needs."
Oakley also said that with the up-coming construction, it was time to scale down the bond management team and utilize a smaller more responsive team.
"There was never any concern over misuse of funds and our auditors have repeatedly confirmed that," Oakley said. "I personally thank the Bovis team for the service they provided."
Gene Farrell, former interim vice president of administrative services at LBCC, put together the list of projects for Measure E during his time at the college and now has joined with Cordoba as the teams project manager.
"We feel that the new team structure will not only save us precious bond dollars over time, but also create a closer tie between the college and the project manager," Oakley said. "We believe that we will have a much more seamless relationship going forward."

Finals re-evaluated

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

In an effort to create an error-free final exam schedule, a task force collected and compiled information from teachers, then submitted recommendations to the Academic Senate for consideration.
"Our communication with the faculty revealed that some conflicts arise when the schedule is followed correctly," registered nursing teacher and task force member Sigrid Sexton said. "We are working on making the finals schedule easier to follow and encouraging faculty to hold finals according to the schedule."
The task force includes Sexton, math and engineering teachers Tom Killian and Kevin Ryan, and English teacher Natalie Schiavone. Sexton said the work group was developed after an Academic Senate retreat Feb. 25.
"At that retreat, we were looking at issues related to academic excellence," Sexton said. "The final exam schedule was one of the issues."
Sexton also explained that conflicting exam times are not a common occurrence. Nursing major Tricia Vaught said, "I've never thought about the final exam schedule being conflicted. I've never been negatively affected."
Vaught also said taking finals on days students are not enrolled is unpleasant, but understands that it needs to be that way.
Academic Senate president David Morse explained that there isn't any update or action at this time.
"We received a report from our task force at the end of last semester," Morse said. "We will continue working on the issue."

Driver, 24, charged in hit-and-run

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The driver accused of killing an LBCC student in a hit-and-run accident on a local freeway is free on bail and scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, April 18.
Martin L. Gonzales, 24, was arrested at 2:25 a.m. on March 18 after allegedly speeding on the northbound 605, rear-ending an automobile, then fleeing the scene.
Full-time LBCC nursing student Melissa Ann Diel, 21, was driving the 2000 Ford Focus Gonzales hit, which resulted in her death.
Gonzales was booked with felony hit and run, gross vehicular manslaughter, felony injury and collision and suspicion of driving under the influence at 12:16 p.m. on March 18 then released on March 19 at 6:41 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Web site.
Officer D. Greaver said, "Normally there's a bail amount of $250,000, but I'm not sure how much he bonded out. The amount is usually determined by the jail. Most of the time people are allowed to pay 10 percent
English teacher Candace Dickerson said, "Melissa was a delight to have in class and I really enjoyed talking with her."
An obituary for Diel in the San Bernardino County Sun said Deil was born July 22, 1984 in Upland, Calif. Diel also worked at Starbucks and at Los Alamitos Medical Center as a phlebotomist.

Incumbent defeated

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006. Byline shared with Tina Vasquez.

McNinch loses to Bowen; Clark and Kellogg regain board seats.

LBCC can now welcome a new trustee after the election Tuesday, April 6 in which Huntington Park teacher mark Bowen defeated Dianne McNinch for the Area 3 seat, which covers southwest Long Beach.
"The first thing on my agenda is to reach out to colleagues on the board and make partnerships. I want to amend with the side that opposed me and let them know that I'll be here on campus and that I'm part of the institution," Bowen said after gaining 58.8 percent of the votes.
Jeff Kellogg, board member for Area 1, which covers North Long beach, was re-elected with 63.9 percent of the vote.
Former Long Beach mayor and council member Tom Clark, representing Area 5, which covers northeast Long Beach and parts of Lakewood, was re-elected with 55.4 percent of the vote.
"I'm glad the issue concerning equalization is getting sorted out for LBCC. I know that my challenger said I'm out of touch with students, but I'd really like to have more contact with them and an open forum with the students," Clark said.
The challenger Chester Wasko for Area 1, Jeannine McManigal-Ball for Area 3 and Bowen awaited the results together at Cirivello's restaurant in Long Beach.
Early in the night, Wasko seemed optimistic. "If I win, I'd make sure that the students, classified staff and faculty came first.
"If I don't win, I'm going to pursue this position again because LBCC is in dire need of new leadership. Jeff Kellogg does not care about the students, only the administration," Wasko said.
The LBCC Board of Trustees consists of five members of the community representing different areas of Long Beach who decide how the yearly budget is spent.

Casino gives chance

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.


The LBCC Foundation and the financial aid office raised more than $4,100 while hosting the fourth annual casino night in LAC's Nordic Lounge on Friday, April 7.
All proceeds will be used in the financial aid buy-a-book-fund program.
Dorothy Gutierrez, financial aid adviser and co-organizer of the event, said the money that casino night raises would allow eligible students a one-time $200 book grant.
The event included a pasta and dessert bar made and served by culinary arts students, raffles with donated prizes, $2 alcoholic an $1 non-alcoholic beverages, free bottled water, pies donated by Marie Callender's and Polly's Pies and Atlantic Casino company gaming tables, which included black jack, roulette, craps and poker.
"Since this is through the culnary arts program and not Aramark, we're allowed to serve alcohol," Gutierrez said. "It's like a school project."
Toni Dubois, dean of financial aid and EOP&S, said the Atlantic Casino Co. charged the school roughly $2,000 to rent the gaming tables.
"So much was donated, so we only paid for the gaming tables and some food," Dubois said. "But it's not about what we spend, it's about what we earn."
Dubois also explained that last year's casino night raised about $2,500, but this year's crowd was the biggest ever.
Political science major Ricardo Linarez said, "It's my first full semester back to school and my wife told me about this, so we found a babysitter and here we are. We might have won Disneyland tickets already."
Student Michael Flores, just coming away from a craps table with a feverish grin, said, "I've just doubled my money and I'm not even done gambling yet."
Flores said, "This is the first casino night I've been to and although I'm not into gambling much, besides an occasional lottery ticket, I can see why people stand for hours gambling. It's addicting."
Flores also said the crowd seemed a bit older and he felt he was one of the only students attending.
"The dealers make it fun and roulette intrigued me, maybe because that thing spins," Flores said. "But next time I will come with friends."

2-year nursing program to begin

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

New schedule offered at night and on Saturdays.

A two-year vocational nursing program is now offered at LBCC, allowing students with family responsibilities and busy full-time work schedules to complete the licensed vocational nursing program at a slower pace.
"Normally, the vocational nursing program is a full-time one-year course offered during the day," department head of the vocational nursing program Judy Wisenbaker said. "However, due to the fact many students cannot give up work for one year, we created this part-time two-year program."
According to the LBCC Web site, the vocational nursing program received an $11,725 grant from the Vocational Technology and Education Act allowing the part-time evening and weekend program to start in February.
"We have started our program 2-3 nights per week and all day Saturday," Wisenbaker said. "It takes two years, including Summers, to complete this course of study."
Wisenbaker also said students must complete, in advance, the nursing assistant certificate and all other prerequisites for the vocational nursing program, which are typically offered in the evenings.
Wisenbaker explained the program is offering 9-12 hour clinical lab shifts at a variety of training sites including hospitals, clinics and nursing homes and the majority of shifts are on Saturdays.
"Upon finishing the program, students will be able to take the national vocational nursing licensing examination and seek employment with livable wages, approximately $30,000-$40,000 a year," Wisenbbaker said.
After a year or two, and fulfilling all prerequisites for the registered nursing program, students may wish to transition into the RN program for two semesters and hopefully receive their associates degree in nursing."
New classes with beginning students will not start until the impact of the program is assessed, Wisenbaker explained.
Nursing major Diana Baker said, "It's a good and comfortable paced program to have if you have a family and work full-time and it creates more opportunities for people to excel and it could also be beneficial for associate registered nursing majors by making more room."

Lots of LBCC income

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

Money gained from parking citations adds up to big bucks.

LBCC students are contributing about $10,000 a year and roughly $820 a month into a parking program and maintenance fund by parking illegally, receiving a citation, then paying it off.
Speech communications major Arlene Magana received a ticket while parked at a meter during the Summer.
"It seems like they stand near it until it turns zero," Magana said. "There was no parking anywhere else and when I returned to my car soon after the time expired, I found a ticket for $36."
Magana said she waited a while then paid the ticket off.
"They never sent me a notice," Magana said. "Meters should be cheaper."
"Fall is the most congested time for parking," LBCC support services manager Brendan Hayes said in an email. "Approximately 95 percent of issued citations are collected and 5 percent are delinquent or the city is unable to collect because the vehicle was sold."
Hayes said once a citation is issued, it's entered into the Long Beach system. Then a letter is sent to the registered owner requesting payment. After being 30 days late, a delinquent notice is issued and after being delinquent for 90 days, the citation is then submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the fine is attached to registration fees.
On the officer's end, "the citation is turned in and reviewed for completeness then submitted to City Hall and entered into a data base," Hayes said. "Payment is either received or contested and if received the case is closed. But if contested, it is sent to a review officer. If the review upholds the citation, the payment is required and if not, it is dismissed."
Hayes said, the $25 price of parking permits at LBCC is established by the executive committee of the college and related to security and maintenance of the parking lots.
According to the Spring 2006 schedule of classes, a citation costs $37 and students wishing to contest a citation must call 570-6822.

Culture to be found in sushi, not McDonald's

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

A few years ago I walked into a unique Japanese restaurant with a few close friends who insisted on me ingesting traditional cuts of sushi and experiencing a new, but odd atmosphere.
After entering the dimly lit establishment through hanging beads, we were immediately greeted with loud shouts, lucid smiles and welcoming gestures. The chaos was uncomfortably long and seemed to be hurled from all directions. I took notice of my friend's adaptability then realized they've been here before. I must have looked scared because they were laughing at me. During this erratic welcome I could have sworn something was flung past my head.
The minute we were seated, the show ended, everyone forgot about us and justifiably I immediately ordered myself two bottles of cold sake to start.
I noticed for every new patron who walked in, the same circus would begin, but the difference this time was that I played a part in the chaos, I got to be the monkey.
After some conversation and delicious food, I started tuning my friends out and admiring the decorations adorning the walls. That's when I noticed we were the only non-Asian group in the entire place and most of them were speaking another language. So I started wondering about their different cultures and how some can visit a place like this and possibly feel at home.
Then I thought about my own culture and came to the quick conclusion that I don't have a culture. I tried to think of what American culture would be and I couldn't. American culture, at that moment, seemed to be a mixture of all different people and ideologies. I hated to think that a McDonald's in a foreign country would be the place I would fit in. I don't even like McDonald's.
I immediately started the discussion with my friends and told them what I thought. They all looked at me with the same confused glare and called me crazy. I tried to argue my point, but not only did they shoot my idea down, they shot it down with examples.
American culture is barbecues, cheap beer and an occasional joke that crosses a line. American culture is home made music, loud concerts and the freedom to express yourself naked as long as you have a permit. American culture is holidays and arguments. American culture is tofu versus carne. These ideas are just a piece of the entire picture.
I believe that American culture can easily be defined and now I see it every day. I also realize it's unnecessary to find American culture in another country because that's why I'm visiting, to learn. I wish more people could experience other cultures across the globe. It could make for a more peaceful world.

Cramming not advised

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

With finals running Thursday, Dec. 8 through Friday, Dec. 16, some students are rushing to turn in last-minute assignments and extra credit while other students are calm and fully prepared to move forward.
"This semester has been a little challenging since I'm taking 16 units," political science major John Southard said. "I'm glad it's over.
"Getting stuff done early is key. The rigor of studying pays off in the end, instead of cramming at finals."
Southard explained that engaging professors and using office hours is important, and Web sites like ProQuest.com can be useful as a research tool.
Another Web site called Answers.com was launched in January and is changing the way students around the country perform research for papers and homework, said Alan Danzis, representative from RLM public relations.
Founded in Jerusalem in 1999, Answers Corporation, previously GuruNet, developed the Web site designed as a general purpose product for anyone who needs quick facts, Answers Corporation director of marketing Jay Bailey said.
According to the Fall schedule of classes, in the case of conflicting final exams, it is the student's responsibility to notify each instructor involved several days prior to the examination.

Fees due by Dec. 23

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Spring classes will automatically be dropped if fees are not fully paid by 2 p.m. on Dec.23 said executive director of community relations and marketing Chi Chung Keung.
"Any student who registers for classes after Jan. 9 is responsible for their registration fees, but will not be dropped from classes," Keung said.
According to an email sent by Keung on Dec. 5, students are responsible for officially dropping a class to receive a refund.
The LBCC schedule of classes states that students have two options to pay, either by Visa or MasterCard or in person at the cashier's office on either campus.
For more information, students may refer to page 15 in the Spring 2006 schedule of classes or contact the LAC cashier's office at 938-4010 or at PCC 938-3957.

Drop conflict recognized

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

A memo titled census reporting was sent to teachers, deans and directors Wednesday, Nov. 30 clarifying a previous memo introducing a new class withdrawal policy, which seemed to conflict with the state's drop date regulation.
Authored by interim Vice President of Student Support Services Pauline Merry, interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Donald Berz and Academic Senate President David Morse, the memo acknowledges the contradiction and realizes a solution must be found.
The first memo titled, "Clean your rosters, full-term weekly attendance classes" was forwarded to all department heads, teachers and deans.
Originally sent by former interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Joyce Black, the memo states that in Fall 2004 and again in Spring 2005, hundreds of students were recorded as never-attended or no-shows on the final grade roster and made financial and legal impacts on the college.
The new withdrawal policy eliminates the option to input the never-attended, the memo states. Teachers are forced to determine a student's status, active or inactive, by the fourth Monday of a semester otherwise a student will receive a withdrawal, the memo also explained.
"Because we're here in college, it's our responsibility to show up or drop out of a class," student Christine Carlberg said. "It's the process of growing up."
Physical sceince teacher Dave Sholle said he responded to an early-November memo with concern because the change occurring mid-semester might affect students who were not dropped by this semester's census deadline.
"Students will falsely be given W's when they don't deserve one," Sholle said. "I have tried to drop these students, as requested, giving them a W, which will be reverted into a never-attended and a date of last attendance, but PeopleSoft is forcing me to enter a false date of last attendance, which will result in a W."
College leaders realize that the situation could affect the status of students who stopped attending a class before the census date, but were not dropped, the memo explained.
Therefore, if any student is negatively impacted by the action, the student can file a change of grade request, and legitimate errors will be corrected on a case-by-case basis for this semester only, according to the memo.

Busy center leads to jobs

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Career office helps students find work on and off campus.

The Career and Job Services Center at LBCC provides opportunities for students and members of the community to locate jobs, either on campus or off, and supplies multiple resources allowing students to explore various career paths.
Outside the career center on the LAC stands a four-sided kiosk displaying information for current job opportunities. Outside the career center on the PCC, in building AA, a bulletin board has similar information.
"Usually students come in through word-of-mouth, counselors or instructors," career development technician Sonia Verduzco said. "We have slow periods, but we're also busy at times with many student inquiries."
According to the center's brochure, career counseling and assessment is available by scheduling an appointment.
Appointments are scheduled one week in advance, one week at a time and counseling sessions usually involve two to three one-hour meetings with a counselor.
Student Zac Phan said, "The Career Center hired me through the federal work study program. It has helped me get to know myself."
Students show I.D., then proceed to fill out an application for job referral services or an intake form to begin the process of contacting an employer. Employers are contacted through the career center to verify the situation.
"Students employed through our system keep numbers high and prove the center's importance to the campus," Verduzco said.
"Students are required to carry 12 units while working as a college work-study or student assistant," PCC Career Center's Ruth Abair said. "The salary may vary, however, as a general rule, it is minimum wage."
Campus departments will advertise their need for new employees. "Department jobs are rare," Verduzco said. "Sometimes orientations take place to recruit students for available positions. The best way would be to put together a resume and cover letter and do some door-knocking."
The LAC center may be contacted at 938-4283 and the PCC center number is 938-3917.

Storm weathers phones

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.


LBCC, the Long Beach area, southeastern Los Angeles County and western Orange County were affected by a massive failure to Verizon phone lines, including the 911 emergency system, Tuesday, Oct. 18.
According to an article in the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the disruption occurred around 2 a.m. after software failed inside routing equipment at the central office in Long Beach. Operational phone service returned to most of those affected by 2 p.m.
"I was at the mall and tried to use my ATM card, but the connection took forever," student Robert Fernandez said. "I wasn't affected otherwise. My cell phone worked fine."
Another LBCC student, Toni Duesing, expressed how she wasn't affected at all: "I didn't notice a difference."
Mario Valente, executive director of academic computing and information technology, released a statement regarding emergency situations on campus: "In the event there is an emergency on campus while the phone systems are down, from cell phones call 938-4807 for the campus police who will take the information and relay it to the fire department or to the police officers in the field."

Funds for nursing

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

$1.09 million granted to reduce hospital shortage.

In an effort to address the shortage of nurses in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has awarded $30 million to 19 Community Colleges including LBCC, which received a $1.09 million grant.
The grant's term is scheduled for Oct.1, 2005 through Aug. 31, 2010. During the period, the school expects a completion rate of 90 percent and an extension of support to more than 690 students.
"We elected the grant option because the others required significant growth, which we could not accommodate," Dean of the School of Health, Science and Math Lauren Sharp said. Sharp will supervise the program.
According to a statement in a LBCC newsletter, Sharp said some applicants are challenged by deficiencies, which greatly reduce their ability to complete the program.
"The deficiencies are in reading, written and verbal language, patient interaction skills, critical thinking, computation, study and test-taking skills," Sharp said. "We have a better-than-average retention rate, but because of open enrollment, many students need more assistance than is normally given. This grant will allow us to provide the additional services. We want everyone we admit to be able to succeed."
According to a LBCC news release, the new resources will include one-on-one mentors, comprehensive assessments with individualized feedback, workshops in math and critical thinking, English as a second language courses, access to human patient simulator labs and an on-line communication center.
"The nursing program is demanding, but I'm learning a lot," third-semester nursing student Saylom Sorn said. "The Library resources should be upgraded too for the research reports we have to do. I think everyone would agree with that."
The fostering student success grant is one of three awarded by the California Community Colleges chancellor's office workforce investment act.

Gobble up the lasagna

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The portrayal of the first Thanksgiving, between the Wampanoag Indians and the Pilgrims in 1621, seems a bit skewed to some LBCC students, but instead of dwelling on the actual meaning, thanksgiving can be a time for delicious lasagna.
"We never have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner," student Aldo Fernandez said. "It's been like that for as long as I can remember."
Fernandez's parents are Cuban and his mother enjoys grand Italian feasts.
"I really like the platanos," Fernandez said. "It's basically fried bananas."
Along with turkey, geese and duck, which the Pilgrims provided, the Wampanoag Indians brought lobsters, clams, oysters and fish to the gathering. According to a history of Thanksgiving Web site, staple foods like pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce, corn and mashed potatoes didn't appear at the first table.
Thanksgiving has been a celebration of the Autumn harvest all over the world and took place when nature was ready, according to the Web site. It wasn't until 1941 that Thanksiving was declared a national holiday in the U.S. by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"I think the story we learn about is actually more brutal than most people like to think," Fernandez said. "I generally just give thanks to my family and take time to notice special people in my life."
LBCC is closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.

Prop. 76 cuts opposed

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Full-time teachers president and political science professor Charlotte Joseph urged LBCC Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Oct. 11 to vote no on Proposition 76, which would cut education budgets.
Joseph said that if successful Prop.76 would suspend Prop. 98, which guarantees a minimum funding level for Community Colleges and will eventually force schools to lose roughly $600 a student in government funding.
Thomas Clark, president of the board, requested the item appear on the agenda for the Oct. 25 board meeting.
Also, LBCC President Jan Kehoe updated the board on the midterm accreditation report, which is significant to keep LBCC open and operating.
The evaluation requires a report and visit to the college. This year's evaluation by the accreditation team only required a report with no visit. Jacquie Lang-Wilvers, Lou Anne Bynum and David Morse wrote the report.
Earlier in the meeting, Student Trustee June Tanskul updated the board on Homecoming events then extensively praised the music department and discussed its importance to student life.
A sabbatical report read by English teacher Frank Gaspar informed the board of his accomplishments.
"If I can't entertain you, I can at least make you suffer," Gaspar said before reading two poems. Gaspar recently published a new book titled 'Night of a Thousand Blossoms.'

Intramural ping-pong tournament

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.









Left: The winner of the women's intramural ping-pong tournament, Sokbunntha Yan, sets up for a serve. Service club TNT leads the women's division standings with 186 points.

New bill to aid Katrina victims

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

An Assembly Bill would allow full-time students victimized by Hurricane Katrina to enroll at LBCC and other Community Colleges as a resident and be exempt from the $151-per-unit non-resident fee.
The committee on higher education has authored and placed Assembly Bill 1646 on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.
LBCC administrators are asking students who may have escaped Hurricane Katrina to come forward and identify themselves to receive information on the possible aid and funding for classes. The admissions office is in the A Building on the LAC and Building AA on the PCC.
"So far two students have come forward asking for aid," Ross Miyashiro, dean of Admissions and Records, said. "Now we are just waiting for the governor to approve the bill."
The Long Beach Press-Telegram reported that on Monday, Sept. 26 Rudolf Lampe, 21, an evacuee, wants to enroll at LBCC and study business and computer programming.
In related news, the Muslim Student Association will be organizing a campus fund-raising project. Member of the organization will briefly speak during classes.

Drop date set

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The final day to take a withdrawal from classes and receive a W is today Thursday, Nov. 17 and students may obtain a change of schedule card in the admissions office in Building A on the LAC and AA on the PCC.
According to LBCC policy, a student who drops a class after the deadline must receive a letter grade other than a W. Petitions for a withdrawal grade may be filed after the deadline if serious circumstances occur.
"It's not a question of how many W marks a student may have, but if the student is completing less than 50 percent of the classes they enroll in," dean of admissions and records Ross Miyashiro said.
Based on a 12-unit semester, a student may be placed on progress probation after failing to complete less than half of the units, according to the LBCC catalogue. Also, a student may suffer the same consequences if grades fall below a 2.0 average, the policy states.
LBCC policy also requires that a student on probation for at least two semesters and who has failed to complete counseling intervention and make up the deficiencies in the student's academic record shall be dismissed from the college.
Students re-taking a course and passing after previously withdrawing will transfer with the W on the transcripts the policy reads. Since federal and state laws prohibit the altering of a transcript, the W will not be wiped out, the catalogue explained.
"A withdrawal grade is not classified as a sub-standard grade," Miyashiro said. "Most institutions ignore the W mark. As a former transfer evaluator at a California State University, I just lined it out and only concerned myself with graded courses."
Student Yin Chang said she accepts and agrees with the deadline. "Our timing is good, we give students a long period to decide if they want to continue with a class," Chang said. "Early this semester, I withdrew a class, but I've withdrawn from more classes in the past, placing me on progress probation, but my counselor says I'm doing fine now."
According to a memo from Academic Affairs sent out by interim Vice President Donald Berz, hundreds of students were recorded as never attended on the final grade rosters for 2004 and 2005 when they should have been reported on census sheets in the first two weeks of class.
Students with questions may log on to www.lbcc.edu or contact the admissions office on the LAC at 938-4136 and the PCC at 938-3944.

Budget approved

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Board OKs plan to spend $197 million for school year.

An increase in state revenue allowed he LBCC Board of Trustees to unanimously approve a $197 million balanced budget for the 2005-2006 school year Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The budget will provide a 1.9 percent increase in enrollment and make available nearly $5.5 million in reserve money. Along with salary and benefit costs, expenses for 32 new full-time teachers will be covered.
"This will be a crucial year at LBCC," said Chi-Chung Keung, executive director of public affairs and marketing. "The budget will be predicated on significant enrollment numbers and everyone will need to work together to realize this goal."
Federal revenue went down $86,552, but local went up $876,191. Compared to last year's adopted budget, LBCC gained an estimated $4 million more in state revenue. A raise of 4.23 percent in cost-of-living was the catalyst for the change.
Board members were disappointed in an old-fashioned state funding formula, causing an unfair distribution of money throughout the Los Angeles Community College District. LBCC was fronted less money than any other school, missing out on as extra $5 million this school year.
Some college officials are concerned that the estimate of a 1.9 percent increase in enrollment may not be accomplished. Apparently, the college enrollment status of last year showed about 450 fewer students than budgeted, demanding the school return $2.6 million to the state.
A plan to gain enrollment this year provides an improved enrollment and registration system and a successful marketing campaign, geared toward a reversal of last year's outcome, officials said.
Student Trustee June Tanskul said, "Balancing the budget helps to define the goals of LBCC by appropriating funds to improve the overall programs offered here. Also, by redistributing funds, faculty members will benefit by not having to worry about supply shortages. As far as I see, regardless of the budget cuts, the school will still be able to maintain the quality of education."

Phone glitches brief

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The phone lines throughout the PCC failed for a few minutes Thursday, Sept. 29, causing no immediate problems for employees.
The dispatched Verizon crew said a memory card in the system failed, causing the phones to appear unstable. The Verizon employees switched over to another memory card, halting the dial tone in the process. Once the memory card was switched, the dial tone returned and the problem was fixed.
Most students were not aware of the failure.
"I didn't even know about it," student Sheila Johnson said. "Even if the problem lasted for a long time, I don't think it would really have an affect on me."
Librarian Marion Hinton said a lot of the information being passed around travels through email and the Internet wasn't effected.

State funds would expand renovations

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The college is trying to add state funds for the local Measure E construction program.
The extent of work to be done will depend on what the state allocates to LBCC. Slated to start construction early next year are the new M and N buildings, whose occupants will be moved into the new South Quad Complex.
The college has been utilizing the $176 million renovation budget over the past three years and construction is ongoing. The funds were part of the Measure E Bond construction program that was passed by voters in 2002.
A detailed Web site for the bond program is dedicated to updating students, teachers and the community on recent progress regarding construction and renovation projects.
According to the Web site, construction is planned through 2009, possibly ending with the renovation of Building A on the LAC.
"I think construction is a good idea. This school feels crowded and the addition of classrooms could allow more opportunities for students to get a better education," student Fernando Chavez said.
Current projects at the PCC remain unfinished and unfunded, like the new Child-Development Center. When finished, it will offer state-of-the-art technology and be expanded to educate students in early child development form 24 months to kindergarten age the Web site stated. Also cut short in the budget are plans for a new 665-square-foot campus restroom. It's scheduled for construction in February 2006 to replace the existing temporary facility located in the horticultural area. The LAC work is underway with the South Quad Complex scheduled for completion by October 2007. Plans for the expansion of the Library and learning resources center are included in the current budget.
"There are many exciting projects occurring on both campuses. On the LAC, Phase 3 of the overall construction plan includes the retrofit of Building A converting it to a, 'one-stop' student center,"Margie Padron, contracts administrator for the Bovis management team, said.
"This is an exciting time for the college and we thank you so much for your continued support," LBCC President Jan Kehoe said on the Web site.
Information on current or future projects may be obtained by logging on to the Measure E Web site or contacting the Bovis field office at LAC or PCC.
"We have received only a few questions from students. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to forward any questions or concerns to us," Padron said.

Voters pick new leader in close call

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Runner -up questions process.

LBCC students apparently awarded Dave Larson the ASB presidency Thursday, Sept. 8, perhaps ending a controversial election over Andres Ramos, 207-187.
Larson has not been sworn in to office, but spoke Sept. 12 as president-elect. He would replace Maurice Spencer, former ASB president, who resigned Aug. 15.
Students voted on both campuses Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 6 and 7. Larson rounded up 52.5 percent of the votes and Ramos captured 47.5 percent.
"When the announcement came, I called my girlfriend and yelled, 'We did it'," Larson said. "I've learned that no matter what, if I go into this election with doubts I may lose. Doubt isn't part of the equation. You have to do it and follow through."
But Ramos said the election wasn't properly handled. "I am disappointed with the outcome of the elections and I question the integrity," Ramos said.
The philosophy major said the polls were being staffed by an individual who had campaigned for his opponent. Ramos also said the poll worker wasn't delegated by any member of the elections committee.
"There were invalid ballots cast," Ramos said. "Campaign rules were broken and no action was taken. My opponent was saying slanderous remarks about me and the current ASB Cabinet, so I feel bad that a person with an attitude like that will be representing the ASB."
The election requires the ASB president to start later than usual. Since the resignation of Spencer, Vice President Faith Oftadeh has been occupying the office. She will now resume as vice president.
Larson said, "We did have a late start and I have many mixed emotions seeing as I worked to help (Spencer) get elected. Now the task at hand is to pick up the ball and run for my team. The first priority will be the unifying of the ASB Cabinet, filling the appointed positions and clarifying the mission of the ASB Cabinet to the students of LBCC."
Also in the election, Carnell Hunt was elected as Associated Mens Student president. Six write-in positions were left blank on the ballot including ASB secretary, AWS vice president and AMS treasurer.
Ramos will retain his current position as legislative representative. He said if he is still attending LBCC in another year, he might run again for president. With a strong interest in politics since high school, Ramos said he will continue down the government path well into the future.
"I plan to run for an elected office whether it is at the local, state or federal level. I interned last year for Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez. I call my assemblymen and state senator's office to let them know, as a constituent, what bills I think they should support," Ramos said.
Larson, who started attending LBCC in 2004, boasts a 4.0 GPA and hopes to transfer to Humboldt State. Eventually he would like to obtain a master's degree at U.C. Berkeley and write for a living. He's involved in student activities and said students should participate in and around campus.
Larson said, "Part of education is socialization."
He has been an ASB president before, winning the office in his elementary school.
"I would like to thank all the people, ASB Cabinet, students and volunteers who helped facilitate the election. I'm willing to do the right thing to re-establish the reputation of the ASB Cabinet as a respectable and responsible student government working in the best interest of the students of LBCC," Larson said.

Registration begins

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The new Spring schedule arrived and was neatly stacked in the LAC Bookstore in time for opening, then disappeared by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 after students rushed in and feverishly purchased all of them.
Associated Student Body Enterprises Director Martha Wayland said Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. that a new shipment would arrive soon. Indeed, the shelves were full of schedules at the PCC and the LAC at about 4 p.m.
Schedules may be found in bookstores on both campuses and at local 7-11 stores for $1.
According to the schedule, the health fee for Spring 2006 has been raised from $13 to $14. The fee must be paid when registering for classes unless students qualify for the Board of Governors fee waiver, certain financial aid exemption or attending an approved apprenticeship-training program.
The optional $20 ASB card will allow students to check out items from the Library, use computer labs, apply for scholarships and grant students a 5 percent discount at the bookstores and be eligible for numerous activities.
To register, students are urged to meet with a counselor, then select classes, take assessment tests if necessary and check for pre-requisites.
"Pre-requisites are enforced and cannot be waived or ignored," Miyashiro said.
New students must apply by completing an application either on-line or on paper. An identification number and password will be given out allowing the student to register on-line and by phone.
Students may visit www.lbcc.edu or call 938-4700.

Spring into schedule

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005


Schedules of classes for the Spring semester will be sold starting Wednesday, Nov. 16 and with them comes a flurry of information regarding registration for new and continuing students, classes, counseling and financial aid.
Spring registration will begin Nov. 17 with the schedules available in the PCC and LAC bookstores and 7-11 stores for $1. Students interested in getting an advanced peek may check www.lbcc.edu. Most spring classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 17.
"Disabled student program and services and EOP&S students have priority with registering per our state code Title V," Dean of Admissions and Records Ross Miyashiro said. "All other student priority is determined by units completed."
Walk-in registration, beginning Jan. 9, will be in the LAC's College Center in Building E and PCC's Student Center in Building EE.
"I learned not to wait until the last minute to register," student Lilia Ramos said. "The sooner you get it done the better."
Registration fees for California residents will be $26 per unit and non-resident students, as of last semester, must pay a fee of $151 a unit plus an enrollment fee of $26 per unit. Residency is determined through proof of living two years or more in California. Parking permits will be sold for $25.
Students may log on to www.lbcc.edu for more information regarding Spring registration. Questions may also be answered by calling 938-4700.

Parking spaces at LAC compromised

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005


Early Fall parking problems were worsened by construction fences near the J parking lot at the LAC which had students driving through a smaller maze than usual while on the hunt for an ideal spot.
The fences blocked nearly 40 spaces, including nine for the handicapped. Most fences were taken down Friday, Aug. 19 allowing full parking potential.
Sal Baeza of SRD Engineering said, "Fences were taken down because we were done with the sewer line relocation in the trench. The fences will be back up in a couple of days so we can re-pave." Re-pavement is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Margie Padron, contact administrator for the LBCC bond management team, said, "The current estimated date of completion for the South Quad Complex building is October 2007." According to the bond management team, parking in LAC's Lot L will be closed Sept. 6 and 7 for delivery and installation of modular buildings.
Some students complained about the long search for parking, including Melissa Huntington, who expressed anger at being late to class.
"I almost ran out of gas," Huntington said. "I spent 40 minutes waiting for a parking spot and I was 20 minutes late for class. Midday is slowly getting better, but the mornings are horrible and not very encouraging."
LAC currently features more than 6,800 parking spaces with 4,200 behind Veterans Stadium, located at the corner of Lew Davis Street and Faculty Avenue, and PCC holds more than 3,300 parking spaces.
Nursing major Tricia Vaught said, "There is no parking problem. The problem is with students not wanting to walk. They would rather circle J Lot instead of parking behind Veterans Stadium and being done with it. Or they just don't know about it. It wasn't until last semester that I found the Veterans Stadium lot. The school should advertise it at the beginning of each semester using giant banners or something."
Free parking for Aug. is over, but students may buy permits at the cashier's window on both campuses for $25. Day parking permits are available for $1. LAC machines are located in the northwest corner of the J Lot, and the E Lot, and along Lew Davis Drive.
PCC has an all-day permit machine located in Lot 3. Both campuses have metered parking and scarce parking around the perimeters. Parking is not allowed in the neighborhoods surrounding LAC.
Students may call City Hall at 570-6822 for any questions regarding parking citations.
No adjustment, fee waivers or payments can be made at the LAC police trailer or at the PCC police office.

Yeah, I've been away

Although I've been away, I've been busy. Can you tell? Finishing my city college career is bitter-sweet. Yeah, I'm done. Boo, I'm thirty. I'm starting up at Long Beach State in September and I may have an article published in the beachcomber newspaper tomorrow. I'll publish it here if it happens. Look out for www.johnsynco.com coming soon. I'll keep this page for my ramblings, but use my new Web site for all the suited pros.

Synco

Part Three

The whiskey bottle, no more than five feet away, dry heaving a terrible laugh, smoking, fucking my happiness, a long black haired Indian woman who may never know I exist, fixed its filthy eyes on mine. I felt the dirty grey hair on the back of my neck shiver then stand straight up. I need control.

Part two

In a strenuous act of kindness, I smiled. A bi-polar mind riddled with confusion and doubt, the hatred, like static, clinging to the bones of a fool, I sat there. The reminder of a cyclical existence, plagued by repetition, I sat there and I couldn’t move.

Granted

Last night a Korean woman named Toyota granted me happiness for the rest of my life. This happened after she tilted her head sideways like a dog and said, "Fuck you", because I asked for success first. The boyfriend told me Toyota had a straight path to the angels and after she fell into a strange hypnotic state, twisted her hands around like a fortune teller reading a crystal ball, chanted something unintelligible and blew the remainder of her breath in my direction I thought, crap, could this be for real or is it the scotch they're feeding me? After this soulful woman of the earth, sun and holy moon casually tossed her lit cigarette in the ocean I thought, shit, for a second I was going to be happy forever.

Get it.

Off with religion's head and stifle the celebration of celebrities.

Part one

The light casting off my candle shimmered the faint idea of a devil staring back at me. My breath was cold and audible. A shot of whiskey sounded good.

b l a h

Remember the child riding the dull colored bike around in circles, the occupant in the back of an aging mind. Trying to shut the door on this person will leave life a spiraling mess of resentment tinged with aggression bordering depression. The good fight is living out this time free to express and with the energy to go out and play. Life's repetitions will shine its horrid face one night after drinking and from there the situation needs to be dealt with, otherwise precious character traits will be lost and replaced with ones that just get you by.

Drawings

Some illustrations by Brad Holland for Shel Silverstein's The Devil & Billy Markham