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.
Monday, August 27, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
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."
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."
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
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."
Friday, August 24, 2007
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
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