Opinion
Entertainment
Curiously uncensored
C
Page 3
Volume 160, Number 1
Ronald Berg consults with his public defender in an appearance
late last year, prior to the start of a preliminary hearing.
Former L.A. City Instructor
to Stand Trial for Murder
“He kept saying he wondered if he would get the death
penalty.”
LAPD Detective George Lee referring to remarks
made by former LACC finance instructor, Ronald Berg.
By Theresa Adams
Prosecutors presented evi-
dence on Monday in the Los An-
geles Criminal Courts Building
downtown, to support a murder
charge against a former Los An-
geles City College instructor ar-
rested more than seven months
ago.
A judge agreed there was suf-
ficient evidence for Ronald Berg
to stand trial for the murder of his
Ca$hing in on the $timulu$
Pell Grant increases to max of
$5,350 ($500)
Unemployment Benefits: No taxes
on first $2,400
in benefits
'Stim' Package Lessens Blow of California’s Budget Axe
Federal package helps fill gaps in California’s state budget. It also brings some potential benefits to students
who are flocking to City College in record numbers this year in the face of a weak economy.
By Veronica Reynolds and
Tim Carpenter
Students at Los Angeles City
College and other community
colleges around the state may
have a little less to worry about
now that the Federal Stimulus
Package has passed.
It helps ease the burden of
the $8.4 billion in budget cuts to
public schools and community
colleges signed by Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger last week. The
cuts would have been worse if
the stimulus package had not
passed, according to the Califor-
nia Legislature.
Arts &
Los Angeles
The Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
Photo by Jessica Russell/LA Collegian
wife, Violeta Monteleon-Berg.
The former finance instructor
will appear for a pre-trial hear-
ing on March 9.
During previous court ap-
pearances, bailiffs escorted
Ronald Berg into the courtroom
and positioned him against the
wall with hands, cuffed behind
his back. The bailiff would
hold onto him with one hand
Murder Trial on page 6
The legislature cut $787 mil-
lion to the CSU and UC systems
for the 2009-2010 school year.
At Los Angeles City College, the
weak economy seems to be driv-
ing students back into the class-
room.
"It makes sense," said Roger
Wolf, Chair of the Math, Com-
puter Science, Information
Technology, Computer Tech and
Electronics Department. "We go
through cycles, when the econo-
my is up, students are down be-
cause they can find jobs. When
the economy is down, enrollment
is up."
In any economy, most states
Assignment Draws Censorship Lawsuit
s District Co
United State
ict of Califor
C e n tr a l D is tr
Jonathan Lo
pez,
Plaintiff
vs.
daele,
Kelly G. Can
Mona Field,
ercer,
Georgia L. M
s ...
Allison Jone
By Theresa Adams and
Tim Carpenter
A Los Angeles City College
student claims a professor cen-
sored a persuasive speech that fo-
cused on religion and his beliefs
about non-traditional marriage
Higher Education Tax Credit
covers $2,500 of tuition and other
expenses
529 College Savings Plan money
withdrawals can now be used
for computers, software, Internet
services for students at home
in the U.S. spend more than half
their budgets on education, ac-
cording to a Jan. 14 report by
the Center on Budget and Policy
Priorities in Washington D.C.
This means colleges and schools
across the nation feel the effects
of an economic downturn, even
though more students may enroll.
More than 20,000 students have
enrolled at City College for the
spring semester.
"There's an increase of 30
percent enrollment and 40 per-
cent cut in offerings," said Iris
McGee, a mathematics professor
at LACC. "Classes are overflow-
ing."
Sports
Students display
masterpieces at the
Da Vinci Gallery
Page 5
urt
nia
last November and has now filed
a lawsuit against the Los Angeles
Community College District.
The 168-page suit names
seven members of the Los Ange-
les City College Board of Trust-
ees, the professor, John Matte-
son, Los Angeles City College
Many professors strug-
gled to make room for all of
the students enrolled. With
classes filling up, some quick-
ly dropped students who did
not show for the first class
meeting.
“I probably drop students
faster and they're upset that
they're dropped," McGee said.
The tempers of students have
really increased.
There are more agitated stu-
dents." McGee attributed the
change in temperament to the
lack of resources, crowded
Budget on page 7
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
President, Dr. Jamillah Moore,
Dean of Academic Affairs, Alli-
son Jones and others.
The Alliance Defense Fund,
(ADF) an advocacy group for
religious freedom filed the suit,
which alleges Lopez was dam-
aged when his professor cen-
sored his “public expression” as
he delivered a speech about God
and Proposition 8.
Lopez says the assignment
was open-ended with no restric-
tions about the subject matter.
The ADF is representing Lopez
in the case, and in a letter dated
Dec. 5, 2008 to Allison Jones,
dean of academic affairs, the
organization wrote that LACC
failed to protect Lopez’s free
speech and religious freedom
rights.
“The issue is that persons of
any faith should not be targeted
at a community college or uni-
versity for expressing their views
about a topic,” Alliance Defense
Fund attorney, David Hacker
said.
The 168-page lawsuit in-
Anthony R. Maldonado
Student Challenges
Villaraigosa for Job
City College student wrestles
with politics and shows
ambition as he runs for the
highest elected office in Los
Angeles
By La Tijera Griffith and
Frances O’Hara
Anthony R. Maldonado
wants to be the Mayor of Los
Angeles. The L.A. City College
student hopes to unseat current
mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and
the other candidates in the field
including the L.A. Deputy City
Attorney, a pastor and an enter-
tainer. One of them will win the
race and become the mayor of the
second largest city in the United
States after the election on March
3.
The Cinema Department
captured Maldonado’s interest
and drew him to L.A. City Col-
lege. He wanted to study film,
but drifted back into politics. He
says he became involved in an
Mayor on page 7
Cubs give fans
something to cheer
about in basketball
Page 10
cludes a 26-page complaint and
14 exhibits. The documents in-
clude the course syllabus, let-
ters between Dean Jones and
the ADF, the EOP&S Guide-
lines, the Board Rules for Stu-
dent Conduct, an excerpt from
the Board of Trustees Rules
on Conduct on Campus and
the class assignment that is the
subject of the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges
that as Lopez delivered his
persuasive speech he “was si-
lenced by defendant John Mat-
teson because of the content
and viewpoint of his speech.”
The complaint also alleges that
“Matteson refused to allow
Lopez to finish his assignment,
publicly accused him of being
a ‘fascist bastard,’ and refused
to give Mr. Lopez a grade for
the assignment, telling him
instead to ‘ask God’ for his
grade.”
It is also alleged that
when Lopez reported the in-
cident to Jones and Moore, he
Lawsuit on page 8
Student Candidate
Fails in Bid for
City Election
Jacob Lohr
By Hamza Utman
There will be one less candidate
than expected for the Los Ange-
les Community College District
Board of Trustees in the upcom-
ing City of Los Angeles Primary
Nominating Election on Tuesday,
March 3, 2009.
The Los Angeles City Clerk’s
Election Office dropped an
LACC student described by
professors as “somebody who
wanted to do things” from next
month’s city elections. Officials
cut Jacob Andrew Lohr from the
ballot because he failed to gather
enough valid signatures on his
petition for candidacy. Elections
Office Supervisor Maria Garcia
said that of the 590 signatures
Lohr submitted, only 357 were
valid.
“Applicants for candidacy need
to have a minimum of 500 valid
Election on page 7
 2 Editorial Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"I disapprove of what you say,
but I will defend to the death
your right to say it."
Celebrating
structure and beauty. It consists
of three levels of parking spaces
with a little wider than the prior
protected us from anyone who
wished to prevent us from ex- a Simple
one, plus I got a sneak peek at the
beautiful track and field that tops
it off.
Letter to the Editor
pressing ourselves. Some would
say that the rights of free speech,
Solution This structure is a perfect,

V
oltaire, the French religion, assembly, petition and up-to-date, modern-day building.

Enlightenment writ-
er and philosopher,
was epitomized by this phrase
nearly three 300 years ago and
it would be wise to remember
these words when entering the
halls of Los Angeles City Col-
lege.
“Congress shall make no
law respecting an establish-
ment of religion, or prohibit-
ing the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the
I
press are what make an American It is based on bricks, which are an have been reading the are we just trying to keep
distinct. expensive building material these Collegian for some up with this professor. I do
Although many could plead days. The inside is full of park- time now. At first, I believe in people having a
the "First" as protection from ing spaces and in the middle of never really thought much private life. What happens
persecution for any declaration, the structure you can see the re- on it. But after a time, I re- if this professor gets acquit-
only a minority truly know what ally big and tall foundations. The ally began asking myself ted of all of this and he tries
the First Amendment justifies lights in and around the building why is this or that not here. to get back to work? In real-
and even fewer know what it is provide tremendous lighting af- I realize people enjoy a ity, they can never hire him
“to petition the government for a ter sunset for the building and the ton of drama: who is kill- back. If they would, how
redress of grievances.” community. The lights are a great ing who, what's the latest many students will actually
Los Angeles City College help for the community for per- fad and so on. But what take his class?
continues to prove itself a hotspot sonal and security reasons. about the real news? ... My His reputation has prob-
for such controversy. From police Before the new parking lot point is, "Do we all just ably been destroyed. Yes,
officers preventing student jour- By Andranik Abrahamian was built, the neighborhood used want to live on drama?" I something bad has hap-

right of the people peaceably
to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of
grievances.”
One hundred years after
Voltaire, James Madison intro-
duced the 10 amendments to
the Constitution in 1791 to pro-
tect the basic principles of hu-
man liberty. This Bill of Rights
still plays a tremendous role in
American law and government
as well as a symbol of Ameri-
can culture.
It is simple for one to claim
that he or she has the right of
free speech. Most were taught
that the First Amendment
E
nalists from reporting the news, to be chaotic during the first two hope there can be more sto- pened. But what happens
lunch truck owners preventing ver since I can re- weeks of school. There were ries on related issues to the when he gets found not
students from copying the menu, member, I’ve been a people driving cars up and down school. I did enjoy the one guilty. I'm not his judge, I
and the lawsuit involving a stu- resident living next to the street looking for parking in with the student who is the don't know his circumstanc-
dent's 'informative speech' on Los Angeles Community Col- the area and this created a lot of gamer. How many students es, but I do know he was
Proposition 8, the City College lege. Throughout my 20 years noise. People would honk horns, have a business while go- in the college. If he comes
community has proven itself un- of living in the community, I blast loud music and some drove ing to school? back will he be received?
informed about such matters. have seen some major chang- irresponsibly, which caused ac- Why was there a story Let's get some real stories or
It seems, now more than es within the community col- cidents. This brought danger and on a teacher up on a mur- is it just a paper of drama?
ever, that students and faculty lege. But by far, the greatest discomfort to the neighborhood der charge? Did they bring
alike deserve a practical lesson in change on record for me has and its residents. But with this that behavior to school or Al Torres
the First Amendment, away from to be the student parking lot new and amazing building, I can
a Government 101 class. The with the new track and field. confidently say that I see a ma-
First Amendment is so important Before, it was just a big, jor improvement. It also made
to the core of what it is to be an empty lot with parking spac- this neighborhood a much more
American, at the very least one es. But the upgrade is just beautiful place. I would not be
should understand what it truly astonishing. This building surprised if home prices skyrock-
means. just blows me away with its eted.

Students Feel Restless in the Restroom

rity that exceeds past experiences places on the planet. Not being lowed by the profanity linked to time you wanted to use the rest- drawing or trashing the place.
from high school. able to wash your hands properly them. room. I’m sure you took a sec- This would include urinating out-
As a new student attending because the restroom ond and asked side the toilet, using seven towels
Los Angeles City College last is not properly main- yourself, ‘can I when two are really all you need,
semester, it felt like some of my tained, should not be hold it until I get and one pump of hand soap in-
peers were 12 years old and we a reason why I have home?’ Why? stead of the usual six.
were back in junior high school. to “hold it” until I Why should Maintaining good hygiene is
Take one look inside the public get home during rush anyone have important to every student on
restrooms on campus, and even hour traffic. that question campus. As adults we should all
an “emergency” visit can wait Also, the major- running through be on the same page about this
until you get home. ity of the male stu- their mind? If simple issue. Next time you use
The locks on the restroom dents who attend you are one of the restroom, just ask yourself
doors do not work, the soap dis- this college confuse the people who one question, “Will the next per-
By Hagop Daglian penser is always empty and the the restroom with an visit the rest- son feel comfortable after I fin-
room for rec-

A
ny first-time student go-
ing into college expects
a certain level of matu-
paper towels are always out. This art class, because I have yet to We are all adults. We all use ish using this stall?” I’m sure if
causes discomfort and frustration walk into a stall free of drawings the restrooms and nobody should reational purposes, I ask you to you’re an adult, the answer will
for every student. The restroom is on the doors, the gang affiliated have to think twice when Mother please consider the feelings of always be yes.
presumed to be one of the dirtiest acronyms all over the walls, fol- Nature calls. Think about the last others and refrain from tagging,

Retro Arcade Delivers on Experience tests loom on the horizon, and a The simple premises behind
Media Arts Department, Chemistry 208
Los Angeles City College student finds that their brain is these games beget deeper feel-
855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 completely fried, they can just ings inside. It’s a reminder that
cross the street to Arcade World, although things may seem impos-
Co Editor-in-Chiefs: Theresa Adams and Frank Elaridi a retro gaming arcade, to lose sible, you can triumph. The feel-
that stress in a haze of lights, mu- ing of accomplishment is a rush
News Editors: sic, and action packed adventure. that keeps your hand glued to that
Opinion Editor: Tercius Bufete At first, you might find your- joystick.
Sports Editor: Mars Melnicoff self wandering around, shaking But when you reach in your
Co Photo Editors: Salvador Chavez and Jorge Ponce the change in your hand, and pocket, and find only lint, you
Arts & Entertainment Editor: Monica Olofsson looking for the machine that realize your adventure has faded
Design: Esther Hirzel, Ashley Gonzalez speaks to you. It may bring out into a mocking screen, ticking
Distribution Manager: Collegian your ego, as you look at it and from 10 to 0. It’s already too late.
Advertising: Theresa Adams, Tim Carpenter, Frank Elaridi
tell yourself, “I can beat that.” You know it’s over. Letting go
Graphics: Esther Hirzel, Ashley Gonzalez
By Sadie De Stefano Or it may simply spark your cu- of that joystick may be hard and
Reporters

C
riosity. But something about it leaving your machine knowing
Theresa Adams, Virginia Bulacio, Tim Carpenter, Frank Elaridi,
ollege can be stressful, draws you in and as you slip your that someone may beat your high
LaTijera Griffith, Jamie Hong, Matthew Lopes, Mars Melnicoff,
but students at Los Ange- quarter in, you become invested score may be heart breaking, but
Frances O'Hara, Veronica Reynolds, Danielle Rivera, Jessica
les City College should in this machine, financially and just like in video games, you’ll
Rivera, Victoria Safarian, Hamza Utman
consider themselves lucky. When emotionally. always have another life.
Photographers
Jordan Angulo, Salvador Chavez, Jesse Gantt, Jorge Ponce
Cartoonists
Next Issue:
Lilit Atshemyan, Tercius Bufete, Esther Hirzel, Derek Villanueva March 11
Faculty Adviser: Rhonda Guess
Email: lacollegian@yahoo.com
Editorial deadline:
March 4
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expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Advertising deadline:
Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by March 4
virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted
as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or
employee thereof. Send materials to Collegian
© 2003 Collegian. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the
Collegian. office: Chemistry 208
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Opinion 3

Question: Alex Miller
How is this Black Major: Physics Major: Criminal Justice
History Month
“I think this Black History
different from the
Month will probably have
ones in the past? a lot of focus on Barack
Obama, but honestly I am
Compiled by not sure. He is a black
Salvador Chavez
president. There will be a
bigger celebration.”
Bairon Masiles
“Since there is a new
president, I guess. There is
going to be a bigger event
than the last one.”
Carmela Gonzales
Major: Cognitive Science
“He is more representative
of our population in
America. Coming from
Professor Ealy’s African-
American studies class you
[understand] Black History
Month is the representation
of the struggle for equality.”
Erik Rodas
Major: Cinema
“I don’t think it should make
a difference that Obama
is president. I don’t think
it should affect the views
people have about Black
History Month.”
Yrneh Gabon Brown
Major: Fine Arts
“This Black History
Month has more meaning
for people of color. The
wind has shifted now that
there is a black man as
Commander in Chief."

Meanwhile, on a helicopter...

"I hope this stimulus

package helps!"

You think this parking situation is bad?

You should have seen it 80 years ago.
By Lilit Atshemyan By Tercius Bufete
4 Feature Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Illustration by Tercius Bufete, Frank Elaridi, Derek Villanueva/LA Collegian

Students Create a New Revolution

At least one LACC professor credits a “young people’s revolution” with sweeping the first African American president
of the United States into office and changing collective history in America forever.
By Virginia Bulacio and country is basically survived.” fessor, Dr. Carlos Guerrero, out-
Matthew Lopes LACC Assistant Profes- lined the period when new ideas

Y
sor of Political Science Joseph began to take hold in America.
oung people Meyer says Black History Month “I think in terms of main-
created a revo- is about celebrating diversity. He stream U.S. History, the minor-
lution when hopes that one day there will be ity perspective has been largely
students on campuses like Los no need for celebrating, the first neglected up until the 1960s and
Angeles City College helped black president or the first Asian ‘70s and it’s getting better, but
make history by electing Barack or woman to become a pioneer. there is a lot more work to do,”
Obama the 44th president of the “Traditionally, especially Guerrero said. “Unfortunately, it
United States. with people my age and older, [Black History Month] only hap-
LACC Assistant Professor of history was dominated by sto- pens once a year but we should
Photos by Jesse Gantt/LA Collegian African-American-U.S. History, ries of the white heroes, George be having this discussion all the
Bla Dr. Wendel Wa s h i n g - time.”
c
sign k Stud Eckford says ton,” Mey- LACC Clubs planned a vari-
dur e
ing nt Un young people er said. ety of activities to observe Black
a ba io
ke s n flas are the ones “And it’s History Month.
ale h
at th es "po who made his- as if the For the president of the
eQ w
uad er" tory along with minorities Black Student Union, Shaw-
. the new presi- and to a nee Sanders, February signifies
dent. certain ex- a consciousness raising that is
“I have tent wom- an integral part of her daily life.
seen that en didn’t Sanders says her mantra for the
younger people have more of an exist historically.” year has become “no excuses,”
interest in the history of other Meyer believes that there are since Barack Obama’s election to
people,” Eckford said. “It wasn’t many things in this country to be the White House.
my generation that elected Barack fixed, but he says we should not “It’s not so much because he
Obama President; it was young blame the president for all of the is a black man,” Sanders said of
people who did that—this was a problems in the United States. Barack Obama. “But he was a
young people’s revolution.” “The guy has so many things black man that was able to pen-
Eckford outlined the origins to fix, don’t make him fix rac- etrate and overcome all kinds of
and the reasons for Black History ism,” Meyer said. “The problems social boundaries that put him
Month for the Collegian. Eck- that are legitimate and real and where he is today.”
ford says this celebration began felt everyday, those aren’t fixed Some on campus believe
when a Black historian believed by presidents. Those are fixed there is only one species and
that the history of African-Amer- by mommies and daddies and that race is an illusion. Danyelle
ican culture and other minorities little kids growing up and being King, of the Theatre Academy
was not being taught at school. better than their mommies and told the Collegian that people of
“In my opinion, Black His- daddies. And nobody’s has been all colors should focus on the real
tory month is a celebration of able to do that yet. Mostly, hu- issues today.
survival,” Eckford said. “The one mans continue the prejudices and “We need to focus on where
thing that Africans Americans the hatreds of our parents and our we are progressing as one, be-
have done that is probably more ancestors.” cause it all comes out that we are
unique to any other group in this LACC Chicano Studies Pro- one human race,” King said.

Illustration by Frank Elaridi/LA Collegian

Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
By Monica Olofsson
L
ights! Camera! Action!
There are many who
come to Los Angeles to
pursue their dreams of starring
on the silver screen. People see
the glitter and glamour on the red
carpet, applaud a brilliant perfor-
mance on stage and watch in awe
as the underdog wins a coveted
prize in acting, but seldom reflect
on the hard work it takes to get
there. Most actors are not born,
they are taught.
Enter LACC.
The Theatre Academy was
founded in 1929 when Dr. Wil-
liam H. Snyder approached a
casting director named Harold
Turney at one of the major stu-
dios about starting a film and the-
atre academy on the University
of California’s old campus. The
first production was a play called
“The Queen’s Husband.”
The program blossomed and
became a full-blown program in
the early 60s. In fact, prospec-
tive students looked either at Los
Angeles City College or Pasade-
na Playhouse for their education.
The academy became known as
a solid starting ground for those
who were serious about perfect-
ing their art and who wanted
Da Vinci Hall Displays Strokes of Genius
By Tim Carpenter
I
t is Thursday afternoon and
students are showing their
masterpieces to be examined
and critiqued as Professor Nor-
man Schwab instructs his acryl-
ics class located in Da Vinci Hall,
Room 119.
Schwab began teaching art in
1968. He came to Los Angeles
City College (LACC) in 1994
from Mount Saint Mary’s Col-
lege and noticed there was one
major difference between the two
facilities.
“I like the energy of this cam-
Arts & Entertainment 5
in HOLLYWOOD
PRESENTS…
Narrow Road to the Deep North
Directed by Louie Piday - March 20-28
Red
Directed by Leslie Ferrera - April 17-25
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
Directed by Al Rossi - May 14-24.
“hands-on” vocational training. work in film/television but dropped by the second year
“They [students] live it and will have a strong foun- “because they are not grow-
breathe it,” said Fred Fate, De- dation in theatre ac- ing. You’re expected to ex-
partment Chair, who has been cording to Fate. cel,” said Fate. Students
on campus over 25 years. Students applying to perform in productions on
Today the academy offers the program can expect campus. The faculty di-
either a two or three-year pro- to work hard and rects seven performances
gram for actors, costumers and should have a and the students direct sev-
technicians. Not every- lot of deter- eral pieces themselves.
one ends up in their mination. LACC Theatre Acad-
exact field of study; There are emy has been invited to
some may become students Kennedy Center Ameri-
casting agents, that get can College Theater Festi-
producers or di- val for eight years, which
rectors. Former Fate points out “shows the
alumni include caliber of training” the stu-
James Coburn, dents get.
Donna Reed, “I live through the suc-
Mark Hamill, cess of the students,” Fate
and Morgan said. “There’s a certain
Freeman. pride in being associated
Fate esti- with LACC. It means qual-
mates that 75% ity.”
of the students The first play of the
will go into the spring semester is “Narrow
industry after Road to the Deep North”,
their training directed by Louie Piday
is completed and performed March 20-
here. Approxi- 28. “Red”, directed by
mately 25% Leslie Ferrera runs April
will go on to 17-25. “The Last Days of
other colleges Judas Iscariot”, directed by
and universi- Al Rossi is performed May
ties and around 14-24.
90% of stu-
dents will seek
pus,” Schwab said. “Also I like onto a brown paper shopping bag cre-
the diversity of students here. ating an interesting piece of artwork
They are hungry and willing to that he calls “Seascape”.
learn.” The art professor also “I came up with the idea by acci-
said that teaching at LACC was dent,” Shin said. “I used my imagina-
a welcome change of scenery in tion to create this drawing.”
those days. Students in art 304, 305 and 306
Jacori Perry is a sophomore ma- classes say they enjoy their time with
joring in art, and one of the stu- Schwab in Da Vinci Hall. Jennifer An-
dents who is happy that he chose derson who was smiling throughout
Schwab’s class. the class recommends that everyone
“Since I was a kid, I enjoyed should enroll in the program.
drawing, so I thought why let this “Professor Schwab is awesome,
skill go to waste,” Perry said. he is a great instructor, he gives great
David Torres is a second year feedback and cares about his stu-
art major who is also enrolled in dents,” Anderson said.
Schwab’s acrylics class. He was
giving a painting some final touches when
he spoke to the Collegian last week.
“I did this painting on Wednesday night
(Feb. 17) at a music benefit and I am finish-
ing it up before donating it to the National
Association of Interpretation (NAI),” Tor-
res said.
NAI is a company that is dedicated to
advancing the profession of natural and cul-
tural heritages.
Seung Tae Shin, also a sophomore stu-
Photos by Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian dent, painted several layers of watercolor
6 News
Tully’s Has Landed
Newly opened student lounge offers a place for students to take a break, study, grab a cup of coffee, catch
a bite, and browse the web.
By Victoria Safarian
O
ne of the latest additions
to the college campus
is the Student Lounge,
Tully’s Coffee.
Located next to LACC’s
Bookstore, the shop is decorated
in earth tones with spacious seat-
ing that provides a relaxing envi-
ronment for students.
The student lounge is also an
Measure J Revamps Campus
By Matthew Lopes
D
N A T I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y ®
istrict voters contend
that extending an exist-
ing property tax and any
Continue
inconvenience from construction
is worth the benefits that a more
your education
efficient and better-equipped Los
Angeles City College could be to
students, the workforce and com-
munity.
without putting your life
Measure J allocated an addi-
tional $3.5 billion for the Los
Angeles Community College
District to continue renovation
on its nine campuses. The initial
on hold
bonds, Props A in 2001 and AA in
2003, combined for $2.5 billion,
from which LACC has already
National University’s unique one-course-per-month format, added the Lot 5 parking structure,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
including onsite and online courses, lets you finish your
(MLK) and Child Development
degree at an accelerated pace—while keeping up with work,
family, and friends. And, to make transferring even easier,
qualifying California community college students are and place his free hand on his
guaranteed admission! We have 27 campuses in California, holster. But this week, a bailiff
directed Berg to a chair in front
and offer financial aid and scholarships. Classes start each of the bench. He was then hand-
month and you can register at any time. So why wait? cuffed to the chair.
Two witnesses for the pros-
ecution took the stand in the case
against Berg, who worked at L.A.
TRANSFER TO City College as recently as last
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY semester. Police say the 72-year-
old murdered his wife last Sep-
TODAY! tember. The first patrol officer to
arrive on the scene and the lead
detective who investigated the
crime, both testified in court on
1.800.NAT.UNIV Monday.
“We arrived at the address
w w w. n u .e d u / t r a n s f e r on Commonwealth in response
to a radio call for an ambulance,”
said Richard Platzer, a 13-year
veteran of the Los Angeles Po-
lice Department currently as-
signed to the Rampart Division.
“We observed a glass door but it
was locked. We knocked and the
door was opened by a neighbor.”
© National University 2008
™
Platzer told the court that as he
The University of Values
and his partner entered the build-
ing, they saw the door to unit 104
swing open and Berg walked out.
“I observed a large amount
Los Angeles Campus: 5245 Pacific Concourse Drive, Suite 100 310.662.2100 of blood on his arms and shirt,”
Platzer said. “We ordered him to
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
excellent place for meeting new
faces. Los Angeles City College
is packed with many creative
and diverse people of all ages
and from all areas of study. The
lounge provides an opportunity
to meet a host of people from our
community.
“It’s good! We needed a
student lounge,” said Natahya
Chapovska, an accounting ma-
jor. “It’s quiet and warm inside. I
Center (CDC).
The Athletic Field above Lot
5 is scheduled to open this May
and will provide students with
softball and soccer fields and a
six-lane track. The Science and
Technology Center located be-
tween MLK and CDC will be fin-
ished in the summer and open for
the fall 2009 semester. Franklin
Hall is the first of the lecture halls
to be modernized. It is currently
gutted and will be completed in
December and ready for classes
in spring 2010.
“One of the biggest factors on
this campus is the lack of space,
and since classes still need to
accommodate 16,000 students,
construction has to rotate in mul-
tiple phases,” said Chris Dunne,
Program Director for the Campus
Murder from page 1
turn and drop to his knees. My
partner placed him in handcuffs.”
Platzer testified that as they
entered the unit, they were look-
ing for victims. When they ar-
rived on the second floor they
discovered the body of Berg’s
wife in the bedroom. They asked
the fire department to provide
aid, only to be told the victim was
dead. The assistant district attor-
ney submitted photographs of the
crime scene and weapons police
believe Berg used in the crime.
In the criminal courts divi-
sion, many cases are set on what
is called day 10 of 10. The par-
ties are allowed several oppor-
tunities to prepare their cases.
Berg’s case reached day seven of
10 at the hearing on Feb. 17 and
Judge Alex Ricciardulli informed
the public defender at that hear-
ing that there would be no more
continuances.
LAPD Detective George Lee
told the court how his team inves-
tigated the case and analyzed the
evidence. He also testified that
Berg waived his right to counsel.
“He confessed to killing his
wife,” said Lee, a 14-year veteran
of the LAPD who also attended
Photos by Salvador Chavez/LA Collegian
would come here to study again.”
You can enjoy a variety of
beverages and foods while surf-
ing the net using the café’s WI-FI
connection.
“It’s nice for a student to fi-
nally be able to purchase gourmet
coffee on campus," David Chin
said. “It’s nice to have options.”
Student Lounge on page 8
Project Manager, Harris and As-
sociates.
Jefferson Hall is the next lec-
ture hall in the rotation slated
for renovations, also to start
next spring. Dr. Jamillah Moore,
LACC President, is excited about
the improvements and confident
in those responsible for the work.
“Harris and Associates do a
good job of keeping us informed
and on schedule,” Moore said.
Another multiphase project is
the infrastructure overhaul. Wa-
ter, gas, data, power and sewer
lines are being replaced and re-
directed from the Central Plant
to the other buildings, causing
students and faculty to take al-
COnstruction on page 8
Los Angeles City College.
Berg seemed calm during
the detective’s testimony. His ex-
pression did not change when the
detective told the court the victim
pleaded for her life. As the detec-
tive spoke, tears streamed down
the faces of the victim’s two sis-
ters.
“He kept saying he wondered
if he would get the death penal-
ty,” said Lee referring to his in-
terrogation of the defendant.
The public defender who rep-
resents Berg asked the detective
about his client’s state of mind
during cross-examination. Lee
answered that at one point, Berg
indicated he suffered a “mental
breakdown.”
Lee also testified that he did
not sense any emotion from the
defendant, but he advised coun-
sel that he is not a psychiatrist.
In a last ditch effort to pro-
vide some assistance to his cli-
ent, Fleming asked the court to
consider Berg’s lack of a crimi-
nal record and agree to reduce
the $1,040, 000 bail. The request
was denied.
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 News 7
Mayor from page 1

anti-war initiative with the Unit-
ed Nations in New York in 2004.
He feels that New York Mayor,
Michael Bloomberg, is a great
example of a city leader. Maldo-
nado has entered the L.A. race
for mayor as a write-in candidate.
“I think our government
needs more transparency,” Mal-
donado said. “… We have issues
with our current mayor because
he is not transparent enough to
[take a] stand on issues that face
the City’s budget.”
Maldonado speaks with pas-
sion about a number of issues
including education for students
and returning war veterans. One
of his goals is to provide cars
to veterans and their immediate
families.
“I think it’s a big step, it will
show he gained very useful skills
at LACC to be considered a can-
didate,” said child development
major, Jessica Ramirez.
As mayor, Maldonado says
he would turn community colleg-
es into four-year institutions that
would work like tech schools and
offer certificate or degree pro-
grams. He believes a lot more
money would flow to community
colleges if they were to become
four-year institutions
“I’m not asking for contribu-
tions or seed money. I’m working
based on what I’ve seen and ob-
served as a citizen of the City of
Los Angeles,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado feels that his past
experience helps make him a bet-
ter candidate. He was involved
locally in the Green Peace Move-
ment and he continued on his po-
litical path by protesting against
the Republican Party because he
felt they were ignoring the people
of the United States.
“He has a dream,” said Gra-
dinarska Ira, who is majoring
in laboratory technology. “He
should follow it and shoot for ev-
erything.”
Maldonado helped raise
money for the Iraq veterans who
were going overseas without ar-
mor and toothbrushes and he
helped raise money for transpor-
tation and historical projects in
New York.
“You cannot sit in that tower
[office] by yourself,” Maldonado
said. “It’s not meant to be that
way. If you’re working for peo-
ple, then your service is to the
community.”
For more information about
Anthony R. Maldonado, visit
www.Maldonado4lamayor09@
yahoo.com
By La Tijera Griffith and
Frances O’Hara
Anthony R. Maldonado
wants to be the Mayor of Los
Angeles. The L.A. City College
student hopes to unseat current
mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and
the other candidates in the field
including the L.A. Deputy City
Attorney, a pastor and an enter-
tainer. One of them will win the
race and become the mayor of the
second largest city in the United
States after the election on March
3.
The Cinema Department
captured Maldonado’s interest
and drew him to L.A. City Col-
lege. He wanted to study film,
but drifted back into politics. He
says he became involved in an
Budget from page 1
classrooms and fewer classes
being offered.
"I'm in the theatre depart-
ment and one of the labs was
canceled," said Cherish Bas-
nett, a Costume Major at Los
Angeles City College. "There's
hardly any budget for any-
thing. We can't print out scripts
because there's no printing
budget. We have to share two
scripts for up to 20 costume
students."
The budget has also affect-
ed faculty and staff and admin-
istrators’ positions have been
cut as well.
"Part-timers are being cut,"
Election from page 1
signatures on their petitions,”
Garcia told the Collegian.
Lohr applied as a candidate
for Seat 7 on the Board of
Trustees headed by President
Kelly G. Candaele. The cur-
rent candidates for Seat 7 in-
clude incumbent Miguel San-
tiago and school administrator
Kurt S. Lowry. Members of the
Board serve for a term of four
years.
Lohr could not be reached
for comment on the upcoming
elections. He did speak to the
Collegian during his 2008 race
for ASO President.
“I would like to work with
our environmental club and do
anything to help them,” Lohr
said in his interview with the
Collegian. “Also I would like
to work with more groups on
campus, to be involved in cam-
pus, make new friends and help
out where I can. The important
thing is that I have the business
experience and background.”
Lohr filed his declaration
of intention for candidacy on
Nov. 7, 2008. The Elections
Office found 233 of Lohr’s 590
signatures to be invalid. Of the
233 invalid signatures, 10 were
duplicates, 10 were illegible
or had “signature problems,”
three had registration prob-
lems, 69 were not registered
voters, 78 had invalid or non-
existent addresses, and 63 were
registered voters living outside
the Los Angeles Community
College District.
Few students or faculty
seemed aware of Lohr’s bid for
the board.
anti-war initiative with the Unit-
ed Nations in New York in 2004.
He feels that New York Mayor,
Michael Bloomberg, is a great
example of a city leader. Maldo-
nado has entered the L.A. race
for mayor as a write-in candidate.
“I think our government
needs more transparency,” Mal-
donado said. “… We have issues
Mayor on page 8
said Jeanne Dunphy, the LACC
Speech Department Chair. "I
managed to not have to cut any
part-timers, but some didn't get
the number of classes that they
usually get. I had one instructor
coming to me saying: "you don't
know what’s going on in my life."
Dunphy answered the in-
structor: "I do know, but I can't
help."
In other attempts to save the
state money, the governor has or-
dered that many state employees
take two days off per month to
help cope with California’s bud-
get deficit.
“We had pleasant interactions,”
said Professor Jayesh Bhakta,
Chair of the Physics and Engi-
neering Department. “We talked
about physics and science. He
was interested in the works of
JPL [Jet Propulsion Laboratory]
and had some ideas about educa-
tion and promoting engineering.”
Bhakta says unaware of Lohr’s
candidacy and that he never came
to him for a signature. According
to Bhakta, Lohr also once en-
couraged the founding of a rock-
etry club on campus.
Applicants for candidacy must
pay a filing fee of $300 and sub-
mit at least 500 but not more than
1,000 valid signatures on the
nominating petition. Applicants
who are removed from the run-
ning for filing insufficient peti-
tions may still apply as write-in
candidates.
Write-in candidates must also
pay a filing fee of $300 or file a
petition of at least 500 but not
more than 1,000 valid signatures.
The deadline for filing as a write-
in candidate was Tuesday, Feb.
17, 2009. According to the City
Clerk’s Election Office, Lohr did
not file as a write-in candidate.
Lohr intended to run for a four-
year seat, although the board does
reserve a position exclusively for
a student member who is elected
annually and holds the seat from
June 1 to May 31. Student Rose
Bustos, of East Los Angeles Col-
lege, currently holds that seat.
Bustos has served in past as Stu-
dent Body President of East Los
Angeles College.

Collegian Times Presents Police

Mr. & Ms. Photogenic Contest
Are you photogenic? Are you model material? Wire
The Collegian Times is conducting a campus-wide Compiled by Jessica Rivera
search for Mr. & Ms. Photogenic 2009 1/07/09, 12:10 p.m. :
Requirement: Must submit at least three of your Staff member in the Men’s Gym
best pictures in jpeg form in the same email, and sent to: reported a threatening phone call.
collegianmodel@gmail.com. The Campus Model Search Location: A.D. office.
Committee will select 10 finalist, five guys and five girls that 01/12/09, 10:30 a.m. :
will be interviewed by staff to select the final two winners. The A former student created a distur-
winner will be given an interview and photo exposure in the bance and left prior to the arrival
Collegian Times. of officers.
Good Luck!
Location: Bookstore.
Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. You 01/13/09, 10:00 a.m. :
must be enrolled at LACC with at least 6 units to be considered. Student created a disturbance after
Please include contact information in your email so that faculty receiving a parking citation.
and/or staff may be able to contact you, if needed. The Location: 840 Heliotrope Dr.
Campus Model Search Committee encourages diversity; all 01/15/09, 2:22 p.m. :
students of different backgrounds are welcomed. Winners of
A former student created a distur-
this year’s Mr. & Ms. Photogenic Search 2009 will be given a
fashion-like photo shoot on campus.
bance in the line and was immedi-
ately escorted off the campus.
Deadline to submit photos: Feb. 28, 2009. Location: Business office.
 8 News Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Lawsuit from page 1 Construction from page 6

Moore: LACC supports free speech
was accused of engaging in “hate
speech.”
Dr. Jamillah Moore said she
was not allowed to comment on
the case because the matter is in
litigation. However on Feb. 19,
Moore commented on the lawsuit
to an online publication called
“The Raw Story.”
“We’ve had a mix of reac-
tions," Moore said to Rachel Os-
wald, a reporter for “The Raw
Story,” on the reaction of faculty
and students to the lawsuit. "I
think folks, like in any type of
situation, people pick sides. But
we want to make sure what in-
dividuals understand is that Los
Angeles City College is support-
ive of free speech and supportive
of our students."
“The Raw Story” reported
that Moore said the college has
hosted public conversations be-
fore for students that dealt with
controversial issues such as af-
firmative action and illegal im-
migration, but that none of those
discussions ever resulted in a
lawsuit.
“We are very hopeful that
once the process is completed …
that the outcome will be support-
ive and positive for the campus,"
Moore also said in the article.
In a statement dated Feb.
17, the Los Angeles Community
College District prepared a re-
sponse to the lawsuit by saying
the district supports academic
freedom.
The statement addressed the
incident and the allegations and
also reiterated the policy of the
LACCD to provide an educa-
tional, employment and business
environment, free from “Pro-
hibited Discrimination.” The
statement also makes mention
of the Board of Trustees policy
on “ACADEMIC FREEDOM”
which reads in part “the Board
of Trustees reaffirms its commit-
ment to academic freedom, but
recognizes that academic free-
dom does not allow “Prohibited
Discrimination.”
Susan Lestwich a professor
of law from USC says Matteson’s
behavior was inappropriate.
“If a professor disagrees with
what a student may be saying,
[this] is one matter, however the
professor was out of line when
he threatened him [Lopez] with
expulsion from the school,” Lest-
wich said.
Although Lestwich does not
condone how the professor han-
dled the situation, she says that
the professor still may not have
violated Lopez’s First Amend-
ment rights.
“If the professor gave spe-
cific instructions about what the
assignment was supposed to be
about and gave specific instruc-
tions on what could have been
talked about and not talked
about, then there is the possibil-
ity that the professor may have
not violated his First Amendment
rights,” she said.
Sh’Tawney Germain is a
chemistry major who was not fa-
miliar with the details of the case
but says if it had happened to her,
she would have been upset.
“I would be disrespected
and humiliated in front of the
whole class,” Germain said. “If
this happened to me, I would
have no choice, but to take legal
action.”
The case has garnered na-
tional attention with Bill O’Reilly
from Fox News weighing in,
along with coverage by the Los
Angeles Times and a plethora
of Internet outlets. The issue of
“viewpoint neutrality” is the pri-
mary focus of the discussions.
“I heard about the case on
Mayor from page 7
with our current mayor because
he is not transparent enough
to [take a] stand on issues that
face the City’s budget.”
Maldonado speaks with
passion about a number of is-
sues including education for
students and returning war
veterans. One of his goals is
to provide cars to veterans and
their immediate families.
“I think it’s a big step, it
will show he gained very use-
ful skills at LACC to be con-
sidered a candidate,” said child
development major, Jessica
Ramirez.
As mayor, Maldonado says
he would turn community col-
leges into four-year institu-
tions that would work like tech
schools and offer certificate or
degree programs.
“I’m not asking for con-
tributions or seed money. I’m
working based on what I’ve
seen and observed as a citizen
of the City of Los Angeles,”
Maldonado said.
“He has a dream,” said
KKLA Radio,” said Kathryn
Han whose major is unde-
clared. “I am not familiar with
what was actually said in the
classroom, but I would like to
hear all the facts first, before I
have an opinion about it.”
Lopez seeks monetary
damages, including punitive
damages in the amount of
$5,000.
“It is not about the money,”
Hacker said. “We want assur-
ances from the court that free
speech rights are protected for
all students in the LACCD.”
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Gradinarska Ira, who is major-
ing in laboratory technology.
“He should follow it and shoot
for everything.”
Maldonado helped raise
money for the Iraq veterans
who were going overseas with-
out armor and toothbrushes
and he helped raise money for
transportation and historical
projects in New York.
“You cannot sit in that tow-
er [office] by yourself,” Maldo-
nado said. “It’s not meant to be
that way. If you’re working for
people, then your service is to
the community.”
For more information
about Anthony R. Maldonado,
visit www.Maldonado4lamay-
or09@yahoo.com
Construction plods on opposite the Communications Building.
ternate routes around campus.
Walkways will continue to be
detoured as contractors seques-
ter the areas around which they
have to work. Dunne reminds
students to be aware of their
surroundings, abide posted
signs and keep out of construc-
tion areas.
Students have mixed opinions
about the work being done, yet
most seem to be tolerant.
“I will probably be gone be-
fore it’s done, but it’s under-
standable; this place needs it,”
said English major, Jess Cole.
The Child Development Cen-
ter started in 1975 to provide
pre-school and daycare servic-
es so students with children can
continue their education. The
new 26,000 sq. ft. CDC build-
ing that opened last month in-
creases the daycare capacity by
Student Lounge from page 6
Mynor Alvarado who is the
manager of Tully’s Coffee says
he is getting good feed-back from
students; however there are some
changes that need to be made.
“The students like the new
lounge, but have requested re-
cycling options,” Alvarado said.
“Since Tully’s efforts are to go
‘green’, we need to see if we can
get some recycle containers for
50 percent to 99 children, and
contains classrooms for stu-
dents pursuing careers in child
development.
New construction will also
include the Health, P.E. and
Fitness Buildings, which com-
mence this summer in the area
that is currently the parking lot
in front of the Life Sciences
building. It will include a new
gymnasium, swimming pool,
fitness center, health classrooms
and a martial arts studio. The
new Student Services building,
scheduled to be completed by
the fall 2010 semester, will be
located on the site of the old
MLK Learning Resource Cen-
ter, and will house the book-
store, ASO, Food Court and
Student Lounge.
the lounge.
Tully’s is open 7 a.m. to 8
p.m., Monday through Thursday
and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
Alvarado said the busiest hours
are lunch time, from 10:30 a.m.
to 12 p.m. For more informa-
tion about Tully’s offerings go to
www.tullys.com.
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lancers Joust Lady Cubs
By Mars Melnicoff
T Women's Track
he Los Angeles City
College (LACC) Lady
Cubs failed to over-
come an early lead and lost
to the Pasadena City College
(PCC) Lancers at the City Col-
lege Women’s Gymnasium 67
to 51.
The game started 20 min-
utes late due to a scoreboard
malfunction that continued
throughout the game, frustrat-
ing players and fans.
Pasadena opened up with a
14 to 5 lead in the beginning
of the half. The Cubs closed
the gap to 33-28 late in the
first half, however PCC scored
the last three baskets to widen
their lead.
The Lady Cubs did not fare
much better in the second half,
as PCC dominated by obtain- Lady Cubs guard, Ebony White (#23), surprised the Pasadena players by executing a difficult shot.
ing a 20 point lead. The Cubs
New Home Gives Fresh Start to Cubs
By Lisette Alvarez & Dani-
elle Rivera
C
ity College’s base-
ball team had a rocky
preseason, but coach
George Hinshaw believes his
team has improved and will
contend against the tough
teams the Cubs will play in
the South Coast Conference
(SCC) now that the team has
a new place to call home.
The SCC is one of the toughest
conferences in California, having
only sent four teams to the play-
offs in last year, and the Cubs
where not one of them. But with
the new practice field located in
Griffith Park, along with the re-
cruitment of more skilled ball
players, and a solid core of expe-
rienced sophomores might make
the Cubs a contender this season.
“Over the preseason we have
Sports
Photo by Jordan Angulo/LA Collegian
been improving and, hopefully,
we’ll keep improving over the
course of the season. I believe we
can play at 500 this year,” Hin-
shaw said.
The Cubs struggled a bit last
season, perhaps because they
were technically homeless, and
couldn’t benefit on any home
field advantage. This year, their
game rotation should carry them
through out the season consisting
of seven strong pitchers. Specifi-
cally, Brand Kolpak. “ He has
the potential to have an outstand-
ing season,” Hinshaw said.
Coach Hinshaw is also ecstatic
about his core of sophomores
that will hopefully lead his team
to the playoffs. Kenny Miken,
left fielder and outstanding hit-
ter, Chris Espinoza, center field-
er and clean-up man, and Eric
Smalling who have shown great
9
LACC
Sports
narrowed the gap to 59-43 Calendar
with 5:51 left in the second
half.
With two minutes left in
regulation, referees had to
step in between the players to Mar 1, Sun. Trojans
prevent a possible fight. Relay Meet, USC.
City College guard, Ebony
White, was giving 100 per- Mar. 13, Fri. Oxy.
cent despite the fact she was Invitational Meet,
sick. A few whispered in the
crowd “Is she ok?” bent over
Occidental College
with her hands on her knees,
White caught a breather when Women's Basketball
she could. Despite her illness,
White scored a game high 29 Feb.28, Sat. Playoffs,
points.
Cypress College,
With a record of 27 wins
and five losses, the Lady Cubs Home game. 7:00pm
will be playing the post sea-
son. Besides White, keep an Baseball
eye on center Devon Satchell
who is also a key player in
the Lady Cubs run for a state
Feb. 28, Sat. Home
championship. game, Compton College
12:00 p.m.
Mar. 3, Tues. Los
Angeles Harbor College
Away 2:00 p.m.
Mar. 10, El Camino
College Home 2:00p.m.
Mar.14, Sat. Cerritos
College
improvement round out the
core of leaders Hinshaw Home 12:00p.m.
raves about.
Hinshaw believes the
Cubs playing level parallels
Badminton
that of other teams in the
league, as long as keep con- Feb. 27, Fri. El
sistent averages during each Camino College, Home
game. And with a new play- 2:00p.m.
ground, come conference
Mar. 4, Wed. Pasadena
time, the Cubs might be the
team to fear. City College
Away 3:00 p.m.
 10
Cubs Snap Lancers; LACC Heads to SCC Playoffs
Cubs 82,
Pasadena, 72
By Mars Melnicoff
M
en’s Basketball was
on the home court up
against the Pasadena
Lancers on Friday, Feb. 20, and
pushed the final score to 82- 72,
Cubs.
This means that L.A. City
wins the South Coast Conference
North title with a record of 22-8,
(7-1 in conference.)
The Cubs visibly dominated
their game. Guard Antonio Ow-
ens contributed 16 points, 10 re-
bounds, and seven assists. And
center, Fabian Wilson, put Pasa-
dena City College (PCC) in their
place with his offensive rebound-
ing, scoring 20 points and snag-
ging 19 rebounds.
LACC kept the lead the en-
tire game, but got a bit too com-
fortable and made the game ex-
citing by letting Pasadena close
the gap in score to 63 LACC/ 61
Pasadena with 8:16 left on the
clock in the second half. "We
started to lack concentration, lack
focus and also lack effort," Coach
Mack Cleveland said about what
allowed Pasadena to suddenly
catch up. The Cubs snapped back
into it very fast though. They
came back to life with a 3 point
shot by #5, Brendan Fisher, as-
sisted by #0, Tony Owens. #50,
Fabien Wilson was clean up man,
and also had a great steal.
With a lay up at 2:03 on the
clock, Fisher put the score at 77-
70, and with 38 seconds to go, the
deal was sealed, and Cubs were
concentrating on running out the
clock. With 10 seconds left, the
extremely relieved Cubs fans
chanted the countdown, and the
game was history.
The Cubs will be continuing
to the play offs, with key players
Fisher, Owens, and Wilson be-
ing looked to for strong perfor-
mances. "Tony Owens, he's ag-
Cheering on the Fans
By Mars Melnicoff
E
veryone knows the age-
old adage "Behind every
great man, there is a great
woman." Well this saying holds
true in athletics as well.
Behind every great team there
are great fans. If you have ever
played on any team for any kind
of sport, whether it was capture
the flag at nine years old, football
in high school or basketball in
college, you know that feeling of
hearing the cheer of the fans. This
fan could have been your best
friend, your mother or a stranger
who shared an allegiance to the
Cubs. Regardless, it undoubtedly
helped erase the pain from an in-
LACC's Forward, Fabian Wilson, #50, (Top) dunks as Pasadena players are posterized. LACC’s Scott Sterling and Trade Tech’s Curry McK-
inney (Bottom left) embrace and show good sportsmanship after a season-ending for the Cubs over the Beavers. LACC’s Forward, Fabian
Wilson (Bottom Right) dunks with precision and style.
gressive, he takes his shots and
he assists,” said LACC fan and
student Wahed Bradshaw. “Also
number 5 [Fisher]. Together, they
detonate."
There are no major rivals
jured knee and somehow helped
you summon the power to sud-
denly score that last point.
This holds true for the LACC
Cubs Men's Basketball Team,
of course. Cubs fans have been
great, and they hope to build an
even stronger and more powerful
base with every game.
Pride is what is at the heart of
every great fan. When it comes
to the Men's Basketball Team at
City College, there are many fac-
tors that elicit Cubs pride.
The Men's Basketball Team
has a long history, starting all the
way back in the 1930s. The team
started strong from the very be-
ginning and by 1932 had already
taken the Junior College Cham-
pion title from Chaffey Junior
College.
The program survived being
shut down (along with the rest
of the athletics at LACC) during
the 1980s and 1990s. They came
back with a vengeance right away
in 1997 and in the 1999-2000
seasons all the way through the
2003-2004 schedule, boasting
the best winning percentage and
the most wins in basketball at the
Sports
that LACC is specifically wor-
ried about in the play offs, but
the Cubs will be most concerned
with all the top seated teams:
Riverside, Sadle Back, Citrus,
and Ventura. In preparation,
community college level. This
strength continued and the Cubs
became the only College Basket-
ball program to have ever won 14
straight South Coast Conference
Championships. For this, the Los
Angeles City Council honored
head coach Mike Miller and his
team in 2007 at City Hall. This
put Cubs fans in some good com-
pany.
All these facts lead to a great
perk of being a Cubs fan: Many
of your favorite players go on to
play at four-year schools. In just
a 13-year span, about 50 players
have accomplished this. Where
will your favorite player end up?
So if you have come to every
half or even one game: pat your-
self on the back for helping the
Cubs become what they are.
If you have yet to see for your-
self what all the hype of your
college’s Basketball program
is about—come out to the next
game! The regular season is over
for a number of South Coast
Conference teams, but the LACC
Cubs are poised for their post-
season run.
Photo by Salvador Chavez and Jorge Ponce/LA Collegian
Coach Jackson will be focused
most on "Working on defense,
taking charges, the little things it
takes to win."
But for some the season
won't end after the play offs. The
Los Angeles Collegian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cubs will be looking not only to
win as a team, but also personally
to impress recruiters. It won't be
finalized yet for a few months,
but key players will definitely be
moving on to four year schools.
Cubs Maul
Beavers
By Danielle Rivera and
Keith Thomas
The Cubs (record of
5-1) defeated the Trade Tech
Beavers (record of 5-1) to
break a regular season tie
and seize sole possession of
the South Coast Men’s Bas-
ketball Conference Title.
The magnitude of the
game was felt from the tip
off as Trade Tech applied
full court pressure and for-
ward Cord Desmond opened
the contest scoring a three-
point-shot for the Cubs.
The Cubs were able to
control the game's momen-
tum after the first basket,
forcing a turnover that fol-
lowed with an assist from
Desmond (#24) to guard
Antonio Owens (#0).
Trade Tech then applied
some defensive pressure of
their own causing the Cubs
to make some careless pass-
es. Brandon Fisher, a soph-
omore guard displayed his
court leadership and made
back-to-back three pointers
to erase a 2-piont deficit that
came at a critical point of
the game.
The match-up between
these two title hopefuls be-
came a roller coaster ride as
the teams battled to a tie at
the end of regulation. Trade
Tech’s foul trouble would
haunt them in overtime as
they struggled to overcome
10 team fouls. That’s when
guard Jerret Towns drove to
the basket and was fouled
hard sending him to the free
throw line to complete a
three-point play.
The Cubs surged to a 10
point lead and were able to
hold on to win by the score
of 106 – 96.