NICHOLAS SAULEditor-in-Chief

Officials at PCC were jubilantWednesday at voter approval ofProposition 30, the ballot meas-ure that will restore about $6.7million in funding for the col-lege.

“The passage of Prop 30 is a

great thing for PCC and especial-ly for our students,” saidPresident Mark Rocha in anemail sent out to the college.

“We will see a bright future forPasadena City College where weare working together in unity forthe greater good. The AmericanDream is alive and well at PCC!”

Proposition 30 was approved

Tuesday with a 54 percent major-ity of California voters. It wasproposed and supported byCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown andavoids a $6 billion cut to schoolsstatewide.

“Suffice it to say on this beau-tiful morning that everything’sgoing to be OK,” Rocha said.“The cuts are behind us now and

we can move forward with ourplans to improve access to class-es for students.”

President of the Board ofTrustees Geoffrey Baum echoedRocha’s enthusiasm in an inter-view on Wednesday.

“I hope this means there willbe no more cuts... last year we

COURIER STAFF

The campus community Wednesdayhad mixed reactions to PresidentBarack Obama’s re-election win, eventhough most showed overwhelminglypositive support for him overRepublican challenger Mitt Romney.

Associated Students PresidentSimon Fraser overall happy with the

outcome of the election. “I’m verypleased with the result,” said Fraser.“[Obama] laid out plans for communi-ty colleges… I just hope he followsthrough with them.”

Many students and staff alike werepleased that Obama was going to see asecond term, saying that they thoughthe would reduce the national deficit.

“I’ve been an Obama supporter for a

very long time…I was ecstatic that hewas re-elected,” said Academic SenatePresident Dustin Hanvey. “I was verythrilled with the results of the elec-tion.”

Hanvey said he hopes that Obamawill be able to get more work done onsustainability and energy independ-

RAYMOND BERNAL AND CHRISTINE MICHAELSStaff Writers

California Community Colleges will receivehundreds of millions in funding after the passageof Proposition 30, officials said.

As much as $210 million for the current academ-ic year could be coming to the state’s 112 commu-nity colleges after voters approved the tax increasemeasure on Tuesday, said California CommunityCollege Chancellor Brice Harris in a news confer-ence on Wednesday morning.

Harris did warn that the proposition would notbe a fix-all solution. “It certainly will not bring thesystem back to pre-recession levels, but it does getthe state’s commitment to higher education andspecifically community colleges headed in theright direction,” Harris explained.

Of the total, $160 million is to pay what the stateowes all colleges, according to Harris.

The remaining $50 million is for adding moreclass sections in the spring semester, according toHarris.

Pasadena City College will be receiving $910,000to add classes, according to the numbers fromChancellor's fiscal services division.

During the news conference, San DiegoCommunity College District Chancellor ConstanceCarroll was enthusiastic with the voters’ decisionon Proposition 30.

“We are celebrating today because [on Tuesdaynight] California came to its senses,” she said.

Los Angeles Community College District

PHILIP MCCORMICKStaff Writer

The U Building’s top three floorshave ‘pancaked’ down and it is up tothe Campus Emergency ResponseTeam to go in and evacuate any surviv-ing or injured students or facultymembers. This was the scenario thatPasadena Fire Captain Rich Clark hadgiven to the PCC CERT team on its firsttraining day, Friday morning.

“It was a good exercise,” said Clark.“There was a good level of participa-tion and interest.”

Firefighters of the Pasadena FireDepartment, Station 32, came to helpstart training members of the CERTteam and used the U Building for a livetraining drill. The drill included threesix-man search and rescue teams goinginto the condemned building andgoing room-to-room to “save” cadets,

who had been placed in random loca-tions within the building. It was eachteam’s job to find and escort survivorsout safely, with assistants from the firefighters.

Some cadets were asked to playalong with the drill and be survivorsthat were either injured, trapped oreven dead. It was very dark in a fewareas of the U Building, and CERT

Continued on page 6

Pasadena City College

Women’s soccer‘Hat trick’ helps Lancersget closer to their play­off hopesPage 8»

Historic teacherThe first African Americanto get a PhD in historyfrom USC channels color­ful past in his teachingsPage 7»

Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6

Continued on page 4

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about the electionresults?vote at

pccCourier.com

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November 8, 2012Volume 104, Issue 10

Water Polo

PCC ends season strongly

Page 8»

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

Proposition 30 School officials enthusiastic over voters’ approval of tax increase

Teresa Mendoza / CourierPasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark of Station 32 adds fuel to a controlled fire during the fire extinguisher trainingfor the Campus Emergency Response Team at the Robinson Stadium on Nov. 2.

Key ballotmeasure willrestore fundsto college

Campus response team trains in vacant U Building

Campus community has mixed reactions to election results

$910,000 on the wayfor additional classes

NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKIManaging Editor

Assistant Superintendent andVice President of InstructionRobert Bell was hospitalizedSaturday with severe back painrequiring surgery, according toan email sent by President MarkRocha on Monday morning.

According to the email, Bellwas experiencing back pain andtrouble walking at work lastweek and received surgery on abulging disc in his neck over theweekend.

“I am happy to report that thesurgery was a success…and[Bell] is in his usual calm, opti-mistic self and very good spir-

its,” Rocha said.Assistant Superintendent and

Vice President of EducationalServices Robert Miller will betaking over essential academictasks while Bell is undergoing arehabilitation process.

“Dr. Bell will be gone for a rea-sonable period of time…I sus-

pect he may do some work fromhome,” Miller said late Monday.“We have a variety of adminis-trators helping the family [whileBell is gone],” Miller said.

According to Miller, Bellentered the hospital Saturdayand underwent surgery around10:30 on Sunday morning.

Bell was scheduled to returnhome from Huntington Hospitalon Tuesday and to begin postsurgery rehabilitation, accordingto Rocha.

“Characteristically, his mainconcern was for the smoothoperation of academic and stu-dent affairs,” Rocha said.

TERESA MENDOZAStaff Writer

Superheroes, princesses,fairies, ninjas and Totoro cele-brated the spirit of Halloween asthree spidermen and the ChildDevelopment Center staffdressed as scuba divers lead thechildren on their annual trip tocampus on Oct. 31.

The group of 30 children alongwith their parents and teachers,strolled around turning headsand drawing smiles onbystanders.

The event was organized byAssociated Student’s VicePresident for Student ServicesMyra Whittington and volun-teers from the student servicescommittee.

Dressed as a panda bear,Cecilia Banh, nursing, said:“[The event] brings parents andkids closer [and] to have fun.”

“It’s a nice safe thing for thechildren to do,” said BarbaraPancoska, dressed as a gypsy inthe Office Services department.Pancoska was handing out pen-cils, erasers and a liquid to blowbubbles. “Little bit of fun andsomething practical,” she said.

The planned tour to trick-and-treat throughout campus startedat the IT building where thetunes of Thriller, the colororange and spider webs reigned.The children lined up to gettreats, shiny pencils and erasers.Each parent asked their child,“What do you say?” and thesweet voices followed with,“Thank you.”

Next stop was the police in thestudent services building. ChiefStanton Perez had a permanentsmile taking photos of hisdeputies with the little super-heroes and villains alike receiv-ing treats.

“This is something they willremember for a long, long time,”said parent Angela Quiroz.

Her little batgirl was so excitedthat the night before she keptrepeating “I’m going to PCC.”

“It’s a great thing for [the chil-dren] to see adults dress up incostumes,” said English DivisionDean Amy Ulmer. “[The kids]get a day of college.”

Children chanting, “Let’s go,let’s go” entered the Admissionand Records office where twowitches and a cowgirl handedout play dough and granola

bars.“I don’t know who is more

excited, [the children] or us,”said Jeannie Sullivan dressed asa cowgirl.

The little troopers walkedthrough the C Building, the lan-guages division, English, andhuman resources departmentson the second floor.

While outside the OfficeServices in the first floor/base-ment of C Building, that on thisday it felt a little claustrophobic,Little Mr. Incredible decided tolie on the ground.

After his mom’s pleas to keepgoing, he complained of beinghot but he refused to take off hismuscular puffy costume shirt.

With stuffed treat baggiesmany parents were carrying andsome children were still clutch-ing onto, the group took a breakin the Quad to have a rest andsnack before heading to the Wifilounge for the traditional groupphoto.

“This is such a great experi-ence for the kids,” said NickiHarmon, CDC director.

“We have been guests of theAS for 22 years. It is a long stand-ing tradition.”

2 Courier November 8, 2012News

Upcoming Events

Child Development Center hosts annual Halloween event

Today: CSU Los Angeles Rep visit9 a.m. - L110

CSULA Day at PCC10 a.m. – Quad, Piazza if it

rains

UCLA Rep visit10 a.m. – L110

Open House for Englishmajors: 11:30 a.m. ShatfordLibrary Terrace Room

Budget and ResourceAllocation Standing Committee

2:30 p.m. – C217

University Rep. visit2:30 p.m. – L110 General

Transfer Advisement

Friday:University Rep Visit9 a.m. – L110General Transfer Advisement

Retirees’ Board of Directors1:30 p.m. – C239

Saturday and Sunday:

Opera Workshop 8 p.m.Harbeson Hall.

Tickets sold at the door. $10Gen. Admission, $5 Student,Staff, Seniors

Tuesday:

UC Personal StatementWorkshop 12:00 PM - L110

Senior Vice President on medical leave after undergoing surgery

Cicely Chisholm / CourierLynora Rogacs, social science instructor, gives children stickers in theSocial Sciences Division office in the C Building on Oct. 3.

Antonio Gandara / CourierSenior Vice President andAssistant Superintendent RobertBell

3CourierNovember 8, 2012 Opinion

Letters to the EditorThe Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about

300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must containyour full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can bedelivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by e­mail to michaels_courier@yahoo.com.

Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its report­

ing. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585­7130or via e­mail to saul.nicholas@yahoo.com.

Note to Readers

How do you feel about the presidential election?

Reporting by: Justin Clay, Luis Rodriguez, Yeyson Caballeros, Photos by: Makoto Lane, Alexis Villanueva,

“”I had a mixed reaction. Ivoted for Obama and even

though he’s been a mediocrepresident.”

Yancy Satlin, automotive

“I was more enthusiastic aboutObama four years ago, but Iwould still rather have him

than Romney.” Lacie Manviller, history

“I’m amazed at how dividedthe country is. I’m happy withan Obama victory, but it was a

real nail biter.”Adam Whitehead, biology

“I’m glad Obama won. I’m sur-prised that the vote was so

close.”Izzy Naeem, business

“I’m happy with the result. Ivoted for Obama because of

his views on healthcare.”Raquel Rojas, biology

“I’m thrilled that Obama wonbecause as a student I feel

that he will do more to help usgraduate.”

Nanor Momdjian, music

“I think President Obama hasa lot on his plate in the lastfour years, and not a lot got

accomplished.” Julia Warden, art

“I wanted Romney to win. Iwas confident he was going towin up to the point the he lost

Massachusetts.” BryanGarcia, criminal justice

“I don’t think any difference willbe made.”

Brenda Toma, child develop-ment

“I am glad Obama will servehis second term as our presi-

dent.”Jonathan Mejicanos,

kinesiology

ONLINE POLL RESULTSONLINE POLL RESULTSOnline, we asked: When and for what shouldtaxes be raised?Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday:

Education: 44%Millionaires: 27%Never: 27%

vote at pccCourier.com

VOICES:

Courier2011 JACC General Excellence

Award WinnerEditor­in­ChiefNicholas Saul

Managing EditorNicholas Zebrowski

Online EditorAnthony Richetts

Opinion EditorChristine Michaels

Assist. Opinion EditorBenjamin Simpson

Arts & Entertainment EditorPaul Ochoa

Features EditorEmily Chang ­ Chien

Assist. Features EditorShelly Maldonado

Sports EditorPhilip McCormick

Assist. Sports EditorKarla Sosa

Photo EditorBuren Smith

Assist. Photo EditorAntonio Gandara

Online Photo EditorTeresa Mendoza

Scene EditorMax Perez

Staff Writers:Alfonso Ardon, Ander Arostegui,Raymond Bernal, Geness Gilkey, AlanLopez, Mary Nurrenbern, ElizabethPiedra, Amanda Pimentel, LuisRodriguez, Mykeisa Willis

Staff Photographers: Cicely Chisholm, Justin Clay, JohnGarcia, Wendy Garcia, ConcepcionGonzalez, Gabriela Gonzalez, JordanHarris, Makoto Lane, Triana Melendez,John Novak, Anar Nyantaisuren,Patricia Reyes, Daniel Valencia, AlexisVillanueva, Ryan Yamamoto

Faculty AdviserWarren Swil

Photography AdviserRachel Fermi

Advertising CoordinatorAnthony Richetts

The Courier is published weekly by thePasadena City College JournalismDepartment and is a free­speechforum. Editorial opinions and com­ments are those of the authors and donot necessarily represent the positionof the institution and its administra­tion, student government or that ofthe Pasadena Area Community CollegeDistrict.

The Courier is written and produced asa learning experience for student writ­ers, photographers and editors in theJournalism Department.

Phone:(626) 585­7130

Fax:(626) 585­7971

Advertising:(626) 585­7979

pccCourierAds@yahoo.com

Office:1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC­208

Pasadena, CA 91106­3215

E­mail:pccCourier@yahoo.com

The first copy of the Courier is free.Additional copies are $1 each

© Copyright 2012 Courier. All rights reserved.

Are we there yet? The election is finally over! BENJAMIN SIMPSONAsst. Opinion Editor

It’s the six-year-old sitting inthe back of the summer vacationcar. “Are we there yet? Are wethere yet?”

That’s what this election feltlike. Is it over yet? It’s been ninemonths since the caucus’ in Iowa,which is as long ago as when theglaciers receded from NorthAmerica. No other country onthis planet needs as much time.Now that we are recovering fromelection overload, what can bedone next time?

There are basically two types ofelected government in the world.The first is similar to ours, wherethe leader has a specific set time inoffice, and the dates of electionsare known years in advance.

Then there is the British modelwhere the leader has a maximumamount of time in office, usuallyfour or five years, but the partyand leader get to choose the dateof the election. Usually whentheir poll numbers are up. InCanada there is a maximum of 36days between calling an electionand the vote. That’s only just overone month of electioneering.

Australia the maximum is 140days, or four and a half months,which is still better than our ninemonths.

Can we completely change theway the United States elects ourofficials, so that we have snapelections rather than specific dateson the calendar? No. Then whatelse can be done?

There are two things that needto be done. Limit the amount ofmoney spent on the campaigns.In Canada the elections are keptshort, partly because of the limit-ed time, but also because the gov-ernment limits the amount of

money that can be spent on anelection. If the candidate does nothave the money, they cannot cam-paign. Another thing that can bedone is to put a limit on when theprimaries begin. Iowa was on Jan.3 in this election cycle. Ninemonths before the election.

It should be changed, so thatprimaries cannot be held morethan three months before an elec-tion. Will this ever happen? Limitthe amount of money the rich andpowerful can donate to adjust theelection? Move the primaries? Idoubt it. But there is always hope.And earplugs.

Cartoon by Triana Melendez

SCENESCENE November 8, 2012 5Courier

members had to use flashlights to seewhere they were going. One team evenhad to use a rolling chair to get a “sur-vivor” out of the building and to safety.

“It was really worthwhile,” saidDirector of the Child Development CenterNicki Harmon, who took part in the drillas a search and rescue member. “We haveto be prepared for something like this andwhat we did today is taking [our training]to a different level.”

The CERT team has 16 to 20 memberscurrently, but aims to grow with morevolunteers in time. Chief of CampusPolice Stanton Perez said that the rescueteam would also be used as a tool of theincident command center in other typesof emergencies.

“It was a great opportunity for us,” saidPerez. “[We] did a lot for a training drill.It was almost like taking the final chaptertest for a book you haven’t started yet. Wehope to now build on the things welearned today, in future meetings.”

The day started off with a briefing ofthe events that would be held for theteam, and then the firefighters talked tothe staff about injuries and rapid trainingfor triage. They also touched base on howto carry people out of a building anddemonstrated how to use the StrykerEvacuation Chair, which the PCCEmergency Operations Center provided.

“I think everybody [learned] somethingfrom the days exercises,” said FirefighterJerry Kenoly.

The staff and faculty part of CERT alsogot to put out controlled fires set by thefirefighters from Station 32, which wereablaze on in the sand just behind the westgoal post in Robinson Stadium.Participants got a chance to grab a fireextinguisher and put out a fire; there werethree of them, so that three people couldput out a fire out at a time.

All of the firefighters thought that theevents went well and were happy withwhat they taught the group. “There’snothing like a live drill to dip their feet inthe ‘fire’,” said Firefighter Chris Reno.

Disaster drill prepares CampusEmergency Response Team

Concepcion Gonzalez / CourierNimfa Aldana-Williams, child development specialist,

marks the wall as 'clear' after checking the room to see ifthere was anyone inside the U Building.

Concepcion Gonzalez / CourierFirefighters Chris Reno, top, Josh Organ, and Jerry Kenoly

show how to use the Stryker Evacuation Chair on thestairs next to the bookstore.

Teresa Mendoza / CourierPasadena Fire Department sets up a fire extinguisher training for the Campus EmergencyResponse Team (CERT) at Robinson Stadium.

Makoto Lane / CourierCERT team leader Don Eckermann, facility services,supervises his team's room entry and readies to markthe entrances as they are cleared during a CERT train-ing exercise in the U Building on Friday.

Using gasoline asfuel, firefightersprepare for theCERT firefightingtraining sessionin RobinsonStadium.

Makoto Lane /Courier

Makoto Lane / CourierPasadena Firefighter Chris Reno from Station 32 describes how to turn offgas and electricity during an emergency in the Emergency OperationsCenter.

Teresa Mendoza / CourierPasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark from Station 32 instructs theCampus Emergency Response Team before the fire extinguisher training atthe Robinson Stadium.

Makoto Lane / CourierPasadena Fire Department Captain Rich Clark speaks to

the Campus Emergency Response Team before the startof the drill.

Continued from page 1

deficit.“I am very thrilled to think that

in four years he may make someprogress in that field,” saidHanvey about energy independ-ence. “I think [Obama] can find away to deal with the budget crisis,I hope the election will help.”

In order for Obama to have amore successful term JulioCuevas, political science major,said that he feels the presidentneeds clear communication withCongress and it’s a roadblock tohis policies.

“I feel that President Obamaneeds to focus on educationbecause that is where the futureis,” said Cuevas

Some were not stunned thatObama came out as the winner,last night. “I was not surprised at

all,” said Associated Students VicePresident for External Affairs JohnFraser. “I went into the pollingbooth knowing he would pull itout.”

The country was clearly splitdown the middle Tuesday night,as the president won the popularvote by one percent, and thatshowed in some reactions comingfrom some students.

“I didn’t like that he won,” saidCarlos Solis, history. “He has fouryears to live up to his promises.He better get to work or some-thing bad is going to happen.”

Other students who voted arenot as optimistic about Obama asothers are, but are willing to givehim a chance. “President Obamahas four more years,” said SteveArredondo, graphic communica-tion. “And then if he messes up,we can rip him apart.”

Chancellor Daniel LaVista feltthe passage of Proposition 30 wasa wise investment.

“I think that this action by vot-ers does help us in getting the sup-port we need to address our edu-cation system that has been com-promised over the last threeyears,” he said.

The community college systemlost over 500,000 students in thelast three years, according to

Harris.Harris explained the proposi-

tion would add more studentseats in classrooms around thestate. “Proposition 30 will alsoopen up access and we estimatean additional 20,000 studentsstatewide,” Harris said.

Harris thanked the voters for allof the support provided forProposition 30. “It will spare addi-tional budget cuts that we fearedwould have come if the measuredid not pass,” Harris said.

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

6 Courier November 8, 2012Features

Proposition 30 renews hope

had a mid-year cut of $2 millionthat had us reeling,” he said.

“I’m hoping that this will giveus financial stability so we knowwhat resources we have to servestudents.”

The implications of Proposition30 not passing would have beendevastating to the campus accord-ing to school officials.

“The defeat of Proposition 30will have negative impacts on thecolleges and universities and onfaculty and all public employees,”said Trustee Anthony Fellow in anemail before the election’s results.

“That is why the Board recom-mended a trimester plan and elim-ination of winter session as havemost colleges,” he added.

“Proposition 30 is going tomean a lot for PCC. Educationshould always be first,” saidDirector of Child DevelopmentCenter Nicki Harmon “[Thismeasure] will make sure the CDCis able to keep its doors open.”

The end result of Proposition30’s significance on the campushas not been fully calculated, butits positive impact on classes isbeyond doubt, officials said.

“It will take some time to learnthe details of this state funding,”said Assistant Superintendent ofBusiness and College Services BobMiller in a district statement.

“But today it is safe to say thatthe passage of Prop 30 will enableus to plan to add some classes tothe Spring Semester… and cer-tainly to offer even more classes inthe Summer 2013 term.”

Associated Student PresidentSimon Fraser said that he was par-tially disappointed that a taxmeasure had to be passed to fundeducation, but was pleased thatProposition 30 passed. “I am veryproud of PCC and other commu-nity colleges for coming togetherand voting for this measure,” saidFraser.

Additional reporting by ChristineMichaels and Philip McCormickk

College to receive additional funds

Election results get mixed reactions

Continued from page 1

7CourierNovember 8, 2012 Features

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Laughter and fun help with acting fundamentals in a rooftop ‘heaven’

Distinctive history teacher guides students

RAYMOND BERNALStaff Writer

“He’s taking my picture today?But, I’m not ready for my close-up!” shouts-out StephanieSanchez, paralegal studies, whenshe realizes that the press will besitting-in on her acting funda-mentals class.

Fun and laughter seem to be inabundance in this class. “It’s

always fun going back, being akid and playing pretend,” saidSanchez. “It’s the only class Icould come to and be myself. I canbe a weirdo and I don’t feel[alone] because everybody else isa bunch of weirdos too.”

Class is usually held on the firstfloor of the C Building but on thisday class was moved to a mini-auditorium on the roof of the CBuilding, referred to by theater

students as Heaven. Hundreds ofcostumes from previous produc-tions drape the walls of “Heaven”and stage props fill the informalbut quaint auditorium, a perfectsetting for an improvisational act-ing class.

One of the acting exercises iscalled Hitchhiker. Students pre-tend to be in a vehicle picking-uphitchhikers along the way, witheach new hitchhiker bringing a

different emotion into the sceneand the other students picking-upon that emotion.

Theater Instructor SuzanneHunt Jenner explains;“Hitchhiker is for listening, react-ing, and picking-up on other peo-ple’s emotions and it’s fun,” saidJenner.

A student who – most in classagree – really gets into character isMariana Zepeda, nursing. “But

I’m really shy. I’m extremely shybut something happens when I’min character,” said Zepeda. “Liketoday I felt sick. I actually had thestomach flu, but I came here and Ifeel so much better now.”

Zepeda explains how this classhelps with her nursing career. “Iwant to work with children so Iwant to be able to comfort myselfso that I may comfort them,” shesaid.

SHELLY MALDONADOStaff Writer

Behind the clean-cut appear-ance, impeccable composure andassertive demeanor, is a man whobegins his day at 6:30 in the morn-ing when he is awoken by his 8-year-old daughter, a valued por-tion of the day. History instructorChristopher Jimenez y West is aman who intermingles his pastwith the present and integrates itinto his teaching.

By incorporating previousdiversity work and his back-ground as art curator into his cur-riculum, Jimenez y West brings adistinct teaching style to studentsthat stretches beyond the class-room.

Previously, the history curatorat the California AfricanAmerican Museum and lecturerat the University of SouthernCalifornia, Jimenez y West hasmade several stops on his path tobecoming a full-time instructorand admits that he had a very dif-ferent outlook for himself as an

undergraduate student atUniversity of California, Berkeley.“If you had asked me where I sawmyself I would have said vicepresident for student affairs,” hesaid. “Those were the people whoI admired.”

After several years of partici-pating in diversity consultingorganizations and composingintricate exhibits at CAAM,Jimenez y West realized what histrue calling was. “25 percent ofmy time was lecturing on eitherAfrican or Mexican American his-tory at USC, and I was curating[the other] 75 percent. I didn’t likethe mixture anymore,” he said. “Irealized that what I was interestedin my day was teaching now.”

Social Sciences instructor TracySachtjen spoke highly of her officemate. “There is no better advocatefor students than ProfessorJimenez y West. He brings to hislectures a level of intensity thatchallenges students to rethink thepurpose of studying the past,” shesaid. “His deep dedication to PCCis reflected in his warmth and

integrity.”As an instructor, Jimenez y

West has found a way to elo-quently intermingle his past intothe classroom. “My modernAfrican history midterm projectwas a museum exhibit and thestudents, I think, fed off of my

love and passion for my curatori-al work and really ran with somegreat exhibitions,” he said.

Additionally, Jimenez y Westhas worked on bringing a varietyof projects to the campus includ-ing: the Tuskegee Airmen, the firstAfrican American Lt. Gov. of the

state of California and an exhibiton the historic town ofAllensworth. “The benefit I hopeis a broadening and complexity tothe historical narrative,” he said.

Former student of Jimenez yWest, Humberto Ortiz, sociology/ gender and women’s studies,says the instructor’s teachingstyle goes beyond the class-room.“His honest and passionateengagement with students isunparalleled. He has a gift forproviding students with tools andadvice that allows students to findanswers and solutions on theirown,” said Ortiz. “He has taughtme many lessons about carryingmyself with integrity and abouttreating other people with dignity.He’s a wise [and] genuine man,and those qualities are what makehim stand out.”

In spite of the many twists andturns that Jimenez y West hasendured in his day, he passes onguidance, “Really try to beengaged and connected withoutmaking it about you because it’snot about you,” he said.

Max Perez / CourierChristopher Jimenez Y West in his office on Oct. 29.

LUIS RODRIGUEZStaff Writer

The women’s water polo teamwalked away with a win onFriday at the Aquatic Center,beating Santa Monica College 8-6 and lost to Los Angeles ValleyCollege 10-3 as part of the 10thPasadena Mini Tournament onFriday.

“What happened at the LAValley game is that they scoredon us really quick in the firstquarter,”� said Paloma Barrera,center forward.

The Lancer concentrated theirefforts on defense and ended thebarrage of goals from LA Valleyand scored on them.

The Lancers kept their headsup and found success against theSanta Monica Corsairs in a backand forth game.

Prospects were grim at the endof the first quarter with SantaMonica leading 2-0 but throughthe combined efforts of Barreraand Marisa Rack, utility, the endof the third quarter saw a turn-around with Lancers leading 6-5with each player netting three

goals respectively.An important goal came from

Makenzie Blank, utility, in thefourth quarter which put PCCahead. She shot the goal from thecenter of the pool in a flash. Herfamily went crazy in the stands.

The win was solidified whenin the last minute Naoni Padilla,driver, put in the last goal withan assist from Giselle Mendieta,forward.

“We had trouble gettingorganized earlier on in the sea-son, but now we’re starting tosee people emerge as scorers,”said Coach Terry Stoddardspeaking highly of his team.

Goalie Shelby Gregg played animpressive game as well with atotal of 11 saves.

“We knew we were going upagainst a good team,” saidBarrera remarking on SantaMonica’s earlier win of 16-3

When the Lancers emergedfrom the water after the buzzerStoddard spoke to the now refo-cused and confident team. Manywalked away with flowers inhand.

SPORTSSPORTSNovember 8, 2012OURIERC

Water Polo finishes season strongly

Teresa Mendoza / CourierSophomore Paloma Barrera #19 fights a Viking player to pass the ball to a Lancer teammate at the SCCChampionship Tournament in Cerritos College in Norwalk, on Saturday.

‘Hat trick’ gives women’s soccer a playoff hopeBENJAMIN SIMPSONStaff Writer

Cassandra Saavedra’s threefirst half goals and a shot overthe goalkeeper by Nancy Nunezgave the Lancers a 4-2 win athome against number oneCerritos and playoff aspirationsfor Pasadena with only onegame left to play.

This was a must win game forPasadena. The top 18 teamsfrom Southern California head tothe playoffs. Pasadena is nowranked 17th.

The whole team worked hard,but credit must be given to theLancers back line in the first half,Danielle Busta, Heather French,Blanca Mercado, and HallieWhite, because they stoppedCerritos cold. Every time theball was passed forward they

attacked the ball, interceptingforward passes.

The first goal by Saavedra wasfrom a free kick by Busta. Theball curled in from the 25-yardline, and there was a momentwhen everyone just watched theball, except Saavedra. She head-ed it point blank into the net.

The second and third goalswere from White’s long throw-ins. The second was a perfectlyexecuted play. “Me andCassandra Orozco usually standnext to each other,” saidSaavedra. “She will check for-ward and I will check back.”Saavedra used the confusion tomake a strong header into theback of the net.

But Cerritos showed its num-ber one ranking in the secondhalf, scoring two goals within amatter of minutes.

With nerves frayed and bothteams fighting hard, it seemedlike any outcome was possible,but it was the combination ofVanessa Capra and NancyNunez, Pasadena’s top scorers,who finished off the game.

Capra sent a perfectly weight-ed pass to break free Nunez fromthe defense. Nunez’s ball clearedperfectly over the goal keepershead to bring the score to 4-2 andclinch the win for Pasadena.

“Thank god it went in,” saidNunez with a smile.

“We knew that this was agame that we had to win,” saidCoach Randy Lilavois. “We gaveourselves the best chance wepossibly could to get into theplayoffs.”

Pasadena’s last game is athome against ECC Compton onFriday at 5:30 p.m.

Triana Melendez / CourierCerritos Lyanna Farran pushes Lancer Taylor Gore away as forwardVanessa Capra takes control of the ball on Tuesday

Guard StellaGhazarianpractices offensivemaneuveringgetting readyfor Friday'sseason opener.

Makoto Lane/Courier

Women’s hoops team optimistic about seasonPHILIP MCCORMICKSports Editor

The Women’s Basketball Team hasbeen a bright spot for the athleticdepartment in recent years, but sincethe 2008-2009 season, has yet to get toanother championship. This year,Head Coach Joe Peron says that a newgroup of Lancers hopes to get back tothe state championships.

“I always coach to win,” said Peron.“Our first goal is to gel with eachother.”

Last year the Lancers came up short,as they got into the playoffs, but lostthe second game in the first round. Ithad been a very sound season before tothe playoffs began, as PCC finishedwith a record over .500 (17-13) and the

coaches are optimistic about improv-ing that record this season.

“There are high hopes for this team,”said Assistant Coach La’Nette Dillard.“We are feeling good about thisupcoming tournament, though.”

PCC fans should be excited aboutreturning Shooting Guard StellaGhazarian, who specialized in three-point shooting for the Lancers last yearand has been working hard to improveher game in the off-season for this sea-son. Ghazarian also led the team inpoints per game last season and hasbeen named as the team captain, saidPeron.

“I’ve been going through more con-ditioning training during the off-sea-son,” said Ghazarian. “I’m coming offof an injury, but I should be able to

play in Friday night’s game.”In addition to hopes of a return to

glory and a title, the women’s basket-ball staff has also organized events forsome of the games. The most impor-tant event planned is Car Give-Awaynight. The event has not been set dueto some minor legal issues, but thecoaching staff is certain that the eventwill be scheduled in January.

“We are going to be giving away a2012 Toyota Camry,” said Dillard. “It’sthe first time it has ever happened. It’sall very exciting.”

Peron said that he felt that this year’steam would do really well. “It’s differ-ent every season, coaching differentteams,” said Peron. “But I feel that thisteam has a good chance. It’s going tobe a great season.”