Lariat The student voice of Saddleback College since 1968
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015
Saddleback College’s Shaquan Whitaker dreams of playing in the NFL 7
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Yellow fever in Orange County
NEWS STREAM
Rebels without a tobacco product
A new policy at Saddleback College have resulted in smokers dealing with more prohibitions leveled against them. Find out how they’re reacting. 3
Allen takes flight with ‘Blackbird’
Featuring the award-winningJonelle Allen, the one-woman show “Blackbird” premiered at Saddleback College. Discover more about it and its reception 6
Running with a purpose
Saddleback College’s cross country team continue their momentum thanks to the record-setting efforts of Ulysses Orozco. Discover how he helped and what it means for his team. 7
The beef on processed meat
For those who fear cancer, staying away from this type of food is an important step to consider. Learn what else you can do. 3
TEMPER
volume 48, issue 5
SPORTS
Mosquitos found in Southern California bring renewed threats of diseases
KSENIYA TARANYUK FEATURES EDITOR
Mosquitoes carrying yellow fever have been found in southern Orange County when Mosquito and Vector Control conducted a thorough investigation after complaints were made. “We immediately mobilized district personnel upon the discovery of yellow fever mosquitoes at a Mission Viejo residence,” said Director of Technical Services Robert Cummings. “For several years OCMVCD has expanded surveillance efforts for this type of mosquito. We are conducting neighborhood inspections of properties for mosquito breeding and standing water in the surrounding area.” Not new to Orange County, the yellow mosquito hasn’t been detected since last April and was first identified in California in June 2013. They are known for their black and white stripes, laying eggs in containers holding standing water and being able to survive in dry conditions for months. Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control sprays for mosquitos every year over the county, but had to call off the procedure this year because the airspace around Disneyland is restricted and they didn’t have a
College shootings have prompted greater safety at Saddleback College CONTRIBUTOR
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waiver signed to proceed. “A complication arose in the operation regarding permissions to fly over restricted airspace around Disneyland,” said OCMVC. “The contractor was unable to secure the permission in time to conduct a full operation.” West Nile Virus is a concern because when mosquitoes bite birds who carry this infection, spreading the virus to those they bite. Last year 280 people in Orange County were infected and nine people died. A total of 17 have been confirmed to be infected by the virus in San Diego this year and six of those were reported this past month. “The discovery of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes collected in May is not unusual,” said OCMVC District Manag-
er Michael Hearst. “However, following the unprecedented epidemic in 2014 the District is taking additional measures to suppress the virus at the earliest indication.” Aedes aegypti mosquito or also known as the yellow fever mosquito is not native to California and can also carry other diseases including dengue and chikungunya. They primarily bite very aggressively during the day both indoors and outdoors. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in small artificial containers including the dishes under potted plants, bird baths and ornamental fountains. They lay their eggs just above the water line, over a period of days. The eggs are resistant to dryness and can survive for periods of six or more
months. The District has about 100 mosquito traps placed all through the county to collect mosquitoes to see exactly how many are in the area as well as to test them for possible diseases they could be carrying. The two different types of traps they use include carbon dioxide baited traps and gravid mosquito traps. OCMVC asks you to remove any standing water around your house and make sure all window and door screens on your house are in good repair. They also suggest you wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR 3535. Contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to report dead birds or neglected pools.
Trying to stay safe on campus CHEYENNE LINICH
Thursday
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/CREATIVE COMMONS
DISEASE CARRIERS: Aedes aegypti mosquitos like this are infamous for being carriers of yellow fever. They can also carry many other diseases. Though not native to the state, the mosquitos continue to remain a problem for Californians when first identified during June 2013.
During the past few months there’s been multiple college campus shootings, including the most recent in Oregon at Umpqua Community College. All these campus shootings begs the question of how safe do you feel on your own campus? Campus safety is an issue of concern for the Saddleback College community. Patrick Higa, Saddleback’s new Police Chief, was asked if the campus and/or district have done anything to change protocol if a shooter on campus became a reality.
“Emergency procedures should be considered a living document. They should always be evolving to incorporate the best practices and newest advances in dealing with emergency situations,” Higa said. “The District is constantly reviewing these procedures to make sure we are knowledgeable and prepared.” The Saddleback College Police Department runs drills and exercises with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority involving active shooter scenarios. They have run drills in the Student Services Center in the past and most recently at the Shops at Mission Viejo. The officers are training alongside sheriff deputies and firefighters so they can be prepared to handle any incident and to quickly integrate with these agencies to handle situations
PIXABAY/CREATIVE COMMONS
PRACTICE: Police hold an active shooter drill at Saddleback College. The live drill was run last March on campus grounds. quickly and efficiently. Saddleback campus also provides a number of “behind-thescene” activities to build up a safer campus for faculty and students. “The Offices of Instruction, Student Services, Administrative Services and especially the Office of the President have made
emergency preparedness a priority issue,” Higa said. If there were to be an emergency on campus, like a shooter on school grounds, mass notification can be accomplished in a number of ways. READ MORE ON PAGE 2
2
News
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015
SADDLEBACK COLLEGE
POLICE★BLOTTER
The following are selected incidents as reported from the daily media log, courtesy of the Saddleback College Police department.
Student Service Center
Monday, Oct. 19, 12:38 p.m.
An informant called campus police saying a person left a bag outside and possibly drunk. Bag was picked up and sent to station. Later with a second call the person was found in possession of marijuana. Person was cited and released.
PE 300
Monday, Oct. 19, 1:40, p.m. A call was made out to 911, realizing it was accidental there were no further reports.
FA 300
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1:21 p.m.
An informant states that a male was in a restroom stall for almost three hours. Seems to be a regular pattern as the subject has done this numerous times, the police are still unable to locate the person.
Health Sciences
Thursday, Oct. 22, 10:50 a.m. A skateboarder was seen in the building, after calling the police they were unable to locate the skateboarder.
Lot 10
Friday, Oct. 23, 7:59 a.m.
A white truck was disturbing the peace in the early morning, when officials arrived the parties had disappeared.
Pool
Monday, Oct. 26, 12:57 p.m.
An informant states that smokers continuously smoke outside the pool area. It being the same person he or she is always advised but never listens.
Lot 5
Monday, Oct. 26, 6:53 p.m.
A traffic violation occurred when officials reported vehicles doing donuts in the parking lot.
LARIATNEWS.COM
A glimpse into Casa del Sol JONATHON ANSON NEWS EDITOR
Casa del Sol, Orange County’s entry into this year’s Solar Decathlon, was created in order to produce an affordable and energy efficent home. The team was comprised of 200 students from the University of California, Irvine, Chapman University, Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The project began in the summer of 2013 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. Paige Svehlak, who aided in the construction of the house in addition to its interior design and lighting, says that the home is designed to totally embrace solar energy. “Something that is interesting about our home is that it really embraces passive solar, which is going in sequence with the sun,” said Svehlak. “So we constructed our home to make sure that we’re utilizing a lot of engineering systems.” One of these systems is a steel moment frame, which helps prevent against natural disasters that result in the ground beneath the building to shift . This, Svehlak says, is instrumental, given the state it is being built in. “Here in California, our disaster relief for earthquakes and what not was ensuring that we have a steel frame for our home to be able to handle a large earthquake,” said Svehlak. Work on the house continued to incorporate a design influenced from the California Poppy, the official state flower of California. Mahdi Jorat, a student from Saddleback who aided in the construction of the home, said that, as the California poppy has four petals, the house hoped to meet four specific goals. “The same way there’s four petals to our house, there were four parts of the poppy we were inspired by,” said Jorat. “Passive solar, constructive innovation, energy efficient design for the so-cal market and to be drought resilient.” According to Jorat, the latter goal resulted in the house’s unique water system, which uses greywater and rainwater trapped in the house’s specially designed water system. To chill the water, a Sub-Wet bulb Evaporative Chiller is used. This pumps water through the house’s radiant cooling system located through a grid of piping on the roof. Jorat goes further saying a more unique process is utilized is heat the water. “We have a solar thermal collector which is essentially a glass tube tinted black with parabolic mirrors around each tube ... that actually heats our water,” said Jorat. “In our tests we went up to 160 degrees, which is hotter than a traditional water
YEO GEE SAUN
The home will go on sale to the general public as soon as it moves to another location in the Orange County Great Park. heater goes.” Finally, with construction on the house complete, work on the interior took place utilizing a custom collection created by Svehlak and other students. The house itself, when finally judged, came in 9th place. Svehlak says she doesn’t really care about finishing first place. She finds the public’s reactions to the efforts to build the
TEST ANXIETY?
house more rewarding. “When the public comes in [to see the house] and they literally come up to and tell you ‘you have created a beautiful home and it’s so innovative,’ that’s the most rewarding thing you can hear,” said Svehlak. Casa del Sol will soon be avaliable for purchase after it move to another part of the Orange County Great Park.
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Learning Resource Center Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2:57 p.m.
An informant stated a male was sitting on stair near LRC and SM buildings with his pants down exposing himself. Officers responded and were unable to locate subject upon arrival.
FOR THE RECORD
The Lariat is committed to accuracy. To reach us, call 949-582-4688 or email us at lariateditor@gmail.com. Please specify if you are referring to content from the newspaper or online. In the Oct. 7 issue of the Lariat, a photo caption on the front page incorrectly identified Cesar Medina as Cesar Morales. In the Opinion section of the Sept. 23 issue in the ‘How Trump are You’ article, Madi Hawksley was misquoted saying her opinion was option B, when in fact it was option A.
CONTRIBUTIONS
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Shootings a concern CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Instant messaging can be used to transmit as phone texts, the college website can be quickly updated and the electronic message board in front of the campus can be updated to display emergency information. “I have been attending classes here at Saddleback and have not yet felt unsafe by any means, but I would like to see more security on campus,” said Matt Clements, a 26-year-old kinesiology major. Having more security walking around campus could possibly make students and faculty feel more at ease, especially if they are taking and/or teaching night classes. “Most of the classes I take are night classes because I work during the day,” said Chase Halaby, a 22-year-old kinesiology major. “But it would be nicer to see security at night.” Halaby said security cameras around campus, whether it’s something violent or less serious, would definitely help catch the people committing crimes. No campus can ever be fully secure, but possibly raising the amount of campus police and security would make students and faculty feel more safe walking onto campus, especially after there have been multiple news stories about college campus shootings.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. SPIRITUAL CLIMATE. SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY. Earn your degree from a leading private university in the heart of Orange County. Choose from a traditional 15-week format or an accelerated 5-8 week option with evening classes that work with your schedule. YOUR STORY MATTERS. WHERE WILL IT TAKE YOU NEXT?
VANGUARD.EDU/COMMUNITY
Opinion
LARIATNEWS.COM
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015
3
Process this: “Processed” meats will give you cancer, WHO reports Bacon, ham and sausage fans weep at news of carcinogenic classification BETSEY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
Following the World Health Organization’s claim that bacon, also known to Mr. Hamstrip to his close friends, may cause cancer, everyone’s favorite part of the pig has left us. Early Monday morning Mr. Hamstrip, minding his own business when WHO released a report saying there is “sufficient evidence” that he causes bowel cancer, was murdered in his home. Authorities believe that WHO is the primary culprit of Mr. Hamstrips death, but there is still no direct link to the death. Aged approximately 2,000 years old, Mr. Hamstrip is survived by the chicken, turkey and salmon, which are not classified as carcinogens. Originating for the European peasants this was one of the cheapest and easiest meals to make, becoming very common for the poor as a main food sup-
ampus comments Students and faculty around campus were asked what the best way to enforce the smoking ban would be.
Lariat
“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968” editor-in-chief Jordan Rangel
managing editor
Nick Nenad news editor
Jonathan Anson opinion editor
Julia McCloskey life editor
Rivka Saydman features editor
Kseniya Taranyuk sports editor
Joshua Zent
assistant sports editor
Dominic Edel photo editor
Nicholas LaBarbera online editor
Breanna Greenup staff writers
Angel Grady Betsy Johnson
faculty advisers
MaryAnne Shults Tim Posada
instructional assistant
Ali Dorri contact
949-582-4688 email: lariateditor@gmail.com web: www.lariatnews.com address: 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo CA, 92692 phone:
NICHOLAS LABARBERA/LARIAT
ply. And since then… Mr. Hamstrip has been a main source in our everyday lives, bringing joy and full bellies to our morning breakfast rituals. After hearing about the death of Mr. Hamstrip it has left us in the five stages of grief. Denial: We do not want to believe that Mr. Hamstrip can ever be overeaten or cause such pain in our lives by eating him on a daily basis
Anger: After the death of Mr. Hamstrip we feel the need to lash out, punching walls, or throwing the pan we use to sizzle Mr. Hamstrip’s relatives in at something, reminding us the cold hard facts of not being able to eat him whenever we want. Bargaining: So we think of ways to keep Mr. Hamstrip alive, being able to eat him whenever we want simply by
giving something else up. Maybe if we don’t add bacon pieces to our salad we can keep him, or can we agree to not fry him in oil as frequently. This has to be a bad dream! Depression: Knowing that we can’t eat Mr. Hamstrip every day, we have a sense of emptiness in our hearts and stomachs. Hearing any sad song makes us think of the fond memories we’ve had, sending us into tears knowing that Mr. Hamstrip is truly gone. Acceptance: Even though we feel OK with knowing Mr. Hamstrip has moved on, we look into
a future where we don’t have to live in fear of what might happen if we eat ice cream covered in bacon. We can let go and live the new “norm,” a healthier lifestyle. A life where a chicken or turkey won’t give us cancer, we can now live a little bit longer. So as we say goodbye to Mr. Hamstrip and we say hello to our happy hearts, our cancer-free bowels, we can grow, change and begin to live again. When we are sitting at our breakfast tables we can remember Mr. Hamstrip and the wonderful memories he has given us.
Officer Paul Schaff
Kathy Nguyen Nurse
Mikaela Mourer 22 Undecided
“If students were given a designated area to separate smokers and non smokers there would be no need to enforce the policy.”
“The school could provide resources to prevent smoking like nicotine patches or smoking hotline phone numbers.”
Nate Thomson 23 Coffee cart employee
“Fines and tickets are frustrating, but I think that is the only way people will stop smoking on campus.”
“I think making designated smoking areas would be a better idea than banning smoking all together.”
So as we say goodbye to Mr. Hamstrip, we say hello to our happy hearts.
Saddleback, smoking and cigarettes JORDAN RANGEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
This semester is the first that includes a complete ban on all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, vaporizers and chewables. If a student, faculty member, visitor or general public is caught breaking this ban, they are supposed to get a citation. The problem is that tobacco use is not only a personal choice, but it is also an addiction. Other addictions like alcoholism are considered to be a disease, there should be no differentiation between a tobacco addiction and an alcohol addiction. There is no need to tend to the smokers like a hungry baby, but it should be viewed more as a whining baby. This is not a real life or death situation, but could be regarded as an annoyance that could be attended to with a cigarette pacifier. “I don’t want to step on their cigarette butts like last semester or have smoke blown in my face on my way to class,” said Elias Licea, a 21 year-old criminal justice major. During the 2015 spring semester, all ashtrays had been removed and smokers used creativity to get rid of their cigarette butts. The main spots to find butts were pretty much right where they had been sitting. In reality, the smokers were not to blame. There had been no ban on tobacco use yet but the removal of campus safe disposals was ev-
idenced. In short, it was a scam, a checkmate of some sort before the South Orange County Community College District and the Associated Student Government who passed the ban. They exasperated the problem to seemingly worse than it actually was, it took on a life of its own as a purely heroic act on their part to pass full tobacco prohibition. “They took away the ashtrays and they (students) had to get rid of their butts,” said Cheryl Anderson, the barista at the Drip coffee cart. Maybe the smoking ban could be a positive helpful hand to those addicts trying to quit. If a casual smoking student truly feels threatened by the pressure of receiving a citation, this could force the reduction in the tobacco usage. Furthermore, on another positive note, all money spent on smoking and other related objects of paraphernalia could be redirected elsewhere in their lives. The most useful aspect their money could provide is to aid in their education costs and thus would also
NICHOLAS LABARBERA/LARIAT
help to stimulate our college income for more fun events or better equipment like desks and chairs. if tobacco users wish to smoke, let them. It is their right, their lifestyle choice. By this point in their lives, they undoubtedly know the physical consequences. We just need to be certain that the secondhand smoke does not detrimentally affect those in close proximity. Here is where the enforcement should lie, designated areas for smoking, no ifs, ands or “butts.” “I don’t even care, I’ll smoke here (front of the Library), over there (Fine Arts building), anywhere,” said Jayvin Fulinara, a 19 yearold undecided major. To be fair to the smokers, ashtrays should be available once again. Providing ashtrays will give smokers the opportunity to prove they are willing to follow the rules as long as there is cooperation on both sides. “I don’t smoke, but I think they (smokers) should have designated areas away from classrooms and it’s the right thing,” Said Licea.
A Closer Look: Instructor Lyndelle Stonick goes over different methods of watercolor techniques that students can apply.
The United States of
EMERITUS Saddleback College is more than just a bunch of posttweens trying to be adults. Meet the other side of college life you never knew existed.
I
want you to picture what you think the average college student looks like. I bet you just envisioned an 18-to-22 year old who is broke, sleep deprived and is doing his best to get through school and start a career. Now think of the opposite. Think about a student who is eager and passionate to learn, purely for the simple joy of learning. This is a student who does not feel the pressure to attain a degree, but simply takes classes to feed her hunger to learn more and pursue her passions. Taking a Helping Hand: Emeritus student Leigh Gaston takes direction from instructor Lyndelle Stonick during an art class on how to paint watercolor.
story & photos by BREANNA GREENUP
Top: Leigh Gaston works on a watercolor painting of a wave at the ocean during class. Bottom: Instructor Lyndelle Stonick uses toilet paper strips on a new watercolor project.
What if I told you there was such a student here at Saddleback College and that these students make up almost a quarter of our student population. The Emeritus Institute at Saddleback College is what makes up this student group. These students truly are the opposite of what is typically envisioned when thinking of a college student. This is why they are unintentionally placed under the radar here on campus. It’s mainly because not many students on campus actually know about Emeritus or its students, particularly due to the fact that most classes take place off campus in Laguna Woods or in local community centers. This is why it has become a particular goal of the Emeritus faculty to make people more aware of the program. “The program is entering into its 40th anniversary in 2016 and we’re really focusing on different ways we can make people aware of it,” said Dan Predoel, director of the Emeritus Institute. The Emeritus institute is a program that is catered to and is primarily made up of the elderly population here in Southern Orange County. This division of Saddleback College is set up to provide and meet the educational needs of Orange County’s senior community, with the goal, in which Predoehl says, to ultimately enrich their lives. “The program is focused on four key areas,” Predoehl said. “Our mission is to promote lifelong learning by providing an academically rigorous, mentally stimulating, socially engaging and physically strengthening courses for older adults.” The program originated back in the ‘60s as a government sponsored research project to study the effects of physical activity in the older population. Fast forward to 2015 and this research project has developed into a fully fledged educational program that offers nearly 220 sections of classes ranging anything from fitness to history and art. Even though the program has significantly grown over the past four decades, Predoehl recognizes that there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement. “The goal is to reach more older adults,” Predoehl said. “Even though we have about 5,300 students, there are thousands of older adults in South Orange County, who aren’t yet taking Emeritus classes.” What’s unique about this program is that there is no enrollment fee for the classes and compared to the typical college class, there are no tests, no grades and no pressing deadlines. This makes it simple and easy for an Emeritus student to enroll and participate in the class. All that is needed is a sense of personal motivation and desire to learn something new. Instructors in the program, such as Lyndelle Stonick, recognizes that this aspect of the program is important to its success. It is this factor of the program that allows students the freedom to explore different interests and possibly develop a new passion. “The students here don’t get graded,” Stonick said. “My students are eager to get their home-
work done, they apologize when they don’t get it done and most of them find a way to make it up.” That’s not to say that teaching these classes isn’t a challenge. Most of the students of Emeritus are retired professionals, with years of life experience under their belts. Even Gerald Binder, Emeritus Professor of the Year, has been noted to say that ‘it’s his students that have taught him, and what he’s learned from them are life skills.’ It’s because of his students’ life experiences that Binder says he has to stay mindful when planning lessons. “You don’t really know who’s here, they can be former district attorneys, novelists, ambassadors, CEOs or professors,” Binder said. “So you have to be mindful of who your audience is and understand that much of what I’m lecturing about in a book, they’ve lived.” Another element of Emeritus is its presence in the community and how it encompasses the idea of what it is to be a community college. There is often the misconception that a community college is catered strictly to the younger adult. However, it’s catered to all age groups ranging from kindergarten to senior citizens. Elsa Amadin, an Administrative Assistant of Emeritus, believes that by supporting Emeritus, Saddleback College lives up to the idea of a community. “We are a community college and I really feel that Saddleback College does cover all the generations,” Amadin said. “Saddleback offers college for kids, the primary population [18 to 22 year olds], adult education and the Emeritus Institute.” With that said, there is also the notion that although Emeritus is catered to elder adults, its classes aren’t limited to that of a particular age group. Dan Predoehl says if a younger adult felt inclined, they could apply to enroll in a class. “The program is designed and meant for older adults, but anyone can take the courses,” Predoehl said. “There is this concept of inter-generational learning that happens within courses if people are willing to let it happen.” While the program does have cases in which younger adults enroll in the courses, Stonick recounts that it’s a very rare occurrence and that these students often feel intimidated. “Emeritus does not exclude young people in classes and we do get them,” Stonick said. “It’s been sort of on and off and I know sometimes they feel a little bit intimidated because everyone is older.” Despite the unlikelihood of a younger adult enrolling, Elsa Amadin even entertained the idea of inter-generational learning, saying that she would like to see it in the future. “I would like to see more interaction between the seniors and the younger students,” Amadin said. Perhaps the interaction between younger adults and elder adults in the classroom would prove to be beneficial socially and intellectually for both par-
A.
B.
C.
A. Emeritus students get moving and active in aerobics class using hand weights to help build upper body strength and improve balance. B. Wanda Moore (left) and her Emeritus classmate work on their core as they hold a difficult Pilates positions that engages their entire bodies. C. Emeritus instructor Lesley Lowe uses hand weights to help increase the intensity of the aerobics routine. D. Students lay on mats on their backs and utilize a medicine ball held between their legs to improve core strength.
D.
ties and could be an added aspect to the program in the near future. This alone could enrich the social aspect of the Emeritus Institute. Student’s themselves even recount the positive effects Emeritus has had on both theirs and their classmates lives. Leigh Gaston, a comparably younger student of Emeritus, has seen firsthand how the program helps the more elderly students. “It’s better than just sitting, especially for older people,” Gaston said. “Instead of being alone, they have all of this social interaction, they’re healthier and
they make friends.” Penny Stein, another student of Emeritus also recognizes how critically important it is for herself and other seniors to stay active and to have something to be involved in. Stein recently moved to Orange County and Emeritus gave her the opportunity to meet new people and try new activities. “To me, taking these classes are really important because it keeps you involved and it keeps you being able to learn,” Stein said. “And as a senior that’s really important because it’s easy to become isolated.”
It seems that the goal of this program is to find and maintain a passion, while developing new relationships in the process. Stonick recognizes the importance of maintaining a sense of curiosity, while continuously finding ways to grow in everyday life. It is in these key concepts that we find ways to maintain lifelong learning and health in not just old age, but any age. “If you don’t have something that motivates you, makes you curious and makes you want to grow—you’re stagnating,” Stonick said. “And stagnation is death.”
6
Life
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015
LARIATNEWS.COM
Coneheads and Stormtroopers More than 50 students showcase original photography BETSY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
Shannon Rurup won the People’s Choice Award for her photograph titled “Hospital Souvenirs” at the 5th Annual Saddleback College Student Photography Exhibit, located at the artist reception on campus Monday, Nov. 2. The exhibit is showcasing over 50 artists until Nov. 20, with free admission. Following Rurup was Megan Galloway’s “Hydra,” winning the Dean’s Choice Award. Rick Hohmann’s “What, Are You Kidding Me,” took the Presidents Choice Award. Last, but not least Diane McDonald, with a photo that is untitled, won the Best In Show. From beginner to advanced photographers, students featured digital photo art, model art, raw photography and various other styles of visual work.
A.
C.
B. A. Diane McDonald’s untitled photo won the Best in the Show Award. B. “Hydra,” taken by Megan Galloway, was rewarded the Dean’s Choice Award. C. Rick Hohmann took the photo, “What? Are You Kidding ME!” and achieved the prize of the President’s Choice Award. D. The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Shannon Rurup’s “Hospital Souveniers.”
D.
‘Blackbird’: An inspiring recount of singer Florence Mills JULIA MCCLOSKEY OPIONION EDITOR
“Blackbird’s” premise is completely contrary to what one might expect. A woman, set during the Vietnam War era, recounts her inspirational tale of a former 1920s singer. I entered, through no fault of my own ignorance, thinking this was going to be a story of a Vietnam spy or a tail of the SR-71 Blackbird fighter jet. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that neither came to fruition. In a small, dark and nondescript theatre room, known as the Studio Theatre, located in the Fine Arts sector of Saddleback College, “Blackbird: The Florence Mills Story” has to be the one play that I will keep fondly
remembered for years to come. A projector welcomed the audience, fondly setting the stage and telling the tale of 1920s music intertwined with the rising interest of African American music, known as the Harlem Renaissance. Artists such as Count Basie, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington provided a warm welcome with their unforgettable music, but the play’s centerpiece had yet to arrive. Florence Mills was the name to remember, a woman whose name was formally known as the “Queen of Happiness,” for the people she inspired throughout her active years in the early 20th century. Played by Jonelle Allen, her determination in acting out Florence’s youthful en-
ergy showed. Musical numbers such as “I’m A Little Blackbird, Looking For A Bluebird” was a personal favorite, done solely by Jonelle and her pianist—this was nothing short of an awe-inspiring performance. Despite “Blackbird’s” regrettably short period at Saddleback for its viewers, its presence is not gone. Acting as a “world premiere” at Saddleback College, both “Blackbird” and Allen as well as her wonderful team including director Stevi Meredith and composer David Jayden Anthony will move on to their next venue later this year. It will continue to inspire both young and old that no matter the time, one can completely reinvent their life if one has the determination.
Allen, an award-winning actress, known extensively for her previous works among film works such as “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” The Hotel New Hampshire” and “The River Niger.” Television appearances notably include “Barney Miller,” “The Love Boat,” “All in the Family,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Cagney and Lacey,” E.R.” and “Girlfriends.” Previous roles at Saddleback College such as “A Christmas Carol” and “The Journey” were met with similar acclaim, but her most recent appearance in “Blackbird” is one to put not only Allen, but also Saddleback’s Fine Arts Department back onto the map.
NINA WELCH/COURTESY
A NAME TO REMEMBER: Jonelle Allen brings the 192os singer Florence Mills to life in “Blackbird.”
Sports
LARIATNEWS.COM
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015
Gaucho athlete tackles future NFL hopes, fashion and rapping– the dreams of a defensive back RIVKA SAYDMAN LIFE EDITOR
Shaquan Whitaker, the cornerback of the Saddleback College Gauchos football team, and hopefully soon-to-be NFL player, is not concerned about injuring himself. About 100 athletes have suffered football-related injuries, some out indefinitely, according to statistics published by the Columbus Dispatch. “I don’t worry about getting injured at all because I feel like I’m not going to, but if I do I’ll just bounce up again… It’s a part of the game, it’s fine,” Whitaker said. “I’m more thinking about winning or making a play.” Whitaker’s right. Winning the game is more important than worrying about what may happen. For this “glass half full” kind of guy, Whitaker is sure to snatch up chances when they arise. Whitaker came to California in June 2014 from St. Louis, Missouri because there were better opportunities and “it’s a great place to live.” The only drawback, he said, was moving away from the people he loved. “I miss my family. I have four sisters and three brothers, there are a lot of us,” Whitaker said. “I was always independent and I knew that I would always be able to talk to them. They would be there for me and they knew that this was the best decision I could’ve made. They supported me. I miss them all the time,
ANGEL GRADY/LARIAT
Shaquan Whitaker poses for a picture before football practice. though.” He didn’t know anyone out here. The reason Whitaker decided to come to Saddleback College is because he had a friend who was going to move to California, too. They were both planning on joining the Gauchos together, however at the last minute, his friend changed his mind. “But I stuck with the plan because I talked to the coach,” Whitaker said. It’s a good thing Whitaker decided to move out to Mission Viejo, though.
He said the progression of the learning curve continues to advance. “This season has been going really well. Each week, I’ve been more focused on improving and becoming a better team player,” he said. Whitaker started playing football in the eighth grade. His mother signed him up for a flag football team, and although he didn’t expect to like it, he ended up loving it. Since then, Whitaker played football in high school, now in college, and plans to play for the NFL at
some point. The objective is to play professional ball, but Whitaker has several back-up plans. “I plan to take [football] as far as I can,” Whitaker said. [But if that doesn’t happen,] “I want to own a classic clothing business. Like, formal menswear because I feel like, as a man, that’s something that’s important. The way you dress shows your image, especially if you’re in a business. But for me, right now, I dress like this [sweatpants and a T-shirt] because I’m a football player and I can.” If, for some strange reason, neither of these plans work out, Whitaker would want to rap. “I would be a singer. Like, good music. I don’t play anything, but I like music. I know how to rap, “Whitaker said. “I like a lot of different music, so if I made music, it wouldn’t be, like, too hard-core like rap would, and it wouldn’t be like jazz, it would be somewhere right in the middle. Something good.” However, for the moment, Whitaker works at the information desk in the Learning Resource Center for extra money. It’s the perfect job that fits into his schedule and it’s not too stressful. As the interview “rapped” up, Whitaker explained what he liked best about football at Saddleback. “The thing that stuck out to me this season is the bond that we have this year. Our teammates, all of us, we have a really close bond,” Whitaker said. “We’re all like a band of brothers which makes us play harder and play better, not only for ourselves, but for each other as well.”
Orozco records another first place finish Saddleback takes second place at OEC Chamionships JORDAN PY
CONTRIBUTOR
The Saddleback College Gauchos cross country star, Ulysses Orozco captured a first place finish for the second straight week and third time overall this season at the Orange Empire Conference Finals at William R. Mason Regional Park on Friday, Oct. 30. Orozco got off to a blazing start, running right behind the race leaders for the majority of the race before making his move in the final mile and taking over first place for good. Orozco bested his record setting time of a week ago at the Mt. San Antonio College Cross Country Invitational by almost a full second, finishing the four mile course in a jaw dropping 20:34.56. Orozco crossed the finish line with ease over second place finisher, Riverside City College freshman Joshua Silva, by more than 13 seconds. Orozco attributes his success to his teammates and coaches while keeping a consistent weekly physical rou-
SADDLEBACK CROSS COUNTRY
Ulysses Orozco leads the pack running his way to another vicotry on Friday.
tine and staying mentally even keeled. “Every week I have the same preparation and I just visualize the race in front of me,” said Orozco. “Visualization is key for me.” Visualization definitely helped Orozco during the race as he seemed determined and motivated as it looked as if he knew he was going to win the race before it started. During warm ups, as they cheered on the women’s cross country team, the men
stayed loose by taking a light jog around the park and were cracking jokes during their stretching exercises. There seemed to be great chemistry between the team and zero sign of nerves from the guys and it showed from the start of the race. Orozco wasn’t the only highlight for the Gauchos as they had five top twenty finishes on Friday. Freshman runner Wyndal Skarsten finished in 11th place with an impressive time of 21:21.35. Sophomore Miles Brubacher finished 16th at 21:41.29 and sophomore Brian Aguirre finished in 17th right behind Brubacher at 21:45.43. Mark Delgado finished in 20th, clocking in at 21:51.59, capping off a great day for Saddleback. The impressive day gave the Gauchos enough to edge Santa Ana College and Orange Coast College, who finished in third and fourth place respectively. RCC took first place overall with seven top 20 finishes, including five top ten finishes on the day. This Gauchos squad seems to be improving with every passing week. With only two meets left, the Gauchos hope to carry their momentum into the Southern California Finals on Friday, Nov. 6 in Mission Bay and build on what looks to be a very successful season for this Gauchos team.
7
Saddleback edges out Fullerton BEN MULLEN CONTRIBUTOR
The Saddleback Gauchos increased their win streak to seven as they edged past the Fullerton College Hornets, 39-36 Saturday afternoon. Despite trailing in the first half the Gauchos sealed a victory. Saddleback started the game down 14-0 as the Hornet’s offense scored a passing touchdown on the first series and returned a fumble off of the Gaucho’s botched kickoff return. Saddleback’s first offensive series resulted in a field gold which the Hornets responded to with a 22yard rushing touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Johnny Stanton then answered with a one-yard run to cut the leadto 21-10. “We started off a little rough but we buckled down,” sophomore defensive back Zachary Wide said. “We pride ourselves on a bend, but don’t break defense.” The defense held the Hornets long enough for running back Myron Buchanan to score on a two-yard run, where quarterback Josh Gibson then executed a trick field goal for a twopoint conversion. The ensuing defensive series forced a Hornet fumble, which was recovered and Stanton later found sophomore wide receiver Dominic Collins in the end zone giving Saddleback the lead. “We started slow and we can’t play like that,” Collins said. “But, we picked it up in the second half and when the game was on the line we came through.” The Hornets and Gauchos battled through the second half as the game remained 25-24. Finally, Wade went airborne on a Fullerton pass and came through with an interception. The next drive resulted in Stanton finding Collins for a 21-yard touchdown. Saddleback commanded the lead in the fourth quarter 32-24, yet the Hornets scored a 29-yard pass and a five-yard run to take back the lead. With a minute and 40 seconds left Stanton and the offense marched down the field. Then, on fourth and one with 23 seconds to go, Buchanan punched through the end zone. “I didn’t even know I was getting the ball, coach just had faith in me and I did what I had to do,” Buchanan said. Although Saddleback only had three yards rushing, Stanton commanded the offense and finished the day with 31 completions out of 48 attempts for 342 yards. Collins had 175 yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore wide receiver Zach Davis hauled in 127 yards. Saddleback’s defense gave up 322 passing yards and 131 rushing yards, yet had two interceptions and a fumble recovery. “It was a very tough way to start the game off,” Saddleback head coach Mark McElroy said. “But, I’ll tell you one thing, our kids are resilient.” The Gauchos, who started the season winless, improve to 7-2 and will have a bye week before playing Golden West for the conference championship.
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