Volume 141, Issue #8
News
REOCCURRING SEX CRIMES IN LIBRARY
BY
ALEX DIXON
Editor
PHOTO BY SAPASORN RIDHIKERD / GUARDSMAN |
Campus police are working with the Rosenberg Library staff to handle reoccurring incidents of sexual misconduct in the library.
Reports of the sex-related crimes peaked around October and November of 2005. So far this year, campus police have received only one report of a sex-related incident in the Rosenberg Library.
According to the police log available on the City College website, this most recent episode occurred on March 25 at 10:18 p.m., when a man was allegedly seen masturbating on the library’s fourth floor.
Despite having only one incident on the books this year, campus police have been working closely with the library to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for students.
“We take any type of sex crime very seriously,” City College Police Chief Carl S. Koehler said. “I would just say [the library is] an opportunity for these people. It’s warm, quiet. In between the stacks it’s possible to watch people without being seen.”
Unfortunately, the police’s efforts to get a description or apprehend the suspects are often impeded by situations that are beyond their control.
“We can get over there in two minutes, but there are lots of entrances and exits [in the library]. If the witness stays around, we can usually get a pretty good description,” Koehler said.
More often than not, however, the victim leaves the scene of the crime, or doesn’t report it at all.
“The biggest problem is that the victims don’t come forth,” library dean Rita Jones said. “If you see anything suspicious, report it to a librarian. We also advise that students don’t fall asleep in the library.” Students should also use the buddy system if possible.
In indecent exposure incidents, Jones also suggested screaming in order to draw as much attention as possible to the criminal. The more people see the suspect, the more people are likely to remember what he or she looks like.
Campus police strongly discourage anyone from attempting to apprehend a suspect.
“Do not confront or attempt to restrain the person. Report it immediately to library staff, with as much information as to description: height, weight, clothing, and direction of travel,” Koehler said. “Civilians are not trained to get into physical confrontations. What if the suspect attacks you or pulls out a weapon? Then you are in an isolated area of campus with no assistance coming.” If no faculty or staff is present, a victim should call the campus police directly at (415) 239-3200.
Some investigations have been successful. Campus police have gotten a positive identification for at least two suspects in the past year. The suspects received a restraining order that prohibits them from setting foot on San Francisco Community College District property.
“There’s always a feeling of victory when you catch someone making students feel terrified,” Jones said.
e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com
PROPOSED BALLOT INITIATIVE WOULD LOWER COLLEGE TUITION
BY
MARCO A. GUITIERREZ
Editor
Supporters of a measure to lower student fees to $20 per unit hope to see their proposition on the June ballot.
“It (the proposition) is called ‘Investing in the Promise.’ The promise is that community colleges would allow everybody in California who wants to get a college education to get one,” said Ed Murray, president of Local 2121 of the American Federation of Teachers
“That goes way back … in 1960 there was a master plan in higher education. The idea was that the state university system and the UC system would be low priced, but the community colleges would be free,” Murray said. “That would get everybody access to college education.”
The proposition would allow college funding to increase as student population grows. In addition, a two-thirds vote from the legislature would be required before increasing fees.
“I think people were very concerned. They wanted to control the fees, and at the same time they wanted to get enough money to the community colleges, so that every Californian who wants to go to college can,” said Leslie P. Smith, dean of governmental relations and special assistant to the chancellor.
To qualify, the proposition will need 598,105 signatures.
The proposition is backed by the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, the California Federation of Teachers, the Community Colleges League of California and the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild.
“ If the classes [fees] go up … that is going to limit a certain group of people, whether that’s black, Asian, white or Latino, it’s going to delete them out of the picture because they might not have enough money,” City College student Cornelius Collins said.
e-mail: calendar@theguardsman.com
STRATEGIZING FOR BIRD FLU OUTBREAK
BY JEREMIAH MICHAELS
Staff Writer
JACK KARP / GUARDSMAN |
A phantom menace is bearing down on the United States, and it has nothing to do with Star Wars.
Christopher Brand, of the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, thinks the H5N1 virus, or avian bird flu, could hit the United States next year. The center has been studying the spread of the virus through migrating birds.
The virus affects domesticated poultry and wild birds like ducks and geese, but the infection has spread to humans. The flu is currently infecting people in Asia, Europe and Africa.
According to the World Health Organization, the H5N1 bird flu virus has infected 204 people this year, and 113 of those infected died.
City College is not ignoring the issue. “We have been working with the chancellor to have planning for the CCSF campuses in case of a pandemic,” said Sunny Clark, the department chair for the Health Center.
Clark suggests students wash their hands thoroughly and remove shoes before entering their homes. “You walk through enough on the ground every day, you don’t want it on your carpet,” Clark said.
The virus has a hard time thriving in the upper airways, such as the nose and throat, but it does manifest easily in the lungs. This suggests that a person needs close and repeated exposure to the virus to contract it.
There is no current inoculation against the virus. Chiron, a biotech company based in Emeryville, is in the process of manufacturing a serum that will combat the virus. A regular flu shot will reduce the possibility of catching the flu.
The Center for Disease Control in California has drafted a plan to educate the public
about the possible pandemic. Information is available on the Internet at www.sfcdcp.com. The site advises people to get a flu shot every six months.
“A flu shot is only good for six months. After that, you have to be inoculated again,” Clark said.
The Health Center offers the flu shot to credit students for $15 and to non-credit students for $20.
e-mail: jmichaels@theguardsman.com
BY DANI GOMEZ
Staff Writer
JACK KARP / GUARDSMAN |
On the morning of July 16, students and faculty from City College will join an estimated 25,000 others in support of the 20th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco.
AIDS Walk is a large, community-oriented fundraising event that benefits various San Francisco HIV/AIDS foundations. Over the years, AIDS Walk has raised more than $50 million for AIDS research, life-sustaining care, prevention and advocacy services. In 2005, a $3.25 million contribution was made to help people affected by the deadly disease.
The 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walk will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in Golden Gate Park, where walkers can enjoy barbecued food and live music. Sponsors will be on hand with information booths and giveaways.
Last year, 25 City College students participated in the Walk, raising $4,000. This year, the number of students walking with the team is expected to double.
The team fundraising goal is $5,000. “We set up a goal, and we reach for it. That’s it! It’s very low-key. You walk or volunteer and raise the money,” said City College AIDS Walk team captain Pinky Alforque.
Team members have other challenges besides raising money. “Because our team is not a City College registered club, we don’t get any funding. So we have to pay for the necessary supplies out of our own pockets,” Alforque said. “That’s one of the reasons why we are trying to get more people involved, especially City College faculty.”
Emerging in the mid 80’s, AIDS has claimed more than 40 million lives. Researchers and health workers still need resources and funding to slow down the worldwide spread of the devastating virus.
“It is extremely important to recognize AIDS and HIV as an epidemic. It is important to reach out and make a difference,” Alforque said.
To join City College AIDS Walk team, register as an individual or make a donation, go to www.aidswalk.net/sanfran or call (415) 615-9205.
e-mail: dgomez@theguardsman.com
BY MARCO A. GUTIERREZ AND ELIZABETH SKOW
Editor and Contributing Writer
The ethnic breakdown of City College’s faculty and administration fails to reflect the student body.
Sue Homer of the City College Diversity Committee estimates 60 percent of the faculty is white, 65 percent of the student body is non-white. “We really need teachers who can teach to the diverse student body,” Homer said.
Asian/Pacific Islanders make up 31 percent of the student body, 17 percent of full-time faculty and 18 percent of administration staff. Fifteen percent of the student body, 10 percent of the full-time faculty and 11 percent of the administration staff are Hispanics.
Blacks are the only minority group close to being represented, with nine percent in the student body, eight percent full-time faculty, and 20 percent of administrators. Filipinos make up eight percent of the student body, three percent of full-time faculty. There are no Filipinos in the administration.
“Students need mentors and role models, not only seeing individuals who they can identify with but also understanding that these individuals have a different prospective,” said Edgar Torres, chair of Latin American and Latino Studies.
There are positive signs for outreach. The “Grow Your Own” program subsidizes students who are going to graduate school, but want to come back to City College to teach. Program candidates must have experience with diversity issues on campus. There are five candidates graduating this spring.
On May 2, 50 faculty members were asked to participate in the City College Campus Change Network. To match the number of students with the number of instructors based on their ethnicity, the group is evaluating City College hiring practices.
“I think it is highly important, especially in San Francisco, where there is such a diverse population,” student Mike Grauer said.
e-mail: calendar@theguardsman.com
BY ANKIT GOYAL
Staff Writer
Wow, the fact that I’m writing my last column with a slightly defunct hand, a swollen ankle, and a constantly chaotic mind, is promising. I’ve survived the indescribable torment of an abnormal semester.
Kicking off the merry festivities were three able-bodied youths in search of a good night. I, a helpless, frail Indian lad was the victim that would facilitate their night. They mugged me.
Given the overwhelming love pervading in Berkeley, my roommates couldn’t wait for me to move out as the mugging was too much for them. The big bump on the side of my head was too distressing. I hope everyone could be so caring.
Well, from there I found my way to the glorious hills of San Francisco. Unfortunately, my efforts to instill some sanity were curtailed by a Jaguar-driving old humanitarian that ran a red light. My nimble bike slammed into the side of it, my shoulder popped out in front of it.
Things had to get better, right? Wrong. My ever-so-caring girlfriend at the time felt all this was too much. And like my roommates before her, she felt it would be a great time to break up.
For all that’s said and done, I’m still here and I’m still writing. I’m suing the woman and am also thinking of asking her out on a date. I know she has money, once she passes away I can at least inherit her fortune, or at least the car with my blood on the side of it.
Lastly, I am more than a fan of sympathy dates and gentle kisses. Everyone, please don’t hesitate to caress my withering body with any and all of these things. Physical pleasure always subdues emotional trauma.
e-mail: agoyal@theguardsman.com
City College at Large
Call or e-mail Steve Mowles with campus-wide news at: (415) 239-3446 or metronews@theguardsman.com
Evans Campus
There will be a beginners’ motorcycle workshop for women on June 1 and 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in room 115 at Evans campus. The workshop includes system overview, tune-up, trouble-shooting and hands-on training. Students may work on their own bike, but need to bring their own oil, filter, etc. Send check for $100 payable to: CCSF, Attn. David Dias, 1400 Evans Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124. For more information call David Dias at (415) 550-4455.
Fort Mason Campus
A Pilates instructor certification class is offered Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Mason in Building B, room 106. Learn how to incorporate Pilates into an aerobics class, personal training session or make it a fitness class of its own. Study the history of Pilates, myths and misconceptions, introduction to the pelvis and spine, the six basic principles, and 30 mat Pilates exercises. This class supplements the AAAI / ISMA personal trainer certification. The cost is $100.
Southeast Campus
The Southeast campus is hosting a book sale at 1800 Oakdale Ave. (at Phelps Street), Tuesday May 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday May 17 from 1 to 6 p.m., and Thursday May 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. Proceeds will support the new Southeast campus computer club. For more information, call Henry at (415) 550-4373.
Downtown Campus
The new Educated Palate dining room is now open to the public. The restaurant showcases the food preparation skills mastered by students in the Culinary and Service Skills Training Program. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Expanded hours will be offered beginning in the fall. Call now for reservations: (415) 908-7522.
Short Cuts
Better Late than Never
Joel Brown, an 80-year-old retired financier for the city of Montgomery, graduated this month from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in administrative services. The degree allowed Brown to fulfill a promise he made 62 years ago to his father that he would graduate from college.
Summer Semester Approaching
Online registration for summer classes for new and re-admitted students is available May 10 until June 7. Classes begin June 12. Students who want to change the programs they have enrolled in can do so from June 12 to June 16.
Issue #7 Correction
A photograph of Miles Harwell printed on page 12 in the last issue of The Guardsman was incorrectly attributed to Leslie Hicks. The actual photographer of the picture was Shasha Khoshkhou.
Graduation Ceremony
The City College Graduation ceremony for the class of 2006 will be held 11:00 a.m. on May 27 at the Nob Hill Masonic Center. Attorney, author and advocate Cupcake Brown will deliver the commencement speech.