The Mesa PressVolume 52, Issue 2 FEB 24, 2009The Independent Student Publication of San Diego Mesa College tt

This Issue

F e a t u r e s

Pg.7

Macka B, Dennis Bovell and the band performed a lively set. Photo by: Brook Dailey

Wine Bar Review

Story on Page 6Reggae stars come together to honor Bob Marley at the San Diego Sports Arena

S p o r t s

CD Review

Pg. 8

Sports Calendar

Pg. 9Reggae revival in SD

The Mesa PressNews Page 2 February 24, 2009

Advising ProfessorJanna Braun

Editors-in-ChiefErica ArvizuJohnny Ngo

Managing EditorBJ Grieve

News EditorMegan Looney

Photo EditorChristina Moran

Online EditorChris Rosario

Sports EditorsKenny KinderRyan Vicente

Features EditorTrenton Villanueva

This publication is produced as a journalism workshop for aspiring journalists. All mate-rials, including the opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the authors and should not be interpreted to be those of the San Diego Community College District. Submissions may be made to the address above.

To submit a letter to the edi-tor, please include your name (unsigned letters or letters signed with aliases will not be printed), age, major/pro-fession, college attending (if not Mesa) and e-mail address. Submit your letters to the ad-dress at the top right or by e-mail to mesa.press@gmail.com.

The Mesa Press Founded in 1966

Opinion EditorBrittany Wiczek

ReportersAaron CornBrook DailyEniola JoseAngelica LawrenceEric MillerBea PesentiAlex RenteriaVanessa SanchezSam StraubSarah SwaseyDanny West

Ad ManagerSasha Wallin

7250 Mesa College Drive San Diego, CA92111Phone: (619)388-2630Fax: (619)388-2835www.mesapress.commesa.press@gmail.com

SARAH SWASEYThe Mesa Press

During the fall of 2008, a group of San Diego Community College students successfully completed a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina through the school’s study abroad program which began August 22, 2008 and ended November 2, 2008.

Students took SDCCD courses in Spanish, Anthropology, History, and Music at Escuelas y Centros de Español en Latin America (ECELA). ECELA is a language school in Buenos Aires that is aimed mainly at travelers wanting to brush up on their foreign language skills. This was the first time ECELA hosted an organized group of students studying abroad from another school.

Student housing was included in the trip. It was provided through ECELA’s student apartments and host families.

Latin professors taught the History and Music classes, while the Anthropology classes were taught by Steve Bouscaren, a professor at San Diego City College. Bouscaren accompanied the students as a professor and chaperone.

Students were required to take an Argentine Life and Culture class as part of the program’s requirements. Each week students learned about a different part of the country, its history, and its people. Topics ranged from the history of tango and tango classes to understanding the Falklands’ War and the effect it had on Argentina.

Terry Metsch, a 20-year-old Mesa student, took part in the semester abroad to Buenos Aires. He had first signed up for the Semester at Sea program, but then changed his mind after learning about Argentina from a friend.

“I was trying to decide between

Semester at Sea and this study abroad program so I compared the pros and cons and it just made more sense for me to go to Argentina,” said Metsch.

After the semester, Metsch traveled by himself in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Because he enjoyed his time in Buenos Aires so much, he decided to stay for the spring semester as well.

“My semester abroad was so amazing that it has turned into my life abroad, as I am still living in Argentina,” added Metsch. “It is too difficult to say what my most memorable experience is because each day is a new adventure that entails new experiences.”

Metsch is taking a full load of online classes this semester while looking for work as an English teacher in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Upcoming study abroad opportunities include Cuernavaca, Mexico during summer 2009; separate trips to Paris and London during fall 2009; and possible excursions to Spain and Italy during spring 2010.

According to Marion Froehlich, the International Education Coordinator at City College, “Mesa does not participate in the study abroad consortium that offers London in the fall and Salamanca, Spain in the spring. The other programs are open to all SDCCD students.”

Because the London and Salamanca trips are offered through different community college districts, SDCCD students who wish to partake in these semesters would have to register with those schools. Citrus College in Glendora, CA is offering the semester abroad in England.

For more information on study abroad opportunities, visit www.sdcity.edu/studyabroad.Editor’s Note: The reporter also partici-pated in the program.

SDCCD students return from study abroad in

SDCCD students on a tour of Buenos Aires during their semester abroad. Photo courtesy of Sarah Swasey.

The Mesa PressFebruary 24, 2009 News page 3

Sebastian Law, the president of The Associated Students Government (ASG), has some important in-formation about upcoming events. He expressed the importance of a lucid transition of information be-tween student government and the enrolled students.

On March 16, there will be a demonstration in Sacramento to protest the cut in the Cal Grant B, which gives grants to students returning back to school from a long hiatus such as working full time.

With the skyrocketing unemployment rate and the economy spiraling out of control, it’s a good time for people to go back to school and finish their degrees or get new specialized certifications. The Cal Grant B can also be a very lucrative opportunity for unem-ployed mothers of two or the architect who can’t find work because development is at a standstill. Open in-quiries about the protest in Sacramento will be at the Student Affairs Building in H500.

There will be a trip to Washington D.C. from March 21-24 to lobby about the Pell Grant Trio Pro-gram which provides academic support, guidance, and funding for many first time college students and low income families.

It is open to all students and there will be an essay contest to those interested in going to D.C. for free. There will be 10 winners chosen to attend with all air-fare and meals paid for.

Requirements for the trip are as follows: current

A.S. member, in good academic standing, 2.0 GPA and are taking a minimum of 5 units. Turn in a dou-ble-spaced two-page essay.

There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new parking garage March 11 at 10:30 a.m.

For all you techies out there, the ASG is in the process of trying to get approved for a WiFi Internet network in front of the cafeteria. This is ideal for all you tech savvy laptop owners too afraid to step into the school library

On March 2 there will be a district wide Text Book Affordability Committee meeting happening to help relieve the financial burdens of buying expen-sive text books, by implementing a trade and exchange program that would reduce the costs significantly. This would allow you to rent books for a semester for cheap or even free!

The ASG has a meeting twice a week from 12:45-1:45 on Mondays and Wednesdays for anyone with concerns or pertinent issues to discuss. It is an open forum at the beginning of each meeting and all of the agendas are posted in front of H600 the day before the meeting.

There are always postings on the H500 building and in front of the cafeteria, which in result give the students updated information concerning the ASG and campus politics as far as what they have been up to lately or what they are planning to do.

For further information go to www.asacc.org.

ASG stands up for cutbacksERIC MILLERThe Mesa Press

Neat-O Man™Volume 1, Issue 6

Comic by Trenton Blair VillanuevaPhotos courtesy of www.wordpress.com &www.happyandfree.com© Trenton Villanueva

Black history lectures promote unity

CHRIS ROSARIOThe Mesa Press

The only African-American to earn a Ph.D. from USC co-lectured the event “The Black and Brown Connection: African Legacy in Mexico” to a crowd of 100 students on Feb. 19.

Dr. Christopher D. Jimenez y West and Sherehe Hollins, author and adjunct faculty member for the Black Studies Department, attempted to deconstruct the conceived tensions between people of both Afri-can and Latino descent.

The American public perceives African-American and Mexican-American relations to be riddled with conflict and division.

“You’ve been told a narrative that has never been true,” said West, “We erase the memory of the past in order to frame the present.”

“European domination” and “institutionalized white supremacy” in public education throughout his-tory of the United States has been used to divide and oppress African-American and indigenous populations explained Hollins.

West and Hollins encouraged the crowd to look beyond what they usually perceive as American his-tory. They looked back before the Civil War, before the American Revolution and even before Columbus.

The Olmec civilization of Mesoamerica, which is believed to be the product of West African explorers, the Moors that ruled Spain for over 800 years, and the

flood of 12.5 million slaves into mostly Central and South America provided a bedrock for the connection between Africans and Latinos.

The Olmecs, which used a West African script, laid the foundation of Mesoamerican science for fu-ture empires such as the Aztec and Mayans.

The Moors forever altered the culture of Spain by introducing a multitude of words and customs.

The two main ethnic groups in Mexico, Cen-tral, and South America, indigenous and Spanish, are strongly rooted in African Heritage.

Similar to the flight of slaves from the southern to northern states before and during the Civil War era, many blacks are fleeing oppression from Mexico into the US.

In “The Underground Railroad,” a film made in Juahaca, Mexico, stories told by afro-mexicans show a disparity of identity. Those that flee to the US find that they are seen as neither Mexican nor African.

“We need to educate others that there are some people in Mexico that still need help,” said Hollins during a Feb. 17 lecture.

Student Jacqueline LaPerle said, “If you don’t know your culture you end up being a Nowhere-ian.”

Despite the challenges, misdirection, and suffer-ing brought to light during these lectures, there is a glimmer of hope.

Marqua Moye, a student who attended these lec-tures, believes that this hope is fueled by the fact that, “I’ve got brothers and sisters all around the world.”

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For additional articles and interactive material

The Mesa PressOpinion Page 4 February 24, 2009

“Any proposed stimulus will be detrimental to my children.”

“Struggling financially and not having jobs available.”

“Not being available to eventu-ally pay off my student loans.”

“Future generations won’t be able to fare well.”

“Not being able to retire...ever”

THE WORD:

Casey Dalrymple, 29Sophomore

Allise Ditzler, 20Sophomore

Noe Felix, 18Freshman

Trishia Aune, 18Freshman

Mike Berry, 24Sophomore

More than 60,000 people were cited this past year for violating the California state law prohibiting the use of cellular phones while driving.

This year, legislators have chosen to up the ante by adding the use of text messaging features to the list of prohibited driving activities.

The law, which began on January 1, is being met with mixed reactions from people on both sides of the opinion spectrum.

Some feel that restricting the use of text messaging while driving will only lead to safer California roadways. Others, however, feel personally violated by the new legislation. In other words, stripped of the freedoms that each person should feel entitled to while taking a spin in their ‘92 Escort.

This vindictive revocation of rights was probably the motive of such states as Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, Minnesota and Washington whose legislators all agreed to pass anti-texting laws in their respective states. In fact, California is one of the states with the highest rate of vehicle related accidents and only one of at least 7 states to pass anti-texing legislation.

Let us not put it past a politician to support unjust laws, but perhaps

one must look at the facts that may have helped this law pass rather than the personal grudges some feel against government institutions and those whose authority it is to enforce the law.

According to the National Safety Council, text messaging is among the worst things a person can do while driving. One study found that drivers who are talking on a cell phone or texting while driving are less capable of processing their surrounding environment. Not only does text messaging require a driver to take his/her eyes off the road, it distracts their hands and mind from what’s going on around them. This is an unfortunate truth for all of the “Shakespeares” of 150 characters or less who insist on their capability to multitask while behind the wheel.

Another interesting bit of information to add is that California

drivers that fall within the 19-24 age bracket are most prone to driving accidents, and conjointly, the most common people to utilize cell phone text messaging features. So it seems (at least in the case of college age drivers,) this new legislation serves as a safety measure aimed at the welfare of the general population rather than another useless and repressive restriction.

With that said, the blame for the new

law can’t solely be placed on the younger generation of reckless drivers. On Sept. 12, a 46 year old man was suspected of text messaging while operating the Metrolink train that crashed in Chatsworth, Calif. More than 130 people were injured, and he, along with 24 other passengers, died.

It seems it is time for the people of California to focus their attention on greater issues than the loss of another trivial personal freedom. The rights of many American citizens in the past and still today are being withheld on a scale much grander than that of any one persons daily texting quota. Perhaps with the added legislation and each person’s participation in abiding to the new law, California roadways can become a safer and more secure place for all.

What worries you most about the current global economic crisis?

Texts of Mass Destruction

CHRISTINA MORANThe Mesa Press

It’s no secret that smoking is bad. Studies also show that secondhand smoke is even more harmful than first-hand smoke.

As a result, more and more restrictions have been placed on when and where smoking is permitted.

While it began small, the ban is now widespread. For example, in the city of El Cajon a ban is in consideration that would make it illegal to smoke anywhere. In California, it’s illegal to smoke while driving if there’s a minor in the car. In San Diego, all bus and trolley stops have a 25 foot no-smoking perimeter, and if caught smoking, the fine can run up to $150.

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, Mesa became a completely smoke-free campus in an effort to improve the health of all students. However, there is no designated smoking area.

For the most part, smoking students do not observe the ban and continue to smoke in a previously designated smoking area near the cafeteria, leading to the staff parking lot. Campus security asks students to move to the edge of the cliff, which creates a fire danger.

It should be common knowledge that foliage and anything that burns should not go together. If the rain forests in tropical climates can burn, the scrub brush in a desert canyon can flame up in an instant due with a careless flick of a cigarette. Why should smokers be forced to go so far just to take a puff?

While researching the smoking policies at Mesa, the only released reports on the issue date from 2007, with the exception of minutes from several Mesa Academic Summits. The 2006 Mesa College Smoking Policy report cites several “San Diego Smoke-Free Environments,” such as Petco Park, Del Mar, Calabasas, and several non-specific examples of where you can’t smoke in cities in San Diego County, like beaches, parks, sidewalks, and public transit.

Unfortunately, there are no examples of where in San Diego the aforementioned no smoke zones are, just vague references. Calabasas isn’t even in San Diego, it’s a small town by Santa Maria.

Walking through campus is the occasional smoking student, and very few cigarette butts. In the instances where smoking students were

Smokers need a place to put their butts

Staff Editorial

Obama on his Blackberry. Photo courtesy of google images.

See SMOKERS on Page 10

The Mesa PressFebruary 24, 2009 Opinion page 5

Resident leading tough guy Rock Hudson was a closet homosexual. Errol Flynn reputedly had sexual relations with a fifteen year old. Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle allegedly raped a young woman, the consequences of which led her to die two days later.

While these may seem like random factoids thrown out for the sake of dragging these deceased thespians names through the mud, they serve a purpose. These anecdotes were typically reported on in the name of journalism, and many of these facts did not see the light of day until after the death of the character in question.

These days, celebrity culture is the crux of sundry industries. Print journalism, television channels and entire Internet sites are devoted to the commonalities and lackluster daily routines of the most insipid stars. Why we need to know that Britney Spears is just like us (yes, us, those everyday Joe the Plumbers who toil to make the world go round but are not important enough to have their picture on the internet because they didn’t forget to wear panties when they left the house that day) and buys toilet paper in bulk is contemptible.

How is it possible that every magazine cover in recent memory is more concerned with Jessica Simpson’s weight gain than with what our newly minted President has put into effect in his first month? Why is the Internet ablaze with audio of Christian Bale, Batman himself, having a bad day? Not only is that not newsworthy, but it’s none of our business.

The decline of the intelligence of Americans can be directly correlated with the change in Hollywood over the years. Movie premieres used to be a big ordeal, and one of the few times when fans could catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. Now, movie lovers can just sit at home and watch “E!” while surfing perezhilton.com and cross their fingers that there will be a nipple slip or loose curse word.

The old theaters that offered a unique experience have all become bookstores where the ghosts of celluloid past haunt the self-help section. If you’d like to see a movie now, you can visit your local commercialized chain theater and take out another mortgage to see that new Matthew McConaughey/Kate Hudson treasure hunting adventure. If you want daring and imagination in your films, you can try to find one of the specialized theaters that offer artsy (read: not major studio/intelligent) offerings, but you’ll probably find that it’s now a Barnes and Noble.

The word celebrity used to mean something. A celebrity was someone that could be idolized or lusted after, but ultimately used his or her notoriety for the public good. It seems these days that an exposed vagina and a video on Youtube will get you places. And lord knows we’ll love you for it.

Everybody loves BJ

BJ GRIEVEThe Mesa Press

Baby Crazy!

See BABY on page 10

JOHNNY NGOThe Mesa Press

Fourteen kids should be an amazing, touching piece to write about. Instead, it’s disgusting to even discuss. This damn woman, Nadya Suleman, has created much debate on whether what she is doing is healthy or not. There are two points that should be made from this atrocious ordeal. One, what is the mother thinking? Two, what are the doctors thinking?

On Jan 26, she gave birth to octuplets. This isn’t your natural, wham, bam, wow how did those eggs become octuplets type of deal. No, it’s through in vitro, an artificial insemination that helps couples or mothers that cannot conceive through any other way. She already had six kids before this, now add eight more and it’s baffling to see such recklessness from this damn woman.

Let’s start with this damn woman, the mother. There is a great understanding that women are stronger now with the whole female independence ideal at work. So not having a man is great. More power to the women that believe in that. But having a total of 14 kids without any male or female spouse is mind-boggling. How is there going to be order within the household? Isn’t it going to be a little stressful for a mother to take care of 14 kids on her own? It has to be.

In an interview with NBC’s Ann Curry, she tries to argue that society is taking a harsh look at her. Her justification for wanting such a huge family is because “[she] just longed for certain connections.” Really? That is the reason why you would put eight babies, weighing from 1 pound, 8 ounces to 3 pounds, 4 ounces in jeopardy. It doesn’t make sense.

And how is this damn woman going to support this big family? Oh that’s right, by the sympathy of marketing her babies. According to the Times of London, this damn woman hired Killeen Furtney Group to help her with this endeavor. So let’s get the story straight, a proud, educated woman is going to get by raising her babies by asking for our support? She’s going to whore out her kids for film deals to get some baby food into their mouths? Is that a way for a mother, in any damn situation, to help her kids?

The Mesa PressFeatures Page 6 February 24, 2009

Ear To The GroundLocal Music Spotlight

For many, there’s something very special about the sea-son of summer, whether it be the endless days at the beach or the late nights spent with friends. The music of the Jon

Garner Trio provides the much-needed vibe of those three carefree months to those who can’t wait for the sunburnt skin and sand between their toes.

The trio consists of Jon Garner (guitar and vocals), Rich Wright (upright bass), and Mikey Cannon (drums), all of whom are veterans of the local music scene. Garner and Wright met while playing together in K-32, a local acoustic beach-rock outfit. Towards the end of 2007, the two decided to start their own band and recruited Cannon, formally of the B Side Players, to play drums for them. After a few months of playing gigs with the moniker of Jon Garner Trio and de-veloping a repertoire of both original songs and covers alike, the band released “… And The Happy Accidents” in 2008.

It becomes obvious after viewing the trio’s eclectic influences, which include the soul music of Stax Records, Miles Davis, Violent Femmes, The Beatles and Tribe Called Quest, that this is one band that is difficult to categorize. Garner describes it as acoustic/electric-California-beach-funk/jazz/neo-soul with a hint of reggae/early-ska. Fans of bands like G. Love and Special, Dave Matthews Band, Ja-son Mraz, and Jack Johnson should find themselves at home with the music of the Jon Garner Trio.

The Jon Garner Trio is heading back to the studio to record their sophomore effort as well as an album of classic reggae and ska covers, inspired by their well received cover of Toots and the Maytals’ “Pressure Drop” on their debut album.

After deciding to cut back on the number of gigs they play each month in order to spend more time writing and recording new material, the band will only be playing one or two gigs a month for now. Anyone who enjoys music that puts your worries at ease and a smile on your face will enjoy the feel good tunes of the Jon Garner Trio.

Upcoming gigs:March 13th 9:00 PM@ Main Tap Tavern, El Cajon.

Visit them on the web:www.myspace.com/jongarnertrio

Music Available @ iTunes Music Store!

DANNY WESTThe Mesa Press

BROOK DAILEYThe Mesa Press

A variety of artists made up the music and sounds of the 28th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends. There were seventeen artists total and each brought a new sound and message to the audience.

The new wave of reggae music that the artists played had strong influences of rock and jazz. Electric guitars flowed freely with heavy bass and drums, some accompanied by wailing reggae lyrics and others with heavy rap lyrics.

A slow spinning double-sided stage helped a smooth flow of constant jams. Within the first two hours Alika with Quinto Sol warmed the growing audience with her Spanish rap lyrics and high energy. The arena started bustling as she closed her act.

Macka B, Dennis Bovell and the Mad Professor experienced the full potential of the crowd after the lights were shut off in the arena around 4 p.m. Macka B sang about everything from his life at home to the foods he can eat on his vegan diet, putting to rest the question “Then what do you eat?” Mad Professor overflowed the stage with his heavy dub beats and humor.

Pablo Moses spun into his set afterward. His mellow tunes helped the crowd settle in for the remaining hours of the festival. Pablo is best known for the hit “I Man A Grasshopper” in 1975.

After 5 p.m., Queen Ifrica hit the stage with pulsing energy and a voice that rumbled the audience. She rapped, sang and spoke to the crowd throughout her 40 minute set.

Tony Rebel was next to take the stage. In between songs he took a minute to speak to the audience, lending his heart to those who have been hurt by the current economy

and foreclosures. He then suggested that we ask Barack Obama to do one thing: legalize it. The song “Legalize It” was made famous by Peter Tosh in 1976.

From there the stage spun to the next set, Ky-Mani Marley. His first songs were powerful rock guitar sounds, a sample of his musical style. He also preformed his father’s “No Woman No Cry,” “One Love” and “Turn Your Lights Down Low” as a great tribute.

Midnight spun onto stage with a roaring

arena. The roots based band played songs dedicated to Jah, the Rastafari religion’s one and only god. The raw and original sounds of Midnite stirred the atmosphere up.

Stephen Marley, Bob Marley’s second son, stole the stage with his widely popular music from 7 until 8 p.m. He took time to sing some original Marley songs, including “Get Up Stand Up” and “Three Little Birds.”

Qi Gong Grandmaster Le-Tian Da Shi

demonstrated celestial singing in-between the set change. Afterward, Michael Rose took the stage for an hour. He sang with high energy mixed with heart-felt lyrics.

Buju Banton closed the festival with strong songs and a large fan base in the crowd. He sang about love, justice and peace.

Two types of tickets were available; the arena seating or the standing pit below. The arena seating came at a cheaper price, but not a lesser experience. The pit was thick with dancing. Both areas had access to the outside oval of the stadium where one could catch a breath.

Concessions were packed into the surrounding area. Colorful wall hangings and T-shirts dripped from every stand. Artwork dedicated to marijuana and reggae music adorned other stands. Paraphernalia sat behind caged displays along with pot flavored suckers and necklaces made of fabric hemp leaves.

People littered the concession area, eager for chicken or chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick. Food was plenty, consistently being eaten during the ten hour ordeal.

The money was worth it, whether in the pit below or seating above. The music was fun and powerful and the crowd had positive energy. The whole festival was played smoothly from start to finish thanks to incredible set choreography and promptness.

The 28th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends was a great festival, filled with positive, open people and some of the greatest reggae stars of our generation and past generations too. After such success, expect a great festival next year in the name of the legend, Bob Marley.

A Tribute to the Reggae Legends

From left to right: Wright, Garner, and Cannon.Photo Courtesy of Jon Garner Trio.

The Mad Professor singing with his band. Photo by Brook Dailey.

INFOrmatIONJon Garner Trio

The Mesa PressFebruary 24, 2009 Features page 7

MEGAN LOONEYThe Mesa Press

A wine bar can be a great place to relax by yourself after a long day, listen to great live music, get crazy with friends or cuddly with a date. It all just depends on where you go, but all of the following places have great wine (and beer), student-friendly prices and a fantastic atmosphere. And this list is only a taste of what San Diego has to offer.

ApertivoItalian tapas and wine bar - North Park, $

If you are tight on cash, as most of us are, but still want to enjoy a nice glass of wine and snack-size portions of food, this is the place to go. The average price for a glass of wine is about $5 and prices for bottles of wine are just as inviting. Apertivo specializes in Italian wines and beers, but also carries some Californian names to appease the locals. The fresh menu consists of everything from a $4 house salad to Chicken Marsala for $8 (keep in mind entrees are all small in size). Bring some friends to enjoy a light meal in a cozy setting for under $10.

www.apertivo.com

Wine Steals - Hillcrest, $Immediately after walking in, the vibe is

welcoming and comfortable. Plush couches and chairs are charmingly scattered about, along with a long bar accompanied by wooden bar stools. The bartenders are very friendly and patient with questions about the featured wines written in chalk behind the bar. The weekly deals here really are a steal. On Mondays, you can buy a bottle of wine for retail price and forget about the corking

fee. Mon-Fri enjoy $3 glasses of select wine during their 4-6 p.m. happy hour and on Sat. you can sample up to 25 wines for just $10!

www.winestealssd.com Kensington Vine

- Normal Heights, $$With glasses of wine ranging from

$7-$19, this is a bit pricier than the other options, but worth the money. Kensington emits a romantic and moody ambiance with candles on almost every surface. Inside, you can sit down amongst one of their many intimate tables or along the curving bar. Along with a delicious and international wine list, you can enjoy pizzas, appetizers or cheese plates designed to accompany your wine. If you still want to save money, then check them out on Mon. for an all-night happy hour with select $5 wines and appetizers. Also, on Wednesdays enjoy a bottle of wine for retail price (that could save you around $10).

http://www.kensingtonvine.com

Trisler’s- Mission Valley, $$

This wine bar offers live music, European cheese boards, a “build your own wine flight (tasting)” option and Karl Strauss on tap. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. The wine list is small but worldly, with glasses starting at $6. Any of their brilliant blends are worth the meager price. However, during their weekday happy

hour from 5-7 p.m. all wines are $5 a glass and all beer is $3. On Sundays, all bottles of wine are half off. On a weekly basis, all of this can be enjoyed while listening to some of the best live guitar or saxophone music in town. ww.trislerswinebar.com

Tango Wine Co- San Diego, $$

They were voted Best Wine Bar by CitySearch in 2007 and 2008. If you are new at wine and don’t know what you like yet, this is one of the best places to taste them all. Tango has ongoing tasting events for as little as $15. Their next event is on March 3, when you can taste six different delicious wines from 6-8 p.m. Another popular event is PMS Wednesdays, a great getaway for women to enjoy wine, chocolate and a free five minute shoulder massage. They also have events catered to art and book lovers. This is a fun time for someone who wants a more interactive, educational wine experience.

www.tangowine.com

Average price for one glass of wine and appetizer-

$: $6-10 per person $$: $10-20 per person

SAM STRAUBThe Mesa Press

Built on the corner of one of the oldest blocks in Pacific Beach, Café 976 provides its customers with a healthy and trendy means to breakfast, lunch, or just a morning coffee.

For the morning caffeine junkie, 976 covers all the areas from your basic tea and coffee to espresso specialties like the funky monkey, a creative blend of espresso, chocolate, banana and milk.

The breakfast menu has something for everyone from the traditional waffles and French toast to the different assortment of breakfast sandwiches, bagels and burritos.

If you’re in the mood for a healthier but equally filling meal, 976 also provides delicious Acai bowls. These bowls are an assortment of the Brazilian berry acai, granola, guarana, bananas, blueberries and strawberries all mixed together.

For lunch, Café 976 has a variety of healthy pizzas, salads, soups and sandwiches available until 3 p.m.

Originally built in the 1920s, the former house was reconstructed into the coffee house it is today in 1993.

The inside dining area atmosphere is very vibrant with wood floors and warm colored walls decorated with loads of local,

eccentric modern art. Outside, the wrap around porch is a prime spot for

couples or the occasional solo dining with its

reclusive sun lit seating.

With so many schools in the area, Café 976 has become an Internet café and popular

place to study for the local students.

The atmosphere of the inside seating and

dining area is rather loud and upbeat for studying and

doing work. The open courtyard with its sun lit patio and an excess

of plants and trees arouses a very calm and relaxing feeling and becomes the

perfect spot to get focused. Located at 976 Felspar St. in Pacific Beach,

Café 976 opens at 7 a.m. everyday and serves breakfast until 2 p.m. and lunch until 3 p.m. After 3

p.m., only a few items are available on the menu for dining while drinks are available until close.

With a widely diverse menu and casual atmosphere, this modern coffee house bistro provides an amazing spot to eat, study or just relax with a new book for a relatively inexpensive cost.

Café 976: A little bite of history

Top 5 Wine bars in San Diego

Fish Tacos with a simple but tempting presentation at Café 976. Photo by Sam Straub

Photo by Sam Straub

Colorful seating on the outside patio at Café 976. Photo by Sam Straub

The Mesa PressFeatures Page 8 February 24, 2009

VANESSA SANCHEZThe Mesa Press

Just a month and a half into the new year and with movies like “Bride Wars,” “New in Town,” and “He’s Just Not That Into You,” 2009 has already seen its fair share of chick flicks.

“Confessions of a Shopaholic,” the latest romantic comedy to come out on Valentine’s Day weekend, does nothing but live up to typical chick flick standards, striking fear in boyfriends across the country.

Isla Fisher, most famous for her roles in comedies like “Wedding Crashers” and “Hot

Rod,” plays Rebecca Bloomwood, a lively young woman with an absolutely ridiculous addiction to shopping. After losing her job as a journalist for an outdoor magazine, Bloomwood desperately accepts a job as a financial advice columnist, a job not exactly fitting for an impulsive spender.

The romantic part of this comedy falls into place when Bloomwood finds herself falling for her new boss, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), while trying to hide her crazy addiction, massive debt, real dream to work for a fashion magazine and ineligibility for her job.

The movie has a somewhat giddy atmosphere, mostly due to a main character that you just can’t help feeling sorry for.

There are also many awkward instances like when Bloomwood’s boss introduces her to his date. This causes the audience to cringe amidst their laughter. Her embarrassment is conveyed through the screen to everyone sitting in the theatre. This is the source for most of the comedy in the movie.

Overall, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” delivers a fun performance, but nothing mind blowing or awe-inspiring. It has a few good laughs and moments that make you go, “awww.” This is nothing short of what you’d expect from a chick flick, but good entertainment nonetheless.

‘Confessions’ just another chick flick

Rebecca (Fisher) gazes at her new boss.Courtesy of outnow.ch.

Movie Review

TRENTON VILLANUEVAThe Mesa Press

Morrissey’s latest album, “Years of Re-fusal”, is everything you can expect from another solo outing by the Ex-Smiths front man and not much else.

This album returns to the pop-rock sound of his earlier work but retains the more rocking aspects from his previous al-bum, “Ringleader of the Tormentors.”

Morrissey delivers what he is famous for: a crooning, borderline annoying voice and satirical lyrics. “Disappointment came to me and booted me…/But that’s how peo-ple grow up,” shows that Morrissey is as sar-castic as ever.

The music written by Morrissey’s back-ing band is top notch. Guitarists Jesse Tobias and Boz Boorer add edge and precision to otherwise simple songs. Bassist Solomon Walker and Drummer Matt Walker combine for upbeat tempos.

The songs “Black Cloud” and “When Last I Spoke to Carol” are easily the high-lights of “Years of Refusal.”

“Black Cloud” is a catchy tune that fea-tures a beautifully crafted guitar intro per-formed by Jeff Beck.

On “When Last I Spoke to Carol,” Boorer’s acoustic guitar work adds a distinct European feel. Also, the Spanish-style horns give this song unique flair.

Unfortunately, these few wrinkles are really the only things that make this album distinguishable from Morrissey’s earlier works.

Morrissey’s melodies and voice are al-most too identical to every other album in Morrissey’s lengthy solo excursion.

“Years of Refusal” continues Morris-sey’s recent trend of good albums. However, the singer’s own unoriginal vocal style and prominence holds this album back and dulls the overall sheen of Morrissey’s backing band.

Music Review

The new Morrissey is nothing new

The Mesa PressFebruary 24, 2009 Opinion page 9

Zappa plays Zappa 2009House of BluesMarch 1st

The Oddity Faire feat. Les ClaypoolHouse of BluesMarch 4th

Slipknot w/ Coheed and CambriaCox Arena March 8th

G. Love and Special SauceHouse of BluesMarch 8th

De La SoulCanesMarch 13th

The Adicts w/ The DickiesHouse of BluesMarch 22nd

Less than Jake w/ The ExpendablesCanesMarch 30th

Americans love their meat; don’t let the slight, celebrity fronted, trend of vegetarian and veganism fool you. Although there seems to be an uptrend in vegetarian restaurants, the norm is still that dinner ain’t dinner unless there is a piece of cooked body on your plate.

According to the FDA, only 2.3 percent of American adults eat a vegetarian diet. And in this small group of ostracized individuals lies a healthy grudge for the overpricing of meatless meals.

While there is the occasional entitled indie-vegan that strives to make meat-eaters feel guilty for ordering a steak, most vegetarians would be satisfied if restaurants and eateries would just offer a reduced price when ordering meatless entrees. Not as a nod for trying to reduce pollution and inhumane treatment of animals, but for the sheer reason that the wholesale price of veggies and grain is dramatically lower than that of meat and poultry.

According to this year’s USDA price spreads, the average cost of meat in the U.S. is $1.95 and the average cost of vegetables is 75 cents. Thus, it would be logical to assume that vegetarian fare would be less expensive, but it’s quite the contrary.

Many vendors not only charge full price for a meal where the main cost has been removed, they have the audacity to charge a premium for vegetarian orders, marking them as “specialty items.”

At the fine establishment that is the Mesa cafeteria, you can order a sandwich piled high with all of the slippery deli meat your little heart desires for the set price of $6. But if you would like the same sandwich sans the meat and with some grilled eggplant or zucchini, it’s gonna cost you $1 extra.

Taco Surf in PB follows the same logic with their menu. A meat stuffed burrito is an average of $3 and change, but the vegetarian burrito will set you back an excess of $5.

The truth is, the uprise in vegetarianism is most likely just a pop culture trend like bottled water, and will most likely continue to phase out. But while it’s here, it’s only fair that lettuce lovers be given discount where deserved.

Lettuce catch a breakERICA ARVIZUThe Mesa Press

Spring Sports CalendarBaseballCoach: Kevin Hazlett (18th season)Upcoming Games: Feb. 26 @ Grossmont College, Feb. 27 @ Imperial Valley, March 3 @ Southwestern College, March 5 vs. SD City College

SoftballCoach: Mary Bongard (4th season) and Jaclyn Guidi (1st season)Upcoming Games: Feb. 25 @ SD City College, Feb. 27 vs. Palomar College, March 2 @ Grossmont, March 4 @ Southwestern

Men’s TennisCoach: Michael Hootner (2nd season)Upcoming Games: Feb. 26 vs. Imperial Valley, March 3 vs. Palomar College, March 5 vs. Grossmont College

Women’s TennisCoach: Patty Peisner

Upcoming Games: Feb. 26 @ Palomar College, Feb. 27 vs. Cerritos College, March 3 @ Grossmont College, March 5 @ Imperial Valley

Men & Women’s Track & FieldCoach: Leslie Coons (2nd season as head coach, 10th season overall)Upcoming Meets: Feb. 27-28 vs. Foothill Conference, March 6-7 vs. Benny Brown, March 13-14 @ SDSU (Aztec Invite)

Men & Women’s Swimming & DivingCoach: Jim FeganUpcoming Games: Feb. 27 @ Palomar, March 6-7 @ Chaffey (Chaffey Invitational), March 13 vs. Southwestern

Men’s VolleyballCoach: John Landicho (2nd season)Upcoming Games: March 4 @ Golden West College, March 6 vs. Orange Coast College, March 11 @ SD City College

The Mesa PressOpinion Page 10 February 24, 2009

the campus perimeter, not one person approached the smoker and requested they put their butt out. Throughout Mesa’s campus, there are very few cigarette butts littering the ground. In the former designated smoking area, there’s a real problem. One faithful smoker pointed out that the problem would be lessened, “if they

just gave us an ashtray or two.”

In the P buildings off of Marlesta Drive, there are 2 ashtrays, even though it is a designated part of Mesa’s campus. This hard to reach spot is the only place on-campus where smokers do not have to worry about the health of a non-smoking student next to them or about setting a fire with a stray butt.

Smoking students are being treated unfairly for a habit that they have

made the choice to continue with, despite knowing the effects of tobacco smoke. However, in the effort to go smoke-free, smokers have lost the right to their nicotine fix.

SMOKERS continued from Page 4

So where can we smoke?

Smokers ignore smoke-free zones at Mesa.Photo by Bea Pesenti.

This leads to the second point, what were the doctors’ thinking? Is this the whole “I’m God” mentality they are associating themselves with now? Doctors are supposed to be the ethical ones, the ones that know better than their patients. Maybe they aren’t. Maybe it’s whatever the patient wants, the patient gets. This isn’t “Nip/Tuck” where breast implants are roaming the streets of Hollywood; these are kids, little embryos that will have a beating heart soon.

Maybe we are being duped. Maybe this woman does know what she’s talking about. Maybe the life she wants is to be rich by herself and not with another lover. To have babies through artificial insemination, shower us with love so that we, in return, will buy all the books and movies she shoves down our throats. Maybe this woman is smart after all.

Or maybe this woman is reckless, idiotic and willing to risk her own kid’s lives because she wants that connection she’s been longing to have. One thing is for certain; this woman needs to have common sense slapped back into her.

BABY continued from Page 5

This damn woman and her 14 kids

Ann Curry interviewing this damn woman.Photo courtesy of google images.

The Mesa Press Sports Page 11February 24, 2009

KENNY KINDERThe Mesa Press

Led by second year Coach Michael Hootner the Mesa College Women’s Basketball team prepared for a season of development and building blocks.

Managed by a roster containing only three returning players, the Lady Olympians were forced to look for first year players to fill the voids left by the departure of 11 players from last season’s team.

Freshman center/forward Katherine Gerlek led the low-post presence with her 44 percent field goal percentage averaging a near double-double with 8.9 points per game and 8 rebounds per game.

First year guards Annessa Jamison and Tammie Edwards assisted the backcourt averaging eight and six points per game respectively.

At times this season the Lady Olympians offense looked stagnant. Averaging a mere 39 points per game on 29 percent shooting from the field it was clear they needed an additional consistent scorer. However, the shooting woes didn’t stop there. The Lady Olympians shot 19 percent from beyond the arc and 54 percent from the charity stripe.

“Early on, we didn’t shoot well percentage wise and turned the ball over a great deal but in the last 10 games, we’ve scored five more points per game, outrebounded our opponents in all games except one, improved our shooting

percentage by eight, decreased our opponents scoring average by eight and decreased our turnover average by 14, which I think is an incredible stat,” expressed Hootner. “I revamped practice completely and did some very innovative things and it has worked as you can see. We just needed another consistent scorer this year to turn a number of our close losses into wins,” he concluded.

As the season dwindled down some players were able to review and express thoughts on the season.

“We had a lot of great spirits among our team, we just had a difficult time putting it all together as one during the times of truth,” replied sophomore guard Jamie Franklin. “Overall I think we realized late the talent we had as a collective unit. Our lack of trust was probably our biggest downfall,” she concluded.

Despite this season’s losing woes women’s basketball will transfer two players to four-year universities.

Sophomore Franklin has offers from San Francisco State University, Lehman College and Cal State East Bay. She is still undecided.

“I only planned on being here a year and now my time is up,” said Franklin. “This off-season I’m going to work on shooting under pressure and being more of an offensive threat.”

Joy Tili, a sophomore as well, is the only other player moving on to a four-year institution. She averaged seven points per game this season to go along with nearly seven

rebounds a game. Tili will attend Gallaudet University or Cal State

Northridge next winter.Starting the season 0-13 isn’t what coaches expect

coming into the season, neither is honing only two wins with a game left.

To assure that next season has a different outcome Hootner has an active off-season schedule.

“The most important things are weight training, agility, cardio, ball handling, and shooting,” replied Hootner. “Players are made in the off-season, between March and August. We have 8 games in the summer and a class for 8-weeks in the summer that they will be involved in,” he added.

This season the Lady Olympians will miss a state playoff berth. However, Hootner is excited for the future of his team.

“This team has been an incredible group and I am very honored to have had the chance to coach them,” explained Hootner. “Five players will return next year. I look forward to watching them evolve between now and next year.”

Lady Olympians miss playoffs

RYAN VICENTEThe Mesa Press

Men’s basketball is finishing up their 2008-09

season without a playoff spot for the second consecutive year. But the young group has a ‘never say die’ attitude and believes that they are just a big man or two away from success.

The Olympians have struggled to pull in rebounds this season and much of it is due to their lack of size in the paint.

Head coach Ed Helscher has tried different schemes to hide their weaknesses and stay competitive but their inability to rebound has continued to plague them as they have gone 3-12 in Pacific Coast Conference games.

“The thing that has hurt us all year, and it’s the same thing that hurt us last year, is the fact that we are undersized,” said Helscher. “We are getting killed on the boards almost every single game.”

Helscher expected a few sizable recruits this season but they decided on a less academic path and did not join the team.

The team has had to swallow some tough losses this season in games that have come down to the wire. On Feb. 11, Mesa had the ball with 28 seconds left before turning it over and sending Imperial Valley to the charity stripe and losing the game by one point.

The Olympians fell to Cuyamaca College by two points on Jan. 17 despite having the last two shots in the game.

Even with a disappointing record, the players have continued to work hard and stay positive.

“No one has quit the team through all the struggles and losses,” said freshman guard Jason Starr. “Everyone gets along and it’s fun being around my teammates.”

Helscher complimented his players for being the only team in the conference to start and end with the same 15 players on their roster.

“I’m happy the guys stuck it out and showed great character and perseverance,” explained Helscher. “I hope they use that in their future to be better people in the long run.”

The Olympians displayed their character earlier this season when they found a lost wallet in the locker room. The wallet belonged to a football player and was returned to him with all the contents still intact. A similar situation occurred with a cell phone that was found. The team traced it back to a member on the water polo team and got it back to him.

“They’re not angels, believe me, they’re not,” joked Helscher. “But they have good parts to them and they are working hard.”

The Olympians may lack size but they are building on a group of talented young players with a tremendous upside.

Sophomore guard Johnny Del Bene has been a force on offense this season and leads the team in scoring. Del Bene averages 15 points per game, which is good for sixth in the PCC.

Sophomore point guard Pat Magno has been the glue to hold the team together on the court. Magno has done a fantastic job orchestrating the offense and leads the team in assists.

Freshmen Darren Hugie and Jason Starr are two players that Helscher is hoping to retain next season.

Hugie has proved to be valuable with his ability to rebound the ball and put points on the board. He recorded a double-double in a win against Cuyamaca College on Feb.

14. Hugie finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.Starr is a versatile athlete that has an uncanny ability

to shoot the ball and has been contributing rebounds from the guard position. He came away with 27 points and four

rebounds on Feb. 18 against City College, who is leading the PCC this season.

“Jason is one of those kids you want next year because I see him exploding,” concluded Helscher.

Men’s basketball looking to rebound

Wade King-Gallman takes a jumpshot during practice. Photo by Sam Straub

The Mesa Press February 24, 2009Sports page 12

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Performance enhancing drugs have plagued the game of baseball for more than a decade now and they will continue to do so for years to come.

Baseball will never be the same. Its legitimacy is wearing thin. The players who let their desire to be bigger than baseball chose to walk down this path. They have no one to blame except for that person they see in the mirror. They have cemented this game into a black hole.

On Feb. 9th, New York Yankee star Alex Rodriguez admitted to using performance enhancing drugs. Rodriguez was the player that was going to legitimize the sport of baseball again. This shows baseball is still falling.

“If you need steroids, it gets to a point to where it’s pathetic,” said Mesa College baseball player Anthony Lopez. “A lot of kids look up to them.”

These players are role models for a lot of young people. It’s staggering to think that these players know people look up to them and yet they con all of their fans by cheating in baseball.

Lopez thinks it is not right for a player to be using any substance for whatever reason. It is not fair for the players that work hard and perform naturally compared to the players who use substances to better

their performances.“It’s definitely bad for the game,” said Mesa

College pitcher Blake Gallacher.Gallacher feels that players get a significant advantage from taking these drugs. He feels

that the players can heal quicker from injury and they can last longer throughout a season. I think the hardest task a baseball player faces every year is lasting throughout a 162 game season.

How far do these drugs reach in the levels of baseball? Mesa catcher Zach Tanida

believes that it is very much a possibility that even kids in high school might be looking for an edge.

“I feel that baseball got to a point where there were a lot of young athletes felt they needed an edge,” said Tanida.

Some of the biggest names in baseball have been linked to performance enhancing drugs. The young players who envy their lives and contracts will look for that same edge.

Lopez, Gallacher, and Tanida believe that the game of baseball will never be the same. Tests may prevent players from using these drugs, but Gallacher believes 20 years down the road, there will be something new for players to use. There are dark clouds hovering over the diamond and will be for generations to come.

ALEX RENTERIAThe Mesa Press

Forever tarnished

Right: Alex Rodriguez has admitted to using performance en-hancing drugs while playing for the Texas RangersPhoto courtesy of www.projo.com

Opinion