The Mesa PressVolume 53, Issue 4 March 25, 2010The Independent Student Publication of San Diego Mesa College tt

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Features

Sports

Carol Beilstein/Mesa Communications Services

Album ReviewPage 7

Olympian Softball

Page 11

Movie ReviewPage 6

Volunteers tackle Tecolote trashSan Diego Mesa College students team up with local high school students to spruce up Tecolote Canyon.

Story on Page 4

Third annual Canyon Day clean-up rejuvenates natural habitat around Mesa College

Professor Rob Fremland to present the Senate’s decision.

This is the first time in Mesa’s history that a vote of no confidence has been placed on the school’s Vice President of

Instruction.The decision legally has no implication,

although it shows the Chancellor of San Diego Community College that there is a problem that needs to be addressed, specifically between a majority of the Academic Senate and McGrath.

“They’re doing what they think is best for the college,” stated McGrath in regards to the votes placed by the Academic Senate.

Following the meeting, the matter was referred to Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District Dr. Constance

M. Carroll, who will hold a series of discussions with all parties involved to better understand the issues and how to proceed upon dealing with such matters.

A vote of no confidence simply means

that the Academic Senate, an open forum for faculty to discuss and deliberate issues regarding Mesa College, has lost confidence in the leadership of Mesa’s VPI.

At the March 1 Academic Senate Meeting, professor Joseph Safdie questioned what would happen if the school were to find a new VPI and explained that despite the hassle of finding a new one, it would be worth it because he or she would be better than continuing to deal with McGrath.

Safdie also questioned whether or not McGrath is totally “unredeemable.” This brought about discussion over whether

The Mesa PressNews Page 2 March 25, 2010

Advising ProfessorJanna Braun

Editors-in-ChiefSarah SwaseyBrook Dailey

Managing EditorDanny West

Copy EditorJennifer Karnan

News EditorJennifer Karnan

Sports EditorAshton O’Halloran

Features EditorDanny West

Opinion EditorHope Arjomand

Online EditorChris Rosario

This publication is pro-duced as a journalism workshop for aspiring journalists. All materials, 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. Submis-sions may be made to the address below.

To submit a letter to the editor, please include your name (unsigned letters or letters signed with aliases will not be printed), age, major/profession, college attending (if not Mesa) and e-mail address. Submit your letters to the address to the left or by e-mail.

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No Confidence Vote for Mesa VPI

HOPE ARJOMANDThe Mesa Press

Vice President of Instruction Tim McGrath . Photo courtesy of Mesa College

“They’re letting me know that there are some things I need to change.”

- Vice President of Instruction, Tim McGrath

The San Diego Mesa College Academic Senate confirmed a vote of no confidence is in place regarding Vice President of

Instruction Tim McGrath as of March 11.The issue was taken to the Board of

Trustees, where Academic Senate President Cynthia Rico Bravo was joined by Mesa

or not further negotiations with McGrath would be completely out of the question. Many teachers just seemed purely fed up.

Many professors at the March 1 Academic Senate Meeting describe their issues with McGrath as rooted towards his “style of doing things” and his lack of communication with the faculty.

McGrath explains that this is his first year from a different college, and that Mesa college’s “culture” is something he needs to adjust to.

“In education, we live under a system called shared governance,” said McGrath. “The faculty has steps they can take in letting the administration know how they feel. They’re letting me know that there are some things I need to change.”

During the March 1 Academic Senate Meeting, many faculty members expressed that their “no confidence” implied that the faculty had done everything they could to work out their issues with the VPI, and this was their last resort.

Bravo said that she was here to represent the faculty fairly while making a point that this course of action is going to be an intense process.

“From this step onwards, we will be working with Rita and McGrath to move forward in a healthy way,” said Bravo.

The Mesa PressMarch 25, 2010 News Page 3

Famous Neuroscientist visits Mesa CollegeALEC FERNANDESThe Mesa Press

‘Powerful Latinas’ Set Example for Mesa Students

More than 300 people crammed into the G-101 lecture hall on March 15 to see world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran. The UCSD professor visited Mesa College to lecture on his research relating to synesthesia and phantom limb syndrome.

The Cambridge graduate passionately explained his findings in a thick Scottish brogue mixed with his native Indian accent. Pockets of humor permeated his slideshow, providing a jovial atmosphere in which he described the complexities of neural impulses.

Ramachandran proved he is unfamiliar with quitting. His years of intense research dedicated to the human mind are a testament to his perseverance.

“If you think it’s crazy, you just haven’t figured it out,” said Ramachandran.

Indeed many thought synesthesia and phantom limb syndrome were rather insane phenomena before Ramachandran’s studies.

Synesthesia is the mental

phenomenon where audio and visual cues are associated with specific colors. Those who have it report seeing vibrant colors when they hear music or see certain numbers as different hues.

Mesa College student Ben Halseth was intrigued by the professor’s explanation of synesthesia.

“I thought the most interesting

part of the lecture involved the idiosyncrasies of synesthesia,” said Halseth. “Like how there are differences between the concept of a number and the image of the number itself.”

This difference means that some people with synesthesia can see one color when analyzing the concept of a numeral, and another

color while observing the specific shape of the digit.

Phantom limb syndrome, however, is Ramachandran’s claim to fame. The disorder afflicts amputees who have various motor and tactile sensations in their missing limbs.

Many of Ramachandran’s colleagues call his phantom limb experiments groundbreaking. He has made great progress in mapping out sensory regions of the brain, but the professor remains modest.

“[My work] has been over-publicized in the media,” said Ramachandran.

Phantom limb can be a seriously unpleasant sensation for those who still feel the ghostly presence of a lost body part. Excruciating pain affects two-thirds of people with the syndrome, while others afflicted claim their missing limb feels paralyzed.

His most famous experiment confirms the mind’s power over matter. He placed an amputee with one arm missing in what he refers to as a “mirror box.” The amputee was positioned with his missing arm tucked behind one of the mirrors, so that his remaining arm reflected onto the phantom.

The subject, who was experiencing great pain in his phantom limb, felt his agony

diminish as he observed the presence of his hand in the mirror. This experiment showed that phantom limb syndrome was not just a physiological ailment, but a psychological one as well.

This ailment can be experienced not just in one’s missing arm or leg, but anywhere a body part is missing. Even a removed appendix can be subject to phantom limb syndrome.

Certain spots on the body can trigger sensation in one’s phantom limb, depending on exactly what is missing. The professor’s research of neural impulses helped map out sensory connections between seemingly unrelated body parts.

Ramachandran’s experiment that studied this involved tactile stimuli being applied to the face. The amputee could feel a specific region of his phantom limb being stimulated when a certain region of his face was touched.

Though relatively simple in design, Ramachandran’s experiments have greatly contributed to the scientific understanding of mental connections.

To find out more about his research, a list of Ramachandran’s publications can be found at http://cbc.ucsd.edu/ramapubs.html.

JENNIFER KARNANThe Mesa Press

Powerful Latinas founder Aurelia Flores gave two presentations of “Powerful Latinas Leadership Lessons” on March 16 at Mesa

as part of Women’s History Month.Flores was introduced by political

science professor Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, who is also involved with the Women’s Studies Advisory Committee.

The presentations emphasized culture as an asset, not a drawback to one’s personality, and the importance of motivation and passion, particularly for Latinos and women, no matter what the circumstances of one’s life. Flores provided numerous statistics highlighting the strengths and potential of Hispanic women in comparison to other ethnic groups.

“I believe we all create culture and what the future of our culture is going to be like,” said Flores. “I think it’s important to engage people in that conversation.”

According to the presentation, more

than half of children born in California are Latino, and in 2001, one out of every three people in California were Latino. Latinos had the highest and most vigorous work participation, as well as the lowest public welfare participation. Latinos had the fewest heart attacks, the healthiest babies and longer life expectancy than other groups. Latinos also had the largest group of females under five in 2001.

Flores pointed out that when these girls reach age 18, they will represent a prominent group in the voting population, and that in 2019, half of 18-year-olds in the U.S. will be Latino.

“It’s integral for society to know the importance of Latinas,” said Miguel Murillo, an ethnic studies major at Mesa.

Flores started Powerful Latinas in 2007 and has interviewed over 70 successful Latinas, including CEOs, authors, media celebrities, entrepreneurs, attorneys, artists, and political officials, just to name a few. Their profiles are featured on her website, PowerfulLatinas.com. The company is also getting ready to launch a TV show.

Students were motivated by the presentation and enthusiastically participated as Flores asked them to form

groups and exchange stories, future plans, and discuss the examples set by the women she profiled.

“The statistics [Flores] showed and the achievements these women have made give me inspiration,” said Lucia Napolez, an international security and conflict resolution major. “I see these women and I think, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’”

Michelle Gonzalez, a 24-year-old computer science major, and her sister, Connie Maria Gonzalez, a 22-year-old sociology major, both attended the Powerful Latinas presentation.

“What I really got from this is that learning is an attitude,” said Michelle. “Also, the knowledge that no matter where you come from and what difficulties you

have, excuses don’t matter and it’s up to you to achieve your goals.”

Michelle’s sister Connie was equally inspired by the presentation, but for different reasons.

“One of the most important things she mentioned is to follow your passion,” said Connie. “That’s what I’m going to take away from this. I think it’s easy for people to get caught up in goals involving money and material things, but if you’re not doing what you love, then you’re not happy. I’ll also remember to help and give back to my community as much as they helped me.”

At the end of the presentation, Flores listed 12 leadership lessons she compiled from the diverse women she interviewed, including “Know Yourself Well,” “Find Things That Motivate and Inspire You,” “Be Grateful, Focus on the Positive,” and “We Build Our Future.”

“A couple decades ago, there was only one way to be an American, to blend in and assimilate,” Flores said. “Now is a moment when we get to do things differently and grow as Americans, but keep our culture in the forefront. And what better opportunity to empower women?”

I see these women and I think, “If she can do it, I can do it.” -Lucia Napolez

Flat tires, leather jackets and sleeping bags were some of the items found on March 20 at the third annual San Diego Mesa

College Canyon Day clean-up.This event was held by Tecolote

Canyon Natural Park Ranger Janice Lavelle and Mesa College professors Don Barrie and Bill Brothers. There were hundreds of students volunteering from local high schools such as Kearny, Mission Bay, and Mira Mesa. There were also volunteers from Mesa, Miramar, and City College in attendance.

Some volunteers worked at Canyon Day to take care of the wildlife while some came to learn about the canyon’s ecosystem but others like San Diego local and volunteer Aaron Labovitz helped out at Canyon Day just because they were tired of looking at all the trash in the canyon.

“I take a hike and walk down here all the time,” said Labovitz. “I see a lot of trash.”

Tecolote Canyon is a vital part of San Diego’s ecosystem and it is

important to keep it clean otherwise it can lead to irreversible habitat damage.

“[We’re] cleaning the canyon to keep the trash from going into Mission Bay and eventually to the ocean,” said Brothers.

Wildlife such as Leasts Bell’s Vireo and gnatcatchers and flora such as the riparian corridor and coastal sage scrub are endangered due to habitat destruction.

“Most life habitat has been replaced by pavement, homes, and overall development,” said Barrie.

Although Canyon Day was a lot of work on a hot spring day, the students were able to take pride in knowing they helped Mother Nature for a day. One student even asked Prof. Barrie for ten extra-credit points for finding

a tire.Students learned about red-tail

hawks that commonly fly in Tecolote Canyon and how to stay away from poison oak. According to Brothers, “Leaves of three, let it be.”

Within the last three years there has been a significant change in the amount of trash scattered throughout the canyon. Barrie has noticed how much less colorful Tecolote has been the past few years due to increased pollution.

“Last year we pulled 12 shopping carts out of the canyon,” said Barrie.

Among other odd items pulled out of the canyon, Brothers found a human vertebra that had been bleached white by the sun.

By the end of the clean up, no other signs of a human carcass were found and only a greener canyon and a cleaner place to hike through could be seen.

Although this is only the third year Canyon Day has been in effect, it has gained an immensely larger number of volunteers since its exhibition. And the people who have participated in Canyon Day since the first year have seen a vivid change in the canyon ecosystem.

The mesa PressNews Page 4 March 25, 2010

Third Annual Canyon Day ExcelsANDY SIMMONSThe Mesa Press

“[We’re] cleaning the canyon to keep the trash from going into Mission Bay and eventually to the ocean.”

-Bill Brothers

Carol Beilstein/Mesa Communications ServicesProfessor Don Barrie (left) and Ranger Janice Lavelle directed canyon clean-up volenteers.

D r. Richard Rose, former San Diego Mesa College Vice President of Student Services,

died at the age of 56 on March 10 after battling pancreatic cancer.

According to San Diego Community College District Chancellor Dr. Constance Carroll, Rose was a dedicated advocate for students. He made sure that students received the services they needed, as well as the encouragement to succeed. He always made that a priority during his time at Mesa College from 2002 to 2006.

The Modesto Bee reported that Rose left Modesto Junior College in December after clashes with faculty that included a no confidence vote. Despite the strain, the campus is mourning a leader they call a community college advocate.

Prior to his work at Mesa, Rose served as Dean of Counseling and Matriculation at DeAnza College in Cupertino and Dean

of Admissions, Records and Enrollment Services at Santa Rosa Junior College in Sonoma. Prior to his administrative role at Santa Rosa, Rose was a counselor and Counseling Department Chair. He

served as Faculty Senate President and also was an active member of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, including service as a member of the Executive Council.

Rose had an impressive history of involvement beyond his institutional roles. He chaired the State Chancellor’s Office Counseling Advisory Committee; was a member of the Chancellor’s Office Matriculation Advisory Committee and the Counseling and Library Issues Committee; and served on the Historically Black College Committee. Rose also has served on technical assistance teams to other colleges, on Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation teams and on matriculation site teams. Rose is the author of several policy papers on student services issues in the California Community Colleges.

Rose is survived by his wife DeBorah Johnson-Rose, his mother Beatrice Thomas, his daughter Janelle Rose and granddaughter Jaeda R. Todd.

Remembrances were held March 16 with his funeral the following

day at North Hills Baptist Church.Cards may be sent to the Family

of Richard Rose, 6582 North Western Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93722.

Former Mesa VP dies of cancerSARAH SWASEYThe Mesa Press

Former Vice President of Student Services Dr. Richard Rose. Photo courtesy of SDCCD.

The Mesa PressMarch 25, 2010 Opinion Page 5

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THE WORD: How are you preparing for the coming apocalypse of 2012?

“Live life to the fullest.”

Shayne Holler, 24 Biology

“I don’t believe in the Mayan calendar and I believe life will go on.”

Keri Rudden, 26 Chemistry

“Come to terms with myself and be happy with what has already happened in my life.”

Mike Kiraly, 21Undecided

“I don’t think it’s the end of the world, just the end of the Age of Pisces and a transition into the Age of Aquarius.”

Magic Maggie, 29 Neuroscience

“Get some popcorn and a soda to watch the mayhem. If you made a calendar that lasted 4,000 years wouldn’t you want it to end with a bang?”Bryan Madamba, 21 Zombie Disassembly

Your head is forcibly dunked into the water of the gurgling toilet bowl again as you hear the laughter of your tormentors echoing cruelly from the bathroom walls…but this is not Guantanamo. This is not a prison you are in. This is the eighth grade and you, my friend, are being hazed.

The “swirly,” the “wedgie,” the ever-popular book-bag-tossed-onto-the-roof; if you don’t remember these eighth grade terrors or if you’re just blocking them out, Diary of a Wimpy Kid will bring them back faster than you can get to second base in your parents’ family room.

Eighth grade, also aptly referred to as “middle school,” marks the period of a young person’s life when they are indeed ‘in-the-middle;’ wedged between their newly raging hormones, and a vicious horde of merciless upperclassmen intent on making their life miserable.

Not old enough to demand independence and too old to be coddled like a child, we are tossed to the lions of puberty and avarice in the bloody octagon of middle school.

Based on the New York Times best-selling, autobiographical series by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid chronicles the writer/executive producer’s trials and tribulations as he embarks on the universally

awkward journey of self-discovery that is middle school.

The film opens on the main character’s first day of middle school, and builds to a beautiful crescendo of tension and embarrassment, and finally social suicide as he attempts to redefine himself over the course of the semester.

Saddled with a rotund, ginger-haired

dork named Rowley for a best friend and a bike with streamers on the handlebars, Greg (Zachary Gordon) attempts to reinvent himself in the terrifying new environment as an athlete, a lothario, a safety patrol officer and a thespian, all with hilariously disastrous results.

Kinney’s masterful rendering of a cast of characters that is at once quintessentially familiar and yet refreshingly unique has you wondering if they weren’t plucked straight from the diary Greg totes throughout the tale.

The film is refreshingly absent of Dakota Fanning or any other young megastar, which lends further authenticity to the main character’s experiences.

Kinney also uses fantasy sequences of the main character

with surgeon-like precision to remind us of a time when we were all

putting on the bravest of faces in the midst of crushing insecurity, all the while fantasizing about impressing the right girl, besting the bully, or winning the award.

At times the pace is somewhat formulaic and the storyline threatens to fall into the category of a two-hour episode of Malcolm in the Middle, but the saving grace of the tale is the utter despair of the main character and

our ability to relate to his mortification. Let ye cast the first stone that has not fantasized about the decimation of your eighth grade rival for stealing the last seat at the cool kids’ lunch table.

The message of the film spans a wide target market as easily as a Harry Potter film, in that the audience is either experiencing it, remembers it, or is experiencing the same melodrama at a different phase of their life.

The universal desire to “fit in” is the most human fallibility that exists. Our attempts to gain acceptance in a wide variety of circumstances transcends age.

Movie studios are scratching at the dirt looking for scripts to fill the Harry Potter void, as evidenced by the fact that the book series only debuted in April of 2007, and it’s already on the silver screen. With no expensive special effects and no big names, this film and ones like it are a slam-dunk for studio execs.

The ancient Greeks said that there are only 36 themes, and that all stories written are a derivative of one of those themes. The story of a young person struggling to come to terms with their identity is hardly a new tale, but Wimpy Kid is rock-solid proof that it isn’t the story itself that succeeds, it’s the storyteller.

The recently deceased John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club) would be proud to call this one his own.

The Mesa PressFeatures Page 6 March 25, 2010

Devendra Banhart and the Grogs Thursday, March 25, 2010 @ 9:00 p.m.Belly Up Tavern

Raekwon Thursday, March 25, 2010 @ 9:00 p.m.With Strong Arm Steady, Tommy Ready, Mr. Dubie, the Agency, and more. 4th&B - Downtown, Live MusicAdmission: $28 - $38

Andre Nickatina Friday, March 26, 2010 @ 8:00 p.m.4th&B - Downtown, Live Music

6th Annual San Diego IndieFest Satur-day, March 27, 2010 @ 12:00 p.m.With Metric, Far, Nappy Roots, Danielle Lopresti & the Masses, Gregory Page, Vokab Kompany, Devil’s Playground Burlesque, Collective Purpose, Lauren DeRose, Children of Nova, Astra Kelly, Endoxi, Whitton, White Apple ...Claire de Lune - North ParkAdmission: $22 - $25

Gregory Page Monday, March 29, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.With Vanja James, Mitchell Cornish & Mojo Nixon, and Andrew Deering.Island Sports and Spirits - Coronado

Lady Dottie & the Diamonds Wednes-day, March 31, 2010 @ 9:00 p.m.Blues/soul/rock.Henry’s Pub - Downtown, Live Music

A.J. Croce Saturday, April 10, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.Piano/acoustic.Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center - La Jolla, Live MusicAdmission: $15 - $30

Elvis Costello Sunday, April 11, 2010 @ 8:00 p.m.Costello celebrates the release of his lat-est album, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, paired with its Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album.Balboa Theatre - Downtown, Live MusicAdmission: $38.50 - $65

Get Back Loretta Friday, April 16, 2010With Stripes and Lines. Alternative/indie/rock.Casbah - Little Italy, Live MusicAdmission: $8

37th Annual Roots Fest on Adams Sat-urday, April 24, 2010 @ 10:00 a.m.

Events Calendar

The sixth annual San Diego Indie Fest is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27.

Two days of independent films and local music artists will fill the streets of North Park along University A v e n u e between Kansas and Illinois Streets. Amid five music stages and one film stage, over 100 artists will be showcasing their work at this weekend’s festival.

The Mental Eclectic Indie Film stage will begin showings at noon, with the last film going on at 9 p.m. and continue all day Saturday. Music starts around noon of the second day and doesn’t end until midnight.

Metric is headlining the whole festival

with their set starting around 9:30 p.m. Saturday night on

the Durga Sound main stage. Bands playing

this weekend include Children of Nova and Nappy Roots at the Durga Sound main stage, Gregory Page at the Craig Yerkes Acoustic stage, and Agua Dulce, Lonely Mattress S a l e s m a n and White Apple Tree

performing on the Green stage.

An after party on Saturday night

will be held at U-31, located at 3112 University Ave.

This is an all ages show. Tickets are on sale now but will still be sold day of pending availability for $22 for students and $25 for general public.

Check out http://www.sayitrecords.com/sdimf/sdimf.html for more information.

Sixth annual San DiegoIndie Fest hits North ParkSARAH SWASEYThe Mesa Press

Wimpy Kid comes out s t rongANTHONY TEMPLETONThe Mesa Press

Movie Review

Photo courtesy of Google images

The Mesa PressMarch 25, 2010 Features Page 7

The Drive-By Truckers are one of the best bands out of the South since The Allman Brothers. Ushering Southern Rock into the modern era, Drive-By Truckers have been spinning the yarn and attacking audiences with their barrage of Skynyrd-esque guitar-prowess since 1996.

When former guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell left

the band in 2007, many thought it to be a fatal blow to the Drive-By Truckers. The remaining Truckers responded to that sentiment with Brighter Than Creations Dark in 2008, proving that Isbell was not the lifeblood of the group. Once again, the band has come forth with more evidence that they’re still the rockin’-est band out of the South with The Big To Do, released March 16.

Mainstays of the group Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Shonna Tucker return on The Big To Do, delivering the rock ‘n’ roll ass-whoopin’ that has come to be expected of them. Newcomer John Jeff, replacing Isbell on guitar, along with veterans Hood and Cooley, completes the trifecta of Southern rock guitar riffage, also sitting down at the pedal steel when the occasion calls for it. Shonna Tucker and Brad Morgan hold things down in the rhythm section playing bass and drums respectively, while recent addition Jay Gonzalez lends his keyboard and piano talent to the act.

Sounding like a musical marriage between Lynyrd Skynyrd and the alternative country of original cow-punks Uncle Tupelo, The Big To Do will rock your face off, but also make listeners gather ‘round for story time. The genre-spanning album traverses from rockabilly to traditional country and classic rock influenced foot-stompers ala The Rolling Stones.

Drive-By Truckers have come to be known as one of the greatest story telling bands, and their recent efforts do not disappoint. Thanks to the three very capable songwriters in Hood, Cooley and Tucker, there is no lack of diversity in the songs on the album.

The Drive-By Truckers are no strangers to concept albums, with 1999’s Southern Rock Opera telling the story

of the rise and fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd and 2004’s The Dirty South focusing on Southern mythology. Breaking from the mold, The Big To Do seems to have no central theme present throughout the album.

Those who are weary of Southern rock’s pompous, and at times ignorant attitude need not fear the music of the Drive-By Truckers. The band has always done everything in their power to dispel stereotypes of Southerners as xenophobic, Confederate flag-waving, shotgun toting, inbred rednecks, shedding a more realistic light on inhabitants of the Red States. Instead of blindly glorifying the South, Drive-By Truckers sing of the struggles of blue-collar workers, broken hearts and the general hardships many Americans face.

The ever relatable This Fucking Job gives voice to anyone who’s ever found themselves loathing their dead-end job and piss-poor wages, while the more light hearted The Fourth Day Of My Drinking tells the tale of four days spent drinking, resembling a musical adaptation of Dude, Where’s My Car? Narrating a “lady of the night’s” experience on the job at a young man’s birthday party, Birthday Boy is the best song about the world’s oldest profession since Donna Summer’s She Works Hard for the Money.

With songs like The Wig He Made Her Wear, a murder ballad about a preacher’s wife who shoots her husband in the back, the plots of The Big To Do’s songs are better than most of the crap on TV these days.

The Big To Do delivers the Drive-By Truckers at their best since Southern Rock Opera and is an essential album for those just discovering the band and long time fans.

Drive-By Truckers will be performing at the San Diego House Of Blues on May 6 with Henry Clay People.

DANNY WESTThe Mesa Press

Photo courtesy of Drive-By Truckers

‘The Big To Do’ does it allAlbum Review

Life is a cold, harsh and unloving place. All that a person can do at times is curl up with their favorite comfort food, turning that blue box of Kraft macaroni and cheese into a shield against life’s cruelties. Enter Urban Solace, an upscale restaurant featuring all the classic comfort foods that have sheltered man against the world but with a gourmet twist.

Urban Solace is located at 3823 30th Street off University Avenue in North Park. The restaurant specializes in what it calls “New American Comfort Food.” If this term is unfamiliar, just take a look through the menu and it will make sense. With items like “Duckaroni” (macaroni and cheese with duck, garlic and scallions) and the “Grilled Four Cheese Sandwich,” customers will feel as though someone took their favorite comfort foods and set the cast of Iron Chef loose on them.

However, do not assume that because it has a theme that Urban Solace is just a niche restaurant. In addition to its themed dishes, there are more standard choices such as the steak of the day, or a premium grade beef cut that comes with a roasted

potato, crispy onions, and creamed spinach.That said, Urban Solace is an upscale restaurant and is

priced accordingly. Though not bank breaking in price range compared to similar establishments, it is still probably not a place that will be considered for frequent dining by those with college level incomes.

If you’re fond of a glass of wine or a good beer with your steak, Urban Solace b o a s t s an impressive selection of over 36 wines. Wine

choices include labels such as Vlader and JCB with prices ranging from $20 a bottle to $50, depending on the label.

For those who wish to wash down their meal with a hearty beer instead, there are a number of quality ales, lagers and pilsners available, include both commonly recognizable brews such as Stone Pale Ale and lesser known names such as Trumer Pils Lager.

Service is very good, especially for such a busy establishment. Even during peak dining hours, the waiters are very courteous and will come by their tables often to

make sure that everyone is having a good time. The quality does come at a cost though. Expect the average meal before drinks and dessert to run at least $15 per person.

When everything is said and done for a full meal expect the bill to be closer to around $20 to $35 if you eat cheaply, and that’s before factoring in wine if you plan on stepping up the class a notch.

If you’re looking for an upscale place to have a pleasant dinner with friends or a date, Urban Solace is a solid choice. While the pricing is a deterrent from casual dining, it’s nothing new for upscale restaurants. In comparing the pros and the cons of the quality of food, service, and style, Urban Solace is a memorable dining experience that is more than worth the price.

Comfort has never tasted this goodANDREW FERGINThe Mesa Press

Restaurant Review

Daniel Dreifuss/The Mesa Press

The Mesa PressOpinion Page 8 March 25, 2010

SERVEDYOU

BENEFITSGET

STEP

1Review your benefit options online at www.gibill.va.gov.

STEP

2Submit your application VA Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.

STEP

3After you have enrolled in a school, check with your School Certifying Official (SCO) to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to VA. This triggers your benefit payment.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides vets great education benefits, but YOU must take action to ensure the assistance you deserve is paid in a timely fashion. Follow these steps to simplify the process and help VA expedite your benefit payments.

Text “GIBILL” to 99702 or visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information.Standard Message and Data Rates May Apply

3 STEPS TO YOUR POST-9/11 GI BILL BENEFITS

The Applied Music Program at Mesa offers music majors the opportunity to practice in private lessons that are paid for by the school while gaining a valuable experience in music.

Joshua Tucker, 24, is a music major with an emphasis in voice and is in his second semester with the program. He has always been interested in music, performing with choirs and competing in national festivals.“I had been in the Marines for five years, and just felt like something was missing,” Tucker said. “I always knew I wanted to do something musical.”

The program holds auditions each semester and only the top 15 people are accepted. It is essentially a $1,000 per semester scholarship, giving students the opportunity to practice in private lessons.

Former Mesa music professor Irvin King and current music instructor Dr. Richard Chagnon founded the program about 10 years ago.

“We wanted to create a program in which students could experience the same opportunities with private instructions as four year college students do,” Chagnon

said. The program consists of a set of classes

that each student must enroll in, as well as weekly private lessons.

“We have to take music theory, ear training, recital, and ensemble,” commented Tucker. “We also perform a recital at the end of each semester in front of a jury. It consists of three pieces and is evaluated by the faculty.”

In addition to the set of classes and private lessons, the students must also practice another five hours a week in the practice rooms on campus.

“We want the students to be involved with a performing group at Mesa to add skill to their musical knowledge in the group,” Chagnon commented.

Robert Blocher, 20, is in his fourth semester with the program studying classical piano and has been playing since he first came to Mesa in 2006.

“I heard an accompanist play during one of our high school concerts and thought it would be so amazing to be able to play like that,” Blocher said.

The program is continuing to flourish as the number of instruments and talent grows each semester.

“The number of instruments varies with

each semester,” Chagnon said. “We have more guitarists and pianists this semester, and the skill level has increased within the last 10 years as people coming into the program have more experience. [The program] is a great opportunity to develop your instrument.”

Both Tucker and Blocher aspire to have a career in music in both performing and teaching music education.

“The program has opened a lot of doors toward a career in singing opera,” Tucker said. “Next spring, I will be performing in the Metropolitan Opera Festival in San Diego.”

“This program is the best music program for community colleges,” Blocher said. “The instructors really care about the students and you learn a lot—what you learn here is invaluable.”

DANIELLE BRIGGSThe Mesa Press

Robert Blocher and Joshua Tucker perform in the Mesa College Vocal Ensemble directed by Dr. Richard Chagnon.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Applied Music program furthers preforming arts education

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The Mesa PressMarch 25, 2010 Opinion Page 9

Staff Editorial

Student sterotypesI enjoyed reading the article, “Student

Stereotypes” in the last Mesa Press paper (March 9). I would like to add one classification, which I see everyday, that really grinds my gears: The Moocher.

We all know the familiar Moocher. The one who seems to have “just ran out” of Scantrons before every test, oh and they need a pencil to go along with it. Or the one who will copy all your answers for homework but pretend they’re contributing by asking “intelligent” questions about the assignment.

And don’t forget those who seem to always have an excuse to miss their 8:00 class, but still want to copy our notes.

So, hats off to you moochers, who will successfully fly through college with the help from your annoyed peers. After all, how can we say we don’t have an extra Scantron when you wait to ask us until we have our brand new pack out? Leigh-Ann Williamson, 22Journalism

Black History Month gone wrong

I am writing in response to the article “Black History Month Gone Wrong”

(March 9). I had heard about the “Compton Cookout” held by students at UCSD in the news and was appalled to see that students would ever think it would be okay to honor Black History Month in such a way like this one.

Having this cookout was a weak attempt at trying to be humorous and it’s sad to see students put that humor before people’s feelings, especially since racism is such a huge part of our nation’s history.

I agree with the writer’s statement on how American college students have made a mockery in honoring Black History Month.

It really shows how their attempts have lowered themselves as human beings and has left an undertone to the racism that still exists today.Christian Carrillo, 19Kinesiology

Tech-zombiesIt is interesting how a majority of

students on campus are always “connected,” not to the world around them, but to a digital world. Whether it’s their i-Pod, cell phone, or the Internet, it distracts them from the physical world around them.

I personally have to “watch out” for

these people to avoid running into them. It is ironic how we use technology to

communicate with people who are not in our physical boundaries but by doing this we neglect the people who are around us.

I think this technology on the go actually isolates us and takes up most of our time. I mean why not have fun where you are instead of seeking an “escape.”

I think this may also reflect why some people on campus may seem “unfriendly.”

I mean, would you want to approach someone who was on their phone or connected to an electronic device?

I wouldn’t want to “distract” them with my talking.Isha Singh, 19English-Single Subject Teaching

Healthier choicesIt seems as if the food that Mesa offers

is not healthy in the slightest way. The only healthy food on the campus that I have come across are the wraps. The wraps cost $6.50!

As a country we are already struggling to stay out of the obesity meter. I think it would be smart of Mesa to offer a more healthy menu.

Whenever I enter the cafeteria I see people getting nachos or something that most definitely goes straight to their gut! Thomas PhelanAge/major not provided

A picture is worth a thousand words

I understand the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but I was curious as to why in the March 9 issue of the Mesa Press there was no story to accompany the pictures of students at the rally against education budget cuts.

I would have enjoyed an article giving more information on the particular legislation or the implications of these budget cuts that students appeared to be quite passionate about.

In fact, I almost turned past the page with the photos entirely because at first glance it seemed to be a page full of advertisements.

A car ad took up half of the page and because the two photos of the rally were placed right above it, I almost passed right over them.

It just seems that a story with such significance for students would have been a bigger story than just a couple photos placed next to an advertisement. Timothy McPhillips, 26

Letters to the Editor

A spectacle for both passers-by and participants, a drinking event dubbed “Floatopia” has received much coverage in both positive and negative light. More than 5,000 people, mostly young college students, gathered at Mission Bay on Saturday, March 20 to bypass San Diego’s beach alcohol ban. The event was organized mostly through Facebook by those wishing to make a statement against the law.

Floatopia and its participants were looking to set a respectable example of how to challenge a law, but they failed. A large group of drunkards and litterbugs does not make a positive and mature statement to lawmakers. If participants had limited the consumption of alcoholic beverages and had responsibly cleaned up afterwards, Floatopia would have made the declaration they were looking for.

Instead two tons of cans, bottles, cigarette butts and other litter were left all over the shoreline. An already suffering Mission Bay and ocean does not need the extra pollution.

To prove that those old enough to drink can do so without damaging a natural habitat, Floatopia organizers’ number one priority should have been to declare, and follow through on a clean, safe, and laid back attitude for the mass float event.

Floatopia started in Santa Barbara in 2004 and has happened annually ever since, each time bringing a larger crowd and an even larger amount of trash left behind.

Floatopians tarnish beach drinkers’ reputations by consuming unreasonable amounts of alcohol in short periods of time, showcasing foolish drunken behavior, which usually results in injury, and completely disregarding the world around them by tossing trash everywhere.

If they had any wits about them, they would take a step back and say, “Hey, maybe we should do this responsibly to support our cause, so that maybe we’ll receive some positive press and support for once.” If Floatopians could show responsibility and respectability, alcohol bans may have a chance at being rewritten.

Editor’s Note: In the March 9 issue of the Mesa

Press, Rita Cepeda was incorrectly identified as the SDCCD President.

Cepeda is the President of San Diego Mesa College.

Top 10 Things not covered in Health Care Reform billDANNY WESTThe Mesa Press

Mission Bay hosts extra floaters

The Mesa Press March 25, 2010Features Page 10

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Go to www.mesapress.com for the answers! Go to www.mesapress.com for the solution!

SUDOKUDifficulty: medium

The Mesa PressMarch 25, 2010 Sports Page 11

CHRIS ROSARIOThe Mesa Press

Mesa softball per forms olympicallyagainst Imperial Valley College

Women’s and Men’s basketball had a turn for the worse during the 2009-10 sea-son; they pumped out only seven wins com-bined. Both teams look to next year to im-prove after one of the worst seasons in Mesa basketball history.

Men’s basketball statistics indicate a drop in several categories. Field goal per-centage was down from 42 percent in the 2008-09 season to 38.3 percent this year. Points per game dropped from 71.3 to 57.8, free throw percentage fell from 67 percent to 60.1 percent, and lastly, 3- point percentages saw a double digit decrease from last year’s season, 35 percent to 24.7.

“We were a poor shooting team in all areas,” said Head Coach Ed Helscher. “If we continue to make progress on defense, reduce turnovers, and improve our shooting percentage we will see a much better team next season.”

Even with this year’s poor shooting percentages, Coach Helscher indicated im-provements in some areas.

“Our defense improved…especially de-fense on the ball and not giving up many sec-ond shot opportunities,” said Helscher. “We

started to reduce the number of turnovers. I like to say we valued the ball more and learned how to make better decisions.”

A couple of members became academi-cally ineligible while others decided to red-shirt and sit out of this season. Out of the 13 team members, 11 were freshmen.

6-foot-2 forward, Cliff Adams led the team with 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and was viewed as the most consistent player of the season.

“Cliff Ad-ams was our team leader, and what I’m really pleased with is how his defense improved during this season,” said Helscher.

Coach Hel-scher awaits the return of a few key sopho-mores as well as one freshman. Hoping to provide an impact, redshirts Arsenio Shelley and Darren Hugie will practice this summer and return to the starting line-up. In addi-tion, 6-foot-6 Mike Thomas, who played for Crawford High School, plans to join next season’s roster.

Even with better statistics and an over-

all better record, women’s basketball could not make it out of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

Even with a 4-21 record, women’s bas-ketball Head Coach Michael Hootner thinks the season was a huge success.

“This was the hardest working group I’ve had in 18 years,” said Hootner. “From last year to this year, we averaged eight more points per game, seven less turnovers, and won one more game. We will continue to

build upon this next year start-ing with sum-mer ball.”

H o o t n e r thought his only sopho-more, Annessa Jamison really stepped up this

season.“She played three positions; point

guard, shooting guard and small forward,” said Hootner. “She also improved in every statistical category from her freshman year.”

With the exception of blocks, the Lady Olympians improved in almost every aspect. Rebounds and 3-point percentage remained relatively equal compared to last season.

Guard Shelby Watson was the best shooter, field goal percentage-wise, as she shot 42 percent from the field.

“It was my first year of college basket-ball and I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Watson. “Even though our record wasn’t the best, we grew a lot as a team and were able to come together throughout the season.”

Freshman Cathleen Cruz led the team with her 3-point percentage.

“I felt the season was a roller coaster,” said Cruz. “We had struggles throughout the season on and off the court but at the end we put the puzzle together and became a fam-ily.”

Cruz knows she will return to the team next year.

“I plan on returning because Coach Hootner has always been there for me since the day I moved from Phoenix,” said Cruz. “His program is outstanding and his per-sonality makes him a great man. I also love playing with these girls. They always keep me motivated.”

The Lady Olympians basketball team hopes to progress their skills and get ready for next season.

“We learned that we can improve every game despite the outcome, and that’s what matters,” said Coach Hootner.

Mens and Women’s basketball reel from difficult season

“We had struggles through-out the season on and off the court...” -Guard Cathleen Cruz

RASHAD MUHAMMADThe Mesa Press

Mesa softball now shares second place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference after a 7-0 victory over Imperial

Valley College March 16.Mesa has not made it to the playoffs in

four years. However, with a 5-3 conference record, bested only by Grossmont College (5-0), the Olympians are anticipating a successful post season.

“We’re in the hunt for the championship,” said sophomore shortstop Bianca Garcia.

Second ranked batter in the conference, freshman catcher Kelsey McGowan, also named Pacific Coast Athletic Conference’s Women’s Athlete of the Week Feb. 28 with a batting average of .467, hit her fifth homerun of the season while tacking on another RBI to her statistics.

Freshmen pitcher Natalie Smith started the landslide against Imperial Valley, who is ranked sixth in the conference, with three consecutive strikeouts in the top of the third. In that same inning Gonzalez followed up

with a ground ball to center field resulting in two RBIs.

The Olympian ladies looked more polished than sophomore first-base Bianca Gonzalez wanted to let on—the ladies took advantage of Imperial Valley’s deep infield by utilizing bunts to get on base and bunt fakes to sneak go ahead runs from first to second.

“We need to get our bunts down and not miss signs,” said Gonzalez modestly.

The ladies are confident going into the final weeks of the regular season although seven conference games remain against San Diego City, Palomar, Southwestern and Grossmont.

“If we win one this next week we’ll be in a really good position [in the conference],” said Head Coach Jaclyn Guidi.

Mesa lost 4-3 at City College Feb. 18 bringing their overall record to 11-10. The next game is at 3 p.m. on March 26 at home against Southwestern College. Zarah Montes takes a swing during Mesa’s 7-0 win over Imperial Valley on March 16.

Daniel Driefuss/The Mesa

Julie Wells started swimming when she was just 12 years old and now with her final season at Mesa College coming to a close,

she is exploring other passions in her life to fill the void.

The 20-year-old swimmer is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Kennesaw State as a freshman; but she left after a year with plans to relocate, due to an intense romance.

In the beginning Wells’ parents were apprehensive about her going after a boy on the West Coast, but they soon learned she would not back down.

“I told my dad, ‘I know what I’m doing, I have a plan, and I’m not just moving there for some boy,’” Wells said.

She intended to attend San Diego State University right away, but her lack of transferable units hindered a smooth enrollment, so she decided on Mesa. Her return to swimming quickly followed

after a year hiatus at Kennesaw, which does not have a swim team.

Now Wells is finishing out her sophomore year on the Mesa swim team and is making the most of her time left.

“This season has been great and I’m really excited for state,” she said.

Last season the team easily won

the Pacific Coast Conference, and did extremely well at the state tournament. This year there are only two new swimmers, making the 11 returners the backbone of the small team.

“We have a very good chance at winning conference again this year, our girls are strong,” Wells said. “We are doing really well considering the amount of girls we have.”

The swim team has only 13 girls, compared to last year when the team topped off at 25. With fewer swimmers

comes fewer high place finishes, and without high places, points are lost. But this team has proved time and again they finish on top no matter how many athletes are swimming.

After the state tournament, Wells is preparing for another life changing move. She will travel to Africa as part

of a ministry trip.She attends The Rock Church,

and in June she is enrolling in an intense nine-month ministry program.

“I am traveling to Uganda to pursue my ministry and spread the love of Christ,” she said. “I

feel like I’m starting a new chapter in my life.”

While abroad, Wells will also be building villages and playing sports with local children.

Whether leaving Atlanta at 18 for San Diego, or traveling half-way across the world to Africa, all her travel decisions have played out and paid off. Wells plans to attend SDSU in the fall and in May will marry the boy she chased to San Diego.

The Mesa PressSports Page 12 March 25, 2010

SPORTLIGHT: Julie WellsASHTON O’HALLORAN The Mesa Press

“I feel like I’m starting a new chapter in my life.”

-Julie Wells

Daniel Dreifuss/The Mesa PressJulie Wells, star swimmer of the Mesa Olympians.

Sports ScheduleBaseballMarch 25 vs. Palomar at San Marcos 2 p.m.March 27 vs. San Diego City at Mesa 12 p.m.

SoftballMarch 26 vs. Southwestern at Mesa 3 p.m.March 30 vs. Southwestern at Southwestern 3 p.m.

Women’s TennisMarch 25 vs. Palomar at Palomar 2 p.m.April 6 vs. Grossmont at Grossmont 2 p.m.

Men’s TennisApril 6 vs. Palomar at Mesa 2p.m.April 8 vs. Cerritos at Cerritos 2 p.m.

Swim and DiveApril 3 vs. Mt. San Antonio at Mesa 11 a.m.April 9-10 Pasadena Invitational at Pasadena

Track and FieldApril 1 Conference Quad at MesaApril 10 Orange Coast Classic at Costa Mesa 1 p.m.

Men’s VolleyballMarch 26 vs. Irvine Valley College at Mesa 6 p.m.April 6 vs. Orange Coast College at Mesa 4 p.m.