Volume 141, Issue #1
News
BUDGET WOES EXPECTED IN NEAR FUTURE
BY
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Staff Writer
JACK KARP / GUARDSMAN |
In his mid-year address, Chancellor Philip R. Day Jr. announced the school’s plan to re-evaluate and correct an “out-of-kilter” budget, for reserve funds will be wiped out within three years at current spending rates.
“Given our current sources of revenue, the college cannot afford to continue to operate the way it currently does,” said Peter Goldstein, vice chancellor of finance and administration. “We will have to reduce costs as soon as feasible, and that means everything is on the table for consideration.”
According to the budget prepared by Goldstein, as of Jan. 6, the school has $5.2 million left in the reserve funds. The board of trustees will allow the administration to draw upon those reserves so it can continue offering basic services and maintain a balanced budget.
In response to the budget, Chancellor Day raised issues such as re-evaluating employee benefits, satellite campuses, and the conversion of free, non-credit courses into credit courses, which generate revenue.
Chancellor Day said he hoped to “address [the issues] openly, candidly and collectively, always guided by reason and responsibility,” stressing that he will need the support of teachers and students.
Salaries and benefits constitute 91.5 percent of the budget, a number Chancellor Day says can be adjusted to allow funds to go towards other vital areas such as facilities, maintenance, security, supplies, and equipment. But a reassessment must be made.
“We feel the financial pressure, but we’re optimistic and also agree something must be done,” said Ed Murray, president of Local 2121 of the American Federation of Teachers, City College’s teacher union.
Satellite campuses and neighborhood centers have proven to be a great asset to the college, but Chancellor Day wants to consider any ideas that may make greater use of the school’s resources. He suggested a discussion about the future of the satellite campuses, in particular whether they should be consolidated and / or eliminated.
The conversion of non-credit courses to credit courses is a step the college took before and one Chancellor Day is considering again. City College wants to continue providing classes at no charge to those who couldn’t afford them, but the funding just isn’t there.
Statewide, 25 percent of community college students who graduate with an associate’s degree started in non-credit courses. According to Chancellor Day, the percentage at City College is higher, especially among minorities. Chancellor Day and Murray both agree that a combination of non-credit and credit courses has allowed many students to achieve academic success.
“It’s something we would try to take to the community because the value is great. The access needs to be available to a population that otherwise wouldn’t take advantage of such opportunities,” Murray said.
It is hoped that any corrective action will not add greater financial burden on students who have been waiting for tuition to stabilize and have recently had health fees imposed.
Chancellor Day asked for students and faculty to “aggressively seek solutions.”
e-mail: jlopez@theguardsman.com
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY NOW HOUSES EDUCATION
BY
JEREMIAH MICHAELS
Staff Writers
JACK KARP / GUARDSMAN |
City College has had a reputation of being a multitude of things, but not many people would have guessed it was once a place of straightening up and learning to obey the law.
Balboa Park and City College sit on 100 acres of land that the city bought from John Horner in 1854. Ocean campus was once the site of the Industrial School of San Francisco.
The school was a coed juvenile center for the orphans and troubled kids of the city. The children were all under the age of 16, some even as young as three.
Regardless of the namesake, the school never taught skills, rather “manners” for merging into the society.
Sometime in the 1860s, all girls were moved out of the center. Their departure left the school with 451 male students.
The reform school took space on the bottom of the hill where the south gym is now.
The wooden House of Correction, built for adults who were not hardened enough for San Quentin State Prison, was completed in 1874 on the land which is now the tennis courts. The name was later changed to Branch County Jail.
In the late 1880s, the area was mostly farmland. But by the turn of the century, the population boom resulted in residents living in close proximity to the Branch County Jail, or Ingleside Jail, posing a problem to the expanding neighborhoods in the vicinity.
“The people lived around the jail didn’t feel safe because there were far too many prisoners escaping,” City College social science instructor Austin White said.
Pressure from the surrounding neighborhoods forced the jail to be close and relocate to San Bruno, where it still is today. Deadly fires in a similarly built Ohio state prison costing hundreds of deaths also led to condemnation of the old wooden facility.
A woman’s jail briefly inhabited the old reform school building, but the 1906 earthquake damaged half the structure. The city’s fire department built a station in 1901. All but the fire station of the piece of land used by the jail became Balboa Park in 1908.
The Ingleside Police Station was built in 1909. It is still in its original place, on Sgt. Young Lane, the road that used to lead to the entrance to the Industrial School of San Francisco.
City College opened in 1940 with three buildings, The Science Hall and the north and south gyms.
e-mail: jmichaels@theguardsman.com
BY DANI GOMEZ
Staff Writer
JACK KARP / GUARDSMAN |
An exhibit celebrating City College’s 70th anniversary is now open at San Francisco Public Library’s main branch.
“City College is Your College: Celebrating Seventy Years of Putting the Public into Higher Education, 1935-2005,” features some of the college’s most historic memorabilia. It was organized by Rosenberg Library with help from the City College Library Technology Club.
“We wanted to show how the impact that City College has on our economy, city and everyday people, how it benefits people’s lives,” said David Leung, president of the Library Technology Club, and an organizer of the exhibit. “We tried to humanize the college.”
The first trophy in City College women’s sports, early issues of The Guardsman, as well as one of the college’s first literary magazine “Forum,” are some of the items on display for public viewing.
A pamphlet, “Training Now and Going Places,” is on display with images captured in the early 1940s and 1950s which portray scenes of student life as well as comments from grateful alumni.
The materials presented at the exhibit were donated by the City College Library Archives.
Also featured at the exhibit are photographs of City College’s most recognizable former students. Among them are O.J. Simpson, Lee Meriwether, who played Catwoman in the 1966 Batman movie, Bill Bixby, star of the Incredible Hulk, and Danny Glover of “Lethal Weapon.”
“Seeing all these success stories gives students motivation and hope,” Lueng said.
“I never had a clue that so many famous people graduated from City College,” said student McIntosh, who visited the exhibits.
“The fact that so many people succeeded after receiving education at City College makes me believe that many other students will benefit from this knowledge,” McIntosh said. “It will make them want to stick with their goals.”
The exhibit will run until April 6. A smaller version of the exhibit is located on the fourth floor of Rosenberg Library.
e-mail: dgomez@theguardsman.com
NEW STUDY SUGGESTS IMPROVEMENTS FOR STAFF AND SERVICES
BY DANI GOMEZ
Staff Writer
As the self-study portion of City College’s accreditation process wraps up, the fate of the school’s accreditation will be decided this June after a visit from the appraisers in March.
In order for City College to satisfy the eligibility requirements for accreditation, a criterion established by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges must be met.
The association is one of six regional accrediting associations who ensure quality in higher education.
“The accreditation process is designed to help us to see what we are doing well and identify things we need to improve,” said Bruce Smith, dean of liberal arts.
Smith is a member of the Accreditation Self Study Steering Committee, a group of students, teachers and faculty members who are a vital part of the accreditation process.
The committee recently concluded 18 months of extensive self-examination by releasing their findings in a 300-plus-page report.
In March, the accreditation association will visit the campus for three to five days. The purpose of the visit is to talk to students as well as meet members of the self-study committee.
“The basic function of the visit is to validate the report,” Smith said. “They need to make sure that our report is accurate.”
Through the process of compiling the report, the committee was able to identify 18 major findings focusing on issues and concerns regarding improvement of student services and institutional regeneration.
“I hope you’ll join us on more of these paths implementing the self-study recommendations and seeking strategies that can contribute to professional and staff renewal,” Chancellor Philip R. Day Jr. said in a speech at the Diego Rivera Theatre on Jan. 13.
“If we embark upon such a venture, we will see measurable differences in the results we achieve,” Chancellor Day said. “City College stands on the edge of opportunity.”
e-mail: dgomez@theguardsman.com
BY ANKIT GOYAL
Staff Writer
City College has agreed to pay $1.7 million as part of a settlement for a class-action lawsuit over access for people with disabilities. The case is waiting court approval.
A City College student hired the law firm of Schneider & Wallace after the school rejected a claim filed in 2004.
The same student was the chief plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against the San Francisco Unified School District in 2004. Schneider & Wallace represented the student in this case also. The case settled for close to $100 million.
The law firm has filed claims against institutions, universities and public buildings over handicap facilities in the past.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, public buildings and facilities are required to maintain and provide services for disabled students. Included in this category are students with mobile, visual and hearing impairments.
Facilities at Ocean campus were evaluated by the state in 1995. Upon review, City College implemented and modified buildings throughout the campus to be in compliance with the disability act. The challenge is that many buildings, including off-campus sites were built between the years of 1900 and 1969. Consequently they were not built in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines.
The City College Disabled Students Programs & Services responds to disabled student needs year-round. The program was created to assess conditions and advocate improvements in service and access.
Over the past few years the number of students at City College with disabilities has increased considerably, as well as the number of complaints regarding access.
e-mail: agoyal@theguardsman.com
FORMER STUDENT DIES IN HIT -AND-RUN
BY ANGELA HART
Staff Writer
Sarah Tucker, a former City College film student, died after colliding with a car on her bicycle crossing the intersection of Polk and Geary Streets. She was 26.
Tucker was leaving a dance party at Tango Tango, a bar on California Street.
According to witnesses, the driver of a black Honda CR-V allegedly raced through a yellow light, causing Tucker to run into him on her bike around 2 a.m. on Jan. 12.The driver then sped away.
Tucker died hours after the accident at San Francisco General Hospital after sustaining serious head injuries despite wearing a helmet, said Police Inspector Pat Tobin.
“The driver of the SUV obviously knew someone bounced off of the side front passenger door and instead of pulling over, the coward turned his lights off to hinder reading the license plate and drove away,” said Andy Thornley, Program Director for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
Tucker screened films for the San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and produced films about her appreciation of the experience of feminists and lesbians in
the 1970s.
“Tucker was a conscientious student, genuinely true to herself and interests which were quirky and counter-culture,” said Sophie Constanitneau, former City College Film Instructor. “I admired her quality of work.”
Tucker is survived by her parents, Charlie and B.J. Tucker and her siblings Adam and Leslie, all of Los Gatos, and her grandmother, Iona Borchers of Denver, Iowa.
“She was a thoughtful student and friend who gave of herself willingly,” friend Shani Heckman said. “She will be missed always.”
e-mail: ahart@theguardsman.com
BY JON GUNTON
Editor
When I recently took on a second job working security at a concert club, I had a feeling that the job wouldn’t be boring.
Over the last few months, not only has it provided some priceless entertainment, but it has also taught me a thing or two about people in general.
One thing that most quickly comes to mind is people really look stupid when they are drunk.
Generally I don’t like to make banner statements like that, but trust me, it is true.
It probably says something about the state of my life for me to say that I haven’t ventured into the world we call “night life” many times without being thoroughly wasted, or at least on my way to it. This has rendered me blind to the obvious.
So needless to say I am not excluded from my not-so-profound observation, in fact, I don’t think anyone who has ever rocked the bottle really is.
But working security ensures that I have been stone sober, and this has presented an entirely new aspect to what I’ve been watching, and taking part in for years.
First off, people’s facial muscles relax, and take a break for the evening. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen that picture of yourself with one eye a little more closed than the other.
Then people who would normally emulate qualities like class and dignity are transformed into 4-year-old kids who have inhaled too much exhaust.
The under-confident masses suddenly become confident. With this newfound empowerment we march out into the night to slay the dragon and get the girls, then we stumble off, vomit and go to sleep.
It’s a good life…I think I’ll go get drunk.
e-mail: citynewseditor@theguardsman.com
SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY COLLEGE POLICE DISPATCH
|
Feb. 1, 2:31 p.m.
Ocean Campus
Ocean campus officers responded to a report from the campus bookstore of a person trying to use a counterfeit $100 bill. Officers arrested the suspect and confiscated the counterfeit bill. The suspect was booked at County Jail Nine for fraud.
Feb. 2, 9:55 p.m.
Alemany Campus
An officer on patrol spotted a person sleeping on the sidewalk in Willow Alley. The officer discovered the subject had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. The officer found a crack pipe while seaching the possessions of the subject. The man was taken into custody and booked at County Jail Nine for possession of narcotics paraphernalia and the outstanding warrant.
City College at Large
Call or e-mail Steve Mowles with campus-wide news at: (415) 239-3446 or metronews@theguardsman.com
Evans Campus
A workshop will be offered on the Gerber system of fashion pattern making. David Manning, who has done work for Banana Republic and Jessica McClintock, will lead the workshop. The five-session workshop will be on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting Feb. 23.
Alemany Campus
Students Supporting Students meets twice a month on Tuesday mornings in room 203. The meetings allow ESL students to congregate and speak in their native languages. This is an opportunity to go over homework assignments, discuss current issues and socialize. Meeting times are either 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
John Adams Campus
Instruction in self-defense will be offered on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the auditorium. The first class will be held on March 4. Martial arts expert Janet Gee will teach techniques for street protection and setting boundaries in relationships. There is no charge for the classes. Call 239-3899 for more information or pre-enrollment.
Downtown Center
Instruction in self-defense will be offered on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the auditorium. The first class will be held on March 4. Martial arts expert Janet Gee will teach techniques for street protection and setting boundaries in relationships. There is no charge for the classes. Call 239-3899 for more information or pre-enrollment.
Short Cuts
Binge Drinking
According to a 2005 study, 61 percent of male college students engage in binge drinking at least once a week. The practice is less common among female students (44 percent). Binge drinking is defined as drinking at least four pints of beer, a bottle of wine or the equivalent in a single session.
Cal Grant Deadline
Feb. 28 will be the last day for students to request GPA verification for Cal Grants in order to meet the approaching March 2 deadline. Bring forms to the Office of Admissions and Records in Conlan Hall, room 107.
Textbook sale
Students will hold a textbook sale at Alemany campus on Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24. City College teachers donated all the textbooks. The sale will start at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday.
Education and Alzheimer's
The more education you have the longer you can hold out against Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study at the Columbia University Medical Center revealed that the more education people have the older they are when symptoms of the disease first appear. They also found that the same people deteriorate faster once the symptoms start appearing.