Treats for Troops Online Exclusives hitting causes team’s campaign still in process • Mariachi Divas to perform at Student Center fourth loss in a row News Page 3 • Falcon Fitness Tip of the Week Sports Page 7 • Listen to the “Talon Marks Campus News Hour” Visit talonmarks.com CERRITOS COLLEGE

First issue free, additional copies $1 WEDNESDAY MARCH 10, 2010 WWW.TALONMARKS.COM VOLUME 54, NO. 17 Free Wi-Fi available for students, faculty Justin Witron The steps to access the internet are as follows: because students like myself can readily access Staff Writer 1. Open your wireless connection in your available resources and study outside the com- [email protected] laptop, PC or MAC. puter lab.” 2. Click on Connect to Cerritos College wire- According to Krichmar, the Information “Free Wi-Fi is now available in the library less. Technology department is hoping to expand the and study cubicles, student center and food court 3. Enter your student information and pass- free Wi-Fi access to students in the future and and is available during the times that the library word; faculty members enter your faculty infor- they are currently searching for funds to support and student center are opened,” Information mation and password. the expansion of this project. Technology Director Lee Krichmar said. 4. It will re-direct you to the Cerritos Col- “It is a very smart idea,” David Nguyen, Eng- Wi-Fi is going to be available to students at no lege home page and you can start browsing from lish major added, “and students like myself can cost, as long as the student is currently enrolled. there. centralize and organize ideas by using the inter- To access the free Wi-Fi, the faculty and stu- Lawrence Alfred Ervin III, Graphic Design net at the student center.”

Billy Turner/TM dents can log in using their faculty information major, said, “Offering students the wireless in- Krichmar also said, “We are very excited to Free Wi-Fi: Students like biology major Benjamin Nwakanma can now use Wi-Fi. or student I.D. numbers and their passwords. ternet through the student center is beneficial provide this new service to our students!” House Students Per unit fee $40? will begin offers recycling grants program Nicole Rodriguez RebecaVega Staff Writer Staff Writer [email protected] [email protected]

The nation’s largest grant pro- With support from President gram, the original Pell Grant of Dr. Linda Lacy and Operations $5000, is increasing in the fall to Manager Arcadio Avila, the Rota- $5350 maybe even $5550 due to ract Environmental Club has es- the new Student Aid and Fiscal tablished a pilot recycling program Responsibility Act passed by the on campus in collaboration with House of representatives. Green Earth Recycling. The Pell Grant is considered the Cardboard bins designated to foundation of federal aid for lower hold plastic and glass bottles as well income students enrolling in a col- as aluminum cans have been placed lege or university. This grant helps inside all classrooms and offices pay for many students’ school ne- within the Physical Science build- cessities and tuition. ing. The Pell Grant can now cover a For the first month of the pro- third of school tuition, fees, or even gram, communications major and housing. club president Katherine Garcia, President Barack Obama took with the help of liberal arts major this as an opportunity to invest in Jennifer Hughes, who is in charge students’ future by making edu- of public relations for the club, will cation more affordable in hopes empty the bins themselves in order to gauge the program’s progress. of building a future with a skilled “We need student body and fac- workforce to face this economy, ulty support,” Garcia said, “because and all at no cost to the taxpayers. we can’t really start this up until “It is a really good thing for people put trash into its proper students in this rough economy place.” to get a little bit extra money for Photo illustration by Ashley Aguirre and Steve Kim After 30 days, what Garcia and their books and classes,” said Jamie Proposed increase: A proposal has been made by the Legislative Analyst’s Office for community colleges to raise their per unit fee to $40 instead of $26. Hughes hope is enough time for Quiroz, supervisor for the financial students and faculty to get in the aid department. habit of using the bins, Green Earth Ramon Reyes, computer sci- Recycling will provide workers to ence and technology major said, help collect bottles and cans from “This is awesome but the max right LAO: Tuition hikes ‘make sense’ each classroom. lege slots and back-fill an allocated $22 million hikes. now is like $5000 but it doesn’t What interested Avila about Legislative office proposes cut that the Governor had proposed for the The LAO estimates that “about 90 percent mean I’m getting it all, but it is still the company was that it provides a community colleges.” of CCC students would qualify for either a fee better than no increase at all.” per unit fee to increase to free pick-up service and has, so far, According to the report, the fee increase waiver or a full or partial tax offset to their fees “This increase could really help been able to provide free bins while would have “no effect on most students’ net [through the federal American Opportunity pay for books. I think this is good $40 next year also returning 20% of the profits to costs due to multiple state and federal aid pro- Tax Credit].” change,” Erin Johnson, animation the club. Rebeca Vega grams,” such as the long-standing Board of While there has been no change in the Gov- major, said. “Currently, it is limited in staff- Staff Writer Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGFW). ernor’s current 2010-11 budget proposal for Although some may be enthu- ing and funding and can’t hire a [email protected] Cerritos College Financial Aid Advisors higher education which originally did not call siastic about the increase in funds, specific person to go around and others feel that this increase is not like Juan Mercado will keep an eye out for any for any specific fee increase at California com- do the work,” Avila said. The Legislative Analyst’s Office has pro- necessary. change in legislation in order to help students munity colleges, word of the possible modifi- After Green Earth Recycling posed a $14 per unit increase for California’s Amber Myers, undecided major who might find themselves as new BOGFW cation has spread across campuses state-wide begins conducting pick-ups, stu- community colleges which would raise tuition said, “It seems like financial aid stu- recipients. and has already caught the attention of Cer- dent involvement from those using fees from the current $26 per unit to $40 per dents already get more than enough “More students will probably be eligible ritos College faculty. the bins will still be necessary in unit. for books and classes and even and will find out when they fill out a FAFSA “We always track legislation,” said Vice maintaining the program’s popular- sometimes have money left over.” In a webcast released on Feb. 25 by the form,” Mercado stated. President of Academic Affairs Bill Farmer, ity and clean disposal areas. Club To see if you qualify for the Pell LAO along with its recommendations for the The BOGFW is automatically awarded to “this proposal is still early in the process so members will likely also help in Grant or any other type of grant, fill Governor’s 2010-11 budget proposal, Director California community college students whose I don’t have a secure idea if the state will ap- emptying bins. out a FAFSA application. For fur- of Higher Education Steve Boilard stated the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), as de- prove of this.” “We’re okay with [Green Earth ther assistance you can visit or call cost adjustment would “make sense” because termined by filling out BOGFW application While Boilard claims “keeping fees low Recycling] bringing in help, but the Financial Aid Office at (562) it would “generate about $150 million in new or FAFSA, is less than the Cost of Attendance does nothing to help lower-income students” we can’t just let it do all the work,” 860-2451 Ext. 2397 or go online to fee revenue, which would provide funding for (COA)—an amount determined by the state Hughes said. See INCREASE Page 2 the application itself at http://www. about 26,000 more full-time community col- and directly affected by state-issued tuition fee See RECYCLING Page 2 fafsa.ed.gov. 2 - NEWS Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com Cerritos College has new neighbor Andrea Mora will help us out, not only as a club, Staff Writer but as individuals as well, in getting [email protected] a better understanding in our field of work.” A new Habitat for Humanity Aside from manual labor stu- ReStore will be opening its doors dents who still want to contribute on Apr. 22 across the street from can make a donation. HFH is still Cerritos College on Alondra Blvd. collecting funds for the Haiti relief; In the meantime, students who and are in works of putting together are 18 and over and willing to gain a relief fund for Chile. volunteer experience could do so. Because HFH is a nonprofit or- On March 10, students will be al- ganization, individuals who donate lowed to volunteer their time to get get a tax write-off. the store into shape. Individuals can also donate Undecided major Fleur Florian, material to the ReStore as long as thinks that building an HFH is im- it’s in working condition. Items portant,” As long as there is a con- that can be donated are as follows: tribution made to the poor.” power tools, doors, windows, light Since the heavy labor has been fixtures, furniture, any type of hard- finished, volunteers will work on ware, or anything that would go in- light construction tasks such as side a home. stocking Fleur shelves, Florian, painting, undecid- building ed major, of f ices, t h i n k s a n d that it’s cleaning a good up. idea to F o r d o n a t e t h o s e u n u s e d who are material First decrease in i n t e r - five years to people For the first time in five state is not paying us for every student that we may be full and that may cause some students to e s t e d in need. are serving. We cannot continue to offer classes drop completely.” just go She said years, California’s enroll- that we are not getting paid for from the state or The shift reverses five years of enrollment to www. Ashley Aguirre/TM that,”My Neighbors: H.F.H start final restorations today else we will be bankrupt." growth, which brought the total of enrollment habitatla. f a m i l y ment projected to drop Farmer continued to speak about the legisla- last year to nearly 3 million for California Com- org to register and sign up. There always donates stuff whenever we Marquisha Hames tor and his own opinion on the status of enroll- munity Colleges. will be a list of current projects to can.” Staff Writer ment here at Cerritos College. Coming from a student’s perspective, Kathy choose from, find the Norwalk lo- For those who are interested [email protected] “However, the state does not have a budget Gastelum, business major, said, “I think it is cation and sign up. Volunteering in donating material, HFH offers a yet for next year so we do not know how much unfair to people that are just coming from high is not only for individuals, but for donation pick up service. Just call The California community colleges systems the state will allow us to grow. The governor’s school to get turned away being told that there groups, clubs, or organizations as Nikki Cordero, donation coordi- is the largest higher educational systems in the proposed a budget has two percent growth in it , is no more room for enrollment, so again try in well. nator, at 310-323-4663 ext. 127 to US. For the first time in five years the California but we will not know if it will survive the legisla- the fall.” Regina Wyatt, volunteer coor- make an appointment. Community College system has seen a drop in tors,” Farmer continued. Gastelum added, “I had a plan to enroll into dinator for Habitat for Humanity, The Norwalk HFH ReStore is enrollment. “The legislator are suppose to have the bud- some specific classes, but I could not get in be- encourages students to sign up, “It’s one of the few stores that have an As for local Community Colleges their en- get in by July 1, but we will know better when cause it was too full. I wanted to also take classes a lot of fun and a lot of hard work association with several movie rollment has increased and are near their capac- [Governer Schwarzenegger] proposes his revised toward my major as a backup plan, but I could but you feel good because in the studios and television studios like ity. budget in May. not do that either. So, now I have to see if I could end you helped the community, Sony and Warner Brothers. Here is an example, our very own Cerritos However, he has been late with his budget enroll into those classes next semester.” she said” This means whenever a movie Community College has doubled it’s enrollment for several years now. So we will not know what Stephen Johnson, Vice President of Student President of the Architecture is finished filming or a TV show is amount . next year will be like. My own personal opinion Services and Assistant Superintendent, spoke and Technology Club Steven Ca- no longer in production the stu- Bill Farmer, Vice President of Academic Af- is that the budget will be similar to this year,” about how he personally feels about the enroll- marena, said that he plans on hav- dios donate their unused props to fairs and Assistant Superintendent, said, “I am Farmer said. ment status. ing the club volunteer time and help the ReStore which is then sold at a happy that we are serving as many students as we Here, Dannia Hall Student Worker for Ad- “The college is working hard to become suc- out in any way possible to benefit discounted price. are and I am disappointed that we cannot serve missions said, “I feel it's good that students are cessful and we try to do our best now and for the the community and those in need. All proceeds go to building new all the students who wants our classes. But the enrolling into classes daily. However, the classes near future as well all at the same time,” he said. In addition, he also said that, “It homes for the less fortunate. Students receive free flash thumb drives Recycling: New pilot Gigi Cervantez thors are allowed to miss up to cessibility.” The certification is self-paced program starts at Cerritos Staff Writer Continued from Page 1: three questions to pass the quiz. and Web authors do not have to Even larity and the club is able to fund- [email protected] without a student-run recycling raise for a larger effort, the found- “It is a great asset for web au- tudents interested in taking take all three quizzes within one thors to put on their resume,” the quizzes receive e-mails program, Cerritos College is cur- ers hope to establish a permanent week. eb authors can now be- Chavez said. from Chavez that take them rently state-compliant as far as re- campus-wide recycling program, as come Content Manage- S “I think it is cool that you Students can take the test all to links to help them prepare for the cyclable materials being separated early as next fall. Bin locations are Wment System certified year long Monday-Friday from 8 quizzes. don’t have to take all three quiz- from non-recyclable trash and now being discussed. and can receive a free 1 GB USB a.m. to 5 p.m. Chavez said, “Students who zes in under a week. I think it will disposed of properly by a consoli- “I want the bins outside, where flash/ thumb drive with the Cerri- wish to take the test without study- encourage more people to try this dated waste company. they won’t interfere with class- tos College logo printed in it. he first 30 minutes of the quiz ing are also welcomed.” out,” said undecided major, Jackie “California requires that we rooms,” Avila said. “In order to become certified, is used to review and discuss “I think it is a great idea for them Diaz. divert at least 50 % of our trash As the program takes its first Web authors must take and pass Tthe quiz, but there is no time to offer this, at very least it is a way into recycling, and we currently steps, Garcia is mainly concerned three quizzes which are open- limit for the test. for students to get a free flash drive. exceed that amount,” Avila said. with eliciting the help of the student tudents who wish to take book and open-note,” said Samuel “Each of the quizzes are differ- It definitely makes sense for some He supports the idea of a recycling body and faculty. the quizzes can schedule an Chavez, of the public affairs office. ent,” Chavez said, “the first one fo- students who might not be able to program because “the state sug- “What we need now is for people There are approximately 30 cuses on CMS, the second one on afford it otherwise,” said nursing Sappointment in the Innova- gests we do more.” to participate, show enthusiasm, questions on the test and web au- Edit Lite and the third on Web ac- major, Arriana Hohner. tion Center (LC 121). Once the program gains popu- and to use [the bins],” she said. William Farmer Increase: $14 unit fee boost on the move may hit as soon as next fall Andrea Mora Continued from Page 1: since the He, like other local community Staff Writer LAO calculates that most students college students who receive “some, [email protected] attending California community but not much” financial assistance colleges already receive state-is- from the state will think twice about Cerritos College Vice Presi- sued financial assistance, Farmer attending school if the fee increase dent of Academics Affairs Bill Farmer is one of the three final believes that students who cur- goes into effect. “Personally, I will candidates in the running for Su- rently do not meet the standards be asking myself if I want to con- perintendent/President position of necessity but are struggling to tinue at Cerritos,” he said. at Glendale Community College. pay for school will likely give up With the possible fee increase On March 3 Glendale Com- on pursuing a higher education looming over California’s commu- munity College released a news altogether. nity colleges, Farmer wants to re- release announcing its final “If [this proposal] does go mind students they have the right candidates who are running. through, it will have a negative to take an active approach in im- Farmer’s opponents are Dr. impact on students because when- portant decisions which affect their Dawn Lindsay, Interim Super- ever enrollment fees increase, en- education and future. intendent/President of Glendale rollment decreases,” Farmer said. Students who wish to have an Community College and Dr. Students like undecided major impact on whether or not next Steve Maradian, Vice President/ Richard Cervantes share Farmer’s year’s budget will reflect the fee hike Policy and Research from Ac- concern. “There’s a reason people can “contact legislatures and work crediting Commission for Com- attend community colleges and through student government lobby- munity and Junior Colleges. that’s because they’re not as ex- ing efforts,” Farmer said. “There are The winning candidate will pensive as UCs. Not everyone many groups to connect with and be announced on April 19 at the has that kind of money so this in- increase the power of the student Board Meeting. crease is not fair,” Cervantes said. voice on the issue,” he added. NEWS - 3 Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com ASCC in Treats still needed to aid troops search of Tiffini Thigpen Staff Writer president [email protected] Treats for Troops is a campaign that has been in op- Vania Pineda Staff Writer eration on Cerritos College campus since 2008. [email protected] The purpose of the campaign is to give back to troops who are fighting overseas. If you feel that you’re just one “What’s entitled is basically to get non-perishable number among the thousands of food items,” said Felipe Grimaldo, ASCC vice president students at Cerritos College, the and student trustee, “used CDs, new CDs, DVDs, basi- chance for you to stand out has ar- cally different toiletries to send out to troops in Iraq and rived. The Associated Students of Afghanistan that are serving for our country.” Cerritos College (ASCC), is prepar- The campaign has two camouflaged bins with yel- ing for their presidential elections, low lettering entitled “Veterans Club Treats for Troops which are held in April. Campaign.” The bins are located in the ASCC building The applications for presidency and Admissions building and donations are collected will be available in the Student Ac- once a month. tivities Center on March 1 for stu- dents that are interested in running The Campaign has previously collected two rooms for student government. full of donations that are being stored. According to the Constitution To better distribute the donations, Treats for Troops of the Associated Students of Cer- is currently in transition with collaborating with orga- ritos College, the president and vice nization Project Gratitude. president shall have attained the Project Gratitude divides the items on assembly academic standing of a sophomore lines and sorts them out, then sends them out to differ- by the first full semester of office ent troops and units more effectively. and shall have an overall 2.25 grade Grimaldo encourages not only students, but every- point average on their report card one to get involved. at the time of the election. “We’re asking the community, not just only the stu- Current ASCC president, Oscar dents, but anyone in the community,” stated Grimaldo. Franco, said “Personally I wouldn’t Dale Karr, undecided major, thinks that this is a run again, it doesn’t leave a chance great way to show our troops support. for other students to run. The elec- “I think it’s a good idea to show our support to them, tions are a great way for students to learn how to choose their lead- they need some comfort from home, and have to know ers. You can go to the public forum that we still care,” Karr said. and ask questions to the candidates, The Treats for Troops Campaign is a year round and find out what they stand for.” is always accepting donations on campus. Steve Kim/TM The applications are due March Treats: President of the Student Veterans club, Felipe Grimaldo, donates goods to the Treats for Troops cause. The campaign continues to For more information contact Felipe Grimaldo at 19 at 3 p.m. in the Student Activi- collect non-perishable goods for soldiers overseas. (310) 706-1033 or [email protected]. ties Center. 4 - OPINION Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com

Talon Marks is a First Amendment •EDITORIAL• publication.

Editorials express the views of the Executive Editorial Board. Another proposed increase Other opinions express the view The newest proposed increase in fees is an ad- of the author and ditional $14 to per unit. This would make the total Most Popular Read stories online are not to be price $40 for each unit a student takes. While it considered opinions is understandable that with budget cuts looming • Teaching children of the publication’s for higher education, something needs to happen staff, the Editorial fantasy from real- to make up the difference, but when is it going to ity Board, the advisers, stop? the Cerritos College The current cost for a student to attend Cerri- Associated Students, • Student center gets the college tos College is estimated at $868 per semester for a Wi-Fi for students administration or full-time student (12 units, plus fees and estimated the Board of Trustees. books). At California State University Long Beach, • ‘Merry Wives’ epic, the estimated cost for a full-time student is $9,426. hilarious Production and With the addition of the proposed increase, es- printing of timated costs would be more than a thousand dol- Talon Marks is lars. partially funded by the Most Commented Associated Students of While there is quite a difference between the Share your comments online of Cerritos College. two costs, if the every-other-semester fee increases keep happening, Cerritos College will soon be just • Cerritos women making Facilities and as costly as the four-year universities. a difference academic supervision If the fees do continue to rise, it is beseeched are provided by the that administration be transparent as to what ex- • Dragster with ties to Journalism Program. actly the added money is being used for. Students Cerritos College kills Newsroom offices are that are constantly paying more for education female spectator located in the Fine Arts Building, should know where that money is going. • Campus police needs to Room FA42. Joshua Kaananna, English major, says, “All I step it up want from this school is consistency and if they Cerritos College is want to change the price per unit so dramatically, located at then it is obvious it isn’t thinking about its stu- 11110 Alondra Blvd., dents.” Norwalk, CA 90650 Students aren’t welcoming the thought of yet Guest Telephone numbers: another fee increase after the one in the fall of 2009 when fees were raised $6. Again, this doesn’t sound Editorials (562) 860-2451, Read these opinions from like a big increase, but if those additional raises ext. 2617 other FAX (562) 467-5044 continuously appear, our costs will be exponen- college papers at talon- tionally greater than they currently are. marks.com Vol. 54 It is asked that the administration seriously • Beware of cigarette © 2010 Talon Marks think about what they are charging their students bums for an education. And if they consider it imperative Chaffey College, Spring 2010 to increase fees, be transparent about what exactly The Breeze STAFF the money is being used for. Illustration by Moses Lopez/TM • Waitlisted Editor-in-Chief Desert City College, Letters to the editor are welcome. They may be submitted both online and in person. In all cases, letters must be signed with real names before they will be considered The Chaparrel Elieth Koulzons for publication, either online or in print. Campus-related issues are given priority. Letters may be edited for length, though online versions tend to include full content, as long as it is not libelous or in poor taste. You may deliver letters to FA 42 or contact the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. Online Editor Rick Gomez Online Poll Vote online at talonmarks.com News Editor Joey Berumen Mayweather should beat Mosley for title Should the school keep raising “Sugar” Shane Mosley and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Luis Castillo, Ricky Hatton, and Juan Manuel Mar- its tuition fees? Arts Editor Megan Winters Mayweather, Jr. are set to square off on May 1 in the Steven Quintana quez using these tactics. Though they have been ef- • Yes, it needs the money MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The bout will Staff Writer fective for him, they can’t work all the time. Most of • No, it’s too expensive as Opinion Editor be for Mosley’s welterweight title, which Mayweather [email protected] the times it seems as if he doesn’t tire, but he must be it is TALON MARKS TALON Andrea Mora will most likely win. exhausted by the sixth round. • What fees? Samantha Robinson Mosley is going into the fight with a record of 46 If Mosley wants to win he has to keep his hands • I don’t care, my parents wins, five loses, and one no contest; with 39 knockout up and fight smart. He can’t swing carelessly and has pay for my college Sports Editor wins. Mayweather approaches the bout with an un- Forrest, Mosley thought he saw an opportunity in the to wait to attack. Mosley can easily over-power May- Daniel Sandoval defeated record of 40 wins and 25 knockout victories. second round and went on the attack, but failed to weather and break him down if he works the body Mosley and Mayweather agreed the terms of ran- bring his hands up and block and went down, for in the early rounds then attacks the head around the Copy Editor dom blood and urine testing for the fight, which were the first time in his career, from a clearly-landed up- seventh round. He might even get a knockout win if Mark Murray the same stipulations Manny Pacquiao didn’t agree percut. he times it right. Last Week’s to in his negotiations with Mayweather a couple of Aside from his two fights with Forrest, Mosley Mayweather, being the faster of the two fighters, Multimedia Editor met defeat at the hands of Winky Wright and from Poll months earlier. should stay away from Mosley. He should work the Vote online at talonmarks. Ashley Aguirre Miguel Cotto. Though he has never been knocked Mosley is a speedy boxer who tends to drop his jab for a good five rounds. It should be a jab-jab-cross com hands and throw some haymakers which pack a lot of out, Mosley lost by points when it went to the score- combo then retreat and Mosley will most likely get How do you feel about WPMD Editor cards. power behind them. This rare combination of fight- frustrated and drop the hands and begin throwing women obtaining Tito Benavides Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound cham- ing styles has helped Mosley against the likes of Ri- the haymakers. When that occurs, Mayweather must powerful positions? pion, has not lost a fight in his career though there cardo Mayorga, the “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, stay on his toes, for a clean shot from Mosley will About time 50% Staff was much controversy in his fight against De La Hoya. and Antonio Margarito. have him tasting the canvas. Doesn’t matter 25% Vivian Aguirre He’s a straight up boxer with unmatched hand speed. Ivonne Burciaga Though his style has brought him great fame, it Mayweather will take a beating for a good four Not sure how I feel 25% Mayweather tries not to waste too many punches Dalia Camacho has also given him much trouble. When he goes into rounds, but being the smarter fighter, he will catch They should at be home and waits for the right time to strike. He is a very Gigi Cervantes that brawler-like stance he exposes his face a lot and on to Mosley’s game and frustrate him. Mosley won’t cooking & cleaning 0% calculated boxer who breaks you down as each round Natalie Costello tends to take punishment from other styles of boxers, goes by. If he injures you, he works the part of your go down once in the whole match, but will lose to Oliver Diaz or “smart” boxers. Mayweather when it goes to the scorecards. So after Victor Diaz body that’s injured. This weakness showed in both of his fights with He has taken down the likes of Zab Judah, Jose going down in the third round, Mayweather will take Orlando Dominguez Vernon Forrest that he lost. In the first fight versus home a swollen eye and the split decision title victory. Christopher Gian Frank Gonzalez Marquisha Hames Gregory Horsey Jr. “Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound champion, has not lost a fight in his career Esmeralda Infante though there was much controversy in his fight against De La Hoya.” Joshua Kaanaana Steven Kim Moses Lopez Andrew Perez Vania Pineda What are your thoughts on the newest proposed fee increase? Steven Quintana Juan Ramos Compiled by: David Kaanaana (Contributor) Nicole Rodriguez Photos by: Joshua Kaanaana Wendy Solorio FREE SPEECH ZONE Tiffini Thigpen Cherelle Tisby Billy Turner Rebecca Vega Scott Watkins Justin Witron

Faculty Adviser Rich Cameron

Instructional Aide Kristin Price Alex Aguayo Bonnie Lee Christina Hefener Jason Warren Jr. Michael Reeves Alicia Edquist business major political science major undeclared major undecided major graphic design major undecided major “Forty dollars!? Why? We “I think that there are certain “It’s preposterous! I can “It’s ridiculous. Why are they “I think they need to stop “It’s crap, and I’m bothered, pay enough. Are they going times to increase fees. Dur- barely afford the $26 fee.” building more rooms when construction and worry and it’s not right because to pay for our books with the ing a recession is not one of they’re cutting classes?” about our books. It’s too they raised the fee last year.” increase?” them.” expensive.” ARTS - 5 Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com Band is looking to ‘Sproose’ things up Rock band gains Velasquez, guitarist Carlos Lopez, According to Garcia, the class- Alex Sandoval on bass, and Carlos es helped him how to read music fame across south- Garcia on drums. as well as assist him in his musical The band has performed at timing abilities. ern California popular venues such as Holly- Some of his musical influences wood’s Key Club and the Whis- include Sting, Chevelle and Neil Victor Diaz key-a-go-go. The band has also Staff Writer Peart, drummer for the Prog Rock played at UC San Diego, the LA [email protected] band Rush. County Fair, Baja California and Sandoval, the band’s bassist, Another local band looks to parts of Orange County. sees his experience with the band Sproose Goose also spends climb the ranks of the music busi- as more than just something to do its time contributing to charity ness. in his spare time. whenever it can. The band started Sproose Goose is a band that “It’s something else. A lot of a charity program in 2008 enti- specializes in playing Alternative people play just as a hobby and tled, “The Dollar Campaign.” Rock music. It plays mostly in to enjoy themselves, but we take In this campaign, the band do- the surrounding areas of Cerritos it really seriously, we take it as a College such as Downey, Nor- nates one dollar of all ticket and second job,” Sandoval said. walk, and Long Beach. merchandise sales toward fighting Sproose Goose’s upcoming According to Erick Galindo, breast cancer, HIV and climate the band’s Manager and Cerri- change, according to the band’s projects include incorporating tos alumnus, the band has been web site. “So Good Records,” a record la- featured in media outlets such as Garcia, the band’s drummer, is bel which would focus on help- the radio station Star 98.7 and the a former Cerritos student. During ing other local bands, releasing its NBCLA show, “MusicRaw.” his time here, he focused his stud- second full-length album entitled Courtesy of Erick Galindo The band’s members consist ies on music, taking classes such “Love Pump” and hosting a re- Members of “Sproose Goose”: (left to right) Alex Sandoval, Carlos Lopez, Carlos Garcia, Jose Velasquez. of lead singer/lead guitarist Jose as music fundamentals. lease party for the album. Jazz, Pop Dance bands goes to entertain nationals Victor Diaz Megan Winters Staff Writer Arts Editor [email protected] [email protected]

The Cerritos College Music Dance Department Chair Janet department presented another ex- Sanderson selected eight dance stu- change concert on March 3, this dents that attended the American time featuring the Cerritos Jazz Dance Festival in the New England Ensemble, Pop/Rock Ensemble and Regional, which took place in Bos- the Carmenita Middle School Jazz ton, Mass. in February. Band. Along with 32 other colleges The Carmenita Jazz Band played and universities, Cerritos College a four-song set, which included, attended the festival and advanced “Ran Kan Kan,” a song composed to the festival Gala in a piece enti- by the late Tito Puente. tled “ESL School Boys at a bus stop Alan Hallback, the band’s direc- in Montreal, Quebec.” tor, was able to notice the nervous- Cerritos was chosen to attend ness and anxiety of his students nationals as a non-region selection playing on a college campus. “I which will be held May 27-29 at the think they felt good about it. They John F. Kennedy Center for the Per- get a little nervous when they’re forming Arts in Washington, D.C. playing solos. I think the fact that “This is the Super Bowl of they were able to get through them dance,” first-time competitor Ed- is a good confidence builder in the gar Rodriguez explained, “for a future for them,” Hallback said. community college to make it with The Cerritos Jazz Ensemble such a diverse group of students began its set with a song entitled and with different skill levels is an “Deep Freeze,” which featured a honor.” solo by bassist Rusty Kennedy. Although the trip seemed With the help of guest vocal- Couresy of Ashaka Matthews doomed from the start with flight Take one: (left to right) Flower Munguia (Rose of Sharon) is being comforted by Felicia Buffington (Ma) and Cindy De Leon (Ruthie) after a heart break. ist David Page, the ensemble also delays, room cancellations, and played “Come Fly With Me,” a song not being able to participate in the made famous by Frank Sinatra. Its workshops, the Cerritos dancers rhythm section was also featured in pulled it off. a song entitled, “All The Things You “We’ve been rehearing for this Are.” ‘Grapes’ ripe for picking competition since last semester, Trombone player Jon Orloff was Elieth Koulzons Those four students are destined for great- do it because they know that if it is not com- we’ve been putting in a lot of work pleased by the way the band per- Editor in Chief ness if they decide to pursue their careers as pleted, their families will indeed die. in this especially because we were formed. “We performed well, we [email protected] actors. At the same time that is happening, Rose of being judged,” fellow dancer, Diana didn’t make any major mistakes of The play revolves around the classic novel Sharon, played by Flower Munguia, is in labor. Gonzales said. any sort and it just flowed really If you want to be disappointed, watch the “Grapes of Wrath,” written by John Steinbeck. She is screaming, crying in pain, throwing Along with Gonzales and Ro- well,” Orloff said. play “Grapes of Wrath” performed by the stu- It takes place during the Great Depression her head back wishing the labor is over soon. driguez the other dancers include: The last group that performed dents of Cerritos. in the 1930s in Oklahoma where dust bowls, You could see it in her face, you could hear Shaun Fuimaono, Victor Garcia, on the night was the Cerritos Pop/ Set yourself up for disappointment. Buy a created by droughts, forced families to lose it in her screams, you could see it in her eyes Steve Rosa, Popy Saradeth, Brian Rock Ensemble. The group per- $10 ticket (if you have your student ID with Sholes, and Maleno Van Zitter. their crops, therefore losing their profits, and that she was in terrible pain. formed a total of eight songs, in- the Spring 2010 blue activity sticker), and go The dance will be presented at forcing them to give up their homes to banks. Both things were happening at the same cluding James Brown’s “Papa’s Got watch the play either Thursday, Friday, or Sat- the Spring 2010 Dance Concert The play is based on the journey that the time. You had to go back and forth and back a Brand New Bag,” which featured urday at 8 p.m. or Monday at 2 p.m. that will take place March 25-27 in Joad family takes from Oklahoma to Califor- and forth between actions, but in both places a solo by Daniel Mooney on trom- Choose your poison. Choose what day you the Burnight Center Theatre. nia in its search of work opportunities and a the actors went all-out and were determined bone, and Shania Twain’s “Man! I want to go watch the play and be disappointed better life. to show the emotions required for that scene. feel Like a Woman,” which featured because you are going to wish, better yet de- The family experiences many tragedies They put themselves in that family’s shoes. all six of the group’s female vocal- mand, that this play be longer. such as death, starvation, betrayal, heartbreak, They displayed emotions that were so intense ists. You are going to be left wanting more; and is even forced to leave some of its own and so real that you would think they had Other songs the group per- more of the play, more acts, more lighting ef- members behind. gone through it themselves. formed included Alanis Morris- fects, more sound effects, and especially more There is absolutely nobody else that can To be able to act out emotions that you sette’s “You Oughta Know,” and acting. portray the characters and the emotions the have yet to experience, now that’s called talent. “Respect,” a song which was made The cast of Grapes of Wrath does an out- family was feeling as well as the actors that did There is also a banjo scene where the fam- famous by Aretha Franklin. The standing job in its performance. so in this play. night concluded with “Lady Mar- Everything from the accent to the emotion There are two scenes in particular that ily participates in a dance with the rest of the malade,” a song featured in the hit portrayal is excellent. truly demonstrate how talented these students folks they are living with. movie, “Moulin Rouge.” The song These actors are the very definition of what are. The actors are so jolly with big smiles on featured solos by baritone sax play- acting is and should be like. The scene toward the end of the play where their faces. er Steven McEvilly and Guitarist Students Richard Martinez (Jim Casy), Rose of Sharon is in labor and the men are You could feel the energy they give off so Arturo Martinez. Paul Martinez (Tom Joad), Felicia Buffington trying to build a ditch so that the water does much that it makes your feet tingle and want Students in the audience (Ma), and Dario Estrella (Pa) go beyond ex- not go through and destroy the place where to get up and dance. seemed to have enjoyed the expe- pectations and completely surpass the level of they are living at is full of incomparable act- The play is excellent overall. The actors are rience. “It was the best show I’ve acting that is expected of a college student. ing skills. beyond amazing and the fact that the it does ever seen,” said Rigoberto Arenas, Orlando Dominguez/TM Their performances were amazing and While the men are building the ditch, you not lose the genuine feeling of the book, is in- Hard work pays off: a student who attended the event. Popy made you believe you were watching a play can feel the anguish, you can feel the anxiety, credible. Saradeth(top) along with Edgar Arenas went on to say, “I gotta say from a professional acting company. the need and the urgency to make sure they You will definitely wish to see this play. Rodriguez (middle) and Brian Sholes it was a good show.” (bottom) rehearse for nationals. 6 - ARTS Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com Posada finds music for a getaway my father, things like that.” He is currently working with the Music From a struggling Living the life of a criminal was what department to organize a scholarship pro- childhood, Posada escapes Posada considered to be his only option at the gram that will benefit those studying music at time. Cerritos College. and finds music He learned early on that criminals tended Faculty members in the Music Depart- to get money and materialistic items much ment, like Dr. DeMichele, have also seen him at Cerritos quicker than those who were actually working grow as a student. toward a good career. “With his determination and hard work Wendy Solorio “I saw so many gangsters gain respect from and with the help of his applied music teach- Staff writer others. They made a lot more money than my er, Archy has made great strides in his voice [email protected] teachers did. So I thought ‘Why would I want and has explored Italian, French and English to go to school, when I can have all of that art song repertoire and opera arias,” she said. When life throws you a curve ball, you can now?’” he said. “What also makes Archy special is his encour- either learn from it and grow, or let it be an So how is it that someone like Posada agement to others in the program. He’s always excuse to not do something with your life. broke away from a reckless life of crime and offering a special word of praise or an extra For Archy Posada, life just didn’t throw a violence? loud applause.” curve ball; It threw a series of them. For him, it wasn’t a single event that led Posada has a few words of advice for oth- From gang banging to homelessness to him to turn his life around. er students on campus who may come from drug addiction, his story of struggle and hard- It took several blows to his mind and spirit backgrounds that are similar to his own. ships to become a successful college student in order for him to begin working on obtain- “I’m still not done struggling. I still go can inspire anyone to get through college. ing a new life for himself. through a lot of stuff ever since I started com- Posada was born and raised in Compton, “I can’t say it was something that clicked ing to school. I still have moments where I Calif., surrounded by criminal activity that he into my head overnight. It just came from want to go back to doing what I used to do,” eventually became a part of. years of living in anguish that made me real- he said, “but for other people struggling to get “In elementary school, I was a pretty good ize there had to be something better out there through college, don’t ever think you can’t do kid who got good grades. I was even on the than this.” it. You can do what you want to do, and be honor roll,” Posada said, “but as I got older, He enrolled into Cerritos College af- who you want to be.” I got involved with gangs, and started doing ter graduating early from Dominguez High Posada is preparing to transfer at the end drugs. “ school in 2001. He was 16 and didn’t really of the spring semester. Being born into a family with a history of have a major in mind yet. He has already been accepted to a few col- violence and gangs made it even harder for “I enrolled, but I didn’t really take it seri- leges like Cal State Fullerton, and UC Irvine, him to break away from living the life of a ously,” he said. “Music was always my thing. but is waiting to hear from one of two schools gangster. But at the time, I didn’t know you could pur- he really wants to attend, which are San Jose His only role models as a child were other sue a career in it. So I kept dropping out and and San Francisco State. people who were involved with drug dealing going back to selling drugs.” and most of them were members of his own While selling drugs, Posada often found family. himself in and out of jail to pay for the crimes “It was just a cycle of crime and gangbang- he committed. Music was always my thing. But ing among the men, and it was hard to break It took several stints in jail for him to fig- away from it,” he explained. “Everyone in my ure out what it was that he really wanted to do. at the time, I didn’t know you family has some kind of connection to the “Each time I would get sent to jail, I’d say could pursue a career in it. So streets. So when I got involved it really wasn’t to myself, ‘Ok, when I get out I’m going to do a surprise to anyone.” things right. I’m going to get through school I kept dropping out and going Aside from life on the streets, Posada’s life and do something with my life,’ but then I’d back to selling drugs. at home wasn’t any better. Growing up with an end up getting out and screwing up again.” abusive father drove him even more to find a It wasn’t until the summer of 2007 that sense of belonging among criminals. Posada began to take his education at Cerritos Archy Posada vocal perfomance major Megan Winters/TM “I was kicked out of the house when I was College seriously. Singing in tune: Archy Posada sang in a recent concert that was put on by the Music Club 16,” Posada said. “Growing up, I always had to Today he is a vocal performance major to raise funds for Haiti earthquake relief victims. Posada is the treasurer and ICC representa- deal with drama at home, violent threats from and is very active in the Music department. tive for the Music Club. SPORTS - 7 Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com Basketball gets coach and player of year Steven Quintana With such a successful season behind him, May pre- Staff Writer pares for next season with stronger recruiting process [email protected] and some invaluable returners, like freshman forward Willie Edwards. The South Coast South Division Conference player “[Edwards] is a first team All-League guy and a of the year and head coach of the year titles have been very strong and steady influence and skilled.” said May, awarded to members of the Cerritos College Basketball “We’re recruiting hard and try to bring in some guys to program. help build on the tradition.” Head coach Russ May is now coach of the year, It is still not sure that May will be returning next while sophomore forward Marcellus Jackson has be- year, but there’s no competition in sight. come player of the year after the end of last season. “I definitely want to be back and I’m looking for- “Honestly, I think if you are coach of the year you ward to the opportunity and I’ve applied for the posi- need to have players of the year, and I was fortunate to tion full-time,” said May. have some really good, tough kids that really competed May left his 10-year head-coaching job for the Los for me.” May said. Alamitos High School basketball team to take the op- May led the Falcons to an 18-11 record this year and portunity to coach the Falcons. to a No. 12 seed in the playoffs. As head coach at Los Alamitos, May led the Griffins They faced Mt. San Antonio College Feb. 26 in the to nine league championships as well as two CIF South- second round and were bumped out of the post-season ern Section championships in 2006, Division I-A, and in what Jackson called a very winnable game. in 2007, Division I-AA. “Of course when I look back I would want to change Before his time as head coach at Los Alamitos, some things but I think we all did good as a team,” Jack- Coach May was assistant coach for the Cerritos College son said. basketball team under head coaches Jack Bogdanovich There were certain things we could have done better and Dean Ackland from 1994-1999. and that’s probably the most important part, what cost May spent some time wearing a Falcons jersey as us the game is the little things,” he added. well. His freshman year in 1989 Cerritos won the Con- Jackson was pleased to hear May was announced ference title and came in second his sophomore year. coach of the year because of the adversities the team May also was awarded a South Coast Honorable Men- faced and how May led them through it. tion his sophomore year. May was offered the position of head coach after May was considered for the coaching job last year former head coach Jesse Teplitzky resigned as coach though it was given to Jesse Teplitzky. After Teplitzky after one year. “I’m happy for the opportunity,” com- left for an assistant coaching job for a professional team mented May. “It was a great experience and there were in Mexico, May was offered the job. a lot of challenges.” Jackson said, “He came in late and he basically had what he had… a lot of kids wanted to transfer out af- ter the situation with our pervious coach but we all just started working with him.” “He worked with us and we just knew it was going to be a good season,” he added. Schools have already been contacting Jackson with offers to join their programs. “Right now I haven’t really made any final decisions, but at first I wanted to leave California but now I’m re- considering it.” Jackson said. He wants to stay local but can’t overlook the offers presented from all over the country. “If I choose to stay in California, I will most likely Daniel Sandoval/tm go to Pepperdine or Riverside if I decide to leave, then Daniel Sandoval/tm The Pay Off: Sophomore forward Marcellus Jackson flying high last season. He has since earned conference player of the year. I’m looking at bigger options,” he added. At Work: Russ May planning in preparation for next season. Offense strikes out in Cerritos baseball’s defeat Baseball Scott watkins The Falcons are now 1-2 in the this Compton team is a formidable Staff Writer South Coast Conference and 5-9 opponent. [email protected] wins game overall. “Compton does a lot of things During Thursday’s game against In the bottom of the ninth with well, it is very fast and athletic, runs Andrew Perez Mt. SAC the Falcons failed to get Staff Writer the game clearly out of reach third anything going offensively. a lot on the base paths and plays a [email protected] basemen Jacob Mayoral hit a single “At this level you have to make very aggressive style of baseball,” to right to break up a no-hit bid by adjustments during games to be Moreno said. Compton College pitcher Martin Nick Quezada threw a complete able to compete,” Falcons’ assistant Villanueva, as the Cerritos College The Tartars were aggressive on game shutout to lead the Cerritos coach Anthony Moreno said. “We baseball team fell to Compton 8-0 the base paths against the Falcons College baseball to a 4-0 victory do not do that and it is something Monday afternoon at Kincaid field. over visiting Los Angeles Valley that the players will have to do now stealing five bases and being picked- “I think the rain delay gave Vil- College, last Friday. off three times by Falcons‘ starting lanueva a chance to get some ex- moving forward.” The freshman pitcher earned This marks the fourth defeat in pitcher Chris Villalobos. tra rest and come out today very his first victory of the season and a row, including being swept for strong,” Compton head coach Shan- Villalobos went 4 and two- his record is now 1-1. the first time in their history, for non Williams. “He was able to hit thirds giving up six runs and struck “I was able to hit my spots with the Falcons against the Tartars. Last his spots, get ahead in counts and out four. my slider and felt like I was just in attack the lefties on Cerritos.” season was much different, where “With the offense going like groove all game,’ he said. The game was originally sched- Cerritos dominated the Tartar base- The Falcons have now won two uled for Saturday but was pushed ball team. that, there’s defiantly pressure, I feel straight games after losing their back because of rain. Williams said, “We have been like I have to be perfect every time previous four-in-a-row and their The Falcons were also shut out able to get baseball players here, out,” he said. in the past we have gotten great record is 4-7. by Mt. SAC on Friday losing 4-0. The bullpen pitched fairly well “We really just are not very good athletes but they were not baseball “It is big for us and it is big for with 3 runs in three and one-third. offensively right now,” head coach players, it is easy to coach when you Nick because he was been a tough Jack Brooks said, “we can’t win play- have great baseball players, “ “The bullpen was the lone bright Daniel Sandoval/tm luck loser so far this season,” head ing like this.” The Falcon coaches believe that spot in today’s game,” Brooks said. Strong defense: Chris Villalobos pitched well in last Monday’s loss to Compton. coach Jack Brooks said. “Our offense was a little stag- nate but that tends to happen when you have a great pitching perfor- Work out tip of the week: low impact leg workouts mance,” he said. Miguel Salas sion into our day. So an quick workout you toes are holding you up. Slowly lower your forward with your left leg so your knee is bent The Monarchs were short- staff writer can do at home with little to no equipment is heels down as far as they go. Slowly push at about a 90-degree angle. handed for Friday’s game because [email protected] more than ideal. Here is an easy routine you yourself up using your toes and tense the calf Step your leg back to starting position and of a bench clearing brawl the game can do to workout your lower body. muscles. repeat with your right leg. To avoid injury, before against Mt. SAC and their This month we’ve decided to start our ath- Any workout should be started out with a Pause at this top position for one second don’t let your knees touch the ground. Do 4 bench was suspended for running letic tip of the week; it will include things such on to the field. warm-up, an easy 5 minute light jog should and repeat. Do 5 sets of 12. sets of 15. as workouts, stretches, tips and suggestions. The two have been playing base- be sufficient followed by another 5-10 minute Squats: Cross your arms holding the By keeping the reps high you will tone and With March being woman’s history month, ball together since the age of 4 and stretch to avoid any injuries. weights at your shoulders. firm the muscle you already have instead of we’ve decided start our athletic tip series with according to Serrano began catch- building new muscle mass. Low weight will a workout routine more directed toward the These exercises could be done with lighter Keep legs a bit wider than shoulder width ing his cousin as freshman in high prevent an increase in size in the muscle. ladies. weights of about 10-15 lbs in each hand or no and your back straight. Squat down to a point school. The more lean muscle mass you have the Women usually have different problem ar- weight at all depending on your strength level. where your upper legs are almost parallel “I know what he wants to throw more body fat you will burn during the day eas, different fitness goals and have to design Do a set of each, one after the other, with the floor as if sitting in a chair. Pause for and how his ball moves so there de- and even in your sleep. their workout programs accordingly. stretching in between as needed until you are a brief second then push back up to standing fiantly a comfort level between us,” As your technique gets better you can However anybody can do these workouts. done. position. Do 4 sets of 10. Serrano said. “I know how his fast- add some more sets and increase the weight. Whether its school, work, kids, or all of the Calf Raise: With the dumbbells at your Lunges: Stand with your feet together and ball breaks down and in to right- handers and that helps because above, most of us here at Cerritos College side, stand on the edge of a step or small ledge hold the dumbbells at your side. Make sure to pick up next weeks issue of Talon he is hard to catch because all the don’t have the time to fit a two-hour gym ses- so that your heels fall off the back and your Keeping your back straight, slowly step Marks for our women’s upper body workout. movement on his pitches.” 8 - SPORTS Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • www.talonmarks.com Falcons win CerritosAndrew Perez by earning alumnus 1st Team All-League honors. bined, when catching, now his pitchers ERAs Rangers a as a backMet up , but the Staff Writer “Best catcher that I have ever been were a 3.81, the fourth lowest among possibility of being an everyday catcher [email protected] around,” said Steve Hendry, former high major league . is what swayed him towards the Mets. school coach of Barajas, “he’s just an all But still neither Barajas nor the Mets Now, with the signing of Barajas, the in nailbiter Rod Barajas, former All-American around great baseball player and a good got their first choice, for Barajas was Mets now have the dilemma of choos- Andrew Perez catcher for the Cerritos College base- Staff Writer teammate.” wishing for a contract that lasted more ing a starting catcher out of six, all of ball team, signed a one-year contract [email protected] Out of the 26 games played in his se- than a season, and the Mets would have whom played in the major leagues last that guarantees him at least $500,000 nior season, Barajas had at least one hit preferred veteran catcher Bengie Mo- season. with the this upcoming Natalie Garcia’s game-winning RBI walk helped in 25 of them to help lead the Chiefs to lina, but negotiations fell out when he With the 2010 season just around season. a CIF semi-finals appearance. decided to return to the San Francisco the corner, Barajas will have opportuni- push the Cerritos College softball team to a 3-2 South His contract doesn’t end “Rod could al- Giants. ties to catch for all-stars Johan Santana Coast Conference victory over Mt. San Antonio Col- there, his salary ways be counted on Barajas also had the option of sign- and closer Frankie Rodriguez while lege on Tuesday at Nancy Kelly field. could increase up to come through ing with his former team the Texas making a run for the ring. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom to $900,000 if he in the clutch,” said of the seventh inning, Garcia’s patience at the plate was makes the 25-man Whenever I talked to my Eric Mallory, former awarded with a four-pitch walk to hand the Falcons the active roster dur- high school team- victory. ing the regular agent, the Mets’ name al- mate of Barajas, “I was really nervous,” Garcia said. season, and when ways came up. I’m just “you could always “It feels good to win because this was a big game in including perfor- count on him to the conference,” she added. mance bonuses, he happy to be here. be a hard-working The stage for Garcia’s game winning-opportunity can earn up to $1.1 Rod Barajas player.” was set with a lead off walk to sophomore second base- million depend- Mallory most ing on how many man Lindsey Marquez and a pair of one-out singles admires Barajas’ games he starts from freshman Rochell Romero and sophomore third resilience, for after as catcher for the baseman Brandi Rummel. being overshadowed Mets. by high school teammate Mark Kotsay, The Falcons improved their record to 19-3 on the “Whenever I talked to my agent, the season and pushed their South Coast Conference re- future college baseball Golden Spikes Mets name always came up,” Barajas Award winner and major leaguer, he cord to 6-0 after their victory over the defending state said. “I’m just happy to be here now.” still kept his work ethic top notch and champion Mounties. Barajas played for the Cerritos Col- never gave up. “It was intense,” said Samantha Garcia, whose single lege baseball team in 1994, where he hit Barajas, now at the age of 34, has a in the fourth inning tied the game at one apiece. four home runs and 33 runs batted in major league career batting average of “I think we should have won by a lot more,” she as he was named 1st Team All-South .238 and since 2002, has thrown out at added. Coast Conference as designated hitter least 33 per cent of would be base steal- “It’s really our first close game that we’ve finished his freshman year. ers. and won,” Head Coach Kodee Murray said. His second season with the Falcons Last year with , The Falcons defensive play was once again errorless in 1995 was even better than his first as Barajas had one of his best seasons as he throughout the game behind the pitching of sopho- he belted out nine home runs and 45 launched 19 home runs, hit career high more Hillary Perez-Ashley. runs batted in with a .387 batting aver- 71 runs batted in and a .226 batting av- She pitched a complete game striking out five bat- age to earn All-American honors and erage in 429 at-bats. help lead the Falcons to a South Coast ters while giving up seven hits to the Mounties, one of His 71 runs batted in is the most any Conference championship. which was a homerun, to improve her record to 15-0. Mets player had all last season, except He also showed off his skills with his Sophomore leftfielder Devin Salmones didn’t want for all-star third baseman David Wright. glove by splitting time at first base and Also, his 19 home runs surpassed the the past to repeat itself as the defending state champs catcher for the Falcons. were able to escape Nancy Kelly field with a victory last Mets leader by seven. Rod is a local who attended and Barajas is also durable behind the season. graduated from Santa Fe High School plate as he played in at least 104 out of “It’s always a competition between us” said Salmo- in 1994 where after being ineligible to 162 games in four of his last six major nes. “I was just doing my part,” she added. play baseball for the Chiefs his junior league seasons. Photo Courtesy of Jordan Bastian/MLB.com The Falcons will next be visiting Los Angeles Har- year, he responded with his senior year In the 2008 and 2009 seasons com- Mr. Met: Former Cerritos baseball player Rod Barajas recently signed a contract with the bor on Thursday at 3 p.m. New York Mets. Barajas led the Falcons to a South Coast Conference championship in 1995. Falcon Fitness Tip of the Week Talon Marks now brings you weekly health tips in- spired by real college level athletic conditioning. Look for them in the Talon Marks print edition and online at talonmarks.com! TM CLASSIFIEDS

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