wears: Four e year
ALI CHAHINE • VETTA BOGDANOFF home,, and the spread of not resound well in the minds of many students, who Growing up in the 1960's when protests were Staff Writers democracy throughout the fervently maintained their stance against both the common occurrences, Val Mitchell, librarian, believes achahine I @talonmarks.com world. war and the President. the act is a good way of taking the initiative toward vbogdanoffWtalonmarks.com The president was opti Ekaterina Patronas, Art major, declared the presi change for something one feels strongly toward. mistic about the nation's dent to be "War Crazy," and though she did not agree Others believed protests do not do any good. A massive crowd gathered to observe the ceremo future. He urged the youth to with him, she admitted that he deserved respect. Patronas said, "Protestors are wasting time. Who ny, and millions watched from their homes as George believe the evidence before "Why not? He's the President," she said. listens to them? Nobody does. Bush is still going to do W. Bush was inducted last Thursday, saying he was their eyes. He asked them to Other students failed to agree. Diana Lara, Biology determined to fulfill the oath to which he had been make choices larger than their major, said, "I don't like [Bush] at all. He doesn't what he wants." sworn. wants and selves, so that sub deserve respect." Debbie Jensen, head women's soccer coach and "There is no justice without freedom, and there sequently, in their days they Bush Sean Fricke, Journalism major, believed the whole P.E. teacher, said that although Bush was not her first can be no human rights without liberty," Bush said. would add not only to the inauguration ceremony to be unnecessary. "I'm total choice for president, she believes he will do a good The President was officially introduced to the wealth of the country, but to its character. • ly against Bush," he said. "He did get the vote, but I job. "I think the job is incredibly difficult." nation, in the presence of several past leaders, as the He continued with the promise of bringing higher think it was rigged." While Tom Munoz, undeclared major, believed 43rd President of the United States, amid the cheers of standards to schools, and building a society with Protestors gathered on Thursday evening, in Los the entire ceremony to be a waste of money, he was the crowd following his second inauguration. wider ownership of homes, businesses, retirement Angeles and other cities throughout the country, to happy with the outcome of the elections, which ush In his 22 minute speech, the president mentioned savings, and healthcare. protest the war and the reaffirmation of the President. ered in the inauguration. that survival and liberty in America is increasingly In addition, President Bush also reminded Many students and faculty supported the idea of the Despite all the talk of protest and chaos, the cere dependant on the success it met in other lands, arid Americans to abandon racism. "We cannot carry the protests. that the best hope for peace in our world is the expan message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the Janine Mena, Veterinary major, said that people mony had no major interruptions from spectators. sion of freedom in all the world. same time," he said. have every right to protest and she would be out there The closest seats were sold at $125. The estimated cost His theme was direct: freedom and democracy at Yet his message that freedom comes at a price did if she could. of the whole event was over $40 million. Freshman Master killed in Plan gets drive-by modified DIONA CARRILLO Opinion Editor shooting opinion@talonmarks. com ERICK GALINDO Dr. Noelia Vela, Cerritos Editor-in-Chief College president, presented the [email protected] new modifications of the previous "Master Plan" during meetings Freshman Jeremy Lara was sup held last week regarding the modi posed to be one of the Falcons' fied list for the General Obligation pitcher this season, but instead of Bond. racking up stats on the baseball "We are looking to have the field, he became a statistic this past design look as though it was Sunday when a drive-by-shooting planned, attractive and inviting," ended his career and his life. He said Vela. was 18 years old. Word of the General "He had a contagious smile, Obligation Bond, from which that's for sure," said his teammate, Cerritos College received $210 mil Brad Schwarzenbach. lion for funding, spread through "It's a shame that some guy campus during the Fall semester. had to ruin a life by (doing) a In September, the Implementation drive-by shooting and making Committee, which is in charge of things very tough on others," said. deciding where the funding is Ken Gaylord, head baseball coach. needed, proposed the "master His presence on the field will plan." not go unnoticed. According to Since then, the committee has CATHY LOZANO/TM Schwarzenbach, "He was a hell of a been working out the kinks of the Col bom: Jim Colborn, Dodger pitching coach, speaks to Cerritos College students about staying in school. ball player with a good arm." "master plan" in order to stretch Lara was well-liked by his team the $210 million in the most effi mates and will be missed. cient way. "He was very friendly and we Vela attempted to clear up had lots of fun. It has affected our some of those kinks in the hour- team both physically and emo long meeting. "Some have said the tionally. He was funny as hell and Dodger Blue invasion college looks 'outdated' and we are everybody got along with him," looking to attract and retain stu Schwarzenbach added. Dodger Caravan featuring current and old players table with posters, bags and other Dodger memorabilia. dents." According to Detective Steve Fausto Molina, English major, waited for almost an hour before the Ears perked when talk of a Suzuki of the Deputy Headquarter makes stop at Cerritos Falcon Square oil Monday caravan officially arrived at noon. parking structure for the college Bureau, the investigation is being HERSSON PRECIADO He arrived early to see the players and front office greats, and his. was mentioned. Although some treated as a shooting death. Online Editor patience paid off as he was one of the several dozen students who students would be ecstatic about Lara, along with Carlos Luna, online@talonmarks. com received a wristband making them eligible for the autograph table set having a parking structure on cam- 22, and a 14-year-old male were up near the book store. standing on the corner of Georgia See BOND page 2 "My favorite is Eric Gagne, but I would have liked to have seen JD Ave. and Madison St. in the City of Over 20 years he adored, admired and idolized quietly at home, in Drew," Molina said. Paramount where his family the stands and in his own way. Martinez, a member of the Dodger broadcast team, served as mas resides. Cerritos Jose Contreras, English major, now 30, realized a life-long dream of ter of ceremonies and helped coordinate the raffle that saw over a At around 4 p.m. a late model meeting the Senior Vice-President of the Dodgers Tom Lasorda when dozen Dodger tickets and two signed Gagne shirts, one of which he Honda or Toyota drove by and the Dodgers caravan made its way through Cerritos College Monday. took off his own back to give away in the raffle, as the disappointed then proceeded to make a U-turn. gets Grant "It was a dream come true, literally," Contreras said. "I have his jer crowd moaned at the first winner of a jersey, Daniel Carrillo, UC Shots were fired from the passen ALICIA EDQUIST sey, his manager's cards and his bobble head dolls; he is Dodger Blue Riverside student. ger side of the vehicle killing Luna Community Editor no one is more than him and what he stands for." "I heard about this through my friend," Carrillo remarked. instantly and the 14-year-old was community@talonmarks. com Contreras not only had the opportunity to meet and get Lasorda's , The raffle occurred after the short speeches by Tom Lasorda, taken to a hospital. There were autograph, but also that of Dodger reliever Eric Gagne. Maurie Wills and Steve Garvey. Cerritos College received a four individuals in the car. s Joining Gagne and Lasorda at the rally were former Dodgers most Lasorda really worked-up the crowd as he ignited everyone with check for $100,000 from According to Paramount resi valuable players Maury Wills and Steve Garvey; Hall of Fame Spanish Dodger cheers and chants. Lasorda was especially livid over the subject Southland Motor Car Dealers dent Lalo Avelar nine shots were broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, pitching coach Jim Colborn and top of the newly renamed Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Association during last fired. prospects Delwyn Young and Chuck Tiffany. "They think they are going to take fans away from us, are they?" Wednesday's regular Cerritos "1 came out of my house and I Cerritos was the second of four stops Monday to kick off the 2005 Lasorda asked loudly as the crowd responded with a concrete no. College Board of Trustees meeting. saw Jeremy try to get up but he just Dodger Caravan. Steve Garvey, who spoke about education, alluded to his relation Dr. Ted Edmiston, president of fell back down," he added. Closer Eric Gagne was the headliner of the event, which continues ship with the Cerritos College Dean of Athletics Daniel E. Smith from the board, accepted the check from "(The pain) was just too much Feb. 1, takes a week break, and then resumes Feb. 7-8. their days on the Michigan State wrestling team. Todd Leutheuser, executive direc (for Lara). The other guy (Luna) The tour is part of the organization's Community Outreach The crowds represented the large Dodger fan base at the college, tor of the association and board took a bullet in the mouth so he Program, providing fans with an opportunity to meet and interact from faculty to friends of friends who attend the college. member of the Cerritos College was dead on the spot," said Avelar. with caravan members. The final stop of the day was the ESPN Zone in Anaheim, where the Foundation. See DEA TH page 2 The caravan included a traveling video game console trailer and a largest crowd of the day gathered for a serious autograph session. See Grant page 2 2 » Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 NEWS Talon Marks, Cerritos College
program because they have one of the best programs in the state Campus clubs recruit new members GRANT: for this industry. With the vast majority of the auto technician transfer to UC and CSU systems SMCDA awards Club Info Day gives workforce approaching retire and to have them come back to ment age, our industry is look students the opportunty the community as leaders and Cerritos $100k ing for trained technicians...we to become involved mentors." Continued from page 1 feel that this could be the best Aubrey Simons-Araya, Art private-public partnership facil NANCY ACEVES major and FMLA member, said The donation will go toward ity in the country." Staff Writer that "when you join our club you supporting the growth of the Dr Noelia Vela, President of naceves 1 @talonmarks.com are joining to free women from Cerritos College Automotive Cerritos College said, "This will their oppression." program in alternative fuel be the nationwide model, hope Club Information Day took M.E.Ch.A. member Hulmaro studies and for the develop fully worldwide as well and be place this Tuesday and served as Agustin, Chicano Studies major, ment of the center. the center for transportation an opportunity for clubs on cam discussed that his club was, "Open This money will be used as technologies." pus to introduce themselves to to all students who feel that they seed money to fund a World- students and ' obtain new mem are a minority." class automotive training center It's the college's hope that bers. Scholar Honors Club member, that will be a training facility this center will be a resource There were a large number of Crystal Rushing, declared, "Our for hydrogen and hybrid tech center for the transportation clubs and organizations present at goal this semester is to provide our nology. industry. this event. members the information they This project is a part of the "This will be a productive Some of the clubs present were: want and need about transferring projects list on the $210 million entity for the students and the * The Political Science Club and making the most of college General Obligation Bond that college to share, grow, see and * Feminist Majority Leaders while helping them develop a net was passed last March by the develop," Leutheuser said. hip Alliance (FMLA) . work of friends that can help them District residents. "We feel that through a part * The Puente Club later on." "We're truly honored to be nership between the SMCDA, * M.E.CH.A Maria Vallin, nursing major part of the Cerritos College's Cerritos College and other part * Chicanos/Latinos for said, "I didn't really have time to development of automotive ners, we can create one of the Community Medicine go check out the clubs." technology," said Leutheuser. most comprehensive centers for * Muslim Association (MSA) Lia Fuller, Law and Criminal "The southland dealers transportation technologies in * Scholars Honors Club, Justice major, spoke to different chose Cerritos College for this the nation," Vela said. * Project Hope, clubs and mentioned that it is * Campus Crusade for Christ great that clubs are doing this * Latter-Day Saint Student because, "It gives us a chance to Questions were addressed per Association (LDSSA) see different opportunities and 80ND: taining to a timeline of when Puente Club member, Angelina outlooks of life." these improvements will be con Mancillas, Political Science major, For more information, or to G.O. Bond status ducted and completed. mentioned that the goal for their join a club, visit the ASCC office PHOTO BY RAYMOND CONCHA/TM Vela was hesitant to answer for club is, "To increase the number of which is located next to the book Styling! Lindsey Martins styles Christina Sandoval's hair during updated. she does not have a solid answer Club Info Day. yet, but her guess puts these con under-represented students to store. Continued from page 1 cepts at 15 to 20 years from now. pus, it is not happening, but park The meeting ended with Vela Lara was taken to a nearby to Florida." his friends cars when he won his ing is still part of what is planned announcing the next steps, which hospital where he died. Hie mothe does not seem to be improved for the college. II i st game." are: DEATH: According to Avelar, "He was apparent as far as Avelar was The committee has proposed *to verify campus-wide needs, Ihe 14-year-old male was Athlete killed n't a gangster." concerned. to combine the soccer field with *look at the project scopes, "Hell no. He was legit. I heard According to Av-.lar, "Ihey operated on at the St. Francis the football field, which still meets *prepare a realistic project he had a 95-mph fastball and were probably just haters. (Ihe both of the fields' guidelines, in budget, in shooting Medical Center and was released that the Dodgers were scouting shooters) had no reason whatso order to use the space where the *conduct a study of logistics Continued from page 1 him and that he was going to go ever. I heard he was going to buy on Tuesday. soccer field is now for an addition 'prepare a master project al parking lot. schedule.
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Imperial Hwy (Imperial @ Smallwood, 6 2 8 - 8 6 4 8 west of Paramount) • 800.950.7328 • www.fpcu.org IHASli 3 * Wednesday, fan. 26, 2005 Talon Marks, Cerritos College Cerritos displays orchids ALICIA EDQUIST Community Editor [email protected] The city of Cerritos library will be hosting the Second Annual Orchid Show this weekend from Jan. 28-Jan 30. The three-day show will consist of talks, demonstrations, entertain ment, and a display of paintings and photographs by local artists. There is no cost to attend the show. The show will be held in the Skyline Room of the library. The three days are; o Friday from 6 - 9 p.m. o Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. o Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. Harvey Chun and Tony Velardi, local orchid enthusiasts together with the library started the orchid show. The two men are members of the Cymbidium Society of America. "The primary purpose of the show is to let people know that they can grow cymbidium orchids in Southern California," Chun said. One thing that is special about this type of orchid is that you do not 1W>JH 51 RUT need a greenhouse to grow them in* COURTESY or TBP/ARCHITECTURE All you need is 50 percent shade CerritOS College 2005 Facilities Master Plan- updated version that was approved by Board last Wednesday. cloth. He said growers only need a greenhouse if they are growing more exotic orchids, and Cymbidiums are ideal for Southern California weath oard approves 2005 Master Plan er. Last year there were more than ADA/Accessibility for the college to check if they are does that in the new location." 500 people in attendance and this ALICIA EDQUIST.. complainant with the laws.- •• • He said he would like greater' input "on the decision year? they hope that number will Community Editor The Pool Repair study is finished and the committee about where the boardroom is to be placed. grow. community@talonmarks. com decided it would be more cost effective to replace the Bob Verderber, board member, was not pleased that There will be no selling of the pool instead of making repairs on it. the board had just been shown the look of this plan to be orchids, photographs or oil paint ings, but people will be able to talk One part of the presentation included the develop approved, and he questioned about why they had not t the Cerritos College Board of Trustees meeting to the artists and growers to get ment of a Campus Standards Handbook, which would seen it earlier. last Wednesday, a variety of topics were covered more information. have design guidelines for all architects and performance "If I have to approve this without getting a better ranging from accepting a check for $100,000, to specifications. This has been a subject long-talked about The Cerritos Art Association will A chance to study it than I am not ready to vote on it and G.O. bond presentations, to report on the SEM building. at prior board meetings. have its oil paintings of different I want to abstain from voting," Verderber said. Dr. Ted Edmiston, president of the Board of Trustees, • The Board has shown a desire for cohesiveness in the orchids on display. Board member, Bob Epple, said, "If we could encour accepted a check for $100,000 from Todd Leutheuser, design of the college. The book will include colors of the "The unusual thing is age regular reports on this information." executive director of Southland Motor Car Dealers buildings, landscaping, hardware, technology and com Cymbidiums and other orchids Association and board member of the Cerritos College munications. This way, the committee will not have to The Board approved the 2005 Facilities Master Plan 6-1. bloom during winter here though Foundation. start over from scratch for each pioject. most people would expect them to The donation will go toward supporting the growth of One of the main things Shepley told the Board was to Revisions for Peoplesoft positions bloom in the summer and spring the Cerritos College Automotive program in alternative look at developing a campus in accordance with state Epple also pulled the Peoplesoft item on the agenda to time," Chun said. fuel studies and for the development of the center. standards using realistic enrollment projections. inquire more information before the board was to There will also be a variety of "We feel that through a partnership between the The original projection for the amount of students approve it. The item called for a revision of minimum exotic orchids such as cattleyas, den- Southland Motor Car Dealers Association, Cerritos attending per semester was 30,000. But there has been a qualifications for the Peoplesoft Database Administrator drobiums, vanda and other orchid genera in bloom in January. College and other partners, we can create one of the most reduction in students throughout the years. position. comprehensive centers for transportation technologies in The library is located on 18025 Dr. Vela thinks 24,000 is too low of a number to proj The cause for change in the qualifications is that the the nation," said Cerritos College President Dr. Noelia Bloomfleld Avenue in the city of ect for the enrollment and 30,000 may be too ambitious. college had already recruited for the position and was Vela. "We are excited about realizing this vision." She also said the college has seen a reduction in students Cerritos. unable to develop a sufficient pool of candidates. There Other business included a presentation from Dr. Vela because of the recent fee increases over the past year. For more information on the were only two applicants for the position. and Deborah Shepley, from tBP/Architecture, on an There was also, talk about the college's thoughts on, show contact Librarian Padmini They are now asking for approval to put it into the update of the Master Plan that was being considered for preparing for a second bond measure. Prabhakar at (562) 916-1340 ext. "Education and Experience" area. Seekers of the position approval so the planning committee could move forward They want to maximize the existing "functional" 2458. Also, you can contact Harvey in the next stages,of planning. space and eliminate "non-functional" space. The college will now need a bachelors degree or an equivalent com Chun at (562) 926-3565. The meeting also included revising the education and is talking more about the idea of building up so they get bination of education and experience. They are requiring experience area for the Peoplesoft positions and updates the most use out of space and avoid over-building which at least two years of experience and various credentials about SEM building on campus. could cause the college not to get any funding for build within the field. ings. The Board approved the revision 7-0. 2005 Facilities Master Plan Presentation She also discussed the establishment of criteria the Dr. Vela said, "With the approval of this now, we can The G.O. Bond presentation included showing slides committee came up with. There are six steps they will go back out and recruit again." to the board, staff and members of the public. look at: There was an item on the agenda to approve the 1. Code compliance Update on SEM Building construction updated version of the 2005 Facilities Master Plan. The 2. Efficiency of existing facilities to support instruc During the board reports Jo Ann Higdon, interim vice presentation to the Board was needed so the Board coufd^ tion president of Business Services, reported on the Social see the changes made and agree for the committee to 3. Energy efficiency Science building roof and the SEM complex construction. continue working on the plan. 4. Opportunities for state funding Schedule of events She said that the SS building roof has been problemat The presentation also included a timeline of events 5. Programmatic need and ic and the staff was on rain watch duty during the heavy starting from the bond being approved to education pro 6. Safety/security/ access needs. Friday gram analysis. The board also discussed the boardroom moving out rains. The SS roof is now out on bid. 7:30 p.m. - music Piano and of the Administration building and to a new building As for the SEM building, the recent rain caused a sig Trumpet duet Studies and Projections for Cerritos College labeled the Classroom/Office Complex. » nificant problem in the schedule and the steel had to be Saturday Shepley also said that some studies are still being con John Moore, board member, stressed his concern to cleaned, but they are a week ahead so it gave them time 11 a.m.- Hula dancing ducted, such as the Environmental Impact Report and move the boardroom to another location. "It needs to be to recover. There also will be some change orders being Noon- 2 p.m.- Talk by a represen Hazardous Materials study. Also, a study on accessible to the public to attend and I am not sure it put in for the building. tative from the LA County Public Works on smart gardening and recycling Cerritos College City of Cerritos 2:30 p.m.- Piano and trumpet Tvb. S - (fit'vdl of F'iunJih-p Feb. 2- B".irel of ft listens meeting Thursday C *y Co inul mefimij Hawaiian music SK Race/runAvdlk 7 am. @ 6 p in in Buardioum <$ f p.m. In CCH&CII Chambers in Cerritos City Hall 3 p.m.- Cymbidium potting Friday-Sunday- E D I T O R I A L AMPUS T The Talon Marks is a A piggy-back ride into Senate First Amendment "Do you think the upcoming elec do matter and that the people who represent publication. f we can learn anything from our time in Editorials express the tions in Iraq will lead to a stable history, it better be that elections do matter, you may make important decisions. views of the Editorial And if you do not think they are important government?" Board. Other opin Ibut forget the controversial 2000 U.S. elec decisions, then you must not have heard of the ions express the view tion, this past year's highly contested election, COMPILED BY: CHRISTINA YU PHOTOS BY: LAURA SPIKERMAN of the author and are the first ever elections in Afghanistan, the lack all-powerful ASCC Court. According to gocerri- not to be considered of elections in Russia, the crazy Ukrainians and tos.com, "The court, in addition to settling dis opinions of the pub "Yes, because the people even Iraq's dangerous election. putes between students, is charged with the lications staff, the will be getting together to Forget all that because it's the spring semes major responsibility of organizing, supervising, Editorial Board, the create rules and set bound advisers, the Cerritos ter and while there are school-wide elections operating and judging all student body elec aries. Freedom is looking College Associated for the fall senators and even the president of tions through its elections board." good for them." Students, the college the ASCC, for this semester, any openings in The solution? Elections every semester. administration or the senate will be filled by appointment, nulli re do it every time the football team the Board of SAL ROMAN fying the importance of elections here at Trustees. plays its first conference home animation major Cerritos College. game and every time that Mr. Student senators are elected for a whole Cerritos wants to strut his stuff on stage. Production and year, which means that some sophomore sena Just imagine if Congresswoman Linda "No, the upcoming elec printing of the tors will transfer to a four-year senate, miss too Sdnchez, of the 39 district, and Loretta Sanchez, tions will only lead to TALON MARKS is many days, will not be academically sound partially funded by of the 47 district, retired, and President Bush another revolution in enough and leave their posts at Cerritos open Iraq." the Associated was allowed to appoint new representatives to Students of Cerritos and at the whim of Josh Franco, student body your district. EDGAR ARREOLA College. president, and his multi-partisan legislators. It is borderline fascism. fashion design major Franco gets to appoint new senators and the But unlike World War II and what the pres Facilities and aca senators, who did not leave get to approve demic supervision ident's inaugural address suggests, we do not them. are provided by the need a war to end tyranny here at Falcon Department of o how does your president get the word f n .... Square. Journalism. out? He does so by telling senators during ILLUSTRATION BY : ROBERTO STARANETTA/TM "Yes. it will work because their weekly meetings to recruit. What is What we need is a change to elections for S Nothing is. Not yet. there will be structure fall and spring senators. Maybe even an elec to stop any senator from getting 14 friends, established, and the elec Newsroom offices are from whatever leftist or reactionary club he But wait, the times, they are a changing tion for president every semester, because even tions may even create a located in the represents, into the senate and getting all kinds and in this post 9/11 world, even during the the president can transfer into a four-year col system of education an Arts & Crafts police enforcement for the of his proposals passed? spring semester, we should know that elections lege. Building, Rm AC42. people." Cerritos College is 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 located at will be considered for publication, either online or in print. Campus related issues are given priority. Letters may be edited for length, though online versions tend 11110 Alondra Blvd., to include full content, as long as it is not libelous or in poor taste. You may deliver letters to AC 42 or contact the editor by e-mail at [email protected] THERESA AQUINO Norwalk, CA 906S0. El nursing major . (562) 860-2451, ext. 2617. "I'm not very sure about FAX (562) 467-5044. the elections because it really depends on the can- Vol. 50 $2.4 million reward for violence diates that will be run © 2005 Talon Marks ning." It is no wonder other countries look at the If you have a lawyer, who can bend the law to its fullest extent, you may not only get away United States and immediately perceive us as MICHEAL ZULUETA FAIL 2005 violent. with your actions but with a large sum of cash nursing major STAFF SUNF.M RIVAS Not only are our television shows and Copy Iditor as well. Editor-in-Chief movies overflowing with blood, beatings and sr'rvjsWlakinworki com This case.also sends, a bad message about Erick Galindo weapons, butpur own law enforcement is get our system: It does not vfprjc.^ ^ ^ ^ a jtv* ting away with not only exercising this vio The jury is misinterpreting the law and "I think that the only pos Online Editor sible way a stable govern lence, but receiving monetary rewards for their allowing corruption to continue because they Hersson Preciado ment would work is if actions. racial discrimination and the jury just nodded are failing to show the officers' actions were Americans are willing to Managing Editor Jeremy Morse and Bijan Davish, two their heads and handed them $2.4 million. incorrect. reside in Iraq itself and Christopher Olivares watch over the coup try." Inglewood police officers, were awarded $2.4 I ask myself, if had it been two black officers Our government is always talking about million, after punching and slamming a black beating a white, 16-year-old, would the case News Editor morals and standards, but where did those JESSE LUA David Gomez 16-year-old against a truck, because they felt have ended in the same fortune? Would it have morals and standards go when they dealt with music major being white caused them to receive "unfair dis even gotten as far as it did? I really doubt it. Copy Editor this case? Sunem Rivas cipline." This case was not about mciiding the dam Maybe the law itself does not have anything One of the officers was fired; the other was ages caused to two police officers. It was about to do with unfair judgment, but the people we "No, there is way too Production Editor acquitted after filing a false police report and recognizing once again that even- in America, appoint to handle these positions of power do. much violence going on Benedict Orbase iC^i r'£nt now to determine was suspended for 10 days. It would only seem where "all men are created equal," discrimina But now that I think about it, corruption, anything." Photo Editor fair for someone who abuses their job to be tion still exists. discrimination, power and lies are really what Ricardo Ramirez punished. It is about recognizing that in today's socie our society is all about, isn't it? However, the officers accused the city of ty, racism does not only exist, it is rewarded. It appears so. EKATERNINI PATRONAS Sports Editors art major Werner Gomez David Perez Community Editor Playing the book buying blame game Alicia Edquist Do not save on books. tration clause on the CD no matter what they A&E Editor Jon Garcia Do not buy used ones. may say or how they explain it. Pay three teachers the gross national If they were to put it on the publisher: HtKSSON PPU IUX> Opinion Editor income of Costa Rica for one book. Online (Mar ask why they don't "facilitate" the use of the Diona Carrillo Go directly to communist jail and bow to onllne@tQhruriQrks i om website to those who have bought the book Life Editor the book monopoly cop for at least one in prior semesters and now only need to get Jonathon Jordan semester, or until another player rolls three into the site. Or ask why Falcon puts course sixes. necessary information that you could fail Writers The Political Science 100 book monopoly without on the registration protected site. Nancy Aceves for as long as possible, these three teachers Ephraim Barrios at Cerritos is as disgusting as being the first have devised a system in which they change The bottom line is that it is a thorough Vetta Bogdanoff person out in a six-hour game of Monopoly, the edition yearly and not since the second book that does come with CDs that help you Rosali Castillo that is down to two closely resembling edition in 2003, where the books gained learn and understand, but there is, in all of All Chahine human being freaks, card counting the dice this, a factor that makes this a book monop Raymond Gallegos about 300 pages of information, has the edi Jeff Linares rolls until the final bankrupting Boardwalk TION changed; IN such a manner that the ear oly (other than the fact that having all three La Tosha Marks roii. ..; lier edition would not be comparible in teachers use the book leaves little choice on Kenneth Pakingan Political Science professor Dennis Falcon, materials. who to take for poli sci), the CD registration. Deseree Ramos the surliest of the three Poli-Sci Parker broth Also, only our bookstore carries the latest Christina Yu The biggest problem is not only that the Contest: ers on campus (along with Victor Obasohan $110 book changes edition, but that it also edition or any edition for that matter. Photographers and Bryan Reece), seems proud to present a has a built in "screw you" system in which it Solutions: Obviously you can just drop WRITE A ONE TO TWO SENTENCE Maria Gutierrez fantastic opportunity to spend more on his is unusable by anyone more than one semes the class and take another instructor that Cathy Lozano one-of-a-kind book, as that of his already EXPLANATORY COMMENT ON THIS Laura Spikerman ter because the cost comes with can only be does not use that book (very rare). You can more expensive than ever community col electronically registered once and one semes also team up with someone to buy a new PHOTO AND EMAIL IT TO lege course (The latter being no fault of his Designers ter only. copy and an old copy (cheaper than two new Julissa Banuelos own). copies) and now you can share a log-in and [email protected]. YOU Ana Barrera I am of course not going to sit here and If his pre-conceived leftist rhetoric was tell you not to buy it, that it is not a gpod each of you have a book. COULD WIN A PAIR OF MOVIE TICKETS, Cartoonist not enough added to his randomly fascist book or nOt tell you a way to get around the I invite them to attempt to explain it and Roberto Estarneta way of running his vulgarity encouraged system (somewhat). to change their system if they feel there is A $20 VALUE, AND HAVE YOUR CAPTION class, he then hits you with the realization something wrong. Faculty Adviser First, if that is how they feel they can of an investment that could set you back far POSTED ON OUR ONLINE NEWSPAPER, Rich Cameron best teach the class, then so be it. If not, it is obvious that they are truly ther than a .com stock. If that is the cost of making such a heavy exemplifying the most inhumane part of FOR RESULTS CHECK THE TALON MARKS Instructional Aide Far from doing as other instructors do book, then so be it as well, but there is no rea American politics. Jorge Medina and try to keep the same edition of a book SON that they have to put in the one time regis What a lesson. WEB SITE AT WWW.TALONMARKS.COM • Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 OPINION Talon Marks, Cerritos College LAS HURRACAS BYSTARENTTA Every semester Hail to the thief; an ode they ask us to turn off our cellphones Round two has begun; the Neo- against you. I am only for the well in class. cons have won their right to pursue being of this world. global dominance. With all due An CHAIII.NC I have no dreams that one day respect to the presidential office and Staff Writer the United States, which I am a 10tdlorunjikt mm what the people of the United States proud citizen of, conquers the world stand for, but horrible times may lie and its riches for the interests of V- ahead for the United States and the Corporate America. rest of the world. giant industries. Our nation is fac I have no dreams of spilling It is my belief that the leaders of ing obstacles that no army can give blood for oil. I have no dreams of this nation hold no loyalty to this an answer to. cutting educational finds for war. I nation or any other nation for that The fact of the matter is we as have no dreams of toi hiring people matter. Rather, their only loyalty is American citizens have given our in Guantanamo Bay, or any other to the United Corporations of loyalty to republicans, democrats, nation, especially under false pre America and company. From liberal agendas, conservative agen tenses. national to foreign, our leaders only das and every other type of group. I have no dreams of serving seem to be* driven by goals that ben In doing so, we have lost sight of your elitist cause. efit their own interests. the truth and the road which leads Whether it be Bush, Clinton, Girls & Sports by Justin Borus and Andrew Feinstein Kerry, or Gore; we as Americans Social Security, a program given to it. FT SO WnAT DID have lost sight of the true American I WAS JUST AT THE AND 6 DOLLARS FOR AND 7 DOLLARS to us through the New Deal, one of Why do we give our loyalty to FOR A BORDER I MISS WHILE the greatest programs in American dream. We have forgotten our histo CONCESSION STAND. A 12 OUNCE BEER these selfish representatives when CAN YOU BELIEVE AND FRIES 1UASG0NE? history, may be seeing its last years. we should only be giving it to the ry as the nation who despised impe THEY WANT 5 DOLLARS (JTS RIDICULOUS! Our troops are guarding oil wells in truth? I am not a Republican, and I rialism and oppression. FOR A HOT DOG? foreign lands, American companies am not a Democrat, I am a citizen of Nonetheless, I congratulate you are outsourcing jobs, and the cost of this world. Mr. President. ITS ABSURD! living is rising while the minimum We are all citizens of this world. May you and the elite, which wage remains at a low of $6 and And as citizens of this world, you have proclaimed to be your change. shouldn't we give our loyalty to the base, profit from the blood and Excuse me Mr. President if I pursuit of peace and equality sweat of the entire world. And a spe don't seem too enthusiastic about throughout the world? President cial congratulation to you Mr. Vice the fact that you and your Bush once said, "If you're not with President. May the rising stocks of 2 Dudes By Aaron Warner Republican party are hijacking our us you're against us." Halliburton exceed the worth of our nation's dignity and wealth. This is Well, Mr. President, I refuse dying soldiers and innocent people no excuse for the democrats who your option. throughout the world. have also sold their own codes to I will not be with nor will I be God bless our troops. T\miHptFrTttmr \ PLACES. A College Girl Named Joe By Aaron Warner mmmom.moan/mum IT THEmmY WW TO REALISTIC-. MAKE THOSE I THOUGHT COHERE LOOK MKJs fMAT. v mediumTHA T POH'T muE. DMIMS mmmum. mm WMONEY 'Vote and die' not just a slogan "Vote or Die," the slogan political parties, each with its own being pedaled by the puffiest man EKIIK GUINDO slate of candidates that can in hip hop, Sean Combs, may have editor- hi- Chief \ editorfJtalonmarks com] include between 12 and 275 been seen as the new generation's names. political idealism. This may be true Iraq is also issuing a curfew here, but across the universe in and a no-driving embargo to pro Iraq where as John Lennon once tect the polls. that somewhat resemble him in sang, "Words are flowing out like While this may setm extreme, the way he attempts to rule endless rain into a paper cup." it is seemingly necessary as too America, in the end we should That is, words are abundant, many people have died for the hope his plan works., but mean little in the face of cause of democracy in Iraq. At least the country of Iraq action. The slogan in Iraq would It has become increasingly seems to think so. be, "Vote and Die," or at least the apparent that the exit plan for Iraq More than two weeks before actions taken by the insurgent is an emergency exit out the back Iraq's first free election on Jan. 30, forces seem to deem it so. door of Baghdad: use in case of fire the country is finding that secrecy Yet as we get over our own only. and security are the cornerstones wOunds from our rinky-dink elec So we are there and Bush is of freedom. tion troubles, we should just sit president, and Iraq must at least Names of many candidates back and hope it works out for our try to become a democracy; let us haven't been made public and will comrades in democracy, even if it support it and hope for the best. remain secret until after the elec does mean taking the most drastic If this was post-WWII tion, which goes a long way in of all measures to insure it. Germany, everyone and their illustrating the difficulty of hold If the Civil Rights Movement Kurdish mom would be supporting ing an election in the after mist of was any example, it is that there the effort. a war. are some things worth fighting for Why hope for disaster when it Instead of voting for individ and, despite disagreements we was a disaster before and everyone ual candidates in the election, might have with the despotic pres and their Christian mom hated Iraqis will select from a list of 111 ident of ours and his war on rulers that also? K gVKHAfllPN 15 A THep&i, VOX A fACT'AfZg VUCOtmiTUllGtJM."Gee, Witfirop! I had no idea you wer e that COOL! A nose ring AND a tattoo!" by Pavs T. Phipps Just fike Cats Be Dogs TRIVIA TEST Answers online at www.talonmarks.com f ' ••»"••--•""•^iiift YOU KNOW, THE IRONY By Fifi Rodriguez used to describe the biggest OF THIS IS ALMOST 1. AMERICANA: Which Wild companies of which industry? MORE" West personality was called 7. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the "Little Sure Shot"? cape called Land's End? 2. COMICS: In the comic strip 8. DISCOVERIES: Who is "Brenda Starr," what was the name of her husband? credited with discovering the pain reliever aspirin? 3. TELEVISION: Who played the title role in TV's "Quincy"? 9. MEASUREMENTS: A kilo 4. HISTORY: Who became meter is equivalent to what prime minister of Britain in measurement in miles? 1937? 10. FAMOUS QUOTES: Who 5. LITERATURE: Who wrote said, "There is only one good, the novel "0 Pioneers!"? knowledge, and one evil, 6. BUSINESS: The term ignorance." "Seven Sisters" was once (c) 2005 King Features Synd., Inc. 6 • Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 Talon Marks, Cerritos College apper mee cal fans Future concerts RAYMOND GAIXEGOS dent said, "I came so my kids posssibly conceal weapons. Yukmouth. sure to entertain Staff Writer could see him." After all, The Game was "Yukmouth is only hating. rgallegos 1 @'talonmarks.com A Cerritos College student shot five times before he start He just don't like to SEE a rap KENNETH PAKINGAN playing classical literature, was also in attendance. Raul ed rapping and his known per come up so quick, and Staff Writer most of which is recogniza The rap superstar known as Flores, liberal arts major said, gang affiliation did not make make so much money. The kpakingan 7 @talonmarks. com ble, such as the "Russian The Game did his first Los "Since he's one of my favorite him any safer. beef (feud) is too late to Sailors Dance." squash," he said. Angeles area signing at the rappers, I had to come down. The Game's safety was Looking for a concert This concert has a Wherehouse in Lakewood. It was nice to see him down well taken care of and every Phillips also spoke on his worth watching? One that unique factor to it, as the Security was in full force here taking the time to sign thing ran smoothly, according new label mate Vita, formally won't burn a hole into your Cerritos College Music as a sea of fans lined-up out autographs." to Rodriguez. signed to Murder Inc. wallet? The Cerritos Department has invited side and around the corner of The fans were taken in 10 The Game's safety was not Phillips said she was a tight College Music Department other groups to perforin the Wherehouse last Saturday at a time to prevent an inci only taken care of, but so were rapper, and if it hurts Murder will be holding concerts with them. at noon. dent, John Rodriguez, one of his fellow rappers. Inc., oh well then. that will be sure to enter Other upcoming con The fans were growing the 13 security guards inside The Game has started his The Game is supposed to tain, as well as educate, this certs include the Annual impatient as The Game said. own label called, "The Black bring the West Coast back to Spring. Faculty Gala on Feb. 27, showed up about an hour late In addition to the 13 guards Wall Street" and many of his it's glory days, like when 2Pac David Bettancourt, the the Symphonic Winds with a large entourage. inside, four were outside, not artists were at the signing. was alive, according to the CCMD Band Director, rec Exchange on March 1, and But when he did make his including all of the Game's One of his artists, Charlie Game's CD. ommends attending the the Jazz and Pop appearance, the crowd personal body guards who Phillips AKA G-Malone, had "Yeah, The Game doesn't concerts because they are Ensembles Concert on screamed, yelled and showed their presence outside a lot to say about The Game. have any West Coast artists on "free entertainment of good March 5. The Band's and appeared happy. and inside the Wherehouse. First Phillips talked about his CD, but he does intend on quality" and there is "an Orchestra Spring Concert The first two female fans in Rodriguez also spoke of the recent feud between The working with some," Phillips emotional experience that on May 20 is the final and front of the line were jumping two undercover, armed, Game and added. comes with a group per highly prepared finale for up and down as he I \FD officers roaming WKT?*-^ Oakland Sister Latonya Taylor was forming live." the spring semester. approached. III'MIKI |I NKMIU TI'I •_;11>>. rapper, also present showing her sup Upcoming concerts for Of all the concerts, Kee One of the females in front willi liench coals or heavy port for her borhter. the Spring 2005 semester Chang, the CCMD Student of the line was Jessica Lopez, jackets that "I would have never will hold an array of gen Affairs Assistant, highly a California High School stu could . -V ,/ dreamed in a million years res. Thriteen of the 15 con recommends going to the dent in Whittier, who said she THE this would happen to my certs are free. Faculty Gala because "it's a had been waiting at the GAME brother. Our family has been Bettancourt explains presentation of all faculty." Wherehouse since 7 a.m. blessed," Taylor said. MARIA that attending the concerts Chang explained that Lopez said she waited so GUTIERREZ/ Taylor also spoke of The "can be a broadening expe attending concerts can long to meet The Game m Game's rap career and life. rience that will open stu teach a person about disci because, "I love the Game. I "It's always been his dents' eyes to new music pline. like the way he raps, I like dream to become a big rap and new composers. "Upon observing the everything about him, and I SUPER star." Students can expand their band, discipline can be seen can't wait to get my picture musical taste." through the mature behav taken with him." The first concert for this ior of the students. The A little further back in the semester will be the band's strict regiment can line was Alejandra Valencia, a -Want more?- Orchestra Exchange teach students to be disci South Gate High School stu . FOR a COMPLETE REVIEW OF Concert on Feb. 25 located plined, organized and dent, who "just wanted to get THE GAME'S NEW CD, "THE at the student center at 7 orderly, and further apply the Game's autograph." DOCUMENTARY," GO TO p.m. them to anything," said WWW.TALONMARKS.COM Others, like Rudy The orchestra will be Chang. Rodriguez, Paramount resi NEW FAMILY COMEDY NO. 1 JONATHON JORDAN Allen's facial expressions of out their dad canceled their cel Life Editor how she feels about Cube give ebration because he was spend life@talonmarks. com her depth as a young up and ing New Year's with his other coming child actress. She also family. "You got knocked the (funk) played a role in the hit comedy This is when Cube was able out!" This type of phrase won't "School of Rock." to relate to the kids because his be heard in Ice Cube's No. 1 Boden's quick wit and character, Nick's father left movie, "Are We There Yet?" sometimes annoying voice him. Cube takes himself out of added to the anguish of what Allen really shincd when his previous roles in the Friday Cube was put through. she sang karaoke to ihe Aretha trilogy and Boyz-N-The-Hood. Cube really stands out with Franklin hit "Respect." She He plays Nick Persons, an his ability to connect with stole the screen witfl her amaz owner of a sports collectables ing voice and musical talent. shop. Allen and Boden after they find Not seeing Cube in a role of ..HN()L OF eouu««»«" a gangster or someone weilding E3 W" _*v '•'>! a weapon, fighting a large snake, made this movie great for the LPl) Family Man: whole fami- Cube falls for a The path you choose today single mother Persons can lead to tomorrow's success. (Cube) hates children, and i . JR. » * 'j becomes attracted to Suzanne Kingston (Nia Long), who has State Compensation Insurance Fund two children of her own. Cube makes this movie his own with his comedic timing. if you'te -OJILY to apply your knowledge and skills in the post- CAREER OPPORTUNITIES MAY B« AVAILABLE IN: This comedy keeps you _ ijrddu.jti Changes improve start Dodgers Falcons baseball team welcomes 16 fresh DAVID PEREZ Co-Sports Editor faces to a squad filled with 10 veterans sports@talonmarks. com WERNER GOMEZ Even though he had not seen enough of In baseball's current structure, Co-Sports Editor his team to make up a starting line-up, Gaylord money rules the day and simply spoiis@talonmarks. com is still able to evaluate what type of team he has. speeds up the process. The Los "Our pitching is pretty good. Our defense Angeles Dodgers are certainly no February is right around the corner and is pretty good," Gaylord said. "I think we need exception. that means "America's past-time" is making its to hit a lot better than we have. Dodger fans have been sent reeling this off-season with a bevy way back to Cerritos College. t This has led him to believe that his team The Falcons' baseball team opens up its can compete for the conference championship. of trades and free agent makeovers season Feb. 1 at Santa Ana College. "Looks to me like it's pretty wide open," Gaylord powerful enough to make ex- The Falcons went 20-16 last season and said. General Manager Kevin Malone queasy and "Nip-Tuck" viewers 13-11 in the conference. Their last South Coast Michael Benavente, first-year shortstop, shudder. Conference Championship came in 2000 and thinks that East Los Angeles College will be the However, it does not stop there. the last time they won the State Championship Falcons' main competition. Club-owner Frank McCourt has was in 1989. "ELAC is supposed to be good. Last year Dodger Stadium also undergoing a This year's squad of 26 has 10 returning we tied with them (in the conference). It should players. It also has three international players: facelift. be good competition with ELAC," he said. Mike Styrna, Canada; Tomoya Mizutani, Japan; Chavez Ravine's once-cav All of the players are excited about get and Elvyn Bello, Dominican Republic. ernous foul territory will be down ting the season started and beginning competi sized as new box seats will be con All three international players speak tion. structed closer to the action. Dirt highly of their experiences so far, although Scott Patynik, shortstop, said, "I'm just will replace the rubberized warning Mizutani says that American baseball is different looking forward to starting conference and beat track encircling the diamond. A from Japanese baseball. ing El Camino." state-of-the-art LED scoreboard will The coaching staff, headed by Ken Aside from competition, the athletes are be installed along the base of the Gaylord, has gotten a new addition in Sean just looking forward to the comradery that Loge Level, adding to the "beautifi- Severns. Brad Baker, Sergio Garcia, and Frank comes with being on a team. cation" process of the stadium. Rovelo have been coaching under Gaylord for The jerseys will be altered, as six years. Stephen Luyben, pitcher, whose brother players' names will no longer be Although opening day is nearing, Daniel is also on the team, is looking forward to stitched on the back. Perhaps this is Gaylord has not made any decisions on who his starting the season with this group. "I think in homage to Tommy Lasorda's starters will be. we're all a good group of guys and that we bond belief that the name on the front of Due to rain in early January, the team was well," he said. the jersey is more important than not able to practice as much as Gaylord would Gaylord said he would like to get the sea the name on the back of it. have liked, and as a result he has not made any son started, because he's anxious to see his As it stands now, the team that final decisions. team's performance in a real game situation. will take the field on opening day, April 5, will be markedly different from the one assembled just last season. Gone are heroes Adrian Beltre and Steve Finley. Fan-favorites Shawn Green and Alex Cora have packed their bags and* moved'" along. "Lima Time" will no longer"" be colored a shade of "Dodger Blue." Yet still, hope springs eternal for a franchise that is coming off its first postseason appearance since 1996. Although a majority of the team's core has been dismantled, it is not as if the cupboard is bare. Free agent additions J.D. Drew, Jeff Kent, Derek Lowe and Jose Valentin spearhead a group of new Dodgers that will join Eric Gagne, Cesar Izturis, and Odalis Perez. While last year's club was strong enough to take first place in the NL West, there were still definite short comings the team had to address in order to improve. General Manager Paul DePodesta has also re-stocked the farm system, presiding over Baseball America's No. 1-rated minor league talent group: See DODGERS pageS DO YOU HAVE MILD TO Late rally comes up short MODERATE ASTHMA? WERNER GOMEZ Falcons are never out of a game. Co-Sports Editor "With Cerritos you have to be concerned until the sports@talonmarks. com very last out," Bassi said. We Are Looking For Volunteers a To Participate In A Clinical Research "If you give them (the Falcons) an inch, they will Between the ages of 18 and 75 Study After San Marcos College cancelled a Saturday take a yard." With mild to moderate asthma • Total of 6 visits to our testing facility doubleheader, the Cerritos College softball team took The regular season will begin Feb. 1. Cerritos will on Fullerton College in a scrimmage game Monday open-up against Los Angeles Valley. Otherwise healthy • Lab results available upon request and lost, 4-3. Rick Murray, the softball team's public address • Monetary compensation of up to $595.00 may be paid to qualified No one had any information as to why San announcer, believes the team will do well when the Marcos cancelled the game. season starts. participants upon his or her completion of the study This was the softball team's first game since it "I think they're looking really good this year," he played against the alumni on Jan. 15. said. Cerritos never led in the contest, falling behind in "The pitcher (Alex Castillo) is doing a good job. the third inning after Vivian Garcia, catcher for She's about the only arm out there." Fullerton, hit a three-run double. Bassi also agrees that Cerritos will be a worthy Environmental Health Service Head coach Kodde Murray was disappointed with opponent. her team's play and thought it let a victory get away. "Well, I'll tell you they're conference contenders Los Amigos Research and Education Institute "We just didn't play a' very good game today. We and they are only going to get better as the season 7601 E. Imperial Hwy., Downey CA 90242 kind of beat ourselves," Murray said. progresses." The Falcons were trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the Nicole Deel hit a solo home run in the bottom of seventh, and scored two runs off of a double to make the fourth inning, giving the Falcons their first hit of if You Are Interested Please Contact Us: it 4-3. the game. (562) 401-7563 The rally ended on a strike out with two runners Cerritos didn't get another hit until the seventh left on base. inning and left eight runners on base. (8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) Fullerton's head coach, Lisa Bassi, is always careful The Falcons ended up with four hits, three coming when playing against Cerritos, and believes the in the seventh and gave up eight. 8 • Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 Talon Marks, Cerritos College Lancers Falcons suffer first conference defeat spear EPHRAIM BARRIOS Staff writer Falcons ebarrios 1 @talonmarks. com After a strong 80-60 victory over RAYMOND GALLEGOS Staff miter LA'Southwest last Wednesday, the rgallegos 1 @talonmarks, com Falcons hoped to increase their two- game winning streak against Long Beach City last Friday. Despite their The Pasadena City Lancers efforts, Cerritos suffered a disap remained undefeated after beating pointing 80-64 loss at the hands of the Cerritos College women's bas ketball team 65-51, at Cerritos last the Vikings on its home court. Saturday in a defensive battle that "This is a 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' left the Falcons 14-10. team," long-time WPMD sportscaster John Potter said. "You never know Cerritos head coach Karen Welliver said, "They're (the what kind of team you're gonna Lancers) known for their defense, get." they're known for their trapping Throughout the first half the and pressure defense." Falcons struggled to stay close to the The Lancers came in with a 19- Vikings. Little by little, the Vikings 0 mark and the fans were skeptical widened the gap. that the Falcons could even keep "The defense was very lackadaisi up with them. George Bottema, cal," Potter admitted. "If they want Cerritos College alumnus said, to win against LA Harbor, then they "We're doing pretty good right have to step it up." now but we can get cold." The Falcons never led and trailed Bottema was speaking of a the ever-confident Vikings 38-33 at halftime lead that Cerritos had at the end of the first half. the break, 26-25. The Falcons were Head coach Gary Cain said, doing well, and like Bottema pre "They weren't trusting each other. dicted, they went cold. The reason we weren't passing the In the second half the team ball is because we weren't able to relied heavily on Niki Sims, guard, trust each other with the ball." who was hitting shot after shot in Cain summed up Friday night's the paint with ease, but her other performance as being inconsistent. teammates grew cold as they fell "A couple of things we need to work to Pasadena's defense. on are our rebounds and getting the Turnovers were a major part of shot off." the Falcons' defeat as well; the The Falcons played an aggressive ball was turned over all through game, but it was not enough to beat out the game, leading to Lancer- the steadfast Vikings. fastbreak points. "Our defense was With 4:30 left in the game, the slacking off in the in the second, Falcons made one more push for the we just got drained," Sims said. victory by cutting the lead to three, „„ The, tn.an-to-rn.an. , defense but the rush was not enough to take Welliver utilized did not seem to the lead from the Vikings. affect the Lancers in the second The loss takes the Falcons' overall half. They used a zone and a record to 12-11 and 2-1 within the man-to-man defense on the South Coast Conference North Falcons which seemed to work. Division. Welliver said her team is The Falcons continue league play MARIA GUTIERREZ/TM Wednesday at LA Harbor for a 7:30 improving, and that it needs to Driving tO the hoop:. Falcon's forward Stanley Gill cuts through the Long Beach City defense en route to the basket. fight harder out on the hardwood contest sgainst the Seahawks. and that she only has two sopho mores on her squad and it is hard to build such a young team. Dodgers stress unity, express optimism DAVID PEREZ present. DODGERS: Co-Sports Editor The Dodgers took first place this past sports@talonmarks. com season hi the National League West divi DePodesta sion, advancing to the playoffs only to Inquisitive Dodgers fans filled Falcon lose in four games to the St. Louis renovates Square Monday to take part in a celebra Cardinals. Following an overhaul of the tion of the organization. roster in the offseason, fans have been playoff team The Dodgers' Caravan visited the cam skeptical of the team's direction under pus as part of the tour's southern leg in owner Frank McCourt and General an attempt to spark interest in the team. Manager Paul DePodesta. Continued from page 7 Current and former Dodgers players and Adrian Beltre, Alex Cora and Shawn club representatives were in attendance Green have all left the club via trades or Sometimes change is neces for an autograph session. free agency, leading some to doubt the sary to improve, no matter the Hall-of-fame inductees Tommy organization's true intentions. players involved, Lasorda and Jaime Jarrin joined all-star Mario Soto, history major, was among "It's a little bit sad, to lose closer Eric Gagne in an address to the the worried. Greenie (Shawn Green) and fans that packed the outside amphithe- "McCourt and DePodesta seemed to Alex (Cora). I know Belly ' ater. say that no matter how good a season a (Adrian Beltre) wanted to come Former Dodgers Steve Garvey and player might have, if he was expecting a back. It's hard for me to see Maury Wills, minor-leaguers Delwyn lot of money he may not get it." them leave and hard for the Young and Chuck Tiffany, and current Beltre M'gned with the Seattle Mariners fans," closer Eric Gagne said at a pitching coach Jim Colborn were also in December of 2005, after having spent recent press conference. "But we his entire career with the Dodgers organ had Belly, Green, (Steve) Finley ization. Fans were disappointed to see last year and we didn't win." him walk from the club following a sec McCourt is banking on ond-place finish in NL MVP voting. Gagne's leadership abilities to Regardless, Gagne reiterated the lead the team. • team's retooling was for the best. "He's a fierce competitor," PHOTOS BY: CATHY LOZANO/TM "It is tough losing the guys we did," Members of the Dodgers organization address the crowd outside in McCourt said. "He brings an 'True Blue:' Gagne said. "But we have the best pitch Falcon Square. LEFT: Eric Gagne speaks to fans about upcoming season. attitude that you need to win. If ing in the division and pitching is the I could pick one player who per name of the game." Lasorda remained confident in the quite some time. sonifies the attitude of the team Outfielder J.D. Drew, infielders Jeff additions, offering, "Drew, Valentin, and "I'm up for it," Gagne exalted. "We I own and operate, it's this play Kent and Jose Valentin, and starting Kent will contribute immediately. just need to be successful." er right here." pitcher Derek Lowe were brought in to fill Pitching will obviously be our strength, Despite the media's notion that the The upside for this roster far the voids left by the departed players. which leads me to believe we will repeat Dodgers will inevitably lose a portion of outweighs its questions. Los While the projected starting staff is much as NL West champions." their fan base following the controversial Angeles is home to one of base stronger, au impeccable defense was the One major question mark remains to moves, many fans will continue to jam ball's strongest franchises, and main reason last year's staff was so suc be answered. As a result of Green's trade, Dodger Stadium. the three million-plus fans that cessful. the team will look for a new leader in the "I will still go as a baseball fan," Soto crowd Dodger Stadium consis "We lost a gold-glove middle infield clubhouse. said. tently each season need no when Cora left," Soto remarked. "With so many new faces," Lasorda "The fans mean everything," Gagne other organization than the The Los Angeles Dodgers recorded the admitted, "it's hard to say who will lead said. "The feeling I get when I pitch is Dodgers. fewest amount of errors in th,e NL this the team," amazing. It's the best feeling. Words can't Sorry "Los Angeles Angels of past season. Both Cora and Beltre were Gagne more than likely is the one the describe it. The fans mean so much." Anaheim," the "Boys in Blue" considered amongst the top defenders at club will look to, as he has become the Eric Gagne Dodgers' single game tickets go on will do just fine. their respective positions. Dodgers' most recognizable figure in sale during the first week of March.