CAMPUS EVENTS
DETAILED MAP OF DE ANZA COLLEGE INSIDE
DASB HOSTS OPEN HOUSE TO MEET NEW STUDENTS
Page 2
CAMPUS NEWS
TREES REMOVED FROM L QUAD DURING SUMMER
Page 4
Page 3
SOHEIL REZAEE/LA VOZ WEEKLY
La Voz Weekly VOLUME 42, ISSUE 1
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
The Voice of De Anza College Students Since 1967
NEWS
SPECIAL EDITION | FALL ‘08 ORIENTATION ISSUE
Former DASB chair suspended Former Senate President Robin Claassen can no longer attend classes, activites in district; says charges against him are false.
Page 1
Bookstore starts rental program Starting this fall, the bookstore will begin offering books for rent at significantly lower prices than they can be purchased.
Page 3
SPECIAL Special Edition campus map Find out where you’re going or find something you never knew was there! We’ve been all over campus spotting the best sights De Anza has to offer and made a detailed map of what we saw.
WELCOME
to the neighborhood, new fall students
Page 4
College services you should know Lock yourself out of your car? Need a computer but can’t afford one? Need free legal advice? Read on ...
Page 5
OPINION A letter from Martha Kanter Dr. Martha Kanter, chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, wrote us a letter. Read what she thinks students should know about De Anza.
Page 7 Photos, video, breaking news:
LaVozDeAnza.com
INDEX Campus Events.......................2 DA Voices...............................3 Campus Snapshot...................3 Map of De Anza......................4 Special Services......................5 Opinion.................................7 La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper, produced by students for the De Anza College community. La Voz Weekly is printed on recycled paper.
SOHEIL REZAEE/LA VOZ WEEKLY
A calm day in the sunken garden near the center of campus, normally bustling with students.
Audrey Barker LA VOZ NEWS
For a new student, pulling into the overcrowded, lively De Anza College parking lot can be an intimidating initial experience. Among any group of De Anza students there are those facing the prospects of familiarizing themselves with a new campus, instructors and perhaps a whole
new town, state or country. It’s understandable if some should be trying to cope with serious freshman jitters. All is not lost, however – De Anza can be a very forgiving place, especially to those who know what they’re looking for and how to find it. Knowing where to eat, for instance, can be quite the troubling
On behalf of myself, and the
editors and staff at La Voz, welcome all. We look forward to serving you this quarter!
Shawn McGann EDITOR IN CHIEF LA VOZ WEEKLY
See WELCOME, Page 5
Former Student Body President suspended from De Anza College Audrey Barker LA VOZ NEWS
De Anza Associated Student Body senator and former Student Body President Robin Claassen was informed by college administrators during the summer that he was being immediately suspended from De Anza College for one year. This forbids him from enrolling in classes or participating in any school-sponsored activities at De Anza or Foothill Colleges, and is to be followed by an additional year of disciplinary probation, should he choose to return to the district. The reasons given to him for his suspension were outlined in a letter
Former DASB President Robin Claassen is accused of disruptive behavior, undermining college officials, and behaving toward other senate members in “a threatening and coercive manner.”
sent to him by Dean of Student Development Michele LeBleu-Burns which charged him with willfully disobeying five of the college’s Student Rights and Responsibilities policies. A disciplinary hearing was held on Aug. 7 to determine if, in fact, Claassen had violated any of the five college policies he had been charged with disobeying, and to allow him to present evidence and witnesses in his defense. The charges included disruption of administration and disciplinary procedures, in which Claassen allegedly engaged in deceptive and manipulative behavior in an effort to interfere with See SUSPENDED, Page 6
JOSE MARTE/LA VOZ WEEKLY
PAGE 2
CAMPUS EVENTS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
CAMPUS EVENTS Happenings around De Anza College display production artwork and hold a Q&A with the audience, as part of the De Anza College Speaker Series. For information contact Martin McNamara at mcnamaramartin@fhda.edu.
Welcome Week Welcome week activities Monday - THURSDAY, Sept. 22-25, 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M., main quad
Enjoy live music and entertainment in the Main Quad, sponsored by the Student Activities office. Monday: “Tito Gonzalez & Su Son De Cuba� – Music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru Tuesday: “JC Smith Band� – Blues Wednesday: “Tacuma King�– Caribbean, African music Thursday: “Emerald Isle� – Renaissance music
Saturday, Oct. 4 DE ANZA FLEA MARKET SATURDAY, OCT. 4, 8 A.m. - 4 P.M., PARKING LOTS A&B
Monday, Sept. 22
Sunday, Oct. 5 SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY: MUSIC FOR FAMILIES SUNDAY, OCT. 5, 3 P.M., FLINT CENTER
The U.S. Air Force jazz ensemble “Falconaires� and the De Anza College Daddios evening jazz ensemble will perform for free. Tickets are available at West Valley Music in Mountain View and Peninsula Music and Repair in Palo Alto.
DASB OPEN HOUSE WEdnesday, sept. 24, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. campus center underground
Saturday, Oct. 11
All students are invited to meet the De Anza Associated Student Body president, vice-presidents and senators, and learn about the projects planned for the 2008-09 academic year.
ASTRONOMY PRESENTATION ‘ASTRONAUT’ Saturday, OCT. 11, 7:30 p.m., DE anza planetarium
In “Astronaut,� the audience experiences a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut and explores inner and outer space, including floating around the International Space Station. Cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the Planetarium the day of the show. For information call 408-8648814.
Saturday, Sept. 27 australian animator to speak saturday, sept. 27, 7:30 P.M., atc 120
Australian animator Dennis Tupicoff will give a retrospective screening of his world-famous films,
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
LASER SHOW Saturday, OCT. 11, de anza planetarium 9 p.m.: Beatles “sgt. Pepper� 10 p.m.: pink floyd “darkside�
Let us know! Send event notices to Happenings@ LaVozDeAnza.com by Wednesday noon preceding the week of publication. Please type “Happenings� in the subject line. La Voz does not guarantee publication. All events take place on the De Anza College campus and are free, unless stated otherwise.
A fantastic display of laser light images will be featured with music selections from the Beatles at 9 p.m. and Pink Floyd at 10 p.m. The cost is $9 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the Planetarium the day of the show. For information call 408-864-8814.
Come check out various clubs, watch club performances and get free treats.
ÂĄANDELE! A WELCOME EVENT Saturday, OCT. 18, 9:30 - 4:30, Campus Center Rms A&B
FALL QUARTER DATES
Monday, Sept. 22: First day of fall classes
euphrat museum of art reception TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., Euphrat art museum
Friday, Sept. 26: Last day to drop for full refund or credit by foreign and out-of-state students
A reception with presentations will be given for the De Anza and Foothill Art Faculty/Staff Exhibition, including an awards ceremony.
Friday, Oct. 3: Last day to add classes
Friday, Nov. 24 conference: Youth voices united for change Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., location TBA
Friday, Oct. 3: Last day to drop for refund or full credit by resident students Friday, Oct. 10: Last day to drop a class with no record of grade
The annual student leadership conference will empower, educate and engage students to make positive changes for themselves and their communities while connecting them to existing community services. The program will include workshops, motivational speakers, community service opportunities and hip hop and theater performances. Workshop themes include Making Your Own Media, Youth for Human Rights, Healthy Relationships, Queer Rights are Immigrant Rights, and Empowering Girls. Free breakfast, lunch and t-shirts will be given to participants. Information is at http://www.deanza.edu/communityengagement.
Friday, Oct. 10: Last day to request a P/NP grade Monday, Nov. 10: Veterans Day Holiday Friday, Nov. 14: Last day to drop with a W Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 27-30: Thanksgiving Holiday Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 9-12: Final Exams Friday, Nov. 12: Last day to file for fall degree or certificate
Ongoing
Monday, Dec. 15: First day of winter recess
art faculty/staff exhibition Tuesday, Sept. 30 - thursday, oct. 30, Euphrat, A-92
Monday, Jan. 4: First day of winter classes
The De Anza and Foothill College Art Faculty/
one’s help. I won’t need aonnym y own. I can do it
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The next issue of La Voz will be on the stands Monday, Oct. 6. We will then publish weekly through Dec. 1.
ÂĄLEAD! Latino/a Empowerment at De Anza presents ÂĄANDALE! -- a welcome event for new students and their parents. Student workshops include “Opportunities for Activism,â€? “Latina/os and the Arts,â€? “Sex, Stress and Student Healthâ€? and “Money, Money, Money.â€? A parent workshop, “What to Expect in your Student’s First Yearâ€? will have Spanish and Vietnamese translation available.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Music for Families presents a special birthday tribute to Leonard Bernstein, conducted by Benjamin Shwartz. The program features “Overture to Candide,� “Divertimento for Orchestra� and “West Side story Symphonic Dances.� Prices start at $37; children are half price.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
CLUB DAY Thursday, OCT. 16, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Main quad
Saturday, Oct. 18
The monthly De Anza Flea Market contains about 850 vendor stalls including antiques, hand-crafted items, ceramics, phone accessories, ethnic artifacts, pet accessories and garage sale items. The Flea Market is held the first Saturday of every month. Entry to the event is free; parking is $5.
DADDIOS, USAF FALCONAIRES IN CONCERT MONDAY, SEPT. 22, 7 P.m. Gunn HS, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto
Staff Exhibition in the Euphrat Museum presents a variety of artwork created by faculty and staff including sculpture, painting, drawing, prints, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Museum hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by arrangement. For more information go to: http://www.deanza.edu/euphrat.
Thursday, Oct. 16
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opportunity so g with human resourcesI’m already workin how to deal with people, codes of conduct, loyalty, ethics,
is something that you worked for . I feel better as a person now.
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If you have some college, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in DeVry University’s accelerated courses. Classes start soon, so discover the education that is helping Michelle build a future she can be proud of.
Log on to DeVryCompletion.com/DeAnza or call 866.610.8868
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Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Programs vary by location. Š2008 DeVry University. All rights reserved.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
CAMPUS NEWS
PAGE 3
Tree removal part of larger plan De Anza bookstore renting out textbooks Matthew Larvey LA VOZ NEWS
Many of the trees that once stood in and around De Anza College’s L Quad were cut down and replaced with smaller trees during the summer as part of a plan that included removing unhealthy trees on campus and installing a new irrigation system. Several redwood trees were taken down over the summer as well, near the parking lots and elsewhere. These redwoods are mostly a coastal tree species that only flourish in wet environments. As a result of the dryer climate this far inland, the coastal redwoods are suffering, and several have already died. The Director of College Services, Donna Jones-Dulin, said that the L Quad Japanese elms were removed and replaced with sap-
lings of ash, crepe myrtle, oak, eucalyptus and others that are better suited to thrive in the local climate. According to Jones-Dulin, these projects and others are part of a master landscaping plan headed by her and assisted by a facilities committee, an environmental advisory committee and grounds supervisor Joe Cooke, a certified arborist working at De Anza. Jones-Dulin said the goal was to move De Anza College toward environmental sustainability by using trees that are native to the valley so as to reduce the maintenance cost and water usage associated with caring for them. Normal methods of irrigation are insufficient to provide the water needed for the coastal redwoods’ survival, as they typically take their water in from oceanic fog, absorbing more through their foliage than
through their roots. The redwoods requires a state-of-the art irrigation system that can spray a heavy mist high into the air so that they can absorb it. Such a system has been installed at De Anza so that the trees may be saved. It is linked to atmospheric sensors that detect temperature, humidity, and wind velocity to optimize efficiency. The replacement trees, irrigation system, as well as the removal of the older trees were all projects paid for through Measures C and E. Though most of the work removing the trees was done over the summer, Jones-Dulin said work may continue throughout the year. Matthew Larvey is the features editor for La Voz Weekly. He wrote this article for La Voz. Contact him at: matthewlarvey@ lavozdeanza.com
DA VOICES What De Anza students have to say ...
What’s the scariest thing about De Anza? “Academic probation.” Jeremy Quintena
“There is nothing scary about this school.”
“I heard the classes tend to be hard.” Toan Ngo
Louise Templado
What’s the most expensive textbook you’ve purchased? “A Biology 40 book that cost $180.” Mark Du
“A sociology book that cost $150, but I got it for $70 at Amazon.”
“A $110 precalculus book.” Jonathan Mai
Shah Hassen
Daniel Gamberg LA VOZ NEWS
De Anza College students may be startled while perusing the aisles of the college bookstore this fall. It is now adorned with peculiar signs advertising “Save Money Rent Me.” Starting Sept. 15, the De Anza Bookstore launched its highly anticipated pilot textbook rental program. The trial program consists of renting to students eight textbooks from several disciplines in an attempt help make college more affordable for students. Implementing a textbook rental service has been a top priority for several years, said bookstore manager Jeri Montgomery, who has continually pushed for “We knew this the rental program. “If we could afford it, we knew would be a great this would be a great way way to save to save money for kids who money for kids are going to community college,” she said. who are going Students interested in to community renting textbooks need only meet the requirements college.” for the pilot program – they must be enrolled in a par- Jeri Montgomery ticipating course, choose to rent the corresponding textbook and sign a return contract. The contract contains an agreement to return the book in a timely manner. If students violate their contracts, a hold will be placed on their college accounts prohibiting class registration in the future, and their ability to use the rental service will be suspended. The eight textbooks offered for rent in the program are chemistry, computer science, pre-algebra, psychology, business, cultural anthropology, physical education and physical anthropology. The book prices were determined by marking down the original price by two-thirds, cutting the cost to students to a fraction of the original price. In order for the bookstore to recover costs, instructors must comply with the textbook rental guidelines. For a book to be eligible for the rental program, the instructor is required to use that same text for a minimum of two years. Furthermore, some textbooks SAVINGS: RENTAL may be exempt for VS. PURCHASE rent given their format or purpose (e.g. workbooks or companions where pages are writAverage amount saved by ten on or torn out). renting per new book. Also, instructors may be reluctant to commit to the agreements Average amount saved by of the program pendrenting per used book. ing new additions or expectations of other available resources in Highest savings on a regard to their course. book by renting as opWhile the rental posed to buying. service is convenient and affordable for stuBook: “Understanding dents, it still remains Business” uncertain whether the *Prices are calculated before applying sales tax. decision to implement the rental program is financially sound for the bookstore. Depending on how many students rent and return textbooks, the bookstore faces numerous challenges that may result in profit loss. “If they don’t return the books, there’s no way we can afford to do it,” said Montgomery, “so they need to honor the contract.” Despite the potentially high costs, the bookstore is willing to expand the program in the future depending on textbook returns this fall. An expansion would increase the number and variety of textbooks available for rent while reducing costs for more students. “We really anticipate this is going to be very popular and that more instructors will come on board,” Montgomery said. “We’ll fine-tune it and see what works best, and hopefully we’ll be able to add more titles.” Last week marked the kickoff of the textbook rental program and bookstore office assistant Charlie Tuttle witnessed the program in full swing. “Students are reacting pretty positively,” Tuttle said. “We’re already getting a lot of feedback.”
$63.89
COMPILED BY SOHEIL REZAEE
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
$37.02 $97.75
SOHEIL REZAEE/LA VOZ weekly
A man clears reeds from a pond in the Environmental Studies Area at the south side of campus.
Daniel Gamberg is the website editor for La Voz Weekly. He wrote this article for La Voz. Contact him at: danielgamberg@lavozdeanza.com
PAGE 4 ORIENTATION SPECIAL
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
PAGE 5
SPECIAL EDITION Fall Quarter Orientation Issue
Here are some places you’ll want to see if you get the chance! SUNKEN GARDEN
STUDENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING
A QUAD MURAL
PARKING LOT
CAMPUS SERVICES a
DASB Card Office Location: Lower level, Hinson Campus Center
b
Career Center Location: Second floor, Student and Community Services Building
c
Transfer Center Location: Second floor, Student and Community Services Building
d
Writing & Reading Center Location: Second floor, Advanced Technology Center
e
Child Development Center Location: Near Parking Lot C
Distributes DASB cards that offer holders free admission to school games, legal advice, use of computers in the Open Media Lab, book check-out from the library, plus discounts at various restaurants, museums and movie theaters.
Posts job listings in the area; offers individual counseling; holds numerous career workshops (resumes, job searches, interview skills).
b c g d
MAIN QUAD
a
De A
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
f
Works with students to improve their writing skills; helps students revise their essays in all disciplines/courses; assists transfer applicants with their personal statements; helps non-native English speakers with their writing.
PLANETARIUM
POOL AREA
e
SPORTS ARENA
Offers drop-in transfer counseling; provides university catalogs for UCs, CSUs and various private schools; hosts visits from university campus representatives; holds workshops on transfer topics.
L QUAD MURAL
Provides child care for those between 18 months and five years of age; offers full-day tuition enrollment in a toddler program or preschool.
f
Tutorial Center Location: Rooms L-47, S-43
WELCOME | Friendly advice for frightened newcomers Continued from Page 1 dilemma for new students on their first day. Walking around campus with an empty rumbling stomach can be brutal. But you’re in luck! The awardwinning food court located in the Hinson Campus Center serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Offerings include an organic salad bar, sandwiches, burgers and specialty pizzas. If you are in need of some seemingly obscure items, stop by the De Anza Bookstore. It’s much more prolific than the name suggests. Not only is it a one-stop shop for all your textbooks, reference materials, study guides, test sheets and art supplies, it’s also a virtual general store stocked with everything from Cheetos to motor oil. Moreover, the store has educationally priced computers, software and supplies. You’ll want to take full advantage of the Financial Aid Department. You don’t need to front all the money for your education yourself. Financial Aid can help you out with a student loan, or even give you a refurbished computer complete with software. The college offers assistance through grants, federal loans, parttime work-study jobs and scholarships. With the exception of scholarships, all of these programs are based on the students’ individual financial needs, which are calculated based on the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid. The library is located in the A. Robert De Hart Learning Center complex across from the Hinson Campus Center. Between the De Anza library and the Open Media Lab, students have thousands of resources available at their fingertips and free of charge, including books, magazines, journals, videotapes and Internet access. Librarians and staff are available to help students with accessing information through the Internet, as well as sifting through the thousands of available print resources. Additionally, the library provides free research databases including Lexis Nexis Academic, Student Research Center, business and laws, careers, science and technology, health and medicine, history and social sciences. The Transfer Center and Counseling and Advising Centers work in conjunction to simplify student transfers to four-year universities. If you have educational goals beyond an associate’s degree, they can help you reach them. Both of these centers are located within the Student and Community Services Building. Informational resources provided by the Transfer Center include guaranteed admission information, college catalogs for all the University of California Campuses, California State Universities, and other instate and out-of state colleges and universities. But De Anza’s counselors aren’t limited to helping you map out your transfer plans. Counseling and ad-
vising services extend from the academic to the personal, and De Anza offers a variety of support services to make them happen. Academic advising is available for all your scholastic needs. It incorporates educational planning, determination of transfer requirements for different institutions, as well as application for a certificate or degree. Related is educational counseling, which includes selection of major, time management, as well as studying and test taking skills. For those who are looking past De Anza to the job market, the center offers career counseling. Counselors will help you evaluate your skills, interest, values and personality, and help you explore careers based on that assessment. Sometimes life can get in the way of jobs and schoolwork. Personal counseling involves everything from students self-awareness, interpersonal communication, stress management and relationship counseling. You should feel free to unload to De Anza’s counselors without worrying about word spreading. Sessions between counselors and students fall under confidential privilege. Counselors act as a motivation for students to consider their own questions and alternatives in order to ultimately find their own answers. Audrey Barker is the news editor for La Voz Weekly. She wrote this article for La Voz. Contact her at: audreybarker@lavozdeanza.com
And now here’s a letter from President Brian Murphy Dear Students, On behalf of our wonderful faculty, staff and administrators, I’d like to welcome all De Anza students to campus for the start of the academic year. The campus is humming with activity, as we complete the new Visual and Performing Arts Center and the first phase of our landscaping project, as well as bringing in hundreds of new desks and chairs and computers – all of it financed by bonds overwhelmingly support-
ed by the voters in our district. De Anza is fortunate to have this kind of support, especially when the state budget is so pathetically limited. But it’s what goes on inside the buildings, on the playing fields, in the counseling offices and science labs, that makes De Anza College so special. You’ll find superb faculty and professional staff, wonderful programs, and a community of fellow students that make the campus come alive with music and debate and learning. Speaking of debate, the fall quarter is
marked by an event of special importance: a national election that may determine the direction of our country for years. The campus will have public dialogue on the issues, sponsor a major voter registration drive, and have a mock electionsponsored and coordinated by DASB – that will give students a chance to make their voices heard. But in the end it’s the real election on Nov. 4 that you have to put on your calendar. Get registered, learn about the candidates and VOTE. Welcome to De Anza. Brian Murphy
nza College.
KIRSCH CENTER
PHOTOS BY SOHEIL REZAEE/LA VOZ NEWS
g
Provides free drop-in, group and/or one-on-one tutoring in various subjects.
Campus Police Location: Lower level, Hinson Campus Center
Provides emergency car service; assists with jumping car batteries or if students have locked themselves out of their cars; will provides safety escorts to students’ cars during night; patrol the campus.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA
campus services COMPILED BY kelly truong
PRESIDENT DE ANZA COLLEGE
PAGE 6
CAMPUS NEWS
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
JOSE MARTE/LA VOZ WEEKLY
Robin Claassen during the election grievances hearing of May 20, where his election coalition was penalized for unfair campaigning.
SUSPENDED | Not first time in hot water for former student leader Continued from Page 1
Check out the new De Anza JOURNALISM A.A. degree For a list of requirements, go to:
http://faculty.deanza.edu/journalism/stories/storyReader$129
Senate Adviser John Cognetta’s capacity in assisting the DASB senate in its duties, even going so far as to encourage Cognetta’s removal. The panel found that Claassen acted in violation of all five charges and they recommended as disciplinary action that he be suspended from the Foothill-De Anza Community College District for one year followed by a year of disciplinary probation. Current Senate President Terell Sterling, who attended the hearing, said of the outcome, “Although I wish Robin the best, he was given ample opportunity to break the habit of behavior. The amount of documentation provided clearly shows that this was not a solitary instance, but a pattern.” De Anza President Brian Murphy informed Claassen by letter that he had considered the recommendations of the hearing panel and agreed Claassen had been in violation of the five college policies. He also concurred with the panel’s recommended disciplinary action. LeBleu-Burns acted as the prosecution during the disciplinary hearing. She defined the specific policies Claassen had been accused of neglecting, making the case for his suspension. “He has disrupted the educational processes of the DASB,” LeBleuBurns said. “Violated not only the Student Code of Conduct of the college and the district, but the DASB code of conduct as well.” Claassen said that all the charges brought against him are false except for one: his unauthorized entry of college facilities after curfew hours. This refers to an incident on Saturday, June 7, when, according to a Foothill-De Anza Community College Police Report, Claassen was found inside the senate offices at 1:30 a.m. in possession of an electronic door key belonging to former Senate President Rahela Sami, both of whom have previously admitted to being romantically involved with one another. “The norm was to leave the DASB offices when you are told to leave,” said Claassen. “It wasn’t unusual for members to be in the office after hours, and I was using the office for its intended purpose.” Claassen’s suspension is just the most recent controversy involving the former senate president. He was ousted from the presidency early this year amid scandal and wild accusations when the senate passed a vote of no-confidence in him. Many sena-
tors stated that Claassen’s frequent confrontations with Cognetta during senate meetings was a deciding factor in their voting no confidence in him, and the strained relations between the two are well known among school administrators. “He has refused to recognize Cognetta’s role as adviser and has attempted to marginalize him, and injure his reputation among the students,” said LeBleu-Burns. “He has also refused to heed my many warnings about this behavior, which constitutes willful disobedience.” During the student elections in May, Claassen’s election coalition, the United Students Coalition, was found guilty of violating election ethics codes and was stripped of 10 percent of their total vote count. One of the five policy rules Claassen allegedly disobeyed was refusing to conform to demands that he improve or correct his behavior, referring to the several meetings he and LeBleu-Burns had in which she advised him that he attempt to improve his relations with Cognetta. In addition to these charges, Claassen has been accused by two De Anza students, former Inter Club Council Chairs Elaine Smith and George Smith, of having behaved toward them in a threatening and coercive manner when it came to John Cognetta and his role in the student senate. Claassen denies their claims. “I don’t feel that my being critical of John Cognetta was ever abusive or profane,” he said. “Furthermore, the situation with the two students was merely a misunderstanding.” Claassen said he will continue to fight to clear his name, insisting that, other than the unauthorized entry charge, “these charges are ambiguous and the prosecution didn’t clearly line out how I am guilty of these things. I’m having disciplinary action taken against me for not doing an effective job as a member of DASB senate, which is not grounds for suspension.” Claassen has expressed an interest in appealing his suspension on the premise of bias within the disciplinary panel, and possibly pursuing legal action or seeking local media attention. His next step would be to appeal the ruling of the hearing panel and President Murphy’s recommendation to the Foothill-De Anza District Board of Trustees. Claassen has been suspended since Aug. 19. Audrey Barker is the news editor for La Voz Weekly. She wrote this article for La Voz. Contact her at: audreybarker@lavozdeanza.com
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
LAVOZDEANZA.COM
OPINION
OPINION
PAGE 7
EDITORIAL
College had good reason to remove trees
La Voz Weekly The Voice of De Anza Students
Shawn McGann Editor in Chief lavoz@fhda.edu
Josh Bays Managing Editor
managing@lavozdeanza.com
Audrey Barker News Editor Matthew Larvey Features Editor Joe Chunnic Sports Editor Michelle Rydberg A&E Editor Kelly Truong Opinions Editor Soheil Rezaee Video Editor Daniel Gamberg Website Editor
This fall, freshmen attending classes at De Anza College and getting their first taste of the rich campus grounds and breathtaking tall and majestic trees may puzzle over the absence of such trees in L Quad. Returning students, still wading through the lingering swelter of summer and accustomed to taking refuge beneath the shade of trees on campus might be alarmed to find that no such refuge exists in L Quad any longer. Well, the giant shade trees that used to grow in L Quad that provided such a wonderful canopy over the fountain area are gone. By the college’s decree, they were removed during the summer and replaced with the little trees that can be seen there now. This, coupled with the recent removal of several tall redwoods that stood in front of the parking lots, has not painted De Anza administrators in a pretty or environmentally-con-
Business Staff
Beth Grobman Faculty Adviser grobman@fhda.edu Walter Alvarado Lab Technician alvaradowalter@fhda.edu Reza Kazempour Business Manager ads@lavozdeanza.com
About Us
La Voz Weekly is a First Amendment newspaper written and published by De Anza College students. La Voz Weekly is partially funded by the De Anza Associated Student Body and is printed on recycled paper at Fricke-Parks Press. All rights reserved; no part of La Voz Weekly may be reproduced without permission. Staff editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or the opinions of the La Voz staff. Opinions expressed by staff and contributors are the opinions of the individuals and not necessarily the opinion of La Voz Weekly. wPhone: 408-864-5626 Fax: 408-864-5533 lavoz@fhda.edu www.lavozdeanza.com Room L-41 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Come to Room L-42 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. to attend the newspaper staff class.
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able through Measure C funds, removing the unhealthy trees now and replacing them with easier-to-takecare-of native trees was the right decision. All the work was done during the summer so as to affect the fewest number of people. While it may seem irritating that L Quad no longer has the tranquil quality that came with the bigger trees and the shade they provided, removing the trees was a necessary evil for the safety of the De Anza population. By planting the new nativegrowing trees and redoing the irrigation system, the school has worked to ensure that L Quad will return to its former pleasantness sooner rather than later. The new trees are small now, but will grow relatively quickly. Within a few years, they will be just as big and just as good at providing shade as those that came before them.
OTHER VIEWS
New students need to take De Anza seriously Soheil Rezaee HIS OPINION
Welcome. For some it is a welcome back, while for many it is a welcome to De Anza College for the first time, followed with a little side of truth and reality. This is not high school, where you show up, write your name on a piece of paper and graduate. A process so easy it’s amazing how so many people fail. For new students, you took a simple walk into a greater challenge. Welcome to the next stage of life. It’s known as responsibility, and it begins by taking De Anza seriously and working to accomplish your academic goals. The rumors of no homework and not having to show up to class are all false. You need to show up to class, and if you’re ill, nobody is going to
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climate can lead to the trees contractscious light. However, despite the now sor- ing diseases that will eventually kill rowful state of L Quad, the college them. The Japanese elms that grew in had numerous reasons to remove the the L quad were not the ideal trees to trees, and they acted responsibly in plant in this environment, as they require a great deal of water to survive. doing so. Part of the school’s irrigation sysAs it happens, many of the trees were already dead or dying anyway, tem in L Quad was replaced during the summer, most just hangwhich would ing on by their Not native to the area, have destroyed last limbs (so to speak). already dying, harder to the trees’ roots instalThe redwoods, care for than other trees: during lation, further elms and several the other varieties of all reasons school officials damaging already sickly trees that grow sought their removal. trees. on campus and Trees that are elsewhere in the valley are not native to the climate. unhealthy or dying can be dangerous They can grow here, but it takes a lot to those walking near them. Branchmore work to keep them alive than es and limbs can splinter or fall and have the potential to cause serious trees that are native to the area. Also, as was the case with the injury or death. Using money the college had availredwoods, being outside their native
call your folks or even worry about your well-being. It’s no longer the job of Mommy, Daddy, or the state to baby-sit you. It’s time to start taking responsibility for your actions and that means accepting the consequences, for better or worse. Here in Silicon Valley, not having a college diploma will only increase your chances of getting a humiliating dead-end, minimum wage job at some fast food establishment. Even with three jobs and four idiot roommates it’s going to be difficult to survive. You’re better off living with your folks (no matter how unbearable they are) and developing inner wisdom with their help. College is a costly investment, but it’ll be worth it when you’re making six figures a year while laughing at your peers with fast food careers. Clowning around in class like in high school will result in flunking,
which will make your folks stop supporting your education, in which case you will have to pay for your own classes or fail at life. The classes are not cheap and your folks are only paying for them because it’s an investment to help your life. College is not like what you see in the movies with all the parties and 24/7 drinking, but rather a center where young people from around the world gather to learn and share wisdom. No responsible person is impressed with a keg, so save your money for something useful like more classes or books. One thing is true: this is an important time in your life, and you don’t want to mess up. Failing just one class could end up being the anchor that holds you back from achieving your dreams. If you’re not sure how you are performing in your classes, go ask your professors. It’s not their job to travel long-distance to inform you of
a problem. It’s also not their job to offer any extra credit – take the work seriously and do it. If your goals in life are low, you can drop out and get a job that requires little ambition. You will be surrounded by simple-minded people, while your parents are disappointed in you and society ignores your meager contributions. Unless you have some kind of special skill in great demand or you are good at selling something that is needed, it’s important to have a college education. Now is the time to decide whether you want to start your life by getting a diploma or transferring to a four-year university. Or you can fail and be remembered only as part of a statistic. Soheil Rezaee is the video editor for La Voz Weekly. He wrote this article for La Voz. Contact him at: soheilrezaee@lavozdeanza.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hey class of ’08! Time to set your stride Welcome to De Anza College and the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. You have chosen a college that is brimming with amazing faculty and professional staff who are dedicated to your success! Foothill-De Anza is known as one of the best community college districts in the country. We are a member of the nationally renowned League for Innovation in the Community College which accepts only 20 community college districts in the country to provide leadership for the more than 1,200 community colleges in America. In California, there are only 73 community college districts. Many faculty, staff, administrators and trustees from these districts visit De Anza and Foothill throughout the year because they want to learn from our best practices so as not to reinvent the wheel. Here’s just a few examples of why we are in the spotlight so often: We’re known for leadership in environmental sustainability. That should be obvious to you as a student if you walk around the campus. The Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies is the first “platinum” LEEDS certified building on a community college campus in the country and won a national award for sustainability last year!
We ask you to join us in our quest to elected student trustee who serves on become the greenest community col- the Foothill-De Anza Board of Trustlege district in the country by figuring ees, who will ask you to participate in out ways to get to and from campus this effort. Our students are known for exceedby carpooling or using alternative forms of transportation like your bike ing our expectations time and time or the bus. Each of us is part of the again, but we also know that many larger world and our role in reducing students begin their education unsure global warming is important for us all of what they want to do in life. That’s why another example and the future of our planet. Foothill-De Anza is working on of Foothill-De Anza’s excellence ways to reduce the cost of your edu- and opportunity is the wide range of student sercation. The rising vices that we cost of textbooks “Students are the center provide to you. is one of the biggest obstacles for of our universe and drive Stop in to see a De Anza counour students to our priorities for action” selor, find out if overcome. Toyou are eligible ward this end, Dr. Martha Kanter for financial aid your bookstore or one of the is pilot testing a textbook rental program and we’ve many scholarships we have, visit the established a national consortium to Tutoring Center, and take advantage make college textbooks available on of the many learning labs on campus where you can study outside of your the Internet for free. Known as the Community College classes. Our counselors and advisers will Consortium for Open Educational Resources, we are working nation- help you plan your schedule in order ally with the Student Public Interest to study two to three hours for every Research Groups (http://www.stu- hour you are in class. We know that dentpirgs.org) to make textbooks af- many students have to work and, certainly, living in Silicon Valley makes fordable. As part of this effort, you’ll be balancing your school, work and famhearing more about this during the ily schedules quite an art. So plan ahead and take advantage fall quarter from Patrick Ahrens, your
of the many incredible people who have dedicated their lives to your education – our faculty, our professional staff, and the deans who make sure it all comes together in the master schedule of classes for you, our students! As we look ahead, students are the center of our universe and drive our priorities for action – whether it’s the new Visual and Performing Arts Center that will open in winter, the trees and fountains that grace the paths that you traverse across the campus, the wireless Campus Center and Library, and so much more! We never rest on our laurels because we have so much more to accomplish to help you reach your educational goals. We wish you much success at De Anza. Make sure to let us know about your experiences and make it a point to do more than you ever thought possible! Thanks for being part of our Foothill-De Anza family this fall! Oh yes, one last point, if you need to work on your English and/or math, do it right away – those who wait take longer to get through and you can change that statistic! Dr. Martha Kanter CHANCELLOR FOOTHILL-DE ANZA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
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