The Guardsman, Vol 180 Issue 7, City College of San Francisco

Recycling Staff Shortages Put the Environment — and the Budget — at Risk

By Lev Farris Goldenberg lfarrisg@mail.ccsf.edu

College representatives from the Northern California chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU 1021) published a petition on Sept. 29, demanding that the Board of Trustees hire more recycling and zero-waste staff. The petition claims that the Board has failed to fulfill a promise made in 2022 to fully staff its own climate justice initiative.

“Recycling bins are overflowing, and staff are stretched to the limit,” reads the petition.

According to Carlita Martinez, the college's recycling coordinator and sustainable materials manager, the board approved a staffing plan in 2022 that would have added 10 new positions — in two batches of five — by 2024.

In May, Martinez submitted a report to the Board of Trustees detailing her department's staffing shortage. The petition, which is based on Martinez's report, alleges that City College's management is “asking custodians to work without proper training or proper

City Hall Recognizes CCSF's Brian Vargas for Service to Student Veterans

By Qi Mai

qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu

At a City Hall ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps' 250th birthday and San Francisco's Veterans Day observance, city leaders and veteran-service organizations gathered to honor the resilience and service of local veterans.

Brian J. Vargas, the manager of the City College Veterans Resource Center, was recognized at the celebration for his contributions to veterans and for his bravery. Vargas, a Marine who survived a sniper attack in Iraq and rebuilt his life through years of medical recovery, education and advocacy work, was awarded a certificate for his leadership supporting student veterans at City College. The event, attended by Mayor Daniel Lurie, was hosted by Swords to Plowshares, Heart and Armor, and community partners.

This Veterans Day served not only as a reminder of the bravery of Brian Vargas and all who have served in the military, but also as an acknowledgment of the life-changing stories that unfold in the Veterans Resource Center.

Multiple Sexual Battery Incidents Raise Concerns Over Safety

By The Guardsman Staff

City College has faced a series of sexual battery and harassment incidents on Ocean Campus in recent weeks, raising concerns over campus safety.

The first incident in the recent string occurred on Oct. 29, 2025, when Kevin Gene Harris II, an adult student and registered sex offender wanted by the District Police Department for failing to register, allegedly approached another student from behind in Statler Wing, making unwanted physical contact. The incident was reported the following day, and police are now working with the district attorney to secure an arrest.

Approximately three hours later, another sexual battery incident was reported at the Queer Resource Center (QRC) inside the Student Success Center. Joseph Cotta, a nonstudent in his mid-20s, allegedly groped a student on the second floor. Campus police confirmed on Nov. 3 that Cotta had been contacted and

that the case had been referred to the district attorney's office. Jackson Medina of the QRC described the event as “really a weird way to end the day.” Campus control aides were stationed in the building as a precaution.

“What is lacking is any assurance that the police are doing everything they can to keep us safe…”

Dayamudra Dennehy ESL Instructor

At the Associated Students meeting on Friday, Nov. 7, representatives from the QRC raised concerns about harassment during public comment. At a later date, Student Chancellor Heather Brandt noted that naming the QRC as the site of such incidents could cause students to question the center's safety.

A third timely warning, issued

Nov. 3, involved suspicious and harassing behavior by a Latino male in his mid-20s near the Harry Britt Building parking lot. Police noted multiple prior encounters with the same individual, including following and lunging at students without making contact. Chief Mario Vasquez reported the suspect was arrested on Nov. 10 after another attempted harassment incident in the Arts Extension building. While crime warnings have kept the community informed, some faculty question whether enough is being done. ESL instructor Dayamudra Dennehy wrote an “open letter” to Chancellor Kimberlee Messina expressing her concerns:

“It has been a hard transition for me being back on this campus… worrying about ICE raids and school shootings. And now this? I notice that the police reports include ‘tips’ for how we should respond if/when attacked. What is lacking is any

Staff

Editor-in-Chief

John Adkins

News Editor

Tabari Morris

Culture Editor

Abby Sigler

Op-Ed Editor

Henry Crowell

Sports Editor

Lloyd Cobb

Social Media Editor

Abby Sigler

Photo Editor

Isaac Ortiz

Copy Editor

John Adkins

Writers

Ahmad Aimaq

Karla Lopes

Lev Farris Goldenberg

Marrion Cruz

Qi Mai

Raeghan Green

Samantha Palma

Victoria Capree

Photographers

Bob Kinoshita

Gibson Cain

Karim Farahat

Maria Krylova

Illustrator

Cindy Chan

Graphic Designers

Cindy Chan

Sebastien Thugnet

Tiffany Lam

Advisor

Juan Gonzales jagonzal@ccsf.edu

Contact us

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City College Strengthens Defense Against ‘Ghost Students’

By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu

Education Secretary Linda McMahon estimates that $1 billion in taxpayer dollars is stolen every year by ghost students, the National News Desk reported in August.

California Community Colleges reported losing $3 million in federal aid and $700,000 in state funds in just the first few months of 2025.

Lily Su, a healthcare student at City College of San Francisco, said ghost students had stolen some of her classmates' identities, which stopped them from enrolling in classes.

Su said it is very important for students to check and reply to the college's emails quickly. Some of these emails request that students verify their identity through the college's internal system. If students do not respond on time, they may be blocked by the system and encounter further issues.

However, since the college has begun rolling out its fraud detection software, the Information Technology department has reported a substantial reduction in fraudulent enrollments compared to the previous academic year.

System Update

Multiple tools have been deployed to strengthen fraud mitigation efforts while maintaining the appropriate security measures. The IT department conducted an informal survey by asking faculty to report what changes they have seen for Fall 2025.

Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ekoue-Totou stated that one faculty member expressed excitement over a 250% increase in enrollment for online classes.

Other technologies, such as ID.me, are being introduced to enhance identity verification. Advanced data models are also being developed to analyze patterns of fraudulent behavior, and new inter-college data-sharing agreements allow suspicious activity detected at one California Community College to be reported to others across the system.

Another new identity verification method, the California mobile DMV app for mobile driver's licenses, was tested in late October and will be implemented for student identity verification in mid-November.

“The situation is improving as we gain a better understanding of the various types of attacks

SAFETY

continued from page 1

assurance that the police are doing everything they can to keep us safe… It is no surprise that sexual predators feel free to attack students.”

Dennehy plans to discuss safety strategies with her students to help support one another.

The district police have also circulated a holiday safety notice emphasizing emergency phones, escort services and personal safety precautions.

being employed and add additional methods to counter those attack strategies,” Ekoue-Totou said.

Progress Made

New technologies implemented across California Community Colleges and within City College's enrollment system are yielding strong results, vigorously combating financial aid fraud. By mid-August, approximately 16% of statewide applicants had been identified as “ghost students,” and more than 25,000 fraudulent applications were blocked from entering the community college system.

The most recent data on ghost students for Fall 2025 shows that, out of a total of 28,058 students, 2,459 were flagged. Among these flagged students, only 112 were confirmed as actual cases of financial aid fraud. The term “flagged” refers to students who were identified as suspicious but did not receive any financial aid.

Frederick Teti, Interim Dean of the School of STEM and the Evans Campus, expressed strong support for the Technology Committee's policy change that reduced the window for dropped students to prove their identity from seven days to three days.

Computer Science courses were hit particularly hard over the past year. However, the department has now largely returned to its former stability.

“It sounds like the problem is much smaller than it was in spring,” said Jonathan Potter, chair of the Computer Science Department. “In

and Oct. 15 at the Student Success Center construction site. Timely crime bulletins were not issued for the assault/battery on Oct. 15 at the Student Success Center construction site and the sexual battery on Aug. 25 in the Mission.

“City College of San Francisco seeks to build a safe campus that is free of sexual violence and harassment and that is supportive of survivors of sexual violence within our college community,” said Chief Mario Vasquez in a campus email sent out on Nov. 10.

Spring 2025, Computer Science had sections whose enrollments were in the single digits by census day, even after being filled from a full waitlist before day one.”

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lisa Cooper Wilkins shared that the improvements implemented since the fall semester have had a noticeable positive impact, noting that both students and faculty have expressed that things feel better overall.

“The change from a seven-day to a three-day student enrollment verification process has proven to be highly effective and is the result of tremendous teamwork,” Cooper Wilkins said. “I'm very proud of all the hard work across all offices and departments.”

Police Response

In the fall semester, the police department received about 30 phone calls from students reporting financial aid fraud and stolen accounts. Some students reported that their identification information was used by others, they were unable to enroll in classes, their bank information was stolen, or they did not receive college checks.

Chief of Police Mario Vasquez and Sergeant Richard Allen explained how they have been working to protect students from ghost student attacks.

One morning in July, a police officer was patrolling the Ocean Campus when he received a call from dispatch at 9:55 a.m. to go to the Administration Department.

A few minutes later, he met a student who reported that her California ID card had been stolen, her college email account had been reset by someone, and her student account password had been changed without her permission. She also stated that there was an attempt to obtain financial aid in her name, and she had not yet received any bank card charges.

“I knew immediately it was an unknown suspect who hacked her account from another IP address in an attempt to gain financial aid awards,” the officer said. He wrote a report, sent it to the office, and informed the Student Affairs Department.

The Police Department urged students to stay alert and advised students to change their account passwords at least once every six months and use two-factor authentication with email or text. City College also sends students text messages, in addition to emails, so students should keep their contact information private. They also reminded students to check their credit history often and make sure no one has opened an account in their name.

“Always think that someone might be watching what you're doing. There are people out there waiting for you to make a mistake. Be careful and protect your information,” Sgt. Allen said.

Due to recent policy changes and ongoing challenges related to “ghost students,” City College encourages students to enroll in classes earlier, secure their spot and stay on track for Spring 2026.

On-Campus Resources and Support

Campus Police Dispatch Number: 415-239-3200

Project SURVIVE: A community of survivors and allies focused on preventing abuse and promoting healthy relationships through peer-led presentations, a campus club and short-term crisis counseling. www.ccsf.edu/survive 415-239-3899

Join The Guardsman!

Contact Juan Gonzales at 415-517-4426.

Under the Clery crime log, five sexual battery incidents have been reported on campus this semester, including events that took place on Aug. 3 near the Student Health Center, Aug. 25 in the Mission,

On Nov. 4, Chancellor Messina welcomed the campus police department's newly sworn-in Officer Jonathan Kolby, and campus control aides Tami Barradas, Damian Pringle and Timothy Duplessis.

Women's Resource Center: The Women's Resource Center is a safe place that provides information to women and all students about resources available to them both on and off campus. Located on Ocean Campus in Student Success Center (SSC 2112A).

www.ccsf.edu/wrc 415-239-3112

RECYCLING

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classification to aid in recycling efforts.” She sent the report again in October.

Currently, City College has three recycling staff members spread across its six campuses. There were only two recycling staff until Oct. 22, when the college hired a third. Most of the recycling staff work on Ocean Campus, as it is the largest and produces the most waste.

“What that means is that there is no staffing to manage the waste flows in all these other centers, and that

is a major problem,” Martinez said. When recycling bins reach their maximum capacity, the custodians — who, unlike the recycling staff, do not sort waste — send most of the recyclables to the landfill.

If the waste across City College campuses is not properly sorted, Recology can report it to the San Francisco Environment Department to conduct an audit, ensuring compliance with the city's Refuse Separation Compliance law, passed in 2018.

As of July 2023, if the college fails to pass an audit from the SFE, the department can issue fines of

up to $1,000 per day for each day the violation continues. According to Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Alberto Vasquez, noncompliance with waste mandates can also lead to increases in Recology service rates.

Beyond city compliance, the board has set its own standards with the City College Green New Deal, Climate Action and Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2024. The college's policy set a benchmark of reaching zero landfill waste by 2031.

“How are you going to get to zero waste if you don't have the staffing in place to do it?” Martinez said.

Vasquez stated that the Board approved two new positions at the beginning of the fall semester. He plans to hire a fourth by November.

The recycling staff also employs four part-time students to aid in its work. According to Martinez, the department employed 20 part-time students before the pandemic.

Yet still, the recycling department remains understaffed. “We are always trying to find staff for the (recycling) department,” Vasquez said. “But the budget-related decisions have maxed us out at four positions right now … it's been, unfortunately, a yo-yo process.”

The recycling coordinator's report submitted to the board alleges that a “staff member was injured on the job due to unsafe, understaffed conditions” and that “City College is out of compliance with zero-waste mandates and faces potential fines.”

Martinez said so far, she has protected City College from being stung by audits and fines from the SFE. “Maybe that has not been good; my job should be to keep the college in compliance,” she said. “Every large institution has growing pains … but City College is stagnant and is not moving.”

From Service to Studies: Finding a New Bond Beyond the Uniform

At City College’s Veterans Resource Center, former service members find more than academic help — they discover a renewed purpose that transforms hesitation into hope, creating a true home away from home.

By Qi Mai qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu

The Veterans Resource Center hums with conversation, coffee, snacks and the soft rhythm of keyboards. Students who once served in uniform now share something new — a “good bond.” For many, it's more than a place to study — it's a space of belonging.

Opened in August 2010, the VRC was the first of its kind among California's 116 community colleges, following the launch of the GI Bill in 2008. Since then, the center has expanded alongside programs like the Student Veterans Health initiative, offering support that goes beyond academics.

In the 2025 academic year, City College serves about 1,200 veteran students. More than 700 use financial aid, over 100 study without it, and many take classes online. The VRC provides access to veterans' benefits, helping them navigate health care, financial aid and enrollment, all while creating a supportive community.

A New Mission

Veteran students are typically older than traditional college students and often feel hesitant about returning to school. But the VRC helps them adjust. It offers a onestop support system and a sense of community that keeps students connected and engaged.

Jack H., a General Business major, was one of those students. In 2011, he walked into the VRC with uncertainty and met Brian J. Vargas, the VRC's senior manager. Within three hours, Vargas helped him register for classes, apply for VA benefits and health care, complete orientation, and set up his education plan.

“When they're coming out of the military and into our campus, they're not just being met with support for education, but also for their healthcare and other benefits,” Vargas said. A U.S. Marine veteran himself, he understands the challenges these students face and works to make each one feel at home.

After earning his AA degree in 2013, Ayadi worked in business but decided to return in Spring 2025

for more education. “Having leaders like them engaged to assist veterans and students makes a great difference in our education,” he said. Inspired by their example, he founded the Veterans Community Alliance to connect veterans and community leaders.

Shared Purpose

Student veterans are remarkably resilient. Despite being older than the average student, balancing family responsibilities, and in some cases managing health issues, they persevere through their studies to the end — almost no one gives up. In 2025, City College's student veterans had a graduation rate of about 70%, and many went on to transfer to fouryear universities.

Jonathon Gilyard, a Marine Corps veteran and Business Management major, is another example. He served from 2011 to 2020, earning 370 Military Challenge Coins, including one personally presented by former President Obama after serving at the White House.

He relocated from San Diego to the East Bay in 2017 to attend City College. After his first visit to the VRC, he completed all the necessary

applications. “It was smooth, effective and comfortable — it felt familiar and welcoming,” he said. Now in his second semester, Gilyard plans to graduate in 2027 and transfer to a university. His wife and kids love his cooking; he has taken culinary classes to sharpen his skills.

Mike Phouangphet, a Navy veteran majoring in General Business, transferred to City College from another college in Spring 2025. For his first semester, he commuted 3.5 hours from Fresno. “I think City College is the best college in California,” he said. By Fall, he had moved to San Francisco full-time.

Passing the Torch

Jesus Chuy, a Marine Corps veteran who transferred to San Francisco State University in 2024, continues to visit the VRC for events and parties. “I'm really grateful for my experience in the military — and I got lots of benefits from it,” he said. “The student worker helped me in the way I wanted to help others.” Later, he became a student worker. “We created a good bond. Whenever I needed help, they were there.”

For Carlos Iniguez, a nursing student, the VRC feels like home.

“Between classes, I hang around, drink coffee, eat snacks and socialize,” he said. His wife and younger brother, Daniel, also attended City College, and his mother enjoyed the 2025 graduation at the center in May of that year.

The VRC continues to strengthen its ties with local universities. Recently, it organized campus tours to UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, where veteran resource directors encouraged City College students to

apply. With military credits and benefits, many veterans graduate nearly debt-free.

For many students, the Veterans Resource Center is more than an office — it's a community. Here, uniforms are replaced by backpacks, and the only battles fought are academic and personal. The bonds formed at City College are powerful reminders that service, learning and belonging don't end with the military — they begin anew.

Advocates Push for a Family-Friendly City College

With fewer centers and rising demand, students and staff say the college must shore up childcare, facilities and policies that support parenting students.

By Karla Lopes kcarval7@mail.ccsf.edu

Transforming a college campus into a family-friendly environment takes time and sustained commitment. For 26 years, City College's Family Resource Centers (FRC) have provided childcare and vital support to parenting students, helping to expand access to education. With ongoing challenges that threaten this goal, the college is on a journey to work toward a more welcoming and equitable environment for students and their families.

Tracey Falkner, coordinator of the Ocean Campus FRC, is a dedicated advocate for families and parenting students. “Childcare support can break down barriers to work and school for many college students,” she said.

Falkner has been the FRC Program Coordinator since 2003. Currently, she is the only classified staff member at the center, often overworked and relying on the help of student workers to meet the demand.

“We need to have a program manager,” she said. “I can't keep doing this alone.”

In addition to staffing, Faulkner emphasized the importance of outdoor play areas for children, expanded facilities to accommodate more students, and the need for the college to be more proactive in creating and promoting familyfriendly campus environments.

“Other colleges are stepping up. We should be a part of the family and student-parent movement happening across the country.”

At the Mission Center, parttime FRC supervisor Alejandra

Rassvetaieff handles the program's childcare support mostly on her own. Student assistants can help Rassvetaieff occasionally, but scheduling conflicts leave her without consistent support. “Our bigger challenge is low staff… I am the only regular worker here,” Rassvetaieff said.

Working as a part-time school aide, she provides drop-in childcare support from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every weekday and hopes to secure a classified position with benefits. She also calls for increased funding, improved communication between the two FRCs, and enhanced family outreach. “I'd like more advertising. Many families don't know about us,” she said.

Needs and Gaps

Heather Brandt, a student and mother of three, is also a family advocate who has been closely connected to the FRC for many years. Brandt holds a fellowship position with Generation Hope, an organization that supports Black and brown pregnant and parenting students.

“We are working to build institutional understanding of the needs of our pregnant and parenting students.” She believes that this can be achieved through small improvements like accessible lactation rooms and changing tables in all bathrooms, as well as larger policy shifts, such as allowing children in the classroom.

“We need this not because parents want to bring their kids to class, but because sometimes they have no option.”

Working to support the Student Tutoring and Resource Center (STAR) and FRC, Amber Straus, department chair and student success

instructor, emphasized the importance of City College's support for parent students, which includes compliance with California Law AB 2881 (2023) that guarantees priority registration for parent students, and initiatives like the first “Bring your Kid to College Day” on April 23, 2026.

Additionally, Straus thanked Chancellor Kimberlee Messina for recently joining the Presidents' Circle of Generation Hope.

“While participating in the Generation Hope President's Circle, Messina is removing barriers and increasing support for our parent students,” Straus said.

Straus hopes for many changes to come that will contribute to a more

family-friendly campus in the future.

“I see City College increasing enrollment because parents know we are here to support their journey and their children's journeys.”

Taking Action

Some of those much-needed resources are on the way, according to Amy Coffey, who oversees the Ocean Campus FRC as Dean of Student Engagement & Wellness.

“Hopefully, in the next month or so, we'll have a second person over in the [Ocean Campus] Family Resource Center,” she said, referring to the ongoing hiring process for the role. She also mentioned plans to collaborate with other organizations to create a safe outdoor space for

children, highlighting that this may take some time, as it requires establishing regulations and consulting with experts.

The college is also working with the Office of Research and Planning to assess the needs of parenting students and to foster a sense of community among them. “It is really good for parent students to come together… peer-to-peer connection is really critical,” she said.

Coffey understands the need for a larger institutional approach to support students and families, and this can not be done only by the FRC. She emphasized that while FRC plays a central role, the college needs to step in and implement policies that reflect a family-friendly culture.

Department of Journalism

City College’s award-winning students

“The hands-on experience I gained at The Guardsman has given me a career path I didn't know existed.

— John R. Adkins, Editorin-Chief of The Guardsman

What our students say about why they joined the journalism department

Wanting to pursue something that feels more aligned with my place in San Francisco, City College's journalism department and The Guardsman made it happen.

Marrion Cruz

I decided to take a journalism class at City College because I am passionate about the subject and I am pursuing a career in photojournalism. I am continuing next semester, and I am excited about taking new courses.

Gibson Cain

City College's journalism program caught my eye in terms of the amount of knowledge and experience I could gain from the classes and the ability to gain a first-hand perspective on what it takes to produce a newspaper.

Henry Crowell

Journalistic writing has always been my favorite form to express myself. I enjoy City College journalism because it challenges me to improve my writing, critical thinking and creativity.

Karla

Lopes

Courses in the journalism department teach important skills on how to cover stories — a skill that would help in any field, especially one that involves speaking to the public about matters occurring in their communities.

David Orellana

I always wanted to be a writer, but the Journalism Department here showed me that it was possible to learn the skills to enter the field as a reporter. This program has enabled me with the confidence to take the next step and provide value to my community.

John Adkins

Gaining handson experience and working with The Guardsman is a great privilege for me and an important step in my professional growth.

Ahmad Aimaq

City College's journalism program is intimate, skillful and exciting, and I feel like I've gained new knowledge because of it.

Raeghan Green

Students win top honors for reporting and photography

City College’s student publications The Guardsman and Etc Magazine have won awards over the years through numerous journalism conferences. Regional conferences in the fall are hosted by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) while national conventions in the Spring are hosted by the California College Media Association (CCMA) and Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

Join The Guardsman or Etc Magazine by emailing: Juan Gonzales at jagonzal@ccsf.edu

Journalism Association of Community Colleges awards

Frequently asked questions about the journalism program

What is so special about City College’s journalism program?

Our program offers a state-of-the-art computer lab, two award-winning publications, instructors who are working journalists, a coaching program for students, internship opportunities and a curriculum that keeps pace with the changing needs of today’s newsroom. Does the journalism program offer transferable courses?

Yes. Four courses in our program are transferable to four-year institutions. The three courses are Journalism 19 (Contemporary News Media), Journalism 21 (News Writing and Reporting), Journalism 35 (Data Journalism) and Journalism 37 (Introduction to Photojournalism). Do any of the courses in the department fulfill general education requirements?

Yes. Journalism 19 (Contemporary News Media) meets the GE requirement in humanities.

Can I get a degree or certificate in your program?

Yes. The department offers an AA degree in journalism that takes about two years to complete and leads to transferring to a four-year college. A Certificate of Award in Journalism and Photojournalism is also available for those students wishing to gain journalistic skills for possible employment within an 18-month period.

If I complete two years of study in your program and want to transfer to a four-year college, is that possible?

Yes. It is possible to transfer to a fouryear institution. We offer an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree. Students in our program have enrolled at San Francisco State University, UC Berkeley, San Jose State University, Humboldt State University, and UC Santa Cruz, to name a few.

Will I encounter any problems enrolling in one of your courses?

No. Enrollment in our department is

easy. Class size averages about 20 students per class, which allows for plenty of opportunities to interact with teachers, advisers and fellow students. What kinds of jobs can I qualify for once I complete your program?

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in news writing, copy editing, photography, and newspaper design and pagination. Does the department offer any scholarships?

Yes. The department has a $100 scholarship for continuing students. The application deadline is April 1. The department also makes available information on journalism scholarships offered by local and statewide organizations. Are internships available to students in the program?

Yes. The department has working relations with numerous neighborhood newspapers and some alternative

publications in the area. Instructors in our department also have connections with the two dailies: the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner.

Are there any other resources offered through the department?

Yes. The department sponsors a mentoring program, a student press club, a media career fair, and a “Brown Bag” lecture series. It also has an extensive library of media related books and videos.

If I need to talk to a journalism advisor is there someone I should see?

Yes. You can contact Department Chair Juan Gonzales, who has been with the program since 1985. Call (415) 5174426 or (415) 239-3446.

The Guardsman campus newspaper is available

at: www.TheGuardsman.com

Journalists share their skills and experience with students

With a career in journalism dating back to 1970 as a reporter and publisher, City College journalism department Chair Juan Gonzales draws upon his varied professional experiences to instruct his students.

As the founder and editor of El Tecolote, a biweekly, bilingual newspaper published since 1970 in San Francisco’s Mission District, he continues to cover the issues that affect the neighborhood.

Gonzales was honored in April 2011 with a Lifetime Achievement Award inJournalism Education by the California Journalism Education Coalition.

Currently, Gonzales is project director of “Voices for Justice: The Enduring Legacy of the Latino Press in the United States.” The project documents 200 years of Latino journalism

Alexander Mullaney is a San Francisco-based reporter, community news publisher and journalism instructor.

He holds an associate degree in journalism from City College of San Francisco where he was the editor-in-chief of student run newspaper The Guardsman, a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from San Francisco State University and a Master’s of Journalism from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism where his studies focused on investigative reporting.

Alex founded The Ingleside Light in 2008 and has been pioneering a new business model for purely digital San Francisco community news since 2020.

through film, a companion book and an interactive website.

In 2020, El Tecolote turned 50 and became one of the longest living bilingual newspapers in the nation.

The four color, 12-page newspaper is also published online

Need to get in touch with us? Call us at: Ocean Campus 415-239-3000 Mission

As an instructor in the CCSF journalism department, Alex has taught Feature Writing, Data & Multimedia Journalism, and Investigative Reporting.

Alex oversees the department’s fellowships that is a collaboration with CalHumanities. He also works with the department chair in upgrading and developing new certificates and new courses, like an online course in mass communications.

and posts podcasts about local Latino news.

For those years of service, Gonzales was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists with its “Distinguished Service Award.” Similarly, he received a “Heroes of Excellence” award from KGOTV.

Gonzales is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, the San Francisco Newspaper Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, the California News Publishers Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.

Gonzales is also a board of director for the San Francisco Press Club. In 2009, Gonzales was inducted into the National

Molly Oleson is a print and multimedia journalist, editor, photographer, illustrator and college journalism educator. She holds a master's degree in journalism from UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism, and a B.F.A. in painting from Boston University's College of Fine Arts.

Oleson currently works as an independent journalist and artist, creating multimedia work for publications and art for private clients. In addition, she teaches journalism classes that include News Reporting and Writing, Feature Writing, Copy Editing, Magazine Editing and Production, and Data and Multimedia Journalism at City College of San Francisco.

Oleson has contributed to publications that include Sierra magazine, Juxtapoz magazine, Acoustic Guitar magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle and more, and her work has been honored by the Dorothea Lange Fellowship for documentary

What We Offer

Mentoring program links students with professional journalists

The journalism department’s mentoring program has helped many students network with professional journalists and photographers.

“You look at these mentors and they are top-flight. They’re names in the business,” said journalism instructor and writer Jon Rochmis.

Department Chair Juan Gonzales attributes the success of the program to the support it receives from the Bay Area’s media.

The mentor program encourages students to take advantage

of the Bay Area’s large population of professional journalists. Students learn how to pitch story ideas like a pro and have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with writers, editors, photographers and designers.

Gonzales believes being mentored can improve a student’s ability to get a job.

Former journalism student

went on to

Association of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame. He was also honored by KQED-TV as an “Unsung Hero” in the Latino community. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom also recognized Gonzales as a Latino media leader during Hispanic Heritage Month in September. Gonzales serves as advisor to the campus newspaper, The Guardsman.

Gonzales possesses an associate degree in journalism from San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in mass communications from Stanford University.

He worked as a reporter for the San Francisco bureaus of the United Press International and the Associated Press.

photography, The Pulizter Center on Crisis Reporting, the Online News Association, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the San Francisco Press Club and the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

Oleson aims to find creative ways of combining writing, photography, illustration and video to tell compelling stories, both in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

Jessica Lifland is a Bay Areabased photographer with more than 20 years of experience working as a photojournalist all over the United States and internationally in places such as Kosovo, Burma, Italy, Haiti and Jordan.

She was a staff photographer for the Contra Costa Newspaper Group and the Evansville Indiana Courier and Press. At City College Lifland teaches introductory and intermediate photojournalism courses, has taught feature writing and is sometimes the advisor of Etc. Magazine.

She has photographed a variety of assignments for magazines like Newsweek, Fortune, Forbes, Stern and Le Monde and for newspapers such as The New York Times, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Lifland is represented by the Polaris Images Agency.

Lifland has been working on a long term personal project documenting the lives of Cowboy Poets and Musicians of the American West, which she hopes to make into a book.

She has a Master’s Degree from Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication.

See examples of her work at: JessicaLifland.com Instagram: @jblif

2026-2027

Advising Hours

Meet with Juan Gonzales, Journalism Department Chair, to discuss opportunities in the field of journalism.

Ocean Campus 50 Frida Kahlo Way Bungalow 615

Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. For an appointment, call 415-517-4426 415-239-3446

Department

SPRING 2026 JOURNALISM CLASSES

The courses below currently appear in the online schedule. Register at www.ccsf.edu/class-schedule

Classes start on January 12, 2026

JouR 19: Contemporary News media (3 units)

mullaney 31193 Asynchronous Online 1/12 – 5/20

Introduction to modern mass communication, with an emphasis on the development of the news media, analysis of the credibility of the media and its impact on daily life. CSU

JouR 21: News Reporting and Writing (3 units)

35385 TR 9:40 - 10:55 a.m. CLOU 230 1/13 - 5/20

Gonzales

Focuses on techniques of newspaper reporting, developing and writing a news story, training in information gathering and interviewing sources. It also examines career opportunities in the industry. CSU

JouR 25: Newspaper Production II (3 units)

Gonzales 32474 MW 12:10 - 1:25 p.m. BNGL 615 1/12 - 5/20

Intermediate newspaper laboratory course focused on the publication of the college newspaper. Students work as reporters producing journalistic content and editors focusing on editing content suitable for publication in the campus news publication. They participate in the editorial and production process and develop the skills required for publishing. CSU

JouR 31: Internship Experience (2 units)

33770 TBA 1/12 - 5/20

mullaney

Supervised on-campus or off-campus employment in the journalism field that is adaptable to the student. This could include experiences such as working on community based newspapers, publishing on the Internet, or improving the journalism-publishing program at City College for the betterment of the larger community. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work. CSU

JouR 35: Data and multimedia Journalism (3 units)

33692 T 6:10 - 9:00 p.m. MIC 217 1/13 - 5/20

oleson

The course gives hands-on training on spreadsheet, database, and visualization skills with special emphasis on new trends in the delivery of news. CSU

JouR 37: Intro to Photojournalism (3 units)

34149 W 6:10 - 9:00 p.m. MIC 217 1/14 - 5/20

lifland

Concepts of photojournalism such as news and feature photography. Assignments involve photographing people and visual storytelling at a level appropriate for publication such as in campus publications. Access to Single Lens Reflex (SLR) digital or film camera required. CSU

Department Professional Connections

Follow us on social media

Check out past issues of our publications at: TheGuardsman.com www.issuu.com/etc.mag

Where have all our graduates gone?

Jennifer Balderama Senior Editor The Atlantic

Tim Brown News Reporter New York Times

Alex Emslie Senior Editor KQED Radio

Alex K. Fong

Creative Director, Design San Francisco Chronicle

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez Senior Politics Reporter San Francisco Standard

Santiago Mejia Staff Photographer San Francisco Chronicle

Cassandra Ordonio Arts Reporter Hawaii Public Radio

Brian Dinsmore News Assignment Manager KPIX-TV

Bonta Hill Multiplatform Host NBC Sports

Tim Ball Creative Director Politico

Emily Margaretten Reporter Mountain View Voice

Eleni Balakrishnan Reporter

Mission Local

Victor Tence Senior Producer KALW

Paul Kozakiewicz Founder Sunset Beacon, Richmond Review

Campus Creatives: Q&A with Photgrapher Don Collier

By Karim Farahat karim.farahat0823@gmail.com

Don Collier is a former photo editor of The Guardsman and a current photography student at City College. He is the Spring 2025 recipient of the Yefim Cherkis Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship awards one student per semester with a cash prize and an exhibition in Gallery Obscura. Collier aspires to be a full-time sports photographer and is fresh off a photography internship with the San Francisco Giants. The Gallery Obscura will be displaying Collier's photos until Dec.13.

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography when I was in the military. I was stationed overseas in Europe, and I remember when I was in Rome, and I had an iPhone, and it felt weird taking photos on a crappy phone. I had a coworker who was a photographer, so I asked him a couple of questions about it, and I bought my first camera in Rome.

What made you gravitate towards sports?

I've always loved sports. This was after I left the military. I found out about a photography school in Montana with no general education, so it was just focused on photography for 9 months. I used to do more outdoorsy photos when on hikes, but my advisor suggested that I pursue sports and do a bit of both. I got a press pass to a college football game in Montana, and I loved it, and I've been going ever since then.

What do you shoot on?

I shoot with a Canon. I have a Canon R6, Canon R5, a 1DX, and I just bought a Canon R3.

What are the shots you took that stand out?

Two of the recent ones are from my internship with the Giants. One of them was Dave Flemming, a broadcaster for the Giants, and his brother, who works for the Red Sox. Once a year, they come together, and on that day, they called an inning together. They only see one another a few times a year, and I caught them sharing a good laugh, which I loved because of the genuine reaction.

The other one is during a meet and greet for some of the Young Giants, they were meeting Hunter Pence and Sergio Romo. The kids have limited time, so they are usually told to get the photo and then bounce, but the kid in the photo asked Sergio Romo something. I didn't really know what it was because I was looking through my camera, and then I saw Sergio Romo reach his hand out and give him advice. I quickly caught the moment, and I loved that. There was a lot of meaning in terms of a child looking up to his idol and getting advice, so it was dope.

Any projects in the works?

Now that the Giants' season is over, I have been back to freelancing. I freelance with Cal Athletics, but other than that, nothing major, just shooting sports across the Bay.

What is next for you in photography?

I had the opportunity to attend an Eddy Adams workshop earlier this month, and I won a sports assignment with Getty Images, where I will have the chance to shoot an NBA game. It will be with a Getty photographer, so I will spend the first game with him as my mentor and shoot the second game by myself. I would like to work as a full-time team photographer for a sports team. I will finish school next semester, and I would like to continue baseball because that's where I got my in. Baseball jobs open at the beginning of the year, so we shall see.

Favorite City College course?

Beginning Photojournalism (J37) with Jessica Lifland. I never had the opportunity to take Intermediate Photojournalism (J38), but she was a great teacher, even though it was just one semester; I learned a lot from her.

SLAM! When the Hand Hits the Mat

It's the sound of dreams.

By Marrion Cruz mcruz88@mail.ccsf.edu

Flyers posted around campus have begun to spread word about the city's first domain for a rapidly growing sport: arm wrestling.

On Nov. 1, the season four finals of the World Series of Armwrestling took place in San Diego with cash prizes and awards totaling over $160,000. No longer reserved for dingy dive bars, this competitive display of strength continues to draw in more participants, with dedicated communities popping up nationwide.

In the early 2020s, arm wrestling surged in popularity due to social media influencers showcasing their athleticism through the sport during the early hours of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The San Francisco Arm Wrestling Club was born only weeks ago, when they held their first meetup on Oct. 11. In the following weeks, the club's attendance has started to grow. The local arm of the sporting phenomenon was founded by Xidane Mercado, a young resident with a lifelong passion for arm wrestling.

Calling his hobby a sport, he reminisced about his childhood memories of arm wrestling with his

saloon-faring grandfather.

“My grandpa didn't play professionally, but he used to tell me stories about playing in the bar,” he laughs. “I want to create a community.”

Growing up, he'd ask his friends to face off arm to arm, yet to his friends it seemed a silly request, as they were less accustomed to the challenge as a form of leisure.

Mercado's persistent interest in the sport finally came to fruition after his childhood dreams of being in the military were rescinded. Now taking a gap year from school while working part-time jobs, he has started the club to foster a sense of belonging in the city.

He scouted areas around the city, including Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park, but cited that it was too grassy. Finally, he settled on the Panhandle, which serves as a narrow funnel for athletic foot traffic to pass by the table as potential competitors.

Now, every Sunday afternoon, Mercado sets up his specialized table with mats and hand grips in the middle of the Panhandle and challenges anyone who so much as looks at his biceps to step up to his personal thunderdome. The first day of duels brought only three spindly contenders, and by the second week, their numbers doubled.

Events Calendar

Saturday, Nov. 22

CCSF Football vs. Fresno (NorCal Quarterfinals)

12:00 p.m. | George M. Rush Stadium

monday, Nov. 24

QRC Bi-Monthly Mental Health Check-In 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Student Success Center 2116

Thursday, Nov. 27

Alcatraz's Thanksgiving Indigenous Peoples' Sunrise Ceremony

4:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. | Alcatraz

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Film Screening: “Please Stand By” 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Student Success Center 2122

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Fashion & Culinary Holiday Marketplace 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Smith Hall Cafeteria

The following week, on Oct. 24, a group of college students walking by spotted Mercado's table. Three of them stopped and clapped hands with Mercado, accepting the challenge.

“Nice guns!” Yelled a jogger as he ran past the arena. The table was starting to buzz.

Mercado doesn't exactly fit the description of the brute force, beer-thirsty scallywags that his grandfather would combat in the bars decades ago, but he takes his training seriously.

Mercado describes a regimented arm routine and his unique equipment for his workouts. Taking an interest in kinesiology, he must consider which muscle groups are most critical for arm wrestling and how they can be safely strengthened. Mercado said there's a technique, folding his wrist just right and staking his elbow flat on the table, laying claim to his opponent's flattened palm.

The San Francisco Arm Wrestling Club now meets every Sunday at 12 p.m. Location and timing may vary and are updated on the club's social media accounts, specifically Instagram (@sfarmwrestlingclub). He plans to design merchandise if the club grows.

Interview Ready: Master Each Stage of the Interview Process 1:00 p.m. | Student Success Center 2122

Salary Negotiation Essentials Workshop 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Zoom

Thursday, Dec. 4

3D Printing for Non-Beginners Workshop 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Rosenberg Library, Collaboratory R403

Friday, Dec. 5

QRC Film Screening: The Normal Heart 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Student Success Center 2116

Women's Basketball vs. Cosumnes River 5:00 p.m. | Wellness Center, Ocean Campus

Saturday, Dec. 6 Mission Craft Holiday Market 11:00

| 455 Valencia St.

Explore the Lakes of Golden Gate Park

By Joan Walsh walshjoan@yahoo.com

Golden Gate Park. More than a thousand acres worth of things to do and sights to see.

Anyone visiting the park can walk around and get lost in its beauty. For people who enjoy relaxation near calming bodies of water, there are many small lakes to explore. Blue Heron Lake, formerly named Stow Lake, is more commonly known, but there are even more hidden pools, ensconced by nature, that are also worthy of a visit.

Spreckels Lake

Spreckels Lake, named after Adolph B. Spreckels, a former sugar heir and parks commissioner, was completed in 1904 for model boat racing. While all the lakes are technically man-made, this one is more apparent with its cement borders. The half-mile path around the lake is often used as a jogging route for residents. A hot dog stand sits at Spreckels Lake on the weekends for hungry park-goers. True to its origins, the San Francisco Model Yacht Club operates out of a nearby clubhouse and holds regattas between the months of March and October.

North Lake is part of a group of lakes known as the Chain of Lakes, situated along Chain of Lakes Drive. To circle all of these is about 1.5 miles, but by itself, North Lake is about 0.7 miles to walk around. North Lake feels very rustic and somewhat secluded. Frequented by a variety of birds and ducks, it is a popular spot for birdwatchers, but as the signs read, please refrain from feeding the wildlife.

Other lakes in Golden Gate Park include:

• South Lake

• Elk Glen Lake

• Mallard Lake

• Metson Lake

• Alvord Lake

With the exception of Blue Heron, all of the lakes are small. Exploring all the lakes would take about 2-3 hours, or you can settle at one of your choice and relax with the view, enjoying the serenity of nature.

Blue Heron is by far the park's most popular lake with its boats, waterfall and Instagramworthy Chinese Pavilion. Situated near the Japanese Tea Garden, this lake is a short walk from the nearby museums or the Botanical Garden.

The Blue Heron Boathouse, located at the northern end of the lake, serves food and drinks. Pedal boats and rowboats are available for rent by the hour, making them a very popular activity on weekends for families and couples.

The stroll around the lake is around a mile long and is complemented by Strawberry Hill, a small island in the middle, which offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County and the western parts of the city from its summit. Included in Blue Heron's many photo opportunities are the Huntington Waterfall, foot bridges and Mt. Sutro in the distance.

Middle Lake

Middle Lake had been a dry lakebed for years before the city intervened and began revamping it by removing invasive vegetation and refilling it to restore the lake. This summer, a new and improved lake was unveiled, featuring lush green grass and plants, crystal clear water and a calming waterfall.

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Many people enjoy coming here to set up picnics and people-watch as joggers and pedestrians pass by. This lake is known for the Portals of the Past, a white column cement structure that sits on the northern side of the lake, which is the remains of an entryway to a Nob Hill mansion that was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.