Valley Star

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News | December 09, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 10

H1N1 Vaccine Offered on Campus

Thousands arrive to receive H1N1 vaccine at Valley College.

The north gym at Valley College was transformed into a public health clinic this past weekend as approximately 3,000 people received the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination, free of charge. Public Health officials began offering the vaccine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.

Winter Classes Closed for Enrollment

Trimmed-down winter session is closed, students are able to add during first week.

Valley College students planning to enroll for the 2009 Winter session should make other arrangements to receive their transferable units, as admission to all winter classes have been closed. "The fact that now I have to wait until Fall 2011 as opposed to Fall 2010…It'll be fun, another year at Valley," student Gohar said.

Santa & Sons Has Come to Town

Christmas tree lot returns for another year.

Christmas is back in town, and so is Santa & Sons. Since 2001 the family-owned company has rented space from Valley College and placed its Christmas tree lot in parking lot G. The lot supports Valley's education fund, and Santa & Sons is also a supporter of the college athletic fund.

News | December 02, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 9

Experience Doesn't Have to be Work

As a new set of job seekers prepare to sift through the rubble of this job market, they're learning a harsh truth. "You need experience to get a job and you can't get a job without experience." The LACCD Interns program can help with both and often while one is still a student.

Student Sustainability On Transportation During Workshop

The LACCD Sustainable Works Project continues its series of workshops.

Transportation was one of the main topics discussed during the Student Sustainability Workshop meeting on Monday, sponsored by the LACCD Sustainable Works Project. The workshop is an eight-week program open to all Valley College students. The non-profit environmental education organization consists of people who are interested in learning about environmental issues and solutions they can apply to their own lives to make a positive impact.

Employee Rideshare Available at Valley

In the spirit of a greener campus, Valley takes part in scheme to encourage staff to "ride share."

In the spirit of attaining a "greener" Valley College campus, the Rideshare Incentive Program provides motivation for Valley employees to find fuel-efficient ways of getting to work. Employees can receive a dollar for every workday they use one of the fuel-efficient modes of transportation, including carpooling, walking, biking, taking the bus, or driving an alternative fuel vehicle to get to work.

ASU Discuss Affairs at Meeting

LaRaza member Samuel Lara appeared at the ASU meeting Tuesday to address the executive council for "unjustly patronizing" the club for its Indigenous Awareness Day event held in October. He accused ASU Vice President Ian Coyne of not allowing an open-door meeting to resolve the issue and resorting only to a closed-door meeting.

Fee Hikes a Problem for Valley Students

Students hoping to transfer must hold back after current fee hikes put a dent in plans.

Working two jobs to cover rent, bills, and other living expenses is an all too real certainty for many Valley College students, including English and Chicano studies major Jasmin Castillo. Recent fee hikes from the University of Southern California have forced the 21-year-old to push back her transferring deadline, as she struggles to pay the already-increasing costs of community college and the everyday life of a student.

Suicide Rates and the Troubling Economy

Suicide is at the fore front of health concerns among college students.

The connection between our nationwide recession and suicide rates may once again be a growing issue as the current market struggles to stabilize. According to the American Association of Suicidology the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-24 is suicide.

News | November 18, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 8

Sex Offenders Not Denied Right to California Education

Throughout the nation, various states have taken steps to deny registered sex offenders the right to apply or attend any institute of higher education due to past criminal acts. The California state assembly has recently, but unsuccessfully, attempted the same.

ASU Makes Large Donation to SSCCC Operating Budget

Valley’s ASU will send $10,000 to support their state level counterparts.

The Valley College Associated Student Union unanimously voted to send up to $10,000 to the SSCCC to head the effort to independently fund state level community college student government on Tuesday. The SSCCC, which usually relies on the state chancellor's office for funding, has been strapped for cash recently, but a resolution passed at a recent meeting of student governments now allows individual colleges to donate funds to the organization.

Aid Faces Funding Uncertainites During Tough Economic Times

Community college financial aid in doubt as economic woes affect campuses.

Recent economic news about state budget cuts on higher education, put college funding into focus as community colleges may bereceiving more budget cuts. Earlier this August, budget cuts were described as, "The total magnitude of the cuts imposed in California is unprecedented - In the 30 years I've been watching higher education policy, I've never seen a state implement budget cuts of this size and scope," According to Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education reported to USA Today.

Valley ASU Supports Student Advocacy

The ASU supports L.A. Harbor College’s student governance.

Valley College's Associated Student Union decided to draft a letter addressed to Los Angeles Harbor College, condemning the Associated Student Organization's advisor for allegedly overstepping her role and imposing too much influence in the student government.

S.T.A.R.S. Workshop Stirs the Melting Pot

Around 40 Valley College students participated in exercises and discussions about class and race in Monarch Hall. The "Examining Class and Race" workshop was hosted by The Strategic Team for the Advancement and Retention of Students illustrated how a person's race could be extruded due to advantages and disadvantages that they have in society.

'4-Play' Is Cut Above the Rest

Valley Theater Arts Department’s “4-Play” starts tenuously, but finishes strong.

The name "Black Box Theatre" can evoke groans, grins and everything in between. The format however, provides budding actors, writers and directors with a safe place to find their voice and perfect their skills. As such, the first weekend of Valley's Theater Arts department's "After 4-Play" highlighted a great deal of potential.

News | November 04, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 7

Upward Bound Gives High School Students Hope

Valley College program promotes higher education.

Within the Valley College Campus Center is an office dedicated to the furthering of education for high school students from neighboring Grant and Van Nuys high schools. Upward Bound provides opportunities for high school students interested in going on to higher education.

Career/Transfer Fair Offers Students Options

Valley students attend the recent Career/Transfer fair, held in Monarch Square.

The yellow and green balloons representing Valley College were flying in every direction; however, the windy weather didn't stop students from attending Tuesday's Career/Transfer fair. The event, which was sponsored by the LAVC Career/Transfer Center, consisted of more than 15 representatives from universities, including; Cal State Northridge, USC, UC Merced and more.

ASU Support Smoke-Free Valley

ASU ends the third week of debate with change in stance on the issue of smoking.

In order to follow suit with 19 other community colleges in California, the Associated Student Union voted 6-3 on Oct. 27, in favor of making Valley College a smoke-free campus. Valley student Chris Mower spoke on behalf of smokers' rights while Paul Pastora spoke in support of a smoke-free campus. 2 comments

I-Tapped Potential

The hassle of trying to find parking and having to sit in traffic for long hours is what most students want to avoid as they try to reach Valley College on time. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) offers students affordable transportation for those who want to save money and get to class in time to find a good seat.

News | October 21, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 6

Lymphoma Has No Power Over VP

On Jan. 2, 2009 a morning phone call woke Valley College Vice President of Academic Affairs Sandy Mayo. It was the Kaiser Permanante Hematology and Oncology department bringing in the new year with news about the discolored puffy spot that was located on her neck.

Valley Hosts First Annual College Fest

Valley College hosts first annual college fest for the LAUSD district 2 high school students.

Valley College hosted its first annual College Fest Saturday, welcoming more than 60 universities and eleven high schools to take part in an information event for college-bound high schools students. "You get to see the different colleges and the options you have," Grant High School Junior Kiara Mejia said.

Board Deems Student Union Building A High Priority

Joint ASU and Faculty Board place a Student Union Building as a high priority.

A facilities master plan emergency session was called Tuesday that resulted in the Student Services Support Building being established as a high priority for the Valley College campus. The 8-4-1 vote that placed the "high priority" tag on the building means that the campus would greatly benefit from the building and it will see its fair share of the $300 million Measure J funds.

Valley Clubs Lose Charters Because of Stolen Funds

The Valley College Philosophy Club and Mecha lost their charters this year after anomalies were found in the way they reported fund-raising income during the spring semester. The clubs did not properly report or deposit money from fund-raising activities, and the Valley Star verified through multiple sources that at least one club officer pocketed student funds that were never reported to the school.

Homecoming 2009

Valley College welcomed its alumni, faculty, and current student body Saturday to celebrate its annual homecoming tradition. The celebration also marked Valley's 60th anniversary of such an event and began with a pre-game tailgating barbecue that was sponsored by the Associate Student Union (ASU).

News | October 14, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 5

One Man's Life in the E.R.

The office appeared as devoid of personal affects as a doctor's examination room. It may have been a reflection of his profession's aseptic work world, or just that the building was brand new. On one solitary wall, in contrast to the almost sterile ambiance, were photos of Valley College respiratory therapy graduating classes, spanning a time period of more than 30 years.

AlertU System Available on Campus

System available for all Valley students, in case of emergency.

Valley College has been a member of the AlertU emergency alert notification system since April 2009, offering the potential for emergency alerts to all students, faculty and staff in case of emergencies, including earthquakes, violence on campus and swine flu outbreaks.

Community Meets to Discuss Master Plan

Valley faculty, staff and students attend townhall meeting to discuss Valley’s future developments.

Valley College held an open forum in the cafeteria conference room Thursday to discuss Valley's Master Plan, a blueprint on the college's readjustment and construction to accommodate Valley College's increasing student enrollment. Some of Valley's club representatives were on hand to contribute, after hearing rumors that the Student Union building where clubs can facilitate their meetings and students be able to congregate between classes, might not replace the cafeteria.

Valley President Goes Green in Blue Economy

Valley College President Susan Carleo is taking advantage of green innovations while keeping a positive attitude during the budget crisis, as she encourages others to do the same. "This is one of the most challenging budget years that we've ever had at Valley College," said Carleo.

News | October 07, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 4

PAC Combat Budget Cuts

Political Action Committee gets together to show protest to cuts and fee hikes.

Valley College's newly formed Political Action Coalition has followed the examples of the American Federation of Teachers along with the protests at UC & CSU campuses by sounding their own battle cry: "Don't wait for someone else to take action, because someone else is waiting for YOU.

Valley's Asphalt Pothole Jungle

Potholes engulf Valley's campus, with no financial help on the horizon.

Under the shade of the pine trees lining the south side of Valley College's Parking Lot G, are potholes and broken asphalt that create trip hazards for Valley's students and wheel alignment hazards for student's cars. In some potholes, shinning tree roots bear testimony to the car tires that have traveled the bumpy pathway of this asphalt, pothole jungle.

Center Stresses Options

Transfer Center remains key in helping Valley students with their long & short term goals.

An office comprised of various university flags wall to wall from USC to Cal State Monterey Bay, the center with phones blaring and students waiting is clearly focused on one thing: transfer. With continuing budget cuts, lower admission rates; and stricter enrollment processes, students visit the Career Transfer Center for vital information.

Valley Faculty Take Part in Cancer Walk

On a warm Saturday evening, more than 3,000 people, including cancer survivors and supporters; traveled to Woodland Hills to take part in the annual "Light the Night" walk. Thanks to the efforts of Valley College Secretary of Academic Affairs Erline Ewing, and staff, Valley was able to donate more than $1,700 to help fight cancer and to support Valley Vice President Sandy Mayo, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in November of 2008. 1 comment

News | September 23, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 3

Disability Awareness on Campus

The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) was formed in 1977, almost two decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. The program was meant to serve disabled students attending California Community Colleges. Today, the DSP&S works with the ADA to uphold the regulations and services required for disabled students by law, and progress towards providing higher quality and quantity of services to assist students overcoming disabilities.

Flu Risk vs. Vaccine Risk

Valley Health Center begins to raise awareness on flu, as vaccinenears its arrival.

Flu season preparations continued to grow at Valley College last week as Valley Physician Assistant, Sonia Nadal hosted a health and flu information table at Valley's first club day of the semester. "We're trying to get a medical doctor to come to an on campus event, where student's questions about seasonal flu and swine flu can be answered," said Nodal.

No Magic Money for Valley College this Year

For the past four years, Valley College has received alternate funding (referred to as "magic money," a phrase created by Vice President of Administrative Services Tom Jacobsmeyer) from the state and other sources, but administrators do not anticipate receiving any this year. 3 comments

ASU to Make it Harder to Hang on to Your Money

The ASU wants to collect student fees automatically by Fall 2010 with 'negative check off.'

The Associated Student Union (ASU) addressed several items at Tuesday's meeting, including the establishment of an exploratory committee for "negative check off." The check off would affect every student registering at Valley College in the future by essentially assuming the student wants to pay $10 in ASU fees, unless students "check off" a new box to opt them out of the fee.

Healthcare is Serious Business

The Deepening healthcare crisis in the United States hits home with Valley College students.

Valley College student Lisa Martin knows all about the worries those with a lack of health insurance have to go through. After a serious car accident in 2000 that left her unable to work, Martin could no longer afford to pay for her insurance that she ultimately lost.

News | September 16, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 2

Youth Take Part in Manufacturing Camp

Valley hosted a manufacturing camp for foster youth and other students, giving them an introduction and hands-on experience in the world of manufacturing. The participants met for one week through August 17- 21 for a total of 20 hours and were exposed to CNC programming, MasterCAM, blueprint reading, careers and jobs, and visited local aerospace and manufacturing companies.

Flu Season Preparations Continue

The vulnerability of college age people to the H1N1 virus came closer to Valley College students' awareness this week, when approximately 2000 students at Washington State University came down with swine flu-like symptoms. Valley Physician Assistant, Sonia Nodal is concerned that Valley students will not get the flu shots needed to protect them from the coming flu viruses most health authorities are predicting.

No Band-Aid for Budget Cuts

As the Valley College budget dwindles, administrators search for ways to increase efficiency and worry about the ability to support the students. With a 2009-2010 final budget of $49,659,130 - over 3 million less than last year - the administration is having difficulty finding places to cut when the largest expenditure at 95 percent is salaries and benefits of the faculty and staff.

News | September 09, 2009 | Volume 71 Issue 1

College Fees A Boon For Economic Downturn

The grass isn't always greener on the other side, as fee research and comparisons found that Valley College has some of the lowest fees among Southern California Community Colleges. Although California has some of the lowest tuition fees in the country, all of the state's community colleges took a hit with the general tuition fee increase from $20 per unit to $26 enforced this Fall 2009 Semester in an action taken by the state to increase revenues and fill in the gaps created by the budget deficit.

California's State Universities Close Door on Spring Transfer

CSU Assembly announces close of all spring transfers for 2010 and possibly 2011.

The Los Angeles Community College district will not see any growth in transfer rates this coming spring as the California State University assembly announces a complete freeze on all undergraduate transfers for the 2010 spring semester. Though spring transfers are closed, transfer admission guarantees (TAG's) are still available according to Career/Transfer Director Synthia Saltoun.

Rising From the Ashes

The deadly Station wildfire is near full containment after burning more than 160,000 acres and leaving two firefighters dead. Although the $43.5 million fire is mostly contained, Valley College's Health Center Physician Assistant Sonia Nodal urges students to take some basic precautions, such as trying to limit exposure to poor air quality by avoiding any unnecessary outdoor activities.

ASU BBQ Feeds Students and Collects Contacts

The Associated Student Union (ASU) spent $800 and served nearly 1,500 hotdogs to students in Monarch Square early last week in an effort to raise awareness of its presence and function on campus. Part of the ASU's goal was to promote a spirit of transparency and get students to answer a questionnaire. 4 comments

New Flu Seasons Prep Gets Underway

Winter is the time of year when flu season shows up across America, infecting millions of people. This year's flu season will be different. In addition to the seasonal flu, swine flu is another strain that will be infecting Americans, possibly including Valley College's students, faculty, and staff.