College of San Mateo • www.sanmatean.comVolume 170, Number 1 February 2, 2009

San MateanTHE

CSM Administration has cut classes and offered buyouts to fac-ulty and staff to avoid involuntary layoffs because of the state budget crunch.

In a Jan. 12 email to employ-ees, Susan Estes, CSM Vice Presi-dent of Instruction, wrote that classes that do not have an enroll-ment of at least 20 students during the add/drop period will be sub-ject to cut, based on district rules and regulations.

Administrators canceled 148

CSM women’s basketball team needs you to whoop it up at the last two home games to get them to the playoffs.

The team was undefeated at home until the 50-77 loss to City College of San Francisco on Jan. 28. The team needs to win at least four of their next six games to make the playoffs, said Head Coach Michelle Warner.

“We lost three starters at the beginning of the year to season-ending injuries,” said Warner. “We only have eight players, so we could really use a boost from the ninth teammate—the fans.”

The Lady Bull dogs have won 14 of their 24 games as of press time. The team is all fresh-man this year. They’re really suc-cessful, considering there’s no second year players, according to Andreas Wolf, Dean of Athletics and Athletic Director. “They will be even better next year with a year under their belt. Their future looks bright,” Wolf said.

Next Friday, Feb. 6, CSM hosts cross-bay rivals, Chabot College, said Coach Warren. “We beat them by 73-71 on Jan. 7, and we’re currently tied with them for conference,” she said. “That game could determine which of us goes to the play-offs.”

CSM hosts district rival

Skyline on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The Lady Bulldogs lost 64-68 at Skyline on Jan. 21. “These next games are extremely important,” Warren said. “We have not been to the play-offs for the past five years.” Going to playoffs “would make history as an all freshmen team.”

Coach Warren is proud of the team’s performance this sea-son. ”These eight play hard and are fun to watch. They play an up tempo style of game,” she said. “They have surprised many peo-ple this season.”

Come on out and be surprised by our Lady Bulldogs Feb. 6 and Feb. 11. Games start at 7:00 p.m. in Building 8.

Class cancellations continue; district plans to avoid layoffswait,” Wolf said. “This doesn’t represent the institution well. Even though all of this is going on in the department and school-wide, we keep going. The teams are still out there competing.”

Only three class sections out of 78 were axed in the physical education department.

Wolf sees a possible solution to this problem: fundraising — not just in the athletic department, but across the college.

To save expenses, the district will have to be proactive, accord-ing to Joel. “Next year will be worse,” he said.

President Michael Claire was unreachable for comment.

classes as of Wednesday, Jan. 28, said Kathy Ross, Dean of the CSM Business Technology De-partment.

The district Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Harry Joel, provided details of the Retirement Incentive plan to avoid involun-tary layoffs.

Joel described the program CSM is offering. It includes sti-pends to employees if they meet the following criteria: tenured faculty, at least 55 years old with 10 years of service, would receive up to $30,000; classified staff, at least 50 years of age with 10 years service, would receive up to $20,000; and adjunct faculty will

receive $1,250 per year, with a maximum payout of $18,750.

According to Joel, the CSM annual budget is $100 million, and 90 percent of that is for faculty and staff salaries and benefits. So far, 38 employees have indicated interest in the buyout program. In 2003, CSM offered a similar plan and 60 faculty and staff members accepted.

Cuts will also be made to meetings and catering, and a hold will be placed on travel to confer-ences, said Joel.

In response to the class cuts, Vice President of Student Servic-es Jennifer Hughes said, “I don’t think students are affected because

they had an early warning. The class cuts were thoughtful. Stu-dents were able to be redirected or find alternative classes.”

A 30 percent cut in the CSM Athletic Department discretion-ary budget has affected travel and equipment, according to Andreas Wolf, Dean/Athletic Director.

“Usually we would feed players for away games,” Wolf said. “Now, we can’t necessarily do that and the players wouldn’t have eaten all day.”

Another area affected by the budget cuts is uniforms, which are replaced every five years. “Some teams were expecting to get them this year, but that will have to

for higher education.”

T h e S t u d e n t Senate is h o l d i n g two pre-ral-lies outside Bldg. 19 on Thursday, Feb. 5 and We d n e s -day, March 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be food, mu-sic, discussions about the budget crisis, and budget cut petitions.

Students can also sign up for the bus to Sacramento at the pre-rallies. “We will provide free lunch, and the first 50 people who sign up will receive free T-shirts,” Atherton said. You can also sign up at the CSM Rally Group page on Facebook.

There will be a forum on the budget crisis on Feb. 19 in Bldg. 18, Room 206, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“Getting involved is one of the most important things that you can do to save your education,” said Atherton.

Photo by Jeremy Hedman

Transformer-ationLand mover plows through buildings 10 and 11 to reconstruct building 10. A member of the construc-

tion crew hoses down a cloud of dust. The work continues into February with plans to finish by 2010.

Margaret Baum and Laura BabbittThe San Matean

Bulldogs need more fans

Photo by Jeremy Hedman

Budget crunch hits home

CSM student government is rallying students to protest state budget cuts at the “March in March” in Sacramento, Monday, March 16.

“There will be about 5,000 to 10,000 students from all over the state in Sacramento to protest the budget cuts,” said Coordina-tor of Student Activities Aaron Schaefer.

“Investing in education is the smartest thing California can do if we really want to get out of the recession,” said Jennifer Ather-ton, Associated Students of CSM Senator. “Knowledge is power, and I believe we need to let the government know how we feel …Education should be getting the bailout, not these corrupt compa-nies.”

Atherton is in charge of plan-ning and promoting the rally and related events at CSM. “If you see a giant green bunny on campus, don’t be alarmed, it’s just the Mon-ey Bunny informing you to hop

Protest plansMargaret BaumThe San Matean

Erin Browner, John Servatius and Margaret BaumThe San Matean

Take a seatArchitecture students used cardboard and a lot of elbow

grease to build chairs for their final fall project. Chairs will be judged on uniqueness and comfort in this Spring’s “Chair Af-

fair” national design competiton. See story on page three.

Jennifer Atherton

NewsPage 2 • The SAN MATEAN

Campus Briefsby Margaret Baum

Upcoming EventsStudent Senate RallyThursday, Feb. 5Outside Building 19 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.This rally is one of many activities planned in preparation for the upcoming protest in Sacramento.

New CSM Building 5N “Topping Out” CeremonyFriday, Feb. 611:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.CSM Building 5N siteFraming of Building 5N will be completed. Students will be able to sign the last beam.

Free Income Tax PreparationSaturday, Feb. 7 - Saturday, April 4Every Saturday (Except Feb. 14)9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; no appointment necessaryCSM, Building 14, Room 103 (Free parking)For more information contact 378-7323

Cosmetology Valentine’s Day SpecialThursday, Feb. 119:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.The Cosmotology department is offering free services.Call (650) 574-6361 for more information or to make an appointment.

Lincoln’s BirthdayFriday, Feb. 13No School President’s DayMonday, Feb. 16No School

Lecture Series with Andrew LamThursday, Feb. 1912 p.m. to 1 p.m.CSM TheaterAndrew Lam is the writer and editor of the Pacific News Service and co-founder of New America Media. He is a commentator on National Public Radio. Made possible by a generous grant from the Lane Family Charitable Trust.

SportsWomen’s Basketball v. Mission College, Wed, Feb. 4, 7pm, Santa Clara

February 2, 2009

Campus BlotterJan. 21, 12:00 p.m. – A 65 year old woman was reported missing. She was found 45 minutes later in Assessment Services. The woman is said to have been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Information provided by John Wells, chief of campus security and Lieutenant Mike Brunacardi of the San Mateo Police Department.

— Phil Ritter

of The San Matean

If there is an event that readers would like listed in Campus Briefs, please submit it to The San Matean at Bldg. 19, Room 123. Submissions should be typed neatly. For more information, call 574-6330.

Bus fares rise

Student Senate spots opendent body president.

The Vice President, Roger Nishimoto, has agreed to take the role of Acting President for now, but he has decided to remain Vice President rather than fully step-ping into the role of President.

A special election will be held over the coming weeks to decide who will take on this role.

Voting will be taking place from Feb. 17 to 20, the results of which will be posted on Feb. 20. There are 13 senate seats that also need to be filled. Contact 574-6141 for more information.

Margaret Baum The San Matean

The resignation by the CSM Student Body President prompted a special election for 13 senate seats.

The Student Body President of CSM for the last six months, Richael Young, formally resigned during a Student Senate meeting on Monday, Jan. 26th.

“Last semester was very tough for me. I am very sorry. It was an honor for me to be a leader to such a great group of people for so long. Thank you for being

a part of my life,” Young said to the group as tears rolled down her face.

When speaking with Young after the meeting she stated “I am also a president for Califor-nia Community Colleges and am working on transferring to a four year school. It was just too much for me to do all of it.” Young stat-ed, “This is a really great group and I know that they will do well and keep doing great things as they finish off the year.”

The Student Senate now has the task of finding a new stu-

Former coordinator diesJohn Servatius

The San Matean Margery Hall Dierkes, a 16-

year CSM classified employee, died of natural causes Dec. 26, 2008 at age 88. She was the col-lege Testing Coordinator until her retirement in 1992.

Mrs. Dierkes was born in Los Angeles on May 23, 1920. The first 10 years of her marriage were spent in Manhattan Beach, fol-lowed by 50 years in San Mateo. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Paul Michael Dierkes, Sr. She leaves an extend-ed family of seven children, 17 grandchildren, two great grand-children and a brother and sister.

Born Margery Hall, “Marge” pushed the boundaries at a time when a woman’s place was in the home. She graduated from UCLA in 1942. After graduation she joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), becoming one of the service’s first female officers and eventually a squadron com-mander.

Following WWII, Marge married, raised her children, and returned to work in her early 50’s

at the district.Mrs. Dierkes was active in a

variety of sports as a participant, parent and spectator. She was ac-tive in the Junior League, a regu-lar bridge player and a voracious reader, a habit that served her well later life.

A life-long Catholic, Mrs. Dierkes was a congregant at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in San Mateo for more than 50 years. A memorial mass was held on Jan. 6 at St. Bartholomew’s Church.

The family requests that do-nations be made to the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation to support the Paul M. Dierkes Fire Buff Scholarship, or to the charity of one’s choice.

“Marge is like a second moth-er to me,” said Albert Koo, a CSM student from 1988 through 1992 who worked in the testing office with Mrs. Dierkes. He is now the Assistant Director of the MBA Program at San Francisco State University. “She taught me about

Jeremy Hedman and Micah Mackintosh

The San Matean

life and being a good person. This is why I became an educator.” Koo holds a master’s degree in education.

A native of Hong Kong, Koo experienced all the stress of a new immigrant in an unfamiliar land who did not speak English. “She was always there for me,” he said. “Marge always corrected my English.”

High School Relations Coun-selor, Steve Morehouse was the CSM Dean of Counseling and Mrs. Dierkes’ supervisor. “She didn’t need supervision,” he said. “She was the best at what she did [as a testing technician].”

“For a couple of years we had a softball team,” Morehouse said. “She was very athletic. She did very well at the plate. …She helped students get into the right classes. She had close relation-ships with staff.”

Maggie Skaff, coordinator of the international students program and Parrott Drive neighbor of the Dierkes for many years, summed it up, “Marge was a very positive and caring woman – a lady you could always talk to, count on. We both belonged to the same church. She went every day. She was always there for everybody. She had a wonderful outlook on life.”

This piece is partially based on a memo to faculty and staff from CSM President Michael Claire.

The bus ride to CSM increas-es by 25 cents on Feb. 1. The adult local fare will be raised to $1.75 from $1.50.

The express one-way fare will be raised to $4.50 from $4.00, said Christian Dunn of SamTrans.

Monthly passes will be in-

creased from $48 to $56. Token costs will be increased to $14.00 from $12.50 per package. Youth costs will not be changing, and all Eligible Discounts will remain the same.

This change occurred Sun-day, Feb. 1. Plans for short-term affordable bus passes are in prog-ress.

For more information go to SamTrans.com or contact Dunn at 508-6238.

Margery and Paul Dierkes

News/FeaturesFebruary 2, 2009 The SAN MATEAN • Page 3

also point out it’s an opportunity for students to work with a sus-tainable material.

The architecture department plans to take the chairs to local high schools to promote CSM ar-chitecture classes, said Sun.

“Hopefully by bringing some chairs and model stu-dent works we’ll get high school s t u d e n t s

excited about the possibility of studying architecture.”

The last stop for the chairs could be an auction. “It’s a team project, so it isn’t for me to decide who gets the chairs,” Sun said.

The auction proceeds could go to the local AIAS group, class materials, or a field trip for archi-tecture students.

The bold angles and sinuous curves of the students’ designs tempt you to test their fit. If you’re hip to corrugated for home décor, these chairs might fit just right.

First year architecture stu-dents took their lessons sitting down last fall. For their final proj-ect, they made cardboard chairs.

“CSM students will enter the national Chair Affair Design Com-petition for the first time this spring,” said George S. Sun, adjunct faculty in the architecture de-partment.

Valerie Demattei and Kim-berly Barga, first year architecture students, worked long and hard to create a competitive entry for the American Institute of Architecture Students design contest.

“AIAS is a national organiza-tion, so we were able to go online and look at other chairs that have won the contest and see what was really winning prizes,” Demattei said.

“We’ve never seen anything like our chair before, and we wanted to make sure that we did

something that was unique,” she said.

Comfort was a top priority for their design according to Barga. The team traced the “S” shaped contours of their chaise from her outline while she lay on the card-board.

They added cushion by lining the surface with parallel rolls of cardboard. “The rolls that we did for it, no one else has done them, so that was pretty cool. It’s really comfortable,” Barga said.

“Students get experience with structure, material and human scale though the cardboard chair project,” said Sun.

“It is very important in study-ing architecture to understand the material, what it can do, and what it can not do,” he said.

The AIAS contest guidelines

‘ ... we wanted to make sure that we did something that was unique’

—Valerie Demattei

Cardboard for comfort

A long-time CSM adjunct faculty member died unexpect-edly at his home in San Ramon on Dec. 25, 2008.

Ashok Malik taught biology and health science at CSM since 1997. He was also adjunct faculty at Chabot, Evergreen, Mission, and City College of San Jose.

Mr. Malik received master of sciences degrees in botany from

great atmosphere.”A friend who delivered the

eulogy at Mr. Malik’s service said, “Ashok had a positive out-look on life, his great sense of humor, compassion for all living things and his down to earth na-ture.

“We remember him as a teacher of life and all its bounties, but that he was never done learn-ing himself. His legacy was for all of us to be compassionate and

Professor dies; a loss for math and scienceJohn Servatius

The San Matean Punjab University and Kuruk-shetra University in India, and a master’s degree in biology from San Jose State University after he immigrated to the U.S. in 1987.

His proudest accomplish-ment, he would say, was his health science telecourse, which grew from 30 to more than 100 students over time.

One of Mr. Malik’s Health Science students, Dylan Lewman said, “Class was set for successs,

he was a quality professor and of-fered help after classes.”

At a Faculty Service Award ceremony in 2008, which hon-ors, among others, those with 10 years of service, Mr. Malik said, “Of course, CSM is my favorite school, and the math and science division is the best. CSM is the one school in the Bay Area that provides the best facilities to ad-junct, such as an office, medical reimbursement, good wages and a

Architecture students constructed chairs using cardboard materials.

Photo by Jeremy Hedman

spread kindness. As he would say, ‘You reap what you sow.’”

Mr. Malik’s personal inter-est included ethno-botany and A Prairie Home Companion on PSB radio, which he never missed.

Mr. Malik is survived by three daughters.

Mr. Malik’s age and time of death was unavailable.

Information in this piece is based on a memo from CSM President Michael Claire.

Students put simple materials to useKimberley Rose and Laura Babbitt

The San Matean

Erin BrownEreditor

MargarEt BauM

MaNagiNg editor

John SErvatiuS

seNior staFF writer

JErEMy hEdMan

Photo editor

Staff writErS: Laura Babbitt, Laura Chao, Ashley Del Rosario, Alex Garcia,

Angela Greco, Sarah Habache, Alexa Hemken, Chalon Johnson, Micah Mackintosh, Kimberly Martin, Kasie Parsons, Phil Ritter,

Kimberley Rose, Dylan Slusser

thE San MatEan is a First Amendment newspaper published bi-weekly during the academic year by the Journalism 120, 300, 690 and 850 students at College of San Mateo as a medium for campus communication and laboratory for classes. Opinions, letters and commentary reflect only the opinion of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of thE San MatEan. Letters to the Editor and opinion articles are welcome, although they may be edited for style, space, content and libel. Mail or deliver letters to Building 19, Room 123, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402.

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oPiNioN & Public ForuM February 2, 2009Page 4 • The SAN MATEAN

Back Talkby Jeremy Hedman

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San MateanTHE

How have class cuts affected you?

Efrosini Proios, 24Palo Alto, Molecular Biology

“I wanted to take a class, a film class. There are some really nice classes that are being cancelled.”

Tim Washington, 21San Francisco, Child Development

“A bit of a hassle; wouldn’t like it too much.”

Javier Auerbach, 19San Mateo, Undeclared

“All my classes are going through so it doesn’t affect me.”

Jennifer Atherton, 21San Mateo, Business Admin.

“I had two classes cancelled on me, but found replacements and made a better schedule for me.”

Katie Flaherty, 18Santa Barbara, Undeclared

“No, my schedule is fine.”

Shalvin Singh, 20San Mateo, Business Management

“Didn’t affect me, I had all my classes. Worried a little about transferring.”

CourtnEy JaMiESon

sPorts editor

editorials

Helping inharsh times

Where we belong, for now

San MateanTHE

ONLINECheck out www.sanmatean.com for more stories and multimedia content.

‘...fight this battle and protect

our education.’

spin CyCle

My father has always told me, “If you have more to do, you’ll get more done.” A difficult but fulfilling idea to adapt into a lifestyle. I have stuck to it since. I piled honors classes, clubs, cheer-leading, yearbook and a job on top of my high school experience, no wonder living at Arizona State felt too easy.

Although this story may not be similar to your own, let it be motivation to stop and review your values. Consider the patterns of your lifestyle. Now, compare these essentials with what you are accomplishing at College of San Mateo, do you see many connec-tions?

There are ways to get what you need and remain happy while attending this community college. Whether you are here for one se-mester or four, take advantage of all the wonderful programs on campus.

—Erin BrownerThe San Matean

All students at CSM react the same way when they hear my story, “You left ASU to go here? Why?”

Crazy, right? Community col-lege is expected by some to be just as big a drag as an extra two years of high school. The whole idea of living at home, driving to school and seeing the same kids from the neighborhood does not sound ap-pealing.

Most high school graduates dream of attending four year uni-versities and getting the typical “college experience.”

Traditionally, students avoid going to a two-year college to even-tually transfer. But now, especially in these difficult economic times, more students prefer the two-years in community college first.

At Arizona State University the classes were challenging, the weather was beautiful and the parties were impressive. But too much time was wasted sitting in the dorms, waiting for Thirsty Thursday and the weekend to roll

around. Not even extensive job-hunting helped. The idea of com-ing home began to grow- and then I jumped.

The first few days held an out-of-place feeling, luckily there was a welcoming staff around the CSM campus that were very help-ful. While walking to class, famil-iar faces popped up, some happy to see and others- not so much.

As the professors introduced more curriculum, excitement ral-lied. What a great place!: Science classes are tech-savvy and online, the English department’s Honor’s Program is strong, dance classes are available, night classes are available, advisers willing to help plan toward goals, and a journal-ism program!

I had an epiphany one majes-tic Friday afternoon when every-thing came together. A convenient schedule allowed a job interview; to become editor at the campus newspaper and to work at an old job for a month, life picked up.

Budget cuts. Teachers are affected, students are complaining- everyone dreads

them. It is one topic all voices on campus agree on. Instructors are los-ing jobs, CSU and UC students are flooding the campus, CSM has gone haywire. Stories concerning California’s State budget cuts dominate reg-

ular news medi-ums; we watch Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speak while hold-ing our breath.

We need to come together as a college to fight

this battle and protect our education. Organizations such as the Student Senate have planned to create awareness on campus. Join the Student Senate in protesting the increase in education fees by participating in the upcoming rallies. To act as an individual, write to State Senators and Representatives as a Community College student and voice your personal opinion and concerns.

Ridding small habits contribute in cutting back on the college’s nonessential spending. CSM is converting to online assignments and lecture powerpoints. Take notes on your laptop to help this campus be-come greener. Limit the amount of paper you print on campus.

Instructors are fighting to keep class sections in tact. They are im-ploring students to recruit toward increased enrollment. Spread the word for classes in need of students and wrestle the class cancellations.

This is only the beginning; administrators and students must work as a team and find ways to aid CSM in these harsh economic times. The cooperation of those affected must grow as CSM’s future becomes more complicated and hazy. This historic school is known for its accomplished reputation as the eldest of the Community Colleges. Be a part of the Bulldog pack and bite this situation where it hurts.

The smell of fresh meat fills the hall of Building 19 and The San Matean is ready to chew us up and swallow us alive. There is a majority of new staff writers excited to report for you. The CSM faculty and stu-dents are friendly and remarkable with many interesting traits we hope to discover through our news reporting. The writers at The San Matean appreciate such a wonderful scope to investigate and cover. Watch, look and listen, we’re everywhere.

A new crew