PCC Courier, April 30, 2009

For exclusive stories and photos check out the Courier on the web @ pcccourier.com Pasadena City College Gaggle of geese draws crowds at mirror pools Page 3» Volume 99, Issue 8 “ The Independent Student Voice of PCC, Serving Pasadena Since 1915.” Thursday, April 30, 2009 No Signs of Swine Flu at PCC Carlos Ramirez Staff Writer Seeing nearly 1,200 students every month, PCC’s Student Health Services has not come across anyone with swine flu symp¬ toms, according to school officials. Jo Buczko, coordinator of Stodent Health Services, is confi¬ dent in her staff and capabilities in lieu of this viral scare. “We have not seen anything in the health center that is alarming,” said Buczko. An outbreak of swine flu virus has recently afflicted hundreds in Mexico and spread to the United States, Canada, and Spain. President Barack Obama has warned that it is cause for concern but not serious enough to consti¬ tute widespread panic. Buczko has been attending meet¬ ings and conferences that have kept her in the loop with local fire departments and emergency servic¬ es, and feels that the protocols put into place by the Center for Disease Control and local services are both adequate and effective. Buczko added, “They are our pipeline, if we need anti-viral sup¬ plies we will receive them, we will remain in contact with them regu¬ larly.” For some students, the media seems to be spreading the swine flu faster than the actual virus itself. PCC student Adriana Arriola regu¬ larly takes monthly trips to Mexico Continued on page 3 Trash Clutters Parking Lots Roger Lai / Courier A pile of trash rests next to a car on the top floor of Lot 4. School officials have expressed frustration regarding the amount of garbage in both parking structures and have had trouble keeping up with the build-up. Alfredo Aleman Entertainment Editor The sight of trash is not uncommon for those who drive into the campus’ parking structures. Items such as fast food bags, plastic bottles, articles of clothing, even the sound of a leaf blower blasting trash away is commonplace to PCC’s drivers. “It is a frustration to us,” said Richard van Pelt, director of facilities and engineering services. “We spend at least 24 man hours, per day, picking up litter. If we didn't have to be doing that, we could actually improve the place more.” Each morning, custodians clean the elevators, lob¬ bies and stairs in the parking lots, along with emptying the trash bins regularly each day, according to van Pelt. “We spend a great deal of time and money ensuring that the campus is presentable, as we take a great deal of pride in creating an environment that is conducive to learning,” said van Pelt. But even with the amount of work put into cleaning up the campus, Facilities Services is still struggling with the amount of litter left behind by students. “We’re short-handed, so we can’t keep up with [the trash build-up],” said Ronnie Littleton, a custodian who has worked on campus for 10 years. “There was a sweeper (vacuum), early in the morning, that used to sweep the place out.” Continued on page 2 Former Student to Stand Trial in Murder Isaac Campbell is accused in slaying of Liya "Jessie" Lu Barbara Beaser Assistant News Editor Former PCC student Isaac Campbell will be tried on the charge of murder on May 7, an Alhambra Superior Court decided after Campbell’s preliminary hearing con¬ cluded April 22. “I find that the circumstantial evi¬ dence is sufficient,” said Judge Alice Hill. “I am going to deny the motion to dismiss.” Campbell is accused of murdering his girlfriend, former PCC student Liya “Jessie” Lu in August 2007. Lu had graduated with an Associate’s of Arts degree from PCC in spring 2006 and had reapplied for the nurs¬ ing program, where Campbell was already a student. Lu was reported missing after having been last seen at Campbell’s apartment. Her body, discovered at an Arcadia residence in September, was wrapped in plastic and buried under cat litter in a blue recycling bin taped shut. Alhambra Deputy District Attorney Steve Ipson called several witnesses, including Michael Darby, the resident of the Arcadia home where Lu’s body was discovered. Darby testified that Campbell had Continued on page 3 Two Men Arrested in Fatal Stabbing on Fringe of Campus Mike Rucinski Staff Writer A 41 -year-old was stabbed fatally on south Hill Avenue near the western part of PCC’s campus, according to the Pasadena Police Department website. James Hall of Pasadena was pro¬ nounced dead at Huntington Hospital shortly after the incident on April 20, the first day of spring break. Pasadena Police reported the arrest of two individuals suspected in connection with the stabbing within days. Patrick Mason, 42, and Steven Sumner, 45, both Pasadena resi¬ dents were the suspects named according to the department’s web¬ site. Sumner is currently on parole for assault with a deadly weapon. Both Mason and Sumner remain in custody and have a hearing set May 6 at the Pasadena Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. A memorial commemorating Hall is set up where he was found on Hill Avenue, across the street from St. Philip the Apostle Church. A tree is adorned with posters that address Hall as ‘Calvin,’ with written expressions of love and grievance from friends and family. Flowers, balloons, candles and stuffed animals were also laid out nearby in respect to the victim. According to Pasadena Police spokesperson Janet Givens, the incident was prompted by a con¬ frontation between the men and “one of them took offense ... and killed him.” Givens also said that last week’s slaying had nothing to do with the college, it simply “occurred in the vicinity.” PCC Police had no comment on the stabbing, saying it was being handled by Pasadena Police. News: Measure P: Construction right on schedule. Page 2» A&E: Art Market: Over 100 artists will showcase work in Pasadena. Page 6» Sports: Baseball: Lancers snap 16-game losing streak. Page 7» ure Love < te d. . .• . Ъв* Rosa Vazquez / Courier A memorial to James Hall, who was fatally stabbed on Hill Avenue on April 20, has been set up at the location he was discovered.