Faculty exhibit was a "HIT" and a miss

Some compelling pieces lost among too much pedestrian work at SWC gallery

By Alyssa Simental

Photographs, hand crafted pieces, claymation and drawings made up this year's faculty exhibit called HIT. Though it featured some brilliant art, most of the show was far from being a "HIT." Standout pieces included "Our Lady of El Cajon Blvd" and "Making Myths 101," both by George Essex, a structural ceramics technician of 13 years and a former Southwestern College student.

Journalist, author straddles la frontera

By Diego Macias

Bart Simpson, Bugs Bunny and Spider Man are teachers, too. Just ask their favorite student, bilingual journalist and author Pablo Jaime Sáinz. "What Mexican kid in the 1980s didn't grow up watching American cartoons on Mexican television channels?" said Sáinz Bugs and Bart helped young Pablo learn English and American culture when he was a little boy in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Damage stirs up little drama

Floor repairs may be on the playbill for Mayan Hall

By Leila Rodriguez

Southwestern's Mayan Hall Theater has hosted many showstoppers, but a buckling floor may face an early curtain call. A six to eight inch buckle is slowly developing across rooms 911, 912 and the women's dressing room in the classrooms under the main stage.

"You Can't Take It With You" showcases talented actors

By Michael Fritz

"You Can't Take it With You" was an explosive comedy, booming with laughter and a pretty cool exploding basement. Produced on the main stage by the Southwestern College TA 100 class, "You Can't Take it With You" was a showcase of talented actors and Eisenhower-era comedy.

Sidewalk musicians play to burn away stress

By Serina Duarte

It may not be Bourbon Street in New Orleans or Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, but the breezeway between the Southwestern College Student Center and the cafeteria has some jamming sidewalk musicians. Music major Joshua Mia and his friends congregate with guitars, percussion instruments and tunes on their lips.

Marisol Rendon: A REFLECTION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

By Michael Fritz

Americans sometimes complain metaphorically of "walking through a mine field." Marisol Rendon has actually walked through one. A native of Manizales, Columbia the SWC assistant professor of art saw first-hand the ravages of war. Columbia is pockmarked with mine fields from past wars, many that have been forgotten.

Too pretty to eat

Salum's artistry lends luster to openings

By Gina Hernandez

Chula Vista is home to a bakery where the business is rising as fast as its dough. Its culinary works of art are now supporting the arts at Southwestern College. Aglay Salum, a professional pastry maker and owner of Maya Chiang, agreed to bring some luster to the last art exhibit opening, restoring a little pinoche during a year of brutal budget cuts and layoffs.

Clay club hosts sale

By Alyssa Simental

Southwestern College's Clay Club will host its annual holiday ceramics sale December 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the Student Center and the cafeteria. Ceramic and pottery pieces by more than 30 students will be on sale to the public. "It's a great source for Christmas presents," said Ed Bia, a club member.