Budget Cuts in Recreation Community Centers

In 2010, 50 staff members were laid off out of the 100 that worked for the City of Pomona at the Recreation Sites. Budget cuts should not affect the youth and teens of the City of Pomona Community centers. Budget cuts are never a positive thing. There would be no programs to participate in.

            Budget cuts affect staff members more than youth and teens of the Community centers because the staff members lose their jobs from the many layoffs. However, budget cuts negatively affect youth and teens as well. Without the staff, there would not be any assistance with the programs and events that the local youth and teens take part in. From the lack of money and participants, to create new programs, and get the motivation and guidance they need either through job applications, resumes, or even college admission packets to have a successful future to seeking into a 4 year university, then majoring in Business Management. I am actually a member of the La Casita Community center and participate in its Team Building workshops, programs, and fun activities. In fact I have been there for about 5 years. I have seen a change in everything we use to do. We no longer are able to attend field trips to historical sites like Palomares AdobePark or museums such as the Hollywood Wax museum. Also we are no longer able to participate in recreation team building activities such as Money Management or practice leadership skills by teaching an etiquette class to small children. Without these programs youth and teens are more likely to be out in the streets breaking the law and committing crimes. In addition they are more vulnerable to becoming affiliated with gangs.

            Instead of being out in the streets committing crimes teens could be learning how to succeed through programs such as the Teen Value Council, Education Preparation, and Road to Knowledge. From these programs youth and teens received the guidance they needed to succeed in society. Through the games and fun, it gave the youth and teens the opportunity to understand how to reach their dreams more effectively. These programs provided the opportunity for participants to express leadership amongst each other and goodwill towards one another. They brought teens together to help each other with homework and volunteer work. Most importantly during these program sessions students could open up to staff and peers about problems they may have had and just be themselves while not being at home. Without these programs many teens are not getting these opportunities.

            I know the mayor has to implement these terrible budget cuts, but he should have come to the center in order to see what benefits the programs of the City of Pomona offered. Instead he only had a tiny glimpse of minor things we did, such as the City ofPomona Beautification project, Holiday at the Plaza Christmas andPomona fair parade, and City of Pomona Recognition. The mayor needs to understand the pains, struggles and hardships students including myself could face for not having enough assistance, guidance, leadership and other great opportunities provided by the Community center. He should also understand the hardships faced by Community center employees. I remember one instance when Anita, one of the staff members, was laid off. When Anita was laid off, they hired a new employee to put in her position and Anita then went to work at the Palomares Senior center. However, they told the staff member to also work at the senior center, forcing Anita to be laid off again. It is important to realize how much responsibility one Community center employee has. I remember one time Anita told me, “When I am gone I am going to leave the center up to you because I was the one everyone trusted and depended on, and to keep everyone in control and to keep encouraging them to come back and to continue to recruit new members to the center.” I doubt that one employee can fulfill these responsibilities while also working at the Senior center.

            From 2010 until now many things have changed at the Community Center. Many staff members are being switched back and forth from position to position. Many of the programs were cut because of the lack of money. The programs where we were allowed to go to the beach and help the little children with after school tutoring at Yorba and San Jose Elementary Schools were cut. Now this year we only went to the beach once or twice, to the bank and other places. Sooner or later the center may be closed down because the economy is in a downfall, and I just hate for it to be like this.

Tagging, a Problem of All

Tagging is a problem in society but more importantly it has become a common occurrence. The fact of the matter is that tagging has developed throughout the school system and society. “It was just something we did, we weren’t hurting anyone, at least that’s what we thought,” said David Martinez now 25-year old law student but self described former criminal. The crime he was guilty of was vandalism, in particular tagging.

Tagging, or as supporters like to call it graffiti art, is common in the schools, buildings, and street alleys of Pomona. The question is why and what is the point? David said it was just something they did but that “just something” is leading to problems. The streets in Pomona have cracks but the city does not have the money to fix those damages. Instead the city has to be constantly paying to fix tagging on alleys and streets. Small businesses or homes that have been tagged have to take money out of their own pockets to fix tagging as well. The financial problem is not only in the city streets and buildings but also within the school system. The school has to pay to get rid of the tagging when the students are in desperate need of better resources for their education. “The school does not have he money to pay for supplies we need such as paper but I see the painters come to fix the tagging on the walls,” said Maricarmen Rendon, a student in Pomona High.

“Every day I walk home and have to see tagging on the walls and on the side walk. To make matters worst I get home to do my homework and open the book to find I can’t see the page because it says SGT2B or LIF,” said Maricarmen of her city and school. She said these words as if she was ashamed, ashamed that she lived in a city where tagging was tolerated and went to school were kids were advocates of vandalism.

David said “There is not much being done partially because it’s too difficult to know who was responsible and also Pomona PD argues there are much worse crimes that need looking into other than vandalism.” But is it not important when tagging is leading to gang fights? How about when teens are being introduced into a life of crime? Yes, it is true that in some cases that may not always be true but, tagging still occurs. Tagging is not always gang related but it is still a crime and it promotes gang violence. When these forms of endorsements appear in unnecessary places like school books, a barrier is created. A barrier in the sense that students are blocked and deprived from learning because of the distraction the tagging creates for both advocates of the vandalism or the observers.

When I asked David what kept him from tagging beyond his teenage years he said “Actually, I got caught and had to go to court.” As emphasized before when addressing gang affiliation with tagging, the same outcomes can not always be expect but, when we as a community have it in our power to prevent some crime even if it seems as insignificant as tagging, should we not take the opportunity? David said “When I was caught around that time of my teenage year’s vandalism, was seen as a more serious issue because of the gang affiliation so they put me into classes to learn of the negative effects, that is partially why it has reduced so much but that does not mean it is not a problem anymore.” When given attention, tagging has shown it can decrease as it did about 25% in Pomona but despite the decrease it is still frequently seen. As insignificant as it may seem to some by the inference of law enforcement and the creation of programs that keep teens from having a reason to tag there can be reduction in vandalism. The first step is to accept that tagging is a problem and only then can we unite a community, fix streets, and give students the concentration and resources they need. Tagging although a problem that has been reduced it still exists in Pomona schools, buildings, and streets and it is important to know of its presence inPomona in order to stop it.

By: Abigail Cueva

Bullying

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Bullying can be verbal, physical, and emotional. There are different reasons why someone chooses to practice such hatred. They range from family issues, to wanting to fit in at school, or just to have power. Unfortunately, these actions cause someone else to have psychological problems or even consider suicide.
Bullying someone physically causes them pain even though they may try their best to hide their suffereing. Often, the most painful bullying occurs when large groups form: bullies, followers, supporters, onlookers, those who want to defend the person but do not want to get involved. Eventually, someone must stop the fight. Yet, there is also emotional bullying; when someone criticizes another for the way they look or who they are. Emotionally bullied

Hopes, Dreams, Honor

The atmosphere at Pomona High School is changing. Pomona High School has evolved over time becoming a safer, more college-bound atmosphere and thriving towards success. According to a recent post on Pomona High School website, written by Monica Rodriguez, Pomona High School recently became a certified AVID Demonstration School. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program preparing students to go to college and have great global success. The certification AVID Demo is only awarded to 110 Schools out of the 4,500 AVID Schools in the country. So what does this mean? Pomona High serves as model for schools attempting to start or improve the AVID program. Granger Ward, the executive Vice President of the AVID center, made a note of several things including the school’s strong college-ready culture; visionary leadership at every level; high parent participation; and tutors who have ties to the school and community. While interviewing Pomona High School’s Principal Roger Fasting, he was asked about the AVID program and he said it was “awesome.” Mr. Fasting believes that the high expectation and rigorous academics push students for success. He feels that the AVID program has triggered other amazing programs to follow similar rigorous structure in learning like Medical Academy, Engineering Academy, and Band. Statistics show that PHS graduating rates are rapidly increasing and that more and more students are taking and passing AP exams. So how does that show that our culture is changing? In my interview with PHS Cindy Lopez (AP/CP student) she stated, “Our school is improving, before AP classes had 15 students or less and now there are a lot of people (a class of at least 22)”. Cindy believes that PHS students get informed more on college through announcements, posters, and teachers. She told me that she also sees a social change. Cindy stated, “I was scared when I came here.” She believed the stereotypes about it being a bad school but she soon noticed it was a fun, safe school. We need to extend more positive energy down to our CP classes and have this school be known for what it really is. CP classes are improving but there needs to be an equilibrium making our school stronger. The rigor should be enforced more on the CP classes so that we can improve as a whole. When it comes down to the facts, Pomona High School is changing both academically and socially. So do not believe what you hear and come take a look at our amazing school!

Giselle Nuñez

Drugs:Obstacles to Our Education

Drugs are increasing affecting students’ lives. Drugs have no place anywhere in society, and they are especially damaging in academic environments during teens’ formative years. The teen drug and alcohol user’s academic performance is severely impaired, along with his or her level of responsibility. For example, they skip class, fail to complete assignments and lose interest in school. 

Drug and alcohol use is rampant throughout American middle and high schools. Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life and school failure. Some say that drugs are not part of a teenager’s life but in reality, teenage drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions on some high school facilities. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry say the average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use starts before 12. Some might argue alcohol abuse is not a big deal but statistics show a different thing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse 71% of 12^th grade students in 2010 have used alcohol. This is more than half of all the 12^th graders in 2010 which shows how alcohol is one of the most abused drugs.

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons, including curiosity, because it feels good, to reduce stress, to feel grown up or to fit in. There are many times when a teen’s drug addiction causes him or her to either do poorly in school or even to drop out. An interview with an anonymous 17 year old tells us what he did to get into drugs and how he is doing in school. 

When asked what reasons he had for doing drugs the interviewee answered. “…to have fun and relieve myself from problems.” This is why most teens begin to do drugs and even abuse of them. He explained that he smoked marijuana because “…my friends were teasing me…”

Many say peer pressure is the main reason many do drugs but the truth is we all have the choice to say no but many choose to actually do the drug. Whether it is to fit in or keep the acquaintances, peer pressure does have to do with the teen’s decision to do the drug. The interviewee continued now to the subject of education.

School is something of great importance in order to be successful. When the interviewee was asked whether or not he was still in school, he laughed and answered “I wanted to drop out…but I was sent to options.” Options refers to an alternate school program. As we see in this interview drugs do affect the teenager’s education and can make a big difference in their success. In order for us to lead our teenagers to success we have to provide them with drug-free environments.

Parents can help through early education about drugs, open communication, good role modeling, and early child recognition if problems are developing says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include: physical fatigue, emotional, family, and social problems. An effective way for parents to show care and concern is to openly discuss the possible abuse of alcohol and other drugs with their teenager. Consulting a physician is the best way to find out if the teen is using drugs in order to help the teen get back on track. 

Cindy Lopez

Lack Of Resources

This past summer our school invested a lot of money to improve the environment of Pomona High School. However, when our school started this year, the only improvement we saw were fences around the school. Why is spending money necessary, when we do not have the more crucial resources we need? We need books, pencils, supplies and electronics. By providing resources such as stationary the school will have a better environment to learn which will help improve our California State test results also. The main issue in our society is the lack of resources in our education. The lack of resources in our district has affected every student and their future.

            The lack of resources has affected the majority of our teachers by limiting the way they can teach. The teachers can not teach properly with the materials they can not provide. For example, they can not teach without the computer showing the students unlimited of other forms of technology or examples of the material being taught. The teachers now become more frustrated trying to teach a new topic.  As reflected in my interview with Mr. Carlos Aguirre, he stated that, “My students do not have the necessary resources and supplies for them to engage in the topic I am teaching. For example, it is very hard for me to explain certain types of topics in Science and in Math without the resources I need. However, if I had those resources, my students would understand the material more efficiently.” This interview made me realize that teachers really need materials to teach!

            The students set our future and without the certain types of materials, they can not learn properly. They do not fully understand the material being taught. Many students do not do their work due to them not being focused in school. As I interviewed one of my colleagues last week, Michelle Flores stated that it is very hard to learn when you have to share certain materials in the classroom. She also argued that she has to share certain type of worksheets to even do her home work.

                As I researched my topic, I found many statistics that support my claim. This statistic shows that 75% of the students do not learn the material fully being taught by their teacher.  Our Pomona Unified School district argued at a news paper article that  it has shown a decrease in high school graduation students due to the lack of resources that has caused many students not completing their work and not being able to graduate.  The lack of resources has affected all of my colleagues today, and we must do something to change this!

“Aid to the Average”

            Society has always glorified the high academic achievers: the Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton goers, but have we ever stilled and settled our thoughts on the “average” people? Don’t think so.  Most of the population we work with and meet in Pomona, California have not gone to top tier colleges, or have professional degrees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Communities Survey, only sixteen percent of Pomona's adult population have a college degree. However, this does not reflect the individual’s importance in the great scheme of life. The people in Pomona may have amazing talents which are not immediately apparent. They might have astounding expertise when working with children, have great communicative skills, be able to draw an image envisioned, or ace a test without studying or doing work. These people appear to be capable of so much more than an AA or bachelors degree. Why didn’t they choose to go to college? This seemingly average group of students need to have a program, which addresses their personal issues in order to help them achieve academic success.

Isac Ortiz and Endy At

            Some of these people were prevented from going to college for monetary, work, and domestic reasons. For example, Isac Ortiz and Gabriela Hartt, are both high performing individuals who chose not to go to college. Gabriela Hartt, a thirty-nine year old woman, works for the Pomona Unified School District as a Child Development Home Visitor (teacher), and helps educate mothers to care and raise their children properly. Mrs. Hartt not only has to develop a relationship with the child, but also the parent as she aids them in becoming the “primary teacher” for their child. During an interview with Mrs. Hartt, she claimed, “I didn’t want to go to college because I got a job early and felt good about making money as a department store area manager. Having a vehicle and making money stopped me from wanting to go to college after high school. Couple that with parents who did not push me to go to college and you get a tied to home individual.” Isac, a junior at Pomona High School who is classified as gifted, is well known throughout the school for his artistic masterpieces. Isac claimed to hold no interest in attending college, although his older sister did go to college and majored in business and art. He allegedly failed an entire year’s worth of classes, and linked this rough patch of his life to the imprisonment of his dad. During this time he also felt his life was in danger because of the lack of safety within his living environment. Isac asserted his positive outlook towards retaking the classes he had previously failed, and claimed to have found support from his friends and several of the high school staff. However, he was not able to acquire this invaluable personal support until after his time of need.

            Are there organizations or programs to help aid this group of the population? According to Claudia Ruelas, an Advanced Placement and College Prep teacher of World History, programs which help average achieving and low performing students in Pomona High School are AVID and APEX. These programs are geared to bringing students to a higher academic level of achievement. We have these programs, but are they really enough? While there are many programs geared for academic aid, there are not as many for the psychological and emotional help, many adolescents need. Providing these basic needs through a specialized program would aid many students thrive in a competitive learning atmosphere, by offering Physiological stability, safety, and belonging which all come before achievement, as stated by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. When asking students their opinion of such a program, a majority claimed they would not attend it because they would not want to have their personal lives dictated over. However, this shows just how much reform needs to be implemented in order to help students by encouraging them to go to college and view school staff as a resource instead of dictators.

-Anne-Marie Hartt