How Violent Graffiti Could Turn Out to Be

            What do you feel when you see graffiti tagging on your wall or on a school building? It looks bad, right? “Well, we have to start cleaning up the act of graffiti taggers,” stated Rolando Blanco, a 45-year-old man who lives in the worst area of Pomona, where all the tagging takes place. “It is our responsibility to start programs to help teenagers against tagging and against gangs,” he added. In our community, we now face graffiti (the territorial markings of gangs) and its deeper meaning, but now it is time to work toward the ending of graffiti.

            Graffiti looks ugly on the surface, but it also has a deeper meaning which is even uglier. This deeper meaning is violence. Graffiti is the marking of gangs. When a gang wants to gain more territory they tag more ground, but when they go into another territory, the violence erupts. The gangs enter into actual war for the territory they want and heartless; they kill the innocent and their adversaries. Plus, now more and more gangs are expanding into newer territories, and our neighborhoods are not safe anymore.

            As graffiti continues to expand, we now face it in our own community. In a news article from The Los Angeles Times, it states how a man, trying to stand up to a gang member, was shot for standing up for what he believed in. Two weeks after the incident, the same tagger was back and tagging more and more on the streets of Los Angeles. This also happens in the suburbs of Los Angeles, in our own community, Pomona. I went out to the community of Pomona to ask a few questions to the public about graffiti. A man named Edgar Bautista, 29-year-old man that works at Cardenas stated, “graffiti makes our community look bad and it starts violence among gangs.” This man described the ugly sight of graffiti, how it starts violence and shootings.

            Gangs mark their territory with graffiti. The gangs are like dogs, they mark their territory wherever they want, and that causes many problems. Now, we need to work toward reclaiming what was ours, our streets, our parks, our community in general.

            Graffiti looks horrible in our streets and in our community. It also has a deeper meaning on the inside, and that meaning could kill any innocent person. If a person stands up to a tagger or a gang member, they could get shot just like the man in the news article. This graffiti problem does not only occur in Los Angeles, now the suburbs of L.A. are suffering with the same problem. Let us start building programs to reunite our community and also to get rid of gangs and taggers.

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 Cuevas

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 PomonaHigh 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

Why are CP students different from AP students?

 CP students are denied opportunities! The difference between the aspirations of AP and CP students is immense from their study habits to their work loads.  This is not to say AP students are not smarter or better than the CP students; the difference is one’s knowledge and information regarding college that students have gathered throughout high school. The AP students are encouraged by their teachers and counselors to take the most fastidious classes to obtain acceptable grades (As or Bs) ensuring them the possibilities in attending the college of their dreams.  The CP student, are not encourage to think about college and, because of this many do not goto college. If all students were granted the same classes and opportunities of changing the way they think college the high school graduation rate would increase as well the number of students going to colleges from Pomona High.

 When interviewing Abigail Cuevas, an AP student she claim she plans to attend college so she can double major in criminology. She plans on doing this by taking AP courses to demonstrate to the colleges she is up to the challenge. Cuevas continues by stating that it is not her family, counselors, or teachers that it is mostly self determination. She states “I have to do it for myself, I am not worrying about finishing high school, I worry about my future college education.” There is a much greater focus on the AP and failing students, but not to students in between this range.  In a survey I and my colleague executed on CP and AP classes. For example, one particular AP student said she wanted to study Spanish Literature, while a [particular Cp student talked of graduating from high school. We also saw a big gap in the GPAs, while the AP students having significantly higher GPAs.

Elsie Torres a CP student says she would like to go to college; and when I asked her how she is planning to get there she responded by saying, “[What}I’m trying to do is get all my work done that’s [all]I’m trying to do right now.”  You can see the big different between the two students Abigail has already planned on getting through high school and  thought of her future degree, while Elsie  is just trying to finish high school and not thinking about taking any rigorous classes. Some would say that CP students do not care about school therefore funds should go to the higher achieving students. It seems that CP students do not know what is out there; they have no chances to explore their interests, and don’t feel challenged or interested by the classes provided.  For example The New York Times article“What You Do vs. Where You Go,” shows that when students have assignments related  to and talk about college, they are more motivated to go to college. The findings of this assignment ensure us that the students are motivated and have the ambition and desire to learn which has a stronger effect that just an academic class would have. If more high schools did this type of assignment, this  would increase the number of students who want to go to college. CP students are not the problem; they are just not given opportunities. A CP student desires to go to party while an AP student desires to stay home to finish their homework. 

 CP students are no different than AP students; their focus is blurred by the distractions of the Modern World.  We should give them the important tools to enable to achieve like: programs, classes, mentors, and the basic information and encoragemnt of college. CP students do care about college but are not pushed like the AP students. If we keep them in the dark they will never shine. Everyone should have the same information that promotes college, and be given the same opportunities to explore and in the end to be successful.

Bertha Rodriguez

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. We know that most of the population we work with and meet in Pomona, California have not gone to top tier colleges, or have professional degrees. However, this does not reflect the individual’s importance in the great scheme of life. The people we meet in Pomona 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 group of students needs 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

Infrastructure Deterioration

Our cities and towns are falling apart and becoming outdated. The roads we drive and walk on, the buildings we work in and inhabit, and other structures are wearing out due to the amount of years that they have remained standing without proper maintenance or replacement. Some establishments chose to ignore the many signs that point to deterioration. Instead of properly fixing the problem, they chose to simply carry out the easiest solution that only covers up the problem. If we continue this way, how long will it take for our infrastructure to collapse or become too old to the point where they cannot sustain a population? We should start rebuilding and fixing now, not when it’s too late.
Pomona High is the size of a mere junior high when compared to the likes of other schools such as Upland High or Claremont High. Worsening the situation is that the administration chooses to hide problems instead of fully repairing them. Many of our classrooms contain cracks in walls, old windows, and other discrepancies that they shouldn’t have. Although it does contain some permanent structures made of brick, many of the classrooms are portables that aren’t meant to be used for long amounts of time. Why would a high school even resort to using portables? It is quite embarrassing. Instead of saving for the construction of permanent and stable classrooms, a decision was made to do a second-hand job of completing a high school. When graffiti or other vandalism occurs, instead of properly renewing the property, a flimsy coat of paint is brushed on, followed by more when the next case occurs. 
When streets wear out and become littered with potholes, the city of Pomona chooses to wait until the roads can cause serious damage to motorist’s vehicles. Many streetlights are not synchronized properly and they cause manyuch traffic and accidents in the process. Instead of investing money in other unneeded city projects, more money should be put into rebuilding and updating the city image. By doing so, many jobs would be created similar to the years after the first First world World warWar, in which most of the infrastructure of our country was built in. Another revolutionary movement should begin to occur, starting with individual neighborhoods and cities, and then expanding onto the entire country. Our economy flourished in the past as the foundations for the countries infrastructure and man-made marvels were created. The U.S. is currently in a situation when it comes to money, but this issue should be given priority when compared to others such as helping foreign countries and getting involved in foreign affairs that do not pertain to us. We must deal with our own problems first, our crumbling infrastructure being one of them.
To solve the problem of the failing infrastructure in schools, funds are needed. Many areas around the country are still experiencing economic difficulties, so asking for aid from the education system is not possible without causing further harm to the failing school system. The best solution to this dilemma would be to create specific groups (charities, so-to-speakfor example) that hold a wide variety of fundraisers specifically for the improvement of a school’s physical structures and appearance. If this can be accomplished, many students will be motivated to improve the schools because they are the facilities in which most of their time in life is spent, emotional attachments to the school grow and a sense of pride and achievement will be spread. Once schools begin to improve their structures, it may have another adverse but positive effect. A school’s standards will increase, helping to increase the educational standards as well and therefore improving the collapsing American educational system.
If we do not begin to maintain and reface our cities, they will become into a modern day Detroit. Many people will begin to leave the weakening structures, leaving behind abandoned homes and buildings, essentially creating a ghost town. The wearing of the places we live in and use on a daily basis is an important issue that deserves much more consideration and attention. We must reverse the deteriorating process now, saving money in the end.