[X]Press Online

June 2008
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		BAMMA student staff [X]PRESS Left to right: Ramon Franco, Brenda Falcon, Monica Guerra, Jamari Caldwell, Joel Cribb, Charlestina Maxie, Oscar Servellon, Ya'Shalan Nelson, Edgar Mendz, Justin Chin, Goldie Chang. Jamari Caldwell Age 18 Hometown East Oakland School Media Academy Interests Reading,... Story by BAMMA staff June 27, 2008 3:54 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Working to make my vote count I’ve waited 18 years to have a voice in America. I am able to make my own decisions without anyone telling me that I can’t vote. Every vote counts. So come November, I’ll be at the polls waiting to vote... Story by Jamari Caldwell June 27, 2008 10:00 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Second chance for young offenders CHARLESTINA MAXIE - [X]PRESS At McCullum Youth Court in Oakland, Destine Wivagg, 20, shares her past as a youth offender. She currently works as a case manager for the court. Tattoos cover her right arm. She... Story by Jamari Caldwell June 27, 2008 9:57 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Students voice key issues in electing next President Ready! Set! Vote! This is what all American citizens are getting ready for with the upcoming November election. It’s a known fact that Sen. Barack Obama is going against Sen. John McCain. They both would make history by becoming president.... Story by Brenda Falcon June 27, 2008 9:57 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Jazz sings a new tune JAMARI CALDWELL - [X]PRESS Meeting weekly, Savannah Harris, 14, Maureen Sides, 10, and Zack King, 16, practice together at the Oaktown Jazz Workshops. The compelling sound of jazz filled the room as 14-year-old Savannah Harris kept the drumbeat... Story by Charlestina Maxie June 27, 2008 9:56 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Art helps homeless teens in recovery YA'SHALAN NELSON - [X]PRESS Artist Ruvano Maxio, 20, was a runaway who now lives in a hospitality house and works on his art at the Roaddawgz studio in San Francisco. Roaddawgz is an art studio that hosts and assists... Story by Joel Cribb June 27, 2008 9:55 AM \| COMMENTS (1)

		Recyclers turn trash into cash JUSTIN CHIN - [X]PRESS Jerry Johnson, 42, waits in line to weigh his recyclables at San Francisco Community Recyclables Center on Market Street. Light glistens off the crystal clear bottle. The bottle that once had the purpose to... Story by Oscar Servellon June 27, 2008 9:54 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Tenderloin shows a new, tender side The 35 blocks that make up the Tenderloin are crowded with homeless people. The air reeks of marijuana. People sell and use drugs to survive. Sirens go off a block away. People rush to their destination trying to pass through... Story by Edgar Mendez June 27, 2008 9:53 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Immigrant student achieves success Omar and his pregnant mother emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. when he was 3 years old. His biological father was an alcoholic and his mother wanted to get away, get a job and give her sons a better opportunity.... Story by Ramon Franco June 27, 2008 9:53 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Immersing students in their native language Can students survive in a class where the teacher only speaks a language they don’t know? Some San Francisco elementary school students have proven that they can. Sophia Casey-Stewart is one of them. She attends Monroe Elementary School and like... Story by Monica Guerra June 27, 2008 9:52 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		After three decades, couple's vows finally made official BRENDA FALCON - [X]PRESS Wade French, 51, and Brent Lok, 54, kiss while posing for pictures with family and friends after their wedding ceremony at San Francisco's City Hall. “When we were students, we didn’t think this would... Story by Ya'Shalan Nelson June 27, 2008 2:51 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		New subway concerns Chinatown OSCAR SERVELLON - [X]PRESS The number 30 Stockton Muni bus crosses the crowded streets of Chinatown on a weekday afternoon. Some Chinatown residents say that despite the future construction of a Muni underground train that will run under Stockton... Story by Justin Chin June 27, 2008 2:48 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Road to Beijing goes through San Bruno EDGAR MENDEZ - [X]PRESS Jimmy Kim, 18, puts on his belt as Corwin Learned, 17, goes to shake hands after the two practiced judo maneuvers together at Cahill's Judo Academy in San Bruno. Kim and Corwin are training to... Story by Goldie Chang June 27, 2008 2:42 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		High school students take on challenge Young journalists complete intensive program to learn and improve journalism... Story by BAMMA Staff June 29, 2007 3:19 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Marching for peaceful streets Mario Rogers has a message for those teenagers committing acts of violence in the Western Addition. “These youngsters are fighting over turf that don’t even belong to them. And they need to realize that the only turf they’re ever going to own in this country is that turf out at the Cypress Lawn, that 6 by 9 foot plot where they’re going to be buried at if they don’t wake up and smell the coffee,” he said. Story by Thomas Balderramos June 27, 2007 9:25 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		'It takes a thug to save a thug' Kids and teens hang out at the United Playaz headquarters inside the SOMA Recreation Center in San Francisco. Without United Playaz, these teens would probably be on the streets getting into trouble with gangs, dealing drugs, stealing or getting arrested, like Rudy Corpuz Jr. was when he was a teenager. Story by Alyssa Martinez June 27, 2007 9:13 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Artist challenges Muslim stereotypes It has been six years since September 11 and 4.64 million Muslim Americans are still living with stereotypes brought on by this event. However, there are Muslim Americans today who are taking a stand and making an effort to clear things up. Story by Arzina Karimi June 27, 2007 9:11 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Delta farmers, agriculture industry at odds over water Parched grass blades wave alongside the river. Bald rocks dot the sides of the levee. A hot wind rushes through a cornfield. The land is still, and ominously dry. In the South Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, an abundant water supply is central to the farming community. It is the largest estuary on the West Coast and roughly 44 percent of the land serves as an agricultural lifeline. Story by Victoria Ly June 27, 2007 9:03 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Supreme Court rules against student speech The Supreme Court ruled June 25 in favor of a school’s right to exercise censorship over student speech. The case is one of the most important in nearly two decades concerning First Amendment rights of students in public schools. Story by Andrew Herwitz June 27, 2007 8:52 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Immigrant students struggle with assimilation Many Asian Americans struggle to reconcile their Asian heritage with their American lifestyle. Is it enough to merely to live in America or should there be an effort made to become an integral part of the community? This becomes a question of integration versus assimilation... Story by Jenny Ji June 27, 2007 8:35 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Gay Asian Christians end their isolation When Belinda Dronkers-Laureta found out her son was gay, it was difficult news for the Filipina-American mother of three to deal with. “I was once homophobic,” Dronkers-Laureta said. “I didn’t understand until I discovered that my son was gay.” Story by Jennifer Cabugao June 27, 2007 8:29 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Bay Area youth go home to the shelter Christine and Angela are your typical 13-year-olds. They are soft spoken but playful with each other like best friends tend to be. They aren’t that different from other kids their age, except that they live in a homeless shelter with about 150 other people... Story by Brittany Stewart June 27, 2007 8:15 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Legal or not, graffiti is about respect The alleys of the Lower Haight are full of huge murals, smaller pieces, and tags. The stores sell graffiti art as well as spray paint and markers for artists. It is an attractive place for graffiti artists who can practice their art, both legally and illegally... Story by Aaron Villanueva June 27, 2007 8:01 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Playing Ball San Francisco’s Pro-Am Basketball League is back for another season. It’s still a place where you don’t have to pay $75 for a seat or $6 for a hot dog. A place where players of all levels play not for money or fame, but for community and fun. Story by Julian Ortega June 27, 2007 7:46 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Undocumented immigrants living in fear of 'la migra' Brenda Dominguez, 26, is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who came to San Francisco two years ago because she heard it was a “sanctuary city.” Sanctuary cities accept and provide services to immigrants regardless of their legal status. But even though Dominguez knows her new home is a city of refuge, she is still afraid of “la migra” – immigration officials. Story by Rosana Callejas June 27, 2007 7:36 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		'New Leaf' bridges generation gap in LGBT community “I think we chewed that up,” said Gordon Smyth, 77, who, along with three other members, had just finished critiquing a short autobiographical piece written by group leader George Birimisa, 81. This is the Intergenerational Writers Workshop, a twice-weekly program held at the LGBT Community Center. Story by Andrew Herwitz June 27, 2007 7:27 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Filmmaker steps into limelight 'Outta Hunters Point' In 2001, Kevin Epps got the media’s attention with his hard-hitting documentary, “Straight Outta Hunters Point.” He went from hanging out with his friends to hanging out with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. But will he forever live in the shadow of his first film? Story by Ashley Leonard June 27, 2007 7:06 PM \| COMMENTS (0)

		SF State Hosts Aikido Summer Camp Before his hand reaches her body, the young woman grabs it and twists it behind his back. She pins him to the floor and waits. Her technique is carefully observed by a panel of Shihans, sixth degree black belts, as... Story by Kate Pyatybratova September 14, 2006 11:49 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		New Women's Soccer Team Sets High Goals The sun is shining, whistles are blowing, and the City College of San Francisco�s track team is warming up for practice. On the football field, equipment bags litter the sidelines while bodies in cleats and shin guards race up and... Story by Camille Rivera September 14, 2006 11:47 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Giving Art Back To The Community Ten years ago, Juan Fuentes was a professional screen printer in the graphic industry. He decided to connect with the local community in the Mission District by becoming the director and teacher of Mission Gafica at the Mission Cultural Center... Story by Christina Lopez September 14, 2006 11:46 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Drums Roll For Local Youth In Loco Bloco A mix of children and teens tighten their drum straps and latch on an array of colorful drums in preparation for a Monday night practice. Heather Watkins, a spunky instructor, equipped with sweats, sneakers, and a commanding voice, lays out... Story by Susan Leong September 14, 2006 11:44 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Free Rides Help Spare The Air In SF This month, thousands of Bay Area riders enjoyed three days of public transportation free of charge. Commuters and visitors traveled on buses, Bay Area Rapid Transit, MUNI, and ferry boats for nothing, thanks to the government-sponsored Spare the Air program.... Story by Chanelle Brown September 14, 2006 11:42 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Arranged Marriages Make Successful Pairings Ketki Desai knew she was going to marry before she ever fell in love. Ever since she was a child growing up in San Francisco, Desai�s parents told her she would have an arranged marriage, not one based on love.... Story by Angelica Dongallo September 14, 2006 11:40 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Promotes Peaceful Student Communication This past May, Elias Botto told a group of students at Washington High School in Fremont his story. Many years ago, Botto brought his father an Arabic tape titled, �We Shall Return.� Nearing the end of the song, when the... Story by Kate Pyatybratova September 14, 2006 11:39 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Mother Turns Tragedy Into A Cause Idriss Stelley, 23, tutored students in three different languages at the City College of San Francisco. He also attended Heald College. According to his family and friends, he was always a non-violent and captivating young man. But then things changed.... Story by Charmaine Jones September 14, 2006 11:34 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Young Adults Missing At The Voting Polls Frederic Roots, a Political Science major, planned to vote during the 2006 California Primary Elections. But his residence didn�t have a local polling station. And the scheduled location in West Oakland provided for an inconvenient location. He decided not to... Story by Damon Mok September 14, 2006 11:32 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Mo' Better Food For Mo' People The smell of fresh produce is abundant in the air around the Fillmore Farmer�s Market every Saturday morning, as customers stock up on their fruits and vegetables for the week. The farmers come from different backgrounds and sell different types... Story by Maahum Chaudhry September 14, 2006 11:29 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Frameline Celebrates 30 Years San Francisco Filmmaker Lawrence �Bud� Dillon believes that song often touches us where spoken words cannot. He is screening his latest film, �Why We Sing,� at Frameline, the annual San Francisco International LGBT (lesbian. gay, bisexual and transgender) Film Festival,... Story by Crystal Hines September 14, 2006 11:27 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Preserving The GLBT Community The suit is blue with skinny stripes and a bullet hole on the left side. It is the original suit that San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk was killed in. Still covered with his blood, the suit lies in the... Story by Jaspreet Singh September 14, 2006 11:25 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Immigrant Church Split Over Political Turmoil As turmoil and battle rupture the small country of Eritrea, located in East Africa, the aftershocks are being felt in the Bay Area. The recent closure of Medhane Alem, an Eritrean Orthodox Church located in East Oakland, was the result... Story by Betial Asmerom September 14, 2006 11:23 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Focalare Group Bridges Bay Area Religions At a May 6 interfaith �Dinner Among Friends� attended Bay-Area Muslims, Catholics, and people of other faiths, attendees were encouraged to sit next to someone they didn�t know, preferably someone of a different faith. Together, the group � known as... Story by Susan Leong September 14, 2006 11:20 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Seeking Shelter From The Stigma Of HIV/AIDS A health educator for seven years, Joe Smith*, never thought he would get AIDS. �I messed up,� he said, explaining that it was just a one-time mistake. His mistake is one of the many factors that contribute to the high... Story by Betial Asmerom September 14, 2006 11:18 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Seeing The City Through New Eyes Nothing could stop 19-year-old Brittany Thomas from storming out of the conference room at the San Francisco Chronicle. �It�s so hard for me to say goodbye! I can�t do it!� she announced dramatically when she was required to reduce her... Story by Angelica Dongallo September 14, 2006 11:17 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		BAMMA Alumni Wins Photography Honor Michelle Wilens never wants to live in regret of what she could have been. The 17-year-old photographer submitted one of her photographs to the �Growing Up Asian in America� scholarship program and competition, sponsored by The Asian Pacific Fund. Wilens,... Story by Jaspreet Singh September 14, 2006 11:13 AM \| COMMENTS (0)

		Bay Area Speaks Up About Sudan Like many other 14-year-olds, Emmanual Bakheit is excited about listening to his favorite radio stations, wearing his new sneakers and the movie he watched late last night. But there is something very different about Emmanual. He arrived in San Francisco... Story by Elizabeth Bailey September 14, 2006 11:11 AM \| COMMENTS (0)
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