tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167212192011-12-14T18:33:40.228-08:00A Blog dedicated to Santa Monica College & the story and people behind it. Please join us in our courageous fight to SAVE SMC!phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.comBlogger2281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-3794953355605267142010-06-12T01:24:00.000-07:002010-06-12T01:33:07.387-07:00

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phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-85757733457633089852010-06-11T23:45:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:27:21.021-07:00

E3 2009 & E3 2010 Square-Enix LineupBy: Des ManttariEditor-in-Chief,Phoenix GenesisJune 11, 2010.Sometimes it's more fun to look back into the video game industry's past and our impressions of it than to look to the future. With Another E3 Expo right around the corner, you can read my comments from last year's presentation by Square-Enix and then compare it with their upcoming lineup of games

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-71252225007345663612010-06-11T23:12:00.000-07:002010-06-12T01:39:14.793-07:00

Learning Well with “My French Coach” by UBISOFT By: Dolores "Lolly" Hernandez Staff Writer Phoenix Genesis June 11, 2010. I never imagined being able to retain so many words in French in so little time. Well, I have found the best tool for learning a foreign language, and in my case, for learning French. It is extremely easy to use. It’s called “My French Coach,” made by UBISOFT for the

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-81210513921527304372010-06-10T02:32:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:26:41.954-07:00

E3 Expo 2009 Sneakpeek VideoBy: Des ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisJune 10, 2010I can't wait for this year's E3. Enjoy the quick video I threw together from June 1, 2009.(c) 2010: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LPFeel free to link or print this; just include the SAVE SMC URL: http://savesmc.blogspot.com/

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-66923601524413899092010-06-10T02:08:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:26:19.087-07:00

E3 2009 Photos Added To Our New Flickr AccountBy: Des ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisJune 10, 2010We have just opened a new Flickr account. You can access it HERE or to your right in the Phoenix Genesis Portal sidebar. We are excited to finally have a chance to show the setup of last year's E3 2009 Expo (June 1, 2009) at the Los Angeles Convention Center. We hope you will find them

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-34742592259192238622010-06-08T23:58:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:25:54.548-07:00

E3 2009: Overall ImpressionsBy: Des ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisJune 8, 2010For the first time in 3 years, The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) trade show returned to its former glory at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown LA. Given the fact that we’re in an economic recession, the show was fairly impressive. It was a chance to reunite with old friends while meeting some new

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-59011858199943784592010-06-08T23:49:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:25:36.802-07:00

Uncharted: Drake’s FortuneBy: Des ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisJune 8, 2010Game developer Naughty Dog has always produced a top-notch franchise for owners of Sony PlayStation consoles. Those who played the original PlayStation enjoyed the Crash Bandicoot platformer franchise. Who didn’t enjoy the orange quirky marsupial named Crash as he made his way through interesting levels. Then

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-70507337761767761482009-06-02T10:23:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:25:12.194-07:00

Ratchet And Clank Future: Tools Of DestructionDes ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisJune 2, 2009“Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction” is the first installment of the stellar franchise into the Sony PlayStation 3 entertainment system. Once again, Insomniac Games has proven their expertise in providing a truly spectacular gaming experience. Even without the 720p high definition audio

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-41705045545276290662009-06-02T10:11:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:24:56.877-07:00

Animal Crossing: Wild World ReviewDes ManttariEditor-In-Chief,Phoenix GenesisJune 2, 2009“Animal Crossing: Wild World” is perhaps not only the highest selling game for the Nintendo DS handheld system, but it has a huge fan base. Several extensive websites can be found online where fans of the game can provide clothing pattern ideas, custom town musical themes, and strategy and information for the

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-11651531557494632402009-06-02T10:10:00.000-07:002010-06-12T00:24:04.725-07:00

Secrets of the PlayStation 3Des ManttariEditor-In-ChiefPhoenix GenesisMay 21, 2009When Sony first introduced the PlayStation game console to the world, there was a great deal of excitement. Games such as Final Fantasy VII raised the bar with its expansive world, well-crafted gameplay, and compelling characters and storyline. Not only could the player pop in a CD of a game, but one could play

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-57159545394628677362007-06-27T11:29:00.000-07:002007-06-27T11:50:20.857-07:00

Here's a letter that floated into my inbox recently, allegedly from The Soprano's very own Christopher Moltisanti. I repost it here in its entirety (see link below excerpt screenshot).CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE LETTER!!!-- Des Manttari,Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2007: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LPFeel free to link or print this; just include the SAVE SMC URL: http://savesmc.blogspot.com/

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-74482710470542610312007-04-30T12:42:00.000-07:002007-04-30T12:47:52.366-07:00

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-82242047495370950132007-03-18T19:58:00.000-07:002007-03-18T20:24:49.463-07:00

The long awaited Official SAVE SMC MySpace Profile has launched! We are serious online student journalists dedicated to in-depth coverage of Santa Monica Community College District and its vocational satellite campus, the Academy of Entertainment and Technology. We have been actively fighting for the rights of the SMC Community since 2005 and have over 2000 pages of information available

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-33674976808092568372007-03-11T11:50:00.000-07:002007-03-12T00:13:25.468-07:00

On the Santa Monica College Academy of Entertainment and Technology website, Dean of External Programs Katharine Muller begs for money and donations. "We are always looking for donations of equipment and software. An individual or company can also support us with a financial contribution." But this isn't the first time Katharine Muller has thrown up the online plea. As far back as April 1, 2003,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-75822382644773140642007-03-11T01:06:00.000-08:002007-03-11T03:25:35.117-07:00

In our blog article entitled "SMC Re-arranges Deck Chairs on the Titanic," we discussed the very secretive departure of Robert Sammis from Santa Monica College last November. Sammis had held several positions at SMC, ranging from in-house legal counsel to vice-president of human resources and vice-president of planning and development. Sammis has held a license to practice law in the state of

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-4342025980156953762007-03-09T13:07:00.000-08:002007-03-09T14:16:33.887-08:00

According to the Riverside Community College District website, former SMC President Piedad Robertson has suddenly resurfaced in a race to nab the prestigious title of Chancellor. The Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees has allegedly conducted a nationwide search for a new chancellor and has now narrowed down their decision to three finalists. The finalists include Stan

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1168490253343001732007-01-10T19:54:00.000-08:002007-01-10T20:42:05.136-08:00

It is said that history repeats itself. It seems to be the case even in the history of animation. Patrick Sullivan (1887-1933) was the owner of the Sullivan Studio. Sullivan had a reputation as a chronic alcoholic, convicted rapist, con-man, and credit thief. He was even alleged to have murdered his wife. One of Sullivan's scams was to hire talented artists and animators such as Otto Messmer and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1168288628492804512007-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:002007-01-08T12:37:08.590-08:00

According to the SMC Board of Trustees Agenda for January 8, 2007, "by the end of November 2006, tracking results for the Winter 2007 Session indicated a significant lag in enrollment." Of course SMC has used this sad fact to justify spending a total of $73,168 with its contract with the LA Weekly to aggressively market its courses. If one is attentive, there are clues to the lack of enrollment

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1167343629245871162006-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:002006-12-28T14:07:09.350-08:00

A simple peek at Santa Monica College's Administration webpage reveals that there has been quite a mass exodus of administrative positions at the college. Starting with the SMC Board of Trustees, we've seen the departure of Carole L. Currey, Dr. Dorothy Ehrhart-Morrison, and Herb Roney. New to the Board is retired judge David B. Finkel, who has taught political science at SMC, focusing on

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1166819434091379742006-12-22T10:56:00.000-08:002006-12-22T15:40:20.610-08:00

Sadly, Chanukah ends tonight. For many Jewish people, it is a celebration of lights, food, and family, but for me, it has always been a profoundly spiritual transition period, a time to reflect on the previous year and to center myself for the year to come. During this time, I try to follow the path of Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase for "repairing the world." To walk the path of Tikkun Olam is to

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1166781967480135122006-12-22T01:49:00.000-08:002006-12-22T02:06:07.580-08:00

A picture speaks a thousand words. On November 3, 2006, three unknown suspects allegedly burglarized the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET) computer lab, stealing several expensive Dell computers. The surveillance photos caught the suspects red-handed, although so far the SMCPD hasn't been able to retrieve the stolen property. Perhaps if Santa Monica College wasn't so busy misusing its

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1166172539658891812006-12-15T00:35:00.000-08:002006-12-15T13:02:31.636-08:00

Well, it was time to do another YouTube video. "Springtime for Penchansky and SMC" deals with Campus Disciplinarian Judith Penchansky's year long attempt to impose a new administrative regulation, AR 4412, down the throats of unsuspecting students at Santa Monica College. Known as the Honor Code, AR 4412 would allow an Honor Council to have unlimited and unchecked powers to discipline and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1165407202461135442006-12-06T03:40:00.000-08:002006-12-06T04:13:22.570-08:00

While Santa Monica College's administration paints a false and rosy picture of enrollment and fiscal health to the unsuspecting public, the Santa Monica College Faculty Association has the moral courage to tell us all the harsh truth of the college's fiscal and enrollment recovery problems. In an article written by SMCFA President Lantz Simpson, entitled, "Playing Dice with the Future of SMC," Mr

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1165313257152372252006-12-05T01:47:00.000-08:002006-12-06T04:15:19.640-08:00

It's simply amazing how far SMC's administration will go to violate a student's rights. Once again, here's another email and certified letter to Santa Monica College President Chui L. Tsang. Since he's never bothered to respond to our August 1, 2006 request for public records under the California Public Records Act and since he's failed to respond to my several certified letters requesting a

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1165235591563448872006-12-04T02:53:00.000-08:002006-12-04T06:17:57.376-08:00

THE SMC SCAM: STUDENT RIGHTS?SMC's Hidden Loopholes and The Double Standard-- A SAVE SMC EditorialHave you ever wondered why an institution of higher education such as Santa Monica Community College does so little to uphold the rights of its students (which it supposedly advocates)?The Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of faculty, staff, students and the community to a safe campus

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1164112581420303232006-11-21T02:43:00.000-08:002006-11-21T04:36:21.606-08:00

So far, we've written three articles on Santa Monica College's Online History of Animation course (ET61), offered through smconline.org and eCollege. We have discussed how AET Professor James (Jim) Keeshen tampered with online quizzes, concealed vital public records regarding the webpages that linked to the overpriced required CD-ROMS, and how Professor Keeshen is no longer allowed to teach the

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1163938903351016332006-11-19T02:59:00.000-08:002006-11-19T04:44:34.006-08:00

One can understand when concerned parents are up in arms about video game stores selling their impressionable children copies of the M-rated Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game. After all, the game had hidden sex scenes and plenty of graphic violence with firearms and gang violence. But parents at the Shiloh Elementary School who have criticized the school's administration for refusing to

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1163818178351834322006-11-17T16:21:00.000-08:002006-11-18T14:02:38.653-08:00

SMC has been plagued for many years with intertwined fiscal and enrollment recovery problems. On October 1, 2005, according to SMC's Missed Information Online, then Interim President for Santa Monica College, Thomas J. Donner (now retired) stated in relevant part:Unfortunately, if we do not achieve [enrollment] recovery to the 2002-03 level, the college will have to cut into its contingency

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1163561833005303112006-11-14T18:13:00.000-08:002006-11-14T22:18:34.776-08:00

Here's a bit of history from uncovered legal findings that Santa Monica College would rather keep swept under the rug. On or about October 24, 1984, the California Court of Appeal released a published opinion [161 Cal. App.3d 734 (1984)] , denying Donald V. Cockburn's petition for a hearing with the Supreme Court. Cockburn had filed a lawsuit against the Santa Monica Community College Personnel

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1163291034949463422006-11-11T15:54:00.000-08:002006-11-11T16:50:58.033-08:00

After a long anticipated wait, Square-Enix has finally released its eagerly anticipated role-playing game, Final Fantasy XII. This is the last of its franchise to grace the Sony PlayStation 2 entertainment system, as the company is well in development toward its Final Fantasy XIII series for the next gen PlayStation 3. Since the game's release on October 31, 2006, I have clocked well over 80

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1162214814837806152006-10-30T05:11:00.000-08:002006-10-30T05:29:26.506-08:00

I finally decided to tackle Windows Movie Maker, a free program that came with my computer, and make my first short music video. It's a tribute to various video games, mostly RPGs (role playing games). For more information on Final Fantasy, video game music, and game industry news, please visit our Phoenix Genesis website. To watch various Final Fantasy music videos I've been collecting, visit my

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1162027158257948442006-10-28T00:47:00.000-07:002006-10-28T13:23:37.733-07:00

Over a year ago, on September 18, 2005, in our blog article Rats Always Flee a Sinking Ship, we quoted Santa Monica College Board of Trustee Margaret Quinones, who stated:We wish Dr. Robertson well and we know that she will help shape national education policy as brilliantly as she shaped our college.Quinones was referring to Piedad Robertson's departure from her presidency of Santa Monica

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1161832639213516772006-10-25T20:07:00.000-07:002006-10-25T20:17:19.243-07:00

For the past month, we've been overhauling the official SAVE SMC website. We've revised all our main pages and added quite a few new pages. The sidebars of each page are filled with valuable information, links, quotes, and comments. Our rollover menu highlights each key section of the site, so you will always know where you are. We've also added a "last updated" sub-header under each main page

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1160508925456387452006-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:002006-10-10T12:35:31.386-07:00

SAVE SMC has celebrated its first birthday back in September. We've taken a few weeks off writing on the SAVE SMC blog over at blogger to do some much needed revisions and additions to the companion website. You can access it HERE. The first page is our PHP beta version. We've integrated cascading stylesheets as well. We're currently working on version 2, which will be much more improved.In

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1159442277230262422006-09-28T04:06:00.000-07:002006-09-28T04:18:14.756-07:00

On March 1, 2006, Jim Keeshen made a formal announcement to his ET18 Storyboarding students in which he defamed my good name, made discriminatory remarks against the disabled, and threatened his students. Acting in his capacity as a professor at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, Jim Keeshen told his class:I'm gonna come after you. I'm going to find out who the spy is in this class and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1159082006922993772006-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:002006-09-24T00:15:48.720-07:00

Most students know Santa Monica College professor Maggie LeDuc as the person who helps keep them healthy and full of energy thanks to her physical education courses. Maggie has been teaching at SMC for over two decades. Her classes rank from general fitness to rock climbing, cycling, hiking, and surfing. Maggie is a highly skilled and dedicated professor, unfortunately slated to retire within the

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158958286149385332006-09-22T13:14:00.000-07:002006-09-22T13:51:26.696-07:00

We're all on the search for free cute little animations to spice up our websites, blogs, and MySpace personal pages. Bunnyhero Labs has just the answer with its interactive virtual pets. Just drop over to their Adoption Centre and get one for yourself. You can choose from among a variety of domesticated pets (kittens, puppies, bunnies, fish, turtles, and hamsters) to farm animals (pigs, ducks,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158911779362338682006-09-21T23:34:00.000-07:002006-09-22T01:25:00.026-07:00

Exactly how many lawsuits do Santa Monica College (SMC) and Santa Monica Community College District (SMCCD) entangle themselves in? I took a little field trip down to the Los Angeles Superior Court in downtown L.A. today and did some research. I counted a whopping 58 lawsuits in all. Some are still pending while others have either been dismissed or settled. Most involve Santa Monica College as a

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158809895204014762006-09-20T19:24:00.000-07:002006-09-20T20:41:46.560-07:00

One of the best courses at Santa Monica College's Academy of Entertainment and Technology is called ET 11: Computer Skills and Software for Animation and Interactive Media. This course is taught by Ian MacGillivray. One of our assignments was to design a book cover using layers in Adobe Photoshop. I combined the interactive things I felt have influenced me and others: Furby, Sony's PlayStation 2

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158729372829642082006-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:002006-09-19T22:19:30.143-07:00

In a May 2004 online report entitled "Ensuring Access with Quality to California's Community Colleges," it is stated that the California Community Colleges have "eroded substantially" and have not lived up to the promises envisioned by the state's 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education. In fact, "California’s 1960 promise of opportunity has become problematic." There are seven concerns that

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158565602273993362006-09-17T23:34:00.000-07:002006-10-01T22:35:01.200-07:00

Santa Monica College's Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET) has been around for almost a decade. However, it has not delivered on all its glorified promises. Let's look at those juicy internships with industry partners that were supposed to launch us into high paying careers. When AET's website first started back around December 1998, it stated that it offered "internships leading to

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158341511360884192006-09-15T10:17:00.000-07:002006-09-15T10:31:51.566-07:00

The other day, I got a letter in the mail from the law offices of Tyre Kamins. You can click on the envelope below to open the letter and read it for yourself. How many more attorneys will jump on the legal bandwagon until all these issues are resolved? A letter from a law firm such as this can easily cost $200 to $300. What a waste of money in my opinion. ATTORNEY LETTER: CLICK ON ENVELOPE TO

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158231105934530762006-09-14T03:21:00.000-07:002006-09-14T18:53:27.993-07:00

Today is the very first birthday of the SAVE SMC Blog!!! An entire year of online news, politics, and entertainment through this weblog and our two supporting websites, SAVE SMC and Phoenix Genesis Online News Media. With all the unpublished material we have gathered, it looks like we'll be going strong for another year or two, so bookmark this page now.When I first envisioned this blog, I did

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158165132614297872006-09-13T09:11:00.000-07:002006-09-13T09:32:13.063-07:00

Well, I am a huge Final Fantasy fan, as is evident on my Phoenix Genesis video game website. I've been rummaging through YouTube the last few weeks, building a nice collection of the Best of Final Fantasy music videos. I also have a few Metal Gear Solid and Kingdom Hearts videos as well. You can check out my favorites at my Phoenix Genesis YouTube page. In the meantime, check out our new Movie

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158138003680878362006-09-13T00:34:00.000-07:002006-09-13T02:19:41.120-07:00

Santa Monica College's Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET) has a history of not coming through on its vocational occupational certificates, alternatively known as "career certificates." First it was the theme park management, then the project management, and the game development program. Certificates get renamed, reshuffled, or on "pending" status. Let's see what's new for Fall 2006.

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1158052981998135672006-09-12T01:17:00.000-07:002006-09-12T02:35:26.980-07:00

About a year or so ago, Santa Monica College offered a Women's Center. The webpage stated the following:The Santa Monica College Women's Center provides:Assistance and orientation for mature female students to smooth their transition back into college;Counseling and support for single and teen parents, homemakers, and a gender equity program to encourage and support students pursuing

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1157992309658841982006-09-11T09:17:00.000-07:002006-09-11T09:31:49.770-07:00

Today is the first anniversary of the official SAVE SMC website. However, it is overshadowed by a far sadder anniversary: 9/11. Five years ago, numerous innocent victims lost their lives. As this has been covered extensively on other websites, we shall simply say that this is a day of mourning and remembrance.Also in the news today, another personal tragedy. Controversial celebrity Anna Nicole

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1157881760353521362006-09-10T02:27:00.000-07:002006-09-10T02:49:20.386-07:00

On or about August 2, 2006, I filed and caused to be served a verified complaint for libel and slander against Defendant Thomas J. Baker. Although properly served, Baker disputed his service. Despite his erroneous contentions, he filed an answer with the Court on or about August 25, 2006. In fact, Baker served me with two answers, one via substitute personal service on or about August 28, 2006

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1157802595788209122006-09-09T04:31:00.000-07:002006-09-09T04:49:55.806-07:00

On September 8, 2005, my attorneys served a verified complaint and petition to Santa Monica Community College District (SMCCD), demanding compliance under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). SMCCD, by and through its agents and employees, retaliated with a vengeance. On or about August 1, 2006, I served SMCCD and President Chui L. Tsang with a sixth request for public records belonging to

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1157759004116851602006-09-08T16:18:00.000-07:002006-09-08T16:43:24.196-07:00

Santa Monica College has backed down from its suspension hearing, which it had unilaterally set, despite my written objections, for today and next week. Pursuant to the law and its own policies, SMC had ten days from the date of my suspension appeal to hold an impartial hearing. Despite repeatedly requesting that SMC comply with the law and the minimal due process afforded to me under the United

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1156327588199555322006-08-23T02:43:00.000-07:002006-08-23T03:06:28.230-07:00

Professor Jeannie Novak was married to her husband Luis on July 22, 2006. The happy couple had a quiet wedding on the beach. Below are a few pictures. Professor Novak formerly taught several classes at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET) campus at Santa Monica College, including Game Development, eBusiness, and Project Management. Novak is also the author of several books on game

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1156323217064598552006-08-23T01:32:00.000-07:002006-08-23T02:13:41.980-07:00

Professor Maggie LeDuc is teaching some awesome PE classes that still have openings for fall semester at Santa Monica College. They are as follows:2374 KIN PE 15A 35 9 ..T.H.. 12:45PM-02:05PM LEDUC M M SPECTRUM This is a spinning class (cycling) taught at Spectrum gym, near the AET campus. The gym will let you stay afterwards and work out on any of their equipment and weights. They also have a

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1155847147705712592006-08-17T13:27:00.000-07:002006-08-17T13:39:07.820-07:00

On September 26, 2005, Santa Monica Community College District (SMCCD) issued a 19-page Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for its Santa Monica College satellite Bundy Campus. Based on the initial evaluation, an EIR was required due to the fact that the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment. According to the SMC CEQA Initial Study

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154845902309104632006-08-05T23:19:00.000-07:002006-08-05T23:31:42.343-07:00

Here is another set of email correspondence between me and Defendant, Thomas J. Baker. Since I sent my email response to him yesterday, I have not heard another word from him. As in his previous email, it appears in my opinion that he is being directed by Santa Monica College's legal counsel, Robert Sammis. Defendants often use delaying tactics to forestall answering a civil complaint in court.

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154633751411751202006-08-03T12:15:00.000-07:002006-08-03T12:35:55.273-07:00

Yesterday, Santa Monica College student Thomas J. Baker was personally served with a summons and complaint for damages for libel and slander. The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Within a short time thereafter, he emailed me, claiming he was improperly served and threatening a counter-suit for harassment and punitive damages. I contend that he was properly served and find his

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154509971929205102006-08-02T01:55:00.000-07:002006-08-02T02:12:51.973-07:00

Yesterday, I sent another public records request via certified mail to Santa Monica College in care of President Chui L. Tsang. This will be the sixth request for public records for SMC and its satellite campus, the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET). You can view the request HERE. To date, SMC has failed to disclose many records under the law. Robert Sammis, Vice-President of Planning

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154496839520130962006-08-01T19:05:00.000-07:002006-08-05T15:55:52.033-07:00

This past Friday, July 29, 2006, Hollywood megastar and Oscar winning director Mel Gibson, 50, was pulled over on the PCH by a police officer, allegedly driving his Lexus 87 mph in a 45 mph zone, while under the influence. His blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. To make matters worse, Gibson allegedly went into a bigoted and Anti-Semitic tirade against the officer. Gibson was arrested

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154379485337680362006-07-31T13:37:00.000-07:002006-07-31T13:58:11.790-07:00

Santa Monica Community College District has officially failed to comply with both my requests and the law pertaining to my wrongful suspension, disciplinary hold, and release and inspection of student records. I had given the District until today to begin a suspension appeal hearing, long overdue, and Robert Sammis has simply continued with business as usual. Here is another email to him, copied

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154169426687610362006-07-29T02:30:00.000-07:002006-07-29T03:40:45.040-07:00

In a letter from Chapter 36 to Dave Low at the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Governmental Relations Office in Sacramento, sent in April 2004, the Santa Monica College CSEA Executive Board opposed SMC board member Margaret Quinones' potential appointment to the California Community College Board of Governors. The CSEA felt they were "morally bound" to describe its personal

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1154088587253262532006-07-28T03:34:00.000-07:002006-07-28T05:15:50.303-07:00

Historically, there has been widespread discontent at Santa Monica Community College among its faculty and classified staff. Previously, we've covered the SMC Faculty March and Rally as well as the outspoken comments by the faculty to the SMC Board of Trustees on April 10, 2006. We've also made available online the CSEA 2004 Survey Comments that were critical of both the SMC Board of Trustees and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153914366108926882006-07-26T03:24:00.000-07:002006-07-26T05:00:49.470-07:00

On almost a daily basis, Robert Sammis, acting on behalf of Santa Monica College, is finding more and more excuses to delay my suspension appeal hearing while conversely depriving me of my rights to an education at its public community college. This is precisely the same tactic Sammis took when I sought vital public records belonging to the District under the California Public Records Act.

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153872441747930212006-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:002006-07-25T17:07:21.776-07:00

Yet another email response to Robert Sammis in his capacity as both legal counsel and vice president of planning and development for Santa Monica College. Each day that goes by, SMC and Sammis are continuing to fail to uphold its student rights and the Constitution, to which it is both legally and morally bound. Both President Chui L. Tsang and the SMC Board of Trustees, continue to ratify Sammis

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153840240157264362006-07-25T07:41:00.000-07:002006-07-25T08:32:27.773-07:00

Robert Sammis is getting progressively more nasty and evasive in his emails to me. Meanwhile, Santa Monica College President Chui L. Tsang has simply lapsed into silence, in sharp contrast to his designation as champion of student First Amendment rights. Despite copying my numerous written emails to the SMC Board of Trustees, they too have been curiously silent. If the District was so convinced

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153783996458875032006-07-24T16:13:00.000-07:002006-07-24T16:33:16.603-07:00

Yet another email response to Robert Sammis. It's really apparent that Santa Monica Community College District is unwilling and unprepared to move along in a timely fashion to defend its flimsy allegations against me. The suspension should be dismissed immediately.-- Des Manttari,Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2006: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LP----------------------- MY EMAIL TO ROBERT SAMMIS -----

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153629516042113072006-07-22T21:16:00.000-07:002006-07-22T21:38:36.133-07:00

Robert Sammis has emailed me back, completely ignoring my requests to either dismiss the wrongful suspension against me or, alternatively, to provide me a suspension appeal hearing date no later than July 31, 2006. Over and over again, Santa Monica College has shown through its administration that it does not consider its students to have any rights whatsoever, despite Constitutional guarantees

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153529646682961602006-07-21T17:30:00.000-07:002006-07-21T17:54:06.746-07:00

On or about Tuesday, July 18, 2006, Santa Monica College President Chui L. Tsang wrote me the following email: I have reviewed your letter dated June 29, 2006. I am aware that the District is awaiting contact from your attorney in order to set a mutually agreeable date and time for your suspension hearing. Please be advised that under Administrative Regulation 4410, if the Appeal Committee

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153440417953398852006-07-20T16:06:00.000-07:002006-07-20T17:06:58.166-07:00

Santa Monica College president Chui L. Tsang finally responded to my June 29, 2006 certified letter via email the other day. Here is my response to him. As usual, I provide this information for other students similarly situated who may be struggling with how to fight their wrongful suspension or expulsion from school. This is in no way to be construed as legal advice, but merely as a way for all

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153260482914501992006-07-18T15:02:00.000-07:002006-07-18T15:08:03.026-07:00

Of course Robert Sammis emailed me, avoiding all the issues I raised. Here is his email response to me and my response to him.-- Des Manttari,Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2006: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LP-------------- MY EMAIL RESPONSE TO ROBERT SAMMIS -------------------------ATTENTION: ROBERT SAMMIS, VP PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTSANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICTJuly 18, 2006Dear Mr.

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1153214266460825452006-07-18T01:55:00.000-07:002006-07-18T02:21:05.530-07:00

Finally, Santa Monica College Vice-President of Planning and Development, Robert Sammis, has crawled out of the woodwork, alleging that he has not heard from me, and insisting on moving forward with the suspension appeal hearing. As my email to him (see below) makes clear, SMC is in violation of my due process rights. The time to bring forth such an appeal under the California Education Code has

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1152078552179090272006-07-04T21:33:00.000-07:002006-07-09T01:31:08.260-07:00

While most people celebrate the Fourth of July with hotdogs, barbeques, and fireworks, few forget the significance of this holiday. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. Thus, America was free from British tyranny and a democratic nation was born.But all the rights we enjoy today were not instantly granted to the people. They were fought for with

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1151895718184253132006-07-02T19:29:00.000-07:002006-07-02T20:01:58.233-07:00

On or about June 26, 2006, the Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office sent a 5-page letter to the Associated Students of Santa Monica College regarding alleged violations of the Ralph M. Brown Open Meeting Act. To view the DA's letter in Adobe PDF format, click HERE. To read Jeff Higley's comprehensive news coverage on his blog, The Siege Online, click HERE

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1151779031216753762006-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:002006-07-01T11:37:11.230-07:00

A week has elapsed and Santa Monica College President Chui L. Tsang, like everyone else at SMC, has not responded. To date, I have not been afforded inspection of my student records (including any alleged disciplinary records) despite almost a year of written and oral requests. I have not been provided any answers to my questions or responses to my grievances. Furthermore, my due process rights

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1151547080731578072006-06-28T17:36:00.000-07:002006-06-29T11:56:57.183-07:00

Most colleges complain about tightening the budget belt and direct their budget crunches against faculty salary increases and elimination of student services. The money seems to be there, yet it is being allocated in the wrong places. Here are a few recent news stories that make us wonder how effective our tax dollars are being spent.According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Eduardo J.

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1151157220883610712006-06-24T05:10:00.000-07:002006-06-24T06:59:18.306-07:00

Please Note: This is a parody article, including any photographs, and not to be taken seriously. It is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Santa Monica Community College District. Phoenix Genesis and SAVE SMC do not in any way endorse any Nazi, Fascist, or Klu Klux Klan organization or group nor are we part of any or intend to be in the future. Any reference to such is done as mere satire. As

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1151098864456496342006-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:002006-06-23T19:18:45.133-07:00

Here is an email I just sent our new Santa Monica College President, Chui L. Tsang, requesting the immediate dismissal of my wrongful suspension. To date, SMC has maintained complete radio silence regarding affording me an impartial hearing appeal or inspection of my disciplinary files. They cannot hide forever.- Des Manttari,Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2006: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LP--------

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150919656419830762006-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:002006-06-21T13:01:14.930-07:00

Santa Monica Community College District Administrative Regulation Section 2000: General District contains detailed information about SMC's computer and network use policies for faculty, staff, and students. Under AR 2515, the purpose of computer and network use is described as follows:The Santa Monica Community College District provides a wide array of technology resources to staff, students and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150881179120390482006-06-21T01:07:00.000-07:002006-06-21T11:14:10.270-07:00

On or about June 20, 2006, SMC student Jeff Higley sent a certified letter to Deyna Hearn, Assistant Dean of Student Life at Santa Monica College. In his letter, Mr. Higley has requested that Ms. Hearn comply with the California Public Records Act and produce those public records in the custody and control of the Office of Student Life. Mr. Higley relies on case law and legal decisions warranting

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150858006263123192006-06-20T18:23:00.000-07:002006-06-21T02:30:17.766-07:00

So far, we've covered Santa Monica College professor David Javelosa's questionable use of the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET) server and his advertisements on MySpace in both Part 1 and Part 2 of our ongoing series entitled: Santa Monica College Sex Scandals Exposed. We revealed that Professor Javelosa ran a secret website on our public vocational school's server advocating teenage

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150794236910785962006-06-20T00:14:00.000-07:002006-06-20T02:03:57.006-07:00

In Santa Monica College Sex Scandals Exposed: Part 1, we gave you an overview on the secret agendas at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology. While AET Professor Jim Keeshen was jet setting around the globe to Korea to work on his animated film, his rival AET Professor David Javelosa was off skydiving and prancing around half nude on his hidden AET webpages. Javelosa gave a new meaning to "

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150775726018522862006-06-19T20:31:00.000-07:002006-06-19T20:55:26.036-07:00

Previously, we did a blog article entitled, "Jim Keeshen's Fall 2003 Sabbatical" in which we examined the questionable sabbatical by Santa Monica College professor Jim Keeshen. Keeshen teaches at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET). According to Vice President of Planning and Development, Robert Sammis, Keeshen never filed his mandated sabbatical reports with the school. In essence,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150705420483047882006-06-18T22:23:00.000-07:002006-06-19T01:23:40.563-07:00

When most people hear the term "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," they think of the famous 1989 movie written and directed by Steven Soderbergh. However, sex, lies, and videotape exists in the real world in a community college known as Santa Monica College (SMC) and its vocational satellite campus, the Academy of Entertainment and Technology (AET). Here, various unscrupulous administrators, faculty,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150295323058384832006-06-14T07:26:00.000-07:002006-06-18T08:58:00.920-07:00

The Santa Monica College Academic Senate has a Professional Ethics & Responsibilities Committee. Who among our public servants are listed as committee members? Jim Stramel is listed as the chair. He is a professor of philosophy at SMC who has taught a course entitled "Philosophy of Star Trek." Apparently this course has been taught at SMC since 2002 and met at the Academy of Entertainment and

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1150190364345972652006-06-13T02:10:00.000-07:002006-06-13T02:19:24.360-07:00

Here's an email I just sent Santa Monica College Vice-President of Planning and Development, Robert Sammis. -- Des Manttari, Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2006: Phoenix Genesis/MBS LP-------------------------- MY EMAIL TO ROBERT SAMMIS -----------------------------ATTENTION: ROBERT SAMMIS, SMCCDJUNE 13, 2006RE: SUSPENSION APPEAL HEARING AND REQUEST FOR FURTHER DOCUMENTSDear Mr. Sammis,I

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149885248052752772006-06-09T11:27:00.000-07:002006-06-09T13:34:08.133-07:00

On March 1, 2006, Santa Monica College's propaganda publication for SMC employees entitled Missed Information, wrote a nice little gem toasting Thomas J. Donner's alleged financial and interim leadership to our school. The editor wrote the following:Are we better off than we were a year ago? You betcha. Did Tom play a key role in helping to create a better campus climate, one in which trust

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149653487873125462006-06-06T19:32:00.000-07:002006-06-07T00:29:25.606-07:00

Across many public college campuses in this country, administrators are attempting to prohibit students rights to free speech with illegal free speech zones, student conduct codes cloaked as vague and prohibitive speech codes, and harsh disciplinary sanctions for what they feel is little more than a vocal student challenging them to move outside their comfort zones. Fortunately, the high courts

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149542412255168322006-06-05T14:00:00.000-07:002006-06-05T14:20:12.300-07:00

Here's yet another email to Santa Monica College Disciplinarian Judith Penchansky and her before and after classic one-liners avoiding responsibility. Clearly, perhaps every single civil right and student right I have at Santa Monica Community College has been violated thus far. Both Robert Sammis and Judith Penchansky expected both Jeff Higley and I to walk away like beaten dogs with our tails

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149281581983396842006-06-02T13:31:00.000-07:002006-06-02T13:53:10.856-07:00

Of course Judith Penchansky wrote me a one-line email response, washing her hands of the suspension appeal and rerouting responsibility to Robert Sammis, the very same person who attempted to extort a "settlement" from me in lieu of suspension. Penchansky, as you recall, is the same person who blackmailed Professor Keeshen and circulated a petition against me with Thomas J. Baker, attempting to

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149196744638382752006-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:002006-06-01T14:19:04.753-07:00

Here is yet another email sent to Judith Penchansky today. Of course Penchansky is not only refusing to adequately respond to any legitimate questions I may have, despite numerous emails, but she continues to refuse to provide me with my student records and any other documents, including SMCPD police incident reports, she is maintaining in her Santa Monica College Office of Judicial Affairs. Not

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149071309855473412006-05-31T01:15:00.000-07:002006-05-31T10:00:19.113-07:00

In our two previous blog articles, Violation of Jeff Higley's Civil Rights by SMCPD and Judith Penchansky's and SMCPD's Abuse of Power, we examined the roles of SMCPD officers Michael Champagne and Steve Hearn, with a brief cameo by Willie Malone. We looked at the widespread police abuse, complete with some Rodney-King inspired video footage by SMC student Jeff Higley, editor-in-chief of The

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149062420725842792006-05-30T21:56:00.000-07:002006-05-31T01:00:20.796-07:00

Now, despite repeated requests for a formal written letter of suspension as well as supporting documents and answers to my questions, Judith Penchansky has not bothered to respond to me. Since Penchansky is the designated campus "Disciplinarian" at Santa Monica College, operating her wrongful suspension mill out of the Office of Judicial Affairs and under the direction of Vice President of

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149027699251975092006-05-30T15:07:00.000-07:002006-05-30T15:21:39.416-07:00

Here is the email I just sent Judith Penchansky, requesting an extension of time to file the appeal from her wrongful suspension and again demanding that my student records be turned over. Clearly, from the information graciously provided to me by SMC student Jeff Higley, Penchansky is in clear violation of my rights and discriminating against the disabled at Santa Monica College. For reference,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1149020675125101382006-05-30T12:48:00.000-07:002006-05-30T13:33:26.636-07:00

Here is the email I just sent Deyna Hearn, Santa Monica College's Assistant Dean of Student Life, regarding both her failure to respond to my May 8, 2006 email to her regarding the alleged discriminatory practices and misuse of campus police of the SMC Gaming Club as well as my request that your office promptly conduct a formal investigation into this matter. Given her past failure to respond,

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148955688487318372006-05-29T17:34:00.000-07:002006-05-30T04:16:42.823-07:00

SMC Assistant Dean of Judicial Affairs, Judith Penchansky, working in tandem with Vice-President of Planning and Development Robert Sammis and a number of alleged conspirators including Academy of Entertainment and Technology Dean Katharine Muller have worked tirelessly to turn me away from any and all civil rights, intellectual property rights, and student rights I may possess at Santa Monica

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148933653596712722006-05-29T10:57:00.000-07:002006-05-29T13:55:54.996-07:00

In our previous blog article, "Violation of Jeff Higley's Civil Rights by SMCPD," we examined the violation of Santa Monica College student Jeff Higley's rights in SMC's Free Speech Area on campus. We provided shocking video footage of SMCPD Officer Michael Champagne's verbally threatening attack on Mr. Higley. Now, let's look more into the police misconduct of Officer Champagne, accompanied that

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148882605199747792006-05-28T21:08:00.000-07:002006-07-20T13:31:57.200-07:00

As previously indicated in our SAVE SMC blog article, "Des Manttari Defends Student Rights at SMC," Santa Monica College student Jeff Higley has been championing the rights of students at SMC, helping to document problematic events and public issues through his videotaping. He courageously videotaped me as I addressed a rather rude and inattentive Board of Trustees during public comments on April

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148810261073834592006-05-28T01:37:00.000-07:002006-05-28T02:57:41.143-07:00

Once again, it's time to see what those who support our efforts to SAVE SMC have to say about the recent events that have transpired over the last several months. To protect them all from retaliation, I have kept them anonymous. I only corrected minor spelling errors and typos. I've divided their comments into the appropriate categories. I've only selected a handful of comments from our

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148791592898651872006-05-27T20:42:00.000-07:002006-05-28T21:07:53.306-07:00

Back in our blog post on April 13, 2006, entitled "My Speech to the SMC Board of Trustees," I posted the full text of my public commentary to the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees in an effort to stop the hate crimes and hate speech against its disabled student body. Despite numerous emails to the Board of Trustees in addition to my public commentary, not a single one has yet answered the

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1148593977145551792006-05-25T14:32:00.000-07:002006-05-25T19:59:49.720-07:00

Here is an email I just sent Judith Penchansky, Dean of Judicial Affairs at Santa Monica College. Given SMC’s repeated reluctance to respond to any of my legitimate questions, concerns, and grievances and the ongoing and pervasive violation of my student and Constitutional rights, I doubt she will bother to either respond or provide me with the records long since overdue. For more on the ongoing

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1147253195049424022006-05-10T02:15:00.000-07:002006-05-10T02:26:35.113-07:00

E3 2006 is upon us here in Los Angeles, California. Phoenix Genesis Online News Media has exclusive photos of the showroom floor. Our Early Access Media team is ready to go in a few hours to cover this exciting event. In the meantime, you can check out our E3 2006 Press Conferences and Exclusive Photo Gallery by clicking HERE.Enjoy,-- Des Manttari,Editor-in-Chief,Phoenix Genesis(c) 2006: Phoenix

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16721219.post-1147126211814991992006-05-08T14:23:00.000-07:002006-05-09T00:02:36.816-07:00

Here is the recent correspondence I just sent Santa Monica College Assistant Dean of Student Life, Deyna Hearn regarding the SMC Gaming Club. I also copied my email to the president of the school as well as to the Vice Chair of the SMC Board of Trustees. Hopefully, SMC will finally take action and defend the rights of its diverse student community against such threats and hate crimes now and in

phoenixgenesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12254699341191534282noreply@blogger.com0