For James Martin, chair of the music department at Santa Monica College, the music program is only as strong as the success of its students. Looking back at the year 2013, Martin said that the applied music program has played a significant part in why the program is held in such high regard. "We're very proud in developing our applied...

Since the launch of the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," United States citizens have been treated to a roller coaster ride of the country's health reform. Perhaps the most outstanding issue with the ACA is its website, healthcare.gov, which lists dates and deadlines and takes shoppers through the process of acquiring a health plan. The site has been...

As Santa Monica College's football team inched closer to their third straight Pacific Conference title, a play was unleashed that neither Los Angeles Pierce College nor the rest of the fans saw coming. Up 10 and looking to secure victory, SMC's left tackle Maurquice Shikir caught a screen pass behind scrimmage, only to heave it to wide receiver Deontay Banks...

The year of 2013 has been a ride of many emotions. The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Lakers didn't win the finals. Edward Snowden exposed our government, and then disappeared. The Affordable Care Act was launched. The government shut down, "Grand Theft Auto V" debuted, and let's face it, the game's profit could probably pay off...

The feeling is still there — the life, the energy, the adrenaline. I can still hear that first riff of the lead guitar, and the sound of the first power chord piercing through the air, as it rests itself on the ears of every rockaholic. The sheer excitement of joining thousands of fans screaming, jumping and cheering on their favorite...

The pressure can be daunting. With fans cheering and booing, and the opposing team walking on the court, easy distractions can deter any athlete preparing for battle. But while sitting on the bench with pressure in the air, athletes often turn to one thing to keep them calm — music. Valerie Carillo, a former Santa Monica College volleyball player, listens...

Home to Chicago sports teams, Lincoln Park, and the Chicago-style hot dog, SMC student Jon Ball says the city of Chicago is definitely a place to visit. After living in the western suburbs of Chicago, Ill. for nearly 14 years of his life, Ball says the passion for the seasons and holidays of Chicago were some of his most memorable...

Sleeping in the library is not just a bad idea; it is a dangerously bad idea. It is a common sight to see Santa Monica College students in the library putting aside their daily schoolwork to catch a nap in between classes. These individuals take up space that could be used by students who want to finish homework and study...

As the curtain closes on Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, Santa Monica's Virgina Avenue Park Center is busy preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Located on Virginia Avenue, only two blocks from Santa Monica College, the center takes care of dozens of children within its Thelma Terry Building, as well as teenagers within its Teen Center. The center provides several...

Until recently, Santa Monica College students seeking volunteer opportunities had to look on their own. However, with the Associated Students leading the search, volunteer work is now accessible on campus. The Civic Engagement Program, led by AS Vice President Alex Vandertol, provides students with a platform to find volunteer opportunities. "It is meant to broaden the volunteering opportunities of SMC...