THE
RAMPAGE Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College
Spring 2018 Issue 1 Jan. 24, 2018
WOMEN’S MARCH 2018
Story on Page 6
Patricia Johnson raises her fist in protest at the Women’s March in Fresno’s River Park area on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
Former Employee turned student accuses district of discrimination Larry Valenzuela | News Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com
A former Fresno City College employee who is now a student is claiming that the college violated her rights as a disabled student by suspending her. Linda Sanchez was suspended for two years on Dec. 18, 2017 after multiple complaints were filed against her, according to former Interim Vice President of Student Services, Barbara Blanchard. Sanchez was notified of her suspension in a letter from Blanchard, which listed eight different complaints of her alleged disruptive behavior on campus. In the suspension letter, Blanchard says Taher Food Service Supervisor Anita Handy
and her staff claimed that Sanchez entered the Student Activities Building, telling the staff their jobs were in jeopardy due to a district decision. Handy told her staff that these rumors were untrue, according to the letter. The second complaint involved Interim Director of Student Activities, Ernie Martinez and students. According to the letter, Martinez said Sanchez was very disruptive in their area and causing the students to become fearful. No date or further details were given. In another complaint, Blanchard said after investigating, she found the multiple harassment charges that Sanchez filed against Dean of Students Sean Henderson were untrue. Henderson and his staff claim
Sanchez barged into his office with another student without an appointment. According to the suspension letter, Kim Quesada, secretary to the president, complained that Sanchez had called her and kept her on the phone for 30 minutes. Blanchard also said that in a meeting with Sanchez, Sanchez refused to stay on topic, and instead repeated past complaints about Henderson. Blanchard said she ended the meeting when Sanchez began to use profanity as she left the office. The suspension letter also alleges Sanchez entered the staff dining room, reserved for employees, during a staff holiday celebration in fall 2017. According to the letter, Sanchez was asked to leave numerous
times. Blanchard also said in the letter that in addition to the listed complaints, campus police have records of other disruptive incidents involving Sanchez. Sanchez said she has since filed an appeal. She addresses the complaints against her in a letter dated Dec. 18, 2017. In the letter of appeal to Blanchard in response to the the eight complaints filed against her, Sanchez addresses each of the complaints, saying that they were misread. She said she has a disability and is a victim of bullying on campus and that the administration refuses to help her. “They’re misconstruing the truth.” Sanchez said. “They put a hold on my classes for two years saying that I was threatening the
Taher employees.” Sanchez said that she is being discriminated against by the district and will be seeking legal action for allegedly violating her American with Disabilities rights. She said she was diagnosed by her doctor as being bipolar and is currently wearing a walking boot. Sanchez is expected to have a hearing about the complaints on Friday Jan.26. Sanchez, a former 17-year employee of the Fresno City College Student Activities office, was charged with battery against a student aide at the same office in March of 2015. In April 2015 Sanchez alleged a cover-up of a little over $2,000 missing from the Associated Student Government account.
News| Page 2
Entertainment| Page 9
Sports | Page 10
SCCCD board elects new president
“The Whale” cast announced
Women’s basketball begins season with win in Merced tournament
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THE RAMPAGE
The student-run newspaper of Fresno City College
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Ashleigh Panoo News/Multimedia Editor Larry Valenzuela Art Director Ramuel Reyes Sports Editor Anthony De Leon Enterainment Editor Noah Villaverde Social Media Editor Omari Bell Opinion Editor Frank Lopez REPORTERS Claudia Chavez Anjanae Freitas Jeanne Kesterson Andrew Leal Loren Marcotte Jamila McCarty Gabbi Micheli Efrain Morales Paulina Rodriguez-Ruiz Sasha Saunders Jose Serrano Tamara Torres-Leguizamon Tommy Tribble Tasha Turner Business Manager Maria Aguilar Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju
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Tip Line 559-422-8262 Letters to the Editor editorial@therampageonline.com Corrections media@therampageonline.com Any correction needed for an article should be brought to the attention of the staff of The Rampage. The Rampage is committed to accuracy and should be made aware of any mistake in an article that appears in this paper. Views expressed in the opinion pages are those of the individual writer and not of the newspaper. The Rampage is produced by students of the Journalism 11 A, B, C, D class.
Woman Robbed at Gunpoint Near Campus Ashleigh Panoo | Editor-in-Chief apanoo@therampageonline.com
A woman was robbed at gunpoint near Fresno City College on the evening of Jan. 23, according to Lt. Steve Card of the Fresno Police Department. Card said the woman was in the area of Weldon and Wishon avenues, northwest of campus, when a Hispanic man brandished a handgun just after 8 p.m, taking her backpack and other items. The man then fled the scene in a silver Honda sedan, Card said. Police are investigating, but no arrests have been made.
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Mike Dana to Be Inducted into Jazz Hall of Fame, Will Retire in May Noah Villaverde | Entertainment Editor nvillaverde@therampageonline.com
Before he retires from Fresno City College this May, Jazz Studies Director Mike Dana will be inducted into the California Alliance for Jazz Hall of Fame in San Jose on Feb. 16. Dana is in his 28th and final year as the Jazz Studies director at FCC and will retire at the end of the spring 2018 semester. “As I look back at the people that I know that were inducted before me, there are people that I always admired and respected,” Dana said. “To be included in that company is an honor.” The California Alliance for Jazz inducts candidates into their Hall of Fame based on their record in benefiting not just the school where they teach, but the broader Jazz community. Prior to working at FCC, Dana taught within the Fresno Unified School District and has served as a music educator for 36 years. “It is bittersweet that this will be my last semester teaching here,” Dana said. Beyond his contributions as FCC’s Jazz Studies director, Dana credits his numerous accomplishments as a musician for being inducted. He has composed music that has been distributed and performed around the world. In 2016, Dana was nominated for a Grammy honoring the top music educator in the nation. In 2017, he was a guest composer in residence at the University of
Montana. “My love for jazz education is beyond just what I do here at Fresno City College,” Dana said. “I take what I love of music and jazz in particular to people all over California, the U.S. and abroad.” His advice to students is that creativity enhances education. “Without exploring and enhancing our creative sensibilities, I don’t think we would be a complete human being,” Dana said and that applies to all, not just music majors. “People sometimes feel like they either have to pursue music
as a major or they have to stop, and that really isn’t the case,” he explained. Dana has traveled around the world as an educator. He and his wife Julie Dana, a fellow music educator at FCC, are involved with the jazz education abroad program. This spring, Dana will travel to Thailand to teach for a week. He will also travel to the island of Cyprus for another week of teaching, followed by a trip to Lebanon. Along with their involvement in the jazz education abroad program, they currently teach a vocal jazz ensemble class together.
Mike Dana and his wife Julie rehearse with their Jazz Vocal Ensemble class together at Fresno City College. Photo/Noah Villaverde
Bobby Kahn elected SCCCD Board President Tasha Turner | Reporter
tturner@therampageonline.com
Bobby Kahn is the new president of the State Center Community College District board of trustees. Kahn, who was elected during the board of trustees meeting on Dec. 5, 2017, has been on the board since November 2014. He will represent Area 1 until 2018. Khan has also been the executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission since March 2002. Deborah Ikeda was elected vice president, and Richard Caglia was elected secretary. “It is a true honor to be selected by my peers to lead the SCCCD board,” Kahn said. “I look forward to assisting the board in managing all of the exciting issues that the District will be addressing over the next year.” Kahn already has plans for the future of SCCCD. “One of the top priorities will be implementing the first phase of projects that are part of the Measure C Bond voters overwhelmingly passed in June 2016,”
Julie Dana says they have learned a lot from each other’s expertise. “He knew nothing about choral music, and that was all I knew,” she said. “I’ve done jazz before, but not in a way that I do it now because I’ve learned a lot from him.” Ms. Dana also said she believes her husband’s induction into the California Alliance for Jazz Hall of Fame is well deserved. “He’s really a master educator and it’s about time he got something like this,” Julie said. “It’s a pretty exciting time for us, and I’m pretty proud of him.”
Bobby Kahn. Photo Courtesy of SCCCD
Kahn said. “All of the communities in the SCCCD boundaries will see some type of construction activity thanks to the bond.” Chancellor Paul Parnell said that Khan brings a wealth of knowledge to the board presidency. “As we begin Measure C construction, his expertise in economic development will benefit the District,” Parnell said. The SCCCD is made up of Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, Madera and Oakhurst Community College Centers and the Career and Technology Center. SCCCD is governed by a board of
seven trustees which also include Miguel Arias, John Leal, Ronald H. Nishinaka, and Eric Payne. SCCCD serves approximately 1.7 million people and 22 unified and high school districts in Fresno and Madera counties and portions of Kings and Tulare counties. The service area is equal to the state of Connecticut with 5,500 sq. miles of both urban and rural areas. Currently, more than 50,000 students are enrolled. Kahn handles all economic development related issues for three jurisdictions, including commercial and industrial development projects. Holding a bachelor of science degree from Pepperdine University, Kahn has spent approximately 20 years in the real estate brokerage business. He was a past chairman and currently serves as treasurer of the California Central Valley Economic Development Corporation. Kahn is a member of the California Association for Local Economic Development, which is California’s premier economic development association.
Scott Dikkers and Dolores Huerta to Speak in OAB Auditorium Tasha Turner | Reporter
tturner@therampageonline.com
Scott Dikkers and Dolores Huerta will be among personalities speaking in the OAB auditorium this semester, according to the college’s public information office. Dikkers, founder of the news-satire organization The Onion, will speak on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, will be speaking March 23 at 6:30 p.m. The Valley Public Broadcasting Service will feature a special screening of the new documentary “Dolores”, which is centered around how she established the farm workers union and how it became a platform for feminism and gender equality. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Huerta. Both events will be free of charge and are sponsored by the Speakers Forum.
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Marchers, including Fresno City College student Jewel Hurtado, center left, gather around Fresno City Hall on Monday, Jan.15 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. Photo/Paulina Rodriguez
Marchers Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Paulina Rodriguez | Reporter pruiz@therampageonline.com
Hundreds of people gathered in frigid temperatures in downtown Fresno on Jan. 15 for the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. remembrance march. The event was organized by the Martin Luther King Unity committee, a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and honor the legacy of King by putting on events throughout the community. The event included a performance by the King Elementary School dance troupe. Participants gathered at St.
John’s Cathedral in the corner of Mariposa and S Street. They sang “We Shall Overcome” as they made their way to Fresno City Hall. Speakers reminded participants of Martin Luther King’s legacy and the work needed to fulfill his dream. Carole Goldsmith, president of Fresno City College, highlighted King’s extensive civil rights career. “To think that Dr. King was only about desegregation in the United States is wrong, “said Goldsmith. “He spoke eloquently and wrote extensively on issues like the economy, education, poverty, war and peace.”
“
IN 1955, Rosa Parks Sat down. in 2018, we gotta stand up.” -Oliver BAines Fresno City Council member
ASG Votes in a New Vice President and Treasurer Tasha Turner | Reporter tturner@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College Associated Student Government welcomed a new vice president and treasurer on the Jan. 23 meeting in the Senate Chambers. Jerry Garcia, a communications major set to graduate in the fall of 2018, was voted as the new vice president by a unanimous vote, 12-0. Garcia’s number one priority is the students, he said. “One of the most important reasons why I’m here today and why I’m running for this position is for the students. From what I’ve seen so far from our ASG is that they are working very diligently
and I want to be an asset to what they are doing,” Garcia said. Blake Evans, who is a first year English major, was voted treasurer by an 11-2 vote. Evans has previous experience in a treasurer position as he was treasurer of his debate team in high school. Evans said he is “familiar with what it takes and what [he] needs to be a treasurer.” “I want to be more transparent with the ASG budget. A big problem ASG has had before is confusion with the finances. I want to be able to keep the senators up to date. I want everyone to know what finances are and how they work,” Evans said. The former vice-president and
treasurer stepped down from their positions at the end of the fall semester due their new class and work schedules, which conflicted with ASG meeting times, according to ASG President Brandon McLaughlin. If interested in meeting Garcia and Evans in person, they can be found by the Main Fountain weekly to help students with any of their issues. They can also be found at the open meetings that are held every Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the Senate Chambers inside the Student Activities Center. Students are encouraged to attend and may share any concerns with the Senate.
Goldsmith said for King nonviolence was, “not just an idea, not just a slogan; he put it into practice.” She said, “Perhaps the most radical and difficult thing about Dr. King’s philosophy was the injunction to love your enemy.” Goldsmith noted the need to “call people into the conversation,” and celebrated King’s ability to include people from different backgrounds into the civil rights dialogue. Fresno City Council Member Oliver Baines said he would do away with political correctness when he addressed the crowd.
He denounced President Trump and urged Republicans to stand against him. “In 1955 Rosa Parks sat down,” Baines said in recognition of another civil rights leader. “In 2018 we got to stand up.” Baines told the crowd to stand up for undocumented immigrants, the LGBTQ community and against racial injustice, which sparked cheers from the crowd. Other notable speakers included Rep. Jim Costa, Police Chief Jerry Dyer, and State Center Community College Trustee, Eric Payne.
Nursing Director to Be Honored for Leadership Tamara Torres-Leguizamon | Reporter tleguizamon@therampageonline.com
Stephanie Robinson, director of nursing at Fresno City College, will be honored on Feb. 6 for her excellence in leadership by the Association of California Nurse Leaders. ACNL recognizes leaders in nursing for excellence in leadership and clinical work, according to the letter Robinson received on Dec. 12, 2017 from the president of the association. The organization also recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions or provided support to the nursing profession. “They actually put your face on a poster and then you have the title of being awarded,” Robinson said. “We’re actually introduced with a luncheon, and then at the luncheon, we get to say thank you for
being awarded.” ACNL acknowledged Robinson as nurse leader because of her contributions, which include being involved in helping the community in regards of health and being a part of the advisory committee of the board of the Registered Nurses which aids future nurses. Robinson advises students to set goals in their lives and give back to the community if they wish to be successful and achieve a similar success. She said students should enjoy the career they plan to pursue. “That’s what’s important for our future students-- to understand that they have to enjoy what they’re doing, try to find out things that they’re going to enjoy in their life,” Robinson said. “So if they get a job, make sure it’s something they’re going to be happy with.”
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FCC Community Embracing Safe Space Program Gabbi Micheli | Reporter jmicheli@therampageonline.com
Since the fall of 2015, the LGBTQ Safe Space program has trained approximately 300 people and distributed 200 ally stickers. Those who have received the 18 two-hour training sessions include faculty, administrative staff, and student government members, creating more awareness throughout the Fresno City College campus. “Equal treatment of LGBTQ community on this campus and as a society has not come to fruition yet,” Jerry Thurston, coordinator of the Safe Space program, said about the importance of the program. “Just because same sex marriage is legal now in this country and this state does not mean we’ve achieved equal rights and equal treatment of the LGBTQ community.” The Safe Space program, Thurston said, trains members of the community in cultural competence, to give “people basic information about the LGBTQ population; specifically towards college campuses to increase understanding of their needs, concerns, experiences, and strategies to be an ally to the community.”
Thurston created the idea during his sabbatical leave in fall of 2014, and by the next year, the club was up and running. He said he researched safe zone programs, worked with the college president, the ASG, and Psychological Services to find the best possible way to run the program and create a safer campus for the LGBTQ community in FCC. The training remains constant in its teachings. Thurston said he utilizes putting teaching into practice by working in different scenarios that relate to the group he is training. Once members go through the training, they receive a sticker, and if they fill out a contract, they agree to be an ally to the LGBTQ community. Thurston said that a few incidents of anti LGBTQ community, ranging from subtle and offensive remarks to violence, still occur on the FCC campus. “Many of them are microaggressions,” Thurston said, “but sometimes still overt harassment.” A separate program, the LGBTQ Spectrum Club, also tries to increase awareness of LGBTQ equality. The club was created four years ago, and according to adviser Juan
Jerry Thurston, Coordinator of the LGBTQ Safe Space Program, discusses ensuring the safety of LGBTQ students at Fresno City on Jan. 17, 2018. Photo/Gabbi Micheli
Guzman, “is the best it’s ever been.” The club which meets every Wednesday in the senate chambers from 1 to 2 p.m. plans to host the annual Pride Day event. They plan to make it as big as it’s ever been. Expect to see informational
booths, food trucks, games, drag queens, and speakers. “Like any community that feels like an outsider, it’s important to provide a space to come together and to be a community,” Guzman said about the importance of the club to FCC. “It’s important for people to release those stigmas
and to provide space for people to come together and do work that benefits others.” Another group supporting the LGBTQ community is Trans-EMotion, a non-profit transgender educational and support organization in Fresno.
Mother of Carole Goldsmith was Creative; an Entrepreneur Ashleigh Panoo | Editor-in-Chief apanoo@therampageonline.com
The botanical garden, near the Math and Science Building is a place for students to study and relax. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
Botanical Garden Is Campus’ Hidden Gem Sasha Saunders | Reporter ssaunders@therampageonline.com
The fountains and architecture aren’t the only beautiful things on the Fresno City College campus. The next time you’re leaving campus and have some extra time, take yourself on a tour of the biology department’s botanical garden. Tucked right near the Math & Science building, the botanical garden has been around since the 1970s. According to Steve Da Silva, the current director of the garden, he, student horticulturists and work study volunteers all make sure the garden is kept up. The hidden gem has a large 10,000 gallon pond, home to over 15 koi fish. In the pond vibrant yellow orange and white koi swim along with the vivid blue and orange ones.The entire area is surrounded by an array of native and tropical plants to set a tranquil
“
[It’s] a therapeutic little getaway.” -Autumn Simpson Student
vibe for students. The botanical garden is used as an outdoor lab for botany and photo students, Da Silva said. In the spring semester only, the garden is used for an adaptive horticulture program for students with disabilities. It stays open to the public throughout the year. “It gave me positive vibes, the variation of plants, fish, and small crops come together to create such a soothing environment,” said Autumn Simpson, a second semester kinesiology student. Simpson refers to the garden and its features as “a therapeutic little getaway” where she can take photos and videos for her snapchat as well as pass time. While browsing the garden, Da Silva is always nearby to answer questions while visiting, usually in the room with the huge snake. Oh yeah, there’s a snake.
Shelly Minimmi, nephew Larry Goldsmith and her two dogs, Foxy and Roxy. She was preceded in death by her parents Velma and Clarence Whatley, and her brother Ray
Norma “Faye” Goldsmith, mother of Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith, died on Jan. 20 at Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia. She was 77. President Goldsmith says her mother was known for her gracious hospitality, fiery red hair and southern colloquialisms. She was an avid gardener, chef, seamstress and crafter. Born Norma Faye Whatley in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 6, 1940, Goldsmith migrated to Porterville with her family. She would go on to marry her Porterville High School sweetheart Doyle “Sonny” Goldsmith on July 7, Norma Faye Goldsmith. Courtesy of Carole Goldsmith 1957. Whatley. Goldsmith co-founded and coServices will be held on Jan. 26 owned Day and Night Plumbing at 11 a.m. at the Salser and Dillard with her husband for more than Funeral Chapel at 127 E. Caldwell 30 years and was also part owner Ave. in Visalia. A graveside of an Exeter restaurant and service will immediately follow at Visalia floral shop in the 1970s, the Visalia Cemetery at 1300 W. her daughter said. Goshen Ave. Goldsmith is survived by In lieu of flowers, donations her husband, her daughter, can be made in Goldsmith’s honor grandchildren Chad and Chelsea to Friends of Tulare County by Dobbs, great grandson Nathan calling 559-624-8000. Dobs, nieces Laura Marshall and
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Trump’s DACA Decision Is Right but Unsettling Andrew Leal | Reporter aleal@therampageonline.com
During the 2016 general election, the Trump campaign vowed to shake up the status quo of Washington. Sure enough, now Donald J. Trump is president, he is dismantling Obama era executive orders at a rapid pace. One such executive order by Obama was the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Set up in 2012, the DACA program allowed certain minors who were brought into the United States illegally by their parents before June 15, 2007 to apply for work permit and a two-year protection from deportation. Trump rescinded DACA in September 2017 and gave Congress until March 5, 2018 to pass a legislative equivalent. However, he did allow current DACA recipients a small window of 30 days to renew their status, without the possibility of an extension. As such, 22,000 DACA recipients whose status was going to expire between Sept. 5 and March 5 had failed to meet the renewal deadline, according to the Department of Homeland Security. While there are some who will easily say how heartless Trump is to leave 800,000 people in limbo until Congress can come up with satisfactory legislation, it is important to remember how the government works. Congress is the only branch of government to decide on this issue. Trump should have waited for Congress to act before ending DACA so that recipients do not have to live with the uncertainty about their lives. As per article one of the Constitution, Congress has the legislative powers, not the executive branch.
This was a key point made by the Trump administration as to why DACA should end and be decided on by Congress, the legislative body. I am a believer in the Constitution, so Trump’s explanation of why he ended DACA is valid to me. However, do the ends justify the means? A stop at the Dream Center in the Old Administration Building gave me something else to consider with DACA. How does the issue of President Trump ending DACA affect the recipients attending Fresno City College? About 650 DACA recipients are enrolled in Fresno City College from fall 2017 into spring of 2018, according to Dream Center adjunct counselor Erika Ramos. The number of DACA recipients attending FCC is expected to rise, according to Wilfredo Felix Gamez, adjunct counselor. “Now that we are providing services and we’ve been able to stay in contact with them [DACA recipients], our hope is for that number to grow,” Gamez said. The Dream Center is holding workshops to help educate students on DACA renewal. “Our emphasis is about helping the student to be successful,” Graciela Ramirez, lead counselor for the Dream Center, said. As to if the deadline set by Trump will affect the Dream Center’s functions, Gamez said, “It doesn't affect the educational services that we provide to the students.” When I think about DACA, I remember about 650 FCC students who rely on the program for their education and what the uncertainties would do to their futures.
OPINION 5
CAMPUS VOICES FCC’s Super Bowl Picks
Q. What team are you a fan of? “I just go with the Steelers.” Q. Who do you want to win the Super Bowl this year? “I’m gonna go with the Eagles.” Dezarae Thomas Nursing Major
Q. What team are you a fan of? “Cowboys.” Q. Who do you want to win the Super Bowl this year?
“I really don’t care about the Patriots, I hope they lose, too. I really don’t care about the eagles, either.” Aaron Bloxsom Business Major
Q. What team are you a fan of? “The 49ers.” Q. Who do you want to win the Super Bowl this year? “The Eagles.” Vanessa Hall Art Major
Q. What team are you a fan of? “I just go with the Steelers.” Q. Who do you want to win the Super Bowl this year?
“I hate the Patriots, so I hope they lose.”
Freddy Running Bear
American Indian Studies, Studio Arts Major
Photo Illustration/Frank Lopez
Build Bridges, Not Walls.
6 WOMEN'S MARCH 1.24.18
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Valley Organizers Stress Voting Power at Second Annual Women’s March Paulina Rodriguez | Reporter pruiz@therampageonline.com
C
entral Valley organizers used the second annual Women’s March on Jan. 20 to push people to the voting polls in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections. The march was one of many throughout the nation, and was a continuation of the Jan. 21, 2017 march throughout the nation which brought out millions of people. The theme at the Fresno Rally was “Hear our vote.” The event featured 18 speakers, including civil rights activist, and co-founder of United Farm Workers, Dolores Huerta. Participants included people from different nationalities, genders, sexualities, and ages. The march started in the corner of Nees and Fresno between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants began gathering in a neighboring parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Thousands showed up to the event, to show their support for a myriad of causes such as education, immigration, LGBT rights, sexual harassment and the environment. The rally began with a blessing ceremony by First Nations Spiritual Advisor, Keith Richards, followed by a dance ceremony by the First Nations and American Indigenous Veteran group. Later, Huerta told the crowd, ”It’s not enough to vote. We’ve got to organize other people to vote.” “We have got to change the way that they educate our women. We do not want to be educated to be victims,” said Huerta. ”We cannot let anyone stand in our way of getting justice.” Other notable speakers were Fresno City College students Jewel Hurtado and Sophia Bautista. Bautista, 19, organized last September’s DACA march in Tower District. She said what needed to be changed most is “complacency.” Bautista said she hopes that “more young people will vote and be involved. I always see them around marches, but they don’t make a tangible presence in the polls.” There were several #metoo signs, and speakers shared poems and stories regarding sexual abuse and harassment. Soon-to-be mother and FCC student Jewel Hurtado, 19, is the youngest California Democratic Party delegate in the Central Valley. “I am a survivor of sexual abuse and I’m sure sadly, many of you can say the same,” Hurtado told the crowd. “I am marching for the little girl inside of me who was too scared to say anything because of how it would make me look, or what it would do
to my reputation.” Hurtado led the crowd in singing “Quiet” as the march commenced. Participants made their way west towards Blackstone Avenue, then went South to El Paso, and looped back around to Nees. Honking could be heard as participants began marching. Huerta and Bautista held the “Hear our Vote 2018” banner as they led the march. The march featured a strong police presence, and volunteers wearing safety ambassador reflective vests directed the flow of traffic. Participants remained on the sidewalks, something FCC M.E.Ch.A members weren’t comfortable with. “I want to take it to the streets,” said M.E.Ch.A member Josie Madrigal. She referenced last year’s Black Lives Matter protest in June, and its impact, which shut down a Highway 41 off-ramp. Madrigal hopes more people show up to marches. “It’s not about the individual mindset,”
Hundreds turned out for the Women’s March in Fre
FRESNO WOMEN said Madrigal. “It’s about coming here as a community. Coming here and representing those who can’t be here, who don’t have a voice.” FCC M.E.Ch.A members led a chant “No justice, no peace” as they made their way down Blackstone Avenue. Tori Garcia, FCC LGBTQ Spectrum club member said she hopes for people to “not just support when there’s a march or protest.” “There’s so much power but it tends to dwindle after,” she said. “And that’s a very big problem, in not just this community but all over the country.” Around 1:30 p.m., a crowd gathered at the corner of Blackstone and Nees, as protesters wearing “Make America Great Again” hats began yelling “Reject the division of the left.” The crowd responded with chants of “Dump Trump.” Gina Portillo, nurse practitioner and Donald Trump supporter, said she was happy she came to the march. “Only in America can we do this, be divided like this and still be able to speak,” Portillo said. “I believe that each one of us has a right to say what we have to say, and whatever you believe in, you have the right to say it and speak it.”
Dolores Huerta leads the Women’s March in Fresno area on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. Photo/Larry Va
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1.24.18 WOMEN'S MARCH 7
esno’s River Park area on Saturday Jan. 20, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
N MARCH ONCE AGAIN
o’s River Park alenzuela
Pat Wolk sings with her group “Raging Grannies” in front of hundreds of protesters at the Women’s March in Fresno’s River Park area on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
8 ENTERTAINMENT
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Art student Logan Wipper admires instructor Ricardo Rivera’s project in Rivera’s exhibit called “Clase Abstracta de Brujeria” at the Fresno City College Art Gallery on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
‘Clase Abstracta de Brujeria’: a Love Letter to Fresno Paulina Rodriguez | Reporter pruiz@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College instructor Ricardo Rivera exhibit “Clase Abstracta de Brujeria” is on display in the Art Space Gallery from Jan. 18 through Feb. 15. The title translates to “abstract sort of witchcraft,” which reflects on the way people consume images and video at face value, without questioning the intentions of the creator. The exhibit is an immersive experience, which includes distorted images, sound and video meant to highlight and raise questions about agricultural workers in the
Central Valley. Rivera drew inspiration from his childhood in the Sacramento Valley, where he was surrounded by people who worked in the fields. Rivera poses a social commentary on the invisibility of field workers. “[It’s] the people that we see when we’re driving down 99 that are picking the grapes, are picking the figs,” says Rivera, “and we’re driving by and everything just goes by and we just see the landscape.” The exhibit includes an image of a field worker and his son which is stretched, to create a distortion
and corrected in a reflective mirror. There is an interactive video projection which plays a scenery of an agricultural field, while famous Mexican singer Juan Gabriel sings in the background. The song grows louder, and more distant as the viewer’s position changes. The distortions serve to create a feeling in which the viewer begins to question what exactly it is that they’re looking at. “I want to transport the viewer to say wait a minute, I need to question everything that I’m looking at. I need to be more critical, rather than just take it for granted,” says Rivera.
Rivera notes people don’t question facts especially in academic institutions. He wants people to be able to “think for themselves.” Rivera’s inspiration for the title was based on philosopher Vilem Flusser ideas on digital images and technology. ”Images that are made with cameras or technology are slight of hand, or moving closer to witchcraft,” Rivera explains. The witchcraft originates in the way “we’re getting used to seeing images and video and we think that it’s real but it’s manipulation.” Elena Harvey Collins, Art Space Gallery curator, touches up
on this idea. “Rivera uses technology in an intuitive and fluid way, asking us to reconsider the way we look at and process images and the world around us” she says. This is Rivera’s first year teaching at Fresno City College. “I wanted to show everyone the type of work that I do,” says Rivera, ”so it’s really for my students and for the campus.” The exhibit is open to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m and on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Rivera will be discussing his work at the Art Space Gallery on Jan. 29 at 11:15 a.m.
Wind Ensemble Mentors Sunnyside High Band Omari Bell | Social Media Editor obell@therampageonline.com
Sunnyside High School’s concert band had an opportunity to play with and learn from Fresno City College’s wind ensemble in the theater building on Jan. 12. Both bands handled the trial of learning a new piece in only four days before performing together. Elisha Wilson, wind ensemble director for the FCC concert band, said she reached out to Sunnyside High School last semester because she wanted to give back to the community in the area of music, and that she has hopes to invite more high schools in the future. Wilson said she chose Sunnyside High School because of the talent their group of musicians have. Also, Wilson also attended Fresno State University with Michael Angel,
FCC’s Wind Ensemble mentors Sunnyside High School’s concert band in the theater building Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. Photo/Omari Bell
Sunnyside’s band director. “He’s a great, young guy and he has an amazing band,” Wilson said. “We’ve been collaborating a little bit this
past year, and his students are totally energized about what we have going on here at Fresno City College.” Angel agrees.
“It is a real privilege,” he said. “A lot of our kids end up coming to Fresno City, so this is a good opportunity to mingle with some of the
college students and talk to them to keep their eyes and ears open for what’s to come in the future.” Two students from Sunnyside’s concert band play in the FCC band, one on horn and the other on the trumpet. FCC’s Wind ensemble students thought it was a great opportunity for high schoolers to see what it is like being on a college campus and playing in the FCC theater building. It also gives the FCC band the chance to recruit those students. “I think it’s a lot of fun, having two schools, who have two different experiences playing music, being able to meet and just play side by side,” Caleb Tafoya, Horn in F player, said. “It’s more about sharing and creating music instead of being perfect, and just being able to enjoy being musicians in this way is really cool.”
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Erven and Cast Excited about ‘The Whale’s’ Real Life Issues Noah Villaverde | Entertainment Editor nvillaverde@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College Theatre Arts instructor Chuck Erven said he is looking forward to directing “the Whale”, because of the exploration of certain character dynamics and themes. “The Whale” by playwright Samuel D. Hunter will feature guest artist Brad Myers as the play’s protagonist Charlie, a 600-pound reclusive man trying to reconnect with his estranged
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It is beautiful, raw and life-changing...” -Claudio Laso
Actor playing Elder Thomas in “The Whale”
daughter. After an audition of more than a dozen students, Erven announced that the cast includes Aleah Muniz and Jocelyn Rodriquez (Liz), Claudio Laso and Joshua Plowman (Elder Thomas), Cat Evangelho (Ellie) with Ciara Montana as her understudy, and Bridget Manders (Mary). Laso said his audition for the play was a personal best. “I felt very confident in the monologue I had prepared, and the callbacks were great,” Laso said. “It was fun reading the material because this show is very well-written.” Erven said that additional story elements make the play stand out. “It’s very intimate and very honest; I love the characters, the message and its indictment of certain societal values,” Erven said. “At its core, the play is about the reconciliation between a father and his daughter.”
From left, Cat Evangelho and Joshua Plowman have chemistry reads during callbacks for “The Whale” on Jan. 12. Photo/Noah Villaverde
He added, “It is also a redemption story in which Charlie finds a way to feel he has done something right in his life.” Erven said the issues in the play are relevant. “It fits with issues that are very universal and relevant today. The students can connect with these roles very well,” he said.
Laso agrees with Erven on connecting with the roles. “I hope to bring an honest depiction of someone who wants to truly do good,” Laso said. “People should watch this show because it is beautiful, raw and life-changing and will leave you feeling heavily impacted.” “The Whale” plays on March
2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 4, 9 and 10 at 2:30 p.m. in Studio 105. Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors and $8 for a group rate. Students and senior citizens and $8 at a group rate.
’12 Strong’ is A Must-See Depiction of Afghanistan War Jose Serrano and Gabbi Micheli Reporters jserrano@therampageonline.com jmicheli@therampageonline.com
“12 Strong” recalls both a tragic defeat and a triumphant success in modern American history. It tells the story of Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) and 11 other soldiers who were deployed in Afghanistan to fight the Taliban after the tragedy of 9/11. The movie shows how the 12 soldiers remained brave, even in near-death situations, in the hope of returning to their loved ones and protecting their homeland of America. It also displays the elements of
Caption. Photo/Photographer Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
brotherhood, as Nelson and his team must befriend an Afghan warrior and his team in order to secure both countries. The movie gives an in-depth look at the perspectives of both the American soldiers and Afghan warriors, and portrays both sides as sharing a common goal of protecting their countries. The joining of two seperate groups to fight together against a rebel force is seldom addressed in media and filmmaking today, making this an important addition to the film. War movies are generally flawed in the way they may leave out crucial details in their sto-
rylines; however, “12 Strong” gets the viewer invested pretty quickly. The trailer for the movie does not give it any justice. Set in late 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks, “12 Strong” succeeds in showing the fear, uncertainty, and confusion -- raw emotions many Americans felt at the time. The movie also exemplifies the shift in the way Americans operate and deal with other nations, specifically nations with terrorist organizations. The film also includes well-crafted visuals. Hollywood would not be what it is today without explosions and firestorms. However, this film used more re-
alistic visuals to capture the reality of how dangerous the path was that these 12 soldiers tread on. The explosions weren’t as over-exaggerated as other Hollywood films, giving it a more realistic point of view, as if you were actually witnessing a combat. This film was brilliant in its portrayal of the antagonists. Most war movies start off with an already escalated conflict and an enemy that is already being hunted, but not this film, “12 Strong” started with an ordinary family, on what could have been an ordinary day. Once we knew who the antagonists are, the film moved to a
scene that had nothing to do with the protagonists themselves, but a visual of the atrocities the Taliban was committing in villages across Afghanistan. The audience’s eyes are glued to the screen, and they gasp in horror as they witness actual acts of violence. “12 Strong” is recommended for anyone who enjoys action movies and realistic fiction. The depth and complexity of these real life events are quite a treat, and allow for a better understanding of moments that changed modern American society forever.
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Rams’ Bench Key in Defeating West Hills Paulina Rodriguez | Reporter pruiz@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College women’s basketball team defeated the West Hills College Lemoore Golden Eagles at home in the gymnasium on Jan. 17. The Rams won by a score of 75-49. The bench played a pivotal role in Wednesday’s game scoring 44 points. FCC set the tone by scoring during the first 10 seconds of the game. The team established an up-tempo pace, forcing nine turnovers in the game. Head Coach Brian Tessler said his strategy going into the game was, “to make the game into a track meet.” During the first few minutes of the game, the Rams out hustled the Eagles, preventing them from establishing any real offensive plays. As the first quarter progressed, Lemoore was able to slow down the offense and put pressure on FCC forcing mistakes. Fresno held a 3-point lead as the first quarter ended. During the second quarter, the Rams re-established their dominance on the court, utilizing bench players Randazia Jones and Madissen Harp. “Randazia Jones played a huge role for us,” Tessler said. “Madissen Harp played a big role for us.
I thought they both came off the bench and gave us really quality minutes.” Jones took a few hard falls during the second quarter as she dove for loose balls. By the end of the end of the first half, FCC had a substantial lead, 55-38. As the second half commenced, Tessler made a strategic decision to utilize his bench. “I didn’t think they [starters] gave a very good effort,” Tessler said. “Therefore, I didn’t play them much in the second half.” Even with a 20-point lead through the second half, the Rams continued to pressure the Lemoore team, breathing down their backs. FCC sustained an aggressive defense as the game was ending. The lead scorers were Bria Fernandes, 13 points, Jones, 12 points, and Harp, 9 points. FCC now holds a 17-4 record, and is ranked second in the Central Valley Conference. Tessler said he’s focused on making sure everyone on the team is giving the same effort as the Rams’ season continues. “Right now I’m not worried about the next opponent,” he said. “I’m worried about our team not being on the same page.” The Rams will play at Reedley College on Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.
Fresno City College women’s basketball player Liz Parker drives the ball to score during their home game against West Hills Lemoore on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Photo/Paulina Rodriguez
Super Bowl LII: America’s Game Anthony De Leon | Sports Editor adeleon@therampageonline.com
Oh boy, the big game is nearly upon us. After a tumultuous season full of injuries to up and coming superstars, a franchise going 0-16 and fans turning tailgates into their own personal backyard wrestling matches, the mercifully upon us. On Feb. 4, Minnesota will be host to the most patriotic-sounding Super Bowl in recent history, the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles vs. defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Here’s what you need to know for this year’s finale.
Philadelphia:
Congrats, Philly. After nearly a decade of mediocrity, the Eagles are back in the Super Bowl.
Notwithstanding the fact that they made it to the Super Bowl after phenom quarterback Carson Wentz torn his ACL is nothing short of miracle. Led by Napoleon Dynamite doppelgänger Nick Foles, a backup who has decided he will be leading the team to a championship just like Uncle Rico would have if his coach would have given him the chance. After pulverizing the Minnesota Vikings with their stout defense and denying them their first Super Bowl home game, they will be heading into this game with more fight in them than Rocky had defending the honor of Apollo in “Rocky IV.” Video evidence has shown Eagles fans have obviously grown up watching every “Rocky” movie (with the exception of “Rocky V”) given their willingness to fight each other
and the police before their team even took the field. If the Eagles do manage to win their first Super Bowl title, Philadelphia needs to be on high alert, doubling up on the lathering light posts with Crisco, making sure all fire stations are on deck and, for god’s sake, stop letting people literally drive up the stairs that lead up to the Rocky statue.
New England:
Welcome back, New England. What is this, eight Super Bowls under the watchful eye of the Devil’s Trinity of Brady, Belichick and Kraft? New England’s road to the Super Bowl was filled with rumors of in-house fighting between the ownership, coach and legendary quarterback so tumultuous that it makes your parents separating
seem very miniscule. But just like your parents, they are putting differences aside at least until the end goal is reached: you graduating. Now I would not say the Patriots got here on luck, even though they nearly blew their chances last week against their revolutionary counter parts the England Jaguars. I know, before you say, “Hey, the Jaguars are in Jacksonville,” let’s be real -- there are more Jags fans in England than in Jacksonville. But Tommy Terrific pulled off another game-winning miracle drive. Before we chalk it up to bad officiating and pure luck, we need to realize there is something much more sinister going on. At this point, no matter what, Brady always comes out on top as if he waited at a crossroads until
midnight and sold his soul to the Devil like some Faustian bargain. With that type of power backing them, it will be hard to stop the Pats from getting their sixth ring.
Prediction: Eagles 14, Patriots 24
The Super Bowl is going to come down to a game of experience and the ride the Eagles have been on may come to a screeching halt. The Patriots are so familiar with the spot they are in right now that they have become the house; and the house always wins. So even though defense wins championships, Tom Brady wins Super Bowls. On the bright side, we get the luxury of seeing party animal Rob Gronkowski doing a keg stand if they win.
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Rams Sophmore guard Eric Pierce drives to the basket against West Hills Coalinga at Fresno City College on Wednesday. Jan 17, 2018. Photo/Omari Bell
Men’s Basketball Continues to Dominate Paulina Rodriguez | Reporter pruiz@therampageonline.com
“Dedicated and hardworking” are the words assistant coach Sultan Toles-Bey used to describe the Fresno City College Rams Men’s basketball team, which is currently holding an 11-game win streak. As the second half of the conference begins, the Rams are fighting towards their 17th consecutive Central Valley Conference championship.
The Ram’s were hard at work after a close match with West Hills, Coalinga on Jan.17. Minutes after their win, the Rams headed into the weight room to continue their conditioning. “You know we have an x on our back,” said Toles-Bey when referencing the 11-game winning streak. “Every team is gunning against us.” With the ever-increasing pressure surrounding the Rams, Toles-Bey says their strategy is to
“take it one day at a time.” Toles-Bey pointed out that the starting five are still the same since the beginning of the season. Although the rotation is constantly changing, ”We always tend to lean on our sophomores,” Toles-Bey said. The Rams hold an impressive 17-3 record, success that TolesBey attributes to the physical and mental work instilled in each player. “We like to consider the games
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You know, we have an X on our back.” -Sultan TOles-Bey assistant basketball coach
a night off,” he said. “We like to really make our practices harder than the games.” Toles-Bey said the team desires to be in the “driver’s seat” as the second half of the conference progresses. The Rams are the No. 1 ranked team in the Central Valley Conference. The odds for State Championship playoffs seem to be on the Rams’ side, but TolesBey said their primary focus is to “win a conference title.”
Three State Championships Come Home to FCC Anthony De Leon | Sports Editor adeleon@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College commemorated the success of the 2017 state champion wrestling, men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams in a ceremony on Jan. 9. Among the many who attended the ceremony hosted by interim Athletic Director Cam Olsen, were the presidents of Reedley College, Clovis Community College and FCC. FCC President Carole Goldsmith and Olsen spoke on how amazing of an achievement three state titles is. “Winning three state titles in a span of a month is unheard of,” Goldsmith said. The FCC men’s soccer team capped off an incredible season with a record of 18-1-6 and secured the program’s first state championship. The number-two ranked team
in the nation was led by outstanding goal scorer Johnny Rodriguez who was voted the National Player of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches organization. The women’s soccer team was not without its own achievements this season after finishing the season undefeated with a record of 25-0-2 and matching their male counterparts by winning their second state championship in Rams’ history. The women’s team was also led by their own superstar Danielle Pacheco, who was also voted National Player of the year by the United Soccer Coaches organization. Both Pacheco and Rodriguez traveled to Philadelphia to receive their POY awards at a banquet held on Jan 17-21. Rams wrestling also received their state championship trophy after finishing their season with the No. 1 ranking in the state and
The three state championship trophies for women’s soccer; men’s soccer and wrestling alongside coach Paul Keysaw’s coach of the year award. Photo/Anthony De Leon
making this their second straight state championship. Their title win has given FCC their 15th state championship overall and the seventh of head coach Paul Keysaw’s career. Keysaw was also recognized as Coach of Year and coached a team
that boasted four individual state champions. Brandon Betancourt (125 pounds), Isaiah Perez (133), Aaron Mora (141) and team captain Dylan Martinez (149) all walked away with individual state championships. The three state championships
add prestige to the legacy FCC has built in the realm of athletics and that was the emphasis of the ceremony. “Today is a great day to be a Ram,” Goldsmith said at the ceremony. “But everyday is a great day to be a Ram.”
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