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Rampage reporters debate the latest move by the state of California to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College
The Rampage
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April 6, 2016
ISSUE 5
Vol. CXXVI
Traditional Chinese dance during the opening night celebrations which kicked off Asian-American month at Fresno City College on April 1, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes
DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA KICK OFF ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH BY AEDAN JUVET
Reporter ajuvet@therampageonline.com
A
n evening of celebrations and emotional words kicked off Asian American Month at Fresno City College. John Cho, an Asian-American Studies instructor opened the event on April 1 by honoring three individuals who died recently. Cho paid special tributes to the deceased as an audi-
AZARI WORKS NON-STOP, DESPITE NEW JOB
ence of students, children and faculty listened. The festivities started with an elaborate performance of traditional Japanese drums by the Clovis Heiwa Taiko, who showed off their synchronization as they chanted “Go John Cho!” A short play, “Nine in One, Grr! Grr!”, a Hmong folk tale of a tigress who is tricked into throwing off the balance of nature, followed the opening act. The theatrical performance was used to explain the rarity of tigers
in the wild. Taking an opposite direction, the group of “Kung-fu Kids”, featuring local elementary and middle school students, immediately took center stage. The group displayed a variety of martial arts skills, including a stunt with a sword and spear, delighting the audience. Nu Vang, Miss United Hmong, voiced a celebratory melody to wish everyone a happy new year. A Cambodian dance routine with
COUNSELOR DEBUNKS MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM
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It’s not an
Islamic problem; it is a world
BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
Interim President, Cynthia Azari, will leave Fresno City College when the semester ends in May. Azari will become president of Oxnard College in Oxnard, California. She said the job offer came on March 19. Azari returned to FCC last May after the sudden death of Tony Cantu. She had been the president from 2009 to 2011 before going to Riverside Community College. Many in the FCC community had celebrated the board of trustee’s decision to bring her back. After she returned in the spring 2015, Azari quickly fit in once again as a leader. In her year as an interim, Azari kept working, and assured both students and faculty she will continue to do so until the day she leaves. “I’m not sitting back doing nothing,” Azari said.
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delicate movements brought a different mood to the night. Before the night ended, a short play explored the thin line between love and hate. A metamorphosis of passion turned into a humorous, but noticeable disdain. The artistic and beautiful expression throughout the night provided ample insight into the cultural celebration that the month of April is set to bring to the college.
Fresno City College Counselor, Forouz Radnejad speaks to an audience in the college dining room about the misconseptions that the women of Islam face on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ DELGADO Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
Women’s rights is a universal challenge, Fresno City College Counselor, Forouz Radnejad said during a presentation on the roles and views of women in Islam. During her presentation at the staff dining room on March 31, Radnejad spoke to a packed audience of faculty
and students, raptly listening to her stories about her experiences both in her native country Iran and the U.S. She also tried to clear some misconceptions many people have about the role of women in the Islamic faith. Radnejad read excerpts from the Quran, the Muslim holy book, to illustrate her position that men and women are equal in Islam.
problem.
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Forouz Radnejad
Fresno City College Councelor
“Women and men are from a single soul,” Radnejad said. “In Islam, men and women have the same origin.” Radenjad revealed that unknown to many in the west, women in Islam earned their right to own property as early as 600 A.D., essentially giving women a voice in society. Up to that time period,
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NEWS
Sociologist to Gary Soto Promotes Speak on Youth and New Book on Policing on April 7 Campus April 6 BY JORGE ALAMO
BY DESTINEE LOPEZ
Reporter dlopez@therampageonline.com
Reporter jalamo@therampageonline.com
Author and poet, Gary Soto, will be reading from his latest book at the Library Reference Room on April 7 at 6 p.m, according to a news release by the public information office of Fresno City College. Soto will read selections from his latest book, “You Kiss by Th’ Book”, a collection of poems inspired by Shakespeare. He said each poem starts with lines f r o m Shakespeare’s famous writings such as “ M a c b e t h ”. Soto said the book brings Elizabethan writing into the pres- Author Gary Soto will be ent time at Fresno City College to and that promote his new book on this style of April 6. Photo/Archive. writing is new to him. “I am out of my comfort zone, and I am doing something that is simply different for me,” Soto said. “This is a surprising adventure for me.” Soto said the publishers decided to release his book during National Poetry Month and that he could not pass up the opportunity to do a book reading at his alma mater. The title was chosen by both Soto and his publicist. There will be a book signing at the end of the free reading.
A sociology professor from University of California, Santa Barbara will speak about his research on policing, education and adversity in the Old Administration Building Auditorium at 1 p.m. on April 7. Victor Rios conducts professional development sessions with teachers and administrators on cultural proficiency, cultural relevance, diversity and restorative approaches. Victor Rios, In his book, “Punished”, and sociology professor memoir, “Street at the University of Life”, Rios de- California, Santa scribes his ex- Barbara. Photo perience in life, Courtesy/Fresno from dropping City College. out of school to being incarcerated at a young age and eventually graduating from the University of California at Berkeley with a Ph.D. Rios has worked with local school districts and community centers in Los Angeles, Mt. Diablo, Omaha, Santa Barbara and San Diego to develop programs aimed at improving the quality of interactions between authority figures and youths. Rios’ programs are currently implemented in Los Angeles juvenile detention facilities and high schools in the area. The event is free and open to the public.
Rampage Staff
Editor-in-Chief Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado Managing Editor/Copy Chief David Chavez Rampage Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu Contact Us Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com
4.6.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Lecture to Examine ‘Killer Robots’ Scheduled for April 8 BY RUDY PEREZ
Reporter rperez@therampageonline.com
Are “killer robots” closer to reality than we expect? An evening philosophy lecture at Fresno City College is expected to discuss just that. Ryan Jenkins, professor from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, will lecture on the topic in Forum Hall 101 on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Jenkins teaches courses in environmental ethics and science, and technology and society at Cal Poly and will examine whether “killer robots” can help or hurt society. The presentation will also explore if such inventions could be a resource to humans during war and whether they should build them. The event is sponsored by FCC as well as the State Center Community College District Foundation. For information, contact Wendell Stephenson at 559-442-4600, extension 8389.
New Benches Appear in Yokuts Plaza BY BINEET
Reporter aaulakh@therampageonline.com
Benches have been added to the Fresno City College campus in the Yokut’s Plaza. John Cho and Bernard Navarro worked with the Native American community and took their proposal to the facilities committee. After being approved, it was sent to the strategic planning council, where it was approved. Each bench is engraved with the title of donors. The benches help provide additional seating for Fresno City College’s many students. The college plans to add seating in front of the Language Arts building during the summer. “I think it’s a great addition to Fresno City,” said Guadalupe Ramos. “It represents more than just a seating area.” Yanessa Gonzales said, “It goes along with the Yokut’s Plaza. I hope they add more stuff like this around campus.”
Arts & Entertainment Editor Jasmine Yoro Bowles Sports Editors Keaundrey Clark Michael Ford Photo Editor Daisy Rodriguez Multimedia Editor George Garnica Broadcast Editor Larry Valenzuela Assistant Copy Editor Tammi Nott
Journalism Student Invited to White House BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
A Fresno City College journalism student has been invited to attend a conference for student reporters from across the country. Patrick Forrest, a former member of the college student-run newspaper, The Rampage, will attend the College Reporter Day in Washington D.C. on April 29. “I’m scared, I’m excited, I’m nervous,” Forrest said. “This could be an actual opportunity to further my life that can’t be offered in other places.” Patrick Forrest. Forrest said the invitation to the the country’s highest office is a big surprise. “It’s the White House,” Forrest said. Student journalist from dozens of colleges and universities from across the country will engage the White House press corps and senior administration staff. The student reporters will discuss a range of issues relevant to college campuses and will participate in a press briefing with the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest.
Check out our latest #RampageNewsMinute and other videos on our website. Scan below.
Reporters Caleb Owens-Garrett Michael Mendez Rudy Perez Ryan Holquin Tammi Nott Destinee Lopez Ashleigh Panoo Amrita Aulakh Aedan Juvet Trevor Graham Travis McDonald Edward Smith Christopher Del Castillo Connor Linville Jorge Alamo Bineet Kaur Ram Reyes
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4.6.2016
NEWS
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COUNSELOR PUSHES FOR AWARENESS ON ISLAMIC FAITH
Fresno City College Counselor, Forouz Radnejad speaks to an audience in the college dining room about the misconseptions that the women of Islam face on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes
l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Radenjad said, women were silenced, their voices going unheard. Fourteen hundred years later, Radnejad said women in the Islamic faith have come a long way in achieving the right to education among other social necessities. “People criticize the Quran for no reason,” Radnejad said. Despite giving women the right to own property and allowing them to be educated, Radnejad indicated that Prophet Muhammad, founder of the
President: l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Even during an interview with the Rampage, Azari was preparing a professional development activity, which would be used to help the staff in her administration transition and continue to grow professionally, she said. The several interim-appointed administrators who have worked with her will remain in place, she said. In Azari’s opinion, the latest interim appointments are “very capable and hardworking.” She said it was her mission to pick up where Cantu had left off. She returned to FCC to help address and manage the grieving and healing process while still leading the college achieve all its goals. “The challenges were the same, except people were grieving,” Azari said.
Islamic faith, encouraged men to be the protectors of the family. “If you are in charge of a family, it means you are taking care of their well-being,” Radnejad said. Although men tend to be providers for the family, Radnejad assured her audience that the role of a woman in a marriage is to also provide for the family in the way of giving birth. “Humanity cannot go on without women,” she said. Radnejad said that women who give birth are rewarded in Islam. “Giving birth is like a prize,” she said. “It is a reward.”
Radnejad said men and women look for purpose, and raising children is one cause. She led a discussion and answered questions on why these values are not taught in the West. Radnejad moved to the U.S. five years after the Iran/Iraq War started. She was astounded at the gender biases and the immense patriarchal system and what she would encounter regarding the unequal valuation of women. “Women [in the U.S.] were struggling with inequality, and there was not much to do about it,” Radnejad
COACH RETIRES AFTER TIGERS SUSPENSION
AZARI’S LAST DAY IS MAY 20 One year later, she still takes her daily strolls through the campus. “We need to tell our stories,” Azari said, revealing that she encourages her staff to accompany her on walks. She had completed two and a half miles through the college at the time of this interview. Azari led the first steering committee to promote the district’s current bond measure campaign. She said her mission is to help students, even if there is only a couple of months left in her position. “I am here until 11:59 p.m. on May 20,” Azari said. She will take part in the commencement ceremony and is expected to begin at Oxnard College three days later, on May 23.
BY KEAUNDREY CLARK
Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College Interim President Cynthia Azari speaks at a candidate forum on Feb. 28, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes
BERNIE SANDERS MARCH RUNS THROUGH TOWER BY LARRY VALENZUELA
Braodcast Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com
Tower District came alive with enthusiasm as supporters of the 2016 presidential hopeful, Bernie Sanders took to the streets with their message of inclusion. About 300 people marched on Olive Avenue on April 2, chanting support for the Independent senator from the state of Vermont. “I think it’s amazing,” Yamina Roland, an organizer with “Fresno for Bernie” said. “We’ve been working in this area for a really long time,” Roland said. “So it’s good to see so many people come out and support.” Marchers gathered in a parking lot on Wishon Avenue before marching down Olive Avenue. They chanted phrases like, “we can’t be bought”, “feel the bern” and “love
Supporters for the democratic presidential hopeful, Bernie Sanders, march through Tower District in Fresno on April 2, 2015. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
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trumps hate”, as they walked along the popular street, while drivers honked to show their own support. Roland said different grassroots and progressive groups from Fresno
said. She provided a timeline of the empowerment of women in America, comparing that with Iran’s. Until the 1900s, Radnejad reminded her audience, women in America had little rights and still struggled to gain access to fair education, equal pay and career establishment. Of misconceptions regarding the role of women in Islam or other cultures and religions, Radnejad provided one judgement. “It is not an Islam problem; It is a world problem.”
joined to create the event. “We’re going to make Bernie Sanders our next president,” Gil Pasual, a marcher, said. “We’ve got to feel the [bern].”
Reedley College’s Football head coach is retiring after his team was suspended from postseason play for two years for illegal recruitment practices. An outside investigator found that Randy Whited p r o v i d e d his players inducements and special privileges which are not available to the general student population. T h e practice of -- Reedley College s u b s i d i z i n g , Footbal Head Coach, inducements, Randy Whited. and special Photo/Archive privileges -is prohibited according to ByLaw 2.11.2 and 2.11.4. Reedley College Athletic Director, Javier Renteria was not available for comment, nor was Sandra Caldwell, the president, who opened the investigation. Tony Caviglia, head coach of the Fresno City College football team has not yet commented on the situation. The Rams have a seven game winning streak against the Tigers. “It’s unfortunate for that program,” said the Rams’ Sophomore Safety Tajhe Moore who went 2-0 in his tenure versus the Tigers. “Hopefully, it doesn’t set them back and they can bounce back.”
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NEW LGBTQ CLUB AIMS TO ‘SHAKE THINGS UP’ AT FRESNO CITY COLLEGE BY ASHLEIGH PANOO
Reporter apanoo@therampageonline.com
There’s a new alliance in town, or at Fresno City College at least. The LGBTQ Spectrum Club has transformed from the once-called “Diversity Club” and is now aiming to push for greater visibility on campus. “[We’re] trying to encompass everybody we left out,” said Cody Sedano, Associated Student Government trustee, and club president. “It’s sort of like a gaystraight alliance.” The first meeting for the club was held at the beginning of January and Sedano says they hope to get off the ground and shake things up at the college. Initial movements by the club include preparing for their first club rush, to possibly organizing a pride celebration at the college. In the meantime, focused efforts are to simply get the word out. “We’re just getting off the ground. We’re just trying to reach out to students,” Sedano said. Vice-President Kristen Lopez places a high value in reaching out to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer to bring them out and engage them on campus. “It’s extremely important, especially for students that are first coming out or coming from very conservative families, to have a place [where] there are other students that are like-minded and are going through
LGBTQ Spectrum Club members from left to right: Treasurer Adri Almaguer, Vice President Kristen Lopez, President Cody Sedano and Secretary Roger Her. March 14, 2016. Photo/Ashleigh Panoo the same struggles and understand,” Lopez said. One such case of intimidation comes from the club’s designated treasurer, Adri Almaguer, who knows first-hand what it is like to feel left out. “Being a lesbian on campus, you come across a lot of social ups and downs. I don’t think everyone understands how it feels just to be in an environment where a lot of people are straight,” she said. Almaguer said she still struggles with acceptance and often has a hard time using restrooms in public places.
“If there’s families there, the kids look,” she said. “One time an elderly woman told me ‘Hey what are you doing in here?’ It’s embarrassing,” she added. “I want to strive to knock that out [and] this is the first start.” Almaguer also wants students to know that the club is all-inclusive. “There’s a social stigma about being part of LGBTQ,” she said, adding that everyone is welcome to join, regardless of sexual orientation. “[We want] to be a part of the community. Not as lesbians, as gay, as transgender or anything.”
On top of being welcoming to all students, the LGBTQ Spectrum Club is also unique in certain ways, according to designated secretary Roger Her. “The support that our advisers give us is something that not a lot of clubs have. It’s important to find a place where others will support you and won’t look down upon you for who you are. Our club is very supportive and we don’t push away anyone,” he said. Her also said that the diversity of the club makes it stand out. “[We all have] different ethnicities, different looks and different labels.”
RAMPAGE TAKES 16 AWARDS AT STATE CONFERENCE
the Rampage who participated in competitions received awards during the ceremony, some receiving multiple awards. The Fresno City College Rampage Overall, the Rampage collected editors and reporters won 16 awards 16 awards in nine categories — 12 of at the annual JACC conference in those awards were earned in on-theBurbank. spot competitions throughout the Ten members of the student-run weekend. newspaper, along with their adviser, Ram Reyes, photographer for the attended the Journalism Association Rampage, earned the most impressive of Community Colleges annual win for the publication. Reyes swept convention from March 17-19. the photography competitions, At the awards for publications, earning two first places in news and the Rampage collected four awards feature photo categories. for items in the “bring-in” category; Rampage Editor-in-Chief, Cresencio these are items that were worked on Rodriguez-Delgado was amazed at the during previous performances by semesters. the Rampage staff. Bobby Brown, Rodriguezillustrator for the “I exceeded all expectations, Delgado said, “I paper, won both even mine.” think our staff third and fourth much -Ram Reyes showed places for his work. interest and Rampage Photographer Patrick Forrest, ambition during a former news the competitions editor, received an and we honorable mention for news writing. demonstrated how hard we can work.” Caleb Owens-Garrett earned a first Rampage adviser, Dympna Ugwuplace award for his column writing for Oju also expressed her pride in the the pieces he wrote on transgender recognition her students received issues. during the conference. Throughout the conference, Ugwu-Oju said, “I couldn’t be more students competed in several proud of my students and how hard categories, from writing to broadcast. they have worked to improve their Members of the Rampage competed craft.” against numerous students Reporter and Photographer, Ram representing colleges throughout the Reyes was humbled by his top wins, state. in which he trumped photographers Following the on-the-spot from across the state. competitions, participants, with their “I exceeded all expectations, even advisers, attended an awards banquet mine,” Reyes said. “It’s good indication on March 19. that I am doing something right; I am Seven of the 10 members of very critical of my work.” BY ANDREA BRISENO
News Editor abriseno@therampageonline.com
Editors and reporters for the Fresno City College newspaper, The Rampage, celebrate after impressive wins at the annual Journalism Association of Community Colleges conference in Burbank, California on March 17-19. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez
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HIGH SPEED RAIL CLUB STRONG AFTER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
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CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO HOLD FUNDRAISER BY TAMMI NOTT
BY EDWARD SMITH
Reporter esmith@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College approved the charter for “I Will Ride”, a high-speed rail club, this semester, amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the project. The club provides a platform for students to discuss the benefits and status of the 220 mph train that will eventually go from San Diego to San Francisco, with Fresno between them. The voter approved high-speed rail project is seemingly overcoming every obstacle, but students like Jasmine Johnson, a sixth semester communications major, wonder how effective a high speed rail club on campus could be. “What would you do on a community college level for a high speed rail club?” Johnson said. “It has already been voted on.” Aaron Pankratz, professor of economics, the “I Will Ride” club sponsor, said many students do not think about the benefits that high speed rail could bring to the central San Joaquin Valley, and a club on campus can promote them. The college initially approved the club, “I Will Ride”, in spring of 2015. “The point of a high speed rail club is to share some of the benefits to community college students,” Pankratz
said. “We talk about the current status of the project.” The president of “I Will Ride” grew up hearing all about the congestion in the state, according to Pankratz. “He really latched onto the idea of high speed rail as a way to alleviate the lack of transportation infrastructure in California,” Pankratz said. “[High speed rail] sounded fantastic as an alternative to building new roads in our state.” It has not always been a smooth road for the project, however. Part of the club’s beginnings were in response to the opposition to something that made sense to students, Pankratz says. Pankratz said students see funding of high speed rail as an “either-or” situation. “But it’s a false dichotomy because funding comes from separate sources,” Pankratz said. The most recent estimates place the cost of building the project at $64.2 billion, according to the High Speed Rail Authority. “Housing costs in the bay area are ridiculous,” Pankratz says. “But people could go from Fresno to San Francisco [and] make San Francisco wages while living in Fresno with super-cheap housing.” Other benefits include traveling eases. Students like Johnson love to travel but do not travel as much as she would like.
“I would love [high-speed rail],” Johnson said. “With all of my family everywhere, I would be able to see them so much more often.” The rail will extend from Shafter, near Bakersfield and onto San Jose, with stops in Fresno and Merced, and another diverted route towards Sacramento. Beyond Shafter, the rail will go around the Tehachapi mountains and on towards Palmdale, Los Angeles and Burbank. Recent setbacks, including a lawsuit from Shafter County against the rail project in the area, have been overruled by the California courts, and a petition to strip funding from high speed rail in favor of water storage may have also been stopped short, according to a March 26 article in the Fresno Bee by Christopher Cadelago. Some students are also being sponsored to attend the State of the City address from Mayor Swearengin, occurring on June 3, who is also a big proponent of high speed rail, according to Pankratz. Other club activities include a trip to the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco, which will tie in BART stations and already existent train stations. Club membership hovers around 10 regular students. Club president Nick Kennedy was unavailable for an interview
Reporter tnott@therampageonline.com
Children at Fresno City College’s Child Development Center will explore creative art forms for the center’s fifth Children’s Art Exhibition and Silent Auction. This event, scheduled for April 29, only happens once every three years to raise funds for classrooms. Tiny budding artists will utilize natural materials available in their gardens, beads, photography, painting and drawing to create pieces for their big night. Dried sunflowers artistically adorn the fence in the play yard, near the garden. Beads hang from tree branches, and small arms extend towards their teachers, displaying their crafted masterpieces. Parents and friends of the campus donated supplies to assist kids in the presentation. Kathy Ervine, Early Childhood Education Specialist, and one of the coordinators behind the Art Exhibition, began inspiring the children in 1995. Under compassionate guidance through art, play, gardening and food, kids will learn basic skills to prepare them for life as valued individuals. “They (kids) really get to know how valuable they are through the artwork that they create, and the relationships that they have with their teachers,” Ervine said.
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Performers Put On Jazz Creations The 26th annual City Jazz Festival awards concert featured pianist Rebeca Mauleon, FCC Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble and Festival All-Stars. Thursday, March 31, 2016. Photos/Daisy Rodriguez
‘Teasers’ to Showcase Student Work in May
BY AMRITA AULAKH
Reporter aaulakh@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College students whipped out their acting chops for the upcoming “Teasers” productions. Auditions for the “Teaser” performances were held on April 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in TA-105. Students prepared and recited a one to two minute monologue of their choice.
Students auditioned for the unique showcases which will consist of eight student-written, acted and directed plays, each lasting about 10 minutes. The plays were chosen by the theatre arts department which is also organizing them. Performance dates for “Teasers” are May 2 to 4 at 7:30 p.m. Rehearsal times will vary. For more information, contact Debbi Erven at 442-4600, extension 8458 or Chuck Erven at 442-4600, extension 8478.
Aspiring actors audition for roles in the “Teasers” put on by the theater department at Fresno City College Theater on April 5, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela
A&E 7 Smells Like Teen Angst Punk at Underrated Strummer’s Show 4.6.2016
BY JASMINE YORO BOWLES
Arts & Entertainment Editor jyorobowles@therampageonline.com
Four California bands showed the Tower District the potentials of where modern Cali punk meets rockabilly at Strummer’s, Fresno, on April 3. Opening band SadGirl brought surfer-style rockabilly with a catchy punk edge; nothing short of a positive and exciting start to the show. The Los Angeles natives opened their slot with their popular ‘60s nostalgia instrumental “Norma & Jessica.” Originally from their 7” single “Breakfast is Over” from 2014, “Norma & Jessica” was later re-released on “SadGirl Vol One EP” in 2015. SadGirl is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Misha, bassist Dakota, and drummer Paul. The bluesy, ‘50s prom slow dance song “Breakfast is Over,” also from “SadGirl Vol One,” ended their slot. PARTYBABY followed on. Despite what seemingly could have been a 2009 scene group comeback judging from just a name, PARTYBABY awesomely defied all initial assumptions and most definitely worth keeping an eye on in the future. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band has been playing together for about a year now and is made up of Jamie Schefman, Noah Gersh, Chelsea Davis, and Austin Taylor. An honorable mention of the night would most certainly go to drummer Chelsea Davis who was nothing less than kicka**. With only two songs released, “Everything’s All Right” and “Your Old Man,” guitarist Noah Gersh said “we kind of enjoy letting the music speak for itself at this point” as the door into PARTYBABY’s world is kept acutely ajar while they prep for the year to come. They are an epitome of in-your-face California punk. “[The show] was one of my favorites we’ve ever played,” Gersh said. Penultimate act, The Frights raised the energy level drastically with their rockabilly tint-
ed surf-punk laced with residual teen angst. The proclaimed dirty doo woppers certainly stole the show. At some point after they began playing, more and more attendees were jumping offstage into the crowds hands, tossing and turning like crazy; no doubt a questionable death wish but entertaining nonetheless to see concert-goers borderline flying across the crowd. The band later remarked that “Fresno is crazier than New York was.” The very energetic 3-piece members are Marc Finn on drums, Mikey Carnevale on guitar and bassist Richard Dotson. Crowds were graced with tracks from the self-titled debut album, the newest album “You’re Going to Hate This,” released February, 2016, Metallica’s intro to “Enter Sandman” and a spot on cover of Weezer’s “Sweater Song.” Headliners from Oakland, SWMRS (pronounced “swimmers”) gave everything you’d hope for from a crazy show; wall of death, words of encouragement, a short “F Donald Trump” speech, and most importantly, great music! Frontman and guitarist Cole Becker has the vocals reminiscent of Joey Ramone, which works perfectly with SWMRS’ beach punk sound. Opening with “Harry Dean,” SWMRS also played their single “Miley” which is the “most punk tribute to Miley Cyrus ever,” according to i-D magazine. Addressing the audience with a punk rock attitude and debatably something to inspire, “Uncool” was introduced as “a song about doing whatever the f*ck you want.” SWMRS briefly voice “f*ck Donald Trump’s wall” which was perfectly followed by a cover of the Mice’s “Not Proud of the USA.” After showing Fresno what they’ve got, SadGirl, PARTYBABY, The Frights and SWMRS have potential to solidify a positive outlook on what punk in 2016 can offer and are not to be missed the next time they come to town.
Headliners The Frights and SWMRS electrified the night at Strummer’s, Fresno. Sunday, April 3, 2016. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez
Who are the Influential Women of TV? BY AMRITA AULAKH
Reporter aaulakh@therampageonline.com
Throughout the history of television, female characters have progressively grown stronger both emotionally and physically. We have evolved from the standard, robotic housewives to women in positions of power and women who kick ass in general. Here is a glimpse at just a few of television’s most influential female characters.
1. Cordelia Chase (“Angel”) Former Queen Bee Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), is best known for her role as Cordelia Chase on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Buffy spin-off “Angel”. “Angel” tells the tale of Angel (David Boreanaz), a tortured vampire with a soul seeking redemption for the crimes he’s committed by helping others in need. While Angel is the protagonist, Cordelia steals the show. On “BTVS,” Cordelia is the popular girl and on “Angel” she is a burnt-out adult struggling in a post high school world and eventually becomes a genuinely powerful being. She retains her humor while becoming a person people can truly respect.
2. Buffy Anne Summers (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
When naming influential female characters, one iconic lead comes to mind: Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar; “The Grudge,” “Cruel Intentions”). “BTVS” revolves around Buffy, a vampire slayer who faces villains while dealing with everyday problems. Buffy is a strong, but flawed individual. She is by no means perfect, but she does whatever she can to protect those dear to her even if it means making self-sacrificial decisions. Buffy has singlehandedly saved the world on numerous occasions and has become prime example of what a prominent female character should be like.
3. Dr. Juliet Burke (“Lost”) One lesson Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell; “V,” “Revolution”) taught the audience is that being strong does not mean being physically strong. “Lost” is a series about a group of people that are stranded on an island after a plane crash. Juliet is a survivor of sorts. Juliet’s intelligence and wit are responsible for her surviving as long as she did in the dangerous world of “Lost.” She is relatable and likable despite the troubling decisions you see her make. She has qualities that exist within women in reality. Juliet is powerful and empowering. Mitchell’s honest portrayal of Juliet made her an instant hit with fans.
4. Octavia Blake (“The 100”) “The 100” is set in a far-off future where Earth was destroyed by a nuclear attack. The sole survivors of the attack then made space their home via space stations. Three generations later, 100 delinquents are sent back to Earth due to dwindling resources in space. One of the delinquents is Octavia (Marie Avgeropoulos). While there are plenty of strong female characters, Octavia stands out due to her character evolution. Beginning the series as a sheltered individual, she quickly evolves into a hardened warrior forced to change in order to survive her hellish surroundings. Octavia has transformed from a cliché to a true warrior who deserves the utmost respect.
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OPINION
4.6.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
TRUE LOVE IS BUILT FROM BROKEN PIECES BY ANDREA BRISENO
News Editor abriseno@therampageonline.com
Trust is fragile, it is like glass. I compare Bill Meek’s artwork “Starfire Tower” to relationships and trust. Once it is broken, it is difficult to put back together the pieces in order
to form the piece again. If we attempt to put back the pieces, we might cut ourselves. For instance, we may start to form the glass vase again only to find out that the pieces do not fit. My ex-boyfriend and I have attempted to put the pieces back together many times. We run back to each other because of the sensation we feel when we are with each other. However, as the relationship runs it course, we notice the cracks in our vase. We see the reasons why we broke up. Couples break up because of a loss of trust. We lose trust that our partner will be faithful to us. We lose trust that our partner will provide for us -- financially and emotionally. When we try to get back with our exes, we focus too much on recreating the same piece. No matter how hard
we try, the vase will never go back to its previous form. Instead of creating the same art work, we should chip off the pieces of the relationship that did not work, refine the glass and create a new piece. Meek did with his artwork. If you find yourself wanting to get back with your ex, you have to treat the relationship like a new one. You have to create a new piece of art. What I have learned is that you cannot build the vase from broken pieces and expect it to be the same. Even if you could, why would you want to create the same relationship again? This isn’t to say that all exes should run back to each other, but that it is possible to have trust between exes. To have a new vase, you have to use new material. If both partners go into the relationship with the same habits and
mentality, then the ending will be the same. Often times, it is easier said than done. It is hard to let go of past memories. It is like we are scared to love again. But this will happen even with another partner. We will carry those broken pieces into another relationship. Osvaldo Acosta, a life coach, once explained to that at the beginning of a relationship, we love with 100 percent of our hearts. However, once we are hurt, we think that if we only love with 50 percent of our heart, it will not get hurt as much the next time around. But we end up getting hurt just as much. We have to give our relationship our full attention. We should not be afraid of love. If you are starting a relationship, transform your broken pieces into a masterpiece.
HOW I MANAGE TO GET THROUGH COLLEGE BY JORGE ALAMO
Reporter jalamo@therampageonline.com
We have all wondered if this extra education is even necessary. Doubtful moments like these are nothing new, especially in college. Growing up, it was engraved in me that I would excel above and beyond. Trying to excel to my highest ability has made a huge impact in my life. College has given me the biggest amount of stress in my entire life, from cramming in multiple essays on the same week to mid-terms and finals. I’m currently in my final semester at Fresno City College, hoping to pass all of my classes so I can receive the final units I need.
At the same time, I must stay up to date with the universities I have applied to and make sure I don’t miss important deadlines. Without realizing it, I am constantly piling pressure on myself. One way to deal with all the stress is to have a hobby to occupy your free time. This can even mean hanging out with friends. At the end of the day, college teaches us how to manage our time and deal with stress. With all the stress and pressure that college brings, I am still determined to do well although, I could use a little more discipline when it comes to studying for an exam. Even something as simple as going into a quiet room and extracting myself from all of the noise outside has helped me. Of course, you have to leave your phone behind. Students who have jobs may find it easier to handle this, but nevertheless, everyone can still find some free time throughout the day. For those who don’t yet have a career in mind, it may feel like you don’t have motivation for anything. This can be especially hard when your parents keep asking. The pressure only grows stronger. I was in that situation last year as a freshman but was able to get out of
Illustration/Clip Art it by following my hobby and getting more involved in careers that relate to it. That’s why having a hobby or something you are passionate about can help you make a decision.
We all want to succeed to make the future better for ourselves, but college takes us through rough roads but also makes us cherish the good times. Once we achieve our goals, all the hard work will be worth it.
Global Leaders’ Financial Corruption Blows Up “The Panama Papers is a global investigation into the sprawling, secretive industry of offshore that the world’s rich and powerful use to hide assets and skirt rules by setting up fake companies in far-flung jurisdictions.” Source: The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
OPINION
4.6.2016
9
DO YOU SUPPORT THE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE?
BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com
PRO
Campus Voices
They say money can’t buy happiness, but when we don’t have money or have too little, we can hardly compete or provide for our families with basic necessities to, at the very least, make it in America. Let’s not be quick to criticize the raising of the minimum wage. California legislators have moved forward to create a more certain future for workers in the state and have showed that lifting people out of poverty is possible. The capitalist system that the United States operates on is no longer working for everyone. The average American will realize that this system no longer provides what they desperately need, which is a living wage and a sense of worth and security. Since the first introduction of the minimum wage in this country, we have come a long way. Twenty-five cents was the minimum wage when the idea was first introduced in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Now California is leading the way in realizing that maybe, just maybe, a hard-worker in its state is worthy of a raise every now and then, as, clearly, we have seen. The state is realizing that its workers deserve to know that they will earn more for more work. People in this country are working for longer hours and yet, wages remain unchanged. For those who peddle the idea that we will end up paying more at the cash register if the minimum wage goes up, there is no need to continue pushing that idea -- we know that. It is no surprise that things have gotten increasingly more expensive throughout the years, but that is normal, there needs to be a balance and we must adapt.
But adapting to change does not mean that we must forget and leave behind the working poor and the middle class. They still need a helping hand every now and then. While the rich continue to get richer, it is absurd that those of us who do not make a six figure salary are fighting over the fact that we need a raise. People should not be voting against their own interest. After all, who are we to settle for a “minimum” wage, while legislators themselves don’t do half the amount of work as the average American worker? Have we been conditioned to embrace greed? Those of us not working minimum wage should realize that there is real suffering. Families suffer when they don’t get a raise. When those families suffer, everyone suffers. Simply ignoring the fact that millions go to bed hungry, not knowing if they will have enough for their rent or bills, will not make poverty go away. We must tackle the problem, and raising the minimum wage does just that -- it gives workers hope. We should all be willing to pay more to live better. At the same time, we should all be paid more, to live better. The fight for a living wage must continue.
money to federal unemployment for the payout of unprecedented amounts of claims, its credit against the 6 percent unemployment tax was reduced to 3.9 percent. So business in California will pay 2.1 percent to the federal government for unemployment insurance instead of a normal .6 percent. When a business pays an employee $10 an hour, it is really paying out $10.83 plus per hour. When the minimum wage rises to $15 an hour, employers will be paying out $16.22 per hour. Let’s take a look at McDonald’s. Hypothetically, McDonald’s hires cashiers for $15 an hour. A busy McDonald’s may have two to three cashiers working at the same time. They are open 24 hours which means that the fast food chain will pay out approximately $2,700 per week to have cashiers man one location. That is approximately $141,000 per year. McDonald’s is already gearing up to replace cashiers with ordering stations. McDonald’s is notorious for making business decisions based on the bottom line. They have already decided that it is cheaper to pay hot coffee lawsuits than it is to have to throw out cold coffee gone bad. Basically, if the wage goes up, you can be sure that McDonald’s will not be the only ones replacing people with machines. This will lead to unemployment for thousands and you can bet that they are going to increase prices anyway, they are a huge corporation. What about mom and pop businesses? These diligent men and women open businesses to support their families. Mom and Pop businesses may hire one or two employees to help them out. They do not get the same kinds of wholesale discounts that large corporations with massive purchasing power get. Owning one of these kinds of business is like buying yourself a job. Mom and Pop already pay more to be in business than a huge corporation and at times, only make payroll by not paying themselves. Frequently, these businesses are run at a barely profitable level, and customers purchasing at these business do so because of convenience or loyalty. Now. raise minimum wage. These lovely people just raised their outgoing expenses by approximately $430 per week. Running their business is a hobby because it is no longer going to pay the bills. At least one employee is going to lose his job so that mom and pop can keep the lights on.
BY TAMMI NOTT
Reporter tnott@therampageonline.com
CON
Raising minimum wage is not going to improve people’s standard of living over the long haul. If wages increase, the ramifications could cause businesses to increase their prices, and cut jobs. When business expenses increase so do prices, and consequently, the cost of living. The current employer tax rate contribution for Social Security is 6.2 percent. Because the state of California owes
Should we increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
Source: Rampage Online Polls
Francis Cao Psychology
Delaney Wiitala Theatre Arts
Stephen Duenes Undeclared
Alexis Lopez Office Professional
“I think it’s terrible. Everything is going to go up in price, it’s not making the economy any better.”
“I think we should keep it where it is and not raise it as fast as they plan on raising it because that will just inflate everything else like food and everything we buy.”
“Maybe it should just be slowing down a little more before it gets to $15. Maybe we should leave it where it is right now.”
“I agree that people work hard, and they feel they should get a raise, but what people need to understand by them getting a raise, is that all the other prices are still going to go up.”
Photos and interviews/Larry Valenzuela
10
SPORTS
4.6.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Rams Win Singles Title in Tournament BY MICHAEL MENDEZ
Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College women’s tennis team reached the finals in doubles and singles competition in the Big Eight conference tournament on April 2, while bringing home a singles championship for the Rams. The Rams hope to take what they achieved in this tournament into the postseason for a state title. The tournament featured four of the top players from each school from the Big Eight conference, in a three day event, held in five-rounds, showing the best tennis that the conference has to offer. The Rams had played an exhibition match with Fresno State, which prepared them for the tournament. A 12-1 record going into the event helped build up confidence to get them to big wins. The tournament started off with doubles competition as the Rams hit the court with the pairings of Maria Ochoa and Milah Ryland, as well as Bianca Muniz and Jana Misirli. Ochoa
and Ryland made it through the first four rounds without losing a single set to advance. Muniz and Misirli had an early exit in the first round. The doubles finals match would set up Rams doubles team, Ochoa and Ryland, to go up against a tough Modesto team that had a similar climb to the reach the finals. The finals match started with both teams showing their best, with each team countering serves, volleys and recovery shots to a standstill, with Modesto only having a single set difference between the two. As the game remained close, the Rams doubles showed sparks of closing the gap by getting a much needed point, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Modesto closed out the finals with a 2-0 victory over the Rams. “It was tough. We have played them before and they were feeling better heading into the match then we were, and we couldn’t capitalize when we need it to,” Ochoa said. Singles matches featured all four of the Rams playing at top form during their opening matches. Three out of
the four advanced to the quarterfinals with matching scores of 6-0, weeding out the competition in their respective matches. Finals of the singles competition would come down to two Fresno City athletes: Milah Ryland --who was a part of the finals in doubles-- against teammate Raquel Gonzales, insuring a Rams singles conference title. The question was who was it going to be? The battle of the Rams squared off as similar to the doubles finals match, the singles match started off at a standstill. With the teammates knowing each other on and off the court, they have become accustomed to each other’s style of play. The match went on until Ryland started to take control of the opening series by delivering aggressive counter serves that were too much for Gonzales to keep up with, which led to Ryland winning the first set of the match. The second set of the match saw a sudden turnaround for Gonzales as she took the first series in the second set with the use of quick counter serves, hitting balls on the opposite
ends of the court. Gonzales had the edge early on the second set, but it was short lived as Ryland quickly recovered by winning the next five series, closing out the second set and the match with a 2-0 set victory for the Big Eight conference singles title. The win marked her first conference singles title of her collegiate career. “Playing against one of my teammates was kind of tough. Yes, we are teammates and we both want to win, but you don’t want to make enemies on your team,” Ryland said. “I felt pretty good winning singles, but now I just have to take this to the postseason and try to do well there.” Rams head coach, Chantel Wiggins, was very happy with the performance that she got from her team. A majority of her roster finished high in the tournament, which will determine the seeding heading into the postseason. “It was really good to see our team do so well in this tournament,” said Wiggins. “But since we are looking for a state title we have to expect it.”
Maria Ochoa walks off the court after winning her singles match against Sacramento City College. Wednesday, March 30, 2016./Daisy Rodriguez
Rams Learn Valuable Lessons from Fresno State BY MICHAEL MENDEZ
Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College women’s tennis team played an exhibition match against nationally ranked Fresno State, their university neighbors. The Bulldogs showed why they are ranked number 24 in the nation by winning all of their double and singles competitions. As much as this was a loss for the Rams, the players said they considered it more of a learning experience. The Bulldogs maintained control of the doubles matches, separating themselves from the Rams by winning every match without losing a single set in the process. Chantel Wiggins, a former Fres-
no State alumna who is head coach for the Rams, said her team can grow from this matchup and gain a lot of experience. “This was a very tough match as Fresno State is one of the best teams in the country right now, and it showed during this match,” Higgins said. “It was awesome to have this match to see where we are and how we can grow from this to get to where we want to be.” The exhibition match between the two Fresno schools started in doubles competition with some of the best pairings the city of Fresno has to offer. The matches started with State taking control, playing aggressive demonstrating how they flowed as a team, as they were able to get really
strong serves, volleys and mastering counters to keep the ball in play. The match moved to singles competition, which is known as the Rams’ ace-in-the-hole when it comes to closing out matches, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make a comeback against the highly ranked Bulldogs. By playing heads up mentality being able to scramble to live balls fast, strong serves and keep their tempo during double. Fresno State won all of the single matches, but not all of them were easy wins; the final two matches came down to a 1-2 set difference, showing that the Rams were tough and mean in their own right and won’t go down so easily. Despite losing this exhibition match Maria Ochoa sees this match
more of a learning curve of her own game and what she wants it to be. “They were a very tough team,” Ochoa said. “I see a higher level of tennis is, I will try to improve my game to get to that kind of level.” Even though this match resulted in a loss for the Rams, Coach Wiggins said she is taking what they learned from this match and applying it to their future matches. The team’s next big match is the conference play in the Big Eight southern tournament. The team is confident to win as they pursue their ultimate goal of a state title. Wiggins said, “It is awesome to have great competition as it puts us in perspective of where we are, and where we need to be in order to win state.”
SPORTS 11 Rams Softball Rout College of Sequoias in Doubleheader
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
BY MICHAEL FORD
Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com
The blistering hot Fresno City College Rams softball team held nothing back in their demolition job of College of the Sequoias on March 31, winning both games of a doubleheader by scores of 11-3 and 8-0. Both games were shortened due to the mercy rule, which dictates that a
4.6.2016
game is over if one team is leading by at least eight runs after five innings of play. The first game started off very quickly for the Rams. Starting pitcher Sarah Santana allowed a leadoff double to centerfielder Ashley Guzman, and she was sacrificed over to third, but Santana did not allow the run to score. Quick momentum changes like that
can help teams in their next turn to bat, and that is exactly what happened for Fresno. The team would go off for an incredible 7 runs in the second inning, effectively putting the game out of reach for COS early on. Outfielder Aubrey Blankenburg started the inning off in style with a solid ground ball and was later driven in on a double by shortstop Sara Specht, also scoring first baseman Adri Martinez. Second baseman Renee Ortega highlighted the inning with a two-run home run, scoring her and Santana. “Our bats are hot right now and we are scoring a lot of runs,” said head coach Rhonda Williams. “We had some really good at bats even when we got behind in the count we battled hard and still got some big hits and some clutch hits with runners on base and two outs.” A big reason for the batters’ successes is their preparation and their knowledge of the other team’s strengths and weaknesses. “COS is a very strict team. There were some defensive set-ups that they did that we found holes in, and the fact that their defense likes to stay back, we just popped it where they weren’t and we were able to use it to our advantage,” explained freshman catcher Cameryn Reichle. Santana knew what to do with such a lead as she dominated the COS hitters for the rest of her four innings of work, allowing only three hits and striking out three batters in the process. The win improves her personal win-loss record for the season to a be-
yond incredible 17-1. The second game was a continuation of the first, as the Rams bats didn’t cool down a bit. After a quick inning by Santana, who started both games, the Rams offense flexed their muscle once again. Reichle doubled home Martinez, and sophomore pitcher and utility infielder, Macy Denney. Santana then helped herself out at the plate, driving home Reichle on a hard ground ball down the first base line. The team finished the second scoring three runs, and added four more in the fourth as they kept pouring it on with COS helpless to stop them. With the team on such a long winning streak, players can sometimes get to full of themselves, but this team has an uncommon ability to stay focused on the here and now. “She [Williams] doesn’t let it get to our heads, I mean she lets us know that we are good and stuff, but she doesn’t let it get to our heads. She always is reminding us to take it one game at a time,” Blankenburg said. Williams believes this team has the potential to do some special things this season. “I think the potential of this team is to win it all in the state championship. If we didn’t think that, we wouldn’t be working as hard as we are. I think they could do it,” Williams said. “We’ve got the pitching, we’ve got the defense and we’ve got the hitting, and to be able to put all three phases of the game together like that and we are doing that. That’s what it takes to get to the final four and play in the state championship.”
“ Our bats are hot right now and we are scoring a lot of runs.” -Head Coach Rhonda Williams Pitcher Sarah Santana prepares for her next pitch during the second inning against College of Sequoias. Thursday, March 31, 2016./Daisy Rodriguez
Golden State Warriors’ Run at History BY MICHAEL FORD
Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com
Astounding. Incredible. Incomprehensible. We are just about out of superlatives to describe how incredibly and truly great the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors have been the last two seasons, in particular this season. If for some reason you haven’t heard, the Warriors are on the precipice of passing Michael Jordan’s 1995-96 Chicago Bulls that went 7210, the all time best record for a team in an NBA season. Conventional wisdom in the basketball community has been that the record is unbreakable, as the grind of a grueling 82 game schedule takes an incredible toll on the players, which in turn affects their play on the court. Golden State, however, showed from the very start of the season that they are no ordinary squad, and they haven’t rested on their laurels after winning it all last year. In fact, this years team is exponentially better than last year’s team, which by the way, also went 67-15 in the regular season. In fact, they set the all time record for consecutive wins to begin a season, going 24-0 before losing their first game to the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 12. That alone is a remark-
able achievement. What makes this unit so great? Well, there are probably too many reasons to even count, but there are a few rather large ones that can not be ignored. The first is obvious: Stephen Curry. Curry is in the midst of a historically great campaign. The NBA’s official website lists the incredible
numbers that he is putting up. Through 76 games, 73 of which he has played in, he is averaging a league-leading 30 points per game, just over 2 steals a game and he is shooting 47 percent from three point range, good enough for second in the league. Not to mention he is second in free throw percentage at 90 percent.
Bobby Brown/Illustrator
Oh, and by the way, he is only playing 34 minutes a game. He sits out of many fourth quarters because his team is often way ahead in the game. As great as he is, he has an almost equally great cast of teammates surrounding him. Klay Thompson is averaging 23 ppg and Draymond Green is getting 14 points and 10 rebounds nightly, two players who were all stars this season. The team is so well rounded that they are able to beat opponents in a myriad of different ways, which will make it tough for any team to beat them in the playoffs, no matter their style of play. That isn’t to say it will be easy, far from it. The San Antonio Spurs have also had a historically great season as they have yet to lose a single home game all year, with record of 38-0. It seems the two teams are on a collision course for a matchup in the western conference finals. If that indeed ends up being the case, fans should be in store for an all time great series. For the Warriors to truly make this season one for the ages, they need to win the NBA finals. If they fail to do so, people will discount the Warriors even if they set the record for wins in a season.
12 SPORTS 4.6.2016 Rams Dominate Porterville College, Get 11th Straight Conference Win BY CONNOR LINVILLE
Reporter clinville@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College men’s baseball team picked up their 11th straight conference victory on April 2, with a 4-1 victory over the Porterville College Pirates. After a rocky preseason, the Rams’ bats have come alive during conference play, and they have scored at least two runs in each victory. The offense was overshadowed, though, by a brilliant day on the mound from a quartet of pitchers. The Rams allowed just two hits the entire game, and flirted with a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Freshman left-hander Troy Stainbrook dominated the Pirates from the start, striking out the first five batters he faced. He would pick up three more strikeouts through four no-hit innings, but head coach Ron Scott would go to the bullpen in the fifth inning. By the time he retired to the bullpen, Stainbrook had struck out eight of 13 batters he faced, but Scott said nothing was wrong with the lefty. “We want those guys ready for Merced next week, so we wanted to throw all four guys today,” Scott said. “Next week is a big week for us.” The Rams’ bullpen came out firing as freshman Efrain Del Rio and Andrew Mitchell both pitched an inning, each collecting a strikeout and neither allowing a hit. Freshman Matt Walker was up next, and would close out the game for the Rams.
Michael Beltran swings and makes contact with a pitch against Porterville in Euless Park in Fresno on April 2, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela A weak blooper to right field would end the possible combined no-hitter in the seventh inning, but Walker still picked up three strikeouts in the three impressive innings pitched. Four seemed to be the Ram’s lucky number Saturday afternoon as four batters would account for all four of the Ram’s runs through the first four innings. “We’ve actually been really working, trying to hit where the ball’s pitched,” Scott said about his hot of-
fense. Freshman Fernando Galindo would lead the charge at the plate. He went 3-4 and lit up the stat sheet with two doubles, a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore Alec Emerzian provided thump from the designated hitter’s spot, launching two triples to deep center, picking up an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore Conly Biglione proved to be a nuisance to the Pirates both at the plate and on the bases going 4-4
with a double, a stolen base and a run scored. Sophomore Evan Steele helped keep the offense moving as well, going 2-3 with an RBI and a couple of stolen bases along the way. “A lot of those balls were hit with two strikes,” Scott said. “The guys are spread out and hitting where it’s pitched.” The Rams will put their streak on the line as conference play continues this week against Merced on April 5, 7 and 9.