College mandates student e-mail
Candidates vie for ASG office
by Sydney Excinia Rampage Reporter
by Ramiro Gudino
Starting June 1, the State Center Community College District will only contact students through a required, official student e-mail address. According to Harry Zahlis, the Fresno City College network coordinator, the e-mail transition will “guarantee communication with all students on campus.” “Every student will have an account created for them. When students log in for the first time, their job is to change their password,” said Zahlis. To eliminate privacy issues, changing the password should not be delayed, he said. Students will no longer receive messages from the financial office, admissions and records, and Blackboard if they don’t have a district e-mail by the designated date, Zahlis said. At the moment, Zahlis said the district office is in the process of creating a campaign to let all students know about the transition. Blackboard will be one of the ways the district reaches students. ASG President Sergey Saluschev believes there are many benefits with the transition, which would give students an address that reads LastName_IdNumber@my.sccd.edu
“It is definitely a step in the right direction,” Saluschev said. “The district is taking a big step forward in utilizing the technology that is offered. It is a way to insure communication and it is cost efficient, faster, and convenient.” When the transition takes place, Zahlis said, there will be an information office open during the day for students to contact with questions and concerns. The district office’s vice chancellor, Don Lopez, is focusing on using the same help contractor as with Blackboard, which will offer assistance to students about their e-mails, much like FCC’s 24/7 communication service by phone, Zahlis said. One alternative with the transition is to have students’ current e-mail forwarded to their my.scccd.edu e-mail.
Rampage Reporter
Presidential candidate Phing Lee English
Voting for the Associated Student Government (ASG) positions at Fresno City College is taking place from Tuesday to Thursday at the main fountain area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only nine candidates have registered to compete for the 23 positions, including the ASG president; president pro-tempore; legislative vice president; executive vice president; student trustee; delegate; communications officer, and 11 senators. The positions of the president and the president pro-tempore are the only positions contested. Information from the College Activities Office shows a low participation rate in student elections, the lowest in 2005 with only one student running for senator. To be eligible to vote, FCC students must have a valid id. For more information and candidate biographies, go to www. fresnocitycollegerampage.com.
Senator Candidates
President Pro Tempore
Jenn Muargas Social Science
Samantha Merritt Nursing
Sean Burdine
Environmental Studies/ Economics
Legislative VP Rebecca Ashijan
see “e-mail” on page 7
Inside:
Since 1949
Volume CXX edition 5
Political Science
Janice Chan
April 28, 2010
Budget cuts affecting faculty contracts byAndrew Veihmeyer Rampage Reporter
The faculty union held an emergency meeting on Monday, April 10, to discuss its contract and unresolved conflicts with the district, issues that may affect the future of the student body through classes and services. The meeting, conducted in the Health Science building on campus and led by Zwi Reznik, the president of the State Center Community College Federation of Teachers, had several items on the agenda: the cancellation of Presidential candidate faculty sabbaticals, the removal of the long-established cost-ofDaniel G. Gai living salary adjustment, and the Business Administration Pre-Law status of the school’s unrestricted general fund. The 2006-09 faculty contract states that sabbatical leaves “shall be granted to unit members, under provisions of the Education Code, for the purpose of carrying out an approved program, which will enable the unit member to provide improved service to the District and its students.” However, the district has recently cancelled sabbaticals due to the state budget situation, causing discourse among faculty. “It’s an unreasonable thing for them to do,” Reznik said, emphasizing that the district is going President Pro Tempore against the established contract. The district has also stopped cost-of-living adjustments, or Organizational Leadership COLA, which are small but periodic bumps in pay to offset rising living expenses. “We’re asking to maintain that in our contracts,” Reznik said. Finally, in 2008-09, FCC’s unrestricted general fund, a “save for a rainy day” fund, was approximately $30,977,050, an amount Reznik says is “unusually large,” but not the highest he has seen among other California community colleges. Reznik said that the district used a substantial amount from the fund in 2007-08 toward the Old Administration building renovation. According to Reznik, FCC has since kept the fund relatively intact Reznik, like other faculty members, has concern for the reserve and the effect it will have on Business Management future cuts and on the well-being
Leticia Montes
Executive VP Brent Beckwith
Biology
see “Budget cuts” on page 5
News:
ENTERTAINMENT:
SPORTS:
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Masquerade Ball
Las peliculas en espanol
Five FCC Athletes get full rides
News
2 Rampage
April 28, 2010
Counseling Services Find Creative Ways to Serve Students by William Christensen
Rampage Reporter With the threat of budget cuts continuing, counselors at Fresno City College have developed crafty ways to serve students who seek academic advice. The counseling division, which has fewer people available due to the budget cuts, has set up a “Counseling Q&A” system upstairs in the Student Services building during registration periods to use its limited manpower quickly and efficiently. The goal: to provide students with help without too much wait time. “The intent of Q&A,” according to Dr. Geri Santos, the elected chair of the counseling division, “was to triage students to make sure they were in the right place and getting the right services through Student Services.” Triage is a process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition. The registration period, known as Ram Rush, takes place
twice a semester. The period runs the week before and the first two weeks of a new semester. It runs again around mid-term, for the first two weeks of continuing-student registration and the first week of new-student registration.
need a full session. This service is in addition to other counseling methods, such as by phone, over the Internet and via group sessions. Counselor Forouzandeh Rahnejad said the Q&A method works. “We channel them to the
Photo by Abel Cortez
Fresno City College students awaiting a chance to speak to a councelor on march 13 in the Students Services building. During this time, the Q&A offers a streamlined counseling service for students who do not
right place, if that is their need,” she said. Dr. Santos said the Q&A
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Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 programs and is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.
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line is designed to move more quickly. “The wait time in counseling is two and a half to three hours,” she said. “It’s a long wait time but we have a large student population.” A smaller number of “duty
Reporters
Kimberly A. Hodges, Sydney Excinia, Annette DeDios, Abel Cortez, Kris Goka, Ronisha Thomas, Gabriella Ramirez, Kyle Calvert, Nongtshia Vue, Sebouh Simonian, Valerie Hill, William Christensen, Ramiro Gudino Laura Solis, Ray Juarez, Karina Ornelas, Andrew Veihmeyer, Kenneth Rodgers, Max Rosendahl, Emilio Gutierrez, Andrew Turner.
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Editors & Staff
Managing Editor: Kyle Calvert Copy Editor: Andrew Veihmeyer Views Editor: Kyle Calvert News Editor: Laura Solis Entertainment Editor: Kimberly A. Hodges Photo Editor: Valerie Hill On-Line Editor: Max Rosendahl Sports Editor: Gabriella Ramirez Business/Advertising: Leah Edwards Production Manager: Ramiro Gudino Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju Production Adviser: Jefferson Beavers
Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in person 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to a maximum of 200 words along with contact information.
Editor In Chief: rampage-editor@fresnocitycollege.edu Rampage business Office: rampage-business@fresnocitycollege.edu Advisors: dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu / jefferson.beavers@fresnocitycollege.edu
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days” for counselors has also contributed to the wait times. “ H i s t o r i c a l l y, w e ’ v e worked 205 days and we are now working 181 days,” Santos said. “But that’s not just in counseling [here], that’s across the board in Reedley College, Clovis Center. Everybody has been cut.” With 18 full-time counselors, Santos said, it’s easy to do the math. “That’s … 432 days’ reduction off counselors’ days,”
she said. Rahnejad said that because of the cuts to the counseling division hours, “students pay for it with longer waits.” Hundreds of students go through the counseling process daily. When asked about his experiences with the counseling division this semester, Matthew Nides, a 20-year-old psychology major, said about a month ago he had a four-hour wait. “It has been pretty good,” Nides said. “But lately it has been backed up. My only frustration is waiting.” Amanda Salazar, a 21-yearold child development major, said that her experiences with counseling have been all right but that she devised a strategy to help. “I waited for about an hour last week because I came to the counseling office early,” Salazar said. Santos posed a few solutions to the waiting problem. “We have appointments available,” she said. “Students should try to come in and make appointments, not during peak time because we don’t offer appointments during peak time [during registration]. But students… should utilize the appointment system because then they have a specific person and they’re seen right on that time.” Rampage staff writer Sydney Excinia contributed to this report.
Letter to the Editor I am a student for three semesters and counting. I am a disabled student registered with DSP&S. Every semester I find that there are people who are not disabled in the disabled persons parking. I always have to call the campus police and have sometimes stuck around to find the person gets away without punishment because the police never show up. It would be to be more effective if Fresno City college would require that ALL disabled students be given a FCC sticker after showing proof that the placards are their own thus allowing the student to park in the handicapped stalls and keeping those who are using the placards illegally will refrain from doing so. Fresno City College police also allow people to park in the white loading zones, by this I mean they do
not give out citations. How do I know? Again, I have called on many occasions and waited to see the results to find that one out of four times an officer had to be called and may give only one citation, while the others drive away citation free and ready to park there again. What is the sense of having parking control officers if they aren’t dong their duty in controlling parking violators? Fresno City College needs to see that people are illegally parking in disabled persons stalls and white loading areas when I who am legally disabled have to fight for blue stalls and eighty percent of the time I wind up having to use regular parking. Fresno City College needs to come up with a way to enforce parking laws because what they have now is not working.
Leon Velasco FCC Student
3 News Fresno City College’s First Dance in 30 Years Rampage
April 28, 2010
by Laura Solis
and little sandwiches. ASG student trustee Ericka Gutierrez said student leaders wanted to bring the FCC community together to celebrate the college’s 100 year anniversary. “We wanted something that would be different and fun,” Gutierrez said. To promote the event in the week leading up to the ball, the $30 tickets were offered “buy one get one free.” The ball was mainly funded by ASG, which provided money for supplies. A committee of students fundraised for the event by selling tickets and masquerade masks. At the dance, a new, unnamed dance crew made a surprise appearance, performing to the music of T.I. and Justin Timberlake. ASG adviser Sean Henderson served as DJ for the night. His song choice ranged from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” to Indian and other international music.
Rampage Reporter Fresno City College hosted its first school dance in more than 30 years on April 16, in honor of the school’s centennial celebration. About 145 students, faculty and staff attended. The masquerade-themed ball, organized by Associated Student Government, was held in the FCC cafeteria. It started at 7 p.m. and ended at midnight. “It’s pretty awesome that I was here to see it,” English major Amanda Borchansky said. The ball offered music, photos, food and prizes. Decorations consisted of a temporarily installed disco ball, a backdrop that covered up the food purchasing area of the cafeteria and pillars with white holiday lights. The food offered in the faculty dining area included pot stickers, meatballs
Photo by Abel Cortez
Nursing Major, Christina Quintero, at the dance held in Fresno City College Cafeteria on April 16.
Lewis to Serve Probation and Attend Drug Rehabilitation substances, Emmanuel Lewis will be on probation and be admitted to a drug recovery program instead of facing prison time. Lewis will enter a local Salvation Army drug recovery program for up to six months instead of facing up to a maximum of five
by Andrew Veihmeyer
Rampage Reporter After pleading no contest to felony drug charges that involved the possession and sale of illegal
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years and eight months in prison. and the court should sentence you On April 13, Fresno Supe- to whatever the court felt was just rior Court judge James Oppliger and proper punishment, including addressed Lewis and outlined state prison.” exactly what the plea agreement Noel Pebet, a deputy dismeant for his case. Oppliger, filling trict attorney and the case’s prosin for Judge Jonathan B. Conklin, ecutor, said: ALLOY MEDIA & MARKETING NY015049B also stressed that the final ap“I’d like to see him take 5.9300 x 7 proval of Lewis’ probation detailsPMITCHEL advantage of the opportunity.” would be up to Conklin, who was reh Pebet also said that Lewis unavailable that day. is planning to go to college in If Lewis does not follow the Alabama and play football. His terms of the probation, Oppliger drug treatment would be continsaid to Lewis, “all deals are off ued there.
Lewis and his attorney declined to comment. Lewis was the Rams’ quarterback for the 2008 and 2009 football seasons. Police arrested Lewis on Dec. 10, 2009. During a four5/12/2010 month investigation, Clovis police said Lewis sold close to an Retail ounce 1 of cocaine and 25 VERI032100 ecstasy pills to undercover narcotics officers. His next court appearance is June 1.
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April 28, 2010
Instructors share how they address homosexuality in their courses
High Speed Rail Could Benefit FCC Rampage Reporter On April 15, Fresno City College demonstrated to state officials its ability to train new workers in maintaining a new high-speed rail system planned
Mark McCollough, an FCC computer aided manufacturing instructor, started the presentation to the officials. Those observing the presentation included Swearengin, Pringle, Dr. Azari, and Fresno County Supervisor Susan Anderson. McCollough demonstrated the college’s technology and abil-
FCC instructor, Mark McCollough (right), showing Court Pringle, Ashley Swearenguin (left), a student’s manufacturing program. between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The high-speed rail commission for the state of California will soon be selecting a site for the maintenance facility of the state’s forthcoming high-speed rail system. The chairman for the highspeed rail commission, Curt Pringle, who is also mayor of Anaheim, joined Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin for a campus visit. They flew in via helicopter, landing at Ratcliffe Stadium. According to Pringle, the digging will start by 2012. “The college did not disap-
system will enable the public to travel from Fresno to Disneyland, for example, in about an hour and a half. FCC President Cynthia Azari greeted the mayors at the stadium, where golf carts then transported them to campus, accompanied by a police escort. Azari said the high-speed rail project would mean more than 1,500 new jobs for Fresno County. The campus, Azari said, already has all of the necessary equipment for the transfer facility. If FCC is chosen, it would simply add a new program to its catalog of courses, she said.
Photo by Abel Cortez
by Max Rosendahl
point,” Mayor Swearengin said. “They showcased their applied technology program for the chair of the high-speed rail authority. When he walked away, he said this is very impressive.” The rail system will run through the San Joaquin Valley and will connect the Bay Area with Southern California. The new rail
ity to use its advanced machinery. McCollough chose some of his top students to present their projects. One former student demonstrated the things that he learned from the program and how it is used in his job working for the multi-national company Cisco. Mayor Swearengin said that campus officials communicated that FCC has the capacity to train and equip the project if it ends up in Fresno. “I’ve spent a lot of time on community college campuses and have never seen all these kinds of things,” Swearengin said.
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by Annette DeDios & Max Rosendahl
Rampage Reporters Three Fresno City College instructors say they work hard to ensure the balance between personal beliefs and student beliefs when discussing the topic of homosexuality in their classes. The college’s recent decision to discipline health science instructor Dr. Bradley Lopez for engaging in “Bible-based instruction” and “disparaging remarks about homosexuals” has led students, faculty and staff to question the boundaries of academic freedom. The big question: How can instructors express their beliefs and also explore tough topics such as homosexuality without making students feel alienated? In e-mail interviews, The Rampage talked with three Fresno City College instructors to ask them how they introduce and moderate discussions of homosexuality in their respective classes. Here’s what they said, in their own words. Wendell Stephenson Ethics Question: How does the topic relate to the material taught in your class? Answer: I deal with ethical issues of historical and contemporary interest. In my ethics course, the subject of the moral rightness/ wrongness of homosexual sex is discussed, as well as the issue of gay marriage. The topics have been fixtures of my course since 1999 at FCC. Q: How do you express academic freedom or your beliefs about the matter when covering this topic? A: The arguments for and against are fairly presented and an open critical discussion is held. Philosophy is, among other things, the critical pursuit of truth about whatever issue seems relevant. One is to follow Socrates in “following the argument that seems best to whatever conclusion it leads.” Q: Are you sensitive to creating a non-hostile environment in your class in regard to this topic? A: I ensure all sides are fairly represented and that those who want to speak are treated with courtesy and respect. Linda Vang Sociology Question: How does the topic relate to the material taught in your class? Answer: The topic of homosexuality is part of a study unit called “Sex and Gender.” I bring in homosexuality when I discuss a framework called the “transgender continuum.” In doing so, I discuss homosexuality and heterosexuality, but also asexuality and bisexuality under this framework. Since sociologists discuss norms, I do present the idea that
our culture views heterosexuality as the “norm” and that everything that is seen separate from that is often devalued in a society, unfortunately. This gets students to consider what societal dynamics underlie our views on homosexuality. Q: How do you express academic freedom or your beliefs about the matter when covering this topic? A: I do not give my opinion about homosexuality, unless a student asks. I make it very clear what my opinion is and how that may differ from what other students may think. I want students to be able to draw their own conclusions and formulate their own views. Their views can differ from mine, and I respect that. Q: Are you sensitive to creating a non-hostile environment in your class in regard to this topic? A: I am very in touch with not creating a hostile environment. I tell students from the onset that sociology is a very challenging, rewarding, yet controversial discipline for some. When we discuss issues, we can disagree, but that must be done in a kind, respectful and caring manner. Rebecca Slaton Health Science Question: How does the topic relate to the material taught in your class? Answer: I introduce the topic of sexual orientation by using a multi-disciplined approach. Specifically, I cover various theories of sexual orientation: psycho-social, behavioral, hormonal theories and neural-brain theories. I discuss whether any current scientific data support any of the theories and if so, what the evidence is. I discuss research on homophobia. Q: How do you express academic freedom or your beliefs about the matter when covering this topic? A: I acknowledge that students have a variety of views regarding homosexuality and tell them that I respect their beliefs even if I don’t agree with them. I believe that students have the right to have the best, current factual information and I don’t believe Dr. Lopez was giving factual information regarding sexual orientation issues. Q: Are you sensitive to creating a non-hostile environment in your class in regard to this topic? A: I acknowledge that students have a variety of views regarding homosexuality and tell them that I respect their beliefs even if I don’t agree with them. I try to encourage a conversation and defend any student – which rarely happens – if the class tries to gang up on him or her for expressing his or her view. Everything I discuss is part of what is required by the outline for that chapter and can be found in any textbook on human sexuality that covers sexual orientation.
News Epsilen: A New Level of Accademic Achievement
April 28, 2010
by Sydney Excinia
Rampage Reporter Abigail Cunanan uses a Web site called Epsilen as a way of standing out in the professional atmosphere. Cunanan, a Fresno City College communication major, said: “If you are planning on transferring to a university, you can show them the work portfolio that you have on Epsilen.” Cunnanan, along with other students and instructors on campus, have been introduced to Epsilen, a social networking Web site where users can display themselves and their academic work professionally. Fresno City speech instructor Lynn Badertscher describes Epsilen as “an online platform used in both the professional and academic world.” According to Badertscher, it’s a global learning system that allows both teachers and students to use as a way of interacting socially and academically with themselves and others around
Budget Cuts Continued from page 1
of students. He suggested that some of this fund could be used to improve the campus for students right now. Reznik, a mathematics instructor at FCC, has seen his Math 7 class double this semester to more than 40 students making it more difficult to interact with individual students. He said that he sometimes holds office hours in his classroom to accommodate the higher number. With fewer classes and fewer instructors to teach them, class size will continue to be a problem, Reznik said. In addition, due to fewer counselors and fewer library staff, these student services, among others, have become stretched and limited. The library, for example, is only one of many affected operations being hit due to a lower budget, said James Tucker, the dean of instruction for the library and student learning support services. The library used to be available to students later on weeknights, late Friday afternoons and Saturdays. But all the hours have been scaled back by a few hours each. Saturday operation has been cut altogether. For students who rely on night classes because of their fulltime jobs, some may be unable to use the library. “We didn’t have very many people coming on Saturday,” Tucker said, “and we’ve tried to minimize the impact.” Reznik and others from the faculty union have been through ongoing negotiations with the
the world. Since the spring 2008 semester, Badertscher has been using Epsilen in her speech classes. “I don’t teach online,” Badertscher said. “However, I am using it as I would Blackboard.” Originally, Badertscher started using the e-portfolios feature on Epsilen and now she allows her students to explore the whole network. Epsilen was designed with schools and students in mind. Epsilen is a collaborative tool. The Web site offers many features such as wikis, forums and discussion boards, according to Badertscher. “Epsilen gives students a chance to showcase their abilities and skills in a unique way, other than on a written resume,” Badertscher said. English instructor Margaret Hiebert agrees. “My students use Epsilen to display their written work and class essays,” Hiebert said. She also encourages her students to use Epsilen in various professional capacities. district both with their contract agreements and with the handling of the unrestricted general fund. When contacted multiple times by The Rampage, district officials had minimal response. Thomas Crow, the outgoing chancellor to the State Center Community College District, said it would be inappropriate for him to comment while negotiations were still ongoing. “Each organization is going to have their philosophy in the way
“It’s an unreasonable thing for them to do.” Zwi Reznik State Center Community College Federation of Teachers President they deal with things. Some people choose to go public,” Crow said. “At this point, we choose to say that we’re going to confine our statements to the negotiating sessions with the bargaining unions.” Crow also assured The Rampage of their professional negotiation process throughout. “[Negotiations are] done with the greatest of respect from each side and so they’re not really acrimonious, personal, or vindictive. They [the faculty union] have a job to do and we have a job to do.”
Cunanan, a communication major, said using Epsilen would potentially make a student stand out from other job applicants and put them ahead of the curve. With its helpful options, she said, it also can lighten up students’ and teachers’ workloads. The site is “dedicated to helping out students and teachers,” Cunanan said. Since Epsilen is an online network, your work travels with you, Badertscher explained. Once you create an account, it is yours for life. When students transfer from Fresno City they would have to change their e-mail address to keep their information updated, Badertscher said. With Epsilen, Badertscher said students can showcase themselves academically while being handled professionally. “The information you post on your Facebook isn’t the type of information that should be displayed on Epsilen,” she said. For more information check out http://www.epsilen. com/inst/ium.
Rampage 5
Photos by Abel Cortez
Professor Lynn Badertscher going over the day’s speech topic.
Lynn Badertscher checks up on her speech groups.
News FCC Celebrates Anime Day Annual Ramdoggy 6 Rampage
April 28, 2010
by Ronisha Thomas Rampage Reporter
Yu-Gi-Oh! Ya! Pow! Boom! As part of Asian Month at Fresno City College, students and staff celebrated the fifth annual Anime Day on April 21. Since the weather was rainy, the students moved the event inside the cafeteria and staff dining area. During the Anime Day event, students played video games, watched anime movies and played the popular Yu-Gi-Oh card game together, in a celebration of the Asian-inspired anime culture. Many participants dressed as their favorite anime characters, know as “cos-play” for costume play. M a t t Springer, 22, a music major, dressed as Professor Oak, from the hit series “Pokemon.” His costume took about five minuets to put together, he said, but it took him a while to get the coat. “I’ve been into anime for about 15 years now,” Springer said. “I first started liking anime by watching cartoons.” A graduate student from UC Santa Barbara, Knight Utnea, 23, attended the anime day. She bought her costume on eBay for $130. “I got this costume because of the weather,” said Utnea, a
studio art major. “It started to rain and I wanted to be warm.” Utnea said she got into anime by watching G-Force, a popular cartoon show that used to come on when she was a child. Business administration major Kenji Wong, 27, had no costume to wear but enjoyed Anime Day anyway. Wong draws and watches anime. Wong said he has been into
anime for 17 years. “I watch Sailor Moon, when I first started to like anime.” Sailor Moon is another popular animated series that a lot of students used to watch. Wong said, “Video games [are the] creativity that brought animation into our culture, well appreciated and more cultural,” Wong said.
by Ronisha Thomas Rampage Reporter Hot dogs! Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs here! Fresno City College held its traditional Ram Doggie Round-Up on April 14, an event that’s held every spring semester. This event consists of appreciation for Fresno City students and staff for purchasing an ID card. In appreciation of purchasing an ID card, Associated Student Government (ASG) served a free meal to all spring 2010 student
to hang out with friends. Armando Cortez, 19, thought the event was great and that the college should offer the free meal every day. “I heard about the event through a friend, and this my first time coming to get my free meal,” said Cortez, who is an undeclared major. “I usually buy my food, but I saved money today by showing my ID card and getting my free meal!” The event caught a lot of students’ attention, Cortez said, “I stopped by to check it out.” ASG president Sergey
“Video games are the creativity that brought animation into our culture.” -Kenji Wong Photo by Gabriella Ramirez
With their Students ID, students wait in line to get their free hotdog meal.
Photo by Nogtshia Vue
FCC Student Michelle Lamb was one of many students who came in costume for Wednesday’s Anime day.
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body ID cardholders. The menu for the free meal included a hot dog, chips, drink and a dessert. For students and faculty without an ID card, they could purchase the meal for $5. Terry Sims, 19, thought the Ram Doggie Round-Up was a great idea. He heard about the event through Blackboard and ASG members. “I came to get my free meal and this my second time coming to the Ram Doggie Round-Up,” said Sims, a business major. “I also came last semester, too. I like this event because it’s appreciation to the students.” Many students went to this event to enjoy the nice weather and
Saluschev, 22, an international relations major, said: “An average of a thousand students and staff come to the Ram Doggie for the free meal.” Saluschev said the event has been around since the 1940s, a long-lasting tradition. Every fall semester, ASG serves hamburgers meals and every spring semester it’s hot dogs. Political science major Rebecca Ashjian, 19, also an ASG member, encouraged students to purchase an ID card, so when the next event comes they could get a free meal. Ashjian said, “The Ram Doggie Round-Up has been around since my father came to FCC.”
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News
April 28, 2010
Student E-mail
Continued from page 1 “However, the downside to forwarded e-mail is that the communication is not guaranteed. We can not guarantee the student will receive every e-mail from the school,” Zahlis said. Another downside to the transition is that it requires students to have another e-mail account. However, having a district account would eliminate the hassle of sending information back and forth. Students and faculty have already been using their district e-mail for Blackboard. Also, many CSU and UC schools are requiring a district e-mail. “The district is using a technology system hosted by Microsoft,” Zahlis said. “Now that students will be linked with the district we can extend certain things that we weren’t able to in the past.” Having a district e-mail will also enable students to be offered software at a low cost, such as the last versions of Microsoft Office.
“[E-mail] is a way to insure communication and it is cost efficient, faster, and convenient.” -Sergey Saluschev ASG President
Rampage 7
SCCCD Selects New Chancellor by Ramiro Gudino
Rampage Reporter
The State Center Community College District Board of Trustees has named the first nonCaucasian and the second woman, as chancellor in the history of the district. The board voted unanimously on April 24 to appoint Dr. Deborah Blue as the district’s eighth chancellor. She will replace Dr. Thomas A. Crow, who will retire June 30. Blue is a former associate dean at FCC, where she headed the humanities department from 1991-94. “As a person of color, I lead with honesty and integrity to have a successful experience,” said Blue, who is African-American. “If I don’t have a successful experience, it will be difficult for another person of color to follow.” Blue said the creation of the humanities division council was one of her top accomplishments during her three years as dean. “We came together with leaders and faculty to solve problems,” she said. “It changed the culture of the division. It made it open.” Blue said the council helped members in the division’s different departments get together to collaborate on budget issues and set
division goals that worked towards the college’s strategic plan. Michael Roberts, the current dean of humanities, was an English instructor when Blue was the associate dean of the department. Roberts said that Blue “created a very positive working relationship.” During her time as an associate dean at Fresno City College, Blue said she learned much from the faculty. “I learned how to support student learning even though I was in an administrator position,” she said, “through student programs like Puente and Phi Theta Kappa.” Blue said she would stress the importance of teamwork and openness as she takes on her new role. “It is very important to me to support the presidents and vice chancellors,” she said. “They are very competent leaders, and it is important that I support them. There is nothing I will be able to accomplish without them.” The board’s announcement of Blue as the new chancellor came four weeks after announcing three finalists: Blue, Dr. Benjamin Duran and Dr. Adriana Barrera. The finalists then had an opportunity to present themselves at open forums held at both Fresno City College and Reedley College. Duran is the currently su-
perintendent and president of the Merced Community College District. Barrera is currently the deputy chancellor for the Los Angeles Community College District. Blue currently holds the position of vice chancellor at Contra Costa Community College District in Martinez, Calif. Prior to working in Contra Costa, accordPhoto courtesy of SCCCD PIO ing to SCCCD Dr. Deborah Blue officials, she holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. served as vice president for policy in speech and hearing science and research for the Accrediting from the University of Illinois at Commission for Community and Urbana-Champaign. Junior Colleges, Western AssoShe said Fresno City Colciation of Schools and Colleges, lege reminded her of her school and president of Laney College in time in Illinois. “The library and Oakland, Calif. other buildings look similar to my Blue holds a bachelor’s alma mater,” she said. degree is speech pathology and “It’s like being home audiology, with a minor in el- again.” ementary education, from Western Michigan University. She also
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Entertainment
April 28, 2010
Las películas en español CineAméricas brings Spanish films to Tower by Karina Ornelas Rampage Reporter Since Armida Espinoza was a little girl, she has always loved watching movies – movies in her native language of Spanish, in particular. As the founder of the new CineAméricas project at Fresno’s historic Tower Theatre sipped iced tea inside a local coffee shop, she remembered the highlights of the films of her childhood. She remembered when the only theater in Fresno featuring Spanish-language films was the Azteca Theatre downtown,
“I’m hoping it takes off, then maybe I’ll do an R-rated film at 6 p.m, but I don’t want to encourage or perpetuate all the bad stuff from films.” -Armida Espinoza four blocks away from her home. Espinoza and a friend frequently enjoyed watching famous Mexican actors such as Pedro Infante, Antonio Aguilar, Cantinflas, among many others. Drawing from her childhood, Espinoza, who has been an education administrator for more than 10 years, began to think: “Where are all the Mexican Theaters?” Then, seeing that childhood friend about 10 years ago got her thinking. After leaving education to care for her family, Espinoza started brainstorming the idea of CineAméricas. Having no experience with the film
industry or anything related to it, Espinoza started from the bottom. A night job at the Sierra Vista theater in Clovis while teaching during the day taught her the aspects of theater operations. “I was there to learn!” she said enthusiastically. The idea of screening Spanishlanguage films herself, although intimidating, was exactly what Espinoza felt she had to do. “I wanted to let the community know that we’re here,” she said. Wanting to give today’s community the same Spanish film experience she had as a child, she wanted Latinos to have other choices than going to the mall, the park, or a remate – a flea market. Funding the project herself, she hopes to support CineAméricas as long as possible. Espinoza has a crew of 16 migrant student employees from Fresno State whom she made sure were bilingual, as she considers that an important aspect of being involved with the project. Beginning this past February, CineAméricas at the Tower Theatre has focused on first-run, family-oriented films with ratings of G, PG, and PG-13, such as “Bajo la Misma Luna” (“Under the Same Moon”). Every Sunday, one film is shown at 2 p.m. and again at 4:15 p.m. Espinoza has received requests for other Spanish films that happen to be Rrated. Although she recognizes many of them are good films, they wouldn’t fit the family-oriented atmosphere. “I’m hoping it takes off, then maybe I’ll do an R-rated film at 6 p.m., but I don’t want to encourage or perpetuate all the bad stuff from films,” she said. CineAméricas was well-received at the beginning, Espinoza said, but crowds have wound down somewhat. Hoping to regain the numbers from her early Sunday crowds, she took a chance many others wouldn’t have – free admission in the month
of March. “Having a free month was cool,” she said. “It worked out OK.” CineAméricas is now on hiatus in May, due to the Tower Theatre hosting other events, but Espinoza hopes to come back in June with a bang.
“I wanted to let the community know that we’re here.” -Armida Espinoza CineAméricas founder Adding to the movies, she’ll begin a new weekly event running right after the last screening. Her “Noche de Aficionados” will be a sort of talent show that will further involve the patrons. “Noche de Aficionados,” with three different age categories, will let people showcase their singing, dancing, acting, musical or poetry talents. Having different groups, each one will have one winner each night, chosen by the audience. Each winner will receive a prize. “When kids are in talent shows, the whole family comes out, involving the whole community,” Espinoza said. Remaining optimistic, with the help and support of Fresno moviegoers, Espinoza hopes CineAméricas will thrive. She said, “I always think things happen the way they’re supposed to. It’s just going to take a little bit of time.” The Tower Theatre marquee presenting one of CineAméricas Sunday films. Photo illustration by Valerie Hill
9 Entertainment FCC’s dance thinks outside the theater Rampage
April 28, 2010
by Kenny Rodgers Rampage Reporter Audience members coming to see the latest Fresno City College dance performance can expect to see dancing from the moment they arrive – literally. More than 30 dancers will perform at the City Dance spring concert, which opens April 29, under the direction of Michelle Anzia, co-director Jimmy Hoa, and eight choreographers. The concert will be different from others in the past because an on-site piece will happen outside, as the audience members congregate to buytheir tickets. The on-site piece is a dance variation done on location other than in a theater or studio. The on-site performance, choreographed by Yanira Natali and Jovel McLane, will set the stage for the concert. It is a dance titled “Breathe,” inspired by the mundane things of everyday life. It will show the connection of breath and movement. With more than two decades of dance tradition, City Dance has never had an on-site piece. “This is a whole new experience for me, the whole on-site concept,” said student Lacey Mirada, one of McLane’s dancers.
“It’s taking me out of my comfort zone.” Inside, the performance will consist of a variety of styles of dance, ranging from modern, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary ballet. The show will also feature guest artists from the new Fresno Dance Collective. This professional dance company is in the beginning stages of developing a name for itself in the community. It’s a nonFCC dancers practice outside the theater using planters as props for their routine. profit organization run by Amy Querin. “We are so thrilled to be piece, complex. To me, it is peres from Hoa, Alyssa Fresno City College’s guest artist, fectly personal and universal at Black, Lina Regalado, especially during our company’s the same time,” Querin said. Debra DeRosa-Perola, first season,” Querin said. Fresno The performance will also and Cristal Tiscareno. Dance Collective, aka No-Co, was feature the work of three choreThere will also be a colcreated in January 2010 and has ographers from FCC faculty and laboration of two solos already performed locally at the three FCC student choreographers created and performed Rogue Festival. The piece they’re as well. It’s a concept that has by Sunny Smith. performing is entitled “Save as always been in effect and it’s a You can contact Draft,” choreographed by Jhon tradition the dancers like to keep the FCC Theatre Box Stronks. alive. Office at (559) 442-8221 “It is as incredibly tender The concert will have piecfor more information.
Photos by Gabriella Ramirez
Apply now for fall 2010/spring 2011
Programs offered
day or night fresno.edu Main Fresno Campus – 559-453-2039 Bakersfield Center – 661-617-3217 Visalia Center – 559-622-9958 North Fresno Center – 559-453-3440
Entertainment
Q&A: Lifehouse 10 Rampage
April 28, 2010
with
The alternative rock band Lifehouse, known best for their hit single “Hanging By a Moment,” was t he opening act for the rock band Daughtry at the SaveMart Center in Fresno on April 26. Lifehouse has toured on and off since 2001. The band’s bassist, Bryce Soderberg, took a moment for a phone interview with The Rampage to talk about the band’s music and current tour. by Kimberly Ann Hodges
: Because you all didn’t know each other prior to forming the band, has it been difficult becoming a “BFF” with your bandmates?
A
:Actually, that’s one of the reasons it started so well. It all came very naturally. We were all pretty close right off the bat. That’s the advice we give to musicians when they ask for advice is to get in a band with members you get along with and respect so you can keep making music and stay together for a long time. We know what pisses each other off. So if we can, we just avoid it if possible so we can continue getting along.
Q A
: Who writes the songs for the band?
Q
: How will the songs change over time, or will the Lifehouse style stay the same?
A
: On this last record we kind of, you know, took a good solid year and a half to develop that new sound and raised the bar. Jason experimented with a lot of co-writing. He likes to mix it up with song writing; we all kind of like to keep it fresh and new. You can’t keep making the same record and the same songs over and over again.
Q
: How do you find the inspiration to evolve your music into new stuff?
A
: As far as writing goes, we [Soderberg, Ricky Woolstenhulme, and Ben Carey] arrange a lot of the songs, but Jason brings them to the table and to the studio. : What is the main theme As far as influences, we like to evolve by getting back to our roots for the songs? A: Jason likes to write a lot about and listening to what the classic his personal experiences. He likes rock bands did back in the day. to write songs about relationships We’re big fans of The Who, Led and he also likes to write songs Zeppelin, The Stones. We grew up through other people’s eyes, peo- listening to the Beatles. There’s a ple he’s met and the experiences couple songs on this album that that they go through. We had a are very Americana influenced like song on our last record called Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen to stay Publication Run Date(s) “The Joke” that was about a kid Size and Bob Dylan. We like current as well; we listen to pop who committed suicide through RAMPAGE 4.9167radio x 5 and hip-hop, WEDNESDAY 4.28 songs that are bullying in school. There’s a really catchy and, you know, the bunch of songs, like the song “Si: Jason [Wade] writes the majority of the songs. He’s the core song writer. He kind of is the “Lifehouse sound.”
THA – SF
Q
songs that are on Top 40 Radio.
Q A
: What’s your craziest live concert memory?
: A weird experience in the last few years was when we opened up for the Goo Goo Dolls. At the end of the tour a lot of the bands played pranks on each other. They came up on stage dressed in gorilla suits, chicken suits, one guy was Band members Bryce Soderberg, Jason Wade, and Ricky Woolstenhulme. dressed as a banana, and they feel like it’s the music that we’re of fun. If you constantly want to picked us up while we were really in to. We’ve got a few hits be the biggest thing in the world playing so we had to play our under our belts and we’re in our then you’re not going to enjoy it song lifted in the air. That was comfort zone where we can relax so much, we all kind of have that a lot of fun. and work hard and more forward. mentality. It feels good.
Q
Q
A
A
: Is Lifehouse something that the band is dedicated to for life, as in a long-term career? : Of course! I mean, I see us just evolving and growing and becoming a better band every year we go. We finally have the team and lineup that we could go the distance if we wanted to go and reach out to a bigger audience. Hopefully we can headline arenas pretty soon; we just want to keep getting better. The sky is the limit and Initial Time we just want to keep going. Right now we
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on May 4th in Fresno! Wear your Graduation cap to the RAMPAGE office on April 28th between 1PM-4PM and April 29th 2PM-5PM to receive IRON MAN 2 promotional items! RULES: No purchase necessary. One item per person. While supplies last. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets and/or prizing assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Paramount Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Rampage, GoFoBo, Terry Hines & Associates and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets and prizing cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost; delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors, their employees, and family members and their agencies are not eligible. Multiple entries from the same address will be disqualified. NO PHONE CALLS!
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http://www.lifehousemusic.com
Q
Rampage Reporter
mon” off of our first record, which was about a friend of Jason’s. So, there’s a little mixture of both; there’s the sweet and the sour that gets put into the song writing.
: What does the music and being in a band mean to Lifehouse personally? :There’s always something new that comes up that comes up that’s really cool that’s crammed with a lot of fun. I’m grateful for where I’m at and keeping that mentality is what makes it a lot
Q A
: Any last words for your fans? : We’re really stoked about our new record, “Smoke in Mirrors,” that just came out and we hope everyone can get a chance to listen to it and, you know, buy a copy for your mom.
Entertainment 11 ‘The Losers’ receives no winning grade
April 28, 2010
Rampage
by Kyle Calvert Rampage Reporter Warner Bros. Pictures brings us another comic book adaptation in ‘The Losers’, directed by Silvain White. In a world where such movies are rarely done well, the film is lackluster and generic. It isn’t incredibly bad, but it could easily have been much better. The movie opens to the aforementioned Losers, a CIA black-ops force composed of the driver Pooch (Columbus Short), the demolitions expert Roque (Idris Elba), the hacker Jensen (Chris Evans), the sniper Cougar (Oscar Jaenada), and their operation leader, Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). They take their orders from Max, a man who apparently has higher standing in the American government than anybody else. Max orders a bombing run on a Bolivian drug lord’s complex that the Losers targeted, and when they find that the guy is using local children as mules, the Losers storm the place and save the kids in a manner similar to a propaganda film. Max then orders the Losers’ chopper to be destroyed with them in it. The helicopter is blown up, but not the team (they had given their seats to the Bolivian kids) who decide to exact revenge on Max with the help of Aisha (Zoe Saldana) who promises to have them removed from the list of deceased and cleared of all charges so that they may resume their lives. With better writing the movie could
http://www.imdb.com
have been a serious, stylish grudge match that viewers could recognize as being very cool. Instead there are very cliché scenes of moral conflict, tension and betrayal that the average viewer has seen plenty of in the past, and none of these scenes add anything to ‘The Losers.’ They do nothing except for fluffing the plot; the typical viewer will not sympathize with the characters for these scenes simply because it’s something you could find in almost any bad movie. The acting wasn’t extraordinary either, but it’s good enough to engage the viewer. One could expect a better performance of actors like Morgan, but with the script given to him, I’d imagine there’s only so much he could do to make it work. The star of the show turns out to
be Chris Evans. Any scene with him is golden because Evans is the only one who perfectly captures the character he’s portraying. Any time other characters try to be funny, it comes off as dumb, silly, or not in character, and then Evans picks up the laugh that the other characters tried to get. The movie is based on a DC Vertigo comic book series of the same name with phenomenally better writing. Upon hearing of the connection, I picked up some of the books, and the contrast is almost absurd. The big difference is in the attitude. As a movie, it’s very laid-back, half-serious and unprofessional, whereas in the books I’ve read each character is deadly serious about their revenge on Max and the task at hand for them. In the end the movie has a degree
of style to it, and if better written it could have been a more serious ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ instead of a near-generic action movie. The dialogue, despite not fitting the plot most of the time, is funny enough at times to redeem some scenes. Again, this is mostly due to Evans. I’m not sure what leaves a worse taste in my mouth: the movie that tries to be something it’s not, or the movie that doesn’t try to be anything. ‘The Losers’ lives up to its title, essentially doing both. It is poorer than comic book adaptations usually are, and the acting deviates from the attitude of the plot so much that it can’t be called a proper variation.
Grade: D+
Views
12 Rampage
iFail
Kyle Calvert
Rampage Reporter
I can’t be the only one who is never thrilled about Apple technology. When the iPod came out, it was a huge craze, and its various models remain the most popular MP3 players to date. With the advent of the iPhone, consumers were given a phone with a working touch screen (a feat that other companies still struggle to accomplish) and an almost endless array of options via the App store, in addition to plenty of online application.
thing? I can’t imagine someone’s lifestyle revolving around the use of this gimmicky piece of trash seemingly named after a ladies’ sanitary napkin. Anyone that isn’t a designer and is technologically minded (which is practically necessary to live in our day and age) could, and likely would, better utilize a laptop computer, which would be cheaper and have more features than the $499 brick. I can’t even see Apple aficionados wanting one, because anyone that does empty their wallet for their every new product already has an iPhone, which uses the same
of stupidly tamper-proof computers across the world. Congratulations, Apple. You’ve doomed us all. The official website for the iPad describes the product as “a magical and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price.” I want them sued for failing to deliver on the magic and revolution. It is a tablet PC without actually being a PC and an iPhone without being a phone. It is the bastard child of two realms that shouldn’t have mixed. As it turns out, my brother bought one, and he claims that it is the ultimate touch screen device. I don’t dispute that. It’s just that I’m not fascinated by touch screens. Sure, it’s a significant development as far as user interface and design goes, but I’m not a designer. User interface impresses me when I can do whatever I want with it, and all I see when I look at the iPad is that it’s a low-powered computer with a relatively new way of accessing and controlling things, and it does nothing I want. If I was going to shell out $500 for a clipboard-sized brick, I’d better be able to hack ATMs with it. The iPad is suited to do certain things as far as technology goes, and it may excel at doing them its own way, but it’s not a step in the direction I’d prefer. As
the Spider-Man theme song once proposed, I want a tablet PC to do whatever a spider can – I want it to do whatever my non-tablet computer can. Surfing the Internet and watching movies with a decent screen is a step in the right direction, and the 3G connectivity in the newer iPad (enabling it to be online everywhere) is a nice touch, but for the price, it feels like a handicap compared to what it could be – a fully operational, fully
are a few things to look for with Obamacare. — Government would force you to buy. Young, healthy people would be forced to pay more on premiums than they would on medical expenses – the same as forcing them to buy insurance. You want basic coverage that reflects your health status? With Obamacare promising to cover millions of people, you would be paying for others, too, including smokers whose second-hand smoke affect millions or adrenaline junkies who like to jump off things for the “rush.” — Raise taxes … again. The President promises to cut down the cost of insurance while countering with an offer to insure more than 50 million uninsured people. The only way we could make insurance “affordable” to all is if taxes are raised again and again. — Job depletion. Obama has promised to lower unemployment. This is another contradiction. Gracie-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, a research organization, explains that employers would be forced to pick up the premiums for some employees or pay a tax. This means employers would have to either cut employees or cut pay. — Government competition. Government health care will eventually run all other insurance companies out of the business, making their government “option” the only one.
— Federal and state lines being crossed. In 2006, thenMassachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney proposed a care plan. In an interview with Newsweek, Romney explained his “RomneyCare” and what he doesn’t like about federal reform: “What we don’t like is the intrusion of the federal government on the rights of states. We
...All I see when I look at the iPad is a low-powered computer with a relatively new way of accessing and controlling things, and it does nothing I want. Their latest piece of iCrap is the iPad, a tablet computer that is essentially a large iPhone without the phone aspect, and some unique applications. I view it as a large, expensive paperweight. Does there really need to be an iPad? Is it necessary to do any-
operating system as the iPad. Wait, no, I’m crazy. The iPad is a welcome addition to the iCult’s ever-expanding collection of glistening, round, and overpriced technology. It’s already in homes everywhere. Somewhere, Skynet is pleased at the mass influx
Things to know about
Valerie Hill
Rampage Reporter The American Revolution has become a distant, forgotten dream. More than 200 years later, Americans are again being directed by one man and his followers. According to the U.S. Constitution, the federal government cannot tell the states or the people how to spend our money. Yet, this is what it has come down to: the federal government’s position, viewed as radical by some, is that citizens are not fit to make their own decisions and must rely on the government’s help. That is a lie. As students, paying tuition is hard enough. Add increasing taxes, higher premiums for medical expenses and a borderline fascist government takeover and you’ve got a recipe for a crumbling United States, if not a great reality TV series… except this is real. Dr. Daneen G. Peterson, a former university instructor and author who writes about constitutional interpretations, emphasizes that the United States is, by definition, a republic, not a democracy. “The only entity that can take away the people’s freedom is their own government,” Peterson wrote in a 2006 speech, “either by being too weak to protect them from external threats or by becoming too powerful and taking over every aspect of life.” The difference between a republic and a democracy is at the
April 28, 2010
Photo courtesy of apple.com/
portable, no-nonsense computer. I can’t stop the iPad, unfortunately. It’s the latest in a string of iTechnology that’s got a fresh design and a slender look that I can’t find it in me to enjoy. To me it’s nothing but a bunch of expensive eye candy… or, rather, iCandy. And if Apple releases a product with that name, I’m going to throw a brick (or a classic iPod, equivalent to a brick) at Steve Jobs.
OBAMACARE
center of the debate of government control over the people. The Democratic Party’s pending success at passing the “Obamacare” health bill does not reflect the American people’s judgment but rather, as journalist Ramesh Ponnuru of Time Magazine online wrote, the democrats’ numbers and determination. The idea of health-care reform being newly shoved down our throats was to be expected. President Obama and his administration, with the swift demise of early ’90s “Clintoncare” in the backdrop, assume that Clinton’s reform didn’t work solely due to that administration’s tactics. But that’s not the truth. Ponnuru, among other journalists, wrote: “The major difference is that this time [the administration] also want a ‘public option,’ an insurance program open to everyone and run by the government. Obamacare is Clintoncare with a little more liberalism.” Ponnuru also noted that Obamacare, much like Clintoncare, has too many conflicting goals, some of which restrain the autonomy of states. I don’t want to be overdramatic, but you cannot hold a pillow over someone’s face and expect them to breathe. It’s the same with states and federal government. The feds can’t take complete control over something while still expecting the state to be able to operate for itself. Keeping this in mind, here
Photo courtesy of 777denny.wordpress.com
don’t like raising taxes.” To achieve healthcare reform that Americans can be happy with, we shouldn’t go against our founding fathers, but honor the Constitution. The federal government needs to realize they are the ones that need us, not the other way around.
Views
A masquerade, firsthand
April 28, 2010
Gabriella Ramirez
Rampage Reporter A Night to Remember. A Night Under the Stars. Both are themes you may have had at your high school formal or prom way back when. Whether or not you had a good time or even attended, school dances have always had a high school feel. Student government leaders wanted to bring a little of that feeling to our community college with the Masquerade Ball on April 16. So, with a date guaranteed and a glittery gold and black mask in hand, I set out to attend the ball and see how the first school dance at Fresno City College since the 1970s turned out. 8 p.m. — My magic carriage (a hand-me-down Crown Victoria) and my prince (the boyfriend) picked me up and we left for the ball. 8:30 p.m. — Arrived “fashionably late.” 8:35 p.m. — Walked into the cafeteria, where the ball was being held. Upon admission, we were handed a ticket for raffles to be held throughout the night and a ticket for a complimentary photo. Also included: a shiny, gold pin with the words “California’s First 100, Fresno City College 19102010,” in honor of the Centennial celebration. The “ballroom” was half
Will Christensen
Rampage Reporter Since the dawn of time, people have come up with new ways to make the world a worse place to live in socially. It gets so bad sometimes that it seems like the best way to avoid all of it is to live in a cave far away from any other living person. The reasons for this are many: people are stupid, people are animals, people won’t learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others. It’s not a single group or sect that’s to blame; the finger is pointing
lit, separated by pillars. On one side were tables and chairs and the other side was the dance area. People were already getting their groove on. We saw some friends and chatted a bit. Not long after, Adrian (the bf) was ready to grub down on finger foods. 8:45 p.m. — We made our way to the staff dining area in the back, where the food and drinks were located. We made a conscientious decision to take our picture first, before we stained our black and gold attire. 9 p.m. — Everyone seemed to have the idea of taking their picture about this same time. While we waited in line, I was complimented on my mask, which had a pretty good shot at looking good in the photo. 9:08 p.m. —After the picture, Adrian headed straight to the food tables and I followed him. The food, catered by Taher Inc., the campus caterer, wasn’t all that bad, to my surprise. There were meatballs with pineapple, little sandwiches, pot stickers, fruit, cheese and crackers, and an assortment of cookies and my favorite brownies. 9:17 p.m. —Still at the food area and Adrian is still eating. If you know my bf at all, you know this guy can eat. 9:20 p.m. — The DJ informs us that a dance troupe made up of FCC students was going to be making its debut performance.
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All were wearing black and white, with masks. I thought they could’ve used a little more practice, but I applauded them for really getting the dancing started. 9:24 p.m. — Adrian and I took our first dance of the night to Journey. 9:43 p.m. — After more dancing, we took a seat and talked for a bit with friends while people continued to hit the dance floor. 9:55 p.m. — “Let’s Get It On” plays. Had to dance to that one. 10:15 p.m. — DJ says it’s an “international block,” with Latin songs and the “Punjabi dance of India.” At first, no one even attempted to dance to these. But in the corner of the dance floor was a group of people dancing in a circle. The next thing I knew, Adrian and I and pretty much everyone on the dance floor were in a long line, following this girl who knew all the moves. I lost track of the time, but this song must’ve been at least 7 minutes long! By the end of it, I had broken a sweat. 10:30-midnight — Danced off and on – mostly on – to various jams, both slow and fast.
Midnight — Break time. We got bummed that the punch had run out and all that was left was watered-down iced tea. By this time, the ball seemed to be winding down. We decided to pack up and head home. Besides, even though I ditched my heels about a half-hour into the night, my feet hurt from all the dancing!
We were literally walking out the door when “Nobody Loves You Like Me” started to play. The bf and I exchanged a few words. Do you wanna dance? No, but do you wanna dance? We turned around and danced one last dance for the night.
people will play the victim card and blame others for their problems. “I’m a good person,” they say. “I’ve been wronged and that makes it ok when I do it back to them.” There is a difference between the need for justice and the need to forgive and forget. A far too common trait among people is apathy. I know plenty of people who are willing to admit that they suffer from their lack of drive and still they do nothing about it. The cycle of Photo courtesy of dl4.glitter-graphics.net self-defeat is a vile one. It is worse when people have easat everybody. People suck and ily solvable problems, but don’t here’s why. do anything about them. They fail Perhaps you’ve heard the to acknowledge their destructive phrase “hurt people hurt people”. habits and so hurt themselves and It means those who have been others. hurt by others tend to hurt others Then there are those who in return. It’s the chain reaction of intentionally make people miser“misery loves company”. It’s far able. The bullies, the meanies, easier to drag people down with us those in power who abuse it for than to find a way out of our mess. kicks, the critics who destroy othSpite plays a big part here. ers’ self-esteem, they all lack one Spite is not just an ugly thing, it’s thing in common: courtesy. Coma poison, an infected memory that mon frickin’ courtesy. Courtesy is stings again and again. “That’s the oil that keeps the gears from what you get, (insert your favorite grinding together. Conversely, insult here)!” Often these same courtesy is taken for granted, even
though it shouldn’t be. It’s too essential a thing to ignore. Education makes room for problem-solving. Lack of education means lack of problemsolving power, which makes that person a burden on everyone else. Those who are unresponsive to feedback, who don’t or refuse to learn from their past are screwed, plain and simple. Those who rely on assumptions and make their decisions based upon them are also likely to fall into trouble. It should be common wisdom that facts are always better than assumptions, but it sadly isn’t. But the big one, the huge blunder that a person lacking mental facility falls into is being easily influenced or unfocused because of outside influences. AKA: people who don’t pay attention to obvious things or are distracted because of others on a constant basis, people who “go with the flow” and do incredibly stupid stuff, people who won’t think for themselves and play “follow the leader” with the wrong crowd. This is by far the greatest idiocy: to hide inside the crowd and say “everyone else was doing it.” The last section of sucking that I’ll point out is the illusion of uniqueness. To most people I know, it is obvious that riches, pos-
session and connections do not automatically make a person better. Mistaking “wants” as “needs” is a mistake often made here. There is another side to uniqueness: the sin of super-optimism, the subtle idea that “I’m invincible and therefore I can’t get hurt.” Perhaps you’ve heard it or said it before. “I won’t get pregnant. It won’t happen.” “I can drink and drive just fine. It’s no big deal.” “Let’s play with homemade bombs! It’ll be fun!” Unfortunately, there are a few laws that people cannot break: the laws of physics and Murphy’s Law. For those of you who haven’t heard of Murphy’s Law, read this out loud, so that somebody about to do something horrendously dumb might hear you: “anything that can go wrong, WILL go wrong”. Chances are you fell into one of the categories of suck I listed. Some of the dumb things I do fall under a few of them. It stands to wonder the stubbornness of mankind and the ingenuity of fools. People may suck, but they also have free will, which they may or may not use to better themselves. To quote Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” If people seek to make themselves better, the world will ultimately be better.
Gabby and Adrian at the Masquerade Ball.
Photo by Abel Cortez
Let’s face it People suck.
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Campus Voices 14 Rampage
April 28, 2010 Campus Voices by Sydney Excinia Photos by Abel Cortez
Rampage Reporters
The Fresno City College Associated Student Government (ASG) elections take place Wednesday through Friday this week. Do you plan on voting in the election? Why or why not? What do you look for in candidates for student government?
“No, I honestly don’t know anything about it, and I was not aware it was happening, but I look for someone who is honest and who is going to help the school.”
-Anna Alvarez Liberal Studies
“No, because I don’t know anything about it. There haven’t been any campaigns about what it is that I’ve seen. I look for intelligence, as well as someone who can accurately show a voice for the students, not the administration.” -Chris Richards Undecided
“Yes, I’m voting! I have been coming to FCC for two years, and I have realized that everyone’s input is valid. I look for personality, what their major is, and what types of things they plan on doing for the school.”
-Dina Riveira Dental Hygiene
“No, I don’t know enough about it or who is running, and I didn’t even realize we had a student government. I look for a runner with a strong GPA, who is very involved in the school.”
“Yes, because it is important to vote. It is a fundamental right and responsibility. I look for integrity, history, and information and see if they have a real platform.”
- Tatiana Edwards Psychology
- Terry Morris
Paralegal
Fresno City College | Reedley College | Madera Center | Oakhurst Center | Willow International Center
15 Sports Flying shuttlecocks at FCC Rampage
April 28, 2010
by Max Rosendahl
FCC cheer squad are pictured at a basketball game on Jan. 24.
Photo by Gabriella Ramirez
Rampage Reporter
“We are - CITY!” by Kenny Rodgers
Rampage Reporter “We are – City!” The sounds of the Fresno City College spirit team can be heard on campus during football and basketball seasons. The cheer squad has evolved into a strong and athletic group of students dedicated to supporting their school. The team’s season runs from June through February. The cheerleaders host pep rallies and cheer at games. They put in long hours of practice and often deal with a constant question: Can cheerleading be considered a sport? Team captain Tiffany Deez said that cheerleading, on the surface, might look just like pretty girls in skirts, cheering. But being on the team is much more, she said. The cheerleaders dedicate their lives to the sport year-round. “We don’t kick a ball
around, we don’t throw a ball, and we don’t shoot for the hoop,” Deez said. “We throw people.” Deez also said the squad works together as a unit like any other team, and on top of that, goes out to support the other athletic teams at Fresno City. Fellow cheer squad member Michael Snap said that the individual physical, mental and athletic challenges of cheerleading were similar to those of other teams. The squad learns multiple cheers and two- to three-minute routines, Snap said. He also mentioned the precision needed to catch a teammate who is free-falling from 15 feet up in the air. “The question is not ‘why cheer is a sport’,” Snap said. “It’s, ‘why is it not?’” The team is led by Hope Villines, who has been cheering and playing sports all of her life. An FCC alumna, Villines said her goals are to continue to build the cheer squad.
With only five community college teams in Northern California, badminton might not be the most popular of competitive sports. But for 14 Fresno City College students, it’s their chance to represent their school. According to head coach Carol Kadingo, Fresno City College has fielded a women’s badminton team since 2000. The squad started one year earlier as a club team. “It’s not a high-profile sport,” Kadingo said. “There’s not a huge fan base like there is for basketball or football.” Assistant coach Benny Azali said that the team has 14 players this semester, whereas in the past it only could draw about six or eight. During the spring season, the team practices every day to prep for matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jacqueline Jarvis, the team’s star player, said she’d love to see more people come out to the team’s matches. “It’s unfortunate that we don’t get as many spectators as the other sports because we have players that practice just as hard as every other team,” Jarvis said. “People don’t get to see the talent that we have.” Most of the fans who do
Jacqueline Jarvis reaches for the birdie at practice. come to the games are friends and family, coach Kadingo said, so the team would love to get bigger turnouts.
“Most people don’t think of badminton as a competitive sport, yet it’s an Olympic sport.” Carol Kadingo Badminton Head Coach “Most people don’t think of badminton as a competitive sport, yet it’s an Olympic sport,” Kadingo said. With a 2-3 record so far in 2010, the team’s biggest opponent is San Francisco City College. The San Francisco team includes many
Photo by Abel Cortez
players from China who have been playing the sport since the age of 4, whereas many Fresno City College badminton players have only had experience since high school. All of the current team members have been recruited from various local high schools, many of which have successful badminton programs. The badminton team, like almost every other team at the college, has also faced budget cuts. This season, team members are paying for almost all of their own equipment including jerseys and racquets, which were previously made available to the team by the school. Jarvis said new fans would enjoy the experience of seeing something different by attending a badminton match. “So if you haven’t been to a game, you should go,” Jarvis said.
Students Transferring to Baccalaureate Institutions, Fall 2010. See your achievement in the FCC Commencement Program. Contact: fcc.transfercenter@fresnocitycollege.edu Or visit us at the: Transfer Center Student Services Bldg. , 2nd floor Send us your: Name Major
Transfer Institutions
FCC Graduation Friday, May 21, 2010
Sports
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5 FCC athletes receive full-ride scholarships Women sign to play at NAIA colleges by Kimberly Ann Hodges
Rampage Reporter On April 14, five Fresno City College athletes signed letters of intent accepting full-ride scholarships. The most notable signing of the afternoon was basketball player Blakely Goldberg, who committed to play at Fresno State. “This year not only all was she all-conference, but she was third-team all-state and she is now the third community college player to go on and play at Fresno State,” women’s basketball head coach Brian Tessler said. “She will play for a team that has a chance not only to win the WAC [Western Athletic Conference], but also to go on a play at the NCAA tournament.” Blakely said her time at FCC has been good, crediting Coach Tessler for her development. “Coming from Clovis West, I was not an all around player,” Blakely said. “I didn’t like my three-pointer or anything. I was just a point guard. But he has just broadened everything, made me an all-around player. This is all I
know now.” Blakely said she originally didn’t plan on continuing school here in Fresno, but felt the opportunity was too good to pass up. “I didn’t want to stay here,” she said, “but I didn’t think this opportunity would come. They [Fresno State scouts] just showed up to practice and offered me a full-ride scholarship and I was like, ‘What?’ I was hesitant, but I looked at everything. Going to the NCAA tournaments and traveling everywhere and getting it all paid for, I couldn’t really turn it down.” FCC volleyball players Tasha Greer and Taylor Lucero signed letters of intent to attend four-year universities. Greer is a setter and was part of the third-place finish at the state tournament her freshman year at FCC. She is also one of only three sophomores this year to obtain a full-ride scholarship for the first time in the volleyball’s program. She will be signing with Colorado State University in Pueblo. Lucero is a middle-blocker for the FCC team and a two-year First Team All Conference Player. She was also Conference MVP this year and is the first First Team AVC All American Player to come out of FCC’s volleyball program this year. She signed with University of Great Falls in Montana, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school. “We’re nervous,” both Greer and Lucero said about moving so far away. But each said they’re excited about their respective opportunities. Also signing letters of in-
April 28, 2010
From Ram to Bulldog, Blakely Goldberg signs with the women’s basketball team of Fresno State. tent were FCC softball players Samantha Futrell, Taylor Keenen and FCC women’s basketball player Sumiya Darden. Futrell has been FCC’s starting center fielder for the last two years and also lead the Central Valley Conference in hitting last year. She was first-team all-CVC and first-team all-NorCal last year when she was a freshman. Keenen is the starting left fielder and is currently leading the
team in hitting and batting averages, according to softball head coach Rhonda Williams. “I’d like to congratulate both of these ladies for their accomplishments,” Williams said. Both Futrell and Keenen have signed with William Jessup University in Rocklin, Calif., an NAIA institution. Darden was the Conference Most Valuable Player and the Most Valuable Player of the Northern
Section. She signed with Cal Poly Pomona. “We both went together up to Rocklin and we had a little tryout with the team and we got to meet everyone and the coach,” Futrell said about their tour of the university. “It just seemed like a really nice environment, just really cool and laid back.” All of the women will begin school in the fall.
Left: Softball players Taylor Keenen, left and Samantha Futrell, right, both sign to William Jessup University in Rocklin, Calif. Right: Sumiya Darden, FCC women’s basketball player, pictured with coach Brian Tessler signs with Cal Poly Pomona.
Fresno City Women’s Volleyball players Taylor Lucero, left and Tasha Greer, right both sign letters of intent to four year universities. Lucero signs to University of Great Falls in Montana and Greer signs to Colorado State University in Pueblo.
All photos by Abel Cortez