Issue 1 Spring 2017 by The Rampage at Fresno City College

2017

RAMPAGE Student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

Spring 2017

JANUARY

ISSUE

MEN

March ‘TO BE HEARD’ “We want to make sure Trump hears all voices; not just those -Kathy Brass, President of the of the high National Women’s and mighty.” Caucus of Fresno

(Top) Jasjit Samra cheers as passing cars honk in support of the Women’s March in Fresno, CA on Jan. 21, 2017. Photos/Ram Reyes

BY LARRY VALENZUELA

Broadcast Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com

Nearly 2,000 people gathered on Nees and Blackstone avenues in Fresno on Jan. 21, joining millions of marchers in hundreds of cities around the world to stand up for women’s rights. With the backing of 36 different organizations, men, women and children, wearing pink hats, stood on all four corners of the intersection armed with signs and balloons. The march remained largely peaceful, lasting from 2 to 4 p.m. The demonstrators began marching along the sidewalks down Blackstone Avenue to El Paso, then turned around back to Nees. Peace Fresno distributed signs which displayed messages of justice, women’s rights, immigration rights and

climate change. Demonstrators broke into chants as they marched. Claudia Chavez, a Fresno City College student, said the march was about inclusion. “It’s important for women’s rights. It’s important for climate change,” Chavez said. “It’s for colors, gays and everyone.” Kathy Brass, president of the National Women’s Caucus of Fresno, said she marched to make sure women continue to make gains in the way of equal rights. “We want to make sure Trump hears all voices not just those of the high and mighty,” Brass said. “It’s important to let people know that we need to be heard.”

ANOTHER INTERIM FOR VP OF STUDENTS SERVICES BY EDWARD SMITH

NEWS/COPY EDITOR esmith@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College named one more interim to the position of vice president of student services on Jan. 17. Joseph Madrigal now occupies the position which was held, also on an interim basis, by Rogelio Vasquez, who has returned to his position as dean of business.

NEWS FCC rolls out new social media campaign

The vice president of student services position has not been filled on a permanent basis since Chris Villa resigned in December 2015. Presently, nine administrationlevel positions are held on interim bases, including vice president of instruction; director of technology; dean of student services; CalWORKS director; financial aid director; college activities director; dean of libraries and building services manager.

A&E “Cat in the Hat” holds auditions for upcoming play

“Knowing that I have a lot of interim positions, I have to look externally to bring in people,” Carole Goldsmith, president of the college, said. Before Madrigal was appointed as interim vice president of student services, the college had assigned the role to Vasquez, filling Vasquez’s position as dean of the business division with Lydia Anderson on an interim basis. “You’re robbing Peter to pay Paul,”

OPINION Should the U.S. develop more nuclear weapons?

Goldsmith said. “You can offer it [the position] to internal people, but that leaves a hole.” Goldsmith said she had sought out Madrigal through PPL Incorporated, a recruiting agency for community colleges throughout California. Madrigal worked at Parnell College in Salinas for 11 years as vice president of student services. He has worked in Mendocino College and at Palomar College in San Diego.

SEE INTERIM, PAGE 3

SPORTS Soccer coach wins National Coach of the Year

RAMPAGE 2 FCC offers Mental Health Health Services BY CHEYENNE TEX

Reporter ctex@therampageonline.com

If you’re feeling stressed about school, relationships or family, Fresno City College’s mental health services can offer the relief you need. Located in the Student Center Building in Room 216, the Psychological Services offer a variety of solutions and support for students dealing with anxiety or just concerned about their self-growth. “Therapy is a service that everyone can benefit from, regardless of whether or not the student has a mental health issue they would like to address,” said Jacinda Hernandez, a post-doctoral fellow from Psychological Services. “For instance, some students seek

therapy to engage in self-exploration or to gain skills to assist with selfgrowth.” Students who want to take advantage of the services can start the process by completing a packet which can be found online or at the Psychological Services office. Once completed, the packets must be returned, so the student is scheduled for a 15-20 minute screening. Eventually, students may make an appointment to see a clinician in a session. Four to six sessions are offered to students who are new to Psychological Services and two to four sessions are offered for returning students. Along with individual brief therapy, Psychological Services offers

Health fee grants access to array of services BY NOAH VILLAVERDE

Reporter nvillaverde@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College students who pay a $19 health fee each semester derive numerous benefits from the services provided. The health fee is mandatory for all FCC students, whether attending classes on or off campus. Among the benefits are free immunizations, TB screenings and health assessment for issues such as tuberculosis. “They have to schedule an appointment with health services which gives them the pieces they need in order to go to the clinical setting,” Stephanie Robinson, director of nursing, said. “At the hospital, they need to have their immunizations upto-date. Their TB and skin tests have to be done every year. When they go to health services, that off-sets that cost.”

Students can be obtain a waiver from the health services fee if they do not seek medical care or for religious reasons. Students attending a community college under an approved apprenticeship and training program are also exempt from the health fee. Robinson said that the health fee has a positive impact on students. “The nurses in health services actually respond to medical emergencies on campus,” Robinson said. “They always involve our police department. Also if they need to get emergency services through an ambulance, they also initiate that as well.”

RAMPAGE Staff Editorial Board Reporters Editor-in-Chief Ashleigh Panoo News/Copy Editor Edward Smith Sports Editor Michael Mendez Opinion Editor Frank Lopez Asst. Layout/Photo Editor Ram Reyes Broadcast Editor Larry Valenzuela Layout Editor Lukas Newcomb

Elias Cardenas Armando Carreno Christopher Del Castillo Samantha Domingo Corina Duran Julease Graham Javier Hernandez Eric Jaramishian Adrianna Johnson Makinna Malady Ethan McNeely Melody Olivas Terada Phengphong Jorge Rodriguez Marco Rosas Desire Stevenson Cheyenne Tex Lindsey Thornton Noah Villaverde

Rampage Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju

dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu

1.25.2017 crisis intervention, group therapy, psychological testing and a referral network. About one in five adults in the United States, or 43.8 million people, experience mental illness every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nonetheless, some people have a negative outlook on seeking help. “There are many potential reasons why the stigma of mental health persists, including that some may view mental health symptoms as threatening and uncomfortable,” Hernandez said. “Seeking mental health services can strengthen and support one’s ability to have healthy relationships, make good life choices, maintain physical health and well-being, handle the natural ups and downs of life, realize our potential, and much more.” Fresno City College students with health concerns can visit the Student Services building, Room 112 for more information and to make an appointment. These services are provided to ensure that students who are able to juggle work and life.

NEWS

“Oftentimes, the most difficult aspect of getting help is reaching out for support,” Hernandez said. “Many students report feeling more at ease with seeking psychological services after they have met with a clinician and have addressed their concerns.” Hernandez said that the mind and the body are connected and affect each other. “Our brain controls our illness and wellness,” said Lisa Chaney, coordinator of health services. “So if we improve that, our body gets better too.” Enrolled students who have paid the $19 health fee are eligible for these services. The Active Minds club is another resource on campus for students seeking help with mental health or just looking for an outlet. The club meets every Friday at noon in the Psychological Services office. For more information, contact Psychological Services at 559-4438687. Both the psychology and health services offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Man Arrested on Campus

A wanted man was arrested on the Fresno City College campus Jan. 10 in a multiple agency effort. The man had been attending classes at FCC when information led authorities to believe he was in a classroom in the language arts building. When that information was verified, an effort by district

police, the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, the Fresno Police Department and the California Highway Patrol led to an arrest outside of class without incident. After being interviewed at district headquarters by MAGEC, the man was taken to Fresno County Jail for an outstanding warrant.

Women’s Club and SCCCF Fund Central Valley Promise Scholarships BY MARCO ROSAS

Reporter mrosas@therampageonline.com

The Progressive House Club, a local women’s group, alongside the State Center Community College Foundation, granted Fresno City College $310,000 on Jan. 13 in general scholarship funds. The check presentation ceremony was held on the lot of the Progressive House Club’s clubhouse on Jan. 13 to accept the donation and celebrate their member’s efforts, Lane Haythorn and Dorothy Rune. Haythorn was previously an educator for 39 years, and, according to Rune, that was the motivation behind the club’s decision to donate to higher learning. Both women expressed pride in the fact that the foundation’s donation will affect students for years to come and long after the two are through with civic service. The Progressive House Club has been a donor to FCC for as long as current president Lane Haythorn and treasurer Dorothy Rune can remember, however their latest donation is the largest that the foundation has given toward anything in its history of philanthropy. The club could normally only afford to donate $500 each year towards scholarships for re-entry students according to Haythorn, but after suffering financial struggles last April, the group decided they would sell their clubhouse back to the owners of the lot and opted to rent out their base of operations instead. Following the clubhouse’s sale, The Progressive House Club decided to donate the proceeds, which equaled

$155,000, to FCC, and SCCCF decided to match the donation for a grand total of $310,000. “This gift from the Progressive Home Club will forever support our students and honor the legacy of an incredible women’s organization.” stated Rico Guerrero, the SCCCF Executive Director. “We are honored that the Progressive Home Club has invested in our students by providing scholarships that will have a lifelong impact.” The Progressive House Club has a long history not only in donating to Fresno City College but also in advocacy for many other charitable causes and in spreading their message throughout the nation. The group became a part of the larger women’s association, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, in 1941. The federation of clubs has been meeting in their member’s homes for nearly 200 years. Though membership has faltered in recent years, leading to the group having to give up their ownership of the clubhouse, Rune and Lane both remain firm in their belief that their work is not over yet. “We’re still going. The club is not done,” said Lane. Both Lane and Rune urge women in the community to come to the club’s weekly meetings Fridays at the Clubhouse on Weldon avenue starting at noon. They say it’s a welcoming environment and though they both have had their chances to leave, they are happy to stay with the club and continue to do their part for their community.

Corrections? Email media@therampageonline.com Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com

Any correction needed for an article should be brought to the attention of the staff of The Rampage. The Rampage is committed to accuracy and should be made aware of any mistake in an article that appears in this paper.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

NEWS INTERIM, FROM PAGE 1

“I have been in a medium-sized college, a small-sized college, and a large college,” Madrigal said. “I think that I have a very good blend of exposure to the college campuses in terms of size, depth, programs and in terms of services.”

Joseph Madrigal, the new Interim VP of Student Services. Photo courtesy of Carole Goldsmith

California legislation, however, limits the amount of time a retired administrator can serve in an interim position by capping the amount of money one can earn after retirement. “I’m here to do the best I can,” Madrigal said. “What can you accomplish in four months? That’s kind of scary.” The problem is exacerbated by the scope of the student services division. “There are a lot of student services,” Goldsmith said. “You have student success, equity, the career center, CalWorks DSP&S, EOPs, financial aid. That is a very complex division with a lot of moving parts.” All of the different functions can be difficult to manage for someone in a short-term position. Madrigal’s contract will end on May 17. “Stepping into a leadership position, sometimes you inherit something where perhaps things didn’t run smoothly,” Madrigal said. “There has been a lot of turnover here. I have to find a way to convince my staff that what I do and why I’m here is to promote success, as well as provide the leadership that they need to work together.” Another function of student services is the DREAM center, which provides information and registration help for students who meet the eligibility for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program, started by

the Obama administration in June 2012, grants clemency to children under 16 by promising not to deport them. Goldsmith seeks to expand the DREAM Center, especially given the uncertainties of the new administration in the nation’s capital. The Rampage reported last semester that of the 1,400 FCC students who qualify for deferred action, the DREAM Center only helped about 200; the college president is committed to increasing its reach. One obstacle with hiring a permanent vice president of student services is the recruitment process. Goldsmith identifies two factors contributing to the difficulty of finding a qualified candidate for FCC. Another problem is the pay. “I haven’t delved into it too specifically, but I’m hoping that we will have some studies looking at all of our pay,” Goldsmith said. “I can tell you the real question is, if we are being competitive.”

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FCC offers between $120,000 to $145,000 a year for the position, based on the candidate’s experience and schooling. According to an October 2016 update on Payscale.com, the average salary across the nation is $160,000. A more complex part of the problem is convincing candidates to come to the Central Valley. “It’s difficult sometimes to attract talent to Fresno because Fresno has this self-loathing,” Goldsmith said. “We’re the fifth largest city in the state; we need to be able to showcase that.” Candidate pools are sought across the nation and openings are advertised at colleges and hiring firms. “We’re doing a social media blitz telling a story about FCC, the first community college in the entire system,” Goldsmith said. “There’s something about being first that resonates well. We have an incredible history; we just need to tell it better.”

I’m here to do the best I can. What can you accomplish in four months? It’s kind of scary.” - Joseph Madrigal

Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith speaks at the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration outside the Fresno County Courthouse on Jan. 13, 2017. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

Fresno Remembers Martin Luther King BY ASHLEIGH PANOO

Editor-In-Chief apanoo@therampageonline.com

Despite blustery weather, dozens, including Fresno City College president, Carole Goldsmith, who spoke during the ceremony, gathered outside the Fresno County Courthouse on Jan. 13 to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Goldsmith said King’s messages still hold cultural significance, even

54 years after his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. “Now more than ever, it’s important that we continue to dream,” she said, also calling on parents and educators to carry on the legacy of the civil rights leader. “We need to teach youth by example, how to have civil discourse and push the status-quo,” she said. Eric Payne, secretary of the board of trustees of the State Center Community College District who

also attended, said it is important to remember someone like King, who fought for social justice. “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” Payne said. “(King) is an iconic leader whose vision has impacted multiple generations.” The ceremony celebrated what would have been King’s 88th birthday. McLane High School choir sang and a dance troupe from King Elementary School performed in front of the Martin Luther King

Jr. statue. The dancers got others, such as Fresno Unified School board president Brooke Ashjian, to join in waving flags. Mayor Lee Brand also spoke briefly during the ceremony. Goldsmith said King was not just a person she admired, but that he was more like a mentor. Payne said it was important to follow up to the dream and that King worked hard to ensure that “everyone would have a seat at the table.”

RAMPAGE I.25.2017

NEWS

College Focuses Social Media Approach BY LINDSEY THORNTON

Reporter lthornton@therampageonline.com

The Public Information Office at Fresno City College rolled out a new social media campaign to get up-to-date on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kathleen Bonilla, public information officer, explained the effectiveness of reaching out to students on social media compared to methods used in the past. Bonilla said her office works hard to keep up with recent media trends in order to better target their audience of potential and current students. “It’s the first time in a number of years that we are leading the district in terms of our social media presence,” Carole Goldsmith, president of FCC, said. Helpful features like geotags and automated video ads on predetermined websites are helping

the school zero in on its targets, in ways its audience will surely see and understand. The target audience is typically people aged 18 to 24, living in this geographical region. This group is targeted because it corresponds with pre-determined research which found that approximately 70 percent of students already attending FCC are in this age range, Bonilla explained. Bonilla said that the public information office has used many advertising platforms in her 25 years with the college and that methods of getting the college’s specific message across have dramatically changed over the years. Previously, FCC used their advertising platform to encourage semester enrollment, crucial needto-know information or specific class offerings. “Last semester’s ad campaign was promoting Career Technology Education class and certificate programs offered at

Fresno City College.” In the past, the advertising platforms were a bit broader but less precise in targeting their audience because there were limited in the platforms they used. Although those tactics still are very useful today, they are less effective as people are evolving and choosing to get their news differently. Previously, the public information office relied on newspaper articles in the Fresno Bee, personal mailed out postcards, short radio ads and even local TV ads on local channels like ABC 30 as the only ways to get their message to the desired population. Those ways of advertising have not gone away completely, but they are definitely losing their effectiveness over time. Now that the vast majority of people in the college’s target audience rarely look up from their phone screens, FCC is taking necessary steps to make sure their message is heard.

Kathleen Bonilla said, “Facebook has been our most effective way of communicating with our new and returning students.” It does not stop there though. The Public Information Office is hoping to increase its presence on Instagram and even Google. Due to the high volume of social media options out there, effective advertising for the college has been a constantly evolving marketing plan. FCC is taking all steps necessary to make sure it is heard. All the latest and most important information about Fresno City College can be found a click or tap away. The social media accounts can be found simply by searching for the college on your most frequently used social media application. Bonilla said the goal of the public information office is to work hard to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to be informed about their options for an education.

Trump’s Inauguration Brings Students out in Protest

Fresno City College students protest the inauguration of Donald Trump at the FCC fountain on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

BY NOAH VILLAVERDE

Reporter nvillaverde@therampageonline.com

A small group of Fresno City College students united on Jan. 20 to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Students gathered by the main fountain, kicking around a Trump piñata, holding up signs, playing instruments and chanting in solidarity against the new president. Members from the Mecha club at FCC took part, including Alexandria Ramos O’Casey. “We call on our safe communities, those who are Chicano, Latino, Muslim and different from anybody else,” Ramos O’Casey said. “If the

Affordable Care Act is repealed, we will lose about 24,000 jobs here in the Central Valley. Besides that, the hateful rhetoric and more importantly, the dehumanization of many of our communities of color we are here because that’s not OK.” The protest called for action against the rhetoric that the president expressed throughout his campaign before and after he was

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elected on Nov. 8, 2016. “It shouldn’t be about different sides and different views, and who voted for who,” said student Cheyenne Dedmon. “It should be about us sticking together and having each other’s back. No matter who you are, be it your race or gender. It doesn’t matter. Everyone deserves equal opportunity, and that’s why I’m here today.”

The hateful rhetoric and more importantly, the dehumanization of many of our communities of color - we are here because that’s not OK.”

- Alexandria Ramos O’Casey FCC MECHA Club President

ONLINE Watch parking tips from students and see how long it takes Rampage staff find a parking spot. See more photos from the protest and women’s march. See this and more on: TheRampageOnline.com

ENTERTAINMENT

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

Television’s Horror Renaissance BY FRANK LOPEZ

Opinion Editor Flopez@therampageonline.com The tragedies and horrors that have been plaguing our times serve as a constant reminder of how terrifying the world can be. War, mass shootings, epidemic diseases, cyber-security, racial strife,

political corruption; it’s not hard to understand why people would want an escape from these scary things. Since the time humans have sat around campfires to tell stories we have wondered what was outside the safe glow of our warm fires, but entertainment can also provide allusions and lessons that we can use in our own world. The recent rise of television horror shows that, even in the midst of all of life’s terrors, we still like to turn the lights off and watch

something that will keep us up at night. The success of cable TV shows such as “The Walking Dead” (2010) and “American Horror Story” (2011) reignited audience’s interest in more

dark and disturbing stories. The slew of horror shows that followed, such as “Bates Motel” (2013), “Hannibal” (2013) and the more recent “Stranger Things” (2016), highlights that there are a lot of people who are curious to explore the darker sides of humanity. Many people would ask why one would want to see a group of zombies devouring the flesh of a TV character who they’ve grown to love, or what would drive any sane person to want to watch a show about the ghost of a school shooter trying to impregnate a woman so she can give birth to the anti-christ. Besides the thrill we get from jumping in fright, the horrors that are portrayed on the big screen and on TV shows reflect the horrors of their time. We can learn things about people from exploring darker themes and know what to watch out for in the world, but more importantly in ourselves. The Universal monsters of the late 1920s and 1930s such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the WolfMan, were monsters that were still somewhat human, and from a foreign country. Such fears reflect the fear that many people in America had for what they saw as a horde of immigrants invading their home and threatening their ways of life. The fear of Communism and nuclear

weapons in the 1950s is obvious in such films as “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “Them!”. The 1960s brought the monster next door with Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”; the killer was us, the killer could be the nice boy next door. George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” is seen as a metaphor for the Civil Rights Movement; a new generation literally eating the old one and setting up a new order for the world terrified people in 1968. America’s invasion of Vietnam brought to the the television screen graphic images of death and destruction in war, and many people felt disillusioned by their government and country. “Last House on The Left” (1972), while an extremely violent exploitation film, left the characters in moral ambiguity, an appropriate allusion to the moral grayness America found itself in. John Carpenter’s Halloween (1979) set off the slasher genre. The 1980s slasher movies about teenagers who have sex and do drugs get their comeuppance by a masked killer could seem to be a metaphor for the fear of the AIDS epidemic that was gripping the country. It seems that by the 1990s, the horror genre seemed to become a parody of itself, and the Scream series somehow was able to make that scary. However it seemed that pushing the edge seemed to be the direction the genre was going, and with the Saw series, it seems like

these movies continually try to top one another. Fast-forwarding to the current decade, there are certain trends in our horror entertainment. The “Paranormal Activity” series can be seen as a metaphor for our fear of the government tracking our digital lives; the fear that someone is always watching us. For a while, there was a slew of demonic possession movies such as The Last Exorcism (2010), and The Devil Inside (2012), this fear could stem from the fear of seeing ourselves as responsible for our actions, and that some foreign entity drives us to do bad things. Current shows such as Black Mirror, while more sci-fi than horror, highlights the terrifying problems that can arise with advancing technology, and American Horror Stories has featured themes involving racism, sexism, and

family. There should be no shame towards people who are interested in stories about haunted houses, and zombies, and guts and bloods and gore. Perhaps the people that look for the things that go bump in the night are better prepared for the horrors of the world, and are able to control their darkness better than people who completely stay away from it.

The Must-See Movies of 2017 BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Sports Editor mmendez@therampageonline.com

Let’s all go to the lobby and get ourselves some snacks. The start of 2017 gives us a new set of films scheduled to get us excited. “Spider-Man: Homecoming” July 7,2017 The newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has Tom Holland reprising his role from “Captain America: Civil War” as your favorite neighborhood webslinger. Peter Parker goes through the battle of being in high school while also being a masked vigilante, as he comes to terms while facing his newest villain, the Vulture. “Beauty and the Beast” March 17, 2017 Disney’s newest recreation of the fairy tale classic gets the live action treatment with Emma Watson as Belle, a young woman who is imprisoned by a prince transformed into a beast and learns to love him. Watching the relationship that develops between the two will have you with tissues for your eyes on standby.

“John Wick: Chapter 2” Feb. 10, 2017 The second installment to the surprise hit of 2014 sees Keanu Reeves reprise his role as the exhitman coming out of retirement once again to enact his vengeance on anyone who crosses him. The first film was an action-filled fest that set the bar high for the sequel to beat. “Logan” March 3, 2017 All good things must come to end, as Hugh Jackman unleashes his claws for the final time in the third Wolverine film. Wolverine must cope with being one of the few mutants left, but at the same time, must look after a young X-23 to ensure the mutant race lives on. With an R-rating, this may be the Wolverine movie we have been waiting for. “Kong: Skull Island” March 10, 2017 All hail the king. The film follows a group of filmmakers who survived a helicopter crash stranded on Skull Island, home of the big ape where they have to try to survive. It has Kong being bigger and badder and gives Godzilla a run for being the king of the monsters.

“War for the Plant of the Apes” July 14, 2017 The “War For the Plant of the Apes” is the third installment of the rebooted “Planet of the Apes” series. Woody Harrelson and the human resistance go against ape leader, Caesar, and his ape army in the final battle to control the planet. “Alien: Covenant” May 19, 2017 The newest movie in the “Alien” series continues after the events of “‘Prometheus.” Directed by Ridley Scott, who has been a part of the franchise since the first film in 1979, the film brings the series back to its dark claustrophobic roots. “Wonder Woman” June 2, 2017 To some, the DC Extended Universe films may not have lived up to expectations, but the Wonder Woman stand-alone film could be what it needs to get the franchise back on track. Set in World War I, the film follows Wonder Woman and how she has lived through the years to set up for the upcoming “Justice League” film to be released later in the year.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” May 5, 2017 The galactic misfits are back for another helping of Marvel’s sci-fi action comedy feast, adding more action-adventure and comedy to what made the first film a smash hit. The film may also reveal the potential location of the sixth and final infinity stone leading up to Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” Dec. 15, 2017 The next film in the Star Wars series continues where “The Force Awakens” left off. Rey finally finds Luke Skywalker and begins her Jedi training, while Kylo Ren and the first order plan their next attack. “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One” have shown that Star Wars is a cinematic event that should not be missed. With a calendar filled with films on the horizon, you better get your tickets, popcorn and soft drinks ready to make it through the offerings.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Cat in the Hat’ Hosts Auditions BY SAMANTHA DOMINGO

Reporter sdomingo@therampageonline.com

As the first week of the spring semester came to an end, auditions for Fresno City College’s theatrical production “The Cat in the Hat” also closed. This theatrical adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat” showcases a vivid artistic interpretation using aerials and dance, while staying true to Dr. Seuss’ beloved story. Janine Christl, the director for this show, has directed theater for 12 years. Some of her most notable work is “Grass Mirror” as well as her theater company, Epic Theatre’s, production of “The Shape of Things.” This year, she will be working with choreographer Amy Querin to bring life to “The Cat in the Hat.” “It’s all about your imagination and how far you can take it,” Christl said. “You have to really step back as the reader and go, ‘If I was a little kid imagining all these things happening, how would that translate to the stage?’ And that’s really the goal.” The stage manager for the show, Chelsea Hatler, is majoring in technical theatre at FCC. Hatler was also the stage manager for “Farragut North,” one of FCC’s fall semester productions. “There’s something beautiful about being given a blank canvas, like a stage, and turning it into art,” Hatler said about her devotion to theatre. “Ms. Christl is brilliant and gives a sparkle to anything she does; the aerial work for the show is an interesting take. I’m glad to be a part of this show, as much work as it is.” The theatre scene can be labor intensive, but those who enjoy the field are thoroughly committed to its schedule. Rehearsals go for two hours a day, six days of the week,

from casting until opening night. Auditions took place from Jan. 12 to 14 at the FCC Theatre Arts Building in the Main Stage Theatre, with callbacks at noon on Jan 14. A few students described the audition process as nerve-wracking. “Now that I’m older and have been doing it for a while, I’m not as intimidated,” Courtney Carini, a dancer and aerialist who auditioned, said. “I’m coming to it in a different mental state, but we’ll see if I still get nervous.” Christl said many people were expected to audition, despite only 12 roles in the show. Students have roughly two to three minutes to showcase their dance, aerial, and/or monologue abilities. “As a director, you always feel bad in the audition process because there’s always some people that you know could benefit from the work,” said Christl. “But you just have to make those tough choices.” “The Cat in the Hat” is scheduled to run on March 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., with matinee showings on March 5, 10 and 11 at 2 p.m. in the Main Stage Theatre at Fresno City College. Tickets are $14 for students and are on sale now in the theatre box office and online.

Dancer Courtney Carini auditions for FCC’s theatrical production of “The Cat in the Hat” on Jan. 14, 2017 Photo/Samantha Domingo

Second Space Finds Haunting Production in ‘Blithe Spirit’ BY ERIC JARAMISHIAN

Reporter ejaramishian@therampageonline.com

Most would agree that having the ghost of your ex-lover haunt you would be very problematic, especially if that ghost was creating havoc in your daily life and new marriage. The performers of the Good Company Players in Fresno bring this idea to life in the play “Blithe Spirit,” currently running at Second Space Theater in the Tower District near Fresno City College. Written by Noel Coward, an English playwright, “Blithe Spirit” is set in Kent, England and is directed by Denise Graziani. This light-hearted comedy is about a writer who hires a clairvoyant to perform a seance, in hopes of collecting creative ideas for a book that he is writing. All goes

wrong when the ghost of his ex-wife haunts him and cannot seem to go away, becoming a nuisance to him and his current marriage. The play runs about two hours and thirty minutes long, and hooks the audience into the story right at the beginning. The language of Noel Coward can be challenging to follow at times, but watching the actors execute this language is a wonderful experience. They do a good job performing Coward’s cerebral and college-oriented writing. The actors speak with British accents, which adds to the atmosphere of an English play. This comedic play was met with much laughter, almost to the point of tears. The actors executed the wit in the dialogue perfectly. The character Charles, the writer in the story, is both intense and clever in

what he says, a true joy to see live on stage. The story calls for serious detail in line-memorization, which is where the actors of this play shine. They especially excel in showing what it would be like to be visited by a ghost that stays invisible to other people. The characters in the play are more or less portrayed as regular people. The characters that really steal the show are Charles and Madam Arcati, both eccentric characters, in contrast to the rest of the cast. Edith, the maid in the story, however, falls short in this play. Her mumbling makes it hard to understand the actress, and her character is uncompelling to the story. Although her character tries to serve as comic relief, it comes across as

awkward most times. The setting takes place in a living room, which is well-decorated and suits the needs of the plot. The lighting helps shift the mood from a normal setting to the eerie presence of a ghost inside the house. Overall, it is a well done play by the cast and crew of the Second Space Theater. If you enjoy local theater and witty farces, this play is a must see. Second Space Theater is a black box theater, with three-sided seating, holding about 150 people. This makes for a more intimate atmosphere for the audience and the actors. Blithe Spirit will run until Feb. 26 and will be followed by “HMS Pinafore”.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Carrie Fisher: A Force for Empowerment BY TERADA PHENGPHONG

REPORTER tphengphong@therampageonline.com

Christmas Eve 2016, Carrie Fisher was on her way home to Los Angeles from London when she started having a massive heart attack. She was administered CPR and was rushed to the in intensive care unit of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical center where the humorist, actress and renowned author died four days later. Best known as the iconic Princess Leia from “Star Wars”, Carrie Fisher was destined for stardom. Her mother was actress, singer and humanitarian, Debbie Reynolds, and her father was the notorious singer and actor Eddie Fisher. She was 21 years old when the 1977’s film “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope”, originally titled “Star Wars” was released, thrusting her into the spotlight of fame. As Princess Leia, Fisher became a beacon of girl power Photo/Google Images by showing that the

damsel-in-distress can also be the heroine of her own story. She was a woman on a set surrounded by testosterone and could hold her own with her execution of Princess Leia, whose wit, bravery, and strength helped make the movie popular in pop culture. Fisher created a generation of young women who were not afraid to be powerful and confident. Before Katniss Everdeen, Hermione Granger or even Rey from “The Force Awakens”, there was Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, the original pop culture queen of adventure and heroism. Girls around the world sported the famous cinnamon-bun rolled hair and imagined battle “in a galaxy far, far away.” Fisher displayed her tenacity off and on screen when questioned on her other iconic “Star Wars” look, a metal bikini forced upon the Princess when enslaved by a grotesque, sluglike alien called Jabba the Hutt. After much uproar from parents about whether the outfit should be featured on film merchandise, Fisher told the disgruntled parents in a Wall Street Journal article to “tell them [the children] that a giant slug captured me and forced me to wear that stupid outfit, and then I killed him because I didn’t like it. And then I took it off. Backstage.” She defended her character who

was more than a two-dimensional sexual icon, she was a warrior that didn’t allow her injustices to go unpunished. Even after the original trilogy was over, the battle was not. Princess Leia had in fact continued to fight the good fight, becoming General Leia Organa in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, again, showing the world that a strong woman does not have to sit in the corner for her male counterparts. She exhibited that women must stand up for what is right, and need to remember that they have the strength to fight for their beliefs. With the resurgence of the franchise, new generations and audience will be able to once again identify with the character and be able to once again believe in their own courage. Even after four decades, Fisher is influencing those who have felt silenced and unable to fight injustices. The recent Women’s March is evidence that Fisher’s legacy lives on. As a woman who led a rebellion against oppression, Princess Leia was a symbol for marchers, some of whom dressed up like the character; others used her face on their signs or even posed her as Rosie the Riveter. Princess Leia is a landmark for empowerment and strength. Carrie Fisher was able to embody all of her intelligence, humor and power into this character. She created a new hope.

Students Find Escape in Game Room

Joshua Alvarado making his shot into the corner pocket in the Game Room at Fresno City College on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2017. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

BY ETHAN MCNEELY

Reporter emcneely@therampageonline.com

If you are on campus and are looking for a fun way to pass the time with some friends, there is a hidden gem just waiting for you to discover for yourself. The game room is a mini-arcade located in the same building as the Cafeteria and Student Lounge, just behind the Old Administration

Building. The game room is run by student activities and is here for you to enjoy with three pool tables for those who like a friendly game of billiards, a Super Bikes 3 arcade game for the racers, an Aliens Armageddon shooter arcade based on the Aliens film franchise, and two Prize Palace claw machines for those who prefer to test their luck and skill by grabbing prizes with a remote claw.

A cheap way to have some fun with your fellow students, the game room only charges per game that you play. A game of pool only costs 75 cents and they ask that you have a current student ID to check out a pool stick. As for the arcade games, it is $1 for the Super Bikes and Aliens Armageddon and only 50 cents for the Prize Palace Machines. Unfortunately, the change machine inside the room is out of

service so they ask that you bring your own change to pay for the games. They also provide rewards stamp cards to reward their frequent visitors. For every ten games of pool that you play, they will give you a free game. One student, Wesley Uy, said that he comes in the game room, “every day when I have free time.” This is his second semester at Fresno City College and he has taken part in several pool tournaments that the game room holds. “(The tournaments) may start out slow,” he said, “but as people get out of class, it really starts to pick up.” This room isn’t just fun and games though, there are some rules to follow while visiting the game room. They ask that you have a current student ID, do not bring any food, drinks, or gum into the room, do not stand around the front counter, do not play pool without a pool stick or share pool sticks. They do not allow any gambling, public displays of affection, profanity, or bringing children into the room. If you are looking to give the game room a visit, you will have to stop by during the following hours: Monday thru Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am until 3:00pm. And if you want to make the most out of your time there, why not stop by during their Gamer’s Hours; for an hour every day they give out an extra stamp on their player rewards card. They do this at 9am on Mondays, 10am on Tuesdays, 11am on Wednesdays, 12pm on Thursdays, and 1pm on Fridays.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

Campus Voices What are your hopes for President Trump? BY MAKINNA MALADY PHOTOS BY JULEASE GRAHAM

Michael John Web Design

“To come up with a better healthcare plan, and not take us into another war.”

Daniel Mendez Nursing

“To build up the economy, because it has been bad for a number of years. That is all I really want to see.”

A Recipe For Valuable College Characteristics BY JAVIER HERNANDEZ

Reporter jhernandez@therampageonline.com

While observing great role-models for society, many characteristics contribute to their success. Muhammad Ali was cunningly brilliant mentally as he was physically. He was bold, courageous, confident and expressed many more positive traits. Oprah Winfrey’s compassion for other individuals expresses empathy, sympathy and proactive qualities. Both of these individuals provide an abundance of positive characteristics. Every student has a bounty of characteristics they can utilize for positive results, providing a successful college life. Our behavior is important for allowing our environment to be comfortable, allowing individuals to excel. Being comfortable allows positive energy to flow for individuals and groups, also allowing connection and trust to formulate within a group. This creates a happier atmosphere. Many of us are bold, intellectual, kind, respectful and have many more qualities. Being respectful towards others that aren’t expressing that to ourselves can alleviate the progression of negativity, rewarding ourselves with healthy cognition. Being a good role-model allows the individuals around us to

perpetuate those qualities in all environments. School pride boosts the morale for all individuals throughout our campus, making it a more appealing place to be. Onlinecollege.org provides many characteristics correlating with success that are productive. Personal accountability for what we say allows others attributions of us to relate to being responsible and dependable. Resilience with maintaining healthy emotions, alleviates adversity allowing us to maintain productivity. Learning positive information propels improvement and understanding to nurture health. Having a great work ethic contributing to a great pace makes our productivity more beneficial. Balancing emotional control and mental capacity can lead to mental stability. Attention to details for correcting our mistakes and being precise allows an efficient product and process to take place. Persevering through adversity while staying calm can have multitudes of positive effects for an individual. This can keep the confidence of an individual well-balanced during any moment. Students can adapt to always progress efficiently in a changing environment. Self-motivation supplies consistency of efforts. Self-confidence and

Farewell to Obama BY RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD editorial@therampageonline.com

Jose Meza

Electrical Engineering

“He is a good businessman; Hopefully, he can bring us up from the ‘economic recession’ we are in.”

Stephanie Medina Education

“I hope Trump proves the people wrong who think he will do bad things to the people.”

Brittany Mcgee Liberal Arts

“I want Trump to make life easier for college students financially.”

OPINION

During any transition of power, a governed population can be expected to be fearful. On Inauguration Day, 44th President of the United States Barack Obama handed over power to non-politician billionaire Donald Trump. Eight years ago, The United States was in the depths of an economic recession and a costly and unpopular war in the Middle East. A young African-American senator from Illinois rose through the ranks of the democrats and ran on a campaign of “hope” and “change” and won the presidency. For the first time in this nation’s history, young African-American boys and girls saw themselves represented in the highest seats of government. Obama’s more popular policies will cast him in a favorable light, and history will look back on him fondly. It can certainly be said that some of the policies enacted by the Obama Administration did improve our nation. Obama’s economic stimulus package helped end the 2008 recession, and Obamacare made health insurance affordable for millions of people across the nation. By the end of Dec. 2016, Obama had added 17.2 million jobs, and comes in second to Bill Clinton, who created 21.5 million jobs by the end of his term. Compare this to the 2.1 million jobs created under George W. Bush’s eight years in office. Obama’s elimination of Osama Bin-Laden and his withdrawal of troops from Iraq

and Afghanistan has helped cement his legacy as a strong and capable leader. The New York Times ran an op-ed titled “Missing Barack Obama Already”, and many other news outlets are publishing similar articles. It is apparent on social media that many people across the nation are already lamenting the end of Obama’s presidency and there is fear that the more progressive ideals the nation has been striving for will be threatened under a Trump presidency. While Obama may have guided the nation some steps in the right direction in the last eight years, it is difficult to ignore his more nefarious actions. He was touted as an anti-war candidate for calling the U.S. invasion of Iraq a “mistake” and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for nuclear non-proliferation; perhaps Obama’s approval of modernizing our nuclear program in 2016 could make the prize seem uncharacteristic. Obama’s drone campaign has been said to violate international law, and according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, 2,753 people have been killed by drone strikes from 2009 to 2015. TBIJ also reports a rough estimate of about 300 to 800 civilians killed by drone strikes, and U.S. citizens have been killed by drone strikes because they were deemed as a future threat to the United States. Obama’s recent public condemnation of Israel and threats of sanctions may seem like a tough stance against the nation, but his deal to give $38 billion to Israel doesn’t do much to comfort those concerned about Palestine. His support for the Trans

believing in ourselves is an important tool towards excelling at our goals, objectives and characteristic traits. While observing ourselves, we can find more about progressive qualities by learning more about them and utilizing that information. Like a mixed martial artist or a multi-talented actress utilizes their repertoire, we as students can benefit from our acquired skill-sets for college and life. We also have the capability to strengthen our weaknesses by providing a more balanced life and skill-set. Feeding our cognitive process with positivity is like drinking a nutritional smoothie for promoting productivity to stay mentally effective. Many individuals throughout history can provide a better perspective of how to utilize positive characteristics. We can read, watch you-tube videos, and observe documentaries of the individuals exuberating the characteristics that intrigue us and that have what we want for ourselves. The characteristics we choose to utilize are great spices for optimizing the recipes we will have to create, allowing us to excel as students and citizens in the society we live in. Let’s age like diamonds and thrive on!

Pacific Partnership free-trade deals are reminiscent of trade deals such as NAFTA that pave the way for rich nations to cut out competition from poor foreign nations. There is no doubt that Obama and his family did try to represent our nation with class, grace and dignity, and they are polar to the incoming first family. Strong anti-Obama sentiments have been permeating the nation for the past eight years, and racial tension has come to the forefront of the national consciousness. Donald Trump ran on a campaign of racism, xenophobia and fear, and won. He is filling his cabinet with unqualified billionaires and republicans are already taking the steps to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Despite the many faults of President Obama and his administration, there was a feeling of stability and progress with him at the helm of our nation. The world is facing problems that have not been seen in the history of humankind. There is more wealth in the hands of eight individuals, than in the hands of half of the earth’s population. We are on the brink of environmental catastrophe and must be concerned about the rising tide of populism in the U.S. and Europe. We, as young people, must take up the mantle to try and preserve progressive ideals and policies that Obama has strived for, and that the far right is working to dismantle. It is more important now than ever before that the left organizes and works to protect human rights and democracy. Barack Obama left the nation in better shape than when he first took office, and while we hope that President Trump really will do a good job as president and make the country great for all people, it will be up to us to drive that change.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

OPINION

Should the US expand its nuclear arsenal?

Small hands can still push a BIG button!

BY EDWARD SMITH

News/Copy Editor esmith@therampageonline.com

PRO

Nuclear weapons represent far more than a mere threat to human existence. In the modern intricacies of world diplomacy, nuclear capabilities have become a means through which to advance ideologies and agenda, for better or worse. It is not by coincidence that the five

BY FRANK LOPEZ

Opinion Editor flopez@therampageonline.com

CON

After 30 years of nuclear arms reduction and disarmament, the possibility of annihilation from nuclear arms looms. It is only very recently in

members of the United Nations’ Security Council have nuclear weapons, and it is for exactly these reasons that nations seek out nuclear weapons. Countries like North Korea and Iran have sought out to become contenders on the world stage by researching and developing their nuclear armament. Possession gives states a voice. It was for a time that nuclear agreements for non-proliferation were starting to take hold and the world could relax from the edge of destruction. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty sought to limit the amount of deployable nuclear weapons between the biggest powers of the age--- Russia and the United States. However, times have changed. Under the New START program, begun in 2011 when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, Russia actually began to proliferate once again, according to an April posting on FactCheck.org.

humanity’s 200,000 year history that we have had the capability to completely destroy ourselves. The resurgence of populism in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and unverified claims of nuclear capability from North Korea have left an air of unpredictability and strife in the world. Hopes of a “nuclear-weapons free world,” as Barack Obama claimed at the beginning of his presidency, were quelled when he announced a plan to “modernize” our nuclear arsenal and production facilities for a cost of $1 trillion. This plan also violated terms of the 1968 nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, which required nuclear powers to begin nuclear disarmament. That nuclear weapons plan will also be the largest public expenditure in the upcoming

The Putin regime has not only increased the total amount of deployable nuclear weapons, but has developed newer and more destructive forms of it, as well as moved its arsenal to strategic points across the Russian homeland as a veiled threat and reminder of what could become of the situation at hand. At a time when relations between Russia, China and North Korea are so very volatile, advancing the United States’ nuclear arsenal is essential. Now is not the time for non-proliferation. Owning and developing nuclear weapons does not mean nations will use them. Nukes give countries negotiating powers and with the threat of ultimate destruction looming, the prospect of nuclear war forces cooler heads to prevail. In a 2016 article, CNN reported that after an attack on a military base in the Kashmir region of India,

decades.The U.S. currently has more than 1,500 strategic warheads ready for deployment on several hundred bombers and missiles. The U.S. does not need to expand its nuclear arsenal. President Trump’s statements and tweets about retaliating with nuclear force and expanding the country’s nuclear capabilities are quite terrifying. Putin’s statements about Russia’s own nuclear expansion seem to be setting up the stage for an arms race. One single nuclear bomb detonated in a major city could kill hundreds of thousands of people, and the effects on the environment could last for decades. There is an estimated 15,000 warheads in the world, more than enough to make this planet inhospitable. The horrors the U.S. unleashed

the Pakistani-Indian conflict was once again at the front of the news. Each side blamed the other, with India blaming Pakistan for sponsoring terrorists to storm the base, while Pakistan blamed India for attacks on the wrong side of the border. It looked like a decades old conflict was about to boil over again. India maintains a clear no-first-use policy on nukes, but Pakistan has never committed themselves to such a policy and the existence of tactical nukes made many in the international community worry about what would happen. However, the fission between the two powers softened as the reality of what nuclear warfare might entail forced both sides to reevaluate possible actions against each other. Nukes have become a staple in the international diet, and for those who come to rely on them, going without can lead to weakness. The world has seen this first hand when, during the Cold War, the United States claimed to have the technology for a Strategic Defense Initiative, a system of satellites that could destroy incoming nuclear weapons. When the then USSR heard about this development, the country was up in arms and complained about imbalance of technology between the two countries. This renewed the arms race between the two countries and some credit this move to the eventual collapse of the USSR. The nuclear threat was a mainstay of international relations and diplomacy in the 20th century, and when, in the 21st century, it seemed nuclear warfare was a relic from the Cold War, it seems the looming nuclear apocalypse has entered into the national dialogue once again. Now is not the time to falter on the issue of national defense.

on Japan by dropping two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are reminders of the destructive force we possess. I cannot imagine the survivors of those attacks praising the expansion of our nuclear arsenal. Proposals to end sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Crimea in return for an arms reduction deal is one positive aspect that can be seen from Trump’s and Putin’s bromance. Reducing tensions and more engagement with Russia will reduce the chances of nuclear weapons. There is no doubt, however, that failure of humanity to reduce nuclear arms has set the doomsday clock closer to midnight.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

SPORTS

3 Inducted During Inaugural Softball Hall of Fame Dinner Erica Vollweiler, Nettie Cervantes Nishikawa and Steve Uyeda receiving their awards at the first softball hall of fame dinner at Pardini’s Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. Photo/Ram Reyes

BY ARMANDO CARRENO

Reporter acarreno@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College held their first-ever inaugural Women’s Softball Hall of Fame Dinner at Pardini’s Banquet on Jan. 21. Steve Uyeda, Erica Vollweiler and Nettie Cervantes Nishikawa were inducted surrounded by family and friends. Uyeda was the man who started the program back in 1983 and was the only other softball head coach present other than Rhonda

Williams. He coached the softball team for 12 years at FCC. During those 12 years, Uyeda’s teams had an overall record 325-240-1. In conference games, their records were 143-76-1 and they had a playoff record of 14-10. Under Uyeda, his teams never finished below third place and averaged 26 wins per season. Steve Uyeda said he received the news about his induction a few weeks before Christmas. “I had no inkling of what it would be like,”

he said. “I was thinking about the size of the classroom, but to see the people that are here tonight, it’s like a reunion. It has to be one of the greatest days of my life.” Erica Vollweiler played for FCC from 1997 to 1998, leaving her mark on FCC women’s softball as one of the most dominant players. During her time, she won back-to-back conference championships and a conference MVP her sophomore year and was All-Conference both years. Vollweiler was named one

Softball Team Hopes to Repeat last season’s Success BY JORGE RODRIGUEZ

Reporter jrodriguez@therampageonline.com

Coming from a season in 2016 that saw the Fresno City College softball team carry an impressive 27-game win streak, an overall record of 39-7, an undefeated conference record and a conference title that came with it, the FCC Softball team is more than ready to have an even better 2017 season. With their first home game of the season against Bakersfield College on February 2 at 2pm the softball team is eager to showcase their young talent. Coach Rhonda Williams, who was named Coach of the Year in the north region last season, believes she has a strong group of players, and they are ready to compete in every game. “This team has more depth this year so we are going to have stronger players coming off of the bench.” Williams said . “We may not have the same amount of power hitters like we did last year, but we definitely

have more speed, and a lot of good contact hitters,” she added. Williams believes that while the team may be composed differently than last year, they will be just as good. With a high number of new players, Williams believes that the biggest obstacle in the upcoming season will be putting all the pieces together and figuring out which combinations works the best as far as the lineup goes. She expects the upcoming freshmen to work hard and compete for the starting positions so that the team can become much stronger. With only three returning players from last season, Williams and her staff will have a young team to compete with, but she feels that only makes them more hungry for a championship run. Now that last season’s Pitcher of the Year for the north region, Sarah Santana, is no longer with the team, Williams is looking to sophomore

catcher Karen Zamora to be an impact player both on offense and defense and also to be a leader for her new teammates. Catcher Francia Sanchez and infielder Amanda Mets, who are both freshman, believe that they have a good enough team to compete for a state championship. Even though they still have a lot of work to do, they have a lot of energy and are ready to compete. Both believe that one of the things they need to work more is on pitching. Last season that was one of their strong aspects, and if they can achieve that then the team will be very solid. With a very talented young team, this season seems to be shaping up to be another great one for Williams’s squad, the players and coach want everyone to come out and watch them play, because they are ready and committed to bring home the state championship.

of the top 25 athletes of all time at Fresno City College. Vollweiler said she felt “complete shock,” but was honored and grateful to be one of the first inducted to FCC softball hall of fame Nettie Cervantes Nishikawa played for two years at FCC for Uyeda’s team. As a pitcher, Cervantes won 19 games and had a 1.23 ERA with 181 strikeouts to only 72 walks. She also fielded her position well with .978 percent with three errors in 134 chances. Cervantes also served under Rhonda Williams as a pitchers and outfielders assistant coach for nine years. During Uyeda’s induction speech, he spoke about how valuable Cervantes was to his team. He recalled a memory of a weekend tournament where he had to continually ask Cervantes to pitch. They didn’t have much depth at the time and everytime she went up to pitch they won. He said “it was routine for Nettie to throw five and six games in a weekend.” Cervantes said, ‘I was definitely surprised. It took a long time for me to sink it in, I guess because I understand Erica and Steve. I just had a hard time believing I was being even considered. I was very surprised, very happy and excited.” after receiving the initial call from coach Rhonda Williams that she was going to be inducted in the FCC women’s softball hall of fame. The entire night was about how everyone who was being inducted were connected and coming full circle. From Uyeda coaching Cervantes and later her becoming an assistant coach under Williams, where she would coach Vollweiler. The connection is even evident in the present where Vollweiler coaches the Sanger High softball team and has to coach against Uyeda team San Joaquin Memorial. Vollweiler said ”I hated it it’s always to the seventh inning, I mean he’s a great coach and it’s intimidating to coach against him.”

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

SPORTS

SOLBERG IS NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR BY ERIC JARAMISHIAN

Reporter ejaramishian@therampageonline.com

Eric Solber, FCC Men’s Soccer Coach Photo/Oliver Germond, Fresno Bee

The Fresno City College soccer program scored big this year. Eric Solberg, coach for the men’s soccer team, received the National Coach of the Year award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The award considered all the junior college soccer teams in the nation. Solberg was congratulated by 10,000 people who attended the awards ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 17, 2017. Solberg has had a long history with the FCC athletics program. Before he came to FCC, he played baseball for Fresno State as a pitcher, and then went on to play for the Kansas City Royals. He spent 29 years as the men’s assistant baseball coach at FCC, but his real passion is soccer. After 11 years of coaching baseball, Solberg went back to school to get his masters degree in education, so he could get the position as the head soccer coach. “The only way I was going to get a job here was through soccer,” Solberg said. For 18 years now, since his first year coaching in 1998, he has had a successful coaching career. During Solberg’s career at FCC, the men’s soccer team has won 14 league championships and set the

The year of 2017 is now upon us. The start of the year brings us not only the start of the spring semester here at Fresno City College, but also the start of spring sports that will take place over the course of this semester. No matter the sport you’re in to there is something here for everyone.

Baseball

The Fresno City College baseball team are heading into the 2017 season as the defending Central Valley Conference champions, finishing last season with a 26-12 record. With a veteran roster the Rams are looking to repeat the same success, while looking to go deep into the postseason for a state championship.

Softball

Similar to baseball, the FCC softball team is heading into this season as the defending Central Valley Conference champions, finishing last season with a 39-7 record while going undefeated in conference play. The Rams are looking to stay atop the Central Valley Conference while setting their sights for a state championship.

school record for most games won with any team in 1999, with 19 wins, and became one of the final four in the California Community College Athletic Association championships. “The key to success at this level is to make this place a viable option to play soccer,” says Solberg. “You have to make the players feel wanted.” In this 2016 season, the men’s soccer team went 19-1 and made the final four in the CCCAA Championships for the seventh time, Nearly beating the record of any school in Caifornia. The Rams lost to San Antonio on penalty kicks during the final match. “Winning this award was a very emotional and surreal experience,” he said. “It was a real reflection on my life and career. You have to give up a lot to be successful.” Solberg is not the only FCC coach to win this award. Oliver Germond, head of the women’s soccer team, won the same award back in 2014. Solberg said he appreciated this year’s team, and that it was an honor to coach them. “I feel the players earned this award, not me. This year’s team had a real special connection,” Solberg said. “Throughout my 40 years of coaching sports, this team was the closest knit team I have ever had the pleasure to coach.”

BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Sports Editor mmendez@therampageonline.com

Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball team is in the middle of their 2016-2017 season where the Rams currently stand with a 17-6 record tied for first place in conference with College of the Sequoias. They are looking to make a strong run towards the postseason where reached the state semi-finals last season.

Men’s Basketball

The men’s basketball season is currently underway, where the Rams stand in first place of the Central Valley Conference with an 16-4 record. They are working their way to make it back to the state championship game they were a season ago.

‘Tis the Season For Spring Sports Badminton

The Fresno City College badminton team is entering the 2017 season as the defending Badminton state champions, having gone all the way last season. The Rams having five returners from last seasons championship roster are looking to repeat last season’s success, and have their eye for another state title.

Men’s Tennis

The men’s tennis teams have the state championship on their minds as they look to get the one title that they came close to achieving in seasons past. Last season they finished with a conference title and had one athlete reach the state championship singles tournament quarterfinals.

Women’s Tennis

Women’s tennis has been getting closer for a state title with each passing season, and is on track to make this the year they finally achieve that goal. They finished last season with a 15-2 recording, winning a conference title and having seven representatives in the state championships in both doubles and singles event and reached as far as the semi-finals in singles. Just like the men’s roster, the women’s team is determined to win a state title.

Track & Field

The Rams track and field team wants to repeat the same success that they achieved last season. They won a conference title while producing state champions in the men’s 4x100 meter relays. Melody Harris also won a state championship in the javelin event.

RAMPAGE 1.25.2017

S WOM EN’S M ARCH

SPECIAL

FRESNO ’

An esti ma gathere ted 2,000 pe op d Blackst at the corner le on o Wome e and Nees f f n’s Ma o r the rch 2017. P hotos/ on Jan. 21, Ram Re yes