Viewpoints issue No. 7 December 1, 2016 by RCC Viewpoints

yNews

ySPORTS

Hornets sting Tigers in playoffs

Student forum discusses election results

yFEATURES

Festival of Lights Illuminates downtown

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DECEMBER 1, 2016

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY WINS STATE TITLE

Riverside City College men’s cross country team wins first state championship in 22 years PAOLA PALACIOS @Ayo_Paola0817

The Riverside City College men’s cross country team broke RCC’s men’s cross country dry spell and won the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship for the first time in 22 years at Fresno’s Woodward Park on Nov. 19. The Tigers not only ended the 22 year dry spell, but they are also the first Orange Empire Conference team to win state championships in 12 years. Head coach Jim McCarron has won titles with the track and field team six out of the last eight years as the sport’s head coach. This win however, marks the first time that McCarron has won as the head coach for cross country. “It feels like its all new again which is great,” McCarron said. “It’s like a new different wonderful feeling … It’s been so long and it’s good to start this new state tradition in cross country.” The Tigers, who have won the OEC title back to back in the last two years have come a long way from their cross country camp in Big Bear. “We knew from day one that we would

IMAGE COURTESY OF JIM MCCARRON

The Riverside City College men’s cross country won the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship on Nov. 19 in Woodward Park. The last time the Tigers won a state championship was 22 years ago. go to state,” McCarron said. “We knew that we were going to be in the top five at the end of camp.” Sophomore Michael Simpson finished before sophomore Joshua Silva did. Simpson finished seventh overall in the race with a time of 20:33. “We couldn’t believe it, we dropped and we all started to cry, hug and congratulate one another,” Simpson said. Silva finished 10th overall in the race with a time of 20:36, with teammate Cade Clark following with 20:57.

“I knew that if Michael beat me and the others wanted to beat me that we would win,” Silva said. When the Tigers reached the last mile of the race McCarron along with his assistant coach Mike Wilson were there to cheer the team on. “In the last mile they passed a lot of people and seeing their strengths and the hard work they did pay off was really neat to see,” McCarron said. “We told them at the last mile that they had a chance at winning,” McCarron said.

“You could see the light and smile that was on their faces.” The team won first place with an overall time of 1:44:21 beating Glendale Community College who had a time of 1:44:53 finishing second and Mt. San Antonio College finishing in third with 1:45:15. “Everyone is (said) that they (wanted) to win state, everyone that has the potential like Glendale, Mt. SAC and San Bernardino,” Silva said. “But only one team (was) really going to (win) it.”

Board of Trustees members sworn into position MISTY SEVERI @MistySeveri

City lights lit up the night as Mary Figueroa and Bill Hedrick were sworn into their offices on the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees in Downtown Riverside on Nov. 29. Figueroa was re-elected and Hedrick was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees on Nov. 8. Each term lasts four years. Chancellor Michael Burke presided over the ceremony, beginning with

introductions of the guests and ending with their oath of office. “I would like to extend a personal thank you to the family and friends of our incoming trustees in attendance tonight,” Burke said. “I would like to thank your support of them and your tolerance of us despite all the time we take them away from you.” The ceremony itself was short. In Figueroa’s remarks she talked about her reaction to the election and her realization that the people who have the power is not Trump, but the country.

See TRUSTEES on Page 2

CHRIS EDSON | VIEWPOINTS

Trustees Bill Hedrick and Mary Figueroa take in the applause as they were sworn into their positions Nov. 29.

December 1, 2016

News Briefs Remember to use

#RCCnow

on Twitter and Facebook!

WRC hosts a Writing jam The Writing and Reading Center is having a Writing Cram Jam on Dec. 2 and Dec. 5. If you need help with a paper or project from any class then stop by the WRC between 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 2 or 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 5. Refreshments will be provided.

Corrections In the article, “Voter fraud a nonexistent issue” of the Nov. 17 issue, Rote has only been charged for attempting to vote for Trump in Polk County and Des Moines. According to the Washington Post, a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Nov. 7, but no further information has been provided as of Nov. 28.

Post presidential election forum

News

Student equity committee sponsors student forum at RCC LESLIE SANTIBANEZ-MOLINA @RCCViewpoints

Students concerns about the presidential election were addressed in the second post-election Student Forum sponsored by the Student Equity Committee at Riverside City College on Nov. 29. After the general election, students came to talk to faculty members about the results of the general election and the concerns they had. The first forum was held by Kristi Woods on Nov. 17 so that students could voice their concerns about a Trump presidency in a safe and supportive environment. Because of the turnout of the first Student Forum it was decided to make a second forum. With Trump being inaugurated Jan. 20 students had several questions ranging from the future of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students (DACA) and financial aid.

Student Equity Chair Kristi Woods and Assembly member Jose Medina of Higher Education were there to answer the concerns of students. Medina was contacted after the first forum was held. One of the suggestions people had as active citizens is to get in contact with local elected officials. Throughout the forum people were able to voice their opinions, thoughts, and fears to give officials insight into what they think. “I think DACA, LGBTQ, and women’s’ rights seem to be among the major concerns... racism being one of them,” said Woods. Graciela Fuentes a first generation Mexican-American and member of the LGBTQ community was one of them. “Recently I had an experience,” Fuentes said. “I’m driving to school dressed for Dia de los Muertos and a Trump supporter starts yelling at me to go back … All I could wonder

was, what did I do?” Woods said that the reason Trump was elected was because he knew how to sell America to voters. “He is a salesman, he knew what to say,” Woods said. Not only did people voice their dislike towards Trump they also agreed they must respect people’s choices. No matter the choice the middle and lower classes have a lot more in common in what they need from the government. “Try to be extra kind to all. Maybe we can listen better, get out in front and protect everyone,” said Medina. To Woods kindness was essential but the truth is of great importance. Woods major concern was about how historians were going to document the “truth” when there were fake stories being spread. “The notion that the truth is relative...how is history going to be written?” said Woods. If needed, Student Forum meetings will resume in spring.

Board of Trustees take oath

JOE SCHMOE

@RCCviewpoints

CHRIS EDSON | VIEWPOINTS

Chancellor Michael Burke swears in trustees Bill Hedrick and Mary Figueroa into their roles on the Riverside Community College Districts Board of Trustees on Nov. 29 in downtown Riverside.

TRUSTEES from page 1 “I asked a friend a few days who was going to be here tonight ‘what does it all mean? We work so hard and yet how does evil still win, what does it mean?’” Figueroa said. “She goes ‘it’s not over with, because God is still in control.’ and that was really inspiring to me ... I realized that this was bigger than just one man. And that the people who really make the difference here is all of you.” Figueroa who represents Area 3, ran for re-election this past November completely unopposed for the first time in the 21 years

she has served on the Board. “This was an election unlike any other election I’ve ever been in,” Figueroa said. “I actually miss the campaigning, but I didn’t miss all the work … It’s a great experience getting to represent this district again for another four years.” Hedrick won his election representing Area 1, beating out former Board of Trustees Vice President Nathan Miller. “I am very excited about the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Hedrick said. Hedrick plans to bring attention to services that the school provides that students are not aware of. “We have folks who could

benefit from the career and technical education program who are unaware of what is even offered,” Hedrick said. “I would like to shine a light on all of the very positive things that are available.” Hedrick’s wife Beth was beaming with pride as she attended the ceremony in support of her husband, and plans to stand at his side at other local events. “He has such extensive knowledge and experience in education on both sides,” Hedrick said of her husband. “From being a school board member, to representing both teachers and students. He has a lot of knowledge and he just lives and breathes education.”

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A&E

December 1, 2016

“A hero is just somebody who tries to do the right thing even when it’s hard,”

- G. Willow Wilson, Author

Ms. Marvel

‘Bleed for This’ pulls punches

MOVIE REVIEW

GIANCARLO DOMICOLO

@RCCviewpoints

“Bleed for This” is an inspiring, but unoriginal boxing movie that follows the true story of Vinny Paz, a boxer who held world titles in multiple weight classes, through the darkest period of his life. This film, released just three days before the 40th anniversary of “Rocky,” doesn’t do much to impress, but that isn’t to say it was a disappointing feature. Directed by relatively u n k n o w n f i l m m a k e r, B e n Younger, “Bleed for This” is an entertaining two hours, that didn’t live up to its full potential. It really closely followed the formula of boxing movies that came prior to it, with one small twist that was given away in its trailer, the car accident. However, there were very positive aspects of the film that were present from early on, such as the wonderful performances by Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart, as well as the sound and art design of the film. Teller and Eckhart both embodied their characters so well and created an incredible onscreen chemistry with one another, that it was almost hard to believe these two weren’t the real Paz and his trainer being viewed

IMAGE COURTESY OF OPEN ROADS FILMS

on the screen. However, it was the sound that really stuck out for me in this film. It did an excellent job of allowing the audience to really get into Paz’s mind at crucial moments of the film, like fights or the accident. For example, in the first fight Paz is hit and

instantly the sound is cut out and the only audible piece of sound is a buzz, beautifully conveying to the audience that he was hit almost unconscious, by showing them exactly what he was hearing and nothing else. Using sound like this was very impressive and the best part of the film, aside from the acting.

The camerawork was nice but at times appeared a bit choppy, as use of a handheld camera was slightly overused. Other times the cuts seemed a bit sloppy, momentarily taking me out of the film, but every film has a couple of mistakes so this wasn’t horrible. During the fight scenes, the

from the discarded gyro. It’s name is Cliff the Robotman. Cliff seems like an interesting character, considering he’s a robot warrior who resides in a pocket universe located within something as trivial as a gyro. U pon entering Cas ey’s universe, Cliff was ran over by a dump truck and was reassembled by Casey and her friend. He’s similar to Darth Vader in that he is more machine than man. All that is human about Cliff, however, is his brain. The villains appear disguised as humans. They look like unfinished video game characters. Only their faces are outlined and they’re dressed in all black with glowing lines similar to Tron. These villains don’t look intimidating, and the lack of that element makes them seem insignificant. But their importance or unimportance remains a mystery. In the second issue, Larry Trainor is introduced. He is a fighter pilot who flies into a radioactive field and is exposed to dark radioactive energy. He

gets injured in a fight, then gets introduced to Casey Brinke while she’s on the clock. Later on, Brinke gets introduced to another universe inside her ambulance called Dannyland. Flex Mentallo, man of muscle mystery is a superhero who introduces Casey to this new universe. My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way released four new comics in his own series called Young Animal on DC Comics. Wa y a n d h i s b a n d M y Chemical Romance became popular in 2005 when the emo scene was popular, and borderline screaming vocals were in. It is a little known fact that Way actually went to school for visual arts and wrote creatively very early in his life. In Way’s editorial at the end of Doom Patrol, he mentions his love for music and comics which provided a safe haven in his teenage years, when life was most difficult. “This eased the discomfort, but it was comics that rewired my brain,” Way said.

His success in the music industry was almost unexpected, according to Way. “The band kinda happened on accident,” Way said to DC Comics in a video interview. His music background influenced the advertisements and perhaps even the cover of the first issue. There is an advertisement for his band’s 10 year anniversary of “The Black Parade.” The comic’s cover features a sticker of a gyro and letters that say peel slowly and see. If peeled off, it reveals a galaxy, which explains how some of the characters come from other universes. The cover also alludes to The Velvet Underground & Nico album cover, which was created by pop artist icon Andy Warhol. In spite of only being three issues in, the story has been engaging. It’s particularly intriguing to see how Way creates these pocket universes that originate from random objects as opposed to space. Way also experiments with

choreography and shots were a bit disorienting, but this wasn’t anything to take the viewer out of the film, as these scenes were still highly entertaining and suspenseful. The camerawork was able to redeem its few mistakes by doing an excellent job of showing the audience Paz’s sadness and loneliness in the months following his accident. Through closeups, long durations of shots and more the viewer gets to really see the depression creeping into his face, which was only made even better by Teller’s great acting skills. This film also did a great job of recreating the time period, featuring newsreel footage of actual stories on Pazienza from that time, old cars and realistic 1980s attire. The culture of the Italian family was also captured fantastically through the glimpses of Vinny’s home life, like family dinners and the way his mother (Katey Sagal) prayed the Rosary during all of his fights. If you enjoyed films like “Rocky,” “Creed” or “Southpaw,” you will most likely enjoy Younger’s “Bleed for This.” It isn’t anything new for the genre but it’s entertaining, especially to see the growth of a new actor like Teller. This is definitely not the best piece of cinema to come out recently, but it’s captivating enough to watch at least once.

‘Doom Patrol’ gives mainstream comics indie flair ALEC CALVILLO & JONATHAN VAN NIEL @RCCviewpoints

Doom Patrol is a new comic book series published by DC Comics, and it’s written by Gerard Way with art by Nick Derington. The current run of Doom Patrol is actually a relaunch of the original series which debuted in 1963. The 2016 series is three issues in, and so far, it’s astonishing. The first issue begins off introducing us to an EMT driver named Casey Brinke. Brinke has short red hair and a small physique. She’s a normal hard-working gal living in a big city. After a long day’s work, Brinke and one of her co-workers hang out. Her friend eats half of a gyro and throws the rest away. Little do they know, the gyro actually contains another universe inside it. Suddenly, a mysterious anthropomorphic robot emerges

Casey Brinke’s origin in a deconstructive manner by having her read a comic book about herself. Upon reading through it, Casey realizes she has super powers. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in the next issue, which is slated to be released Dec. 28, as Casey Brinke gets captured.

Comic books to look forward to

“Mother Panic” Issue #2 on sale Dec. 28.

“Cave Carson has a Cybernetic Eye” Issue #3 on sale Dec. 21. “Reborn” Issue #3 on sale Dec. 14. “Doom Patrol” Director’s Cut Issue #1 on sale Jan. 18.

A&E

December 1, 2016

Guitarist’s solo project falls flat ALEC CALVILLO @RCCviewpoints

It’s official each member of The Strokes now have solo projects with the release of “New Skin.” Lead guitar player Nick Valensi of The Strokes is now the frontman of his newly formed band CRX. The album premiered with the single and first track “Ways to Fake it.” It sounded like a great track and a perfect song to be released as a single to attract listeners. The guitar in the beginning of the song sounded similar to The Strokes “You Only Live Once” main riff. It was okay because the chorus changes the mood of the song into being more joyful. The track “Give it up” would be the only hiccup for the first four tracks that came off somewhat strong. It sounded like a lot similar to the noise pop group Sleigh Bells song “Infinity Guitars.” The overdrive and repetitive guitar riff that Sleigh Bells uses in their songs made it sound so familiar. The solo/bridge was disappointing. The tone on the guitar sounds cool , but the arpeggiated solo didn’t bring enough creativity or spark. The next track would make up for the unattractive third song. “Anything” is actually an enjoyable track. It’s an upbeat

song with a catchy chorus. The combination of guitar and vocal melodies make a great pop song. Even though it wasn’t released as a single, it’s the best track on the album. The location of the song on the EP at track number four even explains their best work as the middle is known as the sweet spot. The album takes another bad turn with “Walls.” It’s the weakest track on “New Skin” and really bland. The lyrics are boring, especially the first verse “We won’t be sure what’s legendary, until we read the obituary.” The lyrics are confusing and don’t make sense. The track that brings the most raw energy to the LP is “On Edge.” It has a strong punk influence to it. It has a speedy solo that starts off sounding like a guitar then ends sounding like a synthesizer. The only bad side is that the lyrics come off weak. It’s similar to “Walls” as the last word in each line of the verse rhymes with each other except the last. “New Skin” came out Oct. 28 of this year on Columbia Records. It’s the first album of

Valensi’s solo project. The band’s name CRX seemed interesting. It wasn’t really explained that well, but he d i d

Va l e n s i ’ s voice isn’t satisfying enough to a lead singer for the style of music he plays. Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger never had the RE greatest voices but they made OO their voices work with style of M N ISO music they played. AD M BY That’s not to say that Valensi N TIO RA mention it in isn’t talented. T US ILL a tweet in a response Some influences for CRX’s to a fan’s question on the album were due to guitarist and name. “Josh Homme told me the singer of Queen of the Stone Age song ‘Walls’ made him picture a and Eagles of Death Metal’s Josh

Mastering the masterclass PAOLA PALACIOS @Ayo_Paola0817

What did I just get myself into? The Riverside City College dance department had a popping master class Nov. 19. I had the intention of reporting on the class but due to lack of participants I decided to take the class. Having a dance background I was actually excited to take the class, but I was also very nervous. I workout two to three times a week, but I have not taken a dance class in more than a year. I felt like a rusty machine at first. Although I work out, any technical dance class is most likely going to leave you sore over the next few days. A process that I was not really looking forward to since I was going to be busy the rest of the weekend. A technical dance class is where you learn dance techniques such as ballet, modern, jazz and hip-hop. I have taken all of these classes before, so I knew what functions of my body I would use. I mostly dance Modern and Contemporary, any time that I get to step out of that is an exciting time for me. Marie Bonnevay, best known by her stage name Marie Poppins, was the choreographer that was teaching the class. Poppins started dancing at the 17 in France, she has been in countless commercials, movies, shows and music videos. Poppins is known for her striking and robotic dance moves. We started our warm ups with isolations. The tricky part came next, we had to really isolate certain muscles to give the illusion that we are making them pop. I had the wrist movement down and the legs, but then it came to making the illusion that my arms were popping was very difficult. I was using muscles that I

mohawked future-punk driving through deserted streets of tokyo in a CRX,” said Valensi. Their overall sound is obviously slightly similar to The Strokes but with a few exceptions. The biggest is Valensi’s voice. It isn’t great, but it’s not awful. His voice is comparable to Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump in some ways.

Homme, as he produced it. The album carries that similar heaviness that Homme brings to his bands. It also includes many songs that are riff-heavy. Valensi’s guitar style is very different from Homme, and with tracks like “Anything” and “Ways to Fake It,” his songs weren’t influenced much by him. He should go for that catchy poppy if he makes another album. His guitar skills are unique, and responsible for carving the signature sound for The Strokes. Valensi’s solo work certainly explains tracks from The Strokes such as “Juice Box” and “New York City Cops,” which are more heavy and aggressive. “New Skin” carries those rough riffs, but lacks flavor. The most notable aspects are the verses and pre chorus. Some of the songs like “Monkey Machine” and “Unnatural” sound like they were made as album filler. A lot of bands always have one or more band members who like to write their own music, but not everybody is successful at it. Valensi is a great guitarist, and the better of the two guitar players for The Strokes, but needs to work on his solo projects. The album could have improved if it sounded more authentic and less inorganic perhaps it could have sounded different. Va l e n s i c a n i m p r o v e considering the album features catching tunes.

A word of advice

top priority; your date should have not worked out in a long time. My triceps were MARISSA BOSTICK not want to make you feel barely moving at all, but I kept trying my best. @Maribme uncomfortable in the slightest. I finally felt like a dancer again, until we did a Another bit of advice that movement that made me confused. Hip-hop focuses With a multitude of single can easily apply to all: never let more on fast movements whereas the style of dance friends using dating apps to find anyone influence how you feel that I am used to is more slow fluid movements. companions, I can’t help but about yourself. We kept moving on and I kept getting stuck on that dispense advice to them. Ladies, if you feel more movement until finally I figured out how to make my One of the basic rules of confident in makeup, then wear body give the illusion that it was popping. meeting someone online in real makeup. We went through the choreography countless life: meet in a public place. Gentlemen, if your date times and at the end of the choreography we were If you’re a woman and your judges you for what you wear, able to add our own movements and make it unique date does not want to meet in they are not the person for you. to ourselves. public, consider that is a serious If name brand clothes are what We then had a few minutes left of the class and red flag. attracted them to you, then it we did a dancers circle. Dancers literally form a Feeling safe should be a might be best to move along. circle while one person is dancing in the middle. Poppins had told us to just let the movements flow out of ourselves but to also incorporate something that we learned in the class. I was the last one as always. I started out with the slow movement that she had shown us and as I was moving in the circle it felt like it was just me in the room. Everyone had suddenly disappeared and I was able to connect with my old self. I went from the slow motion to dancing • FREE Birth Parent Services • Come-to-you Counseling faster and eventually popping my body like she had taught me. • Adoptive Parent Services • Foster Care & Adoption Services I was happy for the experience since it had been awhile for me. I definitely do encourage people to 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026 / 1231 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831 just stop what you’re doing and 80 E. Hillcrest Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 / 1407 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92405 dance. Take a class here at RCC they are fun or take a class with Poppins which is something I highly recommend to not just the dancers www.HolyFamilyServices.org that I know, but to the public as well.

Providing a wealth of services to families since 1949.

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1-800-464-2367

December 1, 2016

SPORTS “Sports do not build character, they reveal it.”

- John Wooden

GEOVANNY GUZMAN | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College linebacker Ricco Maiden and defensive back Chad Hill try to tackle Fullerton College running back Gerald Hulett while wide receiver DeAndre McNeal covers Hulett. The Hornets defeated the Tigers 45-29 at Yorba Linda High School’s Nathan Shapell Stadium on Nov. 26.

Tigers lose to Fullerton College Riverside City College football team suffers defeat at Regionals NICK ESCALERA @RCCviewpoints

Emotions ran high and fingers were pointed at who was to blame, but that comes with the territory of playoff football this time of year. The No.2 seed Riverside City College Tigers fell to No.1 seed Fullerton College Hornets, 4529, in the California Community College Athletic Association SoCal Regional Finals Nov. 26 at Nathan Shepall Stadium ending their season with a record of 10-2. There was a sort of essence in the air that it would be a great day to be a Tiger, with the sun shining on a beautiful hilltop background and football to be played. You could tell by the look on the player’s faces they couldn’t wait to get the game started. The Tigers came out roaring with a defensive stop to start the game, but so too did the Hornets and the fans began to feel like they were in for a dandy of a game.

Mid way through the opening quarter Fullerton would get on the board first taking just five plays to score ending the drive with a 52-yard touchdown reception and made a statement to Riverside that they came to play converting a 2-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. This wasn’t just any game and the Tigers aren’t just any team, you knew watching them all season they wouldn’t back down from a fight. Words were said all game back and forth raising the stakes even higher for the Tigers to battle back. “You expect that in game like this”, Jacoby Herring said. “That’s expected not much you can do, it’s just football talk and nothing personal.” At times they struggled, at times they let Fullerton in their heads, but Riverside clawed their way back with two field goals and a 41-yard pass from quarterback Collyn Anderson to wide receiver Jacoby Herring to give them a 13-8 lead. All signs were pointing the way of the Tigers’ favor, but all of a sudden there was this gloomy feeling when the clouds and rain rolled in. “We played well as a team, we stayed together through adversity and we played well on both sides of the ball”, Anderson said. “Just sometimes the ball doesn’t roll your way.”

The Tigers would punt with just a few minutes left in the half with only 10 men on the field and that missing 11th man would prove costly when the Hornets returned the punt for a touchdown and a 15-10 lead going into the half. It was just then the momentum shifted but so did the rain and lighting delaying the start of the second half allowing both teams to really think. Fullerton took the delay and momentum swing as an advantage ramping up their defensive scheme on a high powered Riverside offense. The Tigers defense came out strong like they did all season creating turnovers but it was the Hornets defense that really kept them at bay not allowing them to capitalize on the turnovers or ever really move the ball. “My emotions got to me a little but I never blame it on the elements”, Anderson said. Most of the third quarter was difficult for the Tigers to score, while the Hornets took great advantage of their field position every chance they got outscoring Riverside 21-7 and taking a 36-20 lead going into the final frame. The Tigers’ defense showed some kind of determination to keep them in the game recording a safety, but the offense only managed a touchdown all while dropping three passes, having four overthrows, and giving up

one interception returned for a touchdown. “We always wanted to get in the end zone and score quick. We got out of our box today, that’s all it was”, Herring said. As the Riverside fans fell silent watching the clock hit triple zeros ending the Tigers’ season, you felt this sort of reassurance from not just the fans but the players and how they performed in this game and all season long. One Tigers’ performance not just in the season but in this game wasn’t left unappreciated as Jacoby Herring was awarded Riverside offensive player of the game with a total of 124-yards

on six receptions with two touchdowns. “We knew coming into this game, it would be an air show for both teams”, Herring said. “We didn’t finish but we played hard and physical, just the outcome wasn’t what we wanted.” Finishing 10-2 in a season isn’t easy. Making the CCCAA playoffs isn’t easy. Proving to people that you can play with the best is probably the hardest thing to do in Junior College football, but this 2016 Riverside City College football team shows what hard work and playing together as a team can do for a program. GEOVANY GUZMAN | VIEWPOINTS

Running back Eltoro Allan after t h e Ti g e r s l o s t to the Hornets in the California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regional Finals, 45-29, on Nov. 26.

Sports

December 1, 2016

Women’s water polo wins state

Riverside City College women’s water polo team wins fifth state championship TYLER NELSON @TylerJNelson1

In a thrilling double overtime finish, the Riverside Community College women’s water polo team achieved the ultimate goal of winning their fifth state title against Santa Barbara City College on Nov. 19 at Las Positas College. The Tigers, who were the No. 2 seed of the south bracket, led throughout the game and sported an 8-5 lead heading into the final quarter of the championship game. However, the Vaqueros showed why they were the No.1 seed as they managed to score three straight goals against the Tigers in the final quarter, tying the game at 8-8 and sending the game into overtime. “The fourth quarter was a tough one,” Coach Doug Finfrock said. “We spent a lot of time this year working on mental toughness and understanding that in big games, teams will make a

IMAGE COURTESY OF EVELYN WAGNER

Riverside City College women’s water polo finished their season 30-3 overall.

push and it is all about how we respond,” he said. With only 10 seconds left in the first overtime period, sophomore attacker Mary Myers scored the game winning goal against the Vaqueros. The Tigers managed to hold on and played excellent defense in the second overtime period winning the game 9-8. Meyers, who was named

the tournament’s most valuable player , finished the game with a game-high four goals and five steals. Captain Emily Martin had two goals herself while sophomore Anay Ramirez also added two goals. Goalkeeper Ariana Olmos had 10 saves, three of them during overtime. Besides being named tournament MVP, Meyers along with Olmos and Martin, were

also named to the California Community College Athletic Association All-State Tournament team for RCC. The Tigers have three of the seven players named to the team. The Tigers have managed to the reach the state championship game for the fourth consecutive year. But, for the past three seasons they’ve finished as runners ups. Coach Finfrock

knew his team could finally make it over the hump. “This year was all about the leadership and determination of the sophomores and the willingness of the freshman to buy-in,” Finfrock said. “We had a very talented group and several were freshman, but the sophomores were just determined to win and didn’t want a repeat of the finals like last year.” This victory marks the fifth championship trophy for the Tigers in the tournament’s 20year history dating back to 1996. In the tournament’s 20 year exist, the Tigers have managed to reach the ultimate game 11 times. “I’m not sure it has completely sunk in yet,” Finfrock said. “I have been a part of all five championships, but this one being my first as a head coach and after finishing runner-up the previous three years is very special.” The Tigers finished off their season overall at 30-3 and 7-1 in the Orange Empire Conference.

For live sports coverage follow us on Snapchat at RCCviewpoints

December 1, 2016

MVP’s of the season

Male MVP: Joshua Silva men’s Cross Country

Female MVP: Emily Martin women’s water polo

STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS

PAOLA PALACIOS @Ayo_Paola0817

In a sport that has not won a state championship in 22 years Joshua Silva has helped the Riverside City College men’s cross country team win the California Community College Athletics Association State Championship. Joshua who is a Corona native, is one of many that helped the Tigers reach this accomplishment. He won the Orange Empire Conference athlete of the year, and is the OEC cross country champion. “I feel like I did good this season,” Silva said. “I set some goals for myself at the beginning. I wanted to break 25 minutes in the 8K (five miles) and 20 minutes in the four mile.” Along with his personal record Silva had set a goal with the rest of his cross country team to win state. “We won conference, we won state, but we didn’t win SoCal but

Sports

it doesn’t matter because we got the ring.” Silva is a team leader has motivated his team by taking them on runs that they did not expect to go on. “Throughout the season I would always tell the guys come on let’s go do this run,” He said. “There’s a run in corona that is called Riverwalk that has a flat or hill run. When we would get to that area where you choose flat or hill I will make them run hills to prepare them or state.” “I still can’t believe that we won state,” Silva said. “This season as a whole has been really good.” Silva is has won All- American in both cross country and track and field since his freshmen year at RCC and has a 3.6 GPA and has multiple universities lined up. “I’ve made up my mind and I want to go to a division I school, but still not sure which one,” he said.

KALEB DEMISSIE @RCCviewpoints

Once again the Riverside City College women’s water polo team has had another stellar season with a 30-3 overall and 7-1 in the Orange Empire Conference, but this time they finished their season with a state title under their belt. In addition to that the team had three of their athletes called to the All-OEC First Team and another named to the second team. Out of those four names one stands out in particular and that is sophomore Emily Martin. Martin was not only named All-OEC First Team she was also named OEC co-Most Valuable Player sharing the honor with a player from Fullerton College. Emily lead the Tigers in scores and is also a one of the team’s captain.

She helped lead her team to a 28-3 record. “It’s really exciting, as a captain I try to do my best and try to come out of my comfort zone,” she said. Martin has accomplished a lot in her two years at RCC, after coming from Yucaipa High School. She was named All American and an All State player two years in a row and is now a state champion. “It’s exciting,” Martin said. “Its cool coming from somewhere small like Yucaipa and coming here to RCC and progressing and getting better is something really cool.” Martin who has a GPA of over a 3.0, has been looking at division I schools, as her time at RCC begins to come to an end and will embark on a new journey into division I water polo team. Although Martin is unclear at this point where she’ll be attending one thing will be certain, that she will make a tremendous impact wherever she decides to go.

Women’s basketball dribbles around the Knights TYLER NELSON @TylerJNelson1

The Riverside City College Tigers women’s basketball team continued their winning ways Saturday as they beat San Diego City College 87-72 on Nov. 26 at Arthur N. Wheelock Gymnasium, improving their record to 8-1. In a surprising fashion, the women’s basketball team fell behind early to the Knights 13-6. However, the Tigers managed to regain their focus and poured it onto the Knights by closing the first quarter with a 14-1 run and ending the first quarter 20-14. Once they took the lead, the Tigers would never look back as they lead 43-33 at halftime and got out to their biggest lead of the night 82-57 before closing out the game and winning 87-72. The Tigers had a pair of players earn double-doubles during the game. Sophomore

forward, Paradise Hanchett, had 18 points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes played while freshman guard, Chiderah Uzowuru had

20 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes played. Freshman forward, Darria Hewitt, fell two points shy of her own double-

double with 8 points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes played. Besides the starting five, the Tigers also managed to get some production off of their bench. Leading the way was freshman guard Dejah Wright who had 16 points off the bench. Freshman forward-guard, Joana Adams, also helped with eight points. In total, the Tigers bench produced 35 points. The Tigers played excellent defense by limiting the Knight’s starting five to only 11 field goals made. The Knights starting five went 11-39 from two point range and had a shooting percentage of 28 percent. They DANIEL FRANCIS | VIEWPOINTS went 2-14 from the Women’s basketball freshman guard Chiderah Uzowuru scores against San three point line. Besides the Diego College on Nov. 26 at Wheelock Gymnasium.

excellent defense performed by the Tigers, they were also much more efficient with their free throws. The Tigers went 13-20 from the free throw line for a free throw shooting percentage of 65 percent compared to the Knight’s 49 percent shooting percentage. It wasn’t all that pretty for the Tigers. While the Tigers did win the game in an impressive fashion, they did give San Diego an astounding 45 free throw attempts. Have the Knights capitalized on their chances, the game may have been closer. Riverside will face the Sacramento City College Panthers on Thursday, Dec. 1 in a nonconference game that will begin the 40th annual Tom Gilcrest Invitational Tournament which will be hosted by the College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

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December 1, 2016 Tell

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Trump’s potential poor policy plans President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet and policies spells doom for citizens worldwide

JONATHAN VAN NIEL @RCCviewpoints

With President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet slowly being assembled, the prospects of his presidency are looking as divisive and destructive as many have feared. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 867 postelection hate incidents have been reported as of Nov. 29. It’s of no su r pr ise t hat sexists, racists, xenophobes, homophobes and the like are celebrating Tr ump’s victor y through savagery, considering he ran on a neofascist platform designed to prey upon the fears and insecurities of the electorate. Trump advocates surveying Muslim communities and is open to having them registered within a database in order to “combat terrorism.” He has also pushed for the creation of a mass deportation

force and the construction of a wall to prevent Mexico from “sending” their criminals over. “(Mexicans) are bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists,” Trump said at a rally. In addition to these damaging immigration policies, Trump has met with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. While meeting with Tr u mp, Kobach’s plans for the Department of Homeland Security were photographed by the press. While the document has not been revealed in its entirety, some of Kobach’s measures outlined in it include tracking “all aliens from high-risk areas” and reducing the “intake of Syrian refugees to zero.” To generalize any group of individuals—particularly Syrian refugees, majority of whom are women and children trying to escape a war-torn country—is insensitive, irresponsible, and frankly, un-American. Sadly, Tr ump’s potential immigration policies are but one apparatus of dysfunction. In regards to climate change, Trump believes it’s a hoax. “ T he conce pt of global

warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive,” Trump said in a tweet. Trump’s blatant disregard for scientific research that proves the existence of climate change is alarming. If Environmental Protection Agency’s head of transition team Myron Ebell—a fellow climate change denier—is any indication to what Trump’s presidential policies will look like, it seems that anyone who embraces climate science will have no voice in his administration. This position poses immense danger to the environment, c o n s i d e r i n g Tr u m p h a s supported the continued use of coal opposed to transitioning to environmentally friendly alternatives. In regards to reproductive rights, Trump vowed to overturn Roe v. Wade and wants to completely ban abortion, with exceptions only for rape, incest or when the life of the woman is in danger. “I am for the exceptions. You have the three exceptions … There’s nothing wrong with that. You have to do it, in my opinion,” Trump said in an interview with

Chris Cuomo on Aug. 11, 2015. Trump also suggested in a sitdown interview with Chris Matthews on March 30 that there ought to be “some sort of punishment” for women who seek abortion if it were outlawed. T his position is f u r ther st reng thened th roug h Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s policies in Indiana, where a court sentenced a woman to 20 years in prison for feticide and child neglect—a sentence that was thankfully overturned. By proposing these measures, Trump and his administration have demonstrated a lack of care for women’s rights. Pe r h a p s Tr u m p’s m o s t dangerous position, however, is regarding nuclear weaponry. On April 3 during a Republican town hall hosted by Anderson Cooper, Trump suggested that unless foreign countries pay the United States more money for protection, they will have to develop their own nuclear programs to defend themselves. Tr u mp doe sn’t se e m t o consider the nuclear armament of countries like Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Japan to be a threat.

“I’m not sure that would be such a bad thing for us,” Trump said in a telephone interview with the New York Times. Furthermore, Trump believes that the U.S. should consider using nukes in conflicts. “W hy don’t we just use them?” Trump asked during pr ivate meetings with U.S. security experts. A person that casually brings up nuclear warfare in private briefings and feels compelled to use such weaponry haphazardly is unfit to serve as president. Yet here we are. While the horrors of Trump’s presidency may not come to pass, we should all be concerned. Trump is in the process of assembling a Cabinet that can best be described as the Legion of Doom, maintains the ability to appoint justices to the Supreme Court, and will soon gain access to the nuclear codes. That is a terrifying amount of power for someone with Trump’s temperament to wield. But we mustn’t cower. Now, more than ever, is the time to be loud. We must hold Trump’s administration accountable, and we must defend truth, justice and the American way.

“I think in regards to the state propositions, which is what I was more concerned about, I think a lot of good things have passed. For example, prop 55 has passed and that’s something that really helps our community colleges. I was more looking forward to that as opposed to the presidential race.” -Adam Molina

“In my point of view, each candidate at the end of the day no matter what they say, their racial perspectives, their views different issues, it doesn’t really matter whatever they say (it) can’t be done right away.” -Alex Diaz

“It’s kinda a similar situation with England and Brexit. It’s a “last hurrah” of a dying generation, too much progression too quickly for them so they wanted to pull it back in so that’s the result. There are a lot of Bernie or Bust people who were not about Hillary and so they are willing to not vote for her.” -Anthoneal Davis

“It caught me off guard. I really thought that Hillary was gonna win. I try to find the best in people and I hope Trump does something good and he just ran his campaign dirty and his presidency isn’t gonna be like that. Probably won’t, but I think it’s possible.” -Nancy Lomeli

“I feel pretty bad about it. I feel the people who voted made the wrong decision. They are taking the votes as a joke, because they voted for a diseased animal. I just felt that those are the people to blame if anyone feels that Trump shouldn’t be president.” -Tyler Tropet

“I was actually shocked, devastated ... I just couldn’t really believe the results. I’m in shock because what does this say about the nation? I just could not believe Donald Trump won. I was disappointed, I really was.” -Viviana Arroyo

“The results just made me really angry at half the country. I can’t believe what happened and I’m just really scared at what’s gonna happen in the future. And right now it’s just really terrifying.” -Dylan Mullins

“I think it’s really sad and heartbreaking to see everyone so fearful and depressed. And the people who are just, ‘Oh yeah! Not everyone is racist and white ... But it’s the other half of the world is just terrified about it. It’s sad.” -Lindsey Banks

Campus Conversations

Campus Question:

How do you feel about the 2016 Election results?

Campus Views is an open forum for Riverside City College students to voice their own opinions, views and ideas. Interviews and photos by Jonathan Ramirez

December 1, 2016

Views

Parking nightmare continues

Editorial

While students repeatedly circle the lots for hours staff parking remains available

JONATHAN RAMIREZ | VIEWPOINTS

A view of Parking Lot “F” at Riverside City College’s lower campus where you can see several of open staff parking spaces and minimal student spaces available Nov 30. Parking at Riverside City College is something out of a cliched horror movie. We hear and even see the monster coming, yet for some reason we charge in head first knowing the doom we’re sure to face. The endless circling of the parking structure has become maddening and vaguely like a treasured pastime. There is possibly nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ve finally found parking after circling the lot for nearly your entire class time only to notice the only space available is painted with yellow lines. Staff only parking spots remain wide open for the taking even though many staff members have already found their parking spots for the day. Meanwhile even on days with less student, they still fight for a spot. When the Charles A. Kane Student Services and Administration Building was erected mainly students, but also staff lost valued parking spaces. While the prospects of RCC building another

parking structure is slim there is a simple and possibly long term solution. The staff parking in key areas, namely near the Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle, the Digital Library and the Math and Science building, could be painted white. While it may seem like staff would be losing parking they’re not, painting the lines white would mean that anyone can park there. At first the staff will likely try to strike down this idea most likely claim they need to be close to their class for important reasons that they’ll never disclose. There’s a simple solution for anyone trying to get that perfectly located spot: “leave earlier,” a line many instructors have wielded against students. Perhaps once the instructors feel the parking monster breathing down their neck and stalking them around the lots something will be done about parking. For too long parking has been an issue at RCC and it’s only going to get worse. Once parking becomes an issue for instructors maybe then whoever applies for building grants on

behalf of RCC will ask for one that allows them to build what they need, a new multilevel parking structure. Yes it is in the best interest of RCC to update the look of buildings, consolidate various services to a single building and even an entirely new building to house the culinary program. Those things are all vital to expanding and creating a cohesive RCC but where do they expect people to park to get services besides culinary? Talking about parking repeatedly may seem like a tedious subject because it has been heard a thousand times before, which it is, but unfortunately it is something that must be spoken on. As long as it is a problem with no sign of a solution in sight, the subject will continue to be hammered into the dirt. Parking at RCC shouldn’t have students waking up at the crack of dawn just to get chewed up and spit out by a fictional monster. The system needs to be simplified and balanced for everyone who parks no matter what time they arrive on campus.

Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.

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Features A giving meal on Thanksgiving December 1, 2016

RCC Culinary Academy provides a Thanksgiving meal for those in need MARY VALTERRIA @RCCviewpoints

When most people think of Thanksgiving, they think of food and family. There are some people, however, who don’t even have the means to eat meals on a regular day. For these people, Thanksgiving is just another date on the calendar. The Riverside City College Culinary Academy partnered with the Riverside County Workforce Development Board to help remedy this situation by providing a traditional Thanksgiving meal for those who were hungry. During the Nov. 22 event, students at the Culinary Academy donated their services alongside members of the community. Volunteers of various economic standing served food to those in need. “I invite civic leaders and elected officials to come and serve,” Chairman of the Workforce Development Board Jamil Dada said. “I want them to see the faces of young children who go through the line and see how bright their smiles are.” Dada said that the goal of this event was to give back to the community, especially those who are going through a tough time. Dada went on to point out that there is a misconception that everyone in need of a meal is homeless. Dada said he has learned from past years that even though some people appear to be doing well economically, it may not always be the case. “There are a lot of underprivileged people trying

ALEX SANCHEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Attendees enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal at the Riverside City College provided by RCC Culinary Academy and Riverside County Workforce Development Board in Riverside, California on Nov. 22. to make ends meet,” Dada said. “We all know people who are struggling.” This year, in accordance with Dada’s observation, people from all walks of life were in line to receive the free meal. The line, which was formed on the side of the RCC Culinary Academy, wrapped around the building and spilled into the adjacent alley. There were men and women of all different races. Some arrived by car, while others arrived by foot. There were some people in line who were dressed

ALEX SANCHEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College Culinary students prepare meals for those in attendance in Riverside, California on Nov. 22.

very nice, yet for others it was clear that they were down on their luck. Despite the many outward differences, all attendees had one thing in common. They were all waiting to be fed. Jeremy Merriman, who crossed the street from the downtown bus station after hearing about the free meal, said the event was a much needed blessing. “I’ve fallen on hard times,” Merriman explained. “I lost my job and I don’t really have a place to stay … I haven’t eaten a full meal in a really long time.” Merriman wasn’t the only one in line who had fallen on hard times. John Bradford, a friend of Merriman, said he couldn’t remember the last time he ate a hearty meal. “I’m hungry,” he said. The RCC Culinary Academy has joined forces with the Riverside County Workforce Development Center for over a decade to provide the annual Thanksgiving meal to those who are in need of food. According to Dada, each yearly event brings another level of enlightenment. “Seeing the families who have lots of children come through the line is an eyeopening experience,” Dada said. “It happens every year and it’s a reminder that kids are going hungry.” Dada said that each year they serve about 400 - 500 people. This year the count was about the same. RCC Culinary students and volunteers interacted with attendees as they served them at their tables. Conversations

ranged from recent elections to Bradford said. “I probably finding work and health care. wouldn’t have eaten today if not “We make connections with for this act of kindness.” some of these people,” Dada said. Dada urged anyone who “They are all good people.” is interested in donating for Dada is also a board member n e x t y e a r ’s T h a n k s g i v i n g with the Riverside Community meal to contact the Workforce College District Foundation. Development Board. Dada said he has been involved “The event takes place every with RCC activities for over 25 year on the Tuesday before years and that the college is near Thanksgiving,” Dada said. “If and dear to his heart. people can’t help with donations “My wife and daughter are or with serving food, they alumni,” he said. can always help to publicize Dada said the team of it.” students and faculty who contribute to this event aren’t able to pull it all off alone. They rely very heavily on donors to s upport the cost of the food that is served. “There are lots of wonderful people out there who step up and support this (event),” Dada said. “I thank them for their generosity.” D a d a wasn’t the only person at the luncheon who was thankful. ALEX SANCHEZ | VIEWPOINTS “ I ’ m … Chairman of the Workforce Development Board t h a n k f u l t o Jamil Dada addresses the crowd in Riverside, b e h e r e , ” California on Nov 22.

December 1, 2016

Features

Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside ignite holiday spirit Hundreds of people gather to see the this years historic Mission Inn lights, fireworks show

TYLER REESE | VIEWPOINTS

Patrons visit the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California to participate in the festivities during opening night of the 24th annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 25. LESLIE SANTIBANEZMOLINA @RCCviewpoints

Fireworks. Hot chocolate. Huge crowds. Bright lights. All of these things contributed to the anticipation that was felt throughout a crowd of people waiting for the fireworks and lights to be ignited at the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. These festivities signaled the beginning of the 24th Annual Festival of Lights. Every year, the event attracts people like moths to a flame as they arrive to witness one of the nation’s best holiday displays. D o w n t o w n R i v e r s i d e ’s Festival Of Lights won Best Public Lights Display and Best Holiday Festival in 2014 from a USA Today Reader’s Choice contest. Once the clock rang 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25, the magic switch was flipped and the night sky ignited with colorful fireworks and the bright lights of the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa’s holiday display. People’s phones, tablets and cameras were seen throughout the crowd as they tried to capture the moment. After taking their daughter to watch the fireworks, the Morales Family headed toward the Mission Galleria. This year was the family’s first time attending the event. “Its great. There is so much diversity … a mixture of all

cultures here,” the mother of the Morales family said. Construction on Main Street and University Avenue to replace the Imperial Hardware Store caused a lack of space for the ice skating rink equipment. Without this space, the ice rink could not be kept cool. Because of this, the ice skating rink was replaced with a Colorful Vintage Carousel, The Century Wheel and Trackless Train Rides. The ice skating rink is due to return in 2017. Patron Becky Brown has been attending the Festival of Lights for four consecutive years. Brown said she believes this year’s festival has been the best so far. “This year has been their most organized,” Brown said. “Their website was clear … and there were constant traffic updates.” Brown mentioned how the website advised her not to take University Avenue and to instead use 14th Street to avoid traffic. In the end, Brown was led directly into the parking structure. In addition to the parking guidance, Brown was able to download the Pyro Spectacular app, which enhanced her experience when viewing the fireworks. The app allowed people to stream their music along with firework displays in any location. “(The fireworks) were nice (because I) had the music synced,” Brown said. Not all people were able to witness the flipping of the switch.

Vendors such as Robert Bush and his booth, Crafty Cosmic Creation, s o l d their

products throughout the event. This was Bush’s first time at the festival and

even though he wasn’t able to witness the flipping of the switch, he still saw the venue as a great opportunity to gain new business. “It’s been great, the people here in Riverside” said Bush. “It’s a real pleasant event.” The Festival of Lights is located at the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside and will continue until Jan. 7.

TYLER REESE | VIEWPOINTS

Patrons ride The Century Wheel at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California during opening night of the 24th annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 25.