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INSIDE: Football makes playoffs Team advances into playoffs after defeating Mt. SAC
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SPORTS, 6
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.
VOL.XCVII,NO.6
VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG
NOVEMBER 17, 2016
UNITED STATES ELECTS TRUMP AS PRESIDENT
Riverside community responds to Trump’s election as the 45th president of the United States Students protest at UCR clock tower LAURA M. TAPIA @LMTreporter
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Volunteer Michelle Pollard bows her head after seeing results during the election Nov. 8, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440 office in Riverside. MISTY SEVERI @MistySeveri
Thousands of Riverside residents tuned in as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton battled for the office of the President of the United States on Nov. 8. Trump won the election with
290 delegates to Clinton’s 232, but Clinton won the popular vote. Students at Riverside City College shared mixed opinions about the election. “Hillary should have won for sure and I stand by that,” RCC student Joanna Schwartz said. “We need someone who is strong, and that for me was Hillary.”
At a Democratic Watch Party in Riverside, congressman Mark Takano spoke about Trump’s lead after he thanked voters in attendance for his re-election. “We’ve underestimated the support he has throughout the country,” Takano said. The night began with Clinton leading as she won Connecticut
and Trump won Louisiana, neither of which was unexpected. In a poll conducted by Fox News on Nov. 7, only a day prior to the election, Clinton had a 4 point lead over Trump. However, as the polls closed on election day and the night
See TRUMP on Page 4
Riverside students held a peaceful protest at the University of California Riverside’s clock tower Nov. 10. Students spoke about concerns over Donald Trump’s recent election with an overall message of unity. “We’re all fighting the same fight,” said Dinah Muhammad, a UCR student. “We are all battling oppression. We are all battling racism, homophobia, queerphobia (and) islamophobia. All these isms.” She also spoke to the group of students and public in attendance about creating town hall meetings to involve the greater community of Riverside. Protests like this one have been occurring all across California and in other states. Unlike other protests that have turned violent, the protest at UCR included students like Katie Marie Magnone who said she preferred peaceful protests. “People should not be violent,” she said. “People should also not allow the numbers that they’re in … to get to their heads in a way that makes them destroy property or mess with things in a way that is destructive and negative to their message.”
Former RCCD member re-elected to Congress seat
Mark Takano elected along with other California representatives during general elections LAURA M. TAPIA @LMTreporter
Mark Takano, a former Riverside Community College District Board member, was re-elected to the U.S. Congress on Nov. 8. Takano, who won his third term as a member of the U.S. Congress, spoke at a Democratic Watch Party in Riverside shortly after votes were counted. “The early returns show that we’ve
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside speaks at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440 office in Riverside during the elections Nov. 8.
broken 60 %, which is the highest vote total that I’ve ever had in my whole political career,” Takano said at the time, during a speech to people in attendance. “It is particularly gratifying in light of what we’ve been through in the last 18 months,” he continued. “To be returned to the United States Congress by the community that I grew up in, by the community that I love, by family, friends (and) neighbors that you all are to me. That is what is going to give me strength to go back to Congress and fight the good to keep the faith.” He also spoke about Trump’s lead after he thanked voters in attendance for his re-election. “We’ve underestimated the support he has throughout the country,” Takano said. “(It’s) going to take a few weeks,
See PARTY on Page 3
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November 17, 2016
News
ASRCC picks new interim president LESLIE SANTIBANEZ MOLINA
yNov. 8 Petty theft Miscellaneous personal items and a car stereo were taken from a student vehicle in the parking structure. There are no suspects at this time. yNov. 10 Hit and run There was a hit and run between two RCC students on the second level of the parking structure. Parties involved exchanged information. yNov. 10 Cruelty to animals A student left their dog unattended in their vehicle in parking lot E for over an hour. The owner was issued a citation and the animal was examined by animal control. yNov. 11 Trespassing violation A trespasser was arrested at the Wheelock gym. The trespasser who was not a student was also arrested for violating his probation. He is not allowed to be on the school’s grounds. yNov. 14 Police pursuit of stolen vehicle ends in collision A police pursuit of a stolen Honda Civic ended when the car collided with a white Kia Rio on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Ramona Drive at approximately 4:20 p.m. There were no injuries. The suspect was charged with possession of a stolen car, hit and run, felony evading, and a domestic violence charge that occurred prior to the pursuit. yNov. 14 Hit and run There was a hit and run the parking structure on the ramp between levels 3 and 4 involving a 2012 Nissan Altima that was damaged on the passenger side. There are no suspects at this time.
News Briefs
Community garden holds tours RCC Community Garden Tours are scheduled from Nov. 2-17 from 1-1:30 p.m. Students will be able to learn about the mission, design and learning opportunities provided by the garden.
Sheriff Department now hiring The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department hiring event is scheduled for Nov. 19 from 7-9 a.m. in the Digital Library building. Students must complete a background packet and waiver. In order to attend students must pre-register. The event check in begins at 7 a.m. The written examination begins at 8 a.m. and the physical agility test begins at 9 a.m. For more information on where to pre-register and the materials needed, students can go to SheriffsJobs.com.
Riverside Festival of Lights Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is hosting the 24th annual Festival of Lights starting Nov. 25. There will be a firework display during the opening ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m.
Corrections In the article, “Voters overlook propositions” on page 9 of the Nov. 3 issue, various sentences did not attribute Ballotpedia as the proper source.
@RCCviewpoints
Members of the Associated Students of Riverside City College senate appointed Leonardo Santiago to the office of interim ASRCC president Nov. 9 following the resignation of outgoing president Nigel Item. The decision for president w a s n ’t m a d e w i t h o u t a n y complications. Outgoing vice president Lynn Smith resigned from her position on Oct. 13, causing Santiago to step in as interim vice president immediately afterwards and he was confirmed as vice president Oct. 31. When Item resigned from his position as president Nov. 1, the senate voted to continue the line of succession which placed Santiago into the position of president. Santiago was reluctant to become president. He preferred to be vice president and leave the position of president to ASRCC Public Relations Director Sarah Amro, who was nominated at the Nov. 7 Executive Cabinet meeting. However, at the Nov. 9 senate meeting, the ASRCC senate rejected Amro’s nomination. Members of the senate questioned Santiago about his preference for vice president. Santiago explained that while he felt he was qualified to be president, he was initially a senator at the beginning of the semester. He did not want to be overwhelmed with the new responsibilities he will have to
ALEX SANCHEZ I VIEWPOINTS
Associated Students of Riverside City College appoint Leonardo Santiago interim President at the Nov. 9 Senate meeting.
learn and end up dropping his office. ASRCC members such as Indra Torres and Alicia Lopez think Santiago is a good candidate for president. Lopez, ASRCC secretary, b e l i e v e s t h a t S a n t i a g o ’s experience as secretary and internship with the mayor will make him a good president. “He is going to be a good president” Lopez said. “He is smart enough.” Torres was disappointed that Item and Smith resigned. “You have to be committed once you sign up,” said Torres. While Torres has faith in Santiago’s abilities, she believes someone else should have been elected. “He is a good person” Torres said “I believe in him,” To her the only downside is getting someone who has to learn the presidential responsibilities. “He has to now learn new
duties, someone else should have been elected,” Torres said. The president of ASRCC is the chief executive officer and nominates representatives. Santiago must also be the official co-host for the ASRCC government events and is responsible for scheduling meeting times for the Executive Cabinet. He is also now responsible for the implementation of ASRCC resolutions, policies and procedures and can veto legislation passed by the ASRCC Senate. The president also assists in completing tasks that were assigned to them by the RCCD Student Trustee. No vice president has been appointed, however, pro tempore Gerardo Jimenez is taking on the responsibilities of interim vice president while awaiting senate approval. Misty Severi contributed to this article.
Women learn self-defense NAHID PONCIANO @RCCviewpoints
A crowd was gathered at Riverside City College a s i n s t r u c t o r Ti m M a c i a s demonstrated how to defend yourself in different scenarios that women find themselves in too often. Feminists Unite organized a free self-defense workshop Nov. 8 in the Quadrangle to promote self empowerment. A flyer which stated, “Don’t let Trump grab you by the” with an image of a cat, was shared throughout social media and campus. “That was a big event in the news so it was kinda like why don’t we do a self-defense class which is really important.” Feminists Unite member Charlene Mejia said. “It would be a good opportunity to combine that with the election and how there is a man that basically said that he was sexually assaulting women.” Donald Trump’s confession
in an interview about his actions has been training for 10 years and currently trains at Dave Hopkins towards women had impacted Association in Riverside. people. “It’s gratifying for me and the “It’s not right to say that skills that I have are valued by you know, to do whatever you other people,” Macias said. “It’s want with women for whatever also rewarding in the sense that reason,” Feminists Unite member it’s not overly complicated and Liza Martinez said. “We used I feel that even in the short hour that to show that you have every that we spent with everybody that right to defend yourself and it’s there’s something that’s going to not okay for you to do what you stick in somebody’s mind.” want.” The Feminists Unite club Those who decided to attend would like to continue these the workshop were able to see self-defense workshops once a through demonstration how to semester. respond and act under certain situations. “I was really worried that they were only going to do specialty moves, like okay so how is a real person gonna know how to do those things,” Martinez said. “It was more down to CHRIS EDSON I VIEWPOINTS earth. It was more things that were Instructor Tim Macias gets pinned down by 14-year-old assistant Mindy Bliss at the plausible.” Tim Macias Feminists Unite self-defense workshop.
News
November 17, 2016
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Takano re-elected to Congress Mark Takano spoke at a Riverside Democratic Watch Party on election night after win
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Local volunteers of Riverside, Bonnie McFarland and Pat Eickman, watch on as the reults from the elections appear on the projector at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440 office in Riverside during a local viewing party Nov. 8.
PARTY from Page 1
Charles Kane,” Takano said at the time. “We didn’t have a chancellor in those days. It was called a president/superintendent and (this maybe months to fully fathom building) brings everything full and understand, certainly we circle. Chuck was a great coach had no idea that the polling and a great educator. He was a was missing so many folks,” towering figure in the community he said when asked why the and he had that big coach kind of underestimation occurred. presence.” The congressman spoke about In years past, Takano had the results to Viewpoints after his pushed for stricter regulations speech. on for-profit colleges and the fair “It does appear that the treatment verdict within of their the 41st students in congressional September district of 2 0 1 4 , California according to which is the a previous district that Viewpoints includes a r t i c l e (Riverside “ Ta k a n o C i t y champions College) has Pro Students performed as Act.” we expected, and the -- Mark Takano T h e people of U.S. Congressman legislation named the Riverside Protections City are and Regulations for Our Students returning me to congress.” Act was meant to protect students He has visited RCC various from for-profit colleges and times. He attended the opening of place strict regulations on such the Charles Kane Student Services institutions, according to the and Administration Building on article. April 23, according to a previous During his first term, he Viewpoints article “RCC unveils returned more than $2 million student services.” in benefits to constituents “My political career started and veterans, advocated for under the administration of
“
“My political career started under the administration of Charles Kane,”
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside residents celebrate during an election party as Hillary Clinton results appear on a projector Nov. 8. immigration reform, toured more than 100 businesses, increased VA medical residency slots, and worked to keep federal funding for the Perris Valley Line during the 2013 government shutdown, according to this campaign website.
Running against him was Republican Doug Shepherd, a small business owner in Riverside for over thirty years, according to Shepherd’s campaign website. Jose Medina, another local representative, was also reelected to his position. Medina
will continue his role as California State Assembly member for District 61. Medina also served as an RCCD Board of Trustees member. Geovanny Guzman contributed to this article.
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November 17, 2016
News
Bill Hedrick defeats Nathan Miller for Board of Trustee seat LAURA M. TAPIA @LMTreporter
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
The projector at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440 office in Riverside shows live coverage of the 2016 general election Nov. 8.
Trump wins crucial states TRUMP from Page 1
went on, the odds were not in Clinton’s favor. Trump quickly gained the upper hand on election night after winning a set of states over Clinton and held that lead for the remainder of the night before receiving a call from Clinton that she conceded the race. Some of the more surprising twists of the night were in Florida, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Each was a battleground state that was expected to be close, but according to sources on
Realclearpolitics.com Clinton was expected to win each one. Instead Trump swept all three. It was not a surprise to some students like Jesse Holt, who felt confident they made the right choice and stand by their decision. “Trump will always be my candidate, I think he knows how to play the media in a way to get the most attention,” Holt said. “I think he has a plan, and now if we just let that plan unfold I think he’ll surprise us.” Other students regret their decision of not voting. “If I knew this many people
were scared, I might have voted Hillary,” said first time voter James Goldman referring to all of the protests spreading around the country. “I don’t like her, but I don’t want to be the reason my friends are scared.” Students like Jericka Donahue voted for the candidate they liked best. “Trump says a lot, but he seems wishy washy to me. Not something I would like in a president, but I had to vote for the person I liked more and for me that was Trump,” explained Donahue. According to a study in the
LA Times, 42% of Trump voters voted for him because they like Trump and 51% because they did not like the other candidate. Trump stands 290 to Clinton’s 232 in electoral college votes as of Nov. 14 , according to the Associated Press. Geovanny Guzman contributed to this article.
Bill Hedrick defeated Nathan Miller for the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustee Area 1 position Nov. 8. Hedrick, who is a former Corona-Norco Unified School District trustee, will represent Norco, Eastvale and part of Corona. “I am excited to have the opportunity to serve Area 1 and Norco College, as well as the District as a whole,” Hedrick said in a phone interview. He will fill Miller’s previous position with the Board. Miller, who was first elected to the Board in 2012, made his resignation as the Vice President of the Board public Sept. 26 after receiving votes of no confidence from students and faculty. The votes of no confidence came after Miller tweeted out an image of a hangman with the words “I’m Ready for Hillary” from the official Twitter account of Riverside’s Republican Party. Miller apologized for the tweet in a statement sent to Viewpoints on August 16, which also happened to be the day of the first Board meeting since the incident.
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SPORTS Tigers become Tri-Champion 6
November 17, 2016
“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual,”
- Vince Lombardi
Riverside City College football team heads to state play offs at the Southern California Bowl
coach Tom Craft was unsure how his team would end up this season as most of his players transferred to Division I schools in the fall which left him with a brand new team. “When we got to 8-0 I couldn’t believe it,” Craft said. “I’m trying to pinch myself because I can’t believe what we have been able to pull off here.” The Tigers defense weren’t
the only ones making noise during the game, RCC’s offense also made sure that they were being heard. Quarterback Collyn Anderson was able to find wide receiver Darius Hunter and score a 57yard touchdown. The Tigers were ahead 24-7 in the second quarter. “I feel like we played great. We played for each other,” Anderson said.
The Mounties defense kept losing their cool after scoring penalty after penalty. Their offense had failed again to score a touchdown and attempted to score a field goal that was blocked by RCC’s Manulani Hudson-Rasmusen and taken to the Tigers end zone with a 77yard run. The Tigers were leading 31-7 going into halftime. RCC made sure that the
Mounties had a hard time scoring when coming back into the second half of the game. The Tiger defense has amazed Craft this season. “I’m ecstatic right now,” Craft said. “I can’t believe what we have been able to pull off.” The Tiger defense had shown their resistance against the Mounties but were unable to stop them when Mt. SAC wide receiver Elijah Trejo scored a touchdown moving the score to 38-14. “I think we played great and took advantage of our opportunities,” Smith said. “We focused on executing and making sure we played hard.” With only 1:26 left in the fourth quarter, RCC linebacker Zach Kupka intercepted the Mounties ball at the 32-yard line. RCC would run out the clock to win against rival Mt. SAC 38-14. The Tigers will continue to play in the state playoffs after they received the No. 2 seed allowing them to compete against Saddleback for the Southern California Bowl on Nov. 19 at Wheelock Stadium at 6 p.m. The winner from this game and the National Bowl game between Ventura College and Fullerton College will compete in the Southern California Football Association Championships on Nov. 26 with time and venue TBA.
final set, they committed over 11 errors. Costing them any chance of getting back into the game. In the game, sophomores Lauren Wells and Marissa Vialpando each lead the team with eight kills. RCC faced their next opponent, the Cypress Chargers on Nov. 9. The Chargers are ranked No. 6 in the state with an overall record of 21-2. Unlike in the game against Golden West, the Tigers played tough and managed to win their first set scoring 26-24. However, the Tigers would then lose their final three sets 25-13, 25-23 and 25-22. Ending the game 3-1 against the Gauchos. Vialpando believes her teams just needs to finish out games. “I think we need to learn more on just how to finish and close out games,” Vialpando said. “We’ve
been up in games multiple times this season and have given up leads. We just need to know how to win.” In the game, sophomore Marissa Vialpando once again led the Tigers in kills with 18. Outside hitter Kellsy Russell was right behind her with 14 kills. The women’s challenged Saddleback College on Nov. 12. Like a reoccurring theme, the women’s team wounded up short and lost 3-1. In total, the sets were 25-20, 23-25, 25-14 and 25-23. Even though the women’s team played three games in under a week, it doesn’t seem to bother any of the players. “No it doesn’t bother me at all,” Vialpando said. “I actually like playing, I don’t mind being challenged,” she said jokingly. The women’s volleyball team holds an overall record of
15-9 (9-6 conf.) after a three game losing streak. Their next opponent will be Saddleback College at Wheelock Gym on Nov. 16 and Coach Monica Hayes-Trainer is ready. “We’ve practiced game planning against Saddleback before but couldn’t execute the
game plan successfully,” she said. “The things we’ve practiced just needs to be applied and executed better and I’m confident it will happen.” If the women’s team manages to pull off a win against the Gauchos, they will automatically be seeded into the OEC playoffs.
PAOLA PALACIOS @Ayo_Paola0817
The Riverside City College Tigers dominated the scoreboard 38-17 against rival Mt. San Antonio College on Nov. 12 at Wheelock Stadium. The Tigers became TriChampions of the National Central Division along with Long Beach City College and Mt. SAC. Mt. SAC had won possession of the ball but would be unable to score. RCC was also unable to score a touchdown resulting in a field goal by kicker John Hilfer at the 20-yard line. The Tigers were ahead of the Mounties 3-0 during the first quarter with 11:58 left. The Tigers defense made some noise by making sure that the Mounties offense would not score when linebacker Nick Underwood intercepted a pass at Mt. SAC 24-yard line to score a touchdown for the Tigers. The Mounties offense was able to break through the Tigers defense and score a 17-yard touchdown by their wide receiver Kennedy Sykes. The score was 10-7 going into the second quarter. RCC defense made sure that Mt. SAC’s offense could not score again when defensive back Kahani Smith picked up a Mountie fumble at the 10-yard line moving the score to 17-7. At the end of summer, head
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Running back Eltoro Allen misses a tackle while wide receiver Jacoby Herring blocks defensive back Reginald Young from Mt. San Antonio College on Nov. 12 at Wheelock Stadium.
Riverside City College loses rematch game TYLER NELSON @TylerJNelson1
It was a tough week for the Riverside City College women’s volleyball team as they managed to lose three straight games from Nov. 7 through Nov. 12. T h e Ti g e r s c o m p e t e d against Golden West on Nov. 7. Unfortunately, Golden West dominated all three sets scoring 25-18, 25-16 and 25-18. Golden West played excellent defense and managed to hold the Tigers to under 20 points for each set. Ending the game with a final score of 3-0. What costed the Tigers the most were the errors they committed during the final set. For the first two sets, the Tigers committed only five errors. However, during the third and
Tigers sports line up
AWAY
HOME
Cross Country SAT 11/19 @ Woodward Park Fresno, CA 10 a.m.
DANIEL FRANCIS | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College volleyball team finishes 15-9 overall and 9-6 in the Orange Empire Conference.
Football SAT 11/19 Southern California Bowl @ Wheelock Stadium 6 p.m.
Women’s water polo
Men’s Basketball
FRI 11/18
FRI SAT SUN 11/18 11/19 11/20 @ San @ San @ San Bernardino Bernardino Bernardino Valley College Valley College Valley College 5 p.m. TBA TBA
CCCAA Championships @ Las Positas
1:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball FRI 11/19 @ Palomar College
SAT 11/20 @ Palomar College
SAT 11/26 @ Wheelock Gym
TBA
TBA
1 p.m.
Sports
November 17, 2016
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Athlete shows success on field Riverside City College football team’s running back’s hard work leaves him at top of division PAOLA PALACIOS @Ayo_Paola0817
Riverside City College football team’s running back Seth Acda has proven that hard work pays off. Football was not Acda’s first experience with sports, he played indoor hockey from age seven until his sophomore year of high school. It was at this time that he started to lean toward football. “It was kind of tough… going from skates to cleats.” Acda said. “Playing hockey really helped my cutting ability... and helped (with) hand-eye coordination in football because (in) hockey you’re constantly handling the puck.” He was not sure which sport to continue in. His father helped guide him in his final decision to choose football. “I had a gut feeling…he encouraged me to play football because I was better at it … and explained how much more of a football player I was because I looked more natural out on the field.” Acda said. A person who inspired and mentored Acda in his life was his late grandfather Ernesto Acda who died in 2014. His actions toward his family have helped influence Acda today. “It was his actions that inspire
me. He was a hard worker and never took no for an answer,” Acda said. “If it wasn’t for him joining the Navy and becoming a Master Chief none of my family would be here because he was from the Philippines.” Acda uses the hard working characteristics he inherited from his grandfather on the field when he gets ready to play on Saturday nights. Acda is No. 1 overall in rushes with 163, 929 yards, 92.9 yards per game and 10 touchdowns in the National Central division. “All the hard work I put into spring, summer all the hours that I and my team have put in,”Acda said. “It’s not just about me and those numbers, it’s about my team and how they’ve helped me get to those numbers.” Acda was the fourth string running back last season and slowly started to move up to first string after most of the running back kept getting injured last season. This year, Seth has started each game as a running back and has also punted for the Tigers. “I started punting for my team (at the Ventura game on Sept. 24) to give the defense good field position,” Acda said. “I’ll play anywhere just to help my team out.” Tom Craft, head football coach for the Tigers, explains how versatile Acda has been for
STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS
Sophomore running back Seth Acda currently holds the lead in rushing with 929 yards in the National Central Division for the Tigers’ fall 2016 season. the team. “He’s just a multi purpose type of guy…(him) playing different positions in high school,” Craft said. “I can always count on him.” “He’s one of the best players we’ve ever had,” he said. “He’s a smart football player. He has
demonstrated that he’s a division I player.” Saturday nights have become the place where Acda is seen putting his talents to work. “What really goes through my head is what can I do as a player and teammate to help my team gain a competitive edge,”Acda
said. “Getting all of my school work done before Friday so that day to really focus and visualize what I’m going to be going on Saturday night.” Acda explained how much his love for football means to him, “I love the game so much I can’t help but smile,” he said.
Features Twin brothers form band, bond 8
November 17, 2016
Riverside City College students entertain individually and with duet band, The Brothers Duran MARY VALTERRIA @RCCviewpoints
At midnight, the twins took to the pseudo-stage as the Brothers Duran. The multi-colored lights began revolving once again as heavy fog rolled in. The Brothers Duran began their performance and everything from the strumming of guitars to the occasional running of fingers through their hair was done in perfect unison. Although their mannerisms were almost identical, the distinctness of their individual sounds was easily recognizable. Some of the compositions started with Anthony Duran’s signature acoustic style and moved into Victor Duran’s modernized rhythm, which featured fervent guitar strokes and unforgiving intonations. As The Brothers Duran weaved in and out individual musical techniques, they still managed to keep a collective harmony. “When The Brothers Duran played, the crowd seemed … relaxed and chill,” Vargas said. “Everyone was sitting down and just enjoying the music.” Vargas added that she plans to attend future shows featuring The Brothers Duran. Fans of the band will have plenty of opportunities to see the brothers in action, since they are each actively involved with multiple projects, including another band named ILKA, which they are both a part of. Both Victor and Anthony Duran have each released music on Spotify including Victor Duran’s album titled “Moveable Earth” by Morning Person and Anthony Duran’s EP called “Mirrors of a Better Life.” Victor Duran said that both he and his brother have “stuff all over the internet” and that fans should definitely check it out. The Brothers Duran said they are working on making new music and are looking to release new albums in the future.
Their faces may look exactly the same, but their sound is drastically different. Riverside City College students Victor and Anthony Duran are twins who formed their own band called The Brothers Duran. Victor and Anthony Duran perform solo and as a duet at all types of venues, including Back to the Grind and Mission Tobacco Lounge in downtown Riverside. Most recently, the brothers were featured in a garage-band type house-show located in Moreno Valley. RCC student Liz Vargas said the house-show provided a small and intimate setting. “I thought the venue was great and well thought out,” said Vargas. “(The setting) correlated with the music most bands were STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS playing.” Twins and bandmates Victor and Anthony Duran show off their musical talents during a People hung out in the performance that took place at a Nov. 3 house show located in Moreno Valley, California. driveway, others hung out in the he prepared an electric guitar for mix tapes and eventually began apart from other duets. living room of the house. The his final song. playing for their family during “We think the same, we chatter all revolved around the The final song was edgier than Christmas gatherings. have the same cadences … the bands that were scheduled to the others. The strings were bold As the twins got older, they connection is the biggest strength play. and authoritative and the lyrics explored different genres of that we have,” Anthony Duran Once the glass doors slid were accusing. Anthony Duran music. The brothers chuckled as said. open, there was a make-shift showed they reflected on their younger Victor Duran agreed with his hallway some range years. twin and offered insight as to blocked off in his vocal “We went through hardcore why the brothers are able to work with white ability phases,” Victor Duran said. together so well. plastic during this “Things your mom wouldn’t “We feed off our twin sheeting. seductive necessarily want to hear from the telepathy,” he said. A fog piece. other room.” Anthony Duran added that machine “She was so patient,” their schedules were the only tucked Audience Anthony Duran added as he real challenge they face as twins away in -- Victor Duran, m e m b e r s beamed with nostalgia. who live and play in a band the corner Bassist and Backing Vocals c l a p p e d Anthony Duran said that even together. steadily a n d though he and Victor Duran grew Victor and Anthony Duran pumped cheered as up in the same bedroom, the not only attend RCC, they also fog into he finished brothers eventually discovered both work for Teavana in Rancho the space, his set, individual sounds. The newCucamonga and care for their making it which was composed of songs found styles finally set them apart grandmother. a little difficult to see the path. that he wrote himself. The loudest musically. Despite their busy schedules, At the end of the hallway was cheering came from Victor Anthony Duran said he the brothers seemed to have been a converted garage. Dim light Duran, who was front and center tends to lean toward acoustic well prepared for the night’s came from two vintage lamps in for Anthony Duran’s complete sounds, although he has been performance. each corner of the room and there performance. experimenting lately was a revolving multi-colored As the stage was being set with delay petals to light device that revealed only up for the next band, Victor and accentuate his music silhouettes of the people in the Anthony Duran discussed their which can sometimes room. musical journey. be drawn out and As the fog continued to seep The brothers, who both cite soothing. in from the hallway, Anthony the band AC/DC as their earliest “I mostly do the Duran stood on a stage-like musical inspiration, were about singer/songwriter surface. 10 years old when they first genre,” Anthony The songs he played were started creating their own sounds. Duran said. serene, melodious and the lyrics “Our dad showed us concert Vi c t o r D u r a n were well written. videos,” Anthony Duran said. “I compared his music Vargas said once she saw the knew then what I wanted to do.” to his brothers. dim lighting and fog, she figured Victor Duran described what “My music is the show would feature a mellow, it was like when they received very eclectic,” he indie rock type sound. their first set of guitars from their said. “It’s like hip hop “Anthony’s performance mother as a gift. meets ambience.” was really good,” Vargas said. “At first we were scared or Both brothers said “Everyone was standing and the embarrassed to play for each that although their crowd (seemed) energetic.” other,” Victor Duran said. “Then individual sounds are Anthony Duran engaged the after a while, we just did it.” different, it works energetic crowd in between each STACY SORIANO | VIEWPOINTS Vi c t o r D u r a n f u r t h e r well together once song he performed. Riverside City College student Anthony Duran sings during his solo explained that the young Duran combined, setting “It’s going to be electric … set during a Nov. 3 house show located in Moreno Valley, California. brothers progressed to making The Brothers Duran literally,” Anthony Duran said as
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“We feed off our twin telepathy,”
Features
November 17, 2016
9
Creating a pathway to success RCC Pathways program helps students stay on track to get ahead with their education DEBORAH ALMARAZ @RCCviewpoints
Empowering students and giving them the tools to succeed is key. The Completion Counts through Pathways Initiative Program, also known simply as Pathways, is a program at Riverside City College that is designed to help students create an educational plan that is timely and effective. “The Pathways program is designed for students who want to be aggressive with their education and want to knock it out,” Outreach Supervisor Delia Tijerina said. “(Timeliness) is an important component to RCC and we understand the level of importance for all the students to try and find their path.” Although the educational path that each student takes may be different, there are core requirements that must be met in order to participate in the program. The contract made for RCC students by the Pathways program requires that participants do their part in being proactive about their education. Students need to be enrolled in at least 15 units each semester, maintain
CHRIS EDSON | VIEWPOINTS
Pathways Outreach Supervisor Delia Tijerina assists a Riverside City College student in the Welcome Center located in the Dr.Charles A. Kane building on Nov. 14. Tijerina helps students plan their career path at RCC. a 2.0 grade point average and pass the one-year remediation (pass english and math classes) before moving on to the two-year program. “Our hope and dream is that (Pathways can) create a smooth path (to) get (students) through in
two years,” Tijerina said. Tijerina went on to describe Pathways as sort of a mentoring program by comparing it to having a personal trainer at the gym. “If you are working out, you are going to perform better (by)
having a trainer there pushing you and telling you not to give up,” she said. Students may be motivated to hold up their end of the Pathways bargain, considering that there are many perks offered to participants.
Marisol Angolo is an RCC student who hopes to learn more about services offered on campus. Angolo said she is looking to join Pathways in the near future to help keep her education on track. “I hope to get my schooling done in two years but possibly two and a half depending on my major,” Angolo said. Angolo said she either wants to be and electrical engineering or orthopedic surgeon. Resources include access to computers and workshops as well as the opportunity to speak with counselors and educational advisors. Engagement centers within the program offer information sessions regarding educational paths and also provide resources and tools that help keep students on track in their scholastic endeavors. The Completion Counts through Pathways Initiative Program is located in the Welcome Center of the Kane building. Educational advisors, including Ms. Tijerina, are available to help students and are able to coordinate a time best suitable for the student to meet with an advisor.
LGBTQ community at RCC seeks more resources Students and faculty hope to see more representation of the LGBTQ groups on campus MARKUS MATHEWS @RCCviewpoints
Riverside City College students and faculty are looking to expand the available resources for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Asexual and Intersex+ community here on campus. While the Gender-Sexuality Awareness Club and some ALLY faculty members are taking steps to make sure that RCC is providing support for students who are members of this community, many believe that more can be done. RCC GSA club member Ryan Valadez said that LGBTQ support is important to him because it makes him feel less alone. Unfortunately, according to Valadez, many people are unaware of the resources that are available to the LGBTQ community. “To be honest, there is not much representation,” Valadez said. “Many people don't even know of the resources that are available to the LGBTQ community or that there is ... a presence on campus.” A lack of advertising or resources may be the reason as to why many students have lack of knowledge about the
programs RCC offers. orientation or gender Va l a d e z d i s c u s s e d t h e This keeps those who identity issues. Any spectrum of terms ranging from may already feel staff member displaying asexual to pansexual to biunderrepresented from the ALLY placard has romantic. Valadez said there is finding a community completed training terminology that helps members where they may feel and is committed to of the community feel welcomed that they belong. providing a safe zone and accepted. “The reason for anyone to speak “Not everyone is ... born why I’m involved freely. (with) the gender they identify in advocating and “We would love to as,” Valadez said. “Pronouns help organizing the do more but we’re all them feel more welcome.” LGBTQ community so busy that it’s difficult GSA’s Pride Day is scheduled on the RCC campus to find time to meet to take place Nov. 17 from 12:00 is because … as a regularly,” Whitakerto 2:00 p.m. on the steps of the transgender male, Meneses said. MLK building. The event will ... I see that there is While the RCC feature drag performers and a an extreme disparity faculty program gives space for those who identify as between how the staff members a way to LGBTQ to interact with members LGBTQ community is of GSA and learn more about IMAGE COURTESY OF DEBBIE WHITAKER- MENESES show support, there are represented and given steps that students can the club. take as well to become an ally to allow for both LGBTQ and Jones urged students to attend resources compared to other the LGBTQ community. international students to be the GSA Club meetings that identity groups,” Associated “A big thing that everyone identified by their preferred name are held every Thursdays from Students of Riverside City can do to show support and be which could provide a sense of 12:50-1:50 p.m. in the Quad, College (ASRCC) Student a good ally is by learning the comfort that may not always be room 103. Senator Asher Alexander A.C. terminology for the community,” awarded to them. “Just listen to what is being Jones said. said Valadez. “There is more than “I feel like it would be great said and interact when moved to Jones explained that as a just gay, lesbian and queer.” if one day RCC was on the list do so,” Jones said. senator, he can vote for or against of LGBT-friendly colleges and policies that he believe will either universities,” Associate Dean help or hinder not just LGBTQ of Academic Support Debbie students but marginalized, Whitaker- Meneses said. underrepresented students who Whitaker-Meneses is the have limited resources at RCC. advisor of the faculty LGBT Last month ASRCC passed support program, ALLY. ALLY is a resolution that would permit a group for members of the RCC students to change their name staff that are willing to provide a and gender on unofficial school listening ear and a safe space for documents such as student IMAGE COURTESY OF DEBBIE WHITAKER- MENESES anyone struggling with sexual identification cards. This would
V iews Voter fraud a nonexistent issue 10
November 17, 2016
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us what you think, in a letter to the editor, in an email, or use #RCCnow.
President-elect Donald Trump considered earlier elections to be faulty without valid proof
JONATHAN VAN NIEL @RCCviewpoints
As his poll numbers have dwindled throughout the tailend of his campaign, presidential candidate Donald Trump has made a series of statements claiming that the election is “rigged.” Tr u mp's ef for t s t o delegitimize the electoral process hinge on his assertion that voter fraud is running a muck. “So many cities are corrupt and voter fraud is very, very common,” Trump said at a rally in Green Bay. Tr u m p cl a i m s “ p e o pl e that have died 10 years ago are still voting,” citing a Pew Research repor t that found
1.8 million deceased people remain on voter registration rolls. But the report did not find any evidence of rampant voter fraud. But fa ct s have r a rely – if at all – deter red Tr u mp from making outlandish accusations. D u r i ng a meet i ng w it h representatives from the National Border Patrol Council on Oct. 7, Trump said the United States is “letting people pour into the country so they can go and vote.” To assume that undocumented immigrants are lining up in droves at the polls to cast their ballots is both a g rotesque generalization of noncitizens and a grave mischaracterization of our electoral process. For clarity sake, yes, voter fraud does occur, and yes, even noncitizens are sometimes able to register. But this does not happen anywhere near the rate Trump asserts. According to Victoria Taft, a reporter for the Independent Journal Review, there have been
14 cases of voter fraud this year. To p l a c e t h a t n u m b e r w i t h i n a m o r e r e a s o n a bl e context, the National Weather Service reports that 36 people have died from being struck by lightning as of Sept. 25. In spite of the statistical unlikelihood of rampant voter fraud, Trump has urged his supporters to monitor polls to prevent it from happening. “Watch other communities, because we don't want this election stolen from us,” Trump said. Having a group of Trump suppor ters monitoring polls doesn't prevent voter fraud – it is merely a tactic used to intimidate those who disagree w it h Tr u m p's pl a t fo r m . Impeding on another voter's freedom fundamentally c o n t r a d ic t s u p h old i n g t h e electoral process's integrity. Perhaps the most ironic case of voter fraud that has arose this year is of Iowa resident Terri Lynn Rote. She voted twice for Donald Trump.
November 17, 2016
Views
Voting system outdated
11
Editorial
The Electoral College’s role in elections misrepresents public’s decision
ILLUSTRATION BY NICK ESCALERA
The Electoral College often comes into discussion after a close election. Equal representation is no longer held within the current system and change is a must. We believe the Electoral College system is outdated and needs to be amended. The sizing of our current Electoral College needs to be reevaluated to fit the current populations of all the states. Currently, the candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes and appropriates 270 out of 538 wins the presidency. The number 538 is the sum of the nation’s 435 Representatives, 100 Senators and 3 electors given to the District of Columbia. As seen in this election, both candidates were very close to each other in the popular vote, with Trump’s 47.2% and Clinton’s 47.9% but there was one definitive winner when it came to the Electoral system. The system in place now only allows a winner take all. This puts states with higher populations to a disadvantage to smaller states since larger states need more populous votes per electoral vote. Donald Trump won the election with 290 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 232 votes which
clearly shows a winner through the system of the electoral college. As for the popular vote, Clinton won only by a small percentage, according to CNN. For example, Iowa has 6 electoral votes as compared to California’s 55 votes. California needs 508,344 people per electoral vote while Iowa only needs 386,394. This gap in population allows Iowa to have a higher value state in voting power since it has a lower population level. In a paragraph from uselectionatlas.org they state that “The Electoral College actually enhances the status of minority groups. This is so because the voters of even small minorities in a State may make the difference between winning all of that State’s electoral votes or none of that State’s electoral votes. And since ethnic minority groups in the United States happen to concentrate in those States with the most electoral votes, they assume an importance to presidential candidates well out of proportion to their number.” The fact that not all of the 538 electoral votes have been added up yet is troubling. New Hampshire just declared Clinton the winner of the state Nov. 14, according to the Associate Press and Michigan is still tallying votes from all of its counties. This means some states didn’t even contribute to the main
election night on Nov. 8. We propose that Congress re-evaluate or amend the Electoral College to where the system is no longer winner take all in a state but the votes of the electors be for the candidate of their chosing. If California has 55 electoral votes and 30 vote Democrat while 25 vote Republican, those votes would go to the presidential candidate of said party. This system allows for a more equal representation of which electors support which candidate and helps distribute the Electoral votes across the states evenly. Along with this, we believe that the Electoral College’s population count needs to be changed per state to be rid of states with higher voting power because of their smaller population. Just like this last election, there have been many others where the presidential race was close and was mostly decided by electoral votes such as the Al Gore and Bush election. These close races could possibly be avoided if the Electoral College was more equal and not winner take all by state. If the elector’s vote stood as an individual vote, we believe it would be beneficial to the voting process in the U.S. presidential elections. Just like the popular vote matters, the officials we elect into the house and senate, vote for us.
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&E A ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ depicts valor 12
November 17, 2016
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
MOVIE REVIEW
ALEC CALVILLO & GIANCARLO DOMICOLO @RCCviewpoints
Imagine having the choice of going to prison for a very long time for being devoted to your beliefs, or picking up a gun to kill. “Hacksaw Ridge” is a true story about Desmond Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist who saved 75 men during World War II also battled others when it came down to practicing his faith. With a great cast, beautiful cinematography and superb directing, this film has been stirring up a lot of awards season buzz among critics and it by far deserves it. Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Medal of Honor recipient, Desmond Doss, is highly inspiring and definitely one of the best performances of the year. The story follows World War II veteran Doss, from his early years in Virginia to the war overseas in Japan. Doss was the first conscientious objector to win the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery. Due to his personal religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist, he was unable to even touch a rifle, which led to his ridicule by other members of the United States Army. He wanted to serve in the military because he liked helping people, but Doss wasn’t like others. He didn’t believe in killing. He strongly believed in the Sixth Commandment “thou shall not kill.” When it came time for him to train for combat, his faith made him stand out a great deal. He would choose not to work on Saturdays because of the Sabbath, and choose not to pick up a rifle.
Military officials were constantly attempting to get him discharged from the armed forces or even arrested, feeling that his stance on violence and weapons would put everyone else in his unit in danger. However, Doss did not step down and fought for his beliefs, going on to secure a position in a unit and saving over seventy members of the Army when nobody else could or would, proving all of his naysayers wrong. When it came down to the battlefield, things were different. The men that hated him and wanted to see him give up soon became his friends as they saw his perseverance to save lives. As Doss lowered each man down the ridge as the only medic still up on the battlefield he said, “please Lord, help me get one more.” Doss ended up saving 75 men, which earned himself many medals including a Purple Heart and The Medal of Honor which is the highest award military personnel can receive. The film does an excellent job of providing the viewer with Doss’ backstory, showing his trials and tribulations which eventually led to his anti-gun and violence stance. Some people may consider these parts of the film to be long and bland but they were extremely crucial in showing the extent of Doss’s beliefs. Conversations with his fiancé, games with his brother and other small events that may seem to be trivial, all give the viewer a bit of insight into Doss’ mind, making the slow parts of the film as entertaining as the battlefield sequences. These parts of the film were all aided and made even more brilliant by Garfield’s standout performance. Garfield did a great job of replicating the way Doss spoke in video interviews. He didn’t look
- Julia Childs
IMAGE COURTESY OF LIONSGATE PUBLICITY | MARK RODGERS
Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss in “Hacksaw Ridge” rescuing one of seventy-five soldiers during combat. like Doss, but his youthfulness and humble appearance helped him look the part. The secondary characters of the film, such as Vince Vaughn’s S e rg e a n t H o w e l l o r L u k e Bracey’s Smitty, shouldn’t be ignored as they add depth to the story as well. Vaughn did an exceptional job moving from his usual typecast as the funny guy to a serious role, all while still being comically pleasing. His performance was great, leaving nothing to the imagination as his facial expressions and body language always told the audience what he was thinking, helping to facilitate the storytelling process of the film. Luke Bracey’s Smitty was a very unlikeable character who at first just seemed like the common one-dimensional army jerk. However, once Doss proved himself to Smitty, the character did a complete 360, helping Doss to the fullest of his ability despite their very obvious differences. These characters, among
many others, prove how great the writing and the direction of the film was. Mel Gibson, whose previous work includes “Apocalypto,” “The Passion of the Christ” and “Braveheart,” took the helm as director. While it can be difficult to direct such a large cast of different characters’ archetypes Gibson pulled it off fantastically. When it comes down to the camerawork of the film, it would be an understatement to say that Director of Photography, Simon Duggan, whose previous credits include 2013’s The Great Gatsby, did an amazing job. The camerawork and editing of the film come together perfectly to create intensity or suspense and even moments of caring between family when needed, as well as just generally stunning visuals. The way the battle sequences were shot and edited did a great job of creating a sense of the chaos on the battlefield while also keeping somewhat of a storyline
throughout the battles as opposed to how other war films of the past have just aimed to completely disorient the viewer. The war scenes spared little detail as they were intense filled with shots of bodies exploding, soldiers getting shot in the head and soldiers burning. This film has to be one of the goriest war movies since “Saving Private Ryan” and “Hamburger Hill.” The scenes weren’t over the top either as they mirrored other movies about World War II. The suspense was over the top as Doss was shown rescuing troops all while hiding from Japanese soldiers in the process. By closely following the actions of characters throughout these sequences the audience was able to keep up with the characters that they created an emotional bond with during the early scenes of the film.
“Mr. Blue Sky” is kind of long with a playtime of five minutes, but it is not noticeable. The song has so many different parts and layers to it that it sounds like a symphony. It’s mainly the bridge towards the end of the song where violins are present. The classical symphony sound is ELO’s style, and it separates them from other bands of the 70’s. Jack Johnson - “Banana Pancakes” Although the song only consists of acoustic guitar, rain, and vocals, it’s the choppy guitar strums and soft vocals that win you over. The lyrics are pretty straightforward as well. Johnson
talks about having a lazy day in which you can sleep in and cook banana pancakes. “Banana Pancakes” is a song that makes you forget about all of your problems for three minutes while you listen closely. It’s also another song that resulted from experiencing a rainy day. It’s ironic that happy songs come from rainy days, which tend to cause sadness. Johnson is a singer songwriter artist who relies on his unique rhythm playing and soft vocals to get his sound. His vocals may not be on Michael Jackson’s level, he may not even be the best guitar player, but he can sure write a fun and catchy pop song.
Passion Pit - “Sleepy Head” This song has a lot going on instrumentally. It can be a little overwhelming at times because of all the instrumentation that is going on but it is also the reason why it’s so unique. Passion Pit uses two Samples in “Sleepy Head,” but they’re both not enough to say that this song isn’t original. Michael Angelakos, the creator of Passion Pit, uses a sample of “Óró Mo Bháidín” by Mary O’Hara for the melody of the song.
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Songs to listen to for when life gets too stressful ALEC CALVILLO @RCCviewpoints
Whenever your spirit is down listen to this list of top five songs that bring your spirit back up. This list includes both contemporary and classic songs that vary in genre. The list gives a little insight on the artist and why the songs are so great. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr. Blue Sky” “Mr. Blue Sky” is a song that can be listened to at the beginning of your day to make sure it will run smoothly. It’s a perfect song to lighten up one’s mood. The main theme
of this song is that one of the most impactful elements that affects a person’s mood is the weather. The lyrics set the mood immediately saying “sun is shinin’ in the sky, there ain’t a cloud in sight.” The harmonizing vocals of the chorus are fascinating. They don’t sound like The Beach Boys or 50’s doo-wop style, but more like a choir. They talk about this blue sky as if it’s a person and ask him why he had to hide from them for such a long time. This song seems like a response to an abundance of rainy days, then finally there’s a day in which there is nothing but sun and blue sky.
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