March 11, 2010
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving students since 1922. Vol. xxxVIII, No. 9
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Protest empowers students For a
NEWS story see Page 4
Lauren Garcia / Photo Editor
Students fight back: Students gathered to protest the education crisis and express their feelings towards budget cuts, on March 4, in front of the Martin Luther King Learning Center, then marched to down to Riverside City Hall.
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Teachers rally to save education Make your voice heard! The March in March event takes the stage from Bakersfield to revisit the public education in California. The California Federation of Teachers sponsors the six-week march from Bakersfield to the State Capital. The California Faculty Association joins The California Federation of Teachers to start the rally at Cal State Bakersfield, and includes stops at Fresno State and Cal State Stanislaus. Kick-off rallies started on March 4 at many local colleges, and will culminate in a statewide rally at the state capitol in Sacramento on April 21.
Ahoy, Matey! “The Pirates of the Penzance,” will be at the Landis Performing Arts Center on April 23-25 and April 30-May 2. Tickets are $10 for students with a valid RCC Student ID who purchase tickets up to two hours before show time. There are also discounted rates for staff. For more information check out the Performance Riverside Web site at performanceriverside.com, call the Landis Box Office at 951-222-8100, or visit the Landis box office Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Equus” graces Riverside The Off Broadway Play Series is bringing “Equus” to the Landis Performing Arts Center April 8-10 at 8 p.m. and April 10-11 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices, which are subject to change on the performance dates are $10 for everyone. Keep in mind that this show is rated “R” for mature audiences only. For more information and to purchase tickets please call the Landis box office at 951-222-8100 or visit landispac.com.
Turn the other cheek The Academic Support Department and The Associated Students of Riverside Community College have partnered with the Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation to sponsor a free workshop on “Non-Violent Conflict Resolution” on Saturday, March 13 from 8:00 a.m-5:00 p.m. in the Quad room 128. The fellowship conducts the workshop to explore how nonviolent methods potentially lessen or prevent conflicts in the daily lives of people To RSVP contact Tara McCarthy at 951-222-8794 or tara.mccarthy@rcc.edu.
...The End is near The deadline to apply for graduation degrees and certificates is April 1. Interested students should go to the RCC Web site and use the graduation link to apply. All important graduation information can be found at this link. Students will receive verification of their graduation status through their RCC e-mail.
The future looks bright Students can begin planning their future at the CareerFest and Transfer night. The event takes place on March 16 in the Quad. CareerFest is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Transfer night is from 5-7 p.m. Previous events have included appearances from local law enforcement organizations, the National Guard and RCC vocational programs. Attending colleges have previously included UC Riverside and local Cal State Universities.
From Uganda to home Associate professor of history Kristi Woods will be sharing her experiences from Uganda on April 1 in the Digital Library Auditorium from 1-2 p.m. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Kimberly martinez / staff Photographer
Vacancy: Parking Lot 33 has many vacant spaces for RCC students.
Lot 33: RCC’s best kept secret Dean Mayorga Staff Writer Imagine 400 available parking spaces that were untouched by other students. How would this assist you in your parking struggles? Would you take advantage of such a facility? Fortunately, Riverside City College has made this into a reality with the new Lot 33. Located on Third Street and Market Street, the lot has had a dramatic impact on the students who know about it. So far, this group of students has proven to be somewhat exclusive. Very seldom is the lot ever full. On Feb. 25 only one third of the lot was occupied. “This is the most I’ve ever seen it filled,” said student Anna Tower. Parking services member Henry Funderburk thinks the lot is a hidden treasure. “It’s a great lot and you know, hardly anybody uses it,” he said. Funderburk pointed out that RCC has 26 different locations for parking. “The big problem is students don’t use other lots,” he said. The lack of knowledge of the student body for the new space and the disinterest of students to find alternative parking all serve as reasons to why Lot 33 is one of the campus’ most recent best kept secrets. Shuttles arrive every 15 minutes, with an average transport time of 15 to 20 minutes. On any given day there is a good chance that spaces are available. However, the news is spreading and there are some who feel that Lot 33 might lose its reputation as the lot that can always offer parking.
“It’s a gradual growth,” said Mike Campbell, a shuttle driver for RCC. For someone who witnesses the activity throughout the day, it’s apparent to Campbell that the students are becoming educated on the situation. Ultimately, the results of this pilot program have seemed to be mostly positive when looking at the satisfaction of students, as well as the administration. Many feel that it is an obligation of RCC to provide parking. “Were trying to accommodate students, staff and faculty who have been displaced,” said April Morris, parking administrative clerk. Morris cited the closure of Lot A as well as half of Lot B. She also mentioned the new nursing and life science buildings as possible reasons to the growing congestion. “We should help (those displaced) to the best of our abilities,” she said. These sentiments are shared by students as well. D e e p l y a ff e c t e d b y t h e r e c e n t construction, parking has become a daily issue. “You can’t expect (students) to attend college if there’s no feasible way to get there,” said Mike Reyes, a student at RCC. “Sometimes I didn’t even find a parking space. I’d have to walk.” Due to the fact that this is a pilot program, it remains unclear how long it’s going to take for more students to utilize the new space leased by RCC. It has yet to be occupied in its full capacity on a regular basis. For those who are aware, there is a sense of enjoyment in being a limited group said student Mughees Bhatti. “It’s good for us,” she said.
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RCC accreditation on warning
No need for worry, RCC has plan in place to fix issues brought up Erica McCauley Staff Writer Riverside City College is under sanction from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, a part of the Western Association of Junior Colleges. According to RCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Patrick Schwerdtfeger, the warning the college has received is “the least egregious of the possible recommendations from the commission.” Currently there are more schools under sanction than ever before, proof that the accrediting commission is serious about enforcing its standards. But what went wrong for RCC? Last October, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges sent an evaluation team to visit RCC. This evaluation team found deficiencies in the college’s planning process and gave RCC recommendations on how to correct these issues.
According to a letter to RCC President Jan Muto from the commission, which can be found on the college’s Accreditation Web site, the recommendations were: 1. That RCC create a more comprehensive mission statement including educational goals, and a description of the student population for which the college is designing programs. 2. That RCC develop a process of reviewing the success of its programs and how these programs work to accomplish institutional goals. Further, RCC is to assess this newly created process once it is implemented, and report the results to all constituents to promote institutional effectiveness and identify areas of improvement. The college was issued a warning from the commission to ensure that the aforementioned deficiencies are corrected. The college is required to complete a follow-up report by October 15. Muto and other members of the administration met with the accrediting commission in January to present a stream-lined strategic
planning report. It was comprised of various, existing documents RCC has already been using for planning purposes. Strategic planning has a simple definition according to Schwerdtfeger. “Strategic planning is the vehicle by which and through which we plan for our future,” he said. After the commission reviewed the reconfigured report, Muto was able to give a short speech in which she defended the college and provided her vision for the future of RCC. However, rules are still rules. Under U.S. Department of Education regulations, an institution out of compliance with standards has up to two years to correct deficiencies before the commission must take action to terminate accreditation. The commission gave RCC an extension on the time allowed (RCC was first issued this recommendation in fall 2007), but requires RCC to correct deficiencies by the next visit this fall when the two year time limit is up. Schwerdtfeger stressed that the warning “does not affect in
Board of Trustee member campaigns for Assembly seat nita gandhi News editor There was food and plenty of wine to go around. Business owners, friends, and public officials gathered at the Canyon Crest Winery on Feb. 26 to offer their support to Riverside City College Board of Trustee member Jose Medina in his campaign for the seat in the state Assembly of District 64. Medina gave a speech during the event in which he stated to everyone why he is running for State Assembly. Medina said that his values would better represent the area of the regular and working peoples’ interests. He added that he would do a better job in a crisis than others and fight for what the people believe in. “I stand for education, jobs and the environment,” Medina said. The job at the State Assembly basically boils down to helping people in the area. “I think I can represent the interests of the people of this community better,” he said. “I think my priorities are better matched with what people are looking for. I think I can do a better job.” Medina talked about ideas of what he would do in office to fix the education crisis affecting the community. He proposed to look for more revenue in oil, loop holes in tax policy, lifting Proposition 13, and decreasing the vehicle
Khai Le / online Editor
In it to Win it: RCC board of trustee member Jose Medina is looking to run for state Assembly. registration and use that money for education. At the winery friends, city officials, and business owners were there to show that they back Medina in his campaign. “ I have known him for several years and have supported him in his last three campaigns,” said Andy Melendrez, City Council Member for Ward 2 in Riverside. “I would trust Jose as a State Assembly member and I think he will do a great job.” Melendrez also has high praise for Medina. “Mr. Medina is one of the finest individuals that I have ever known,” he said. Jon Medina, owner of Zacatecas Café also shared his support. “We have been friends for many years,” he said. “I’ve known Jose for about 15 to 20 years. I’m
here to support Jose and I hope he makes it.” Currently, Medina is unopposed for the Democratic primary election in June. In addition to Medina being a Board of Trustee member for 12 years, he is also a history teacher at Polytechnic High School. “Win or lose I will be off the Board of Trustees,” Medina said. The election for the State Assembly is also the same time for the election for the Board of Trustees, which means that Medina’s seat will be open for the taking. Patricia Little, a supporter of Medina and a professor at Cal State San Bernardino, said that she will be running for Medina’s open seat on the RCC Board of Trustees and will start campaigning for the November elections.
any way student transcripts or the validity of education,” which could be a major concern of students, especially those transferring or graduating. “The accreditation process is an effort to continually be better,” he said. “Evaluation helps to improve what we do and how we do it.” When asked what exactly administration was doing in response to the commission’s recommendations, he said the administration was “close to being finished with the strategic plan and already implementing it.” The mission statement has been “redone” as well. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges requires that all reports be made available to students and the public. Riverside City College has created an accreditation Web site that provides more information
about the process of accreditation, including documents and letters from the Accrediting Commission. A video featuring Muto highlights RCC’s strategic plan in detail and can also be found on the Web site. In light of the unsatisfactory accreditation status of the college, administration is focused on proactively meeting the demands of the commission. With the many changes being made, the administration hopes that the college will pass the follow-up report with flying colors in October. “I have 100 percent certainty that RCC will address the concerns of the commission... All is well,” Schwerdtferger said. For more information about the accreditation of RCC and to view any of the documents RCC received visit: www.rcc. edu/riverside/accreditation.
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ryan lynch / assistant photo editor
Marching out: Students march from RCC to University Avenue to protest education cuts and skyrocketing enrollment fees.
Students march against cuts
Nishe butler Asst. news editor Riverside City College students gathered together in front of the Martin Luther King building on Thursday, March 4 to bring awareness of the current budget cuts affecting our education. UC Riverside, San Bernardino Valley College, as well as community members, workers and teachers. Students exercised their freedom of speech and the student band Broken Arrow performed. Lauren Snyder, an RCC student and Interior architecture major said, “I am marching because I want to go to school for a reasonable price, we all deserve an education.” John Coco, a returning student had been laid off and he was marching because all though he is an administration of justice major he was not able to get into classes this semester. “This is horrible, I am not working so I try to go back to school to further my education and can’t get in,” Coco said. As California remains financially strapped, the students voiced their concern for public education for all. California is currently ranked 49 out of 50 states to invest in education gradually rising from eight years ago. California also ranks next to last in states where the adult population is at least high school level, according to a recent report by California Faculty Association at Cal State Los Angeles. First to speak in front of the MLK building was RCC student Francisco Lopez, a member of the Inland Valley Coalition. Carrera Peterson was a leader in the fight for education as well. She and Lopez spoke energetically about the issues at hand. When Peterson took the
microphone she spoke of workforce training, higher wages, global markets, civil duty, the greater rolls in government. The 108 percent increase taking current unit price over 20 dollars to over 50 dollars a unit in the fall. Spending money on war verses education was one of the issues brought up along with the fear of flipping burgers as a career. “We are California,” Peterson said. What will happen if classes are continually cut? As students prepared for the symbolic march against California budget cuts they proposed their solutions as investing in undocumented students and immigration reform for America, students stated they wanted accessibility not affordability. Bill Hedrick from Corona/ Norco Board of Education encouraged the students as they embarked on another student protest. He stated that people could not afford to give up free education otherwise we were headed for “foreclosure of the future.” He said that 50 percent of people are not registered to vote and for people under 30 was even higher. “In order to have social mobility we must educate,” Hedrick said. The pre-rally lasted about an hour and 40 minutes. As the students marched, cars honked and power fists were thrusted out of the car windows. Community support was evident as the students marched and chanted. Some of the chants included; “Who’s future? Our future!” “The student’s united will never be divided!” “They say cut back we say fight back!” Signs read: “Educate don’t incarcerate.” “I want my classes back Arnold! They marched from Market Street and University continuing to Main
Street to meet up with other local students. First to take the microphone was an instructor from San Bernardino Valley College Ed Gomez. “I am a Cal State Alumni, Los Angeles City College alumni, and currently a UCR graduate student,” he said. Gomez who was on stage with his son and two nephews asked the question, “What will I tell my son and nephews when they ask me why they have to attend dirty, overcrowded schools? Shame on those who are educated and turn their backs on education,” he
said. Gomez went on to say that position and power equal money and money equals owning a home all which stem from education. Next up was Francisco who reiterated his position as he fights for his education and following him was Cindy Bui a UCR student and sociology major who informed the crowd that their the location on Main Street was outside Senator Bob Dutton and Bruce Varner’s office. “We want them to know we are serious about our education,” Bui said. She went on to introduce Paul Beehler, a member of the lecturers
union, as well as an instructor at UC Riverside. He mentioned the 700 classes cut at UCLA, and how the previously 35 English classes are now down to five. “Education makes things prosperous,” he said. Ruben Balcito was among the many other students who spoke that were present. He is a student at San Bernardino Valley College, he spoke of his concerns for his education such as summer school being cut in half and students unite to ignite as one voice. “We have to build our community up,” said Balcito.
Ryan lynch/ assistant Photo Editor
on the street: Students march down Magnolia Avenue to meet other protestors.
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Wheelock Gym to be renovated Candice Phalen Staff Writer
For almost 100 years, Riverside Community College has received praise for its campus. T h e s c h o o l ’s u n i q u e architectural styles reflect its diverse community, but they do not all reflect California’s current safety standards. This summer, construction will begin on the Wheelock Gymnasium at Riverside City Campus in order to comply with updated safety codes regarding fire and earthquakes. Among the fire codes, renovations will be made to the buildings exits and stairwells. The building’s structure will be modified to conform to newly established earthquake safety codes as well. Earthquake.usgs.gov has printed hundreds of reports of seismic activity in 2010 thus far. The San Andreas Fault line runs directly through Riverside County and because of this, extra precautions need to be made. Buildings with more flexibility tend to fare better than those
with more solidity because they provide less resistance to the earth’s movements. Modifications to the gym will meet those expectations. “Seismic safety is one of the major reasons for construction, not because it was unsafe but because one of the things we want to do is make sure that the older buildings on at Riverside City College are brought up to modern seismic code”, said Jim Parsons, Associate Vice Chancellor Public Affairs. “Remember that the gym and a few other buildings on campus were originally built in the 1920s,” stated Parsons. According to athletic director Barry Meier, renovations on the building are going to be only a minor inconvenience for those involved sports activities. The school’s basketball teams will practice and play in the Huntley Gym and those taking fitness classes will be housed in a temporary facility on campus. “The teams and coaches are excited about the new facility and although they will be temporarily displaced, the prospect of a new gym is exciting and worth the
sacrifices,” Meier said. “It will be a state of the art, fully equipped gym that will be utilized by not only the basketball teams but also our students and the community at large,” Meier said. A relative question many students have is how the construction might affect the already limited parking. The plan requires the crews working on it to close approximately 62 spaces directly adjacent to the project. However, temporary alterations will be made to accommodate a few more parking spaces. Among other things, other plans for the building include an elevator, a new roof, a new scoreboard, refurbished locker rooms and bathrooms, and some architectural enhancements in the general style of the other buildings on campus. The expected cost of these renovations is approximately $18.5 million, made possible by the state of California and Measure C Fund. Construction is expected to finish in August of 2012. Associate Vice Chancellor Orin Williams is all for it.
International fees increased Takahiro Kurosaki Staff Writer Everyone has been hit hard with tuition fee increases but the international students are getting the real kicker. Riverside City College students will be shocked when they take a gander at the huge gap in tuition fee between local students and international students. Currently, the international students pay up to eight times more per unit for classes as much as the local students do. All RCC students are required to pay $26 per unit as an enrollment fee. However, international students have to pay additionally $181 per unit for nonresident tuition and $19 per unit as an out-of-country nonresident surcharge. In order to maintain immigration status, international students must enroll and complete a full-time course load of a minimum of 12 units during the fall and spring semester. This regulation requires the international students to pay at least $2,712 as the sum of all the required fees. Local students may think that international students do not pay that much to take class at RCC but many have expressed different opinions when they saw the cost rate. Most thought the cost international students pay was unfair. “I feel sorry for nonresident students because they have to pay such an expensive money,” Liz Dellaro, a RCC local student said, “Since education should be equal for everyone, I think it’s not fair.” In contrast, Christian Barbosa,
a RCC local student said, “I don’t know the exact rate and how it is decided, but it is understandable and looks fair when I take taxpayers into my consideration.” For one thing, the difference in tuition between local and international students results from the characteristic of a public institute. Although residents at a community college are required to pay taxes used for public services, international students are exempted from taxation. At this point, international students seem to understand the reason for the fees.. “As far as it is a community college,” Koji Fukui, a RCC international student from Japan, said, “I think it is natural to serve for the people in the community and give them priority because they pay taxes necessary to run the college.” Since international students do not pay taxes he accepts it. “Taking special procedures, instructions and care necessary for international students into my consideration
enables me to accept the difference in tuition,” Fukui said. Among some people, however, the high tuition brings about some concern. The fear is that international students will be discouraged to continue their education because of the fees they have to pay. If international students decide not to attend community college it would lead to the loss of their contribution to the school and their part in creating diversity and revenue at the college. In spite of the high amount of tuition, however, many international students are still choosing to attend community colleges to continue their education. This is mainly because the tuition is still an affordable amount for international students compared to the fees of a state university. “Although I don’t agree with the current rising tuition, that of a community college is still cheaper than that of a state university,” Koji said. “The fact greatly affected my decision-making for my studying abroad.”
Lauren garcia / Photo Editor
International: Rebecca Kim, office assistant in the International Students Center, aids new student Yixian Bao in searching for additional classes to add to his schedule on March 10.
Brandon Rivera / Photographer
Up to code : The Wheelock Gymnasium, used for many
of RCC’s sports, will be under going renovations to bring it up to safety code standards. “This project is exciting as it improves a very important structure that has significant historical relevance to both the College and to the City of Riverside,” said Williams.
“Wheelock Gymnasium has enjoyed a rich and colorful history over the past 82 years, and with the improvements, will be enjoyed for another 82 years.”
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Clubs seek new members
Samantha Morris Staff Writer On March 2 and 3 students active in on-campus clubs gathered in the Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle to recruit new members and bring awareness to their fellow peers. RCC offers over 40 clubs to suit most students’ interests. “Club Rush is an important event for clubs and students alike. It allows people to browse prospective clubs and get students involved,” Hana Greenwood said. Although the event was held in a location in high use by students, many say they didn’t know about it. “I believe that Club Rush was badly advertised,” said Chelsea Roberts, RCC student. “I only knew about it because I stumbled into it randomly. It really wasn’t advertised very well,” said Seth Hayhurst. Yet some are still eager to get involved. “I’m actually interested in joining Club Muse,” said Cory Lallier, a student and prospective club member. Despite the small numbers of
student turn out, people were still pleased that some students were interested. “Students should be more involved in on-campus clubs. It helps you develop and become a better person, this is our time to grow,” said Sharon Garrett, a member of the Latter-Day Saints Student Association (LDSSA). Joan Lopez a member of the Photo Club agrees and affirms that he’s benefited from the experience. “I didn’t know very much about photography, but everyone was really nice, laid back and chill and showed me a lot of stuff. Now I love it,” she said. Clubs such as The H.O.M.E. Room and the Ujima Project offers mentors and tutors for the students. “We conduct meetings a few times a month to inform students what is going on around campus, with the hot topics of the community college,” said Latanya Hulon, a member of both the Ujima Project and The H.O.M.E Room. Impacts Nations Dance Club aims to be a club for pure
enjoyment. It’s a place to “come and dance without ridicule,” Cindy Rodas, a member of Impacts Nations Dance Club, said. “Clubs are great extracurricular activities, they look great on college applications,” Rodas said. Many clubs advocate proceeding to a four year university. Michael Nearing, vice president of the Art Club, says that his club helps the members in understanding their career. “The speakers that we pull in, a lot of time it will shed light on the lessons that we learn, and the speakers will reinforce what we are taught and they give us a few points in holding a career in art,” he said. The process of joining a club is dependent on the club itself. Some require you to pay dues such as the Karate Club which goes directly to helping the members pay for competitions. Other groups including The Ujima Project require you to fill out an application. “We prefer that you’re dedicated to the club, it’s something we put a lot of work into,” said Karryn
Lauren Garcia / Photo Editor
Rush: (top) RCC clubs do their best in recruiting new members during Club Rush. (below) The Photo Club captures the attention of many students in the quadrangle during club rush.
Callier, a member of The Ujima Project warning students who wish to join a club. A universal rule however is that all potential members must be an active student whilst participating in club activities. For those students who don’t find a club that peeks their interest, the option to create a new organization is always open. Chelsea Roberts who is attending RCC, said she wouldn’t mind having a “Medical Marijuana Club” on campus. There are a few simple steps in place which students must follow in order to have their organization/ club verified as a n R C C o n - c a m p u s c l u b . Prospective students must first find a faculty member whom is willing to sponsor the organization which entails attending every meeting and event the club is involved in. The second step is presenting the Coordinator of Student
Activities with an “Agreement of Sponsor Form.” The agreement, equipped with the sponsor’s name, is then transferred to the President of the college to be approved. From there it is reviewed by either the president or his designee. Once the sponsor is approved, the student organizers must write a club constitution and submit two copies of their decree to the Coordinator of Student Activities. The constitution is then passed along and submitted to the Dean of Student Services along with the ASRCC Riverside Campus Senate whom then ultimately decides on approval for the organization. For more information on joining any of the aforementioned clubs, viewing what is offered at RCC, or creating a campus club/ organization, visit http://www.rcc. edu, click on student services, and clubs for further information.
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EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Holland (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org MANAGING EDITOR Chanelle Williams (951) 222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org ADVERTISING MANAGER Vanessa Soto (951) 222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Dan Evans ONLINE EDITOR Khai Le admin@viewpointsonline.org OPINIONS EDITOR Sade Hurst opinions@viewpointsonline.org INSCAPE EDITOR Christina Espinoza inscape@viewpointsonline.org
PHOTO EDITOR Lauren Garcia photo@viewpointsonline.org NEWS EDITOR Nita Gandhi news@viewpointsonline.org
Lauren Garcia / Photo Editor
Hidden Treasure: Students search for parking in the Lovekin lot like it’s buried treasure.
ASST. FEATURES EDITOR Erin Rohac features@viewpointsonline.org
Gimme a break! ...or a parking spot
ASST. FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR Shardai Perry features@viewpointsonline.org Javier Cabrera sports@viewpointsonline.org
STAFF Erene Abdelmeseeh Yessica Acevedo Devondre Adams Juan Aguilar Chad Arias Dominic Arzapalo Nicolas Austin Edward Brito Nishe Butler Kristine Concepcion Corina Cuevas Mercedes Deleon Kyle Durham Sonja Eide Samantha Flores Shamier Ford Ruben Gallegos Cameron Graves Bobby Hester Ricky Holmes Miho Kaneko Takahiro Kurosaki Manuel Lopez Corinne Love Diana Ly Ryan Lynch
Andrew MacAbuhay Kimberly Martinez Dean Mayorga Erica McCauley Ramses McCloud Juan Mendoza Josh Messmer Brandon Morgan Samantha Morris Natalie Morton Jesus Munoz Jenna Owen Candice Phalen Griselda Ramirez Brittni Reyes Brandon Rivera Ashley Robinson Jared Saavedra Gary Sellers Amanda Serrano Jasmeet Singh Nyeisha Smith Cloie Swain Daniel Torres Justin Tovar Toni Wisner
The first week of classes always brings a certain level of excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, it also provides a giant feeling of dread at the prospect of finding parking on campus. Students who wish to have the great privilege of parking at Riverside City College must pay $40 for a permit. However, when parking becomes such a hassle that it causes frustrated students to give up on their education and drop out, one must wonder if it is fair to charge students for a service that is so broken. Forty dollars may not seem like much, nowadays it’s the equivalent of a tank of gas, however, for a college student that money could go towards taking another class and furthering their education. To the average student who has a class that starts between 9 and 10 a.m. they must plan to get to campus at least an hour early to have time to fight for parking because it is obvious that parking at RCC has turned into a fight. There is a two week grace period to get acclimated and pay for parking permits, but then come the parking tickets if a car does not have the proper sticker on it. If it takes more than two weeks to wait for people to drop or finally give up and park at the mysterious Lot 33, why should students pay for parking within those weeks? Since the students will clearly have to suffer through this for more than two weeks, they should be given a semester off from parking fees. Ever since Lot B, the parking lot by the Digital Library, and Lot K, the parking lot by the Aquatics Center, were shut down due to the new construction on campus, parking has been appalling for students and faculty. Even parking lots like the one near Cosmetology and the baseball field are extremely full by 9 a.m., making those who have classes at later times consider waking up earlier than planned.
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While it is too late to argue about the intelligence in having simultaneous construction projects going on, the question of whether the consequences for students was ever considered should still be asked. It almost feels like a slap in the face entering the campus looking at a sign saying thanks to the community tax dollars this construction can still go on during a financial crisis. To students that sign translates into “after causing you to pay higher prices on your tuition and having fewer classes while there is an increase of students, we have decided to take away your parking to add to your pain in search for higher education.” It only makes some students wonder how all this money is really helping the college reach its goals in higher education. For the students who are suffering from the high increase of fees, giving them a break from scraping up the $40 to pay for parking permits will make a difference in them achieving their goals. Even though the parking permits are reasonable compared to other colleges and universities, it is not reasonable at all if students are still trying to find a spot beyond the two week grace period. With the declining economy the fees will increase and so will the amount of students who will be attending within the next few semesters. When the construction is done, parking spots will still be limited. And soon Lot 33 shuttle will start filling up with students quickly. Students have been making a lot of sacrifices for their education lately, and while parking may seem like a small matter in comparison to tuition hikes and budget cuts, easing the burden will go a long way towards boosting students’ morale, thereby keeping their education on track.
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Cut the budget cut madness Corina Cuevas Staff Writer The horror isn’t over. California budget cuts continue. California is still experiencing budget cuts that jeopardize students’ educational goals. There are many students this semester that could not get the classes they wanted because the class and waitlist were full. Not to mention the problems people who wanted to add in a specific class had to go through. For them it was hell. School should be an environment where on the first day, students come prepared to learn and not worry about whether or not there will be a seat available when they arrive. But, with the California budget cuts, things are not that simple. The budget cuts have become a disaster for education. The increased number of classroom size in community colleges as well as in the Cal state and University system has caused delays in students being able to graduate. This is alarming because it jeopardizes the student’s educational goals and it puts students behind.
According to the Governor’s Web site homepage, Arnold Schwarzenegger states “My budget protects education and reprioritizes our funds reducing taxpayer dollars going to prisons and keeping funding in classrooms.” Sorry Mr. Governor, but that is not the case. If the Governor actually kept funding in classrooms like he says, then the dreadful increase in classroom size would not be occurring. Students would be able to get into the classes they wanted without being on waitlists and they would graduate on time. If students, are America’s future then why is the government cutting the education budget and increasing tuition at state colleges, universities and community colleges? In terms of community colleges, the administration is proposing a $215 million reduction for the 108 that exist in California. Even worse, the administration is planning to reduce Cal Works grants by 15.7 percent. Education is not the only aspect that is affected by the California budget cuts, however. According to the California Budget Project, the Governor has plans to help the budget by doing other cuts. The cuts include, and are not limited to the reduction of MediCal eligibility and coverage; the increase of premiums for the Healthy Families Program; limit the In-Home Supportive Services for the disabled; and cut state
to the minimum allowed under current federal law and get rid of most remaining optional benefits. The state employee salaries could be reduced by an additional 5 percent and the Healthy Families Program could also be eliminated as well as other health services
programs. These actions would be devastating because the reduction of salaries will force people to discard any type of health services. This could lead to a controversial health care dilemma. The funding for enrollment growth at the UC and CSU systems could be abolished and the level of the awards and income eligibility for Cal grants could be paralyzed. Is this going to help Californians at all? Of course not. The reduction of Medi-Cal and Healthy Families eligibility could mean that many people will not be able to afford the types of services which they need. At the educational level many college students will drop out. Similar to the Medi-Cal and Healthy Families issues, students will not be able to afford a college education which could represent an uncertain future. These drastic measures could inevitably hurt students and California as a whole. It is uncertain what will happen in the next couple of months or year but one thing is for sure, the system is falling apart. Oh and one last thing. Mr. Governor, we are all aware that you were once ‘The Terminator ’ but please don’t terminate our education. It’s not fair. Education guarantees success in life and without it we are nothing.
day some of our own children might end up enrolled in a system that is barely teetering along. Some of the students here at RCC might even be watching their children struggling with it now. The answer for all of this is the tests. The bane of ever high schooler’s existence and reason for the job losses to over 85 educators in that Rhode Island school, standardize tests need to be either changed drastically or dropped altogether. The level of importance awarded to these tests is disproportionate to their actual impact on students, and educators and administrators know that. No one in any situation, be it work, school, or relationships even will put in an extraordinary amount of effort is no benefit to themselves is apparent. In RCC or any college around the nation, instructors issue tests to strictly follow what they teach. It directly affects students grades, and if they do poorly, perhaps their wallet as they must repay to take the class. Money is a great motivator, which is why college exam rates are higher than K-12 rates. Students with a financial investment in doing well will always run laps around kids who feel like school is a prison sentence
and standardized testing is work duty. So until K-12 students care, these tests will be continually perceived as a joke and ultimately more teachers will lose their jobs as officials scramble to hit their number mark. At RCC, it is a relief that there are none of these tests to waste our time. But we as a school community need to be aware of the injustices being done to not only the teachers in Rhode Island, but to the students there who are in for a bumpy ride on this quickly derailing school system. STAR testing, SAT testing, and the innumerable other standardized tests have turned education from actually learning how to do something well, into how to answer these certain subjects that will be on the test. Ridding students of these tests from public education is the only solution. Firing an entire staff for being unable to motivate schoolchildren to do well on what can be seen as an unimportant test is obviously not the solution. Knowing is half the battle, and the lessons from Central Falls High School at the expense of their staff is one that we need to take to heart and assure that it never happens to our own instructors.
Ryan Lynch / Asst.Photo Editor
FEEL THE FIRE: Students became emotionally charged at a March 4 rally protesting budget cuts and tuition hikes.
workers’ salaries and benefits among others. If the funding levels are not met things could get ugly, very ugly. The Cal Works Program could be eliminated along with the reduction of Medi-Cal eligibility
Those who can’t do—find another job Cloie Swain Staff Writer Walking into a school with no instructors sounds outlandish. One of the dependable facts in modern education is that for as long as there is a student, there will be a teacher. But for one school in Rhode Island, the no teacher scenario is becoming a reality in light of the recent firing of all 88 teachers on the instruction staff. As appalling as that sounds, it does indeed get worse. The reason for this plan, proposed by the Central Falls School District superintendent Frances Gallo, is that the students were doing too poorly on tests and had a dropout rate higher than the graduation rate. So in response to this, as opposed to finding any other way to get kids to do better, Gallo canned the whole staff. In a college atmosphere, one usually does not think of that ever happening. Students are in college because they want to be, and therefore the end result is hopefully better
Ryan Lynch / Asst.Photo Editor
SLIP SLAPPED: All 88 teachers at a Rhode Island high school were handed pink slips. testing scores. But this whole problem, bad enough on its own, brings into light two other major issues in the United States school system today. The focus on test scores to judge how a student population is grasping the material, and the lack of motivation in that very same student body. It is no secret that a majority of college students believe
standardized testing to be a waste of time. For many they are a distinctly unpleasant part of the K-12 years. Many classes in college are long, usually pushing a three hour time block. A standardized testing day is at the least three hours. So why should anyone care about some high school tests? Clichéd as it might seem, one
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Serving students since 1922
10 | March 11, 2010
Opinions
Nothing like Mannywood drama daniel torres Staff Writer Spring training has officially begun and controversy is already stirring. No surprise that it comes from Manny Ramirez and his insatiable hunger for drama. Baseball hasn’t been on since November and no one has mentioned Ramirez in over three months, so he decided to stifle the silence. Amid the troubles of the Dodgers’ front office of owner Frank McCourt being in the middle of a very expensive divorce, one in which will surely affect the fans, Ramirez decided to open his mouth, saying he most likely will not return at the end of this season. “I know I won’t be here next year,” Ramirez said. When asked why not, Ramirez simply reiterated, “I don’t know, I just know I’m not going to be here.” This past year and a half, Dodger fans have been stuck in a state of Manny euphoria. I can still recall that warm summer day in 2008 when it was abruptly announced that Manny
Ramirez was traded to Los Angeles by the Red Sox in a three team deal, a day in which Dodger fans boisterously celebrated throughout the more decrepit neighborhoods surrounding Dodger Stadium. The first few months were very titillating with Ramirez batting .396, and slugging 17 homers in about 50 games in a Dodger uniform, leading them straight into the National League Championship Series where they would eventually lose to the Phillies. The season that followed looked optimistic for the Dodgers being that Ramirez, this time around, would be with the team the entire season. Disappointingly though, that wasn’t the case. This past season, Ramirez was suspended 50 games by the league for use of a banned substance. Ramirez tested positive for a female fertility drug mainly used to increase the amount of estrogen the body produces; it is taken by some men to decrease an influx of hormones, usually caused by steroids or other performing enhancing drugs. Lampooned by critics, Ramirez was seen as more of jest than a future hall of famer. With his image tarnished, Ramirez continued to receive praise and adoration from the fans. Tickets sold out for his first
game back from his suspension, a game that wasn’t even a home game. Dodger fans inevitably flocked down to San Diego to catch a glimpse of their hero. All the hype and excitement, that came out of this trade, out of “Mannywood,” out of the fatuous dreadlock wigs worn by children and the elderly alike in Los Angeles, turned out to be a bust. Sure, the Dodgers made it to the championship series, where in a state of déjà vu, they were knocked out once again by the Phillies. The reason he was a bust was that the team did it without Ramirez; they posted an impressive winning percentage in his absence and barely clinched the National League West despite his poor play. An embarrassing season for Ramirez indeed, not only will he remember being tested positive for a drug so humiliating, but for having one of the worst seasons of his career. He spent the past season in a state of inertia, while the rest of the team was playing actual Dodger baseball. Dodger centerfielder Matt Kemp finally showed off his latent talent by winning his first Gold Glove award.
Dodger right fielder Andre Ethier electrified the crowd coming
Image courtesy of: Major League Baseball up clutch with numerous walk off and pro-active infomercials. hits and homeruns. For Ramirez to say what he These are the players whom we said is a slap in the face of the fans. should be applauding, players like The fans who welcomed him with Ethier, Kemp, and even Clayton arms wide open, despite the drama Kershaw, the young 22-year-old he brings to an organization. pitcher with a very promising He is the Terrell Owens of future. baseball, a facetious member on They are the future of the and off the field. Dodgers, the prominent players for Ramirez’ farces have all but the team in the coming years. shown he is actually ready to be Ramirez, about to turn 38 years the magical Manny Ramirez we old in May, is way past his prime. saw when he first arrived. He won’t put up the same numbers He now tries to feed his own he did in Boston. ego, craving the media attention by This is what the fans don’t saying he feels 15 years old when understand; they just want another he looks and plays like 50. star in a city that already cloys its His narcissism used to be people with a myriad of celebrities amusing, now it’s just irritating.
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TV: The doctor is in Serving students since 1922
Opinions
nicholas austin Staff Writer Reality television has accomplished many things in the past decade. It has shown viewers that “The Flavor of Love” is not always so sweet.Celebrities are participants on shows such as Celebrity Fit Club to lose weight. It gave Elisabeth Hasselbeck an awful lucky chance for a seat on “The View” as well as show America the true story of seven strangers, picked to live in a house, to find out what happens, when people stop being polite and start getting real. But after all this we need to ask ourselves, are reality shows like “Intervention,” “The Biggest Loser” and Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab there to inspire positive behavior in the viewers or are they primarily there for entertainment value? To answer this question we have to understand that many Americans watch these shows purely because it is not their own lives they’re watching. To some, the experiences of others are enough to take them away from their own existence. But on the same hand, there are some who take away from the show exactly what it was designed to do, help us help ourselves. In a time when more Americans than ever are overeating, are
alcoholics, or drug abusers, shows that help teach us to eat better, exercise and stay clean are becoming a necessity. NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” is the most watched weight loss program on prime time television, and for good reason. The show’s main dynamic, beyond the original contest for the lucky few, is to teach the other millions of viewers at home everything that the contestants get to experience. Thus, helping more than the show could have originally expected to help. This new format of reality shows helped spur similar ideas eventually leading to shows like “Intervention,” which focuses on the life, the addiction and the inevitable intervention of one usually desperate and deserving person. It is very important for Americans who need help to know that it is very accessible. The reality television that many of us see as a waste of time might just be a valuable tool for our society, it’s free help if someone wants it. Now, I know watching Gary Busey make a fool out of himself on “Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab” isn’t necessarily what you would call inspirational programming. However, the advice and ethics that Dr. Drew provides are more than enough to help people help
March 11, 2010 | 11
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to be fit or not to be: Shar Jackson, Bobby Brown and other D-list celebrities star in a reality show aimed to improve their physiques. themselves or others they care about. The only downfall of putting personal interventions on television for all to see is the fact that this show’s primary audience will already be in too far in denial to watch. With addiction comes denial, and that’s more than enough for
any substance abuser to have the attitude that everyone they see on the show is much worse off then them. What the producers of intervention shows really look for are concerned loved ones to gain insight from these powerful reality series.
Food, alcohol and drugs are Americans’ worst three habits and the celebrities we love to see at their worst are now being treated on television for all to see. It’s the viewer’s choice if they want to turn on the television for a laugh at Rodney King or seek inspiration from it.
Wikipedia giving you the power to reinvent history
jared saavedra Staff Writer Mark Twain once said that the correct way to cross a lake is on a bicycle. Hopefully Washington Irving thought about that before he invented the peanut and crossed the Delaware. Last-minute research is usually not to be found at Wikipedia. In the words of a certain college student, it’s “too good to be true.” Yes, it was only a matter of time before teachers halted typically user-edited Wikipedia citations, including many of those at Riverside City College. A works cited page doesn’t have much authority when the “author” is not listed. Becoming more and more of an object of academic ridicule, the “Free Encyclopedia” has been related by the former editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica to a “public restroom.” Weird Al and the sitcom The Office have also joined in on the fun. But, despite its ridicule in many media outlets, it’s still being referenced. Major news syndicates used
the site with full confidence—and paid the price. Shane Fitzgerald of University College Dublin posted on Wikipedia a quote from a French musician shortly after his death. His quote appeared surprisingly on major American, British, and even Indian press. “When I die there will be a final waltz playing in my head that only I can hear,” the great Maurice Jarre allegedly said to someone, somewhere, before his death. But the quote was a fake. It was a test from a clever sociology student. “I am 100 percent convinced that if I hadn’t come forward, that quote would have gone down in history,” Fitzgerald later said to interviewers. Now, wouldn’t that be fortunate for conspiracy theorists? It is a generally accepted fact that almost every student has researched something on Wikipedia. It is a reference for even the most trivial of subjects, and its library is still growing. Even an article about RCC can even be found. (Many may not know that a professional “atrist” graduated from RCC. It sounds like a fun job, whatever it is.) So, when should the public use it? Is there any reason for its existence? Well, first of all, why is it that people are using Wikipedia? It could be the easy access, the forbidden stigma, or simply, the amount of trivia that, unfortunately,
is too “apocryphal” to be true. As Wikipedia’s Wikipedia page reads, the term “wiki” comes from a Hawaiian word for “quick.” The word often refers to a corroborated piece of software, and is thus linked to the word “encyclopedia.” F i t z g e r a l d ’s a n e c d o t e only reaffirms the lesson that unfortunately cannot come in a can: research. Who can trust the article on Poly High School? And more trivial, who knows if Riverside is home to the world’s biggest paper cup? The obscurity and uncertainty of the information is laughable. Legendary controversies of the user “Essjay” and the supposed death of Patrick Swayze make Wikipedia loyalists’ ears ring to this day. Moreover, anyone who has followed Wikipedia since its inception almost ten years ago would recall other issues. These have to do with the articles on Sarah Palin, global warming, and Diebold, to name a few. Maybe one should also take into account the fake “deaths” of an additional number of personalities. And elusive remains the Klingon language encyclopedia. Of course, the safest way to use Wikipedia is to find the links at the bottom, a suggestion made by one of the newspapers fooled. That is one of the reference site’s merits. But are there links “at the bottom” of everything we hear?
In literature? In classrooms? That’s a question for the researcher though a small merit for Wikipedia. Wikimedia seems to be in our society without the site, and it might be in our everyday conversation. And just as a false quote is unacceptable with journalism, Wikipedia as a main source is incompatible with proper research, albeit it is the greatest accumulation of “knowledge” in 272 languages. That deserves some recognition. Nonetheless, few instructors at RCC (yes there are some) encourage students to research on Wikipedia. And yet as the Riverside weather, Wikipedia can change overnight. Twenty percent chance of rain for the former—likely percent chance of change for the latter. A simple look at the “last modified” time at the bottom of an article proves this point. One should sooner cite a chalkboard in the Physical Science building. I t ’s s o m e w h a t a k i n t o an interview—except that the interviewee won’t tell give you a real name. And don’t forget that there might be a “change of heart” the next day. Head for the bomb shelters? No, not yet. Journalism still has a heartbeat. As for sources, it is often forgotten that there are real pages to cite in
real books in a real library, even though it’s digital. But before donning the “Question Authority” t-shirts, one should consider that anything written is bound by the same law as any writer, as well as Wikipedia, bibliography page, works cited page or not: time. This is Wikipedia’s main weakness. Pages change, and users correct—and re-correct. Wikipedia is a battleground of teenagers and administrators. It seems ridiculous that journalism should take information that could have come from an eight-year-old. Perhaps Wikipedia isn’t a big a deal as typical human lying. People supposedly tell four lies on a daily basis. For a shocking turn, what if Wikipedia is actually more truthful than any other site? If people are lying this often, how certain are original sources? Regardless of the prestige of a degree, is a given “Doctor” telling the truth? Maybe it is fitting that Wikipedia is updated on a daily basis, at least to defer the possible lies. But there is still the constant of time; and time will tell. Factuality transcends titles, ages, and those mysterious Wikipedia editors that live among us. What will they do when confronted with that big “Works Cited Page” at the End of the Age?
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Serving students since 1922
12 | March 11, 2010
Opinions
Sexual assault: the silent epidemic Sonja eide aSST. oPINIONS EDITOR Sexual assault is a plague on college campuses across the nation, one that more greatly impacts the female population. One in every four college women has been sexually assaulted. Despite what records may say, this number has not decreased and will not if nothing is done to stop it. With so much attention on the subject of rape and sexual harassment, one would come to believe that educational institutions are taking great leaps to protect the rights of their students. The sad truth is that they are not. Colleges are required by law to create a sexual harassment policy, investigate sexual assault claims and report them and all other crime statistics on campus annually, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Clery Act. However, many institutions do as little as possible to uphold the law, leaving victims who report
sexual assault incidents feeling as though justice has not been served. Sexual assault is widely regarded as the most under reported crime in the country, and this is often because victims are given little encouragement to pursue a legal means of seeking justice from institutions who would rather ignore the crime and ostracize the accuser than actually deal with the problem. Very few alleged rapists and offenders who attend school with their victims get expelled or even face consequences for the crime they committed, and many are repeat offenders. It is common for a victim to drop out of school because of the incident, while the alleged attacker will go on to graduate. We are basically raising a generation of rapists with college degrees. This kind of “sweeping it under the rug” thinking is harmful to our society’s future. How can we live in a world where people who have been violated in the most personal of ways are ignored, blamed for the event, and must watch as their attackers get little more than a slap on the wrist? Rape and sexual assault are seen as an unstoppable social phenomenon, and this is solely because so little is done to prevent
it and to punish the offenders, especially on college campuses. Not only does it belittle the plight of sexual harassment victims when their attempts to get help are ignored and discredited, it shows other victims that their stories will not be heard if they choose to come forward. It is not and never will be enough for the higher powers to merely tell someone accused of a crime that what he or she did was “wrong,” especially in sexual assault cases. These incidents must be dealt with by the full force of the law, thus showing potential offenders that they will be held liable for their actions. Long gone should be the days when we blamed the victims; now it is time to deal with this crisis that is more than preventable, instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. The 2009 Clery Report for RCC states that only one case of forcible sexual assault has been reported in the last three years. We cannot put all our faith in these reports, however, as many victims do not report the crime out of fear, or simply out of ignorance of their rights. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself about your rights as a student at RCC or any other educational institution you attend. So what does the campus
do to prevent sexual assault? Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes are offered to teach women self-defense if they ever encounter an attacker. The RCC Safety Handbook is also available online and provides suggestions on how to protect yourself from potentially dangerous situations. Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. What you wear, whether or not you were using alcohol or drugs, and where you were at the time are not invitations for anyone to violate you, and if someone has, you have the right to pursue legal action against your attacker no matter what anyone else says. Sexual assault is a serious, violent crime that is committed because the attacker wants to control and humiliate the victim. It is not a “compliment” and has little to do with sexual arousal. It is a not crime of passion, but a desire to dominate. Remember that your body is your own property and you do not have to stay silent if you have been sexually assaulted in any way, be it physically, verbally, or through some other form. Remember also that if you choose to speak out about your experience and seek justice for the crime committed against you, you are working towards a future in which women will not have to
live with the fear that one of their peers could sexually assault them and get away with it. It is essential for more men to be dedicated to speaking out against sexual assault as it is an issue that affects them as well. Only through a collective effort by both genders can we truly put an end to this appalling crime. The responsibilty belongs to you in order to make your voice be heard on this subject. More than likely you have a friend, a co-worker, a family member, maybe even you yourself, that has been sexually assaulted. Therefore that makes it an intimate, personal problem, not an unreachable one. The more times this topic is discussed in a public environment and the more educated both men and women become about it means that we have a greater chance of preventing it and creating a better society for future generations in addition to ending the pain and humiliation felt by so many victims across our country. If you have sexually assaulted and need assistance, do not hesitate to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center at 951-686-7273 or the RCC Police Department at 951-222-8171. You can call the RCCD Police Department at 951-222-8171 for more information.
Where’s the ‘care’ in health care? CHAD ARIAS aSST. oPINIONS eDITOR Once again, another poor soul has been thrown under the bus by the health care giant, Anthem Blue Cross. Ephram Nehme is a resident of Malibu, California needed a life saving liver transplant. Blue Cross approved of his procedure so long as it was done at UCLA medical center. What they did not take into account is that California has the biggest population among the United States. This means waitlists for transplants can leave a person waiting for years and years. Since 2006, Nehme’s liver disease has been rapidly progressing. Hepatologist Dr. Sammy Saab suggested that Nehme should go to the University of Indiana where the waitlists are much shorter. Saab believed that Nehme’s condition was worsening and if a transplant was not performed shortly it could be fatal. The only problem with going to Indiana is that it is out of Blue Crosses “network.” Their network has geographical boundaries, which in the event that they are exceeded Blue Cross will not cover any of the costs for the procedure. Nehme had to a pay the whopping amount of $205,000 from his own personal funds. Outraged by the health
insurance company, Nehme filed a civil lawsuit that is under way at the Los Angeles Superior Court. Nehme claims that his condition was life threatening and the University of Indiana was his only option. Blue Cross counters by saying “it was determined that Mr. Nehme’s condition did not present medical urgency to require an emergency [out-of-network] transplant.” In order to take down a major corporation like Blue Cross, Nehme will have to prove that basically it was a life or death situation. With a successful verdict for Nehme he will be able to help other victims get faster and cheaper transplants. Nehme considers himself lucky to have had the funds to make the operation possible. However, not every American has $200,000 that they can fully pay out of pocket. Health insurance companies in general make their revenues off giving the consumer a “peace of mind” feeling. In the event of an illness, the insured person is protected from having to pay high priced medical bills. In this case, Blue Cross failed to fulfill their duties to Nehme. As public knowledge of this event spreads, so will the call for health care reform. The health care system in
Image courtesy of: The White House
jOINT SESSION: President Obama brings both Republicans and Democrats together for the Bipatisian Health Care Meeting. America is a major political issue that is being fought over by Congress. There seems to be no solution to the ever growing problem. Blue Cross is not a charity organization nor are their intentions anywhere near to helping the public. Blue Cross is a money hungry insurance company that ultimately will do anything in their power to avoid paying its customers medical bills. Americans are now opening their eyes to the reality that maybe health care should be run by the government. This at least would make health care a public service rather than a
multi-billion dollar industry. Blue Cross increases its revenues the more people it stomps on. This leaves the victim with no choice but to either die on a waiting list or go into so much the debt that they might as well be dead. What happened to Mr. Nehme is a tragedy, but what can we as Americans do to stop it? The government has to step in and intervene somehow. Injustices like Nehme’s are happening across America every day, and who knows? You could be next. Blue Cross needs to man up and show their loyal customers
(who pay outrageous premiums every month) a little compassion and respect. Lets face it though, we don’t live in Never Never Land. America is the most greed-driven nation in the world. We are an individualist society in which it doesn’t matter how people you crush on your conquest to the top. Civilians need a savior to drive out these demonic corporations that are obsessed with destroying lives and adding to their bank accounts. Mr. President, you and you alone have the power to save this country, so hit us with your best shot.
Viewpoints
March 11, 2010 | 13
Serving students since 1922
‘Cop Out’ is a no laughing zone erene abdelmeseeh Staff Writer Jimmy and Paul are partners in the New York Police Department. They have nothing in common. They displease their superiors. They get suspended. They’re out for redemption. Sound familiar? Maybe this could be because it’s far too familiar. Director Kevin Smith is out to prove he could take on a high budget commercial film after years of writing and directing smaller independent comedies. Fans of the well known film maker are likely to go see this film, not to mention audiences may be interested in seeing Bruce Willis in a rare comedic role. There’s much potential in the idea of this film but it sadly misses the mark. One of the numerous problems in the film was the uneven screenplay. I found myself wondering if it was a serious action comedy, an attempt of complete satire, or if it was just paying homage to the entertaining “copedy” films of the ‘90s. The script shifts gears in its tone several times resulting in a very tough sit. I also have to mention that I’ve never sat through such a quiet theater, especially during a Smith film.
warner bros. pictures
At Least someone’s laughing: Bruce Willis and director Kevin Smith share some
laughs on the set of their buddy cop action comedy “Cop Out.” After reading the script, the is fairly held up with some decent apparent that he is forced to go man should have realized there performances. We all know Willis over the top with his performance was no way he could save this can play a police officer in his to try to enhance the recycled tired material. sleep. The acting problems lie material. The film involves Willis’ in Morgan’s performance, who Of course, a film of this genre character along with Tracy I think can be very funny in a heavily relies on the chemistry Morgan’s character out to catch more appropriate role. I found his between the two leading roles. a notorious gang leader, but along character exceedingly obnoxious. Unfortunately, Willis and Morgan the way their personal issues Hearing him yell every single one lack the harmony that should be become obstacles in their quest. of his unfunny lines wore thin. the foundation of the movie. In fairness to the cast, the plot During the entire picture, it’s It’s absolutely baffling that this
movie actually wants us to believe these two characters have been partners for nine years. The small supporting roles in the film, such as Adam Brody’s character as a rival officer in the same department, immediately upstage the mediocre performances by Willis and Morgan. D u r i n g t h i s 11 0 m i n u t e spectacle, I must admit there was a scene which I enjoyed: the end credits. On paper this may have looked like fun, but it just falls completely flat. Ultimately, I think audiences will be disappointed in Smith’s inability to bring something fresh to this popular genre. Smith should stick to writing his own films, rather than translate another writer’s material. He is a film maker who has proven he could make us laugh with his previous achievements. The biggest let down for fans is knowing that Smith is capable of “Clerks” yet chooses to settle with “Cop Out.” Even if you’re looking to satisfy a guilty pleasure of cheap laughs, odds are that you will want not only your ten bucks back but also the two precious hours of your time. Go reorganize your sock drawer instead. Want to see Willis in a groundbreaking creative comedy? Dust off the ’94 classic “Pulp Fiction.”
Vi ew p o i n t s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C a l e n d a r Mar. 12
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MOVIES EVENTS EVENTS “Green Zone” The Ladies of Motown at Gladys Knight at “She’s Out of Long Beach Fox Performing Arts Center My League” Convention Center “Frankie and Nina’s “Remember Me” Downtown Street Jam at Italian Wedding “Our Family Wedding” Downtown Riverside Dinner Show” at EVENTS “RENT” at The Lewis San Manuel Indian Bingo The Amazing Jonanthan Family Playhouse and Casino at California Performing “The Fantasticks” at IE Park Sharks Skate Arts Theatre MOVIES University of Redlands MOVIES Jam at Rancho Cucamonga “Fame” “Fame” Spruce Skatepark “Surrogates” “Surrogates” “Pandorum” “Pandorum” “All Shook Up” at “All Shook Up” at EVENTS EVENTS MOVIES Landis PAC Landis PAC Noches con Ritmo at Bad Religion at House of “The Bounty Hunter” Alejandra Guzman at Alejandra Guzman at Center Stage Theater Blues Anaheim “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Pechanga Pechanga Carlos Mencia at San The Young Dubliners at McDonald at Men” Norm Norm McDonald“Repo at Manuel Indian Bingo House of Irvine Blues Improv EVENTS Irvine Improv and Casino Sunset Strip “Agatha Christie’s World Series of Poker “An Irish Hooley” at The Mousetrap” at Tournament at Harrah’s Irvine Barclay Theatre Riverside Community Rincon through March 30 Puppetolio at Santa Players Monica Puppetry Center
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EVENTS Afternoon Tea at Gordon Ramsay at The London Michael Jackson: HIStyle at the Grammy Museum Girl Scouts Day at Pretend City Children’s Museum Murder Mystery Dinner Show at Capistranos’s Restaurant
DVD “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” “The Princess and the Frog” EVENTS “Dreamgirls” at Ahmanson Theatre “Cats” at Pantages Theatre
EVENTS “Praise: A Mendelssohn Masterpiece” at California Performing Arts Theatre Inland Pacific Ballet’s “The Little Mermaid” at Bridge’s Auditorium Ed Asner as FDR at La Mirada Theatre
EVENTS “The Drowsy Chaperone” at California Performing Arts Theatre The International Surrealist Film Festival at Downtown Independent Jamie Kennedy at Irvine Improv
Mar. 20
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Mar. 21
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14 | March 11, 2010
March 11, 2010 | 15
Serving students since 1922
Christina Espinoza inscape editor
Audiences cheered as Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin graciously drifted down from the Kodak Theater sky March 7 to host the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, but it was Neil Patrick Harris who set the stage for the hosting duo with an impressive opening Broadway-style musical number which convinced viewers that two hosts are indeed better than one. Demonstrating this, Martin and Baldwin were on a roll from the start, taking jabs left and right at one another with undoubted wit and class. The hosts then directed their punches to all the Oscar nominees of the night and one at a time, took turns roasting and recognizing each one. As the first Academy award of the night went to Christoph Waltz for best supporting actor in “Inglorious Bastards,” audiences seemed to agree with the Academy’s pick. Being Waltz’s first nomination and win, he humbly thanked the Academy; unfortunately the night proved to be inglorious with the other seven nominations for the Tarantino film. One might describe their experience surrounding this year’s Academy Awards as simple. Unlike past ceremonies, there were no over-the-top sketches or extravagant set-ups. Oscar winners paying tribute to the real history and morals found behind those films based on actual events, appeared to be the theme. Making history this year was “The Hurt Locker,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow, which walked away with an astonishing six out of nine Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director. These awards made Bigelow the first woman to win an Academy award for best director and the film to become one of the lowest grossing winners of all time. “The Hurt Locker” is a film which gives an authentic account of life in an elite US army bomb disposal unit. It depicts the true suffering each soldier must endure in the grips of war. Bigelow dedicated her Oscar to all the men and woman around the world who wear a uniform, not just military, but all those who serve and dedicate their lives to the aid of others. Best supporting actress went to actor/comedian, Mo’Nique, for her moving performance in “Precious,” a film based on a novel of a failed mother who unremorsefully abuses her daughter Precious in violent and sometimes horrific ways. Mo’Nique is best known for her comedic roles and performances; now with an Oscar in her hand she stands among the brightest stars. She gave a truly heart filled thank you to the Academy and later addressed the world, asking it to start loving again. During the middle of the star studded night, a special tribute was paid to all the actors, directors, writers, crew members and other film personalities who passed on over the past year. This year’s “In Memoriam” video was played showing some familiar and some unfamiliar faces while James Taylor gave a touching performance of his hit ballad, “In My Live.” Those who love Sandra Bullock only loved her more after her role in the film “The Blind Side,” based on the true story of Michael Oher. Bullock’s supporting role can be described opposite Mo’Nique’s character in “Precious,” wherein Bullock plays a loving and nurturing mother who wholeheartedly adopts an underprivileged boy only to help guide him through life to realize his talent. In her acceptance speech, Bullock gave gratitude to her own mother and all the mothers of the world for inspiration, motivation and support to their children no matter where they came from; Bullock explained that this is what the film was about. She finished her acceptance speech by reaching out to audiences with a message that everyone is deserving of love. “. . . there’s no race, no religion, no class system, no color, nothing, no sexual orientation that makes us better than anyone else. We are all deserving of love,” she said. Sadly, “Avatar,” directed by James Cameron was predicted by many to take home the most Oscars of the night but the film, nominated for nine Academy Awards, took home only three statues, including art direction, cinematography and visual effects. Though the three awards are thought to be well deserved by the many fans of the film, it was unexpected and disappointing that the film did not win best picture; especially when broken box office records proved the films strength. In all, the 82nd annual Academy Awards was a class act from beginning to end. Like every year before, the Oscars stands to recognize and represent the hard work of actors, directors, producers, crew members, writers, music directors and other members involved in the tedious process of creating an art which captivates millions of people in a very real way across the world. For a list of all the 82nd Academy Award winners, visit www.viewpointsonline.org.
“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for turning me on to such a groovy profession.” Best Actor Jeff Bridges
“I’d just like to dedicate
“I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics.” Best Supporting Actress Mo’Nique
this to the women and men in the military who risk their lives on a
“Did I earn this or
daily basis in Iraq and
did I just wear you
Afghanistan and around
guys down?”
the world. And may they come home safe.”
Best Director Kathryn
Best Actress Sandra Bullock
Images courtesy of: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
16 | March 11, 2010
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
Inscape
‘God of War 3’ is bloody good JUan AGUILAR asst. Inscape Editor
WARNING: “God of War 3” may cause your television screen to bleed. As the game uses an awesome blend of mythological creatures and the bloodiest real-time game play Sony Computer Entertainment has developed yet, you would think your television is gushing copious amounts of blood. “God of War 3,” which will be released on March 16 for the Playstation 3, is set in the era of Greek Mythology. The Sony game is the fourth installment of the franchise and the first to debut on the Playstation 3 platform, making it the best of its three predecessors. The game will pick up where “God of War 2” ended, beginning at Mt. Olympus. Kratos, accompanied by the remaining Titans, will embark on their journey to destroy Olympus itself and the mighty gods who betrayed them. Along with the return of “undead soldiers,” the gruesome creatures featured in the previous games will make you coil back in fear as Sony’s Santa Monica Studios will introduce more to each creature. The chimera, a new animalistic beast to be fought during game play, is made up of three animals: a lion, a goat, and a snake. Although the chimera genetic combination does not make much sense, the beast is ferocious nonetheless. The creatures seen in the game were taken from Greek Mythology, but they are portrayed much more graphically and show absolutely no mercy to anything standing in their way. For these vicious monsters, the weapon that has been and always will be the most effective and destructive, is Athena’s blades. “God of War 3” will feature these precious double-chained blades with much better graphics, i n t e n s i t y, a n d n e w a t t a c k combinations creating the perfect finishing touch to the wrath of Kratos. New subweapons will also be introduced, such as the cestus, which are mighty metal gauntlets that cause massive destruction, the blade of Olympus, and Apollo’s bow, a useful weapon that allows Kratos to lure Harpees for transportation across lengthy gaps. In addition to the new weapons, Kratos also gets to keep the golden fleece and Icarus’ wings earned from the previous game. The golden fleece deflects enemy attacks with greater force, and Icarus’ wings allow Kratos to soar over gaps and ascend through blowing vents, making him more mobile throughout the climb of Mt. Olympus. Combat style will also be enhanced for this new installment. Unlike the previous games, the in game engine will allow Kratos to battle an onslaught of undead soldiers, while also being able to grapple and use them as shields to
Games press
‘God of war 3’: Kratos uses Athena’s blades to cause severe damage to his opponents in an attempt to win the war. plow through other enemies, and then violently dispose of them. The game will use the same button command mode seen in the previous games, only this time the combinations included will be much more graphic and ridiculously violent. Still, “God of War” is not only about blood and gore as it also challenges players to solve intricate puzzles during some intense situations. Throughout the previous games, certain levels would incorporate complex puzzles and death traps that challenge the player’s wits and timing, creating the ultimate sense of victory if solved on time. So what new expectations will “God of War 3” bring that make it more epic than its predecessors? For starters, it is going to debut exclusively on a next generation platform, giving “God of War 3” fans the ultimate experience to the long awaited finale of Kratos and his revenge against the gods who betrayed him. Kratos will be able to roam areas larger than those found in “God of War 2”, especially the Titans which now stand taller than a skyscraper. The game was also developed with maximum 1080p resolution, making the game far more realistic for a third dimensional platform. Even the lighting technologies featured in the game prove to be a real human experience. It is said that a rapid change in light will cause the human eye to adjust much in the same ways that it would when exposed to sunlight. It is finally time for the gods to meet their match. The outcome can only be a massive victory that endless hours of gameplay will determine. “God of War 3” will be introduced with full high definiton, creating the most detailed and monumental visuals to date.
Viewpoints
17 March 11, 2010
Inscape
Serving students since 1922
Grammy winner comes to RCC Stephanie Holland editor in chief Grammy award winning singer Jon Secada brought his expertise to Riverside City College on March 10 when he conducted a master class in vocals for some of RCC’s vocal performers. Secada worked with Chancellor Gray at Miami-Dade College and offered his services when Gray came to RCC. Secada regularly conducts seminars and workshops to help the next generation of singers. “I love singing in ensembles,” he said. “It takes me back to everything that’s important to me.” The class began with the vocal jazz ensemble performing Stevie Wonder’s classic “Higher Ground.” It was a jazzy, old school version of the song with a solo by Steven Amie. There was early nervousness apparent in the performance but, as the song went on the ensemble loosened up. Secada advised the group to create more performance energy and exaggerate more. Once they incorporated Secada’s notes there was an immediate improvement in the piece. Following a few more run throughs, Secada joined the ensemble to offer Amie some pointers on his solo. The singer expressed the importance of supporting arts program during the current financial crisis. “The more you can remind people, starting with the kids, the importance of the arts so that everybody knows and understands that it matters and makes difference, hopefully it stays on the minds of
rYAN lYNCH / ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
GRAMMY WORTHY WORKSHOP: Two time grammy award winning singer/songwriter Jon Secada shares his memories with students during a workshop at Riverside City College on March 10
legislators,” Secada said. The vocal jazz ensemble was followed by the chamber singers who performed two classical pieces. Their stunning vocals moved Secada, who became emotional after they were done singing.
“What a gift, you all sound amazing,” he said. “One of the best choirs I’ve heard in a while.” The students were understandably overjoyed by this news. Secada told the singers that the work they’re doing now will follow them as musicians and
singers wherever they go. As a judge on “Latin American Idol” Secada said that his advice to young singers is to make sure they are in music for the passion. His work with the next generation of performers reminds him why he is in the business.
“It takes me back to the reason I’m here to begin with,” he said. “I started the same way that most of these kids did and their experiences are my experiences.” Based on their excitement at performing for Secada, the vocal ensembles are using their talent to
RCC theater program doesn’t take the easy route
Krissy Concepcion Asst. inscape editor
Lines in a play are said to tell a story, to make you laugh, cringe, or cry. A few of the lines that will be heard in upcoming shows at the Riverside City College Landis Performing Arts Center are a good example of that. “This is the most shocking case I ever tried. Most people are going to be disgusted by the whole thing, including doctors! He blinded six horses with a metal spike.” The stage of the Landis Performing Arts Center has been host to a variety of high profile stage productions; and the collection of spring 2010 will be no exception. Opening in April, is the critically acclaimed Tony Award winning “Equus” by Peter Shaffer. It’s about a young boy sent to psychiatrist, Martin Dysart, to treat and find the roots of his religious yet erotic obsession with horses. Not only is this production highly anticipated as it has garnered a well-respected reputation in the theatre community as a philosophically interesting, thought-provoking production for its dramatic craftsmanship, original staging and powerful
visuals. The title might sound familar to audiences. The play was revived in 2007 starring Daniel Radcliffe of “Harry Potter” fame. The big news out of the production was Radcliffe bearing it all, clothing wise, during the show. It is not a show for the smallminded, in fact every advertisement on campus clearly states: “Rated R - Mature Audiences Only.” Another play in process, is Pulitzer Prize winning, “How I Learned to Drive” by Paula Vogel, Dramatists Play Service describes it as, “…a funny…devastating tale of survival…of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man.” The last production of this session is Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s “Edges: A Cabaret Song Cycle,” where four people learn to question their forced places in society and try to reach their own potential. In the New York setting, some lives are abridged in 16 measures: “I’m 30 and unwed, I read Cosmo all the time, I believe a woman has the right to choose. My bedroom’s painted red; I drink Diet Coke with lime And I’m saving up to take a
Khai Le / ONLINE Editor
A night out: Alyssa Marie portrays lead character Nellie Forbush in the play “South
Pacific” during a dress rehearsal in 2008. This semester the Landis Performing Arts Center plays host to “Equus”, “How I Learned to Drive” and “Edges: A Cabaret Song Cycle.” singles cruise.” “ T h e F u l l M o n t y ” w a s was selected to perform and be The collection of character- performed in Southern Utah and honored for his performance in driven music and well-crafted out of 300 shows, Riverside was “The Full Monty” at the Kennedy lyrics present the show in a chosen by the Kennedy Center to Center. It is a big honor considering completely different way, as it tells represent the best of the best in stories and provides laughs. college productions, (beating out that they only choose one actor “We choose material that is colleges such as UCLA, USD, from the entire United States. For more information on tickets diverse and challenging for young CSUF, BYU, and many more.) artists, with a broad variety as to Not only were the performances and showtimes: RCC Performing engage all types of students and rewarded, RCC won the big Arts Website http://academic.rcc. audience,” Julian said. Tech Award for “Loading in the edu/performingarts/index.jsp Landis Performing Arts Center The skill of the department was Show.” proven just this past February. RCC student Morgan Reynolds Box Office 951-222-8100
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18 | March 11, 2010
Inscape
A monstrous new superstar Kyle Durham editor’s assistant Some love her, some love to hate her. Some call her the next Madonna, some call her a flash in the pan. Either way, one thing is undeniable Lady GaGa is hard to forget and impossible to ignore. It is nearly impossible to walk into a club, party or bar without hearing the unrelenting bass and the captivating melody of Lady GaGa being blasted through speakers. She has taken the art scene by storm and all the hipsters with it. Unlike her ‘90s predecessors, she is far more than a mindless pop diva. She writes her own songs along with helping many of her peers with theirs. Listening to her songs leaves you with a feeling of shock and a chorus that you will be humming for at least a week. Love her or hate her, Lady GaGa is more than music, she is an experience. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta had a rough start as she performed downtown in the lower east side club scene with bands like Mackin Pulsifer and SGBand. She was still living with her parents when she began her metamorphosis into a superstar. Rob Fusari, her producer, helped her with her stage name. Stefani always sang Queen songs and her vocal style is often compared to Freddie Mercury’s. One day she was singing the song “Radio Ga Ga.” Fusari
then texted Stefani saying “Lady GaGa.” The rest was a transformation that took MTV and apparently every one else by storm. Lady GaGa, seemed to come out of nowhere with the release of her first album in 2008 titled simply “The Fame.” Her style varies from song to song shifting sharply from songs inspired by David Bowie to something sounding very much like Daft Punk. This debut album helped her take over the subversive electroindie scene followed quickly by the pop scene. Her songs “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” finally gave the underground hipsters something mainstream to like and the catchy chorus keeps audiences singing along. Just when MTV thought it couldn’t get any better, GaGa came out with her sophomore album titled “The Fame Monster” in 2009. Her new song “Bad Romance” did exactly what her other hits did, only a little better and with a little more sparkle. The hard hitting style that Lady GaGa is known for was only heightened on this album and showed people that she was more than a one hit wonder. The record was also different, which was just enough to make it known that she was anything but a one trick pony. As if the contagiousness of her music wasn’t enough, Lady GaGa takes every one’s breath away when she arrives.
The Lady Gaga Playlist “Just Dance” “Poker Face” “Lovegame” “Paparazzi” “Bad Romance” “Speechless” “Telephone” “Video Phone”
Interscope Records She never fails to make an impression whenever she walks into a room and her performances on stage and in concert are no different. She is wild in her style and her talent is unmatched. GaGa no doubt sets a high standard for fans and aspiring artists alike. In this, the fame of her outrageous outfits might be just as
popular as her music as everyone seems to be familiar with the star that is GaGa. Lady Gaga is one of the most talented stars in the pop scene right now both in regards to performance and her own composition, but will that be enough? Will her music be enough to help keep her in high standings in the pop scene?
These are the questions Lady GaGa fans are asking. There are scattered reports of Lady GaGa putting out a new album for 2010 so perhaps her patrons will find the answers there. One thing is certain, she is a one of a kind performer that is not a likely subject to change any time soon.
Viewpoints
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March 11, 2010 | 19
Viewpoints
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20 | March 11, 2010
ERIN ROHAC / ASST. FEATURES EDITOR
Tamale factory charitable event: The event raised money for downtown Riverside’s bakery Simple Simon’s to aid in fire damage repairs.
Simply for Simon’s
Erin Rohac Asst. features editor In the picturesque courtyard near the Mission Inn, there are dress shops, antique stores, used books, as well as many dining photos. Among the long list of eateries is a small sandwich/bakery known as Simple Simon’s. The owners Susie Thiel and Mark Rubin opened around fourteen years ago and it continues to be an extremely popular lunch spot for anyone in Riverside. However, if you went there today you would find the doors closed and no one inside. That is because on Feb. 12, an electrical fire broke out in the kitchen in the middle of the night, causing nearly $200,000 worth of damages. The cafe’s bakery, located off of Jurupa Ave. and Magnolia Ave., has also closed its doors due to the fire. Although this iconic café is having a run of bad luck right now, they are not completely out yet. Through the assistance of the city of Riverside, renovations to the downtown setting are in the works and they hope to be back up and running within a few months. A prominent representative of this generosity has been The Tamale Factory, particularly
the owner Josie Hornback. She planned and threw a benefit party in hopes of raising money to help get the cafe back on their feet. “Josie is such a generous individual and she really cares for the people in her life. When the fire broke out in Simple Simon’s, Josie was so sad to hear the news, she immediately offered to help,” said Yolanda Meyers, close friend to the Tamale Factory owner. On Feb. 25, the fundraiser began around 6:30 p.m. inside The Tamale Factory. The quaint restaurant served exquisite food such as rosemary chicken and steak skewers, mini quesadillas and flautas, creamy guacamole, along with an array of cheese and fruits, in an artsy yet homelike atmosphere. On top of food, red and white wines were being poured in every direction. The energy was overwhelming and palpable. Nearly every person working the event was a volunteer. This included the greeters, waiters and even the band The Secrets. With classic rock filling up the restaurant, you could see the 100 plus patrons really enjoying the event and the generosity of the night. Although the 25 employees
ERIN ROHAC / ASST. FEATURES EDITOR
devour the goods: Merriment with food were served and wine poured throughout the evening by volunteers and friends of The Tamale Factory. who work for Simple Simon’s have now lost their jobs, there are some who are willing to help these people in their dire needs. The surrounding restaurants are supporting Simple Simon’s and trying to assist in giving some of its employees temporary work,
including Hornback who has offered some of the employees jobs for social events and parties. Every person who attended is a current patron/customer to the downtown Simple Simon’s. Although the benefit was held under unfortunate circumstances,
it really showed how much people care about the bistro getting back on its feet. The night turned out to be such a successful event, raising a generous amount of money, and really showing a community that comes together in a time of need.
Viewpoints
March 11, 2010 | 21
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Features
Club rush looks to be a please
Samantha Flores Editor’s Assistant Miho Kaneko Staff Writer
When Club Rush hit the A.G. Paul Quadrangle, there were many clubs for Riverside City College students to choose from. One of those clubs was the Gay Straight Alliance. “It’s time to start an uproar,” said Darby Osnaya, president of the Gay Straight Alliance. With gay rights being a big issue in society today, it’s no wonder why Osnaya speaks out and demands equality and acceptance. The Gay Straight Alliance’s mission statement is to provide a safe and supportive social setting for heterosexual, transgendered, gay, bisexual, lesbian or any interested student who both recognizes and supports sexual diversity. “I want to let people know on behalf of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club, anyone is welcome to join, and the benefits are rewarding,” Osnaya said. The club offers membership that is comprised of students who are genuinely committed to eliminating the myths, phobias, stereotypes and biases behind much of the discrimination, harassment, and violence suffered
Hiyaah!: The A.G. Paul Quadrangle played host to a variety of clubs from all over campus during Club Rush, March 2-4, including the Karate club. by these students within diverse social groups. The Gay-Straight Alliance involve themselves in activities like, juice Tuesdays and Thursday night movie night’s to help raise funds for the club to go to inspirational gay pride events. The club also hosts events that can be found on their Web site Myspace.com/rcctgsa They have weekly meetings on
Tuesdays 12:50-1:50 p.m. in the Quad Room 101 to tackle topics just like Proposition 8. If you would like to join, contact club president Darby Osnaya at vpdarby@gmail.com or adviser Doug Bowen at Doug. Bowen@rcc.edu. For students interested in other countries and cultures the International Club is the group for them.
The International Club is held for not only international students but also American students. “The purpose of our club is to make an opportunity for international students and American students to exchange their cultures and be friends,” said Akiyo Inoue, the president of the International Club. Last semester, the International Club hosted international
education week, which is an event to introduce other countries’ cultures to American students. They showcased many different countries’ items, foods and games, such as a video of Egypt, playing some traditional Japanese games and displaying Chinese calligraphy. One of the clubs regular activities is coffee night where members go to one of the coffee shops in Riverside and get to know each other, chat and have fun. Another interesting activity is movie night where they watch movies on campus and serve some treats and drinks and other students who do not belong in the club could also watch and enjoy with them. During the spring semester, six students from the club and the adviser will go to Virginia to attend the state conference. “Every member of our club is willing to help other club members at the events,” Inoue said. “They are like a family.” Some of the students had been joining this club for their transcripts, but most of them wanted to make friends from different nationalities. “You don’t need to go to that country,” Cecilia Halim, a resident student of the International Club said. “Without going to that country, you can still make friends from that country.”
Viewpoints
22 | March 11, 2010
Serving students since 1922
brandon rivera / Staff Photographer
Hardest part is accepting: Saddleback’s Robert Curtis consoles a Riverside City
College basketball player after their 73-69 loss in overtime to Saddleback in the Southern Regional final. The lost came after the RCC Tigers gave up 27 free throws to Saddleback in the second half on March 6 at Wheelock gym.
brandon rivera / staff Photographer
Fighting through adversity: Riverside City College’s Davie Champagine (center) goes up for a strong basket against Saddleback College’s Wendell Fainess (right) in a 73-69 Southern Regional final loss.
Riverside knocked out by arch rival
Javier cabrera Sports editor
With a spot in the state tournament on the line, the Riverside City College men’s basketball team hit a dry spell in the last five minutes of regulation, and lost to Saddleback College in overtime 73-69. The game was full of energy and emotion as both teams played aggressive, dove for loose balls and played hard for the full 40 minutes of regulation and the five extra minutes of overtime. Supporters for both teams were on the edge of their seats for the whole game as few jabbed unfriendly remarks to the opposing team. “It is just emotion. It’s a big game, a big rival, so there is going to be emotions, no hard feelings at all,” said Saddleback’s coach Andy Ground. In the first half, RCC made 12 field goals on 27 attempts and made 11 free throws on 15 attempts and took a 36-29 lead at halftime. RCC held the Saddleback Gauchos to 11 field goals on 28 attempts and six free throws on seven attempts, and kept a command throughout the first half. “They were killing us on the boards, and they owned the paint,” Ground said. “It was man against kids, and they were the man in the
first half.” Riverside seemed like it was on its way to the state tournament for a second straight season as the Tigers dominated the first half, and matching Saddleback’s high intensity play-by-play. Unfortunately, as in all basketball games, no lead is a safe lead and a winner cannot be determined until the final buzzer. Throughout the second half, Riverside lost focus as it went cold from the field, scoring nine out of 30 field goals and allowed Saddleback College to regain the lead from the free-throw line. “We changed the philosophy of what we were trying to do and we were going to jam (the ball) inside either on the pass or dribble for the entire second half,” Ground said about Saddleback’s second half turnaround. Saddleback managed to create problems for Riverside by taking it out of the game from the free-throw line as the Gauchos attempted 27 free throws and made 17 of them in the half. “It is kind of hard to win in a game in the second half when you only get six free throw attempts to their 27,” said Riverside’s coach John Smith. During the regular season, Kevin Bradshaw had 29 points and 17 rebounds in two games against Saddleback. Smith said Saddleback’s only plan in the second half was to take
Bradshaw out of the game. “Bradshaw was in no trouble in the first half at all, so we were trying to attack him and try to get him a couple of ‘chippies’ because he is good player,” Ground said. Donovan Buford had 20 points to lead the Tigers in scoring, but it would not be enough as the Tigers scored 22 points in the second half to be tied at 58 after 40 minutes of play. Momentum did not find its way back to Riverside as the fouls and struggles on offense continued for the Tigers throughout the overtime period. The final nail was hammered on the coffin when Saddleback’s T.J Lipold connected with a dagger three-pointer. “T.J sat for most of the second half and he came in and hit a big three, so that was the difference of the game right there,” Ground said. Tyler McManaman led all Gauchos with 24 points in the overtime victory and the second Saddleback victory on Riverside’s floor this season. “A lot of luck,” Ground said about winning two games on Riverside’s floor. “They are a good team and well coached and sometimes it’s the bounce of the ball and sometimes you got to get a little lucky to get the win.” Despite the disappointing second half performance by the RCC Tigers, the reaction in the
locker room after the game was like a family losing a family member seconds ago, because the team will not be able to defend its state title in the final tournament. “I am proud of our guys,”
Smith said. “I am proud of how hard they fought and how they handled adversity, but there is no way anybody can win a game shooting six free throws in the second half in your own gym.”
brandon rivera / Staff Photographer
Discipline is the key to success: RCC’s coach John Smith discusses game strategy with James Calhoun. During the period Riverside was losing momentum.
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March 11, 2010 | 23
Pursuing to get back on track Sports
Josh messmer Staff Writer
The RCC women’s tennis team is off to a rocky start in the season. Starting the season against non-conference opponents and going 4-0 against them, but unfortunately the team has lost the last four matches against conference opponents. The team is well balanced with returning players, as well as a fresh supply of new players. Returning players from last season include: last year’s allconference doubles player Nadia Khamis. Returning with Khamis are Jeannette Rodriguez, Rebecca Roeser, Courtney Seymore. The most noticeable difference between this years and last year’s team, is the loss of Caroline Houston. Houston was a two time allconference player, and made it to the state tournament last year in singles and doubles, but lost both in the quarter finals. Houston received a scholarship to attend Sonoma State this summer where she will continue her tennis career. When ever good players leave, young players need to step in to make up for the loss, and this year is no different. With the addition of standout freshman Brittney Gourlay, who hasn’t lost a game in single play this season and is just as exciting in doubles. Another freshman is Dayana
Serving students since 1922
Salgado, who didn’t lose a set in single play in three straight matches at the beginning of the season. She is in a bit of a slump, but the talent is there for her to overcome the recent adversity and is definitely someone to keep your eye on in the future. Another freshmen is Sarah Racatain, who has only lost one match in doubles play this year and has been partnered with Gourlay for much of the season. Also, new comer Ashleigh Smith who in the teams match against Irvine Valley, won both her single and doubles matches. Sadly, it was for a losing effort but it is something to build on for up coming matches. In the team’s last match against top seated Saddleback, RCC was shut out 9-0, with top seated Saddleback establishing itself as the team to beat in the Orange Empire conference. The win gave Saddleback College a overall 10-0 record with a 4-0 record in conference. The loss dropped Riverside to a overall record to 4-4 with a 0-4 record in conference. These two teams will meet again on April 1, where RCC can look to upset the top dogs and avenge the two losses to Saddleback this season. Their next Orange Empire Conference match after the last loss to Saddleback, is against Orange Coast on March 18 in Costa Mesa, RCC will look to get their first win in conference play this season.
jenna owen / staff Photographer
Striving to win: Rebecca Roeser trains to help the Riverside City College women’s tennis team get one step closer to getting back to winning matches. Orange Coast is having a rough season like Riverside, the team has gone 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play thus far, which gives RCC a shot to win a game in conference. These teams met earlier this season with Orange Coast winning 7-2. With the only point in singles coming from Gourlay. RCC next non-conference match is against Weslyn University on March 13. It’s a tough road ahead for the Tigers, but the tough losses can serve as motivation for the upcoming conference matches.
brandon rivera / Staff Photographer
Hard at work to improve: Dayana Salgado works hard during practice to get back on track to her winning ways. Salagdo and the women’s tennis team is looking to win their first conference play when they play Orange Coast on March 18.
Viewpoints
24 | March 11, 2010
Sports
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NBA playoffs are fast approching Sports Column Daniel Torres Asst. Sports Editor Between Kobe’s ridiculous game winning shots, LeBron’s come from behind blocks and Kevin Durant’s 29 game streak of at least 25 points per game, the first half of the 2009-2010 NBA season has yet to disappoint. Several surprises have caught fans eyes these past four months. For one, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder have risen out of ignominy to, at this moment, claim the sixth spot in the western conference posting a 36-24 record. A team so young that just one year ago they ended the season with an abysmal 23-59 record. Young, agile and quick, the Thunder are without a doubt causing a storm throughout the league. Two teams stand out this year, the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams have stepped off the level of mediocrity and onto the plateaus of championship contender in a league in which certain teams are supposed to have all the greatness. The Hawks are flying high this season.
Atlanta is just one game behind the Boston Celtics for the No. 3 spot in the East. New addition Jamal Crawford has been nothing but a plus for the team averaging 17.3 points per game, second behind leader Joe Johnson. The Mavericks began the season strong with new addition Shawn Marion who has been shooting a consistent 50 percent from the field albeit only scoring 11.6 points per game. Point production isn’t much of a factor when you have Dirk Nowitzki on your team anyway. The real turning point for the Mavericks came during the trade deadline when they acquired Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson from the Washington Wizards. Butler and Haywood are scoring 26 points per game combined and since the trade the Mavericks have posted an impressive record It comes as no surprise that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers sit on top of their respective conferences. They’ve shown night in and out that they have what it takes to emerge victorious. LeBron James has been having another remarkable season leading the league in scoring at 29.8 points per game. Because of his play, his team currently owns the best record in
the league; just three and a half games ahead of the Lakers. Not only that, James has shown that he can also be the leader of a team. He’s getting his teammates involved in the game, throwing alley oops to players like J.J. Hickson and Jamario Moon.These players might have gone unnoticed if it wasn’t for James. The Lakers are right behind the Cavaliers in the standings despite Kobe’s recent struggles. He’s been the complete antithesis of the way we view Kobe Bean Bryant. Bryant started off the season well in the absence of Pau Gasol, scoring 30 points per game, but has struggled as of late with his shooting. Lakers fans can give a sigh of relief though seeing that their team went 4-1 in games in which Bryant did not play. This means Bryant can sit out a few games. Maybe to rest that broken finger or the torn ligament on the other finger, or the bruised elbow or the groin strain or whatever other injury he has that fans don’t know about. It appears that the tables have turned this year in conference dominance. The Cavaliers appear to be the clear cut leaders in the East. Cleveland enjoys a strong five and a half game lead over the
Orlando Magic for first place in the East. That lead looks very unattainable for Orlando given the way that Cleveland has been playing as of recent. Meanwhile, in the West, the Lakers are barley holding on to the top spot by two and a half games over the Mavs and three and a half games over the Denver Nuggets. The big three in the East of last year, Cleveland, Boston and Orlando, are now Los Angeles, Dallas and Denver. The Lakers of last season, the favorites to take the conference from start to end, are now the Cavs in the East. Now it’s time to talk about the top rookies this season. Yes, the novices of the league, some who have shown great potential on the court, and well, the not so quite there yet. My top rookies this season are Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans and Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings. Evans has shown very consistent numbers throughout the season averaging 20.3 points per game. Evans, 20, has been developing very quickly on young team. The teams average age is only 24 years old. Evans and the Kings are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years along with
Oklahoma City. Jennings is the so-called project player. Jennings is one of the very few players in the NBA to skip college. Jennings decided to play professional ball in Europe right out of high school only to come back to the states to play in the NBA. So far, he’s been a success averaging 16 points per game with six assists per game. It’s his explosiveness that has critics raving. He has the ability to drop 55 points in a single game, which he did last November. This fact shows he’s not afraid to take control of a game. A must watch player for the next decade or so without a doubt. A rookie flop this season definitely has to be Memphis’ Hasheem Thabeet. Picked No. 2 overall in last year’s draft, the former Connecticut star has yet to show any latent talent. Once a robust center who was supposed to be franchise player for the Grizzlies, has now been shamefully demoted to Memphis’ developmental league team. It’s been a great first half to the season.The second half should carry more energy and excitement as teams battle for top spots and even last day playoff contention.
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March 11, 2010 | 25
Serving students since 1922
Jasmeet Singh / Editor’s Assistant
Warming up: Cheerleader hopefuls attend a training camp for the Riverside City College Cheer and Dance team on March 2 inside Huntley Gym.
Trying out to cheer on Riverside STephanie Holland Editor in chief Riverside City College students with an abundance of school spirit should consider joining RCC’s Cheer and Dance team. The team cheers at football and basketball games, as well as various other college functions and sporting events. The squad is currently holding a training camp where prospective members can get in shape for the upcoming tryouts. The candidate training camp is a class that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10 p.m. in the Huntley Gym. Tryouts will take place in the Huntley Gym on May 1, with cheer registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and tryouts beginning at 9 a.m. Dance registration starts at
Jasmeet Singh / Editor’s Assistant
lifted high: Cheer squad members preform a stunt March 2 inside Huntley Gym.
11:30 a.m. with tryouts beginning at 12 p.m. Participants should bring all the required paperwork along with the $20 fee. They should also be dressed in appropriate workout attire including a sports bra and shorts. While there are specific requirements for each specific cheer team, the coaches are looking for tumbling and stunt experience. Interested dancers should have training in jazz, ballet or hip hop and at least be able to perform some basic dance steps. The tryouts will consist of a series of performances and cuts until a final decision is made. For more information on the RCC Cheer and Dance team tryouts contact coach Rachelle Fawcett or visit the team’s Web site at rcccheeranddance.com.
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26 | March 11, 2010
Sports
Serving students since 1922
A team searching for an identity Ruben gallegos Staff Writer After a hectic seven-hour road trip up to Union Stadium, Riverside’s baseball team was set to face the formidable Sacramento City Panthers in a doubleheader. What was scheduled to be a three game series between two prominent programs became a one-day doubleheader due to poor weather conditions. Under interim head coach Eddie Cornejo, the Riverside Tigers split the two game series with Sacramento, losing the first game 6-1 and finishing the second game with a 6-3 victory in extra innings on Feb. 25. In the first game, Riverside hit the diamond and fell flat as Sacramento City’s Aaron Appino held the Tigers to only five hits through eight innings. Despite of Eric Young pitching five tough innings and allowing only five hits for RCC, Riverside was unable to pull it together offensively. RCC’s lackadaisical approach proved unsuccessful as Appino dominated the mound keeping Riverside’s top five batters in the lineup 0-for-18. Cornejo insists that there was no particular approach to this series other than to do what it was they always do, and that is to maintain an aggressive approach on the mound, and avoid drifting defensively. “ S o f a r i t ’s a s u b p a r performance for such talented players; they need to play to their abilities,” Cornejo said. “We have to take advantage of the opportunities the other team is giving us.” Riverside brought the competition in the second game, coming back from a two run deficit to tie the game in the eighth. The Tigers’ bats came alive in the tenth inning with shortstop David Kiriakos leading off the inning with a double. Mike Denucci was able to safely advance Kiriakos to third with a
bobby R. hester / Editor’s Assistant
In The Zone: Devin Johnson, freshman pitcher, hurls his best pitch March 6 to strike out a Golden West batter in the 11th inning. RCC won the contest 5-4 in extra innings. ground out, and first basemen Chad Erickson followed with an intentional walk. With one out, sophomore Wynton Bernard slapped a double down the left field line scoring Kiriakos, giving the Tigers the lead. Curtis Cassise strengthened the lead as he knocked in a single to right field, scoring Erickson and Bernard. “We stayed defensively strong,” Cornejo said. “I would describe our pitching staff’s chemistry as positive, but now what we really have to do is harness their competitiveness.” Cornejo is a former player for
Riverside’s Hall of Fame head coach Dennis Rogers, who had recently stepped down for personal reasons. Cornejo has been with the program for ten years, maintaining the same philosophy as Rogers; in the capacity of creating a consistent approach, which has to be maintained on a daily basis. “I’m not really worried about how big Dennis’s shoes are, because they are really big, but that I am continuing those shoes in the right direction,” Cornejo said. “The really good players are the players that find a way to push themselves; who don’t need motivation because they are
bobby R. hester / Editor’s Assistant
Strike Three: In the March 6 game between RCC and the Golden West Hustlers freshman pitcher Travis Tomsen battled to keep the tigers in the game.
already inspired,” Cornejo said about their reputation for its player development. So should RCC be looking forward to a championship season? “We won’t talk about the championships until the day of
the championship, all we are really worried about is tomorrow,” Cornejo said. Either way, with the consistent dedication on the diamond and continued will to compete, Riverside should expect a triumphant 2010 season.
March 11, 2010 | 27
Beaten by the best
Sports
Riverside women’s basketball unable to defeat Pasadena City College ricky holmes Staff Writer
Fastpitch
Baseball Season Record Overall: 6-7 Conference: 3-1 Next Game: 3/12 vs. Fullerton
Season Record Overall: 10-7 Conference: 5-3 Next Game: 3/12 vs. Fullerton
Baseball Feb. 11 RCC 2 Cuesta 9 Feb. 12 RCC 20 Cuesta 4 Feb. 16 RCC 2 Cuesta 8 Feb. 17 RCC 1 Western Nevada 10 Feb. 19 RCC 5 Western Nevada 4 Feb. 20 RCC 4 Western Nevada 9 Feb. 23 RCC 1 Mt. San Antonio 5 Feb. 25 RCC 6 Sacramento City 6 Mar. 2
RCC 6 Orange Coast 5
Mar. 4
RCC 11 Saddleback 3.
Mar. 6
RCC 5 Golden West 4
Mar. 9
RCC 5 Cypress 12
Men’s Tennis Season Record Overall: 7-5 Conference: 3-2 Next Game: 3/11 at Cypress
Mar. 16 Vs. Fullerton 2 p.m. Mar. 18 At Orange Coast 2 p.m. Mar. 20 Vs. Orange Coast 12 p.m. Mar. 23 Vs. Saddleback 2 p.m. Mar. 25 At Saddleback 2 p.m. Mar. 30 Vs. West Los Angeles 2 p.m. Mar. 31 Vs. El Camino 2 p.m. Apr. 1
Vs. East Los Angeles 2 p.m.
Apr. 8
At Golden West 2 p.m.
Apr. 10 Vs. Golden West 12 p.m. Apr. 13 Vs. Cypress 2 p.m. Apr. 15 At Cypress 2 p.m. Apr. 20 At Irvine Valley 2 p.m. Apr. 22 Vs. Irvine Valley 2 p.m. Apr. 24 Vs. Santa Ana 12 p.m. Apr. 27 At Santa Ana 2 p.m. Apr. 29 At Fullerton 2 p.m.
Season Record Overall: 4-4 Conference: 0-4 Next Game: 3/18 at Orange Coast
Mar. 6
RCC 5 Redwoods 0
Mar. 6
RCC 9 Victor Valley 1
Mar. 6
RCC 3 Fresno 9
Mar. 10
At Cypress 3 p.m.
Mar. 12
Vs. Fullerton 6 p.m.
Mar. 17
At Golden West 6 p.m.
Mar. 19
Vs. Orange Coast 2 p.m.
Mar. 20
Bakersfield Tournament TBA
Mar. 24
At Santa Ana 3 p.m.
Mar. 25
At Long Beach City 3 p.m.
Mar. 26
Vs. Santiago Canyon 6 p.m.
Mar. 30
Vs. Cypress 6 p.m.
Men’s Tennis
Mar. 11 Vs. Irvine Valley 2 p.m. Mar. 12 At Santa Ana 2 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
Feb. 16 RCC 0 East Los Angeles 3 Feb. 17 RCC 1 Fullerton 3 Feb. 19 RCC 11 Golden West 3 Feb. 22 RCC 5 Antelope Valley 6 Feb. 24 RCC 11 Orange Coast 0 Feb. 26 RCC 9 Santa Ana 1 Mar. 1 RCC 6 Saddleback 2 Mar. 3 RCC 1 Santiago Canyon 0 Mar. 6 RCC 6 DeAnza 3 Mar. 6 RCC 15 Reedley 0
Track and Field
Next Game: 3/12 Chaffey Invitational at Cerritos
Next Game: 3/12 Vs. Golden West
Mar. 23 At Grossmont 2 p.m. Mar. 25 At Fullerton 2 p.m. Mar. 30 At Irvine Valley 2 p.m. Apr. 1
Vs. Saddleback 2 p.m.
Apr. 6
At Mt. San Jacinto 2 p.m.
Men’s Swimming Jan. 29
OEC/Flip Darr Relays 10 a.m.
Feb. 5
Waterman Festival 9 a.m.
Feb. 26
Golden West Invitational
Mar. 5
Vs. Golden West 2 p.m.
Mar. 12
Chaffey Invitation 2 p.m.
Mar. 19
At Orange Coast 2 p.m.
Mar. 26
Vs. Cypress 2 p.m.
Apr. 2
At Saddleback 2 p.m.
Apr. 16
Conference Dive Championship 2p.m.
Apr. 22
OEC Championship TBA
Feb. 2
RCC 9 El Camino 0
Feb. 4
RCC 9 Victor Valley 0
Feb. 11
RCC 6 Grossmont 3
Feb. 18
RCC 2 Orange Coast 6
Feb. 23
RCC 1 Desert 8
Feb. 25
RCC 7 Fullerton 2
Mar. 2
RCC 8 Irvine Valley 1
Mar. 4
RCC 4 Cypress 5
Mar. 9
RCC 8 Saddleback 1
Feb. 18 Cerritos Invitational 8 a.m.
Mar. 11
At Cypress 2 p.m.
Feb. 24 Vs. CSULB 2 p.m.
Mar. 16
Vs. Amherst College 2 p.m.
Feb. 26 Vs. Saddleback 2 p.m.
Mar. 18
Vs. Orange Coast 2 p.m.
Mar. 5
Mar. 19
Vs. Palomar 2 p.m.
Mar. 12 Vs. Golden West 2 p.m.
Mar. 23
Vs. San Diego City 2 p.m.
Mar. 12 At Occidental 6 p.m.
Mar. 25
Vs. Fullerton 2 p.m.
Mar. 18 Orange Empire Championship
Mar. 30
Vs. Irvine Valley 2 p.m.
Apr. 1
At Saddleback 2 p.m.
Track and Field Feb. 12 Vs. Santa Ana and Santiago Canyon 2 p.m.
Ben Brown Inventational 8 a.m.
Costa Mesa, CA 8 a.m. Mar. 26 RCC Open 2 p.m. Apr. 2
Apr. 30 Vs. Fullerton 2 p.m.
Fastpitch
Swimming
Vs. Orange Coast and Fullerton 2 p.m.
Women’s Tennis Jan. 28
RCC 6 Imperial Valley 3
Feb. 2
RCC 6 El Camino 0
Feb. 4
RCC 9 Victor Valley 0
Feb. 11
RCC 9 Antelope Valley 0
Feb. 18
RCC 2 Orange Coast 7
Feb. 25
RCC 3 Fullerton 6
Mar. 2
RCC 3 Irvine Valley 6
Mar. 9
RCC 0 Saddleback 9
Mar. 13
Vs. Wesleyan University 10 a.m.
Mar. 18
At Orange Coast 2 p.m.
Mar. 19
Vs. Palomar 2 p.m.
Apr. 10 Mt. San Antonio Relays 8 a.m. Apr. 12 Southern California Multi-Event Championship, Norwalk, CA 8 a.m. Apr. 23 Orange Empire Conference Prelims Costa Mesa. CA 2 p.m. Apr. 30 Orange Empire Conferene Finals Costa Mesa, CA 2 p.m. May 8
The Riverside City College women’s basketball team ended the month of February on a high note. Unfortunately, the team could not carry that tune into the second round of the playoffs. The Tigers started their playoff hopes at Wheelock Gym against the twelfth-seeded Cerritos Falcons. Maria MesaNauls led the Tigers with 16 points. Gloria Thomas scored 14 points and Alexis Fowler added 10 more to help Riverside beat Cerritos 89-66. The fifth-seeded Tigers then had the daunting task of traveling to Pasadena to take on the favored Lancers. The RCC women’s basketball team was unable to overcome defending state champion Pasadena City College in the California Community College Southern regionals. The Tigers played hard but still ended up coming up short as RCC lost 65-56 in the team’s second round playoff game. RCC trailed by only one point at the end of the first half, only to be outscored 31-23 in the second half. Riverside had three players in double figures but even that was not enough to overcome a strong Pasadena team. RCC stacked up well against the Lancers and were able to keep pace with them for most of the game. Maria Mesa-Nauls, Gloria Thomas and Crystal Vasquez all had 10 points for the Tigers but poor free throw shooting did not help the teams championship hopes, as RCC went six out of 18 from the foul line. Although the Tigers shot poorly from the foul line, the team never trailed by more than five points for the majority of the game. It wasn’t until the final three minutes that the Lancers were able to pull away from the Tigers. During those final three minutes, the Lancers went on an 11-2 run to solidify the victory and advance to the state finals. RCC finished off the season with an overall record of 22 wins and nine losses following its loss to Pasadena and even though the Tigers playoff run may be over, the team still has good reason to hold its head high. Prior to the beginning of the playoffs, four members of the team were selected to the Orange Empire Conference AllStar team. Samera Dorton and Crystal Vasquez received first team honors while Mesa-Nauls and Thomas were selected for the second team. The California Community College Women’s Basketball Association selected Vasquez and Dorton to the 36-member All-State team. Vasquez, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds, was selected to the second team while Dorton, who averaged 9.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, was selected for the third team. “I think for the last two years that it has been an honor to coach them,” coach Alicia Berber said of Vasquez and Dorton. “I think that they are very deserving of it. They are both hard working kids and they are really good kids off the floor. They truly are student athletes.”
Online Exclusives March 4 student protest video Avatar and The Oscars
Southern California Prelims Mission Viejo, CA 2 p.m.
May 15 Southern California Finals 2 p.m. Mission Viejo, CA 2 p.m. May 21 State Championships Lancaster, CA 10 a.m.
Mardi Gras Dance
28 | March 11, 2010
Viewpoints
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Inscape
Academy of motion picture arts and sciences
The best of the best: Nominated actresses and presenters provided the night’s most glamorous silhouettes. Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock shined in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez (with Sam Worthington) dazzled in Armani Prive, Best Supporting Actress Anna Kendrick was breathtaking in Elie Saab and Best Actress nominee Helen Mirren (with her husband, director Taylor Hackford) was stunning in Badgley Mischka.
Oscar red carpet shines stephanie holland editor in chief While most of the drama at the 82nd Academy Awards is saved for inside the Kodak Theatre, there was still plenty left for the red carpet. The evening’s nominated actresses took full advantage of their moment in the spotlight, showing off the best style of awards season.
Oscars Best Dressed 1. Sandra Bullock in Marchesa 2. Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive 3. Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab 4. Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka