Riverside City College’s softball team looks to make a comeback See SOFTBALL on page 4
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VOL. XCIX, NO. 10
MARCH 21, 2019
City talks alternative transit Riverside councilmembers promoted public transit at the March 16 event near La Sierra ERIK GALICIA
STAFF REPORTER
Walk it, bike it or bus it. You no longer have to drive yourself. The City of Riverside joined with residents for the Connecting Five Points event in the La Sierra area March 16 to promote alternative transportation in the city and allow residents an opportunity to provide feedback. Dozens were in attendance at the Five Points intersection, including council members Jim Perry and Steve Adams, as well as the Riverside Fire and Police Departments. The event featured several public departments, games for kids and even a skateboard performance by X-Games medalist Samarria Brevard. “We came out today to promote active transportation other than cars, be it walking, biking or taking the bus,” Jim Perry said. “We’re trying to get citizens involved in transportation issues.” The Riverside Transit Agency brought information for residents who are tired of traffic and gas prices, and would like to try leaving their car at home for a change. They had an RTA bus on display, as well as those electric bicycles that have popped up around the city. Registered
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
At the Connecting Five Points event March 16, the Riverside Transit Agency brought a bus while Bike Riverside brought rental bikes for attendees to observe. Riverside City College students can use their student IDs to ride RTA buses for free. More information on that is available on the school’s website. The Riverside County Transportation Commission featured information on its Van Club program. “This program provides rideshare services for people who carpool, vanpool or ride the train to work,” program administrator Leigh Brown said. The program aims at saving commuters gas money and time by getting them into the carpool lane on highways.
The Public Works Department discussed current developments in the area and received community feedback that they use to apply for grant funding. “ We h a v e n u m e r o u s developments in the area, including new housing, business office space … so we have a lot of action going on right now,” Council Member Steve Adams said. Some of these developments though, seem to be at odds with the desires of some of Adams’ constituents. “I’d like to see some of the streets that have been closed off
re-opened, and I’d like them to stop the high-density housing,” local resident Fred Callihan said. “They’re flooding the area. Riverside used to be a great place to live, and now it’s crowded.” Long-time residents Jerry and Ana Trujillo said that they would like to see more solarpowered stop signs at four-way intersections in residential areas. “Those stop signs that light up are more visible and would help prevent accidents, because they still happen a lot, especially at night,” Jerry Trujillo said. “And maybe some more parks for the kids, since we have
who have been charged with crimes consisting of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mail and honest services mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. “There’s students who come from very low income, on the borderline of poverty, but yet there’s these rich parents taking advantage of that just to hand it to their kids,” RCC student Neyra
Rodriguez said. This has been a common mindset among the campus community. “I work really hard for my accomplishments, so do a lot of other students and hearing that people are paying their way in just isn’t fair. I think they need to be punished and learn the hard way just like we did,” Rodriguez said, who is working towards
graduating and transferring to UC Riverside. Rodriguez said the scam downplays the efforts college students like her put towards making the most out of their education and earning their positions. “In many ways this oppresses the work ethic within our institutions and allows them to be at a higher level in society that
empty lots,” Ana Trujillo added as she pointed to the empty grassy area adjacent to the event. Another resident was worried about some of the malfunctioning streetlights in the area. “I’d like to see them fix the streetlights because some streets can be pretty scary at night, and its important for our safety,” resident Bernie Dizon said. David Santillan, a representative for State Assembly Member Sabrina Cervantes, was present at the event. “We want to connect folks with their state representative. If people have issues with, let’s say, the DMV, or taxes or unemployment, Sabrina Cervantes will contact those departments on behalf of her constituents,” Santillan said. The Riverside Public Library promoted the S.T.R.E.A.M. program, which puts on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics events for children at the library. They had iPads available for kids in attendance to dabble in computing and robotics. A booth on 311 provided information on the main telephone number for the city of Riverside, which residents should call to report problems such as pothole and dead streetlights. Information about RCTC Van Club is available on vanclub.net.
Community reacts to college admission scam JENNIPHER VASQUEZ STAFF REPORTER
In the wake of the FBI arresting 50 people in response to the infamous Operation Varsity Blues, Riverside City College students and faculty respond to the scandal. Public outcry began when details came out about the 50 people, including 33 parents,
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is easily given to them,” RCC counseling clerk Jose Martin Diaz Solorio said. Diaz said that he thinks the situation validates the idea that students aren’t being recognized for their endeavors because they don’t have the same opportunities as someone paying for their admission into prestigious universities.
VOL. XCIX NO. 10 March 21, 2019
See SCAM on page 2 NEWS 1 SPORTS 3 LIFE 5 OPINIONS 7 EDITORIAL 8
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News
March 21, 2019
NEWS BRIEFS
Academic Support Job Fair
The Academic Support Department is hosting their first job fair March 28 on the Martin Luther King Learning Center steps. They are recruiting students with faculty recommendations to become tutors, study group leaders, supplemental instruction leaders and peer mentors. JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Participants Linda M. Halisi, Kelsey McAbee, Dianey Murillo, Amber Nodal and Sarah M. Ottinger field a question from Riverside City College students and staff at the Peer Mentor Transfer Panel on March 15 in the Digital Library Auditorium.
RCC hosts transfer panel
Former Riverside City College students recalled their transfer experiences CLARISSA CORRAL STAFF REPORTER
Five Riverside City College alumni met for the Peer Mentor Transfer Panel on March 15 to answer recurring questions that students have about what the transfer process is like at RCC. Panel members pushed the idea of being responsible for your education, being informed and being prepared before, after and during the transfer process. All five of the students on the panel graduated and transferred from RCC within recent years. The furthest back was sociology major Dianey Murillo who transferred to UC Riverside in 2015. Also on the panel was art history major Sarah M. Ottinger who graduated and transferred to Cal State San Bernardino in 2017, biochemical engineering major Linda M. Halisi who graduated and transferred to Cal State Fullerton in 2018, psychology major Kelsey McAbee who
graduated and transferred to UC Irvine in 2018 and psychology major Amber Nodal who graduated and transferred to Cal State Fullerton in 2018. The panel was an open forum that answered a broad variety of transfer related questions commonly asked by students. The event was prepared by Promise Program adviser and educational adviser for the language, humanities and social sciences department, Tony Ortiz. One of the many questions asked during the panel was whether or not the students understood the transfer process and how they learned it. “I understood somewhat,” Ottinger said. “Going to the counselor’s at least once every semester definitely helped and kept me organized.” All of the panelists stressed the importance of visiting a counselor routinely especially toward the beginning and end of a student’s time at RCC.
Another important question the panel was asked was how the community college and university experience differ. “It was definitely a culture shock,” McAbee said. “You build a community with other transfer students. It’s definitely different but a good different.” Other members of the panel agreed with McAbee in their commentary and also mentioned the difference when transitioning from a semester system like RCC’s to a quarter system, specifically in regards to adapting to pace and more cramming. “I knew but I wish it was emphasized, different schools have different requirements,” Halisi said. Among the most important pieces of information highlighted was what the panelists wished they knew going into the transfer process. “Know what you want to do,” McAbee said. “It’s so much harder to change your major after you transfer. Try to figure it out
before you transfer.” All of the panelists had similar answers and stressed the importance of students being self informed and self reliant throughout their education but especially when transferring. “When forms were due, I would turn them in in person. If a financial aid form was being requested by a school I applied to or a tax form was due I’d go myself and turn it in before the deadline,” Murillo said. “Your future is at stake. You don’t want to gamble with that,” Halisi said. To wrap up the panel, the speakers were given a show of appreciation and thanks by Ortiz for their attendance and personal perspectives but also for their accomplishments as former RCC students. Following the panel, students were asked to join the panel members and fellow attendees for refreshments and were given the opportunity to ask any further questions.
RCC reacts to admissions scandal SCAM from page 1
“I would want students to know their work ethic is just as valuable in the CSU/UC system just as going into a prestigious university,” Diaz said. “I want to remind students that no matter where you go you’ll be more prepared for anything than these individuals with higher power because you worked to prepare yourself for the workforce.” According to Diaz, he views this as a learning moment. “This makes us realize the higher education system is not working towards helping individual students, it is mainly working to provide an easier way for people with power, money and status,” Diaz said. RCC student Amy HutsonGanlath said she believes students should earn their successes because it teaches good ethics
Unfortunately these highly rich people seem to forget what good morals and values are. -- Amy Hutson-Ganlath, Riverside City College student
and good character. “I can’t get too upset about it,” Hutson-Ganlath said. “The best thing to do is just be the best I can be, at least I’ll have a clear mind that I earned my score fair and square.” “Unfortunately these highly rich people seem to forget what good morals and values are,” Hutson-Ganlath said. Universities involved in the scandal include Yale, USC,
Stanford, the University of Texas at Austin, UCLA, Georgetown University, University of San Diego and several other esteemed colleges nationwide. None of the universities have been charged with having any sort of involvement in the case, all are cooperating with officials in the investigation and conducting their own internal investigations. “Take satisfaction in the fact
that you’ve done it the right way,” RCC counselor Mike Barnes said. Barnes also added students should be proud that they worked for and earned their accomplishments fairly because money can be corrupting. “It’s a shame, but I’m not surprised,” Barnes said, “When something sounds too good to be true it probably is.” This scandal isn’t limited to wealthy for-profit universities. UC Berkeley was discovered to have admitted wealthy students who had submitted falsified SAT scores among other accusations. As of March 20, no other public institutions have been indicted in the case. Samantha Bartholomew also contributed to this report.
Transfer Fair The Transfer Center is hosting their annual spring Transfer Fair on March 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the quad. Schools confirmed for the event include UCLA, UC Riverside, CSU San Bernardino, University of La Verne, Vanguard University of Southern California and over 20 others. Commencement Speaker application deadline The deadline to apply to be the student commencement speaker is March 22. Applications can be picked up in the Ralph H. Bradshaw Student Activities building, room 207. TRiO applcations Applications for the student support services program, TRiO, are due March 29. The program provides services such as early registration, tutoring, peer mentoring, transfer information and more. Interested students must be first-generation, low income, students with disabilities, veterans or demonstrate academic need or U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. To find the application, search “TRiO” on the Riverside City College website. Graduation application deadline Students who want to graduate in the spring 2019 semester must submit their degree or certificate applications by April 1. It is recommended that students apply as soon as certain minimum requirements have been satisfied. Students will need to log into WebAdvisor and choose “Application for Graduation” from the student menu. Commencement will be held June 7.
SPORTS Tigers place second in SoCal March 21, 2019
“Success comes from knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
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- John Wooden
RCC suffers defeat in Southern California finals
JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Maurice Tutt (far right) shoots for two points against Saddleback College on Feb. 20 in the Wheelock Stadium during a home game where the Tigers would win 85-75.
All good things must come to an end as the Riverside City College men’s basketball team concluded its season March 9 with an 66-54 defeat against Santa Monica College in the Southern California Regional Finals. This was the second time that the Tigers were in the Regional Finals under coach Philip Mathews. The team fought until the end, but unfortunately the Santa Monica Corsairs secured the win in the end. “During the game we just came out flat,” freshman guard Xavier Scott said. “We couldn’t really get the ball rolling. At the second half, things fell apart and the result was what happened. We lost the game.”
There were six lead changes throughout the game, the team’s largest lead was by nine points in the first half, while the Corsairs’ largest lead was by 15 points in the second half. By halftime, it was just a one point game, 30-29 in favor of Santa Monica. However, the Corsairs pulled away in the second half outscoring the Tigers 36-25. Guard CJ Clark finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Guard Otto Taylor finished the game with eight points and six rebounds. Center Franky McQuay finished the game with five points and nine rebounds. The last Orange Empire Conference game win against Copper Mountain College on Feb. 22 led the Tigers to be in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The Tigers would go on to
beat the Cacti, 94-89. On March 1, the Tigers defeated Mt. San Jacinto Eagles in the second round of the SoCal Regionals, 77-58, which was RCC’s first recorded victory against the team in six years. The Corsairs brought their use of defense as the Tigers struggled to add points on the board and when they did, it was often on a tightly contested shot. Although the Tigers did not advance to the California Community College Athletic Association State Quarterfinals, they played a thrilling season and finished with a 20-10 overall record, an improvement from last year’s 16-11 overall season record. “Next season, expect for us to make it farther than we did this season,” Scott said. “We definitely will improve as a team over the summer.”
Golf
Men’s track and field
Men’s tennis
Women’s tennis
The Riverside City College men’s golf team finished in fourth place in the Tustin Ranch Golf Course match against Irvine City College on March 11, with a score of 397. The team has three top five finishes in the seven matches they participated in. The Tigers will next compete against conference rivals at the Orange Empire Conference Host Match on March 25, at the Victoria Country Club in Riverside.
The Riverside City College men’s track and field team is off to a hot start. The team placed first in four out of five team competitions. RCC also finished first in the Riverside City College Open on March 15, with 310 points. Antonio Mitchell snapped the RCC record in the 100 meter race by crossing the finish line at a time of 10.16, breaking the previous record previously held by Justin Thymes at 10.18.
The Tigers men’s tennis team is currently on a four game winning streak, with an overall record of 9-4. They have a 2-3 divisional record. Despite this they are currently ranked third in the Orange Empire Conference. The team achieved a 5-4 victory against Orange Coast College on March 14. The Tigers’ next match will be against George Fox University in a home game on March 22.
Riverside City College women’s tennis team has found success this season thus far as they currently hold a 10-2 overall record. The Tigers lost their last game against Fullerton College in a 7-2 loss on March 14. The team holds a 5-2 conference record and are ranked second in the Orange Empire Conference. The team will next face Fullerton College in a home games on March 26.
ASHLEY GOMEZ STAFF REPORTER
JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Otto Taylor (right) scores against Saddleback College on Feb. 20 at home in the Wheelock Stadium. Taylor accumulated 21 points during the game.
SPORTS BRIEFS
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March 21, 2019
Sports
ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS
Sophomore Breanna Ceballos at bat for the Riverside City College Tigers at Fullerton College on March 13. Ceballos currently has a batting average of .346.
Softball rallies back mid-season RCC looks to qualify for postseason contention MIA MAGAÑA
MANAGING EDITOR
Going down does not always count as an out and a strikeout does not always mean game over, there is always room for redemption. This rings true as Riverside City Colleges softball team has won six of their last eight games after a difficult start to the 2019 season. From the beginning of the season to the end of February, the team started out 6-8. Recently h o w e v e r, R C C h a s f o u n d momentum as they now find themselves 12-10. Previous games showed the struggles the team was facing, but they had restored their confidence after attaining a five-game win streak. RCC’s recent game against Santa Ana College on March 15 concluded with a total of five runs coupled with an eight hit total and a three RBI average. Into the seventh inning, RCC was faced with a tough redemption effort for the game until sophomore pinch hitter Anna Loreto assisted the team to their eventual 5-4 victory. The Tigers were faced with a 6-8 start which placed them low in the Orange Empire Conference standing until the teams recent success moved them to sixth in the division. Leading the OEC currently is
Cypress College, who was a prior defeat in RCC’s losing streak earlier this season Feb. 27 with 6-4 victory over the Tigers. With the team ranked sixth in their conference, the Tigers need
a pivotal ladder climb of their division in order to qualify for the OEC championship tournament in the postseason. Cypress College currently leads the OEC with a perfect
9-0 conference record with Fullerton College and Orange Coast College not far behind in second as both teams hold a 6-3 conference record. RCC most recently faced
YESENIA HUBY | VIEWPOINTS
Freshman Marissa-Lena Nares pitched five innings against Fullerton College in an away game on March 13. Fullerton won the game 3-1.
off against Santiago Canyon on March 18 in a losing effort, 4-3. The loss dropped their conference record to 3-6 overall this season. The team as well as coach Michelle Daddona were unavailable for comment due to a string of away games. Looking ahead to the rest of the 2019 campaign, RCC has 12 conference games remaining. Winning eight of these games could see RCC rise high enough in the OEC standings to warrant a spot in the divisional championships in the postseason. Seven of those critical games will be played at home. RCC runs a record of 8-5 at home while 4-5 on the road. Current stat leaders on the team include sophomore infielder Karter Williams who leads the team in hits at 37 along with the highest batting average on the team at .521 overall. She also ranks second in runs batted in at 17, and stands as the teams leader in doubles with 11 total. Other stat leaders include sophomore infielder Danielle Lopez who leads the team in RBI’s with 28. At pitching, sophomore Lorena Fitch leads the team with 27 strikeouts along with the least amount of accumulative doubles and triples allowed. The Tigers will next face off against Cypress College in an away game, March 22 that commences the team’s string of OEC matchups.
LIFE
March 21, 2019
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“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has it’s own reason for existing.”
Albert Einstein
Cars, bars, beaches ... and Mickey? -
Three artists converge in an art exhibit inspired by California life and culture PATRICK TINDALL
LIFE BRIEFS
LIFE EDITOR
No, this isn’t your typical day trip to Disneyland or a walk down the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is an exhibit that doesn’t seek to view the distinct culture of Southern California through rose-tinted glasses, this is an exhibit for the rest of us. Immediately upon walking into the “Pop Not Soda” exhibit at Riverside City College, viewers are invited in, not by the sounds of classical piano filling the air, but by the sounds of loud, gritty punk music shaking the walls. Already this is not your typical art gallery showing, you’re walking into something more. “Pop Not Soda” is a collaborative art exhibit between three Southern California artists, Jeffrey Gillette, Craig “Skibs” Barker and Robert Nelson. Each artist takes on a unique perspective of Southern California culture that isn’t necessarily the most glamorous side that is so easily accessible on television and in movies, but is definitely full of style nonetheless. Mixed-media artist Gillette shows exhibit viewers a side of California as seen through someone who has seen a lot of the world. “I’m a pessimist,” Gillette said. “I take the worst case scenarios of the visually decrepit parts of the world, slums of Detroit, India, the Philippines … and I juxtapose them with one of the (topically) ‘nicest’ areas I’ve ever experienced, Southern California.” From Gillette’s exaggerated slums of Venice Beach as seen from underneath a freeway overpass, to dilapidated representations of lifeguard towers each with a tiny Mickey Mouse figurine hidden inside, each piece allude to the beach culture that California is famous for, but set in a strange, dystopian world. “Mickey to me is a beautiful graphic design,” Gillette said. “Mickey stands out for me so much as: America, innocence… entertainment as diversion from suffering and a standard of acceptable affluence and awareness.” The ever-present Mickey Mouse references in Gillette’s works are equal parts whimsical and depressing. Mickey seeks to point viewers, not to the magic in the landscapes, but to the affluent culture and subsequent disillusion within California. Craig “Skibs” Barker’s work is a bit different from the other artists, but definitely has a unique perspective. His work has a retro
Animation guest lecture The Riverside City College art department presents Donna Lee, a Los Angeles based story artist. Lee is currently working on “Frozen 2” at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lee will be a guest speaker at a lecture March 30 at 3-4:30 p.m. at the Digital Library Auditorium. The event is open to the public. JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Bright and colorful work from mixed media artist Craig “Skibs” Barker features canvas designs, colorful painted woodwork and video displays which are inspired by California aesthetics. feel and he utilizes contemporary references to California culture and the heyday of Hollywood. “The retro imagery is a constant in my work and is definitely intended,” Barker said. “I also like to combine it with contemporary images as well. That gives it a juxtaposition of old and new… memory and reality.” Barker’s work is reminiscent of California culture with bright, eye-popping colors, vintage style portraits of beautiful women, a center display of mixed-media video displays and hand painted strips of wood in bright colors bring together each piece which give the distinct impression of being perpetually stuck in a retro-futuristic beach town set in the 1950s. The third portion of the exhibit is done by contemporary artist Robert Nelson. His paintings and canvas designs have a playful quality that is a mix of old and new themes of sex, famous film characters and classic art mixed with contemporary design. The work speaks to the dual nature of the exhibit also adding neoclassical style and contemporary moods throughout, complete with retro patterns, muted colors and elements of pop culture surrealism. There is a juxtaposition of sex and violence in each piece such as the sexy and alluring images of women in bikinis posing in front of crashed cars which is a callback to old school California style and also hints at contemporary Hollywood culture. Nelson’s work speaks for itself in such a way that is immediately accessible to classic art lovers as well as younger exhibit viewers. The exhibit is the brainchild of RCC’s quad art gallery curator
27th Annual Walk with Animals Fairmount Park will host for the 27th annual Walk with the Animals. This event consists of a walk around Lake Evans, animals, live music and a pancake breakfast. For the first time ever, there will also be a Beer Garden that will available to the 21+ guests. You can register up until March 23 on-site and online until March 22 at 5 p.m. Pricing for the event is $25 for guests 18 and up and $15 for children. All information regarding this event can be found on the Facebook page for the event.
Jazz Ensemble Concert
JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Robert Nelson’s artwork on display in the gallery features bright colors, modern design, classical art and pop culture references.
This March 25, Riverside City College Jazz Ensemble will be putting on a concert at the Coil School for the Arts Concert Hall. The event is scheduled for March 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for public and $8 for kids or students with valid I.D. All other information can be found on the Landis Performing Arts Center website.
‘Sister Act’
JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Students look at artwork on display from artist Jeffrey Gillette. Leslie Brown. The artists had not actually worked on the exhibit together but came together rather naturally. “Although I had seen their work previously, I hadn’t ever met the other artists in the show,” Barker said. “So, as I went into the gallery I was pleasantly surprised at how well the show flowed without actually working together.” Despite not working together
beforehand, the art all works together cohesively because each artist brings their own unique perspectives to the exhibit telling an interesting story of California lifestyle, pop culture and dissected Hollywood dreams as viewed through the lens of a disillusioned native Los Angelean. “Pop Not Soda” is on display in the RCC quad art gallery until April 3.
Performance Riverside brings Sister Act to the Landis Performing Arts Center, a musical that is centered on a disco diva Delores Van Cartier who is put into protective custody after witnessing a murder. This musical is filled with gospel music and dancing and is sure to keep audiences enthralled. Opening weekend is March 29 and 30 and runs through April 5 and 6. In order to purchase tickets visit the performanceriverside.com
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March 21, 2019
Life
Fresh paint, canvas, open minds Local business seeks to share the joys of painting through artist community in Riverside ADRIANA LOPEZ STAFF REPORTER
There is a sizable community of art enthusiasts within Riverside and many curious people willing to learn a new craft. This community has provided Chelsea Franzer and Chris Perez with a clientele that is making their small business a success. Their business, The Paint Sesh, is based in Riverside and offers people a relaxing atmosphere to follow Franzer in a guided paint session. Franzer and Perez host their events in bars and restaurants throughout Southern California as well as offering their service at private events. On March 6, Franzer and Perez set up tables, chairs and 28 canvases to guide guests through “A Night in Paris,” a painting featuring the Eiffel Tower, moonlight and cherry blossoms. The session took place at The MTL, a bar in Riverside. Franzer’s business is still in its early stages, the company has existed for less than two years and she admits that running her business is not as simple as she thought it would be. “There’s so much behind the scenes like adding events to the website, the set up, going out to try to get more venues, there’s a lot more to it than just painting,”
ZANE MUDRON | VIEWPOINTS
Chelsea Franzer (right) gives lessons to her students at the Paint Sesh at the MTL located in downtown Riverside on March 6. Guests are taught basic painting skills with a theme at every event. in the future. Franzer said. crowd from a stage to walking “We’re trying to make sure This is where Perez comes in. up to individual guests to assist this pays us and once we can Perez created the webpage for the them. Perez checks on attendee’s finally breathe and be settled then business, assists with customer paint palettes and replenishes we definitely want to bring people service and the set up and tear them with whatever colors they in,” Perez said. down process of their events. may need. Despite the amount of work While they both have passion They make for a great duo and both Franzer and Perez put in, for their business, Franzer provide a friendly atmosphere their energy never falters. Franzer and Perez would like to hire that is clearly appreciated. jumps between instructing the employees to ease their workload Among the attendees are
Jessica Agbonkpolo and Remi Ajike who were out for a date night. By the end of the night, the couple believed that everyone should attend a paint session. “Don’t be nervous. Do it your own style, it’s all about enjoying yourself. Art, at the end of the day, is about interpretation and doing what you like,” Ajike said. Agbonkpolo agrees and believes even if mistakes are made, creating a beautiful piece is still possible. “If you make mistakes it’s easy to fix it, so just do whatever you can,” she said. Although it is a guided paint session, there are definitely guests that customize their pieces. Ajike surrounds his Eiffel Tower with smaller buildings, creating a landscape that looks like an entire town. Another guest makes her blossoms yellow instead of red. Franzer doesn’t take offense to the people making alterations, she encourages it. “Yes I’m here to help but there is no right or wrong when it comes to art and you should just let loose and have fun,” she said. The atmosphere is friendly and throughout the night everyone’s talents are realized and many attendees tell Franzer and Perez they intend to be returning customers. For more information on events go to thepaintsesh.com.
Spoken like a bright ray of ‘Sunshine’
Riverside City College Black History Month event showcases African-American artists COREY ROBINSON STAFF REPORTER
Speech can be a powerful and creative tool that forms the personal style and expresses the passion from deep inside the speaker. Sunshine Matthews from the Ujima Project’s artist showcase made such an impact. The Ujima Student Club President Leilatou Nikiema coordinated a Black History Month themed artist showcase and contest to give the students of R ive r side Cit y Col lege the oppor t u nit y to express themselves. The art for this activity ranged from handmade crafts, speeches and music. “My speech was meant to educate and elevate, not to put down any race,” Matthews, who was the third place contest win ner, said. This was the essence of her speech, spoken during the artist show case Feb. 28. Matthews is an RCC student currently active in the Ujima Project. Many of her supporters and friends attended the showcase to listen to her perspective on the meaning of Black History Month. The audience also included those who were attracted by the performances and decorative flyers.
JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS
Left: Sunshine Matthews recites her speech for the Ujima Project Art Contest for Black History Month on Feb. 28 in the RCC cafeteria. Right: After winning third place in the art contest, Matthews talks with Viewpoints about her win, her art and her experience. Matthews has had her encounters with racism problems within the Riverside community. Instead of bitterly attacking the problems of the community with anger, she utilized her voice to shower her African-American ancestors with appreciation. “My people were kings and queens who built pyramids and statues that still exist today … mountains and monuments that still exist currently,” Matthews said in her speech. “We were
brought here by the millions, treated less then but always needed.” Matthews created the image of a history of people “stripped” of their natural rights, deprived of human necessities and refused the right to teach as well as learn. She is the result of the survival of her people. Her art presents the message of “what doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.” Matthews reminded the student body that racism
within her school setting is unacceptable. She used her speech to express herself while encouraging competition within her school atmosphere. She also motivated African-American students to take a step to build their confidence in order to express themselves in a manner that influences others. “Art is a form of expression, its personal,” Matthews said. “I thought I’d share what was personal to me.”
Other RCC students were able to understand Matthews on a very personal topic. “ S u n s h i n e h a d a ve r y powerful speech,” Toni Goins, an attendee, said. “When she talks about our ancestors and how it’s important to know your history out there, I had a connection.” For more information on Ujima Project, please visit the Bradshaw Building in room 110 and meetings are held Tuesdays from 12:50-1:50 p.m.
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Seismic air gun surveys used to locate oil deposits in the Atlantic Ocean harm marine life
JONATHAN RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER
The oil industry and the Trump administration stand on the throats of marine life, money in hand. On Nov. 30 2018 President Donald Trump approved the use for seismic air guns which allows the National Marine Fisheries Service to authorize the permits for five companies along the Atlantic Ocean from Delaware to central Florida to locate spots for offshore drilling, according to AP News. The Trump administration continues to reverse environmental policies set by the Obama administration in an effort to benefit offshore drilling. An effort that is being sustained by greed and the undermining of environmental sciences that will continue to contribute to potential irreparable damage for our planet. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the seismic
surveys consists of blasting the airguns into the ocean floor in ten second intervals which will bounce information back using a computer mapping system to pinpoint the location of buried oil and gas deposits. However, seismic airguns are more than just offshore drilling locators, they are acoustic death machines designed to generate more fossil fuel profit. “The blasts — which can reach more than 250 decibels and be heard for miles — can cause hearing loss in marine mammals, disturb essential behaviors such as feeding and breeding, mask communications between individual whales and dolphins, and reduce catch rates of commercial fish,” the CBD said. Blasts end up going on for 24 hours a day, going from weeks to even months. By allowing the oil industry to potentially expedite the extinction of right whales, we easily see an administration that is time and time again willing to sacrifice the welfare of our planet for monetary gain. Animals that use echolocation or sonar communication are being directly disrupted from what they have been evolved to do for millions of years. Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins use sound to communicate with each other, mate and feed. They will not have anywhere to hide from these
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An offshore oil rig contributes to the mass contamination of nearby sea life. harmful blasts making it harder for these animals to function as they are biologically ingrained to for their own survival. Functions that can also include detecting imminent dangers. One group of whales in particular, the North Atlantic right whale, may severely be impacted by the use of the unnecessary air guns. The North Atlantic right whale are critically endangered with having only fewer than 450 remaining along the east coast. As stated in an article on The
Washington Post, Scott Kraus explains that many right whales already have issues with having poor body conditions and that adding any further stressors will put them below the ability to reproduce. Seismic air guns also decrease the amount of zooplankton in the ocean. Zooplankton, like small jellyfish or other small organisms, make up a section of the food chain that is necessary to feed ot he r ma r i ne l ife. However, as reported by National G e o g r a p h i c , z o o pl a n k t o n
decreased 64 percent within 4,000 feet of the blast. Plankton plays a major role in the oceanic food chain as it is the main source for survival for a fish and other mammals. To deplete their existence is to deplete the existence of other marine life as well. Even when we find the oil, do we still win? We will continue to open ourselves up to oil spills and worsen ocean acidification as long as profit for fossil fuels exist.
“It’s not the student’s fault, it’s the parents. I think if the student is already enrolled in the school and it’s too late, they should keep them in. Paying for admissions is wrong, but some students will work hard to get into a college and then they might have a good grade average and not even get in. - Theodore Schaffer
“I believe the schools should expel the students who were let in on the same basis as all the other students regardless of how far they are in their studies.” - Andrew Williams
“My whole stance on it is that everyone else had to fight their way into it and it’s supposed to be a competitive environment, and they didn’t do anything to get there other than bribe. So they didn’t work towards anything.” - Noah Culp
“I would say no because their parents work hard for their money. Nothing is ever going to be equal with our system. If people work really hard for their money and wanna give to their students and they have that sensibility, go for it. I think they shouldn’t get expelled because they just have that advantage.” - Cheyenne Martinez
“When your parent comes to you and they tell you that they are going to do something to your benefit, the student likely has the tendency to believe their parents. So whether or not they knew it was illegal, I feel like that would be something that has to be taken into consideration when considering expelling these students.” - Kimbereley Garcia
“I think expelling the student would be fair. In some other people’s eye, maybe it wouldn’t be. It’s just a sad situation when I heard about it. I was shocked because a lot of people here and around the world work really hard just for somebody to get in easy like ‘really?’” - Nikita Harris
“You really have to go into the idea if the kid did something wrong or was it the parent’s fault. If the child didn’t know about it and they got in but proved themself to their own merit, it’s hard to say.” - Michael Fowler
“I think it would be fair because they cheated their way in so I feel like their consequences shou ld m at ch. W h at t hei r parents did was illegal so the consequences to them should be somewhere on the same scale.” - Jonathan Gonzalez
Campus Conversations
Should universities expel students whose parents illegally bought their admission, regardless of how long the sstudent has been enrolled at the university?
Interviews by Jonathan Ramirez
Photos by Samantha Bartholomew
Campus Conversations is an open forum for Riverside City College students to voice their own opinions, views and ideas.
8
March 21, 2019
Views
Wealth dictates admission
Editorial
Rich parents abuse of higher education system
Children in the top 1 percent of income earnings are 77 times more likely to attend an Ivy league college. News of the college admissions scandal, in which wealthy parents allegedly cheated and paid to get their children into elite schools, triggered a mix of emotions across the country. University officials struggle with what the next step is. For community college students, it’s yet another punch in the gut. Community college students are often ridiculed and mocked for not attending universities and their accomplishments are regularly deemed less impressive because of this. High school students that aim to attend community colleges are looked down on. It is difficult to not note the fact that many of these parents shelled out thousands of dollars to illegally buy their child’s way into universities rather than have the supposed status dropper of being a community college student. It’s an insult to community college students who more often than not fight tooth and nail to earn not just a spot at one of these universities but to earn
enough money to even get there. We, the Viewpoints Editorial Board, believe that the college admissions scandal highlights the fact that the community college students hold a lack of entitlement because they have had to work for everything they have and everything they hope to have. A newly released study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University surveyed 6,000 students from 10 community colleges in California, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming to get an idea on the challenges that impede students’ academic success. The survey found that among the top 10 challenges community college students face including work, paying expenses, difficulty supporting a family and attending college ranked the highest. Is this surprising? No, not even a little bit. However, it does paint a very discouraging image, especially in light of the college admissions scandal
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in which one actress’ daughter said that she doesn’t care about school after getting “accepted” into the University of Southern California. The scope of the problem doesn’t stop at the scandal, which the FBI didn’t even begin investigating until May 2018, either. Wealthy students having an unfair privilege over low income students has been an ongoing travesty. Children of parents in the top 1 percent of earnings are 77 times more likely to go to an Ivy League college than those whose parents are in the bottom 20 percent, a National Bureau of Education Research study found in 2017. Many community college students struggle enough to pay their bills and put food on the table, while their wealthy classmates can simply write a check and get what these students will have to work tirelessly to get even half that far. This scandal reinforces a culture of the wealthy getting wealthier and the poor getting poorer and frankly, it’s a hit that our society won’t recover from easily.
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