Vol.64 Editon 1_Fall 2012 American River Current

american river

From front to back: Felei and Leai Tauave, Clifford and Jovante Redmond, Frankie and Scott Patalano and Nic and Trevor Cooper.

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Photo by Daniel Romandia / The Current

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SPORTS

ARCurrent.com

@ARCurrent Facebook.com/ARCurrentcom Vol. 64, Ed. 1 • Sept. 19, 2012

BAND OF BROTHERS

FOUR PAIRS OF SIBLINGS ON THE ARC FOOTBALL SQUAD MAKES TEAMWORK A NO-BRAINER

By Trevor Horn horntc@imail.losrios.edu

T

he cliché may be that eight is enough.

But for the undefeated, No. 12 nationally ranked American River College football team, it’s just right.

In a very rare instance, the Beavers, owners of another impressive number--21 straight victories--have four sets of brothers all suiting up this year.

They include the larger than life siblings from America Samoa, Leasisefeau “Noe” and Felai “Fish” Tauave.

Then you have the quiet brothers from Elk Grove, Clifford and Jovante Redmond, the Orangevale brothers, Scott and Frankie Pata-

lano, who get a chance to bang heads daily in practice and the brothers from Rocklin, Nic and Trevor Cooper, that counter each other like yin and yang.

In his 25 years as a football coach, Beavers Head Coach Jerry Halfich said he has never seen this many brothers all on the same squad.

“We have had some twins, I have had brothers generationally, but not this many on the same team,” Haflich said.

Of the four sets, three of those pairs played at their respected high schools for at least one season together.

Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

NEWS

Constructing the future $61 million in renovations aim to bring the ARC campus into the 21st century paxiaos@imail.losrios.edu

American River College is currently in the middle of one its largest renovations in the school’s history.

“Just as those who came to the campus for the first time in 1958 saw a transformation of a 153 acre cattle ranch, those who visit the campus today are seeing a steady and essential transformation of an outdated campus designed to serve 10,000 students which now serves at least 35,000 students each semester,” said ARC President David Viar.

In the past decade, students

have seen nine buildings added or remodeled, starting with Howard Hall in 2003, and the most recently, the library in 2010. Currently in the middle of construction are the fine arts and sciences building, the student center, and a parking structure. Scheduled to be completed by 2013, the three buildings will bring the total cost of renovations to approximately $131 million and about 196,000 assigned square feet in the last 10 years, according to Viar.

So when can the ARC com-

SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 6

A LOOK INSIDE

3

CAMPUS CRIMES An increase in on-campus bike thefts invoked an investigation, leading to an arrest

SEE BROTHERS, PAGE 7

NEWS

Death of student leaves legacy of friendship

ARC student Harison LongRandall remembered for good deeds and positive attitude

By Josh Baumbach & Steven Paxiao baumbaj@imail.losrios.edu

Noe and Fish are playing on the same team together for the first—and maybe only—season together.

Growing up in American Samoa, Noe, 23, and Fish, 20, played at different high schools.

But after a couple years away from football, Noe joined the Beavers after moving to Sacramento in 2010. While Fish was unhappy at another community college in Southern California, he saw the success his older brother was having and decided to join in on the fun.

“Noe is a huge factor in Fish being here now,” Haflich said.

As a head coach, Halfich is thankful that the brothers are all friends on and off the field, because like any relationship, if there isn’t unity, it can be detrimental to others around.

By Sergio Portela portels@imail.losrios.edu

Nick Powell cutting concrete in the under-construction Student Sevices building.

8

SPORTS Q&A

ARC’s new athletic director speaks with The Current about the upcoming semester

10

If a hero is a person admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities, then former American River College student Harison Long-Randall certainly qualifies as one.

Many people know Long-Randall from the headlines he made in the Sacramento Bee this past summer, but most ARC students don’t know what he did here on campus.

Long-Randall, 21, died July 29 after he jumped in the way of a speeding car near the ARC campus on Garfield Avenue. He was protecting his girlfriend, 23-year-old ARC student Gemily West

SEE RANDALL, PAGE 2

FRESHMEN 101

What to do and what to expect as an incoming freshman at ARC

Page 2

News

Sept. 19, 2012 Photo courtesy of Facebook

american river

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Editor-in-Chief Josh Baumbach

Managing Editor Steven Paxiao

News Editor Sergio Portela

Arts & Entertainment Editor Cintia Lopez

Sports Editor Jessica Maynard

Scene Editor Mayra Sanchez

Opinions Editor Jaime Carillo

RANDALL: Remembered fondly for his heroic actions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ASBNOTEBOOK

By Jeff Gonzales

gonzalj68@imail.losrios.edu

Chaos and confusion seemed to abound at the Associated Student Body meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13.

While gearing up for the new semester and doing basic housekeeping for the ASB, ASB President Quierra Robey made a discovery that could impact many of the students here at American River College. This discovery is what caused all the confusion.

ARC students who are eligible for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver have not been required to pay the $1 ASB representation fee.

With a lower number of students paying these fees, a concern has come up that could have an effect on many of the traditional events that ARC participates in.

“We have approximately $13,000 in the rep fee account,” Robey said. “We’re used to around $30 to $40,000.”

Media Editor

Lance Gawthrop

BOG Waiver issue causes confusion for Associated Student Body

Events such as the annual March in March that help create the culture of ARC typically cost more than the entire budget that is supposed to last for the duration of the year.

Depending on how the ASB decides to work with this development, the senate may take a motion to the Los Rios Community College District to start charging these fees.

“I would be totally willing to pay,” said ARC fashion major and BOGW eligible student Kristen

Schierenberg. “I understand for some students (a dollar) is a big deal, but for some of us it’s not.”

Not all students receiving the waiver agree.

“I really would not want to pay,’ said Octaviana Bradford, an ARC student whose major is undeclared. “I feel like a dollar each is not going to make a difference with all the cuts going.”

Many students also do not realize that they can opt out of paying the representation fee based

Web Editor

Carlos Guerrero

mapquest.com

and her four Australian cattle dogs: Winry, Evie, Bindie and Zury. West survived, but the bone in her right leg snapped and she has 42 metal staples holding her leg together.

The suspect, 31-year-old Paul William Walden was allegedly speeding at 80 mph.

In July, the Sacramento Bee reported, “(t)he Sacramento Supreme Court records indicate that he had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence at least three times.”

Walden was arrested on driving under the influence and a suspended driver’s license.

Long-Randall graduated from Del Campo High School in 2009. He started school at ARC in the spring of 2010. His sister, 25-year-old ARC student Marybeth LongRandall, remembers him as a heavy-set guy with a kind face that would always leave her with a smile.

“He was just really big,” said Marybeth Long-Randall. “You know, very charismatic and humorous person and made everybody laugh and if you weren’t smiling when he found you, you would be smiling by the time he left you.”

Long-Randall’s interests include stage makeup and costume design, which he wanted to pursue as a career, as well as anime. He was a part of SacAnime, a local anime convention, where the members remembered him with a memorial and donations.

ARC student and Disabled Students Programs and Services employee Dylan Anderson

was working as an Adaptive Above: American River College students Harison LongPhysical Education aid when he Randall (left) and Gemily West with three of her Australian met Long-Randall and becattle dogs. Below: A map of the scene of the incident. friended him. He loved his personality.

“Harison was so inspirational. He had the ability to bring me up on a bad day.

He had an old soul and was too good for this world,” said Anderson According to Marybeth Long-Randall, Adaptive P.E. was one of Long-Randall’s favorite classes.

Adaptive P.E. Director Raye Maero enjoyed having Long-Randall around and remembers him as “a sweet kid who worked really hard everyday and was really nice to all the other students.”

Brian Sprinkle, Adaptive P.E.’s instructional assistant, it’s quiet because he isn’t here anymore,” said will always remember LongRandall as “never having a bad day” and being Marybeth Long-Randall.

Walden is still under investigation and “happy go lucky.” could face murder charges if convicted.

Dealing with Long-Randall’s death has been Long-Randall’s family has hopes of setting tough on his family and his girlfriend, accordup a foundation to help victims of traumatic ing to Marybeth Long-Randall, who says they crimes. miss him deeply.

Fighting back her emotions, Marybeth “For all of us right now, it’s just a day-byLong-Randall clearly misses her brother. day process on having to cope with our loss, “He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever especially when you wake up in the morning known and if we were all more like him, the expecting to hear Hari, then realizing that world would be a better place.”

Photo Editor

Daniel Romandia

on religious, political, or financial needs and beliefs.

However, without voices from the general public present at ASB meetings, the senate will be voting on many things over the course of the school year that could impact many of the most financially challenged of students.

If students want to make their voices heard the ASB meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Campus Life Center in the portable village.

Social Media Director Shelby Young

Copy Chief

Cody Alexander

Design Editor Megan Houchin

Feature Design Editor Steven Condemarin

Designer

Sarah Scott

Staff Writers

Jeff Gonzales Trevor Horn Alisha Kirby Kenneth Loafea Carla Manes Michael Pacheco Alex Panasenko Garitt Rocha Sharon Styles Olesya Sytnyk Dakota Williams

Staff Photographers Bryce Fraser Alisha Kirby Stephanie Lee

Adviser

Tim Swanson

Photo Adviser Jill Wagner

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CNPA & JACC

POLICY

The Current is produced by the students of Newspaper Production, J402. All opinions are signed and not necessarily endorsed by the Current staff. All letters and articles appearing in the Editorial, Opinion or Forum sections are not necessarily representative of the Current staff or American River College policy.

All articles are the property of the Current. Please go online at arcurrent. com to see the full text of criteria and guidelines for submissions. Letters must be typed and can be submitted by mail, e-mail or in person at the following addresses: The American River Current 4700 College Oak Drive Liberal Arts, Room 120 Sacramento, CA 95841 Phone: 916-484-8304 Fax: 916-484-8668 E-mail: Current@arc.losrios.edu www.ARCurrent.com

GOT A COMMENT? Send us your thoughts current@arc.losrios.edu or www.arcurrent.com

at

News

INBRIEF Sept. 17, 2012 through March 29, 2013 American River College, in collaboration with Sacramento Employment and Training Agency, will be offering green jobs classes, training participants for positions like sales and installers of solar panels. The class is free to all students.

“Training subsidized through Workforce Investment Act,” said Ira Ayers of SETA. For more info, see the Career Center.

Contact Ira Ayers at (916)263-3990 or Maquoo Anderson at (916)2633998 for more information.

n FORMER MUSIC PROFESSOR PERLA WARREN PASSES Perla Warren, a professor of music from 1975 to 1995, passed away on July 29 at the age of 76.

The mass and reception to be held on Sept. 21, 2012 at 5 p.m. at St. Mel’s Catholic Church, 4745 Pennsylvania Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

n REGIONAL TRANSIT EXTENDED HOURS Extended hours of service for Light Rail and a number of bus routes, including routes 1 and 82.

Route 1 will run from campus going eastbound toward Sunrise Mall until 10:02 p.m. and westbound toward Watt I-80 at 10:07 p.m.

Route 82 last departs from ARC at 9:47 p.m.

Changes effective Sept. 2, 2012.

For more information call (916)321BUSS or visit the official website of Regional Transit.

n UNIVERSITY REPS VISITING ARC For students interested in transferring to colleges will be on campus offering information.

Arrest made in ARC bike thefts

Suspect in custody as Los Rios Police Department works with outside agency in investigation, says LRPD Captain

Photo by Daniel Romandia / The Current

n FREE GREEN JOBS CLASSES

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Sept. 19, 2012

By Sharon Styles styless@imail.losrios.edu In July, campus police working with an outside agency arrested a suspect for the rash of bicycle thefts on the ARC main campus.

“The suspect we are looking at in this case has been identified and was picked up on a different charge and is in custody, “ said Captain Chris Day of the Los Rios Police Department.

“We are working with the outside agency and the district attorney right now to add our crimes to that for prosecution.

Since this person has been in custody our bike thefts have dropped dramatically.”

The suspect’s name is being withheld while the investigation is underway.

Day confirmed that the campus experienced a tremendous increase in bike thefts beginning in February. Campus police increased patrols, had officers working undercover and worked with an outside agency. Thefts occurred throughout the campus, but according to Day, possibly more happened near Davies Hall due to the population of the area.

Using designated areas to lock up bikes, U-shape locks, and a 3/8-inch cable are important to deter thieves.

The arrest could prevent others students from experiencing the shock Daniel Brouns felt when he discovered his bike was gone.

Brouns, a May 2012 graduate, had his bike stolen from the rack near the theatre and music building.

“It was kind of…. didn’t feel real. Like, you gotta be kidding me,” said Brouns. “My previous bike was stolen from my house a few weeks before. I had a lock on the bike, but in the rush on my way to class, maybe the lock didn’t click fully.”

Captain Day said there is no

way to guarantee your bike will not be stolen, but if the person can be deterred or slowed down long enough for an officer to make an arrest it would help tremendously. If you can, use a double lock with 3/8 inch cable and U-shape lock; any removable equipment such as gloves and helmets should be taken to class with you; park in a well-lit area; use bike racks to stabilize and support the bike; park in public areas and be aware.

Police continue to stay alert to all crime on campus with officers on constant foot and bicycle

ELECTION 2012

KNOW YOUR VOTE

patrol. Security cameras in the parking lots also record activities at some of the bike racks. These security cameras are constantly viewed by dispatch. In addition, Day is working with Public Information Office Stephen Peithman to place a bicycle theft prevention video on the ARC Facebook page.

Day also encourages students to stop by the police office for flyers and safety tips.

“For us being as large a campus as we are, it’s a pretty safe campus,” said Day.

Editor’s Note: In the spirit of fairness, all information used to inform this article has been taken directly from the candidates’ websites and/or speeches.

STUDENT LOANS

Sacramento State University will be on campus Wednesday, Sept. 19, and Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.

UC Davis will on campus Monday Sept. 24 and University of San Francisco will be present on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

For more information on these and other universities offering information, see Transfer Center or Event Calendar on ARC website.

n CAMPUS CHANGE WORKSHOPS Make IT Happen! is an introduction to creating changes on campus by giving students the opportunity to work with campus administrators and could be an extra boost to help out transfer resumes.

Topics include participation in campus-wide planning committees and involvement in student leadership activities.

Sept. 20, 2012, Noon -1 p.m. in Portable 612.

Life Cycle Series: Parenting Education Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, 12:15p.m.1:15p.m., CTL Conference Room.

Ongoing, held on first Wednesday of the month.

For more information, see Event Calendar on ARC website.

T

OBAMA

he backbone of President Barack Obama’s student loan reform centers on reducing private loans and increasing federal direct loans. Obama explained in his Democratic National Convention speech that this would allow students to borrow directly from the government; eliminating the risk of taking out high-interest loans they can’t pay back. Also included in Obama’s plan is student loan forgiveness. Beginning in 2014, students taking out a first time federal loan will pay 10 percent of their expendable income per month for 20 years. Students that make regular payments will have the remainder of their debt forgiven after the 20-year period. Students that work in publicservice professions such as teachers, nurses or hold a government job will have the rest of their debt wiped after just 10 years. The president recently proposed making this plan available to students with existing federal loans as well. In addition, Obama’s plan includes a tax increase to help fund the expansion of the Pell Grant.

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ROMNEY

epublican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is pushing for more involvement from private loan companies, while decreasing or even eliminating federal student loans. According to Romney’s “A Chance for Every Child,” government money would be given to banks to issue private student loans.

Romney is supporting reforms that will make information about schools more accessible to prospective students as well. He believes that informed students are more likely to make an educated decision and not overpay for a degree. This will force colleges to charge prices that accurately represent the quality of the education, and potentially lower costs of higher education. Romney is also highlighting the benefits of community colleges and occupational degrees, explaining that for many jobs a four-year degree is not necessary. He plans to tighten the qualifications for the Pell Grant, making it available only to the most in-need students and lowering the maximum amount granted. Romney’s plan relies on the idea that students will make informed decisions regarding student loans and school choices.

By Sarah Scott

scottse@imail.losrios.edu

Page 4

Sept. 19, 2012

Arts&Entertainment Photo courtesy of ARC Archives

When minorities become majorities

By Carlos Guerrero guerrecg@imail.losrios.edu Fact: Kids are being born less white these days.

For the first time in U.S. history, babies of color outnumbered Caucasian newborns 50 to 49 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s the latest bit of evidence illustrating the shifting demographics in our country.

One-time minorities -- especially Latinos and Hispanics -- will soon become majorities in states that used to be part of Mexico, such as California, New Mexico and Texas.

In fact, 38 percent of California’s population is Latino or Hispanic. That’s a mere one percent behind Caucasians in a number that’s projected to rise in the future. The U.S. census predicts that they may become the ethnic majority in California by 2015.

Non-Latino people shouldn’t be too intimidated by these shifts; it just means more burritos, Pacifico and Oakland Raiders games to go around, as well as filling the country with people that would rather eat two tacos than listen to U2.

Which brings me to the point of my column: I am here to translate my experiences as a young Mexican American.

Going by the recent conventions for the presidential elections, it’s something that would have interested both Republicans and Democrats. Latinos and Hispanics are becoming an important demographic as far as candidates are concerned, becoming a crucial voting block.

Knowing this importance, both the Republicans and Democrats infused their conventions with some serious Latino sabor.

At the Republican convention in Florida (another state with a strong Latino population), politicians and speakers began dashing Spanish into their speeches like a George Lopez stand up special to try and win the Latinos over.

But nothing at the Republican convention was as flavorful as at the Democratic convention, where guest and keynote speaker was Democratic politician Julian Castro, mayor of San Antonio, marking the first time a Latino had given the keynote speech at a major party convention.

Obama and Romney, pay attention. The Latino vote always will favor the party with the friendlier stance on immigration. Even though President Barrack Obama has deported more immigrants than George W. Bush did (according to Reuters), we almost turn a blind eye and pretend we don’t understand English just so we don’t accidentally vote another rich white guy president.

Cast members of the musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Steet.” The production, directed by Nancy Silva, begins Oct. 12 at ARC Theater.

The musical mayhem of ‘Sweeney Todd’ The Current speaks with director Nancy Silva about her take on the popular production and her interpretation for the ARC play opening Oct. 12

By Garitt Rocha rochag@imail.losrios.edu The story of a man who was unjustly sent into exile for 15 years by a judge who wanted to claim the man’s wife for himself, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is about a murderous barber dead-set on getting revenge on the judge who stole his life and the woman he loved.

The Current had the opportunity to sit down with Director Nancy Silva for a Q&A about the upcoming musical.

Current: Will this be the first time you’ve directed this play?

Silva: I have never directed this play before. Correct.

Why did you choose to do Sweeney Todd?

I’ve wanted to do this show for 15 years at least, maybe even longer than that, and we’ve kind of waited to do it until we’ve felt like we could handle

it; having the theater upgraded helped a lot. We also needed to know if we could cast it. I really like [this] kind of musical; it’s what we call a ‘dark musical.’

What about the violent content of the play? How are you handling it? Have you had to tone down the violence?

No. It’s really not [that] violent. It’s the play and not the film; you don’t want to confuse those two. In the play it’s just not that violent at all.

When he slices a throat there’s a little bit of blood, but compared to what people see on film today, it’s nothing.

It’s more like if you’d see Dracula or Frankenstein on stage, it’s more in that realm. The violence is fun; it’s melodrama in the best sense. I know the college really loved “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” [and] I believe people will

love “Sweeney Todd” for the same reasons.

What would you tell someone who has only seen the movie?

That the play is 10 times better. I thought the casting in the movie was bad. [The characters] were too young, youthful and good-looking, they changed the play and they dwelled on the violence in the movie. The play doesn’t do that at all.

When do you open?

We open on October 12, which is a month away and we’re going to be ready. I’ve got a great cast, the scenes are so good they’re going to blow people away and there are some very, very good actors, so I think we’re going to be ready in time.

Arts&Entertainment

Page 5

Sept. 19, 2012 Photo by Steven Condemarin / The Current

INOURHEADS The Current’s Josh Baumbach shares the wide variety of what is in his head baumbaj@imail.losrios.edu “Rise Of Nine” by Pittacus Lore – The third book of the “Lorien Legacies” (or “I Am Number Four” series) was an exciting read from front to back. It follows a race of aliens stranded on Earth who are fighting another alien race that wants them extinct.

But there are only 20 of them, and they are being rapidly picked off.

“Hell On Wheels”- Recently starting its second season on AMC, “Hell On Wheels” is set during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. There are plenty of dirty politics and violence, but it’s mostly its roots in history that have me hooked.

A double cheeseburger with garlic fries, served at Willie’s Burgers and Chiliburgers located at 4040 Arden Way.

Willie’s looks good, tastes OK

Carmichael restaurant features industrial theme, typical service but confusing menu

By Steven Condemarin condems@imail.losrios.edu If In-N-Out is the “gold standard” for burgers, Willie’s Burgers and Chiliburgers take the bronze.

This restaurant is a very typical counter-ordering restaurant.

Willie’s Burgers has an industrial theme to it, with stainless steel walls and countertops. The front of this Mexican American joint is glass so you can immediately see if it’s busy or not.

There is minimal ordering space and the menu is expansive in size and price. With a variety of foods to choose from, ordering became confusing for me. Right next to the ordering counter is a huge window with the main grill behind it so everyone can see how the cooks make the orders as they come in.

They didn’t have any combos to make choosing an item easier.

I ordered a “Hammer 4,” which is a double cheeseburger and comes with lettuce, tomato, thousandisland dressing and onions.

I was given a number and took a seat.

The service, for me, was typical. There was one employee that was courteous and even talkative toward some people. Televisions are set up around the front of the room for people to watch while they enjoy their food.

The burger was well cooked and seasoned. The lettuce was crisp and tasted fresh. The onions were flavorful, while the cheese was perfectly melted on both patties and the thousand-island dressing added an interesting flavor to the burger.

I ordered a side of garlic fries

with my burger for only $3.50 and although they were pretty messy, they were filling and delicious.

The fries were topped with garlic, cilantro and Parmesan cheese.

Even though the food altogether was average, the price seemed to be fair (total of $10.78), which isn’t bad. They are also open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so I might be back for a late night meal.

WILLIE’S BURGERS AND CHILIBURGERS 4040 ARDEN WAY CARMICHAEL, CALIF. MEAL FOR 1: $10-$15

“The Hunger Games” - With the recent release of the blu-ray, “Hunger Games” fans have something to tide them over until “Catching Fire” next year. Being a fan of the books as well as the movie so far, this blu-ray was a must-have for me.

“Slaughterhouse: Welcome To: Our House” - Comprised of Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce Da 5’9”, this hip hop supergroup weaves together a rare classic album in the age of iTunes singles.

Also doesn’t hurt that they had Eminem managing the album.

“The Walking Dead: The Game” - Developer Telltale Games had past success with other licensed properties such as “Back To The Future” and “Jurassic Park,” but this is where they shine. With a gripping story not like anything else in “The Walking Dead” universe, “The Game” makes you care about the characters, and there are so many shocking twists it rivals the show and novels.

«««««

Willie’s Burgers 5050 Arden Way Carmichael, 95608

$$$$ ««««

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Feature

Sept. 19, 2012

Renovation is in the air

The new parking structure under construction, to be completed by spring 2013 Photo by Steven Condemarin

Construction: Ready spring 2013 -munity expect to see these new additions completed?

According to Dr. Viar, everything should be ready by spring 2013. “Due for opening in early 2013 are the fine arts and sciences portables replacement building and the student center, and for spring 2013, we will open the parking structure with

the

pan, and fill it with slurry,” said Powell.

Along with the visual upgrade of the student center comes the addition of new venues as well. The addition of a Starbucks and a Burger Shack will accompany the Subway that is already on campus, which will be moving from the portable village once finished.

There will also be a complete kitchen inside that will accommodate students for reasonable prices. Inside the new center will be much more space for student-work, including three student lounges and 10 meeting rooms.

61 MILLION, COSTS $

spot. Also with all the new buildings, I think it will improve the overall morale of the students (about ARC),” said 21-year-old ARC student Emily Rabasto.

Once the structure is finished, it will raise the overall parking spots on campus from 4,235 to 5,885.

With these additions, the ARC campus will move even further into the future, in hopes of making the campus more suitable for the current admission totals.

TOTAL PARKING SPOTS

ruction

A

nyone who has taken classes here at ARC clearly knows there is a huge parking problem, mainly during the first month of each semester. With the addition of the new parking structure to be finished for the spring semester this year, it should help solve some of those problems every student faces.

“The new parking structure will definitely be a huge help for the students, because so many people are late because they’re looking for a parking

PARKING S P OT S after const

Parking Structure

1,650 more right now

The future entrance of the new student center, to be completed by early 2013.

Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

One of many skylights illuminating the new student center.

N O I CONSTRU CT THE

ADDING

the

A

NUMBERS

Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

Student Center

lthough it may seem like the student center building has been running smoothly throughout the construction process, there was a delay in the initial beginning of the project that forced the slight change in deadline.

One of the main things mentioned by the project manager John Powell was the fact that the soil was not suitable for the weight of the building.

“Basically the soil where the new student center is had a lot of clay, which isn’t stable enough for the weight of the building.

We had to over-excavate in order to get to the hard

by the

spaces for approximately 1,650 vehicles. These three buildings will cost around $61 million,” said Viar.

All these additions are possible thanks to California voters passing Measure A and Measure M as well as various education bonds.

Sports

Page 7

Sept. 19, 2012

Photo courtesy of Patalano Family

Photo courtesy of Cooper Family

Photo courtesy of Redmond Family

Photo courtesy of Tauave Family

Top Left: Nic Cooper (58) and older brother Trevor (68) during Trevor’s senior season at Rocklin High School. Top Right: Scott Patalano, far right, walks with his younger brother Frankie (9) prior to the final home high school football game at Casa Roble on Nov. 4, 2011. Bottom Right: Jovante Redmond (20) and Clifford (43) pose for a youth football picture. Bottom Left: Felei Tauave (left) with his older brother Leai after a game during Leai’s freshman season for American River College in 2010.

BROTHERS: ARC football team sports four sets of siblings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I think it is something that can either hurt you or help you or make you really special,” Haflich said. “So far here, it has made us special.”

Take the Cooper brothers.

Nic, a gentle giant off the field, sometimes has to play sheriff when his brother is around.

Trevor, a fiery competitor, has found himself in shoving matches during practices. And despite Trevor (all 275 pounds) being able to hold his own, Nic will almost be in the mix backing up his brother and find himself in the

“

melee by proxy.

For the Patalano brothers, still living at home and being able to be around each other is great for them as brothers and friends, but for mom and dad, too.

“They love seeing us on same team together,” Scott said.

They played one season together in 2009 during Scott’s senior season, when Frankie was a sophomore.

But when Frankie was a freshman at Casa Roble, he was called up to varsity, and one day in prac-

started to bleed.

That was me welcoming him to varsity football.”

Scott and Frankie have yet to have that encounter this season as both battled injuries early on.

For the Redmond brothers, the excitement has been on the field as well as off.

Clifford, a returning starter at cornerback for ARC, stood on the sideline as Jovante made his

I think it is something that can either hurt you or make you really special. So far here, it has made us special.

JERRYHAFLICH tice, Scott recalls the welcoming gift he gave his younger brother.

“He came across the field on a route and I just smacked him to the ground,” Scott said with a smirk on his face. “His chin

first collegiate tackle in the fourth quarter in the season opener on Sept. 1.

But still being a big brother, Clifford couldn’t help getting in a little verbal jab on his sibling.

“I was kind of surprised,” Clifford said. “I didn’t think he could evolve to the speed, but he has done good.”

Whether the bond of brotherhood is literal or figurative, the brothers are all grateful for this last time to hold on to a bit of their youth.

“It’s the best thing ever that a brother could ask for,” Noe said.

Page 8

Sports

Sept. 19, 2012

ARC hires new head of sports Greg Warzecka’s 16 years as director of athletics at UC Davis highlights stellar career

By Jessica Maynard

Photo Courtesy of ARC Athletics

years of my career. When this position was posted and brought to my attention, I thought I’ll explore it. It’s seven miles from my The 2011-12 athletic seasons were house, and the more I learned eventful for American River College. The about American River College, Beavers had 13 teams make the playoffs, the more interested I became. with four of those teams claiming chamWhat are your goals for this pionships. The program also saw athletic semester? director Jean Snuggs retire after 33 years.

One thing I’m working diliThe current spoke with ARCs apgently on is our apparel and unipointed interim athletic director Greg forms, equipment and supplies Warzecka about his background and goals that are needed for our students for the upcoming semester. who are competing. I sense that The Current: Can you tell us about over time with budget cuts, it’s your background in sports? been stressful on the students Greg Warzecka: I started in the 1970s who make the team and want as an assistant baseball coach at UC to represent ARC, and there’s a Berkeley. I coached there for five years lot of cost associated with that. and went on to be the head coach at San I’m trying to work hard to find Francisco State for three years. I moved ways to minimize the cost for a to Chicago where I became the head student to compete in athletics baseball coach and men’s athletic director here at ARC. at the University of Chicago for four and How do you plan to reach a half years. At that point, my baseball these goals? career ended and I took a job at the UniI’ve built relationships over versity of Redlands, a beautiful Division time with apparel companies, III private school where I was the director Greg Warzecka began career in college sports at UC Berkeley. and everybody likes to be asof physical education and athletics for the sociated with a certain company The year off was good. It was one of those next five and a half years before going to whether it’s Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. situations where I felt that after 34 or 35 UC Davis where I was director of athletics You can build relationships with these years in college athletics, I had just been on for 16 years. companies even at the community college a racehorse and needed a break to evaluate You retired for a year. How does it feel level, which create an opportunity for us to were I wanted to go in the last five to seven to be back? standardize our logo. maynarj@imail.losrios.edu

SPORTSUPDATES SOCCER

CROSS-COUNTRY

Freshman forward Daniel Lomeli has scored four goals in five games and has been a key piece for the team, which currently ranks number one in the Big 8 division. Their next home game is Oct. 2 against San Joaquin Delta College at 4 p.m.

The team took first place at the OCC/ SoCal Preview on Sept. 15. They claimed four of the top five spots in the race. The next meet is the Lou Vasquez Invitational on Sept. 20 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco at 4:30 p.m.

FOOTBALL

WATER POLO

Tailback Jakori Ford was released from UC Davis Medical Center on Sept. 13 after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery; his injury will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. The football team will take the field again at home on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. versus Santa Rosa College.

WOMEN’S

CROSS-COUNTRY The team placed seventh at the Fresno Invitational on Sept. 8. Their next meet will be Sept. 20 at the Lou Vasquez Invitational at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez, California at 10 a.m.

The Water Polo team is currently 3 – 6 but beat division rival Modesto on Sept. 12.

The team consists of 19 players but only four of them are returning sophomores.

The team will be participating in a double header at Sierra College Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

Freshman Luis Luna at Fresno Invitational.

GOLF Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

ARC Volleyball team from left, Nicole Hareland, Josie Casillas, Hilary Horton and Katie Christener

Photo courtesy of Rick Anderson

MEN’S

VOLLEYBALL

The team is currently ranked seventh in the division acquiring 879 points in two matches so far this season. The team will be playing at the Cherry Island Golf Course in Elverta on Sept. 25 at noon.

Freshmen Nicole Hareland and Katie Christener have been spiking machines for the volleyball team this season. The ladies will be at home against division rival Cosumnes River College on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

SOCCER

WATER POLO

Alexis Wallace and Ceci Velazquez have been the offensive surge the team needed to start the year. The two have accumulated five goals and an assist in the first four games of the season. Their next home game will be on Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. against division rival Modesto Junior College.

The defense of freshman utility player Mackenzie Kaplan and the offensive presence of sophomore Mariah Livingston have helped the team make a splash in the division. The team will be on the road till the middle of October but will be local Sept.

19 against Sacramento City at 3:30 p.m.

Integrity of our nation’s pastime is at risk due to cheaters

By Steven Paxiao paxiaos@imail.losrios.edu Sports is often thought to be one of the most popular entertainment venues among the world. Lately, it seems to me that there have been a lot more negative issues than positive.

This is an attempt to inform the everyday citizen of the things that are out of bounds with the million dollar athletes we call idols.

With MLB being one of the highest paid professional sports, it should be no question that the integrity of the game would be higher than the rest.

In the month of August, Bay Area baseball saw two players fail drug tests for high levels of testosterone.

First was Melky Cabrera of the San Francisco Giants, who at the time led the national league in hits, and batting average. He still leads the league in batting average, which is now bringing up talks of whether or not he will be given the batting title after this incident.

Second was Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics, who had shown a surprising increase in innings pitched over the past two seasons (‘09,’11), following a 2010 campaign where he was injured all season, as well as a visible increase on his fastball speed.

The use of any human growth hormone is highly prohibited in all professional sports, and these two not only hurt their teams during pennant races, but also crushed the dreams of kids who idolized these athletes.

This was also a huge issue last season after Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun also tested high for testosterone, following his MVP acceptance months earlier.

After a long appeals process, he became the first player to have a drug suspension overturned in MLB history.

I’m not saying these men aren’t great people off the field, but when they are making millions to play a game that has long been called the American pastime, maybe more should be done to reestablish the integrity of the game before it is lost for good.

Scene

Page 9

Sept. 19, 2012 Photo by Ashley King / The Current

Salt, sun and speed

Looking for love in all the online spaces

ARC student Rob Zomber describes spiritual experience working as a volunteer tech inspector for Speed Week on the salt flats

By Mayra Sanchez sanchezm25@imail.losrios.edu

By Ashley King kingaa@imail.losrios.edu When getting elbow deep from the underside of a car, some wind up covered in dirt.

Rob Zomber, however, generally has a coarse layer of salt. He picks it up from the dried alkaline lakebeds and salt flat race tracks.

Zomber, an American River College student, is a volunteer Southern California Timing Association safety tech inspector. He knows vintage cars and motorcycles as well as where to find the fastest ones, and that’s on the salt. Zomber compares the moment arriving on the salt during Speed Week to a spiritual experience.

“It’s hard not to feel emotional about it.

It’s hallowed ground as far as hot-rodders are concerned,” said Zomber.

The salt flats are like working on hot snow. The reflecting sun hits “really awkward places you didn’t expect,” creating memorable sunburns. Zomber respects the holy salt. This is how he earned his place protecting people against it.

Zomber is tall and skinny. His leg can shake a table the same way a 450 mph blown glass streamliner shakes your body.

Maybe that’s why his metabolic rate so high he can get half his body under aerodynamic chassis with ease. At 28 years young, Zomber is destined is to be an old timer. He is one of only two tech inspectors in their

A vintage car enthusiast, Rob Zomber volunteers as a safety tech inspector in his free time.

20s that volunteer.

Bonneville Speed Week is the last form of true amateur racing. Unlike the Indy 500 or any NASCAR races, the first week of August about reaching top speeds, not how fast participants finish. They do so with “an absolute lack of ego.” More records are broken during speed week than anywhere else in the world. When previous records are shattered, it’s not just the team that gets excited – it’s a win for the entire Bonneville community.

Every rule is written in blood. Statistically speaking, “it’s amazing how many people go hundreds of miles per hour and don’t die,” said Zomber. This is why volunteers like Zomber do what they do.

“I make sure that they’re going to go out

TAKETHISCLASS youngs20@imail.losrios.edu Today’s popular music blaring through the speakers, feet moving to the beat and bodies sliding across the wooden floors Intermediate Jazz 310 is the class to take if you’re a dance freak or someone who enjoys watching “Dancing with the Stars.”

Their motto is “we don’t steal, we applaud.”

Sunny Smith is a full time professor of dance. She also teaches a ballet course which is offered at American River College as well. Intermediate Jazz 310 is her favorite class because she gets to see dancers

INTERMEDIATEJAZZ

improve.

Jazz 310 is a technique class that focuses on areas such as turning, jumping and stretches. Students get to learn these methods for any type of dance such ballet, hiphop or classical. Jazz dance incorporates all types of dance. Students get to watch other people who are better in hopes of improving themselves. Intermediate Jazz is offered during all semesters.

Students are required to do three to five combinations: one being hip-hop, one lyrical, one concert and one musical theatre.

They are required to dance solo for a good grade.

“Intermediate Jazz is a very supportive class. People are less terrified to get up and present something on their own. The music is a lift in the day and changes your mood.”

SUNNYSMITH professor

Photo by Bryce Fraser / The Current

By Shelby Young

and be safe, or as safe as they can be,” said Zomber.

Zomber encourages everyone to come see at least SCTA event, come camp, watch fast cars and spend less than $50. El Mirage is only five hours south of Sacramento.

Wendover, Utah, where Bonneville’s Speed Week is held annually, is a longer drive that’s worth it.

In the future zombie apocalypse, you can find Zomber riding in a big streamliner dubbed “Zomber Challenges Zombies” and listening to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”

You can also stop by So Cal Speed Shop at 1715 Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento and pick through their selection of literature or Zomber’s brain for more information.

“You are an athlete as a dancer.”

LEENESPIRITDANCER student

Students from the Intermediate Jazz class show off their skills. On the left is Malene Wohlford, on top is Jenna Miller, on the bottom is Hanna Yanni, and on the right is Deatra Shields.

October will mark my one-year anniversary with my single self.

Between the poorly written texts I receive from empty headed men and my self-destructive ways, I’d rather listen to my mom’s iPod than hear another “how you doin’?” pick up line. Realizing I was a little past due for a candle light dinner, I decided to go outside of my normal Midtown bar scene and venture into unknown world of online dating.

Yeah, it’s a little unnatural that an emoticon can suffice for a real genuine smile, but in an age where we share photos and embarrassing stories with complete strangers via the web, online dating seems less desperate and more realistic.

A few recommendations later and I was downloading and registering for “OkCupid,” a free online dating app with 3.5 million active users. I made my account, completed the questionnaire process and uploaded my most recent picture, one that would only upset my mother. I was well on my way to finding love.

My demand for love was met with an overwhelming amount of supply.

My phone had never seen so much action. Where had all these men been hiding? As I scrolled through profiles the same way I shop for shoes online, I wondered – are these men really any better than the selfinvolved guys I attract at bars?

I had already invested a few days swapping messages with a nice, sane-looking guy, so I decided it was time to put down the Ben & Jerry’s and take the online flirting outside of my bedroom. We made plans to meet up at a restaurant, somewhere public where I had phone services just incase my roommate got “terribly hurt” and needed my help (like we had practiced) and near a bar so I could grab a drink if it was a bust.

The date was a success in the sense that he looked exactly like his photos, no unexpected beard or belly but I realized early on when he wouldn’t shut up about his gym routine that he wasn’t what I had expected. Even though I enjoyed my hot Chinese way more than our cold, forced conversation, it was better than most of my dates I had been on in the past year.

In the end, I had stepped out of my comfort zone and it was fine. All ligaments were intact and I didn’t feel the need to listen to Adele on the ride home. We get caught up in the daily routine of school and work leaving little room for change. But in the words of Ronald Reagan, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

Page 10

Scene

Sept. 19, 2012

ARC professor unswayed by success of ‘The Infinite Tides’

PULSE

With all the construction on campus, what should they build next?

“

Dr. Christian Kiefer focuses on art after his debut novel is a critical success

As an artist you want to be doing the next thing; it’s like a very shiny distraction in a way.

By Garitt Rocha rochag@imail.losrios.edu distraction in a way.”

But for Kiefer, that mindset is less about being a rebel and more about persuing art in its purest form.

“Commerce and art, in my mind, are seperate entities,” said Kiefer. “As an artist, I cannot get too involved with the commerce side of things. I certainly do my part, I... do readings, I’ll sign whatever book somebody brings, but ultimately there’s a line I can’t cross, because then I become a salesman and not an artist.”

To further illustrate Kiefer’s dedication to his own creative satisfaction, he hasn’t bothered checking how many copies of the book have sold.

“I haven’t asked,” said Kiefer, “and I’ve asked my agent not to tell me, because it’s irrelevant to me making the next book.”

On top of that, he wrote 41 drafts of the “The Infinite Tides,” which is shocking because Stephen King only writes 22 drafts before releasing a book. There is irony in Kiefer’s writing of “The Infinite Tides”: He chose to write about the topic of men defining themselves by their work, but he himself is constantly buried in it.

“I spent a lot of time this summer working on a book, throwing it out, starting over, getting to a certain point and throwing it out again and starting it over,” said Kiefer. Maybe that’s Kiefer’s infinite tides; a neverending cycle of work and creation, or perhaps it’s the only way he knows how to define himself.

CHRISTIANKIEFER

“An Internet café.”

Photo courtesy of Jessica Egger

Dr. Christian Kiefer is a busy man.

He is an English professor at American River College, a husband, a father of six – with his sixth having arrived on Sept. 7 – a Ph.D. in poetry and a musician with work on over eight albums. He also released a critically successful novel titled “The Infinite Tides,” over the summer and is doing a reading of the book at ARC’s College Hour on Sept. 20 in Raef Hall.

Described as, “(a)n astute, impressive, and ambitious debut,” by Publishers Weekly, “The Infinite Tides” is about a man by the name of Kieth Corcoran who devoted his life to becoming an astronaut, who then loses his family after a tragedy.

The concept of the book was conceived by looking at “the economy imploding and a lot of men being out of work, all at the same time,” said Kiefer. “(T)hinking about, in terms of gender, men defining themselves by work; having a big swath of men unemployed at the same time means that a large swath of men were then unable to define themselves in that way.”

Some might think Kiefer would have an inflated head when seeing all of the positive reviews “The Infinite Tides” is receiving, but he’s a man that goes to the beat of his own drum and the opinions of others matter much less than his own.

“It’s validating,” said Kiefer regarding the reviews of his book. “(But) really as an artist you want to be doing the next thing; it’s like a very shiny

CAMPUS

-Damon Jenkins

Electrical Engineering

“A really nice gym.”

-Julie Kiselev

Nursing

Dr. Christian Kiefer, ARC professor and author of “The Infinite Tides,” his debut novel.

“A childcare service.”

Dr. Christian Kiefer’s book, “The Infinite Tides” can be purchased in the English department. He will also be doing a reading of the book during college hour on Sept. 20 at Raef Hall at 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Dos and don’ts of being a

-Laurel Housh

Former ARC student

“A solid, stable place for DSPS students to be dropped off.”

-Dylan Anderson

FRESHMAN

Psychology

By Steven Paxiao paxiaos@imail.losrios.edu There are many differences between high school and college, and these differences are apparent starting with your first semester in school.

With these new ways of learning, there are many things that freshmen need to know about what to do and what not to do to succeed while attending college.

DO •

•

Do make sure you plan ahead and stay organized.

This means making a schedule of when different assignments are due, and also what time and day each class is. Not only will this ensure that you will be in class on time ready to learn, it will allow you to schedule your own personal life around your schooling.

Do get enough sleep at night and eat healthy. It’s been proven that the brain obtains information better with at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and at least three meals a day. This may not be what some wish to do, but it sure does beat nodding off in class to a noisy stomach.

“More student meeting space.”

DON’T •

•

Don’t think that college is just a time to rebel against your parents. Partying is a very huge part of the overall college experience, but every single night of the week isn’t going to get you past your first year.

Sometimes you have to just put the ping pong ball down and pick up a book and study.

Don’t over stress about the little, meaningless things.

Whether your hair isn’t totally perfect or you forgot to update your Facebook status, students need to be more dedicated to their schoolwork. So next time you find yourself spending more time on social media sites than reading your textbooks, just remember that statuses will come and change but a college degree lasts forever.

-Ally Joye

ESL professor

“A better computer department.”

-Brandon Powers

Computer Engineering

Opinion

CURRENTEDITORIAL current@arc.losrios.edu You’d have to be incredibly naïve to think that money doesn’t dictate politics in California.

This year, corporations outspend unions nearly two-to-one in federal elections (254 million and 164 million respectively according to the Federal Election Commission). Which is exactly why California voters should vote no on Proposition 32, otherwise known as the “Paycheck Protection Initiative.”

Prop 32 would make it illegal for unions and corporations to take money directly from their member’s paychecks. This money is the cash flow that allows unions to stay alive.

“Defeating this [Prop 32] has got to be the top goal of labor.

If they don’t, they could become almost extinct in California politics,” Thad Kousser, political science professor, said on 32.

Page 11

Sept. 19, 2012

While the proposition also prevents corporations from giving unchecked money to politicians, the proposition provides plenty of loopholes. It would still let limited liability companies and titans of industry donate huge sums from their personal bank accounts. For example, Kansas based industrialists the Koch brothers; who gave millions to the Gov. Scott Walker led antiunion movement in Wisconsin, have poured $4 million into the Yes on 32 campaign.

Unions are an ever-shrinking entity in America, and certainly in California. While unions are far from perfect, their purpose is to give workers a fighting chance when it comes to fair pay wages

‘Paycheck Protection Initiative’ will prove deadly for unions’ voice in California and benefits for themselves and their families.

To pass Prop 32 would take away their fiscal influence in the state legislature, and with it, their representation. Collective bar-

“

Defeating [Prop 32] has got to be the top goal of labor. If they don’t, they could become almost extinct in California politics.

THADKOUSSER gaining may even become extinct, echoing the recent labor protests in Ohio.

In a post Citizens United (the supreme court decision that allows for unchecked money to enter the world of political

contributions) America, wanting to ban enormous money-based influences in politics is something that all states, and the country as a whole for that matter should endeavor to do.

Society needs corporations to provide jobs for the wheels of society to work. But left unchecked, they could become a corrupt entity that will toss aside worker’s wages and benefits in pursuit of profits.

America and any democracy works because of checks and balances. Just as congress and the U.S. Supreme Court keep checks on the president, so too do unions keep checks on corporations and our elected officials. If society needs corporate leviathans, we must match their size and influence with entities representing the little guy, which is why Prop 32 should be voted down in November.

The past, present and future of space Neil Armstrong’s death reminds us that the future lies in the stars With the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket on May 22, 2012, the landing of the Mars Curiosity rover on August 6, 2012, and the unfortunate death of Neil Armstrong August 25, 2012, it’s been an eventful summer for the space industry, and the eyes and minds of America are once again on the heavens.

Watching the Falcon 9 launch, or the Mars landing on my computer monitor, I can see

why people used to drive out to sit on the hoods and roofs of their cars to watch space launches. On a screen, it’s just a burst of fire in the blackness, but more, it’s a symbol.

And what a symbol it is for our species. We started as small insectivores running through trees.

The adaptations we’d evolved for this allowed us to develop beyond any other species.

By Korbl Klimecki klimecb@imail.losrios.edu

We grew and sought new realms. We left the trees and changed. We now stand as masters of the most complex tools in our world.

We built our new era, scratching it from the rough and often unforgiving earth, cobbling together sticks and stones and metal.

Though we grew from tiny animals eating insects we caught with our own hands, we became a species that can reach out and grasp the stars.

In the history of space exploration, 562 brave men and women have left the embrace of earth. 12 men have set foot on our closest celestial neighbor.

These awe-inspiring people have blazed the trailhead and bade us follow.

Their bravery brought us such things we take for granted as satellite television and navigation, laptops, portable power tools, long distance health monitoring devices, even software which learns its users’ preferences.

Without the Apollo program, we wouldn’t even have the modern microchip as Texas Instruments first designed its ancestor, the integrated circuit, for NASA. Even modern infant formula comes from NASA research involving algae, which discovered a protein previously only found in human milk.

When the last rocket of NASA’s shuttle program launched July 8, 2011, many of my generation thought our country had decided space was a lost cause, a waste of time.

Others told us this wasn’t true, that it was only decided we should change how we go into space.

When we do get out there, we may find nothing. We may find other sentient space travelers. But what we will find, with absolute certainty? I know we’ll find our feet, and we will find our place. We’ll find it because we’ll make one, damn it. It’s what we do.

Humans venture into every ecology, every realm, even when it could, and has killed some.

We have no lack for courageous youths to carve a broad path through the danger and lead us on. We will always have these great people. We will always strive. We will always reach. It’s our nature, not just as humans, but living beings. To quote an author whose works have touched on many subjects and never failed to inspire, at least this writer, “All things strive.” It is the nature of nature.

I’ll see you in the galaxy. Let’s go.

Waiting for Dubya

By Jaime Carrillo carrilj8@imail.losrios.edu Pardon me if I seem a little woozy; I just finished watching two weeks of theatre otherwise known as the 2012 political conventions. Even though it is theatre, not all theatre is created equally. I think we can all agree Death of a Salesman is better than Cats (with apologies to Mr. Mistofolees). And the Democratic National Convention was better than the Republican equivalent because of one crucial aspect: ex-presidents.

I can go into how earth shatteringly amazing President Bill Clinton’s speech was. In fact, I will.

Clinton took apart the Romney/ Ryan platform piece by nasty piece with (the now famous) arithmetic and the cool, calming drawl only an Arkansan can deliver. It was long, don’t get me wrong. But it was long in the way Billy Joel’s “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” (substitute your own favorite 8 minute long song here) is long.

It will drag on, but you’re going to cling to every line and cry when it’s over. And what do the fact checkers have to say? Very little, actually. With a few exceptions, the speech was bona fide. We can’t say the same for Congressman Paul Ryan, who lies in his speeches about marathon times and probably what he had for breakfast this morning.

Anyone catch President George W. Bush’s speech? If you answered yes, then you’re probably living in some parallel universe where the Republican Party hasn’t made Bush persona non grata at their shindigs. It’s a very calculated move. I mean, have you seen the Romney economic plan? It’s nearly identical to Bush’s.

The same plan that cuts taxes for the wealthy, the same de-regulating (Clinton is no saint in this regard either), the same set of steps that made all of our money catch fire in September of 2008 is being sold to us again.

If it worked, not only would Bush have been at the convention, they would have made him speak every night and bejeweled a statue in his honor.

Bush is going to be a big part of this election whether Obama and Romney want him to be or not. There isn’t a more trite argument than, “quit blaming Bush!”

The man ruled as an autocrat for 8 years, got us into two wars, passed massive tax cuts (which add more to the deficits than any entitlement ever could) and forever changed the politics of fear in America. Fixing that kind of mess is going to take at least two terms, and I Oughta Know.

Expressions

Midtown Flavor Photos by Daniel Romandia Art, music, independent vendors, protests, live theater and people. It sounds like something that can only be found in major cities, but it also happens monthly in Sacramento.

Every second Saturday in the Midtown area, an art walk is held that showcases the city’s creative community.

Left: A man amidst a crowd on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacramento.

Right: People drew their personal chalk art on 20th St. between J St. and K St. on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacramento. Left: A theater troupe hands out flyers on Sept. 8 in the Midtown area in Sacramento.