DISCORD STRIKES ASB
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Vol. 65, Ed. 2 • October 2, 2013
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he Government of the United States of America is built on the ideal of unite or die. The Associated Student Body Student Senate is modeled after the same tenets that the U.S. Senate is. As the voice of the students and as a legal body, ASB has a big job to fill on campus. In the short time the senators have been in office, they have had to face unique challenges with the changes in leadership, and the people involved are making things more divisive than united. In the fifth week of the session, ASB Senate has gone over bylaws that should have been approved by previous boards. But due to many differing voices, the ASB has been as much at a standstill as has the US Senate. All the differing ideas,
SEE ASB, PAGE 3
A new day a new president
The Gadsden Flag is a yellow historical flag showing a ready-to-strike snake coiled up on a patch of grass. Under the snake read the words “Don’t Tread On Me.” Christopher Gadsden, after whom the flag is named, designed the flag in 1775 during the American Revolution. Rattlesnakes had been a big part of the American Revolution because snakes heavily populated the areas of the original 13 colonies. According to “Flag: An American Biography” by Marc Leepson, it was common policy for Britain to send convicted criminals to America. In response Benjamin Franklin suggested that we thank the British by sending them rattlesnakes. The image of the snake has been used in political cartoons during times of division and to show the necessity to unite.
- Carlos Guerrero
POOR COMMUNICATION AND CONTENTIOUS BYLAW DISCUSSION HAS CAUSED MEMBERS OF ASB AND CAEB TO DIFFER By Jeff Gonzales & Zach Tierney |
AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE ANATOMY OF A MOSH PIT By Alisha Kirby & Brooke Purves
ztierney.zt@gmail.com
alishakirby1@gmail.com brookempurves@gmail.com
Bill Karns was ushered in as interim president Monday as faculty said goodbye to Marie Smith in a small ceremony at Guthrie Grove at 3:30 p.m. Attendees celebrated the time Marie Smith spent as president this semester and Karns’ impending 53 days as leader. In an interview with The Current, Tony Barcellos of American River College’s math department spoke about the good fortune of having Smith and Karns serve. “(Smith) has an ability to build a consensus and get people to cooperate,” Barcellos said. “You have that instinctive feeling of trust when you meet her and then you get to know her and you find out it’s not a fluke.” Barcellos also recognized Karn’s dedication. “Karns invests himself in things so entirely,” Barcellos said. “No one can match him in taking things seriously.” Smith gave her own parting words, saying that her time here this semester was “a very fast but wonderful time.”
For the full story, visit us at ARCurrent.com
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jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com ztierney.zt@gmail.com
Moshers just want to have fun
By Zach Tierney
A LOOK INSIDE
History of the Gadsden Flag
Working Athletes Student athletes discuss competing commitments
Alisha Kirby / alishakirby1@gmail.com
Mosh pits are a good place for people to release their aggression in a semi-controlled environment.
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Kohler Creek ARC students work to protect the Holyoke Nature Area located on campus
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You’re beaming as you exit the venue after watching your favorite band play. You’re drenched in sweat, your shirt is ripped, and you’ve got a little bit of someone else’s blood on your forearm. To some this sounds almost barbaric, but to many concertgoers who spend their time in the mosh pit, these are all signs of a good time. “At certain shows I go [into the pit], no questions asked,” said ARC sociology major, Morgan Leschke. “There’s this energy that can only be experienced in the pit and the band feeds off of the energy the crowd emotes and vice versa.” The pit forms a vortex of energy from flailing, airpunching, shoulder-ramming and dancing. “I’m an English professor, not a sociologist,” said ARC’s Christian Kiefer, “but to me, with punk rock, when it became so aggressive and so fast, you could
SEE MOSH, PAGE 8
Smokers on campus The Current’s Jessica Maynard talks secondhand smoke for expecting mothers
October 2, 2013
Page 2
News
Condom talk picks up after HIV breakout in porn industry
INCREASED SUPPORT FOR CONDOM LEGISTLATION AFTER HIV BREAKOUT
Editors-in-Chief Jeff Gonzales Alisha Kirby
By Jorden Hales
Managing Editor
halespersonal@gmail.com The adult film industry ended a two-week moratorium Sept. 20 following an HIV outbreak that infected at least four performers. The outbreak has increased support for legislation requiring the use of condoms during shoots. Los Angeles County residents voted to implement Measure B, which mandates use of condoms during shoots. Two assembly bills have since been drafted in hopes of making actor protection on the sets farther reaching. According to Adult Video News, Assembly Bill 332, ruled a violation of the first amendment, died before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Assembly Bill 640 is now on suspension until January 2014. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which introduced and supported Measure B, has publically put its support behind Assembly Bill 640, which, in part, requires employers to follow “proscribed practices and procedures to protect employees from exposure” to sexually transmitted diseases through the use of condoms and other protective barriers. Though state laws already mandate the use of condoms, the industry has generally ignored them without any legal implications, according to Ged Kenslea, senior director of communications for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Kenslea believes the bill would create a safer industry by taking a more proactive approach. “The current law is more of a reactive process,” said Kenslea. “It would allow for regular inspections, (and) spot inspections.” Many performers and producers believe this regulation would be detrimental to the industry’s survival, and that it is unreasonable and unconstitutional. Peter Acworth, founder of Kink. com, which recruits much of its talent from Sacramento, believes the legislation seeks to regulate a problem that does not exist.
Cintia Lopez
News Editor Jorden Hales
Sports Editor Ed Gebing
Arts & Culture Editor Jonathan H. Ellyson
Scene Editor
Natasha Honeywood
Opinions Editor
Antionette Gayfield
Photo Editor
Emily K. Rabasto
Design Editor Sarah Scott
Web Editor
Korbl Klimecki
Public Relations Editor Jessica Maynard
Special Projects Editor Steven Condemarin
Copy Chief
Brooke Pruves
Assistant Copy Chief Zach Tierney
Distribution Manager Ed Gebing
Staff Writers
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
The purpose of the County of Los Angeles Safer Sex in the Adult Industry Act is to minimize the spread of sexually transmitted infections by regulating the adult film industry.
“There hasn’t been an on-set transmission of HIV since 2004, so it seems to me the (current) testing approach works,” Acworth told the San Francisco Chronicle. Others see this as an opportunity to influence consumers to adopt safer habits in their personal lives. “There is a very powerful social-physiological phenomenon of conformity,” says Emelie Mitchell, human sexuality professor at ARC. “The media portrays to us what
ASBNOTEBOOK
By Melissa Hurtado hurtadom73@gmail.com It has been a month since the resignation of Tyrone Robinson as student senate president, and the Associated Student Body has not implemented bylaws that determine how to fill the vacancy. In the first month of the semester, all senate meetings have been spent on discussing and editing the bylaws but in the Sept. 26 meeting that all may have come to an end. The most controversial sections of the bylaws, concerning special elections and requirements to run for president were discussed, and after heavy arguments and compromising the board seemed satisfied with them. The board is set to vote on the bylaws on the Oct. 3 senate meeting. If bylaws are agreed upon by board members, a special election will follow.
the norm is.” Mitchell referenced a 2004 study which concluded that the standardization of condom use in gay adult films not only influenced viewers to practice safer sex, but also did not hurt the industry financially. “We’ve gone through lots of things that we consider ‘normal’ for sexual behavior. When the standards change so do our ideas about what is acceptable,” says Mitchell. “Requiring heterosexual
porn to have the actors use protection and condoms would, over time, simply become the standard.” Shanon Astley, an ARC graduate who is now working with Oak Park Outreach, an organization that provides health education in underserved communities believes condom use is the only way to effectively protect performers. “Many industries have regulations,” says Astley. This is no different.”
ASB MAKES PROGRESS WITH BYLAWS, CAEB SEEKS TO BECOME MORE VISIBLE
“I think it’s reasonable, I think it’s time to move on.” says Jorge Riley, the elected director of finance who has been acting as president for the last month. Riley is eager to finalize bylaws so he can get down to business and start appointing people into committees. “I need to start putting out people, to be in places, to do things and help and me on the board” says Riley However, many students feel like it has been a slow process, and it isn’t only the audience who feels frustrated. Associated Student Body Clubs and Events Board (CAEB) President Jeremy Diefenbacher feels the same. It is to CAEB’s benefit that student senate finish its bylaws. “In order to have sister branches of the Associated Student Body, both organizations in their bylaws must have the identically same section of elections.” says Diefenbacher
Not only is it slowing the process for CAEBs bylaws, it also is hurting them financially. The joint budget committee (JBC) consists of the two presidents, two directors of finance and two other representatives from each board, so there cannot be a JBC until there is a separate president and director of finance in the senate. “We cannot do anything monetarily for this fiscal year,” says Diefenbacher “You cannot do anything with your club without money.” With hopes that there will soon be a special election to fill vacancies and create a JBC. His long-term goals are to create a stronger CAEB presence on campus, and draw more attention to events. “Habitually, if we build a campus culture of students just anticipating voting in the spring it will be a lot stronger than a culture than just a group around the senate members voting in the spring,” added Diefenbacher.
Shedric Allen Brittini Burns Kevin Ford J’Neil Gibson Melissa Hurtado Walter Jones Nikita McGee-Davis Brandon Nelson Adnan Ramic Kameron Schmid Zachary Tierney Sam Urrea
Staff Photographers Michael Pacheco
Adviser
Walter Hammerwold
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
News
October 2, 2013
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ARound
the world Government shutdown causes problems for federal workers By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.com All “non-essential” segments of U.S. federal government have been shut down indefinitely as of midnight Monday, The Associated Press reports. Republicans in congress have refused to give in on their stance regarding Obamacare, which began a six-month rollout Tuesday, the morning after the closure. New government-run marketplaces are opened for enrollment in the federal program. The Senate twice on Monday rejected House-passed bills that sought to delay key portions of the president’s new healthcare law, then to delay the law’s requirement that millions of people buy medical insurance. 800,000 workers have been furloughed, and Social Security, national parks, Internal Revenue Services call centers and Medicare benefits are among the most notable services affected, the report continued. White House employees themselves are losing work due to the shutdown. Some staffers have been furloughed and hearings have been postponed. The report states, “more than a third of the federal civilian workforce was furloughed - equivalent to the combined workforce(s) of Target, General Motors, Exxon and Google - and many do jobs that private businesses rely on.” Barack Obama signed the “Pay Our Military Act” two hours before the shutdown took effect to ensure pay and allowances for the armed forces. “You and your families deserve better than the dysfunction we’re seeing in Congress,” Obama said in an address shortly after the closure. “I’ll keep working to get Congress (to) reopen our government and get you back to work as soon as possible.” Essential branches, including air traffic controllers, border patrol agents and food inspectors, are still at work. Obama has labeled the shutdown, the first of its kind in nearly 18 years, a “Republican Shutdown.”
CORRECTIONS
In Volume 65, Edition 1 of The Current, the following corrections are listed: On page one the facts in the story “President Obama announces debt reduction plan” are taken from Obama’s speech on Aug. 23. On page three the story “Campus commute, a costly routine” mentions that “the percentage of commuting students has more than doubled.” It should have read: the percentage of students commuting to two or more colleges has more than doubled. On page three “Around the world: Congress and allies pressure Bashar Assad to hand over chemical weapons” all of the information is attributed to CNN, The Washington Post and Yahoo! News. On page six “Twins run in sync” mentions twins on the men’s cross country team. It should have made clear the athletes are two of a set of triplets. On page nine “A spot of their own” the name of Santa Claus is misspelled. On page 10 “Take this class: Theatre Arts 320” The movie watched in class is “The Exorcist,” not “The Exorcism.” Nikita McGee-Davis was not listed as a staff writer on the masthead.
Brooke Purves / brookempurves@gmail.com
STRATEGICALLY-PLACED RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS ELICIT DISCUSSION ABOUT A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC Anti-abortion group Students for Life representatives placed 913 pink crosses – one for every abortion the organization says Planned Parenthood performs every day in California – on the lawn in front of the Beaver Bookstore on Sept. 25.
Course repeatability hinders financial aid, affects course availability RETAKING CLASSES CAUSES MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVES By Melissa Hurtado hurtadom73@gmail.com When it comes to repeating classes, American River College students get three strikes then they’re out. If you are a first year student or just coming back to college after a break, it’s important to know that there have been recent changes to policies regarding course repeatability throughout all California community colleges. Due to budget cuts, a high demand for classes and an impacted system, students will only be permitted to enroll in the same credit course a total of three times. This means if you fail, withdraw, or a combination of both from the same class three times you will not be allowed to enroll and take the class again. “What has been happening is students have been repeating, (three times) and not passing, and taking away from other students. It’s hard enough to get classes.” says ARC counselor, Rene McGinley. “Three times if you can’t pass, you need to pick another class. It’s hurting the financial aid system by repeating like that,” adds McGinley. Students who do not complete or pass a required class to graduate or transfer will need to find another way to take that class, such as enroll-
ing through another district. If the student receives a satisfactory grade of a C or better he or she will not be able to retake the course again. When a student withdraws or is withdrawn from a course by its professor it shows as a W on the student’s academic record. While this W does not count against you in your GPA, this will factor in when you try to enroll again. “Three attempts is plenty. The system is very impacted and a lot of people need to get their classes,” says Jack Shea, a second year English and business major. “Three (attempts) is overly generous actually,” Shea adds. The course repeatability policy is different for physical education and visual art classes, as students are only given one chance to enroll. Student with questions about these classes should visit their counselors. When picking classes for next semester students may want to consider these changes and be sure they are committed before enrolling. Also, it will be critical that students pay attention to deadlines about when you can drop classes without it being marked as a withdrawal. Counselor McGinley urges students who feel they are struggling and cannot pass to use the resources they have access to at ARC, such as their instructor and tutoring labs.
Zach Tierney / ztierney.zt@gmail.com
CAEB President Jeremy Diefenbacher listens to comments concerning ASB bylaws during a recent ASB meeting.
ASB: Student senate at a standstill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 perceptions, opinions, and all the things that make student government the student voice are not coming together to move forward.
The Council of Five
ASB Senate has five members that represent the roughly 30,000 students at ARC. Senators Sam Elliot, Laurie Jones, Timothy Lipuma, Club and Events Board President Jeremy Diefenbacher and actingPresident Jorge Riley advocate for student interests on campus. As a government body they are subject to many legal protections and limitations. The regulations can be cumbersome. “I think I can do the job once my hands are untied,” Riley said. The members of Student Senate, excluding Riley, are enrolled together in a government class. The classmates say they learn about their student leadership in Student Government 300 taught by ASB adviser and Center for Leadership & Development Supervisor Tanika Byrd, and have opportunities to “talk about the (ASB) constitution and bylaws.” The Current was denied access to the class but the syllabus that Byrd provided at our request reads that the course “provides a study of the legal, educational and philosophical basis of student government.”
Riley was “concerned” that all the ASB members were in the class together, essentially forming a quorum which would allow them to conduct ASB business. There are legal restrictions concerning this process.
The General Public
This semester the members of the public that observe the ASB meetings have been more in number. The controversy around the resignation of former ASB President Tyrone Robinson has led to a few very vocal people speaking at the ASB meetings, both during public comment time and during all other discussion. Byrd has tried to keep them on topic by interrupting with an apology when she seemed to think criticism of Riley is not what she says is criticism “of the chair and not the person.”
The Division
With the focus the public places on special elections and special interests, the lack of procedural knowhow of the board, the approval process of CL&D, the internal lack of communication and the amount of time spent on approving bylaws the voice of the students is still not able to discuss what it can do for students. “They just need to get on with it,” said ARC student Rhiannon Coxsisk.
October 2, 2013
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Sports
Injured but not broken
FAST SWIMMING AND HARD WORK KEEP WOMEN’S WATER POLO TEAM ON PATH TO VICTORY By Ed Gebing edgebingjr@gmail.com
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
No. 4 ARC women’s water polo goalie Avery Dotterer (No. 1) attempts to block a shot against No. 1 Golden West College in the River Rage Tournament on Sept. 13.
Going for the kill
The American River College women’s water polo team has played short-handed to begin the 2013 season. As of Sept. 30 the women’s team is ranked No. 4 in the state according to the coaches poll. Despite starting the season with sophomore captain defender Mackenzie Kaplan lost to injury the women have started out 4-3 and are 1-0 in conference play. “(Kaplan) is one of our strongest players,” sophomore defender Carly Ashen said. “She’s our primary defender. A broken finger is not the best way to start off the season, but we have been able to cope with it. We have had a couple (of) girls come off the bench, including myself, into starting positions, so I think we have been doing pretty well. Hopefully she will be back in the pool soon.” The team has faced many challenges early this season concerning injuries. Not only was the team without Kaplan, it was also without freshman center Michal Andrieatta who was out with a concussion for the first few games. “Having two of our starters out for the very first tournament River Rage Tournament,” sophomore attacker Jenner Johnson said. “We like to compete.”
The River Rage Tournament held at American River College saw the women go 2-2 against teams from Southern California. The goal for this season remains winning with hopes of making it to the state tournament. “To win,” freshman goalie and team captain Avery Dotterer said. “Not just to win but with each team that I have ever had, we have to really start from the bottom and work our way to the top and I think that’s the most exciting part of playing on a new team, starting back at square one and building those building blocks, fundamentals, working on them, and just improving our game skills, and also winning the Big 8 tournament and NorCal this year, because we are the best.” This team is different from last year’s in that the players have more speed in the pool. “We are pretty fast so we are a good counter-attacking team,” head coach Bethani Black said. “We have a strong goalie. That helps and gives us a variety of options for what we play defensively.” The ladies look to improve upon their record from last season, which saw them finish 14-13, and No. 22 in the state. The women will play their next home match Oct. 2 against Sacramento City College at 3:30 p.m.
ARC VOLLEYBALL LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A FIRST ROUND EXIT AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS By Jessica Maynard jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com
As the team looks up in the rankings, the American River College volleyball team can’t help but like the position it’s currently in. As of Sept. 24 the women are ranked No. 9 in the state with a 9-3 overall record. The team jumped up three spots after beating the No. 6 ranked team in the state Fresno City College two times in a row. Coming into this season the women had big holes to fill. The team lost Katie Christener who lead the Big 8 Conference in kills and kills per set, their libero Josie Casillas and Bailey Humes who led the conference in assists. “Surprisingly enough our starters are all sophomores,” women’s volleyball head coach Ashlie Hain said. “We had a large team last year so that helps and even though we’ve transferred seven or eight, we still have a core
group of five or six.” With the addition of new players the Beavers are returning middle blocker Nicole Hareland who went from .75 blocks per set to 1.48, outside hitter Lauren Kirschke who is arguably the most improved player from last season statistically, setter Jessica Condit who leads the team in assists with 9.05 per game and Nicole Solak who has moved to right side hitter. “Last season I was a freshman and I looked up to all the sophomores on the team,” Solak said. “Now I have freshman looking up to me. I think my leadership has improved and I’ve become more accountable to my team.” On a team that lacked intensity at times last season, coach Hain believes this group’s intensity will not be a question this year. She also believes that once the women start playing together and figure out their starting line up the team will start clicking
Zach Tierney / ztierney.zt@gmail.com
The ARC women’s volleyball team is currently ranked No. 9 in the state with a 9-3 overall record.
and rally off a few wins. “This group is funny,” Hain said. “There are a lot of strong personalities and if they put their mind to something...like we knocked off Fresno twice and Fresno is a good team. When they put their
mind to something they can do it and when they lose track they lose to a team they shouldn’t lose to.” The women kick off divisional play on the road Oct. 2 against San Joaquin Delta College, followed
by Sacramento City College on Oct. 4. The ladies divisional home opener is against Santa Rosa Junior College on Oct. 9. All games are at 6:30 p.m.
Sports
ARC athletes sport jobs
October 2, 2013
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STUDENT ATHLETES JUGGLE TIME BETWEEN WORK, STUDIES AND PRACTICE By Sam Urrea samurrea93@gmail.com Dealing with academics at the same time as playing a sport can drain the energy out of some students, leaving them mentally and physically exhausted. Nevertheless, there are others who find the time and determination to attend school, play a sport and also hold one or more jobs. College gives students the opportunity to have a more flexible schedule in contrast to high school, where a tighter regime is enforced. As a result, kids often decide whether they want to play a sport or be employed in a particular job in accordance with their academic schedule. Freshman Jason Movaghar made the decision to play soccer. He chose to focus on his studies and sport, rather than stress himself out with the responsibilities of work as well. “We travel with the team a lot,” Movaghar said. “Every day after practice I am really tired and couldn’t think of having to go to a job for eight hours.”
Having previously held a job in high school, he believed focusing on his academics and soccer would get him to his preferred future college faster. “I want to do well and transfer sooner rather than later,” Movaghar said. “The more I focus the quicker that will come.” Women’s soccer team defender, sophomore Krista Ozimy, works at a tanning salon most days of the week in addition to her academic duties, but bemoans the lack of time in between her numerous tasks. “Working and playing a sport is hard,” Ozimy said. “Some days I have a morning class, go straight to work, then straight to soccer and other days it’s vice versa. I don’t have any time for anything in between.” Enrolled in 15 units and committed to a daily soccer practice, Ozimy is nonetheless happy she is employed at a place where she enjoys being. “I love interacting with customers and selling our products,” Ozimy said. “We are short-staffed and work more hours than I would
Sophomore volleyball setter Jessica Condit works two jobs and goes to school full time.
like but the people are awesome.” If Krista Ozimy believed she had it tough, American River College women’s volleyball sophomore, Jessica Condit, can claim to have it tougher than most students. Condit, 19, is a full time student at ARC. She plays volleyball as a
setter, works at Chipotle and is a clerk at Samsonite in the Folsom outlets. “Honestly, sometimes it’s really hard and it kills me,” Condit said. “But I feel really accomplished.” Condit believes despite the huge burden on her shoulders she en-
Michael Pacheco / mfpach@gmail.com
joys living that type of life. “I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Condit said. “I appreciate everything in my life too much, but I would not recommend it to anyone else. This is just the way I want to live.”
SPORTSUPDATES
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
The team has been ranked No. 1 in the State for the past 101 weeks. Sophomore Will Reyes ran a personal best of 19:48 at the Lou Vasquez Invitational Sept. 19. Reyes has won all races in junior college competition. The next race is Oct. 5 at Beals Point in Folsom at 10 a.m.
The No. 1 ranked team in NorCal competed at the CSM Crystal Springs Invitational Sept. 27 the women took first place with an average time of 20:03. Sophomore Alexa Lua finished No. 2 and freshman Kandace Compton finished No. 3. The women’s next race is on Oct. 5 at 10:45 a.m. at Beals Point in Folsom.
FOOTBALL
WOMEN’S GOLF
The No. 5 ranked team in the nation traveled to Santa Rosa Junior College Sept. 27 where they kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 55-21 win behind freshman quarterback Jake Bist. The Beavers will travel to San Francisco Community College for a 1 p.m. matchup of undefeated teams on Oct. 5.
Their next match will be the Big 8 Conference #8 hosted by Santa Rosa on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. The team’s last match at Swenson Park Sept. 24 saw the women finish in sixth place with 408 points. The women are currently ranked No. 8 in the Big 8 conference with 38 points.
MEN’S SOCCER
WOMEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S WATER POLO
Starting 5-1-3 the men are currently ranked No. 12 in the state after tying against De Anza and beating Santa Rosa. Sophomore defender Luis Arce leads the team with five goals and four assists. The next game for the Beavers will be Oct. 4 at home against San Joaquin Delta College at 4 p.m.
The team has been on a losing streak, starting out the season 1-6. Offense has been tough to come by, only scoring three goals so far. Sophomore goalie Hannah Derossett has allowed 12 goals while making 63 saves. Their next home match will be Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m. against Sierra College.
Starting off the season 3-5 the men will play their second home conference game of the season against Sierra College on Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m. On Oct. 11-12 the ARC Tourney, the only tournament the men will host this season, will begin. Time TBA.
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Sophomore running back EJ Edinburgh, No. 24, receives a handoff from freshman quarterback Jake Bist, No. 16, in a game against Sacramento City College on Sept. 14. ARC won the game 34-7.
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October 2, 2013
Feature
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KOHLER CREEK: ARC’s hidden gem Ecological groups work to preserve the nature area behind American River College By Jeff Gonzales
T
jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com
he cross-country team, the dog walkers, the neighborhood residents, the California Conservation Corps and the homeless all have something in common; A beautiful slice of land behind American River College. Most students The Current spoke to had no clue that tucked behind the horticulture department is a nature preserve. The Arcade Creek Nature Area starts a few feet from the campus, and is a place where people can feel like they are in the woods one moment and back to the hustle and bustle of the college campus the next. Kohler Creek, a small tributary to the larger Arcade Creek, is part of the campus grounds. “Adjacent to parking lot A is the Holyoke Nature Area, 1.5 acre site where a pathway follows the meandering Kohler Creek,” ARC alumna and current UC Davis student Kelsey Craig wrote in an email to The Current. “Many students and residents use this informal trail as access to the campus, which runs from the residences in the subdivision to the north of campus to Myrtle Avenue and across to the northeast edge of campus where it confluences with Arcade Creek.” This little bit of nature enjoyed by many is eroding away. Empty containers, cigar wrappings and other trash build up littering the various paths that lead off of the main trails. Craig, who is also an ARC instructional aid, along with members of the Ecos club and horticulture and biology students have been making a difference in the area by removing
invasive species and planting native erosionpreventing plants. The Kohler Creek Ecological Restoration Project was started for this purpose. The project is adding “riffles,” small piles of round rocks and pebbles to the creek bed, and the workers are planting native basket sedge, a plant with a root system that can grow up to 4 feet, to help keep the soil on the banks. “The riffles help to maintain the well-being of the creek,” Craig told The Current while working over a weekend. The excitement with which Craig, the Ecos club and the other students talk about the project showed the passion they felt for the work. They are not the only ones working in this “natural feeling” space. “We were asked to come back here and reroute the trails because of erosion,” said Tristan Hutchinson, a supervisor for the California Conservation Corps (CCC). The excitement for the work was shared by fellow CCC worker Raymond Rowan. “I like to make California look better,” Rowan said. “We can’t have our capital looking (bad).” This concern is also shared by local Mira Loma High School students who can also be found cleaning up the trails found behind ARC. Juniors and seniors from the high school work on special projects helping with conservation efforts. Last semester the Ecos club was awarded $1,000 by the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council to work on the Kohler Creek Ecological Restoration Project. With this money ARC students hope to improve our campus and the surrounding community.
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3. Photos bt Zach Tierney / ztierney.zt@gmail.com
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1. A view of the creek form where the students are working. 2. ARC natural resources adjunct faculty member Jonathan Long measures a cross section of Kohler Creek. 3. California Conservation Corps volunteers work to clean up and preserve the paths around Kohler Creek. 4. Ecos Club President Serena Mayo holds a map outlining the work the club is doing around the creek and nature preserve.
Arts&Culture
October 2, 2013
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Super savory sandwiches at Sam’s Sub Shop Sam’s Sub Shop 2766 FULTON AVE. SACRAMENTO, CA
PRICE RANGE: $
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Alisha Kirby / alishakirby1@gmail.com
The 9-inch “Railroad” sandwich is inexpensive and layered with freshly fried bacon.
By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com Some of the greatest restaurants are one of a kind, independently owned “holes in the wall.” When you ask people where the best food they’ve ever had outside of their homes is, the answer is never a big chain restaurant like McDonald’s or Olive Garden. Favorite restaurants are always unique little shops, like a food truck in Chicago, a diner in San Francisco or a pizza joint on a street corner in New York City. Sam’s Sub Shop is one of these holes in the wall, known for their sub sandwiches and hot wings. The shop is pretty small, with several tables and a large television in the corner tuned to whatever sport is broadcasting. A large menu is on the wall when you enter, and on the wall behind the order counter. People say good things about the Philly cheesesteak, but they feature a sandwich called a “Railroad” – also known as a BLTTC&A (Bacon, lettuce, tomato, turkey, cheese, and avocado). The prices are phenomenal; a 9-inch sub is $4.99 and a 12-inch sub Alisha Kirby / alishakirby1@gmail.com is $6.49. Options for sides include The 10 piece bone-in sweet and spicy buffalo wings are tender, but overall tastes pretty standard. french fries – with a variety of option-
al toppings – as well as fried zucchini. Everything I ordered totaled less than $10. Other menu options include a variety of cold and hot subs, burgers, hot dogs and chicken. The meal was the 9-inch “Railroad,” fried zucchini, fries, chicken wings and a soft drink. The fried zucchini stalks came out a bit soggy. The wings were served with ranch and came with celery and carrot sticks. The “sweet and spicy” sauce was pretty good. The sandwich was the most impressive item on the plate. On many sandwiches the bacon is precooked or reheated. The bacon on this sandwich is deep-fried to perfection when you order. That combined with the avocado and turkey made this one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. When all the elements mixed together, it made for a sandwich greater than any simple BLT. If you are in the Arden area or pass by Fulton I highly recommend trying the food at Sam’s Sub Shop. The shop is located at 2766 Fulton Avenue between Marconi and El Camino avenues, and is open 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sundays.
Mischief makers heroes of their own stories By Korbl Klimecki korbl.klimecki@gmail.com Walter White from “Breaking Bad.” The eponymous Dexter Morgan. Virtually every character in “Game of Thrones.” These characters do horrible things, mostly involving murder, while justifying the crimes to themselves with whatever reason. The list of anti-heroes—that is, protagonists who lack traditional heroic traits—goes on. These are just some of the most popular examples. “It’s a trend like zombies,” says former American River College student Justin Daoust. “It’s a popular archetype to use, but it will eventually get old.” One explanation for this trend could be that villains and other criminals and evildoers are simply more interesting. Heroes often seems unrealistic, inhuman even, all because they are written in such a way that makes them too perfect. “I like (the anti-hero trend) because it gives you a different perspective, not just that of a ‘perfect’ superhero or detective, because no one is perfect like that,” says Josif Morar, computer science major. Typical heroes always know the solution, they feel no
temptation, they cannot stumble and they always win. One occasionally-heard criticism of superheroes is that somehow they never apprehend the wrong person; their greatest power is certainty. Heroes can often seem too similar, too. “I’m neither for nor against the usage of the anti-hero, simply because each one is different,” adds Daoust. Heroes often have similar motivations. Superman and Spider-man were both instilled with Judeo-Christian values by adoptive parents. Batman was raised by an adoptive father after crime killed his birth parents. Daredevil sought revenge against the criminals who killed his father. By contrast, anti-heroes have a bit more variety in their motivations. Walter White started cooking crystal meth because he’s dying and wants to leave money for his family, (then he just continues out of pride and greed). Riddick kills out of self-preservation. The characters of “Game of Thrones” do what they do for a variety of reasons, mostly revolving around the Iron Throne. Deadpool, one of Marvel Comic’s most popular characters right now, performs violent mercenary work because for him it’s fun.
Korbl Klimecki / korbl.klimecki@gmail.com
Bryan Cranston as Walter White, Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen.
“I’m pretty sure he’s popular because he’s ‘crazy’ and funny. Why else would people love the Joker as much as they do? They both have the same formula when it comes to popularity.” “Why do they do what they do? Why do they feel what they do is justified? These are the questions that define that type of anti-
hero,” Daoust opines. English major Joseph Adair loves the trend. “It’s given us a whole new class of character. Rather than ‘who’s the hero and who’s the villain,’ it’s now turned to ‘is this person really evil? Or is he good? Does this person’s own agenda define that good or evil?’”
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October 2, 2013
You can’t stop the beat By Kameron Schmid
kameronschmid@gmail.com Most people have seen “Hairspray,” the well-received 2007 musical film centered on Tracy Turnblad, a young girl who dances on a locally filmed TV show in 1962, stirring up the process by being overweight and believing in racial integration. In our last print edition, Director Sam Williams spoke of a strong ensemble cast, with 45 people altogether. With the play opening on Oct. 11, rehearsals are becoming more focused. Sheila Meyer, stage manager for the show, admits coordination of such a large number of performers is very difficult. “It’s kind of nerve racking. My first show I ever did here (as stage manager) was only an eight person cast, and the difference between the two is ridiculous,” Meyer said at rehearsal, gesturing toward the stage where the entire cast was going through blocking for the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore.” The cast is very diverse, a factor that is necessary considering
the subject matter. At the outset of the story, the dance show is segregated, and black people are only allowed to dance on “Negro Day.” Turnblad becomes a part of the show and calls for a change. Originally a film by cult-classic filmmaker John Waters in 1988, “Hairspray” was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2002, and won eight Tony Awards, including best musical. This success led to the 2007 remake of the film. Since then, the musical has risen in popularity. “It’s a show where you can end up feeling you belong somewhere. You follow the life of Tracy Turnblad and all the prejudices she goes through and all of the characters go through prejudices of their own,” says Sarah Richard, who plays Penny, Turnblad’s best friend. “Once you get to the second act, you really see how the characters transform and it’s really incredible. It really is one person taking a stand and making a change for the better. And just the effect and revolution one person can start.” With a live orchestra of American River College students, and
Headphones Off Gimmicks in music aren’t new By Alisha Kirby alishakirby1@gmail.com Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
The cast of “Hairspray” practices a dance routine in preparation for the Oct. 11 opening performance.
the costume shop making a full cast’s worth of classic 1960s clothing, the entire production is huge. Kris Loewen, an ensemble member playing multiple roles, highly recommends that everyone at ARC come to see it.
“You need to come see the play,” Loewn said. “It’s going to be so amazing. The orchestra is great, the actors are great. Not seeing the show would be missing out on a really fun experience.”
Mosh: the danger and the thrill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
look out over the audience and see a storm at sea. It becomes a weird mixture of ‘Fight Club’ and dance somehow.” Just as the fights in “Fight Club” were in a somewhat controlled environment, so are mosh pits. “As aggressive as it is, it still has to be safe,” said Kiefer. “It’s like being on a roller coaster. The bar has to be down, [but] you have to feel like you’re in danger.” But the bar isn’t always down. Paul Wertheimer, president of Crowd Management Strategies Inc., told ABC News that “nine mosh-related deaths were recorded between 1994 and 2006,” and an estimated 10,000 people were “injured in and around mosh pits in the last decade.” This summer Kevin Lyman, creator of the Warped Tour tweeted why bands playing
INOURHEADS
TELEVISION
Arts&Culture
this year’s tour weren’t allowed to encourage attendees to “mosh” or form a “wall of death” (where the crowd splits down the middle and the sides run at one another). Spontaneous pits were acceptable, but bands that encouraged one became responsible, and if kids were injured, parents could file a lawsuit. Usually however, if people fall or get knocked over in the mosh pit, you’ll see others stop to help them up. The overly violent person, “who has watched way too much ‘Headbanger’s Ball,’” as Leschke put it, will get “handled by the more dominant” people. Despite the probability of injury, moshing fans know there is some sense of propriety in the pit. The different maxims of a pit depend on the music being played and the type of crowd present.
The Current’s Brandon Nelson shares the wide variety of what is in his head
“No elbows, no fists, no knees,” said Jacob Maxwell, a commercial music business major at ARC. “One time I was in a mosh pit and I got elbowed in the chin. It just so happens that I had my tongue between my teeth and I bit through and put a hole in my tongue.” That sort of violence can ruin a show for some, but in other cases, elbows, fists and knees are exactly what one would expect and enjoy in a pit. “There are rules (and) they’re not complicated,” Kiefer said. “Like don’t paralyze somebody in the mosh pit. It’s not like you have to get a book on it.” Leschke recalls slamming to the ground after sliding in what she’s “still hoping was beer or water” at an Every Time I Die show. “People helped me up and we went on to enjoy the rest of [the show].”
brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
“Firefly”- “Firefly” is one of the best-written sci-fi shows that was ever on TV. It had a great cast and mixed in elements of the Western genre, giving it a one-of-a-kind feel. It’s hard to believe it was such a short-lived show, as it has a larger fan base than most current TV shows do today.
BOOK “Harry Potter”- These books are on my mind because I just reread the entire series so I can see how they stack up against the films. In hindsight they were a great reminder on what it was like to be a kid again.
GAME
MUSIC
“Gears of War”- I personally love the story of the Gears series as well as the graphics. This is a series that all my friends and I made a priority to play on launch night. Even now, years after launch, my buddies and I will randomly play through on the hardest difficulty level and we have a blast. Nothing can compare to saving the world from extinction by an unknown subterranean enemy with your best friends.
“Mumford & Sons” This is a great band with an amazing sound. Mumford & Sons had to grow on me, but when I actually started to listen to more than just the singles on the radio and I was hooked. I love their cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The “The Avengers”- This is a great movie for any superhero fan. It may not follow the comics exactly but the adaptaBoxer.” tion works well and has a lot of action. As always Robert Downey Jr. is spot on with his performance as Tony Stark.
MOVIE
We hear our grandparents, our parents and our jaded friends in their early 20s complain about how now music these days is all about costumes and bands following one trend after another. Gimmicks in music span all genres and always have. Nothing is exclusive to the Top 40. For every shell bikini Lady Gaga throws on, there are lesser-known poppunk bands like Masked Intruder who wear colorful ski masks, or whatever Black Veil Brides is think if KISS had a sponsorship with Cirque du Solei - running around in. Around the same time Madonna was sporting her pointy bra, punk vocalist GG Allin was eating his own excrement and harming himself on stage, and David Bowie’s entire career was transforming from one persona to the next. “I suppose practically all artists brand lifestyle, image, looks, trends, accessories and antics,” said ARC music business professor Eric Chun. “This has also been a management and label directive to focus music and appearance together.” As he listed a page’s worth of examples of gimmicks that include clothing, recording techniques and instrument choices, Chun mentioned that it’s not always the record labels who work up these trends. Sometimes the artists have a say - which doesn’t always turn out well. “A real success, yet a fail at the same time, has been everything surrounding Miley Cyrus,” said sociology major Nina McVane. “It was successful because people (are) talking about her, but it was a fail because it has only been bad talk. You can’t go anywhere without hearing a side (conversation) of someone talking about a funny Miley vine or a tweet she tweeted.” You think the banjo is going to be as huge next year? Of course not. Mumford and Sons didn’t invent the banjo, they just brought it back and popularized it. So why do we as consumers keep buying in? We are bored. And why do these trends eventually run their course and die out? We get bored. We are so finicky. These things always come full circle, and we’ll eat up and then complain about the same things in 15 to 20 years. Miley’s breakdown and “I don’t give a damn” attitude isn’t much different than Joan Jett’s was during the ‘80s. And we’ll have a whole new gimmick to complain about in 2014.
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Club day and the theme to come CAEB PROVIDES SPACE FOR STUDENT VOICES By Natasha Honeywood
The Clubs and Event Board President Jeremey Diefenbacher wants the students to know there is still a place for students to get their voices heard. “The CAEB is half of the branch of the Associated Student Body. There is a lot of discombobulation going on in senate right now but that isn’t the entire Student Association and there is another half of the ASB that is functioning strong,” Diefenbacher said. “We’re still here, we are still organized and we are more people working together than just the 5 senators that are trying to get it together for their president. I just think it is very important that the students know that there is still a place where they come and their voices can be heard and that we are all working together to see ASB reunited and stronger for the future”. The next Club Day, to be held on Oct. 31, will be pirate-themed for Halloween. CAEB hopes to construct a pirate ship with plenty of games and prizes. If you have time during passing periods or want to show off some of your skills at open mic then Club Day is a great place to start.
nhoneywood71@gmail.com In case you were wondering why you saw students walking around in grass skirts and with leis around their necks on Sept. 19, the first Club Day of the semester, it was because Club Day always has theme. The theme for September was “beach day.” Club Day is a great way for students to find out what they can be a part of on campus and to get to know their peers. You can find Club Day in the new student center area near the bookstore every third Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students also have a chance to showcase their talents at an open mic session from 11:30 –1:30 p.m. Winners get prizes such as ARC hoodies, but those who don’t score the big prizes still get trinkets for participation. ARC student Susie Dickerson likes the idea of Club Day. “I would always get a list of the clubs but they were some that were inactive. Club Day is a great way for me to know what clubs are actually out there”
Adnan Ramic / adiramic@gmail.com
Students of ARC participate in the campus-wide Club Day held on Sept 19. Club days are held on the third Thursday of the month.
Mediocre meals in the student center By Brandon Nelson
brandon.nelson916@gmail.com From the moment you walk into the student center cafeteria, a wide array of smells draws your attention from the wide assortment of dining choices in the cafeteria. Subway, pizza, salads and options from the grill are made fresh, and even more options fill the shelves. The new electronic signs show the bounty before students even get their food. Bio-mechanics major Cameron Cannon bought two slices of pizza with a medium Mountain Dew. “It was good,” he said. The two slices of pizza with a medium drink combo costs between $6 and $6.30. The slices are fairly large and the cost can be kept within a college student’s budget. However, some students disagree. “I got a burger once,” said Phillip Grey, an engineering major. “I only got it once because I don’t have the money right now. It’s too expensive.” There are choices for students who don’t want to partake in the cafeteria options. “I mean I don’t really eat much here,” said Aleksey Nestesivkovich, “but Subway is an OK quality food that is something you can get on the go.” “It’s better than the other places on campus, so it’s good,” computer engineering major Igor Blazhvich agreed. Despite the choices available, some students would like to see more variety. “What I would change is what they have on the menu,” said Barry Frazier, a student working in the Center for Leadership & Development. “That’s a really big complaint of the people: what’s on the menu itself. It’s the same thing, it’s really repetitive and it would be kind of nice to change it up.” One idea is to use the culinary department’s help in providing more choice. “Because we are paying for it either way we should have better food,” said nursing major
L
CAMPUS PU SE “They were sending me harassment messages on Facebook.”
-KASANDRABURPEE Music
Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
Two slices of pepperoni pizza, a medium soda, a bag of Doritos and a Gatorade are available for purchase in the food vending section located in the student center.
Daisy Sanchez. “We have a culinary arts program so I feel we should have better recipes.” It’s not just students who use our food services here on
campus. Many of the vendors around campus also purchase food. Mark Zapanta, who works at California Family Fitness said, “it’s pretty cool and convenient.”
What was the reason you last blocked someone on Facebook?
“This person was obsessively posting things I don’t care about, so I blocked her.”
“There was this one guy… and then something happened down the line...and started talking crap…and it got me mad seeing his posts so I blocked him.”
“He was a friend of my boyfriend and he was being really nosey and putting my business out there that was on my profile. It wasn’t secretive, just annoying.”
-SAMYCHAVEZ Undecided
-GERSAYNHTEJEDA Art New Media
-CHOUAXIONG Respiratory Care
October 2, 2013
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Transferring troubles dependent upon resources
Outdated methods slow student campus communication
MOVING ON TO A FOUR-YEAR SCHOOL CAN BE A CHALLENGE FOR SOME
By Korbl Klimecki
By Brittini Burns
Think back to being a new student. The college gives you a new email to check. Students can only make counseling appointments by phone one day every two weeks. The display monitors in the hallways and student center are as likely to show out-of-date alerts as current notifications. According to Scott Crow, public information officer of community relations for American River College, there are two reasons students are given email accounts by the school. The first is communication. “The messages that students really need are going to be coming through that Gmail account,” said Crow. “If you’re added off a waitlist, you’re going to get a notice by email.” The district tried a system that uses student-provided emails, but “students would insert that email address (and) a week later we would send an email to that account and it’s deleted (or) the user has changed accounts.” Secondly, the ARC-generated email is also a .edu email, which guarantees access to scholarships, grants and services such as free shipping from Amazon. Making an appointment with a counselor can only be done every two weeks on Fridays. “Historically, it’s always been the two week period,” explains Jeffrey Stephenson, dean of counseling. “Counselors’ schedules change because they’re asked to be on committees or at meetings.” Rather than transitioning to a rolling scheduling model, the administration is considering extending the window of time in which students can make appointments. “We are currently looking at other technologies so that we might be able to actually look out even further, or we might be able to reach (students) through electronic means such as their cellphones,” Stephenson said. However, “sometimes when we book out...what we find is some students don’t show up.” The current challenge of the campus is communication and technology. The big hope of various departments is that they can make use of the big screens in the hallways and Student Center. “[The monitors were] thousands of dollars,” Club and Events Board President Jeremy Diefenbacher said. The marquee outside the library is another issue. As old as it is, it “would cost $15,000 to fix,” said Kenneth Hinton, former Associated Student Body presidential candidate. Diefenbacher likened it to having a broken VCR—the technology is so old that the knowledge to fix it is now specialized. The two biggest challenges for ARC are, consistently, money and communication, and it seems that these problems are felt by all.
brittini45@gmail.com The American River College website lists four simple steps for transferring to another institution from from ARC: choose a major, select a four-year institution, meet with an ARC counselor to plan coursework, and apply during the appropriate filing season. For some students, this process may not be as easy as it sounds. “The biggest challenge of transferring is the cost of books and living expenses,” said Ricardo Espitia, a social work major at ARC. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 12 percent of full-time, first-time students who began in Fall 2009 transferred to another university from ARC. The price of one college unit at ARC is $46, and most classes are between 2-5 units according to the ARC website. The estimated cost of living for a full-time student for the 2013-2014 school year is $11,426 if living with parents, and $17,412 if living on one’s own. For students that are paying for their own college education, this can be a hefty price tag. Some students can only afford to go to school part time, which delays the transferring process. Other students may find it difficult to get into the classes they actually need to transfer. Class size is limited and if a class fills up students may have to either wait another semester to enroll or commute to another campus to fulfill their requirements. California State University and University of California applicants might not be able to transfer right away due to deadlines and restrictions that lim-
Adnan Ramic / adiramic@gmail.com
it the number of applicants. According to the Sacramento State website, the number of admitted applicants for spring 2014 will depend on “available resources.” Students who apply for spring semester may have to wait until the fall for admission. And for some working students it can be hard to balance coursework and personal lives. Students with additional responsibilities outside of school may be limited in the amount
TAKETHISCLASS By Brandon Nelson brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
When you recall a familiar song you heard at a random point in time, you start taping your toes as memories of concerts flood your mind. Whether it’s classic rock ‘n’ roll or new age rock, it’s a binding force that affects everybody. On campus we are fortunate enough to learn the rich history of that modern form of music. MUFHL 308 Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll helps students gain insight as to how the rock ‘n’ roll industry came to be. During the course students will study famous artists such as Elvis and Jimi Hendrix, and iconic bands such as The Beatles and Grateful Dead. Whether they’re listening to a sound clip or waiting for class to start, it’s clear that every student in class is bound together by rock music. Professor Dyne Eifertsen described why his class is such a huge success. “I think it kind of sells itself as far as being rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “It’s popular for young people. I think (there
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of classes they can take. “It’s difficult balancing between school and work,” said Ryan Burke, a 21- year-old chemical engineering major. “I usually can only take 9 units at a time.” Whether it’s the high cost of a college education, limited class offerings for those that are necessary to transfer, or trying to balance outside life with school, transferring to a fouryear university can be a challenging process.
korbl.klimecki@gmail.com
Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll
are) some nostalgic aspects for older folks who come back to school, so it’s fun. There are a lot of young people experiencing early rock and roll for the first time, and then there are older students that are re-experiencing early rock ‘n’ roll.” There are students of all ages currently taking his class, and they all seem to share a love for the music. Human services major Laura Jaster said, “It’s the most fun class I have ever been in.” Eifertsen has been teaching at ARC for a little over 11 years, but he has been listening to rock music for as long as he can remember. Eifertsen has also been a part of several bands, including a Rolling Stones cover band. His background doesn’t stop there, however. He has also performed in several rhythm and blues groups. Eifertsen combines the standard PowerPoint presentation with music clips that span the rock era, from the foundation of rock in the 1930s to the popular tunes of the 1980s. He brings a great energy to class and teaches in a truly unique way.
“It’s the most fun class I have ever been in.”
-LAURAJASTER
Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
Professor Eifersten lectures the Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll course on Sept. 26.
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“It’s fun. There are a lot of young people experiencing early rock ‘n’ roll for the first time, and then there are older students that are re-experiencing early rock ‘n’roll.”
-DYNEEIFTERSEN PROFESSOR
Opinion
October 2, 2013
Page 11
THE CAMPUS CRUMBLES CURRENTEDITORIAL HOW Funded district still neglects campus maintenance current@arc.losrios.edu These are the times at American River College that students take notice of the minor things in need of fixing. At the beginning of this semester, it seemed that every door in Davies Hall was broken, and it was a guessing game as to how to get out of the building. Students were left climbing up and down stairs in search of a working door, as if they were lab mice trying to get out of a maze. It took approximately a month before the doors were finally in working condition again. Over the past 11 years the Los Rios Community College District has benefited from the passage of Measure A (March 2002) and Measure M (November 2008), two bonds totaling $740 million to modernize, expand and maintain the campuses affiliated with the Los Rios district.
Measure A is a $265 million bond that was implemented to help develop the campuses and also help give the buildings an up-to-date makeover. Measure M, a $475 million authorization, allocated funds to help enhance classrooms and campus facilities. The funds from those bonds have been split among American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake, and Sacramento City colleges, and the Los Rios Community College District office. As of the 2012-2013 Annual Report, ARC has received $110.6 million under the two measures and has only spent $85.1 million on projects such as transportation, access and parking (TAP), in the form of the parking garage; student center modernization and expansion; the culinary arts department; and the fine arts modernization, among many other projects scheduled at the school. Considering that these resources have been set aside to help maintain the campus,
why are there issues that seem to go weeks unnoticed? Why weren’t the issues with the door in Davies Hall addressed quickly? There are also issues that have lasted months without being fixed; the sign indicating the total number of parking spots available in the parking garage or the marquee by the library, which has been broken for over two years. Something minor that could be fixed in the school is the hooks that are used to hang backpacks and bags in the bathroom stalls. “Sometimes there isn’t even a hook to hang up your backpack,” said ARC student, John Knox. “I don’t want to be putting my backpack on the floor right where someone missed the toilet and hit the ground.” It’s understandable that the campus is focused on expansion, but along with expansion, it is the administration’s duty to make sure that the buildings and structures are maintained and functioning properly.
Keep your risk factors to yourself, please By Jessica Maynard jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com
Pregnancy can be a daunting time for any woman, especially when she’s trying to finish her college degree. The concerns that already run through a pregnant woman’s mind are amplified when she comes in contact with secondhand smoke. Studies from multiple journals state the negative effects secondhand smoke has on pregnant women. In the medical journal Pediatrics, researchers discovered that the risk of stillbirth increased by 23 percent and the risk of birth defects increased by 13 percent in women who didn’t smoke but were exposed to secondhand smoke during their pregnancy. “We anticipate that the effect becomes significant when the woman is exposed to more than 10 cigarettes a day, which isn’t a lot when you consider that some women are exposed to partner’s and other people’s smoking habits on a daily basis,” said study author Jo Leonardi-Bee, Ph.D. and Associate Professor in Medi-
Photo illustration by Korbl Klimecki
cal Statistics at the University of Nottingham in England. “However, we need more evidence to be able to say with certainty what the true levels are.” Leonardi-Bee’s research also indicates that women exposed to secondhand smoke experience rates of stillbirths or birth defects at nearly the same rate as
pregnant women who choose to smoke. Women who smoked during pregnancy had a 20-34 percent chance of having a stillborn and a 10-34 percent chance of giving birth to a baby with a birth defect. ARC has numerous pregnant women on campus who are
concerned with the health risks linked to the secondhand smoke lingering in breezeways and near classroom entrances. “Every time I walk out of Davies hall a wave of tobacco smoke consumes my breath,” said ARC student and expecting mother Samantha Artria. “I get angry and I give the person an evil glare, because even though they have the freedom to smoke, I have the right to not be subjected to other people’s smoke and I’m going to do my best to prevent my daughter from being exposed.” I’m not suggesting we turn our campus into a smoke-free environment, but smokers have a responsibility to protect others from exposure to secondhand smoke. Next time you want to light a cigarette, please do it in an open area, not in one of the enclosed hallways in the Liberal Arts building. And please don’t stand right next to Davies Hall with a lit cigarette. You have the right to smoke, but nonsmokers shouldn’t be subjected to dangerous secondhand smoke because of your inconsideration.
Say NO to cyberbullying! By Melissa Hurtado hurtadom73@gmail.com October is National Bully Prevention Month and it’s important to take a look at what a bully really is and why we want to prevent bullying. When someone mentions the word bully, most people visualize a large, angry kid walking down the hallway pushing a scrawny kid against the lockers, demanding his or her lunch money. In modern times, a bully isn’t necessarily someone who torments physically, but rather anyone with Internet access; it could even be you. Bullying through media is known as cyberbullying, and can be as simple as posting a mean or defaming message about someone. As young kids we heard the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” As optimistic as that sounds, it’s completely unrealistic to say that the words others speak won’t hurt our feelings or alter the views we have of ourselves. How can we expect a vulnerable teenage girl not to feel the slightest bit self-conscious if one of her peers calls her ugly or fat on an Instagram photo she posted? In popular culture we’ve seen cyberbully-
ing highlighted in films such as the 2011 ABC Family original movie appropriately titled, “Cyberbully.” “Cyberbully” tells the story of an average high school girl whose life spirals out of control when she becomes a victim of cyberbullying and as a result, attempts suicide. This story is not very far from reality and truth be told, there are far too many young people taking their own lives as a result of being bullied both online and off. So, what is it about the Internet that makes people more prone to becoming a bully? Is it the anonymity of it? What is it that gives us the courage to say things to one another online that we normally wouldn’t say in person? Say you were to see an ARC student playing her guitar in Rose Marks Court. It’s hard to imagine another student approaching the musician and saying, “You suck!” However, if you were to read the YouTube comments posted on song covers, you are likely to see at least one negative message. Your words have as much value and impact on a person online as they do in person. During this month I urge you all to take
your fingers off the keyboard to think about the effect your words can have on someone. Keep in mind the wise words of your elementary school teachers, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Get Gonzo ENTITLED TO EAT By Jeff Gonzales jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com Entitlements; a dirty word in many circles. Welfare; the burr so many GOP hate. But with the generalizations the far right make about those accessing the system, is it really surprising they feel this way about entitlements? The house vote to cut food stamp access for millions of Americans seemed to be divided by party lines. The burned out drop-out that feels society owes them the world. The minority mother popping out kids to get a big government handout. These are the stereotypes that abound in the tea party today. These are the stereotypes that fuel the rhetoric of ultra-right conservatives. I was raised by traditional grandparents and the archetype of the self-sufficient male taking care of his family was set in the stone of my being. The majority of my married life, I have lived to this ideal and my wife has been a homemaker. Yet, because of unexpected circumstances I am on welfare. I hate it. But if it wasn’t for this social safety net, I don’t know where I’d be. At a glance one would assume I’m an ultraliberal. I’m not. Like many others on government aid I don’t expect a handout, but I do have a family to take care of. I don’t jump through bureaucratic hoops that accompany any government program for any sense of entitlement. However, as someone who was raised on the “good ol’ days” ideal of staying at a job and working hard to pay for my future, I was devastated when my 10-year banking career plummeted as fast as the economy. Sure I was able to hold out a few years, but I could only do so much without a degree. So, here I am. I’m going to school and my wife is underemployed with two jobs. I work what I can, but I’m still receiving aid, and am desperately trying to get off of it. Unfortunately, I’m still being stereotyped by the far right. Should the reduction of things like food stamps be something conservatives push? Sure, it’s their right. But when the blanket generalizations and ideology of some grinds the government to a potential halt, they stop being leaders and start becoming hindrances. When compromises across party lines are nonexistent, the American people get hurt. Even if someone is in a comfortable position in the now, it doesn’t mean things can’t change. A safety net is there for that. But if you accept it be ready to be stereotyped. Then it will really matter to you.
Fall Into Fashion 2.
1.) Fashion design student
Emanuel Nichols wears his own fashionable fall ensemble.
2.) ARC students keep warm with their scarves this fall.
3.) Students at ARC step up their shoe styles for the autumn season.
4.) Kiley Mavor sports a wide brimmed
Cloche hat and a mullet skirt while on campus. Mavor plans to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising after completing general education requirements at ARC.
1. With the coming of fall many things are changing. The leaves are changing, the weather is changing and fashion at American River College is changing. Windy weather means warm clothes and styles emphasizing comfort and coziness. Fall colors are abundant on campus, scarves are wrapped around students’ cold necks and people are strapping on their boots as they walk around with their fall treats.
Photos by: Zach Tierney
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