A WEIGHT LIFTED american river
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Vol. 65, Ed. 6 • December 4, 2013
BOG Fee Waiver eligibility changes to be considered GRADE TRACKING COULD BEGIN FOR FALL 2016 SEMESTER By Brooke Purves brookempurves@gmail.com After class today Brian Elston, 24, will drop off his backpack at the home he shares with his two cats, hop in his car and head to Deseret Industries to start his shift as a night security guard. Elston, who works full time and attends school full time, is grateful for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, which waives his class fees and makes it possible for him to go to school. But Elston’s BOG Fee Waiver, and the waivers of thousands of other American River College students, could be in jeopardy if the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office votes in January to impose new eligibility conditions, including academic accountability, which would go into effect in 2016 if adopted. To retain BOG eligibility, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA for all graded units, but can earn 12 credits before GPA tracking begins, according to ARC Enrollment Services Supervisor Benjamin Baird, and complete more than half of the courses for which they are enrolled. Approximately half of all ARC students have received BOGs so far this academic year, according to Chad Funk, supervisor of Financial Aid, but how many would be affected by the proposed restrictions on eligibility is difficult to determine. “We are so far out from that happening that there is no way anyone at the school is going to even take a shot in the dark to say what the effects will be on students yet,” said Baird. This proposed policy, another attempt at balancing an affordable education and student success with a sustainable education system, comes on the heels of recent changes regarding dropping of priority registration status for high-unit carrying students and a pilot program introducing additional high-demand classes at non-resident rates during intersessions at select community colleges. “I certainly hope they don’t make the BOG Waiver too hard for people to get,” said Elston, who will lose his priority registration in summer 2014, and is ineligible for federal finan-
SEE BOG, PAGE 2
A LOOK INSIDE
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American River College student Adam Felton, 22, lifts a 25-pound dumbbell while in the reclined position of his electric wheelchair.
ADAPTIVE P.E. STRENGTHENS DISABLED STUDENT’S RESOLVE By Natasha Honeywood nhoneywood71@gmail.com Be persistent, stay positive, stay ready and don’t let fear and doubt get in the way of your dreams. This is what American River College student Adam Felton tells people to keep them motivated. Felton, 22, has Cerebral Palsy (CP), but has used the American River College Adaptive P.E. center to overcome obstacles that may have stopped many from achieving their fitness goals. According to webmd.com, CP is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic “palsies,” or disorders that impair control of movement due to damage to the developing brain. CP is one of the most common causes of chronic childhood disability. The Adaptive P.E. center is a workout room located behind the pool area with equipment for students with disabilities, such as the hand cycle and the lift bar, which has no seat so students using wheelchairs can use it. Ray Maero, adapted physical education professor,
SEE PERSISTENCE, PAGE 10
ARC discovers forged transcript
FORMER RUNNING BACK DEVONTAE BOOKER LOSES DIV. I SCHOLARSHIP By Ed Gebing & Jessica Maynard edgebingjr@gmail.com jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com
File photo
Forged transcripts of former American River College running back Devontae Booker cost him a Division I scholarship.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA Smoking on campus poses problem for police
Photos by Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Felton lifts 120 pounds by using a modified lap pull-down machine that allows wheelchairs to roll up to it.
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BLACK TOP COMEDY CLUB ARC comedians show off their stand-up talent
A forged transcript cost former American River College and All-Valley Conference running back Devontae Booker a Division I scholarship, The Current recently learned. Booker was slated to play for the University of Utah this season, but did not meet the academic requirements, according to the official website of Utah football. In high school Booker previously had committed to play for Washington State but had his scholarship revoked after being late to take his entrance exam. He also had a scholarship offer from Fresno State the same year that was pulled after the school notified him that his high school math course did not meet the entrance requirements. As a result, Booker enrolled himself into ARC and played as a running back for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The people involved in the forged transcript were, “Devontae and someone who no longer works for us,” ARC head coach Jerry Haflich said. Haflich declined to identify the former employee, and Athletic Director Greg Warzecka said that the issue was handled properly by the school. “All the safeguards and protocols at American River College
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SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Excerpts from three letters to the editor from students and faculty
December 4, 2013
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News
ARC improves veteran services NEW STAFF AND ALUMNI ARE USING RESOURCES TO DEVELOP STRONGER VET CULTURE By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.com
American River College’s Veterans Club hosted a series of special events throughout the month of November. With the recent addition of the Veteran Success On Campus group at ARC, Veterans Club President Steve Poole and other staff are working to use the campus’ new resources to build a stronger community among veterans at ARC. “The school really wanted to make a push to improve (veteran) services,” said Daniel Avegalio, an ARC graduate and Marine Corps veteran with three deployments to Iraq. “We have one of the highest populations in the state of veterans using benefits. They wanted to have all these things (available), especially with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan coming up and downsizing in the military. They really wanted to improve services. This actually happened all during the summer.” Avegalio has served as a mentor to Poole during his time at ARC and helped initiate the improvements in Veterans Services, including a successful effort to bring a full-time Veterans Affairs presence to the campus. “I was the secretary for the VA club last year and we did a few things, but not as much as I would like to have seen,” said Poole. “Sometimes it takes a semester to ramp it up and get things going, but we have a lot of good things (now). I’ve made our mission statement, I’ve been to
Club and Events Board meetings and a lot of people have come to Veteran’s Services to help me get together a book return program for vets who come back to school.” Poole and other new Veterans Club staff have also been working to provide special food services, study groups and general information to veterans who are not taking full advantage of the resources available to them on and off campus. Ryan Feil, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee, began working primarily from ARC shortly after Avegalio’s work began, and has been instrumental in the campus’ efforts to improve services available to veterans. “We put in to have Ryan, to have the VSOC program,” said Avegalio. “I was part of putting that together. Me, Ryan and Poole, we were part of the community that organized these events for the month, so we want to make the faculty and staff aware of the needs of veterans on campus.” In addition to improving oncampus services, Poole, Avegalio and Feil aspire to create a stronger community among veterans internally. Study groups, luncheons and several other teambuilding activities are high priorities. “We’ve never done this before, dedicating the whole month of November,” said Avegalio. “We’re going to be doing this every year now. Every semester we’re going to have events like this and different workshops for veterans only, then every November we’re going to have a big event.”
Editors-in-Chief Jeff Gonzales Alisha Kirby
Managing Editor 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
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Steven Poole, Veterans Affairs Club president and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder survivor, holds his original dog tags from when he first joined the Marine Corps more than 41 years ago.
With ARC being the only school in Northern California with a VSOC program, it is also welcoming the opportunity for veterans from outside the Sacramento area to take part in these new events.
“Everything is still growing,” said Avegalio. “This is already one of the better places for veterans looking to come back to school, and as time goes on we’re going to keep on improving, so it’s a great thing.”
BOG: working students may suffer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 cial aid because of the number of credits he has attempted. “Aside from the BOG Waiver, I don’t have any help.” Ray Di Guilio, vice president of Administrative Services, believes such a policy will not be readily accepted. “Part of (the community college’s) role is a safety net for students who are underprepared, and there will be controversy at many of the campuses that this will discriminate against students who are underprepared,
have the BOG Waiver to pay for his fees at ARC? “Probably sitting at home waiting for my shift tonight,” he said.
“Not as many people came out as we hoped,” in the special elections, proving less than satisfying for the head of the special elections committee, Sen. Sam Elliott. However, he feels the goal of special elections to fill positions was completed. “We have a full board and that’s a good thing,” added Elliott. One thing the new senate president would like to work on for ASB is having a greater presence on campus. “(Students) need to know we are here for them, and to represent them,” said Hinton. With that he hopes to get “our college and our region more involved in student advocacy efforts.” “The ASB Senate really needs to work on regaining the trust of the students,” said Vice President Dunning. Dunning says that students need to be more involved and to inform the members of any concerns in order for the student senate to properly represent them. One of the challenges Hinton says the student senate is facing is communication between the
board and the student senate adviser, Tanika Byrd. “There hasn’t been very clear answers coming from adviser Byrd,” said Hinton. Another issue surrounding ASB is the behavior of Jorge Riley, the director of finance and former acting president. In the past month Riley has been detained for public intoxication and was not allowed on campus without prior clearance by Manuel Perez, dean of Student Development. Riley was also seen throwing away stacks of The Current, upon realizing it contained a story on his detainment. Riley has been absent for two of the last three Student Senate meetings, and last year’s president, Quierra Robey, spoke in public comment urging the board to remove Riley for his behavior. There is no initiative from the board to remove him at this time. “The board is willing to work with Jorge, but we’re not sure Jorge is willing to work with the board,” said Trecek-Dunning.
ASBNOTEBOOK
By Melissa Hurtado hurtadom73@gmail.com American River College’s Associated Student Body Student Senate has a new president, vice president and four new senators after the Nov. 12 and 13 special elections. Most positions – including Student Senate president – ran unopposed. However, it came down to 36 more votes in Tamara Trecek-Dunning’s favor against Sen. Laurie Jones that won her the position of vice president. New Student Senate President Kenneth Hinton said he is excited for the win, but also ready to get to work. “I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed because there (are) so many things that we have to get done, that we need to get fixed,” said Hinton. Only 310 students voted in the special elections, which were hosted online via the eServices website. This was the first time students were able to vote online from any location, as opposed to voting booths on campus.
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who are trying to raise their basic skill level up to a college level,” he said. Di Guilio also expressed concern for students from special populations, such as English learners or those with learning disabilities, who may need additional assistance when they first come to college. “This is an era of massive change and accountability … I think accountability is good as a goal, it’s how you go about measuring that,” said Di Guilio. “It’s more complex than saying, ‘Do you have a C average?’” What would Elston be doing if he didn’t
I certainly hope they don’t make the BOG Waiver too hard for people to get. Aside from the BOG Waiver, I don’t have any help.
-BRIANELSTON
Special Projects Editor Steven Condemarin
Copy Chief
Brooke Pur ves
Assistant Copy Chief Zach Tierney
Distribution Manager Ed Gebing
Staff Writers
Shedric Allen Brittini Burns Kevin Ford J’Neil Gibson Melissa Hur tado Walter Jones Brandon Nelson Adnan Ramic Kameron Schmid Sam Urrea
Staff Photographer Michael Pacheco
Adviser
Walter Hammer wold
Photo Adviser Jill Wagner
STUDENT SENATE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
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. 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
ARound
the world Congress slushes through financial loopholes By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.com Members of Congress have recently come under harsh criticism for an apparent disregard for financial ethics. During the 15-day federal government shutdown, many members of Congress used campaign finances for personal expenses. According to CBS News, members of both the Democratic and Republican parties have “institutionalized ways to skirt the rules” in regards to the use of such resources. A detailed investigative report released by CBS’ “60 Minutes” television program reveals representatives have used campaign finances contributed to “slush funds” for recreational activities, vacations and payment of babysitters. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., has reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at high-end golf courses around the world, according the report. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., has spent $35,000 in political contributions on tickets to NFL football games. “I think campaign fundraising is increasingly not just about winning elections. It’s a lifestyle subsidy,” conservative author Peter Schweizer told CBS. While the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 states “a member shall convert no campaign funds to personal use,” congressional leaders have since created “political action committees,” or PACs. These organizations, which are not required to immediately disclose donors, are exempt from personal use prohibitions. PACs were originally created for members of Congress to raise money and distribute it to members of their parties, but have since become a method for solicitation of contributions from friends, business partners and supporters. The term “slush fund” is used to describe instances in which funds from contributions to PACs are categorized in ambiguous or misleading ways so congressional leaders may access them easily and without prohibition. Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J., recently employed this method to access $16,000 from his leadership PAC “Committee to Strengthen America” for a family trip to Scotland for a friend’s wedding. Andrews documented the trip as relating to congressional business, stating he was considering hiring his friend as a political consultant.
CORRECTIONS
In Volume 65, Edition 5 of The Current, the following corrections are listed: On page three, the story “ARC preparing campus for emergencies,” mentions that three people were killed at Santa Monica College. This is true, but a total of seven people had been killed that day. On page three, the corrections mention that student athletes can have jobs. NCAA athletes are prohibited from having jobs, but the story did not accurately reflect the reasoning behind the restriction. Student athletes are not allowed to hold employment because of the potential for abuse by individuals holding influence over the athletes. Emily Rabasto created the photo essay on page 12.
December 4, 2013
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District extends search for president LOS RIOS WILL LOOK FOR A NEW POOL OF CANDIDATES AS PAM WALKER TAKES INTERIM ROLE By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.com American River College will begin the spring 2014 semester with Vice President of Student Services Pam Walker serving as interim president. Walker was one of four finalists that participated in a nine-hour formal interview process at ARC on Nov. 1, which took place shortly after a similar process was hosted at the Los Rios District office. Students, classified staff, faculty and foundation managPam Walker ers interviewed the candidates. “Our Los Rios (interview) process was pretty grueling,” said Walker, who will be serving as interim president while the district continues to look for a long-term replacement. “Maybe one that I haven’t seen in
other places.” District policy denies interims permanent basis because of potential conflicts of interest. The other candidates, however, may still be in play. “Any individuals are certainly encouraged to reapply. We actually encourage them to,” said Ryan Cox, associate vice chancellor of Human Resources at Los Rios. “The economic picture for the state and the financial picture for community colleges has consistently been improving ever since Proposition 30 was passed by voters, so if you were someone thinking of applying for a job as a president of a community college in California, it’s clearly the case that the economic situation is a lot better now than when the first search was opened.” There is some precedent for such an occurrence at ARC. Three interview processes took place before former ARC president David Viar was hired. Rich McCormick held the position on an interim basis during that time. “Typically we have not seen someone take
the interim from the pool. The unusualness (in this case) is that one of the candidates was from the campus, so that makes it a little bit different, so at least there is some continuity and understanding (of) what’s happening.” Though disappointed, Walker is approaching her term as ARC president in the same manner she planned had she been selected as full-time president, and believes such an approach will be required to address some “urgent” issues on ARC’s agenda going into 2014. “It’s never been my personality to not put my head down and go full steam,” Walker said. “I don’t think I would do anything differen. One of the hardest things about being an interim is (my term) could be six months, it could be a year, depending on whether we get somebody else and you want to keep moving the college forward. We have accreditation issues on our agenda, we have the student success plan on our agenda, we have some innovative technology opportunities on our agenda, so there (are) lots of things we can be doing.”
Alisha Kirby / alishakirby1@gmail.com
Because marijuana is not federally legal, it cannot be smoked on federally-funded college campuses such as ARC, despite students’ possession of medical marijuana cards.
Trying to deal with a chronic campus problem ARC POLICE HANDLE MEDICAL MARIJUANA ON CAMPUS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS By Emily K. Rabasto rabastoe@gmail.com It may come as no surprise that some American River College students smoke marijuana on campus. Although California may take a more liberal approach to marijuana than other states, campus police still take each report of its use seriously. “If it’s for sale, they’re going to jail,” said Sgt. Mike Olsen of the Los Rios Police Department. “If it’s (not enough to sell), but more than (enough to require) student discipline, then they’ll probably be cited and released where they are.” There is no official policy making marijuana on campus a lower priority crime, however
Olsen stated that police have to “weigh the circumstances” for each instance that’s reported. Even though students may be in possession of a medical marijuana recommendation, smoking pot on campus is still not allowed. “What we do with it is going to be dependent on several factors,” Olsen said. “How much (marijuana is possessed), do they actually have a medical marijuana card, are they actually an authorized person that just doesn’t know better or are they just a drug user. What we do with them is anything from sending them over to student discipline to arresting them.” The Compassionate Use Act of 1996 was passed “to ensure that
seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana...in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.” Anxiety disorders, although not directly specified, have been known to commonly warrant a prescription for the use of cannabis. “If it’s for medical reasons (like anxiety) and is helping them, there should be designated spots for them (to smoke) so if people are against it, they won’t be bothered,” said ARC student Davin Brink-Clapp. Counter to its intent, one of the most common side effects from chronic marijuana use is
anxiety. The dose of the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, found in marijuana is an important factor. At low doses, THC can be sedating. At higher doses, however, this substance can induce intense episodes of anxiety. Those seeking help with anxiety in school may not find the answer in marijuana. Use of cannabis may harm students’ school performance, especially if law enforcement catches them using it on campus. Because marijuana is not federally legal, it cannot be smoked or otherwise used on federallyfunded college campuses. ARC is a federally-funded school and is required to meet national legal standards or the campus cannot benefit from federal funds.
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BALLERS
BRITCHES
December 4, 2013
Feature
AND
BUTTON D OWNS
UNIFORMS GO FROM COTTON TO COOL By Ed Gebing & Brooke Purves edgebingjr@gmail.com brookempurves@gmail.com
“I used to wear a uniform just like that,” said American River College basketball coach Mark Giorgi when shown a 1980 picture of former ARC basketball players wearing close-fitting short shorts. Uniforms for nearly every sport played at ARC have undergone some change in the last 30 or 40 years, and those changes are usually remarkable. The biggest shift was from the wool or cotton uniforms to spandex or stretch-knit designs. “I think that’s a positive change. (The fabrics) are a lot lighter, they’re more comfortable, they allow the body to breathe better,” said Giorgi. Many athletes today prefer the modern fabrics, and utilize Under Armour garments
and Nike Dri-FIT clothing to practice and play in. “It was once upon a time the feeling that a lot of cotton in a uniform helped absorb moisture, and then people realized that yes, it absorbs, but it stays in the material and sometimes causes an athlete to overheat a little bit, or stay wet,” said Greg Warzecka, athletic director at ARC. “The Dri-FIT material allows the moisture to fall off or ventilate the material so athletes playing in the heat can stay a bit cooler.” Jerseys for nearly every sport have a closer fit now too, providing less material for an opponent to grab, or for an athlete to become entangled in. “Uniforms are really meant to distinguish the difference between the two teams, not for any other purpose than that,” said Giorgi, “but they’ve evolved into who’s got the coolest looking uniform, who’s got the longest shorts.”
BASEBALL
VOLLEYBALL While the traditionally baggy volleyball uniforms allowed for movement, they could also bunch up and interfere with play, “particularly with the long-sleeve tops of the ‘80s and ‘90s,” said ARC volleyball coach Ashlie Hain. Sleeves are still long, but the fabric fits tighter, aiding the athlete during play. “If (fabric) bunches on your shoulder, that’s going to affect your
arm swing,” Hain said. “So the sleeker and tighter it can be, the less it will affect your skills.” Shorts have always been short so as not to restrict the player’s movement while diving and reaching, and at times have appeared as little more than underwear. The short shorts of today are actually longer than the bikini briefs some teams wore in the ‘90s.
“ARC never transitioned to colored socks like many other schools did 15 years ago,” said Doug Jumelet, head baseball coach. Instead, players retained the traditional stirrups and pulled them up to show a bit of the white sock underneath. Jumelet said the team has “stayed true to form over the years,” and hasn’t gotten “sucked into the trends” that even pro ballplayers have, such as pulling the bottom of the pant leg down over the cleat, wearing pants ultra-baggy or wearing a flatbilled cap. Present photos by Emily K. Rabasto Old photos from photo archive
BASKETBALL Today’s basketball shorts are much longer than the brief-like shorts worn for much of the 20th century. Players in the ‘80s started wearing the waistbands low on the hip, but that made it difficult to keep jerseys tucked in. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Michael Jordan and the Fab Five players at the University of Michigan requested longer shorts, according to nba.com.
Shorts now typically touch or cover the kneecaps and billow with fabric. Fashion on the basketball court seems to be distinguishably shaped by its athletes. “I think that has a lot to do with the change in society. Kids ... want to look good,” said Giorgi. “They’re worried more about how they look than how they perform.”
Sports
December 4, 2013
HEADTOHEAD By Jessica Maynard jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com A research study done by The Associated Press showed that 7 percent of college athletes from 120 different athletic programs tested positive for steroids. It is widely known around the world that athletes use steroids in order to enhance their performance even when athletic leagues ban their use. Steroid use has been glorified for young athletes who believe they need to use them. Perhaps the problem with steroids is people are not fully aware of the consequences of taking steroids and that is why many people suggest legalizing them. The fact that athletes use these drugs
to create an unequal playing field should be a major concern. If everyone were allowed to take steroids, what would stop the players who already use anabolic steroids from just increasing their dosage? If they take 10 grams already they may increase it to 20 or 30. “They are known to have a range of serious adverse effects on many organ systems and in many cases the damage is not reversible,” Food and Drug Administration medical officer Ali Mohamadi said. “They include fertility problems, impotence, high blood pressure and cholesterol and heart and liver abnormalities.”
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Steroids in sports By Korbl Klimecki korbl.klimecki@gmail.com In sports, there is huge pressure to win, to do better, to break records and to turn athletes into machines for athletic success. There are also the gargantuan financial and reputational incentives to be the best. For some, this pressure leads to the use of steroids. These admissions are met with outrage by many fans. Is it because it cheapens the sport? Or maybe because it’s seen as cheating? Sports are primal, archaic activities, focused on competition and aggression. There is nothing to cheapen. Many professional athletes make in excess of $1 million dollars a year for these performances. Performance–enhancing drugs cost, on average, $32 on Amazon for
a month’s supply. Were they not banned in organized athletics, teams would have a strong interest in providing them. A tool that everyone has access to cannot be considered unfair. Indeed, having great natural ability could be considered unfair in comparison to steroids. Finally, there is concern for health risks. There are only a handful of people who need to care about an athlete’s health— the athlete, his or her close family and the team investors. Unless you’re betting on an athlete, you have no investment in the athlete’s health, and if you are betting on an athlete’s performance, then steroids could only help your investment.
SPORTSUPDATES WATER POLO
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Freshman Damion Trujillo converts a lay-up during the Beaver Classic in a game against Yuba College on Nov. 15.
VOLLEYBALL
The women won the Big 8 Conference and finished the season with a 22-10 record. They placed third in the CCCAA State Championship, with a win over Sierra College, 8-5.
The women won the Big 8 Conference for the first time ever. They are currently in the third round of playoffs, which took place yesterday against Fresno City College. The winner of that match advances to the state championships this weekend.
BASKETBALL
SOCCER
The women got off to a 4-2 start on the season, winning Nov. 26 against Shasta 61-39. They play next at the Cypress Tournament in Cypress, Calif. this weekend. The men have started off the year with a 1-4 record and have lost the last two games. The men will travel to play in the Monterey Bay Classic tomorrow.
The women ended their season with a 3-0 loss to Cosumnes River College, finishing with a record of 4-15. Jazzmin Hancock finished the season with a team-leading three goals, and Sierra Montano led with four assists.
FOOTBALL
CROSS-COUNTRY
After losing the final game of the season to Sierra College, the men gained a berth in the Bothman Bulldog Bowl on Nov. 23 against College of San Mateo. San Mateo routed ARC 75-9 in what was the final game of the year. The men finished with an overall record of 8-3.
The men won the state title for the third year in a row, led by Luis Luna, who finished first overall with a time of 19 minutes 58 seconds. The women finished the meet 17th out of the 27 teams competing, led by Alexa Lua, who finished in 26th place.
December 4, 2013
Page 6
Sports
Booted from second round By Sam Urrea
samurrea93@gmail.com
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Giovanni Reader, defender for American River College men’s soccer, clears the ball in a match against West Hills College on Oct. 15.
The American River College men’s soccer team ended its season with a high-scoring 5-3 loss to Foothill Community College in the state championship’s secondround playoff on Nov. 26. The third-ranked team in the state, the team came into the game as the second seed in the playoffs with a record of 10 wins and three losses, so expectations were high. ARC defensive mid Jordan Moreno was disappointed, but praised the team’s season overall. “I believe our greatest accomplishments were beating the big teams,” said Moreno. “Teams such as San Francisco, Hartnell and De Anza are very good and we were able to get good results against them.” The scoring started early with Jessy Vega giving ARC an early
advantage with a low shot after a smartly executed pass across the six-yard box. The team’s joy quickly turned to despair after Tom Kaheli canceled out the score with a quick smash and grab goal after ARC lost possession in their own half. Things went from bad to worse for ARC as Foothill added another three goals in a nightmarish twenty-minute spell. The game’s intensity dropped greatly as Foothill concentrated on keeping possession of the ball. It wasn’t until the 75th minute that ARC struck back with a powerful shot from inside the 18-yard box from Matt Iwasa. Tension grew, and in a bizarre moment Foothill player Andy Gomez found himself sent off for a vicious push against ARC’S Jordan Moreno. The momentum stuck with the ARC players and they quickly put themselves a goal behind with five minutes before the end of
regulation. The team continued to put pressure inside Foothill’s half with a high defensive line. The tactic backfired and Foothill hit their fifth and final goal with a counter-attack finished by Robin Skarvik. Having seen the her women’s team end its season prematurely, left back Kelsey Stilwell attended the game and was sad not to see the men go further. “I thought the boys had a really good season,” said Stilwell. “The game was very entertaining but I wish I had got to seem go through the tie.” Nevertheless, Moreno was disappointed in losing to teams he feels they shouldn’t have lost to. He believes it was down to lapses of concentration. “We were mad to lose to teams we expected to beat,” said Moreno. “We were better and our spirit was always good. That’s why we are disappointed.”
Evolving gender roles manifest on playing field By Shedric Allen & Natasha Honeywood shedric25@gmail.com | nhoneywood71@gmail.com Participating in sports is an unrivaled excitement for some people, but some sports have been witness to little change concerning females within their cultures. Many people can’t imagine women competing in maledominated sports like football, basketball and baseball, which are seen more as male-dominated than some others. It may be seen as abnormal for women to compete in these types of sports. The sports that women were most seen in were tennis, golf, gymnastics and figure skating. Focusing on a woman’s position in society rather than on her athletic skill became a major setback to women advancing in sports. It is clear that the sports experience for women has greatly improved in the past decades with the placement of Title IX. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Women’s sports are demanding more attention in the media and have become an essential part of the culture for women. Women have continued to
break the stereotypes, patterns and barriers that have kept them from participating in male-dominated sports. “Work harder than anybody else, whether it is male or female,” women’s head basketball coach J.R. Matsunami tells her athletes. By encouraging her athletes, Matsunami demonstrates to women that they can compete and succeed in a male-dominated sport. This shows how women are considerably changing how they are viewed in the sporting world. Women’s sports aren’t shown on television as much as the men’s sports, which can give the illusion that the women athletes are not achieving as much in their sports as men. Women on the court have, and play with, the same tenacity as men, but they still aren’t given the same respect that male athletes are. It’s still a work in progress. Gender roles are evolving and we have started to see women participate in certain sports that were at one time only associated with men. It is more acceptable to see women out on the court giving their all, compared to back in the day, but more women have to balance sports with other com-
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Erika Jones spikes the ball and scores a point in a game against Santa Rosa Junior College on Oct. 9.
mitments. “Time management is huge because women try to put too much on themselves,” ARC softball head coach Lisa Delgado said. Between attending school, studying, having a personal life,
Football: cheating has impact CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 properly by the school. “All the safeguards and protocols at American River College seem to be functioning well and in this case they did that, and this indiscretion was noticed, people were notified, and the situation was handled appropriately by the deans involved,” Warzecka said. “It’s unfortunate that Devontae did this, we are greatly disappointed, but it’s time for Devontae to move on and accept the penalties that have been given to him.” A copy of the transcript has been obtained by The Current.
“Apparently he was missing a math class that Utah required,” Haflich said. “The same thing happened at Washington (State), but this time they tried to take matters in to their own hands by using another transcript to copy.” As a sophomore in 2012, Booker had 1,472 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, while catching nine passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Booker also led the conference in both rushing yards per game and touchdowns The American River College athletics website still has
Booker listed as a 2012 transfer student to Utah. In an interview in April 2012 Haflich said, “A player like Devontae is going to change the perception of American River College football.” Several attempts to reach Booker for comment via social media were unsuccessful. On Nov. 26 coach Haflich contacted The Current to dispute the quotes attributed to him in the online version of this story. When asked to clarify his dispute on Monday Haflich stated that he was “done talking” to The Current about his concerns.
(maybe kids it could be a lot for some of our women athletes. The softball department has a time management log to help their athletes.” A successful athlete is the one who becomes the better person.
In the long run she looks back at what she has achieved and what she leaves for many younger women athletes to look up to. Female athletes have the ability to be as influential and significant as male athletes.
File Photo
A missing math class left Devontae Booker unqualified to play football for both the University of Utah and Washington State University.
December 4, 2013
Arts&Culture
Page 7
Photos by Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Above: Pork Belly Grub Shack employee Jennifer Phan, 20, says the best part about working there is the bond among her co-workers. Right: The Hot Mess burger is topped with roasted garlic aioli, housemade barbecue sauce, caramelized onions and a sunnyside up egg.
Fill your trough with beef and pork
NATOMAS RESTAURANT SERVES UP SCRUMPTIOUS SOW SANDWICHES AND BOVINE BURGERS chef at award-winning downtown Japa- them “big poppa.” The sandwich consists By Emily K. Rabasto nese restaurant Kru, and Aimal Formoli, a of a certified Angus beef patty, house- Pork Belly Grub Shack rabastoe@gmail.com Walking into what looks like a backyard barn party hosted by Andy Warhol, customers are greeted with the aroma of the pork and chicken pate of a Banh Mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich, and dozens of crayon-colored pictures of pigs proudly displayed from floor to ceiling. Located at the intersection of Truxel Road and Arena Boulevard in North Natomas, Pork Belly Grub Shack raises the bar for casual dining. Created from the minds of Buu “Billy” Ngo, owner and executive
traditional French-trained chef and owner of Formoli’s Bistro, this swine shrine offers high-end eats for a price that compliments the quality. The Grub Shack menu contains food items ranging from a deep fried catfish Po’Boy to rice bowls to some of the best pork belly offered in the Sacramento area. Its signature pork belly is braised in-house for a total of four hours and adorns almost everything on the menu, or can be added for an additional two dollars. One of the more popular burgers, named Notorious P.I.G, will make you want to call
cured strips of bacon, cheddar cheese, lemon pepper aioli and greens nestled between toasted artisan buns. The Pork Belly Westerner comes with shoestring fries and is just over eight bucks. The Westerner is layered with a toasted baguette covered in lemon pepper aioli and barbecue sauce, two strips of fried bacon, two onion rings, jalapenos and a thick, beyond delicious slice of their signature pork belly. The sweet, salty, crispy outside and creamy, white fat of the pork makes you feel you’ve gone to hog heaven.
4261 TRUXEL RD. SACRAMENTO, CA 95834
PRICE RANGE: $$$
««««« This sty is a stone’s throw away from the Sleep Train Arena so when fans are done cheering on the Sacramento Kings, they can pig out at the Grub Shack.
Laughs on the Blacktop
LOCAL COMEDY CLUB PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR ARC STUDENTS TO PRACTICE AND PERFORM IMPROV By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com
Jonathan H. Ellyson / jonathanellyson@gmail.com
Improvisers Ashleigh YaYa and Betsaida LeBron twirl pantomime parasols as part of a longform improv inspired by the word “cloud.”
Take one black box theater, add some funny people, throw in a dash of audience participation and the end result is a comedy show performers and the audience can both enjoy. At Blacktop Comedy improv and sketch theater, several American River College students give performances weekly. Voted best comedy club in the region by the KCRA 3 A-list, the Rosevillebased club provides a variety of comedy shows. Co-owners Betsaida LeBron, who first studied improv at ARC, and Paul Burke moved to the location on Galilee Road in early 2011 with the goal of “creating a supportive improv environment where improvisers can excel and show off new skills.” The club not only does weekend shows but offers a variety of workshops during the week for up-and-coming improvisers to learn and develop their talents. According to ARC alumnus and veteran improviser Kevin Brown, the name of the theater comes from a playground blacktop where kids get to be crazy and have fun during recess. Blacktop recreates that by playing improv games allowing performers to get wacky and be ridiculous. “I’ve been at Blacktop for almost three years now,” said theater arts major Jonathon Milby, whose last performance at ARC was in “The Three Musketeers.” “I got cast, and after a few months I was doing Shorties (a weekly-performance team). The atmosphere here is very friendly and it’s pretty much like a family.”
“I watched a lot of it, I have a lot of friends who do it at clubs around town,” said ARC theater arts major Lindsey Loe, who has been with Blacktop for about a year after taking her first improv class in 2011. “I knew Betsaida before from classes and she told me about auditions,” “Everyone’s really nice and there’s a lot of opportunities. You can come here so many days of the week and there is always something to do,” said Loe. Blacktop focuses on instruction and fosters a community of people who have all become friends. “We get together and gel. It’s like jamming,” said Loe, regarding the difference between practicing and rehearsing. “(Rehearsing) would mean memorizing lines but we’re really just going over drills and formats and what ends up on stage is completely unpredictable every time.” LeBron and Loe are also members of a group called Yadda Yadda Yadda, an improv a capella team that performs every month. “We all discovered that we like to do music and can sing. There’s five ladies. We get a suggestion from the audience and then sing a song at whim that we make up on the spot,” said Loe, “so you imagine a girl band like The Spice Girls, and after singing the song we do scenes based on (that) song and then (continue to) other songs based on those scenes.” Yadda Yadda Yadda’s next show is Friday, but Blacktop puts on comedy shows every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Suite 150, 7311 Galilee Road in Roseville.
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December 4, 2013
‘Five Women’ brings characters to life
Arts&Culture
SEMESTER’S LAST PLAY SHOWS OFF FULL POTENTIAL OF ARC THEATRE’S STAGE TWO By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com Black box theaters can be difficult to light, set up and perform on. However, the cast and crew for American River College’s production of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” did an excellent job. The play takes place in Knoxville, Tenn. in 1993, which makes the first hurdle the accent work. There were brief moments when characters would slip out of their southern drawls and other times when the dialogue didn’t seem to mix well with the accent they were using. None of this, however, detracted from the performance. Tracy Martin Shearer, who worked with the performers as dialect coach, did an excellent job. The voice work was very consistent, which can often be hard to achieve when the play takes place in one room. There were no set or scene changes; the entirety of this twoact play takes place in one of the character’s bedroom. The five bridesmaids had to occupy the space without overcrowding each other, and they accomplished this by venturing into sectors. There was a sitting area around a coffee table, two chairs by a mirror for makeup, a bed
and a window seat in the corner. The performance went on without any glitches and the limited space was used effectively. “Five Women” dances across the line between comedy and drama. At many parts in the first act it seems quite light-hearted, but as characters develop their issues, it gets real very fast. The playwright has a decent balance of these elements through most of the show, but about halfway through the second act, it changes tone completely and gets really dramatic. The ending has a return to form, reconciling the balance. Several of the characters gave phenomenal performances. Michelle Pollack’s character, Meredith, jumps from her initial wedding-hating rebel who generates the audience’s laughter to a woman going through an emotional breakdown. The acting was top-notch with all of the characters as they developed beyond bridesmaids, and through dialogue about their experiences, bonded together as friends. The production was phenomenal. “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” is an excellent way to break for the 2013-2014 ARC theater season. Students should make some Kameron Schmid / kameronschmid@gmail.com time for it. The first performance Cast members Mondis Vakili, left, and Ashley Rose, rehearse a scene from will be this weekend. the second act of “Five Women”.
Student conductor moves full steam ahead By Michael Pacheco mfpach@gmail.com
Courtesy of Mohammad Hassani
Mohammad Hassani conducts the ARC Orchestra for the first time in his career.
The American dream as we know it is more and more becoming just that – a dream. But there is one individual at American River College who shows that it just may still be alive. Mohammad Assani is a music composition major at ARC. He hails from Iran, and moved to the U.S. four years ago to escape religious persecution and to study music. “I was investigating about a good music department,” explains Assani, “which is why I came to Sacramento.” For Assani, music is much more than just his passion, it is his livelihood. Since he was 16, he has been performing music professionally as a singer and trumpet player, even taking a master class in Armenia for trumpet. “To be honest, I’m not sure what my profession in music is,” Assani said. “I sing professionally in a foreign language. I have over 60 recordings and compositions made in Iran, Turkey, and the U.S.” Assani is a prominent figure in the Persian music community, having been featured on TV and radio in Iran and the U.S., and even being featured in Iranian E Sacramento magazine, a Persian music magazine. He will be singing this month for the Persian community in Santa Monica. What led him to conducting was a unique opportunity presented to him from ARC professor Susan Hamre. “[She] handed me the baton and [gave] me that chance,” says Assani. “She was the one that asked me if I would like to conduct for a concert.” His fellow music students also note his hard work and dedication to his craft. “I think his compositions really show his dedication,” said ARC trombone player Seamus Smith. “He [also] has a great vibe. Everyone enjoys working with him.” Currently, Assani is a trumpet player for the U.S. Bethany Church. In March, Assani will be conducting the ARC band in a competition, playing an original composition that he is currently writing. “The ARC Orchestra will perform with a Persian singer, as well as English, Arabic, and Turkish, promoting unity and peace in the world,” said Assani.
Headphones Off Artists as advertisements By Alisha Kirby alishakirby1@gmail.com Is there still such a thing as “cred” in the music industry? No, not really. Nirvana shirts are sold at Hot Topic, there aren’t any prominent West Coast/ East Coast rap feuds – now disputes are 140 character abominations of the English language on Twitter, and nobody comes out looking like a winner in those – and the term “sellout” is thrown around like rice at a wedding. “I think it’s sad, but safe to say, that a lot of very smart people who are trying to get a specific message out sell out to the huge music industries and give it up in the name of wealth and fame,” said former American River College student Alex Rice, “but that isn’t to say that there aren’t people out there who get into music and stay true to their messages.” Sometimes bands try too hard to “stay true” to the image they came into the industry with, though, very much like the older folks still rocking ‘70s hairstyles and pants. For example, Arcade Fire, one of the largest names in independent music, issued a request to fans purchasing tickets to their upcoming North American tour on Ticketmaster that read: “NIGHT OF SHOW: Please wear formal attire or costume.” Why should the band members care how their fans, who pay good money, look when they attend? Maybe to look extra classy by association? More often than not, though, the topic of selling out turns toward how major labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group control their artists. In September, fans of Ke$ha started a petition on The Petition Site called “Let Ke$ha have creative freedom.” They believe the singer is being controlled “like a puppet” by producer/songwriter Dr. Luke. They claim in the petition that Dr. Luke is “stunting her from growing as an artist by making her sing the same generic, predictable, recycled, pop song,” and that by doing so he is “almost trying to dismantle her career.” They claim she’s being forced to sell out her former style of songwriting and is being used as a machine to pump out radio hits. Maybe they’re right. But 6,000 signatures aren’t going to get her out of an eight-album contract just two albums in. Once you’ve signed that contract as a musician, you’ve signed away a lot of your future credibility as an artist.
December 4, 2013
Scene
Page 9
Sactown is a good place to live
Recital gives student artists a chance to play for their peers
CAPITAL CITY RANKS HIGH FOR NIGHTLIFE, TAKE OUT AND RENT
By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com
By Brittini Burns brittini45@gmail.com Sacramento ranks 16 on the Livability Index: The Best U.S. Cities For People 35 and Under, according to Vocativ.com. This study took into account factors such as unemployment rates, average rent and factors that appealed to young people such as places to get cheap takeout and number of nail shops. According to the study, the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $980 a month. This is relatively inexpensive compared to San Francisco, where the average cost is $4,000, or San Jose at $2,200. “It’s definitely cheaper here,” said Jazmin Vasquez, an undecided major. “The cost of living is definitely way better here.” Although Vocativ ranks the number of music venues, which is 10.3 per 100,000 people, it doesn’t take into account the number of nightclubs or other activities available for young people. The age group included in the study is broad, ranging from 18-35, however the 18-20 crowds may not be able to attend many nightclubs, since most are 21 and over. According to CBS News, the best places for nightlife for the 21 and under crowd are Ace of Spades, Laughs Unlimited, and Bisla’s. “I go to SF (San Francisco) a lot, so compared to here and SF, I feel like since I am 18, I can do more in SF than I can here nightlife wise,” said Vasquez. “There’s not as much to do around here compared to SF” “I think it’s about what you like. If you live the night life then you’re obviously going to pay more, but if you like this environment but it’s not that much of a nightlife, then you’ll like the pricing, so I think it’s your choice,” Vasquez said. Sacramento also ranked number five among the top 10 cities for biking and walking, and number six according to the number of vintage clothing shops. If Sacramento isn’t the place for you, then you might want to consider moving to Portland, Ore., which ranks number 1 on the list due to its “strong job market, cheap utilities and vibrant music scene.” “I think the best part about living here is the trees, and the worst part is that there are some really rude people living here,” said Hannah Marshall, an undecided major. Still, there are some things that you can only learn about Sacramento by actually living here.
L
Many classes at American River College give instruction on songwriting, the business of music and applied music, which can all lead students to writing and performing original compositions. The Acoustic Cafe Songwriters Recital is an opportunity organized by music professor Eric Chun for students to perform original songs and musical compositions. The recital is very laid back and casual and, anyone can perform as long as he or she has auditioned and received approval from Chun. The recital took place Nov. 22 in ARC’s recital hall and garnered about 30 attendees. Two masters of ceremonies, Eural Strickland and Malia Artsitas, introduced each of the 10 performers with some humor and got things started. Leading the recital was professor Eric Chun, playing a break-up song on piano titled “You Stole My Heart.” The song that spoke the most came next. Diana Campos performed her song “Nothing’s Ever What It Seems.” The power ballad was inspired by the “11 million undocumented Americans who are fighting (for immigration reform).” The song resonated like the acoustic version of any popular song. Julian Cunningham sang a soulful R&B song about relationships and love accompanied by Chun on piano called “Explore Your World.” Young Timothy
Jonathan H. Ellyson / jonathanellyson@gmail.com
Student performers Morgan Wright and Malia Artistas perform “Sandy Toes” at the acoustic cafe on Nov. 22.
followed with his hip-hop track “Christ over money,” which he performed for the second time. A group set featuring Dino DiMare on acoustic guitar, George Seruset on alto saxophone and Artsitas on piano played “The Waltz Song” and “Cyclone,” both short pieces about lost love, the latter featuring weather in the Midwest. The next two rap songs were by Shani Walker and “J Terrible,” respectively. Walker sang an
upbeat piece titled “Gotta Go.” Walker was followed by “J Terrible” – who has been singing and writing rap for 15 years – singing his songs “Ghetto Groupie” and “Ghost,” both about his experiences coming from humble beginnings. Closing out the show was Artsitas, the most versatile performer present who jumped from electric guitar to vocals to piano. She sang a duet with Morgan Wright she wrote after
living on the beaches of Southern California called “Sandy Toes.” She then performed “Slow Town,” originally written by Rude George. The recital was an opportunity for students to give live performances in front of their peers. The talent present impressed the audience and the performers appeared to have a lot of fun showing off their work.
Music in stereo, without the types DIFFERENT GENRES AND THE STEROTYPES THAT COME ALONG WITH EACH ONE By Cintia Lopez cintialopez92@gmail.com Classical, folk, country, rock, pop, punk, metal, pop-punk, punk-rock, dub-step, hiphop, rap. Each genre is different, and yet subtly the same when given an open mind and an ear. Music, like other forms of media out there, can often change the way a person views life or acts. From the meme that names a band and offers up different perceptions of their fans, to the meme about lyrics, there is always a musical stereotype for people to either ridicule or fit into. “I’m sure people look at me and are probably like, “he just likes rap,” said Leighton Jenkins, a communications major. “I’m black, you see the way I dress...with the hoodie... Nikes. Jenkins also said that the perception
CAMPUS PU SE
that all black people only listen to rap music “is the most common stereotype that people can’t seem to break from.” “It all depends upon the individual and how susceptible they are to what they hear, and how it influences their life,” said music professor Dyne Eifertsen in an email to The Current. Jillian Kamely, a nursing major who also works at local concert venue Ace of Spades said, “I would say more the pop stuff, and the — I guess it’d be considered — emo brings a younger crowd for the most part.” “Obviously, classic rock is going to bring out an older crowd,” said Kamely, “people that have been listening to rock since they were in high school. Then there are hip-hop shows that bring out people from all walks of life. Country obviously brings out … a really mixed crowd. It just depends on if you grew up listening to country or
not.” Bridget Sutherland, a computer information technology major said she listens to alternative music, and believes that it may be a genre others would be surprised she listens to. “I like (the song) ‘Royals’ (by Lorde).” “I would say the stereotype that definitely is there is, for the most part for hip-hop, is ignorance,” said Kamley. “(The stereotype is that hip-hop fans are) completely ignorant and disrespectful. Tech N9ne (fans) tend to break that stereotype.” “Today, obviously there is music out there that is very explicit and I think can influence its listeners as they hear it over and over again. Whether that is a good or bad thing is up to society to decide,” said Eifertsen. “Music can have a huge impact on its audience, just as film, television, and video games can influence a person’s demeanor.”
What is the worst holiday experience you’ve had?
“Spilling milk on my grandma’s tablecloth, because I made her very sad.”
“We had the Christmas tree all decorated, and the cat climbed it and knocked it over!”
“I had a firework in my hand, and it caught my shirt on fire, and my whole shirt burned.”
“Christmas two years ago, I went to the snow for the first time and I was running around in some ice and fell and broke my nose.”
-MARINAWATANABE English
-MADELINEGORLACH English
-TRAVISDAVIS Kinesiology
-PAULCODESTEIN Commercial Music
December 4, 2013
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Scene
5 things to do under $10 this holiday season EVENTS AROUND SACRAMENTO CAN BE EASY ON YOUR WALLET AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
By Natasha Honeywood nhoneywood71@gmail.com It’s that time of the year when money is spent and presents are bought, and all the new technology (video game consoles, tablets, iPhones), may leave our pockets a little dented from the holiday season. Here are five things to do that are under $10, including family events, arts and crafts for children. 1. Pop-Up! A Private Collection of 3D Children’s Books featuring Maria Winkler, professor emeritus of art, will be showing at the Pence Gallery in Davis. CSU Sacramento will be presenting her one of a kind 3D popup books and discuss her collection Dec. 15, 2-3 p.m. This free event can be a great one to attend for children who love to read and see things “come to life.” 212 D Street, Davis. 2. Another favorite for children is the Dollar Tree. There are plenty of things you can do with cheap craft supplies, if you know what you are doing. Gumdrops (the sugar candies) and toothpicks are all you would need to make a house or stick people. Graham crackers, icing and various candies (skittles, marshmallows, gummy worms,
etc.) are perfect for gingerbread houses. And for the nights when it’s raining, nothing beats hot chocolate and s’mores made with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. 3. The Sacramento libraries hold several weekly events, all free and fun for the whole family, ranging from family movie nights, a tween book club and a “read to a dog” event. Check saclibrary.org for a listing of events. 4. Fairytale Town will be doing a Winter Wonderland (if weather permits) when the park will be decorated with lights and holiday decor. There will also be arts and crafts and special guests: two of Santa’s reindeer will be visiting on Dec. 14 and 15. Tickets are $5, and children 1 and under are free. This is a perfect event for the whole family. 5. Fairytale Town will also be hosting a free admission day Dec. 24, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The key to finding something to do during the holiday season is to know what is out there. Getting creative doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. These five activities will get the family out and hopefully having a great time.
Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com
For about $5 a family can use gumdrops and toothpicks to make candy creations.
Persistence: Student determined to inspire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
Felton uses an arm bicycle, one of many adapted workout machines to accommodate students with disabilities, to warm up.
TAKETHISCLASS By Natasha Honeywood nhoneywood71@gmail.com There is a class on campus that will push students to their absolute limits and challenge them mentally and physically. Rain or shine, Fitns 331: Boot Camp Fitness can be found in the main gym or outside, 7:30 a.m. 8:50 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. This class is taught by men’s tennis coach Bo JaberyMadison, or “Coach Bo,” as his students call him. Coach Bo started as the men’s tennis coach 10 years ago and became a full-time faculty member five years ago. The class starts off with the students running a lap to get them warmed up, and Coach Bo going to the gym to write the exercises they will be doing on the board. “The fact that it is raining has nothing to do with us working out inside,” said Coach Bo. “I planned a workout for inside and it just happened to be raining.” As the students file in they are wearing their “ARC Boot Camp” T-shirts and are ready to get the day started. “We are going to need the 5-pound weights and a
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hopes to open a summer class for the students. “That is where we are having problems with trying to find how we can fund an (instructional assistant) for that position, because we will have a big class in the summer, so we need the extra help,” said Maero. At ARC, Felton heard about the Adaptive P.E. center through friends and thought it would be “awesome.” Brian Sprinkle is the instructional assistant for the Adaptive P.E. department and has seen the improvement in Felton from day one. “When I first met (Felton), I could tell he was a bright student,” said Sprinkle. “He was kind of new to the whole exercise program.” Felton started off doing the lat pull down
bar at a weight of 30 pounds two years ago. His maximum weight now is 165 pounds. “On one hand it is kind of disappointing,” said Felton. “You want to go kind of higher, you want to push the limit even more, but at the same time it’s just a wonderful feeling to know all the hard work paid off.” Felton was awarded Student of the Semester, an award to given to students who go above and beyond, show up to class every day and excel in the area they are in for the semester. “It’s really gratifying to know that the hard work had paid off,” said Felton. The reward was less for him and more for other students. “I wanted to be an example for other disabled students. That if you work hard and put forth the effort and stay dedicated and you stay disciplined, then good things can happen.”
FITNS 331: Boot Camp Fitness
mat if your back is sensitive to the hardwood floor,” said Coach Bo. He goes through the exercise routine written on the board and everyone gets started. The one-leg wall sit is a specific exercise where you find a wall and lean against it in a 90-degree angle. The students have 15 seconds to find a wall, and as they lean against the wall they have to alternate between lifting their left leg and right leg. “Come on guys; keep it up. Shaking is good,” said Coach Bo. “Don’t give in to the shakes.” One phrase constantly heard was this: It’s OK to fail if you are trying to do it right. Coach Bo elaborates exactly what he means. “Pushing your body to actual failure is not easy to do. You have to really have a lot of discipline and will power to actually push your body to where it can’t do another repetition. If you push it to that kind of limit, that is success, because that is when is your body is going to make adaptations because you are asking your body to Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com do more than it is capable of. Therefore, your body is going to grow and adapt to that, and become stronger Using two hand weights, Cleveland Braswell executes rotating and more healthy.” punches during a three-part circuit workout.
If you don’t like being challenged, this isn’t the right class for you. This class is going to push you to your limits: your physical limits, and probably your mental limits.
BOJABERY-MADISON
PROFESSOR
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This is probably one of the toughest classes they offer at this school.
SCOTTCHADWICK
SPORTS MEDICINE
December 4, 2013
Opinion
Page 11
CURRENTEDITORIAL COUNSELING GRIDLOCK current@arc.losrios.edu It is usually around this time of the year that many of the almost 35,000 students try to utilize one of the 25 counselors on campus to discuss what classes they need to take in the upcoming semester to further their educational goals. The problem that students encounter is the lack of availability of counselors, and the time to wait in the counseling center for their names to be called, especially when scheduling a “drop-in appointment.” “The counseling office takes extremely long to get into, especially if you work six days a week, and during the summer, I did,” horticulture major Matthew Clegg said. “So trying to get in and schedule my classes out of that one day that I had off was extremely hard.” The Current tried to reach out to counseling chairperson Rafael Rivera for comment via email, but attempts to
contact him were unsuccessful at the time of print. Counselors advise not waiting until the last minute to make your appointment, and urge students to help streamline the process by scheduling appointment times with counselors that they have previously seen. Time is often taken during each visit that a student sees a new counselor to view the students’ transcript and develop an educational goal with a plan determining which classes need to be completed. “They try to do their best, when you think about … how many students they have to accommodate,” said Melissa Dubina, a biotechnology major. “Once you find a counselor that knows about the major you’re majoring in, that’s one I would stick with. They’ll be able to help you the most that way.” Some counselors even hand out their business cards to the students who
they see, and advise them that if there are any questions, to call the counselor on his or her direct line. This alleviates some of the wait by allowing direct contact when students just have a quick question. ARC student Megan Houchin proposed an idea for streamlining the process that could be implemented with a little work. “The easiest thing they could do is use text alerts to let you know when you’re name is close to being called,” Houchin said. “Then you’d be able to go run errands or get other things done while you wait so it doesn’t feel like they’re completely wasting half your day.” Considering the possibility that all new students may be required to meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan in 2014-2015 school year, the simplest solution would be to hire more counselors to help serve the student body.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The editors of The Current have made the decision to run excerpts of the following letters, due to space limitations. The full text of each letter can be read on our website at: www.arcurrent.com/category/ opinion/letters_to_editor/
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During my time here as Student Body President I have been constantly struggling with the administrators about many different issues. First off, it’s no secret that the last board worked all year long on many various things despite of not having passed bylaws. However, from the gate we were told as a board that we could not spend any money nor work on legislation beyond our bylaws so we ran to try to pass those as quickly as possible. Student government class was brought to the first meeting. The concept seemed very much to be a conflict of interest and it consisted of the entire student government board, with the exception of me.”
-JORGERILEY
ASB DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
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By any other name, might be more employable
Mr. Riley seems surprised that his attempts to circumvent the ARC Constitution and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook have been met with resistance. This is further evident by his outrage over not qualifying to run in the Special Election. It was Mr. Riley’s responsibility to turn in 50 signatures on his nomination form that could be validated. He failed to do so. Every candidate, myself included, was told at the Candidate Workshop that we should gather more than 50 signatures because sometimes a signature is not able to be validated. In fact, the candidate packet provided space for 100 signatures.”
EMPLOYERS SHOW DISCRIMINATION TOWARD THOSE WITH AFRICAN-AMERICAN NAMES
-TAMARATRECEK-DUNNING
Less common names can often influence an applicant’s chance of being hired.
By Brittini Burns brittini45@gmail.com A parent’s decision to give a child an identifiably African-American name has been a controversial topic, as some people believe individuals with these names will later be ostracized. Are African-American names an expression of individuality and heritage, or rather a hindrance to a child later on in life? Some believe that children with unique names are less likely to receive jobs, despite meeting similar qualifications to those met by people with Anglo-Saxon names. In a study done by Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan on racial discrimination in the workplace, it was found that “white names receive 50 percent more callbacks for interviews.” “As far as getting a job when you know people and tell people your name, it makes them remember you, like, ‘Oh, she has a very unique name,’” said Myrricle O’Neal, a sociology major. “If you give them a good impression of yourself, then they’ll remember you and your unique name and how you
stand out,” she added. It was also discovered that a higher quality resume elicits 30 percent more callbacks for individuals with “white names,” compared to a much smaller increase for those with African-American names. This study shows that discrimination concerning performance may be taking place before prospective job candidates are even offered employment with a company. Even though individuals with African-American names may not be offered employment, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those who do receive the job will perform the job functions any better. Those with African-American names, who have already been stereotyped before they stepped foot inside the door, may be better off not working for that particular employer. In a study conducted by Roland G. Fryer Jr. and Steven D. Levitt, more than 40 percent of black girls in recent years were given a name that were not given to even 1 in 1000 white girls in California. DeShawn, Tyrone, Shanice, and Kiara were among the most popu-
Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com
lar names for blacks, for example, while Connor, Cody, Molly and Emily are distinctively white. Despite previous studies of AfricanAmerican names on resumes, it was concluded that there was “little evidence that names have a causal impact on adult life outcomes.” Historically, names were associated with preserving history and ties to African culture after slaves were brought to America. In the ‘70s, there was a surge of African-American parents choosing distinctively black names for their children. This increase may be due to the black power movement that began during this time period. I believe that names are an extension of ourselves, and a culmination of experiences, traits and characteristics that make us unique. Names may reflect family history and cultural ties of which a person should be proud. There are always going to be individuals who will favor social conformity when it comes to names, but ethnic names should be less of an embarrassment, and more of a badge of honor.
ASB VICE PRESIDENT
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I do not think that complaining about noncompliance with the ASB Constitution is grounds for a grievance. In fact, a public apology given to the students, which the ASB represents, is more in order. Failure to adopt the bylaws for this long into the semester has stunted the use of money by the ASB to help and represent the students of ARC. This is their core function and it has been failed. The ultimate responsibility for this falls on the shoulders of the ASB and its acting president. Mr. Riley’s letter seems to be a stream of consciousness about the things he has tried to do.”
-CHRISROGERS
APPLIED MATH MAJOR
Les Lauria, 33, serves turkey while volunteering at Sacramento’s Loaves & Fishes for the first time this year “to help others and see them smile.”
Loaves & Fishes serves up clothes & dishes photos by Emily K. Rabasto
Sacramento’s Loaves & Fishes has been passionately serving the homeless in the capital city for more than 30 years. Every Thanksgiving, food items, including 300 turkeys, 250 pies and hundreds of pounds of stuffing and sweet potatoes, are donated to help feed homeless members of the community. Volunteers gather from all around the Sacramento area to cook and serve more than 1,000 homeless every year.
Warren Weaver and the Red Oak BBQ crew help prepare more than 50 gallons of turkey gravy in their food truck for the annual Loaves & Fishes Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 26. Pictured below, 2-year-old Nakaiyah Patton holds a new pair of donated socks and wears a panda hat contributed by the people of Sacramento.
American River College student Amber Thurman, 22, says she has been volunteering for the last three years because, “God has given (her) so much that (she) wanted to return the favor.” Samantha Deen, 13, and Suzanne Smith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Citrus Heights help distribute scarves and hats made by church members to homeless people during Loaves & Fishes annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 26.