CURRENT The
Wednesday 02.08.17 American River College Sacramento, Calif. Vol. 68, Ed. 7
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Wh at d I do o ?
o h W help will ? e m Photo Illustration by Lidiya Grib/ Arts and Culture Editor
Students question new America Story by Cheyenne Drury | cheyennemdrury@gmail.com On Nov. 9, America not only got a new leader, but new proposed changes in immigration and other policies. These changes have given many undocumented people, members of the LGBT community and other marginalized people concern for their safety. American River College held an open forum concerning these proposed changes in Community Rooms one and two, on Thursday Jan 26. President Thomas Green started off the forum by welcoming those in attendance, saying that “we want to create an environment that creates the conditions for all to speak in…we are here primarily just to listen today.”
Manuel Perez, Dean of Student Development, spoke next. He said he considered the forum to be a ‘brave space.’ “[A] brave space does not negate the need for safety, it invokes the need for safety, he said.’ Perez also said that there would probably be a lot of moments of silence, and that “we sit in those moments courageously together… moments of tension, moments of discomfort.” Once the floor was opened to attendees, there wasn’t an immediate raise of hands to speak; instead there was initially just silence. Since there were undocumented students and other people with concerns for their privacy
For more ARC coverage, go to www.arcurrent.com
INDEX
2 News 4 Feature 3 Sports 5 A&C
present, those in attendance made comments on the condition that their names would not be made public. The hour and a half was comprised of a flood of questions for which there were not many answers. Associate Vice President of Instruction, Tammy Montgomery, offered her perspective on the forum and its quiet nature. “This is representative of where we are right now… sitting in an unknowing space,” she said. “We have to achieve solidarity in the unknown.” One attendee asked about who they and other students could talk to to find out what is going on.
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There were concerns expressed regarding what it means for students’ tuitions, if the proposed changes will affect financial aid. The concern for this question was centered around undocumented students not knowing if their lack of citizenship will affect any financial aid they currently receive. Many students spoke out with recommendations for faculty and staff to make announcements to their classes about when and where they can go to for safe spaces. Other worries were expressed in regard to where the line is drawn when it comes down to first amendment rights and and hate crimes. What is the distinction and what should be done
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TENNIS PAGE 3
/ARCurrentcom Men’s Tennis prepares for the new season. Last year they went undefeated.
Theater program to perform in Colorado By Lidiya Grib griblidiya@yahoo.com The American River College theater production of “Cabaret” has been selected to perform at a top regional competition in Denver, Colorado, February 19-25. The college’s production of “Cabaret” is one of three shows in its region that’s been selected to compete among 24 other shows at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. “Cabaret” had a three-week run at ARC last semester in October. The play is about a burlesque show set in 1920s in Germany during the rise of Hitler, when people were attempting to escape the political disturbances happening around them by losing themselves in sex, alcohol, and drugs. The cast is preparing two shows for the regional competition, during which it will be judged on its performance, acting, directing, and musical aspects. They will also have the opportunity to compete for awards and scholarships. “We’re going to be under the scrutiny of a ton of people in the industry -- the theater industry, not just students and community members, but professionals from all the different colleges and universities,” said Emmanuel Jimenez, a dancer in the show. The show’s cast members expressed their excitement for the opportunity to perform and compete among universities, as a small community. “Most of the shows that go to ACTF are usually four-year university shows who have the money, the better acting programs [and] the better actors,” said Jimenez. Each year, the semi-national competitions at ACTF have hundreds of students performing to compete for scholarships to potentially make it to the national level in Washington D.C., which takes place later in April. “ARC hasn’t had an opportunity like this since 1997, and so it’s really a huge honor,” said Jimenez. “Our show had a lot of upward mobility and potential - we didn’t expect it to get the acclaim that it received from the community
Cabaret | Pg. 2
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February 8, 2017
NEWS
Getting wi-fi on campus INTERNET FEES ARE INCLUDED WITH TUITION - HERE’S HOW TO ACCESS IT By Cheyenne Drury cheyennemdrury@gmail.com Every semester, students flood the library and student center to use the internet in order to get their work done . When the computer labs in the library and Learning Resource Center are full, students pull out their own laptops and smartphones to finish assignments. All registered students have access to the Los Rios Wi-Fi network, but even though everyone is able to connect that doesn’t mean everyone knows how. ARC student and business major Matt Lomas is one of many students who says he has no idea how the process works. “I have no idea how to log on, I had [my friend] do it for me,” Lomas says. Getting access to the internet on campus can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks. To connect: Open the wi-fi connection settings on a
phone or laptop. Select “LRCCD.” When prompted for a username and password, enter a valid student ID (W+ ID number) and the same password used for eServices and D2L. Ignore the networks “arc_instruct” and “guest.” These won’t log you in properly. Don’t forget that passwords expire. Make sure to update yours when notified. American River College’s Senior IT technician Kevin Woodard said “students not remembering their passwords” is the most common problem. But he also said if there is still difficulty connecting, there is another common issue. The phone will notify the user when the certificate, an entity that certifies the ownership of a public key by the named subject of the certificate, needs to be updated. When this appears click “yes.” This tells the Los Rios system that the student is authorized. In the case that the student’s password on eServices needs to be reset, the certificate needs to be killed and this has to be done manually.
american river
current Editor-in-Chief Cheyenne Drur y Managing Editor Luis Gael Jimenez Photo by Mack Ervin III/ Multimedia Editor
Wi-fi at ARC is available to all enrolled students
Although the wi-fi indicator appears in the top, right or left corner of the phone, “Forget Network” needs to be selected; this will force the certificate out. At this point a new certificate will need to be added to your phone. Once again a valid username must be entered ID (W+ ID number) the same password used for eServices and D2L.
Opinion Editor Jared Smith Sports Editor Joel Whited Scene Editor T.J. Mar tinez Arts & Culture Editor Lidiya Grib
Cabaret from Page 1
Multimedia Editor Mack Er vin III
when it was performing here in October. The cast will be performing two public shows at the ARC Theater to raise funds for the trip expenses, which are also the shows they will perform in the national competitions. The first Show will be an “Evening of Scenes,” where those competing for acting, directing, and musical theater scholarships at ACTF will present their individual performances. The other show will be the “Cabaret Gala,” a condensed version of “Cabaret.” “We’ve been spending the last few months converting the play into a traveling show,” said Jimenez. “We still have the same production, pretty much, and we’ve adjusted the set to all be easily broken down and reassembled.” The amount needed to cover the entire production -- the cast, technical staff, faux orchestra, registration, airfare, lodging and trucking will amount to approximately $54,000. According to ARC’s website. The production cast will also need to bring along its whole set: their costumes, props, microphone system, stage management team, lights, tools, as well as the director and choreographers, which add to the expense. “Right now, the dean of the Fine
News Editor John Ennis
Photo Editor Luis Gael Jimenez Design Editors Cheyenne Drur y Luis Gael Jimenez Staff Solange Echeverria Mychael Jones James Saling Adviser Rachel Leibrock Photo Adviser Jill Wagner
Photo courtesy of ARC theater department
“Cabaret” has been selected to perform at a top regional competition in Denver on Feb. 19-25.
Arts division is trying to see if the administration from the college will help fund this huge [trip] because it’s costing us students a lot of money to make it happen,” Jimenez said. “We’re all out there selling tickets to our show.” The theater production will have to pay for its own plane tickets to Denver, according to Itzin Alpizar, who plays in the “faux” orchestra for the production. The funds they are raising will help pay for the rest of the trip. Alpizar explained that the main
ASB NOTEBOOK
orchestra for the production, which has 20 members, was too expensive to take to Denver; a smaller “faux” orchestra is taking their place for the trip. Annelies Veldman, who is also part of the production, has been acting for eight years since high school and has attended the ACTF competition three times in the past. “It’s really cool to be able to say we can do this show that all of us put so much heart into again in our own theater and then take it
halfway across the country…it’s really surreal,” Veldman said. To support their trip, students and guests can attend performances that will be held at ARC. “Evening of the Scenes,” will be performed Feb.10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. The “Cabaret Gala” will be held Feb. 17. at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for guests, $12 for students. To make donations and for more information, visit the ARC “arts events” page at www.arc.losrios.edu/artsevents.
For weekly ASB coverage, go to arcurrent .com
BOARDS DISCUSS UPCOMING EVENTS AND WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS By Joel Whited imjoelwhited@gmail.com The Clubs and Event Board’s (CAEB) meeting held on Thursday, Feb. 2 included a list of upcoming events, campus changes and the welcoming of a new board member. CAEB President Justin Nicholson, Senate President Valencia Scott and Student Senate adviser Juan Blanco were involved in the majority of the discussion. According to Blanco, there will be a student advisory council meeting that will be taking place today at Folsom Lake College; it will be open to the public. Scott added that Welcome Day and
Club Day will be held Feb. 9. In addition to these events, Blanco called attention to ARC’s commemoration of Black History Month. “Black heritage celebration is happening all throughout February, so pay attention to that,” he said. Blanco also noted a new change at ARC: the installation of outside posting boards. “Installing these boards will provide a location for students to know, ‘OK this is the spot where I know agendas are posted if I need more information,’” Blanco explained. The two outside posting boards will end up costing around $2,290, plus shipping. Bianco added.
Photo by Jared Smith / Opinion Editor
ASB at the February 2, Student Senate meeting.
Later during the event, Scott called on newcomer Ashley Hayes-Stone, who was sworn in as a senator and vowed to perform all senate duties during her tenure.
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POLICY The Current is produced by the students of College Media Production, J410-413. 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
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February 8, 2017
SPORTS
SPORTS UPDATES Men’s Basketball The American River College men’s basketball team lost to San Joaquin Delta on Friday 76-72, dropping them to a 12-9 overall record. The results of last night’s game against Cosumnes River were not immediately available.
Women’s Basketball The American River College women’s basketball team lost to San Joaquin Delta on Friday 81-69, leaving them with a 15-9 overall record. The results from last night’s game against osumnes River were not immediately available.
Baseball The American River College baseball team continued its undefeated start to the season by beating Shasta twice on Saturday by an aggregate score of 26-5. The 5-0 Beavers next game is against Hartnell on Friday.
Softball The American River College softball team defeated Merced and Cabrillo on Saturday to start the season 4-0. Their next game is on Friday when they play a doubleheader against West Valley.
Photo by Mack Ervin III /Multimedia Editor
American River College guard Alana Myers blocks a pass during a game against Santa Rosa Junior College on Jan. 27. ARC won 62-44.
UPCOMING HOME GAMES Feb. 14 Baseball vs. Napa 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 15 Men’s Golf Big 8 Tournament 12:00 p.m.
Feb. 14 Men’s & Women’s Tennis vs. Reedley 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 17 Softball vs. Butte 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 14 Men’s Basketball vs. Sierra 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 Women’s Golf Beaver Scramble 12:00 p.m.
Feb. 14 Women’s Basketball vs. Sierra 5:30 p.m.
March 4 Men’s & Women’s Track and Field 10:00 a.m
Men’s tennis prepares for a new season THE MEN’S TEAM FINISHED ITS LAST SEASON WITH A 17-3 RECORD By Mack Ervin III me3current@gmail.com American River College’s men’s tennis team looks prepared for the start of the 2017 season and prepared to defend their 2016 NorCal title. After finishing last season with a 10-0 record in conference play and clinching a fifth consecutive Big 8 title, the Beavers beat Foothill College 5-2 to win the NorCal championship in April, before losing to Irvine Valley in the State Championship eventually ending with a 17-3 record. The team only has two return ing players this season in Justin Barton and Cody Duong, but its players say they don’t think the Photo by Mack Ervin III/Multimedia Editor American River College’s Cody Duong, one of two returners from last season, prepares to return the ball during a team has suffered as a result. “We’re feeling pretty good scrimmage match against Holy Names University on Jan. 29, at ARC. with this roster,” Barton said. “We we’re all returners. That’s the universities has helped it get this is what it’s going to be.” lost a lot of guys but we’re still good part about this team.” ready for the tough matches Assistant coach Patrick Johnson, pretty deep and they’re all good The team finished the last of ahead. who transferred to Holy Names guys so it could be pretty fun. its two preseason scrimmage “These scrimmages are definitefrom ARC in 2014, echoed that Duong agreed with this assess- games against Division I school ly good,” Jabery-Madison said. sentiment calling that it is a ment. St. Mary’s College and Division II “Our conference might not be “great opportunity.” “I think the new roster is pretty school Holy Names University. this level, but if we want to do “Most of these players are lookgood,” Duong said. “We have a Coach Bo Jabery-Madison said well in NorCal and State, this is ing to transfer and it gives a lot of new kids but the chemisthat having the team playing the competition that we need scrimmages against four year to get used to playing because try is still there and it feels like chance for these universities to
come out and see if any of them will fit well with their program,” Johnson said. Both coaches say that despite their continued success and titles, there is no added pressure to perform and the game plan has stayed the same over the years. “You get out there and play as hard as you can, you play with a purpose, and you let the chips fall where they lie,” Jabery-Madison said. “When you talk about added pressure, that would only come if we felt like winning was the most important thing. Learning is the most important thing, in the classroom and on the court.” “We don’t look at trying to win state because that’s not our goal,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to try to be on top of our classes and on top of our tennis.” The Beavers first game of the season against Cosumnes River College was rained out, thereby making yesterday’s game against Modesto the season opener.
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February 08, 2017
FEATURE
6
Bass player forges his own path By Cheyenne Drury cheyennemdrury@gmail.com Often children with parents who have achieved great stardom and fame, struggle to establish themselves. Sometimes the effects of being overlooked and overshadowed by their esteemed parents’ careers is a reality that cannot be escaped. ARC student Tristan McNay has managed to forge his own musical path as the son of bassist Dan McNay – former member of the Montrose Frank Hannon band as well as playing with the band Tesla – who sold 14 million albums in the United States. In a recent interview, McNay spoke humbly about his roots and had no unkind words to say about his father’s preeminent career. There is an entirely separate story to tell that involves McNay’s own accomplishments and goals. As a student at ARC McNay has deviated from following in his dad’s footsteps. He has made his own educational plan to advance his dreams with music. Unlike his father, McNayw said he didn’t pick up and start playing bass seriously until his sophomore year of high school. “[My dad] never pushed me to play bass… he would always send me home with one,” McNay said. “I would just turn the string and it would just break and I was like “OK.”” This sort of thinking aligns with Tristan’s opinion on how kids respond to being taught how to play instruments. “Look, you have a kid that’s playing air guitar they’re gonna do it with a smile on their face… but if you give them their first lesson on an actual guitar that smile’s gonna go away,” he said. He said he attempted to play guitar but knew right off the bat it wasn’t for him. Once he began messing around with bass, how-
Photos by Luis Gael Jimenez/ Managing Editor
Top: American River College students Stu Stower (left) and Tristan McNay (right) perform in their local alternative band, Lucid, at The Boardwalk in Orangevale on Sep. 23. Middle: ARC students Stower (left) and McNay (right) perform at The Boardwalk in Orangevale on Sept. 23. Bottom: McNay performs with his band Lucid at Harlows in Sacramento on the night of Jan. 20.
ever, that’s when McNay said he
High school was McNay’s
Bands like Led Zeppelin and Iron
knew it would be forever his in-
time of‘80s hair bands and met-
Maiden were at the top of his play-
strument of choice.
al made to make your ears bleed.
lists.
The phases and stages he went through are key to what he says has made him into the musician he is today. One notable phase was the one in which he taught himself “The White Album” by The Beatles, front to back. Considering it took him a full year to learn, he still said that he loves it and that it remains one of his favorites. The dedication doesn’t stop there either. McNay says he continues to challenge himself, both musically and academically. His days are comprised of band practices, divided between his two bands Lucid and Our People and a full class load. “I have 18 units but there’s more though because I’m playing in performance classes, I just didn’t enroll in them… I didn’t want to deal with the dean… get them signed off,” McNay said. Now 20, McNay said it is his goal to learn as much as he can from as many other musicians as possible and that “The only way to truly become the best is to work with other people.” Bandmate Matt Lomas says McNay networks with a lot of musicians and welcomes collaboration. “He always loves playing with new people to expand his talent,” Lomas says. At one point McNay says desire was to be the best but through his own logic and reasoning, he came to the realization that it’s not about being “GOAT” --i. e. the “greatest of all time” -but rather loving what he does. This is a far cry from following in his dad’s footsteps. Rather he is creating a path of own, using bricks of knowledge and experience to pave the way.
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February 08, 2017
ARTS AND CULTURE
Photo by Lidiya Grib/ Arts and Culture Editor
ARC student Miguel Miranda’s artwork is on display in the Shadow Box, located in the art department across from the Kaneko Gallery.
Student’s artwork on display By Lidiya Grib griblidiya@yahoo.com
Art student Miguel Miranda’s artwork was displayed in the Shadow Box during the first three weeks of the semester, depicting realism and abstract forms and drawings. The drawings that Miranda selected extended into a broad variety of different mediums, forms, styles and techniques with each piece. Miranda said that he always enjoyed working with artwork that had a sense of realism, such as portraits and still life drawings. In his more recent work, though, he began to take on concepts of
abstraction as well. Miranda expressed his enjoyment of experimenting and working with different types of mediums, and creating each drawing in a different way. Miranda said that “whatever [he] is going through” reflects in his work whether or not he “wants it to or is aware of it.” His experiences subconsciously affects his work and how they turn out, he said. The works differ with each drawing you look at; one drawing shows mannequin figures using cool colors, another is a multi-colored portrait of a man, two other are abstract drawings with illusions of shapes and forms. “Most of my works…even
though they look small, they take a lot of time,” he said. Studying for a double major in art and art new media, Miranda says he has been in the arts from an early age. He has been drawing since he was approximately 7 or 8, when he was living in Mexico. He began by drawing replicas from photography and emulating the different shades to a picture. “Every work is [from] a different time in my life,” Miranda said, referring to the different styles of the artwork he has created over the months and years. “Self Introspection” is a drawing from his figure class last semester as they studied the human form, the muscles and skeleton.
“There are different energetic layers in the body, layers we don’t see.” Miranda said. “The work was an experiment, uncovering the many layers we have as individuals that we aren’t aware of.” “It was my first time drawing with ink like that,” said Miranda. Another drawing in the shadow box was the “Colobist,” the name which puts the words color and cubistic together. Using color pencils is “not as easy as watercolor or paint,” Miranda said, adding that the drawing took him 20 hours to complete. His uses of medium range from oil pastels, charcoal, ink, colored pencils to create works of still life, abstract, realism and figure drawings.
Working in a classroom gives students a limited amount of time to create and produce content, sometimes even more than one drawing. Miranda said that the fastpaced environment keeps him from getting “trapped” into trying to perfect each individual work. “It helps you to keep developing.” “Some of my best drawings [were] in like three, two minutes because [when] I’m in a hurry, I get the shape and I get it accurate,” Miranda said. Miranda submitted his artwork to the American River Review, as well as participating in the Student Show this semester.
‘Figurative Introductions’ at Kaneko By T.J. Martinez tjmrtnz17@gmail.com Mind bending surreal collages, peculiar yet playful acrylic portraits and similar yet unique stone—these are the types of sculptures on display in the Kaneko Gallery through Feb 16. The artists whose works are on display are Julia Feld, Rachel Clark and Stephanie Ryan, the name of the exhibition is “Figurative Introductions”. Julia Feld uses the “form of the goddess”, said American River College English major Frankie Vanity. Vanity, a desk worker and artist herself, showed her satisfaction with the exhibit through her colorful language and description of the sculptures. Feld’s expertise lies within that of her glazed stone sculptures, she said. The other two artists featured are Rachel Clark and Stephanie Ryan. Clark specializes in portrait style oil painting on panel, while Ryan uses a mixture of acrylic, oil and collage on canvas. Feld’s sculptures, although rudimentary in form, illustrate her artistic view through the various different color schemes and glazes she applies to them. Clark creates a loose and playful atmosphere with the art she exhibits by the act of pasting
googly eyes to the panel itself when she is finished crafting her portrait pieces. Ryan, on the other hand, hides her creative touches within her portraits so that the naked eye may not catch them on its first gaze of the piece. Upon further inspection of Ryan’s work, viewers may notice that there are peculiar birds, beasts and angels lying dormant on the edges or faded into the background of the pieces. While viewing “The Birthday Party”, a piece of Ryan’s depicting a young womans birthday in a bold and ominous fashion, a student who viewed the art remained intrigued. “The painting is different and it looks real, I like the expression on the girl’s face too,” said Cecil Ebiwok, a new student to ARC, “I love the color pallette.” As Ebiwok continued to look at the piece of Ryan’s, his head tilted and eyes squinted. “Is that a bird?,” he said. “Woah…” The artists of the “Figurative Introductions” exhibit have earned extensive amounts of attention to their work by people on campus. The Kaneko Gallery is located near the Culinary Arts and Art departments at 4700 College Oak Drive. The closing reception is set to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 5 – 7p.m.
Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez/ Managing Editor
“Modesty,” by sculptor Julia Feld, is on display at American River College’s Kaneko Gallery through Feb. 16.
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February 08, 2017
SCENE
Explore the culture of Barcelona TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ARC’S STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM By T.J. Martinez tjmrtnz17@gmail.com
if something is said that invokes fear in another individual? The book “Let Them in” by Jason L. Riley was recommended. The book talks about how America benefits greatly from new immigrants, and that they are among the top contributors to our economy. Perez took the opportunity to speak again toward the end of the meeting. “When you say you’re an ally, ask yourself how’re you an ally? Don’t use the word ally if you don’t know what it means. Because I don’t have a choice if they come for me… but you do.” President Green ended the forum and said “I personally appreciate the step you’ve all taken to speaking out,” and that “This conversation is going to continue.” ARC’s Public Information Officer Scott Crow added that “there will be a lot of events responsive to what’s happening.” For the people who didn’t get an opportunity to speak here there were two buckets in the back of the room left for questions and comments. There were also cards with counselors contact information.
Photo by Mack Ervin III / Multimedia Editor
Flyers and handouts for the Barcelona study abroad program on display during a College Hour on Feb. 2, at ARC. The program takes place in Fall 2017 and applications are open now.
In addition to the courses offered, there will also be a plethora of amenities for students to use or to participate in. There will be day trips, cooking classes, soccer matches, wine tasting, flamenco and museum trips. Transit passes will be offered and free wi-fi is available. Students can also take advantage of group medical insurance and there will be a 24 hour emergency phone service. Transportation costs are to be announced, but James estimated them to be anywhere from $1,300$1,500 dollars. Optional weekend travels will also be available.
“
These programs change you, they change you in a really big way.
- Steven James
If the fall trip is too costly to any students interested, the summer trip is $4,000, but it does not include airfare, James added. The deadline to register for the semester is May 5. The semester
“
During ARC’s College Hour, which was held February 2, professor Steve James shared information in regards to the college’s study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain. James, an environmental and conservation biology professor, has been with the program for two years. His program will offer students a 13-week semester in Barcelona in fall 2017. During the semester transferable courses will be offered in biology, mythology, art history, history, liberal arts, math, critical thinking and humanities. Instruction days will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays for two hours at a time. A Spanish life and culture course is also part of the curriculum. The student living situation will be a shared apartment with four people assigned to each room, or for an additional $800 dollars, a home stay with a local family. James said the program is a good opportunity for students. “These programs change you, they change you in a really big way,” he said. James added that his own son has participated in the program-something that helped him become a more seasoned traveler. “He can probably get off a plane in an airport at any place and figure it out,” he said. The overall cost of the trip is $7,545 dollars and financial aid, including the BOG waiver, may be used towards the trip. James also highly recommended that students look into the “Foundations” scholarship, which can help subsidize the cost. “Last time I checked, free money is the best money,” James said.
Trump cont. from page 1
will span from Sept. 8 through Dec. 2017. Anyone who has any further questions may contact James by phone at (916) 650-2776 or by email at jamess@scc.losrios.edu.
This week at
ARC FEB 8
8 a.m. - The Oak Cafe opens for the spring semester 12:30 p.m. in the HUB - Guest Speaker Ericka Huggins
FEB 9
10 a.m. outside the student center - Club Day 10:30 a.m. in the student center - Valentine’s Day floral sales 12:15 p.m. in Raef Hall 160 - UNITE hosts “I am Black and I am Muslim” 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center - Black History Month Celebration
Award reception held for faculty STAFF MEMBERS RECOGNIZED BY THEIR PEERS DURING AWARDS CEREMONY
By Mychael Jones mychael.jones.arc@gmail.com An award reception was held in the American River College library on January 26 in honor of six faculty members who won the admiration and respect among their students and fellow peers. Each recipient gave a brief speech after being commemorated by a colleague in the department they work in. There was six honoraries including faculty members from Early Childhood Education to music. Among those honored at the event were diesel technician, Craig Weckman, Early Childhood Education professor, Jan DeLapp, music professor Portia Njoku, Early Childhood Education professor Kathy Carter-Wilson, Early Childhood Education professor Alina Cervantes, and mathematics professor Vincent Jones. Kathleen Cronin was at the event during which she honored math professor Jones with the “iTap” award, in which students
vote for the faculty member. As a mathematics professor, Jones teaches many different math classes, including arithmetic and calculus. Additionally, he is on the curriculum committee and on the review committee. Cronin stated that the International Teachers Assistance Program (ITAP) award was given to Jones May 13, 2015. The award was created by Walter Decker from the math department, according to Cronin. This award was given to Jones through student votes. “I put a ballot box on the front desk and from February to July, about 300-400 students voted,” Cronin said. “Those who do vote get their voice heard.” Cronin said that students voted for Jones because he gave feedback, discussed ideas on which classes to take the upcoming semester, and was “multidimensional in working simultaneously because he has triplett daughters and one boy.” Jones said he admires working at a community college where
people support each other and he is humbled being at American River College. “I absolutely love my job and working at ARC,” Jones said. Two winners of the ARC Patron’s Chair Faculty Award and Honorarium were Craig Weckman of Diesel Tech and Jan DeLapp of Early Childhood Education Dean of Technical Education, Trish Caldwell, was in attendance at the reception, and spoke about her colleague’s accomplishments while trying to hold back tears in her eyes. Kathy Carter-Wilson, who worked at ARC for 23 years, said she was “humbled and honored” to be nominated by her colleagues on behalf of the ECE department. “I never look for accolades,” Carter Wilson added, saying that she just enjoys doing her job. Additionally, Alina Cervantes, Jan DeLapp were also honored from the dean of the ECE department. Honoree Portia Njoku had gave credit to the music department at ARC during her speech.
Photo by Jared Smith / Opinion Editor
Craig Weckman gives a speech for his award. The reception for faculty award winners was held in the CTL conference room on the third floor of the library, on Jan 26th.
“I love the community, I love the students, I love being a role model. I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do without the support of the staff, they’re like my family.” Portia said. Portia stated that she had an opportunity to go to an National Public Radio (NPR) conference in
Cuba, but opted out to stay and continue her teaching. “[I] tell students you need to hone your skills so you can be reliable,” she said. The honorees were each gifted with purple orchids, after the awards were announced and speeches were given.
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February 08, 2017
OPINION
CURRENT EDITORIAL
MAKE AMERICA BRAVE AGAIN Following the election of Donald Trump, it’s clear there needs to be a change. The world we live in isn’t driven by morality, it’s driven by monetary profits. If we really want to protect undocumented Americans and Muslims we need to make it profitable. Protests are helpful for change as a publicity tool, but getting people to buy from the corporations that publicly denounce the Muslim ban, the border wall and other issues are other small but concrete steps that members of the public can make. Apple, Google, Netflix, Uber, Starbucks, and Lyft are among some of the big names that are using their money and clout to take political stances. For example Google has set up a $2 million crisis fund for people affected by the order. This form of public opposition shows that they want antiTrump consumers to gravitate toward them because they agree with their politics. While the solution is simple, the problems are still issues that need to be understood and addressed by anyone who desires to have equality for all. Understanding exactly what is going on is crucial because there is nothing worse than bandwagoning a cause solely because other people are tweeting about it. So far Trump has proposed
magazine, “Uber is creating a $3 million legal defense to help drivers on its platform with immigration issues.” The company’s CEO Travis Kalanick also explained that, “he company will provide round-the-clock legal support for drivers who are having trouble returning to the U.S. and will compensate them for their lost earnings.” The collective effort from these corporations is something that anti-Tump supporters need to get behind. Not only is it important to backing the rights of undocumented citizens, but if these reforms pass it will be extremely detrimental for our economy. According to an article in Business Insider, “ based on an earlier American Action Forum study, the direct costs of dramatically File Photo expanding immigration-enPresident Donald Trump’s controversial proposed immigration ban has evoked several responses from promiforcement agencies and courts nent businesses like Apple, Starbucks, Google, and Uber. to deport roughly 11 million people would already cost the five major sets of initiatives. Ac- volves building a wall on the US government an estimated cording to his campaign web- United States-Mexico border, billion to $600 billion.” The world we live $400 site, proposals include: “Reform as well as the deportation of The human element should the U.S. China Trade Relation- all criminal aliens, ending birththe drive that inspires peoin isn’t driven by moral- be ship,” “Protect Second Amend- right citizenship, more severe ple to come out and support ment Rights,” “Reform Veterans penalties for overstaying visas, the protest of these reforms ity, it’s driven by monAffairs,” “Reform the Tax Code” defunding sanctuary cities and and the economic element and the proposal that arguably the elimination of tax credits for is what should be the drive etary profits. ignited the largest fire, “Enact undocumented immigrants. that pushes people to make Immigration Reform.” These are all changes that the protection of Muslims The immigration reform fo- could hurt this country and the and undocumented Americans cuses on reducing illegal immi- immigrants who live and work opposition to these reforms will profitable. gration. here. help to keep immigrants emOne of Trump’s most recogPeople who choose to buy ployed and in the U.S. nized suggestions for this in- from the corporations that show According to The Atlantic
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By Current Staff
Constructive conflict is a necessary part of personal growth By Lidiya Grib griblidiya@yahoo.com Although most people prefer to avoid conflict, we must approach the semester with a different mindset in which we are willing to engage in constructive conflict with others, and especially ourselves. Conflict is defined as a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted and continuous one. Why do we avoid conflict? Conflicts are avoided on an interpersonal level because they generally create uncomfortable situations, which we would prefer not to be in. Reasons for this may be that we don’t want to face the possibility of being proven wrong; we don’t know why we might have a particular belief and won't be able to support it with facts and reasons; or we’re simply content with the way we see things and don't want to change our already made up minds. If we understand how a particular kind of conflict can be positive, however, we can benefit from
Illustration by Lidiya Grib / Arts and Culture Editor
Rather than avoiding conflict, we should approach the semester with a different mindset that allows us to be open and willing to engage in constructive conflict.
such situations rather than avoid them. Ted Talk speaker Margaret Heffernan, who explores human thought patterns of conflict avoidance and selective blindness, coined the term “constructive conflict” as seeking out people and ideas that are different from ourselves to disprove our beliefs and opinions. Heffernan explains that only by
“not being able to prove [something] wrong” do we get the due confidence in knowing whether it’s right or not. As students with such different backgrounds and experiences coupled together on a diverse campus, this is just the mindset we need. We must be willing to have open minds regarding the information and opinions we hear that
we might not necessarily agree with. In this sense, constructive conflict should lead us to prove ourselves wrong by evaluating our opinions and judgments to expose the bias and prejudice we may have. We can do that by surrounding ourselves with people we wouldn't normally find ourselves gravitating toward. As students who happen to be in a learning community in the first place, we could strive to learn about differing or opposing political, philosophical and social views. We all have implicit and explicit biases and prejudices about individuals, groups, ideas, beliefs and people and we don’t always realize that we have them. The goal is to draw these biases out. The way that constrictive conflicts can be a step toward critical thinking is by seeking to disprove our own thinking to possibly prove how we may be wrong in our thinking. This is a healthy mindset we can bring with us into this new semester; by embracing this new mindset of constructive conflict,
we could come to learn not only about other people, cultures, ideas and beliefs but also about ourselves. We should seek to prove ourselves wrong by disagreeing with our own beliefs; in the process, we may find flaws in our own way of thinking or come to at least understand the other way of thinking. We should therefore strive to analyze and evaluate whether our thoughts, beliefs, opinions and judgments show signs of biases we might have about the world as well as others around us. Attending such a diverse school like American River College makes it very likely that we will run into people that believe, practice and support ideas and ways of living that we may not entirely agree with, ones that we may entirely be opposed to. By challenging ourselves in this way, we can uncover the preconceived notions and beliefs we have about the world as well as others in order to understand them. And most of all, to engage in conflict.
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February 8, 2017
PHOTO ESSAY
A woman holds up a sign at “Women’s March on Sacramento,” a nationwide peaceful gathering to show support for all marginalized peoples in downtown Sacramento on Friday.
Women’s march on
Sacramento
Photo essay by Cheyenne Drury | cheyennemdrury@gmail.com
Women’s March On Sacramento was a nationwide peaceful gathering to show support for all marginalized peoples in downtown Sacramento on Sat. Jan 21. There was an estimated total of 40,000 people who came out to parade the streets. Nearly everyone in attendance brought homemade signs and the majority of dog owners fashioned signs onto their pets. The event was coordinated by Jessica Browning, Sarah Linder, Annie Adams, and Sita Wilson Stukes.
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE WOMEN’S MARCH GO TO ARCURRENT.COM
A man holds up a flag at “Women’s March on Sacramento.”
A women leans against a tree and holds up a sign that rests on the top of her head.
A person writes on a table set up at “Women’s March on Sacramento.”
Three women sport their signs worn on their backs at “Women’s March on Sacrmento.”