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September 28, 2016
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‘Find us
before
the cops do’ LOCAL ENTERTAINERS PERFORM IMPROMPTU COMEDY SHOWS OUT OF A MOVING TRUCK Story and photos by Luis Gael Jimenez | luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com
MOVING VAN BY THE NUMBERS
24
loyal audience members attend almost every show
6
comedians perform a variety of acts
2
cops have showed up to shut down the show
0
times have the Moving Van performers got the proper permit
A
n underground comedy show is taking Sacramento parking lots by storm. The “Moving Van Show” is a monthly comedy show that takes place out of the back of a U-Haul truck in various undisclosed locations around midtown. Flyers are placed around midtown bulletin boards weeks in advance but there is a catch. The venue of each show is only announced two hours before showtime, via Twit-
ter. The organizers themselves sometimes don’t even know where they are going to set up shop until hours before the event starts. The show is put together by three comedians who each take on different responsibilities. American River College English professor, Joe-Joe Louis, is the creator of the show and one of its featured comedians. Comedian Melissa McGillicuddy is responsible for renting the truck and setting up the speaker and microphones at each location. “I had the idea and she [McGillicuddy] helped set up the logistics of everything,” said Louis. Shahera Hyatt, who served as the host and promoter of the last show, urged people to “come find us before the cops do.” The police did show up at the Sept. 17 show. As the show was winding down, two police officers approached the “Moving Van Show” staff and began asking them about the purpose of their show and whether or not they had the proper documentation to put on a public show.
Moving Van | Page 4
Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff
Zach Howder cheers on his team on Sept. 17 against CCSF.
Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez / Arts & Culture Editor
Comedian Shahera Hyatt warms up the crowd.
ARC FOOTBALL TOUGHS IT TO 3-1
MENTAL HEALTH BILL VETOED
MAN EXPOSES HIMSELF AT ARC
American River College’s win against Fresno City College put them tied for first place in their division. Their overall record for the season now sits at 3-1, after a loss to City College of San Francisco.
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 2017 over the weekend, which would have created a funding stream for mental health services on collge campuses across the state of California.
An incident of indecent exposure was reported in the American River College Culinary Arts building on Monday night, in which an unidentified man exposed himself and masturbated in front of students.
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September 28, 2016
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News
Indecent exposure on campus UNIDENTIFIED MAN EXPOSED HIMSELF TO STUDENTS MONDAY By Cheyenne Drury cheyennemdrury@gmail.com American River College’s Los Rios Police Department reported an incident of ‘indecent exposure’ in the Culinary Arts building room 584 at approximately 4-5 p.m on Monday. Interim Public Information Officer (PIO) Joan Kudin said via email, “The suspect is described as a mixed Hispanic and Black male adult with a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a dark blue ball cap, a black shirt, dark gray pants and black shoes.” ARC students and culinary major, Ma Agatha Quiambao said she was there when the suspect was committing the act(s). “(I) went to the bakery,” said Quiambao. “ I saw him touching his (genitals). He was looking at (me)…
Photo by Cheyenne Drury
The suspect allegedly masturbated on a couch in the Culinary Arts building.
using his phone to block his (genitals).” The unknown suspect followed the student everywhere she went. “Then me and my classmate went to room 505 and he was there sitting on the ground, said Quiambao. “We
kinda dismissed it.” “He went from chair to chair to outside our classroom and then the couch,” said Quiambao. Two unidentified female victims reported they were exposed to the suspect.
The first victim was said to have been observed by the suspect as she was sitting in a chair in the Culinary Arts Building to which he then moved away and began maturbating on a chair near her. Once the victim realized what was going on she proceeded to tell the suspect to leave, then left the scene and contacted the LRPD. The second victim told the LRPD that as she was walking toward the south exit of the Culinary Arts Building she witnessed the suspect masturbating on the couch. District PIO Scott Crow said, “We haven’t had a chance to connect with LRPD. The investigation is still ongoing.” Crow also said that “Yesterday at Cosumnes River College (CRC) there was a similar incident around the same time.”
Governor vetoes mental health bill BILL WAS LOBBIED BY AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE STUDENTS, STAFF By Hannah Darden hannah.k.darden@gmail.com Assembly Bill 2017, which was written to create a funding stream for California community college mental health programs, was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown on Sept. 24. It passed unanimously in both the California State Assembly and Senate during this year’s legislative session, and was sent to the governor’s desk Sept. 7. The bill will be returned to the legislature, and a two-thirds vote in each house is required to overrule the veto. American River College staff and students worked last semester to get Assemblymember Kevin McCarty’s bill passed, and lobbied to state legislators at the Capitol. Dean Murakami, ARC psychology professor and president of
the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, said he is “extremely disappointed that it was not signed.” “I don’t think he recognizes how serious of an issue mental health is for our students,” Murakami said. “We will continue to work with several groups to push this issue forward. In the end we will prevail, I have no doubt.” ARC psychology professor and Life is Worth the Walk club faculty adviser Peg Scott said “the fight’s not over. We’ve only just begun.” “In the past 5 years, we’ve raised so much awareness for student issues, homelessness and mental health,” said Scott. “We’ve been working, and people get it. All is not lost.” In his veto message, Brown said “while well-intentioned, the bill is premature as it commits to a particular program structure without specifying the amount or source
of funding.” “AB 2017 had a specific source of funding, but the legislature removed it from the bill,” Murakami said. Murakami also said the bill’s supporters will work “on all sides” to pursue mental health funding through new legislation or through the statewide community college budget. “We’re getting the right people on our side. Community college administrators, state legislators. It’s possible we could get a budget item and pursue it that way.” According to Murakami, the California Community College Board of Governors has proposed $25 million for college student mental health in their budget proposal to the legislature and Governor. “If the budget goes through, we’ll be ahead of the game,” said Scott. “That’s where we’ll be put-
ting our efforts. … We need to take care of each other, and that starts on campus.” The ARC community worked closely with the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) on the passage of AB 2017. In an email, FACCC’s Director of Communications, Austin J. Webster, said the organization is “disappointed with Governor Brown’s decision to veto AB 2017, which would have been an enormous step toward providing mental health services to thousands of students across California.” “We are grateful to Assemblymember McCarty and his staff, the Steinberg Institute, and the numerous stakeholders who helped see AB 2017 through the legislative process … and we look forward to a continued dialogue on campus mental health in the coming months,” said Webster.
american river
current Editor-in-Chief Hannah Darden Managing Editor Rober t Hansen News Editor Cheyenne Drur y Opinion Editor Justina Sharp Sports Editors Mack Er vin III Mike Yun Scene Editor Cierra Quintana Arts & Culture Editor Luis Gael Jimenez Design Editor Jordan Schauberger Photo Editor Kyle Elsasser Social Media Editor Shiavon Chatman Copy Editor Claire Bathor y Staff Laodicea Broadway Solange Echeverria John Ennis Lidiya Grib Laurie Jones Mychael Jones James Saling Jared Smith Adviser Jason Peterson Photo Adviser Jill Wagner
Access codes are the new textbook VIRTUAL TEXTBOOKS ARE GAINING TRACTION, BUT THEY’RE UNAFFORDABLE By Robert Hansen hansenrobj@gmail.com The costs of access codes for college courses are quickly becoming the new, dangerous face of the textbook monopoly according to a report released by the Student Public Interest Research Groups (Student PIRGs) Wednesday. American River College (ARC) was one of ten schools selected across the nation to participate in this study. Access codes are serial numbers that allow students to unlock an online learning suite. These platforms often contain digital books, pre-made homework assignments, quizzes, tests, educational videos and other multimedia content. “Online access codes are the new face of the textbook mo-
nopoly,” Ethan Senack, Higher Education Advocate at the Student PIRGs, said. “In one swoop, the publishers remove a student’s ability to opt-out of buying their product, eliminate any and all competition in the market.” Publishers use a variety of approaches to drive prices higher. These include bundling course materials without providing an accessible option to purchase component materials separately, publishing unnecessarily costly editions and revoking digital books after an expiration date, according to the “Access Denied” report. ARC student Sophie Lawson said that she was unable to buy all of the materials for her math course. “The access code with the book was about $200,” Lawson said. “I had to just buy the code because I couldn’t afford the textbook.”
Student PIRGs found that twothirds of students skipped buying textbooks because of cost and 94% of those students recognized that doing so would impact their grade in the course. Nearly 50% of students reported that textbook prices impact both which and how many courses they were able to take. “My teacher did find a .pdf of a similar book to use but I feel I’d be doing better if I had the book that goes with the homework,” Lawson said. “Yeah, it kind of sucks.” At campus bookstores, the average cost of an access code alone was $100.24. In bookstores, only 28% of access codes were offered in unbundled form. Even when acquired directly from the publisher, only 56% of all required access codes were offered without additional materials bundled in, despite federal law requiring materials to be
sold separately. First semester ARC student, Adam Poisner, bought a textbook for his Macroeconomics class that cost nearly $125 and is not pleased with the product. “You can’t even use it next year. I’m pretty angry,” Poisner said. “I thought that when online textbooks came out it would be cheaper and easier accessed and it’s neither.” The lack of consumer choice and competition in the textbook market has allowed publishers to drive up prices to unsustainable levels. (Access codes) are just another tactic to eliminate competition in the market and keep profits high,” Senack said. “These codes offer big publishers a host of benefits over the traditional print market – while throwing students, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, under the bus.”
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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
Sports
September 28, 2016
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SPORTS UPDATES Volleyball Women’s Volleyball spiked their way to an 8th win on the season over Santa Rosa Junior College on Friday by the score of 3-0. Their next game is tonight against Modesto at 6:30 p.m.
Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team lost their second game in a row on Sept. 23 to Cosumnes River College by the score of 4-3, dropping their record to 4-5-1 on the season. The results of Tuesday’s game against Folsom Lake were not immediately available.
Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team continues to struggle, suffering their 5th loss of the season to Folsom Lake on Sept. 23, 3-0. The results of Tuesday’s game against Cosumnes River were not immediately available.
Women’s Water Polo Women’s water polo rebounded from three straight losses with a win against Fresno on Sept. 21, 12-9. Their next game is tomorrow at home at Diablo Valley at 3:30 p.m.
Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff
The American River College women’s volleyball team celebrates after they make another score against SAJC on Sept. 24. ARC won 25-21.
UPCOMING HOME GAMES Sept. 29 ARC Men’s Water Polo Tourney 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 4 Women’s Soccer vs. Delta 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 Women’s Soccer vs. Sierra 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 Women’s Water Polo vs. Santa Rosa 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 Men’s Soccer vs. Modesto 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 5 Men’s Water Polo vs. Santa Rosa 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 1 Football vs. San Mateo 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 7 Women’s Soccer vs. Diablo Valley 3:30 p.m.
ARC tied for first in NorCal division WIN OVER FRESNO CITY COLLEGE PUTS BEAVERS AT 3-1 FOR THE SEASON By Mack Ervin III me3current@gmail.com The American River College football team’s exciting start to the season has them tied for first place in the NorCal National division after a 38-35 double overtime victory over Fresno City College on Saturday. Their last win puts them at a 3-1 record through four games this season, having them ranked 7th overall in the state and 3rd in Northern California according to the CCCRSF poll. The game was fairly evenly matched through the first half of the game as both Fresno and ARC traded touchdowns, leaving it tied at 21-21. A 43 yard touchdown pass, and a 9 yard touchdown run from quarterback Griffin Dahn extended ARC’s lead to 35-21 with just under 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Dahn had another good showing in the game, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns along with an interception to bring his season total to 996 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. Coach Jon Osterhout said the team had a good showing for most of the game despite early struggles. “The game went really well for about 56 minutes,” Osterhout said. “We got off to a little bit of a shaky start with field position, but
Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff
American River College wide receiver Daliceo Calloway runs with the ball in the game against City College of San Francisco on Sept. 17. ARC lost 51-36.
“
The last four and a half minutes of the game was bananas.
Jon Osterhout we settled in defensively and offensively played a good first half.”
“The last four and a half minutes of the game was bananas. We found a way to make it interesting.” The Beavers suffered from late defensive struggles again as they allowed an onside kick recovery and two drives down the field to allow Fresno tie the game up at 35-35 with 55 seconds remaining. With limited time remaining, ARC decided to run out the clock
and take the game into overtime. Fresno and ARC traded turnovers throughout the overtime possession, with Dahn throwing an interception in the endzone, Fresno running back Nate Jones fumbling in the red zone, and Fresno turning the ball over on downs. The Beavers took possession of the ball on the Fresno 25 yard line in double overtime and moved
the ball to the 9 yard line after 5 rushes by Dahn, leading to the game winning 27 yard field goal by kicker Max O’Rourke to win the game 38-35. Osterhout stressed the importance of finding a way to close out games. “We gotta find a way to finish off the game in the correct way. That’s our job as a coaching staff to figure out and for the players to execute,” Osterhout said. The team has allowed 488 total yards and 34.8 points on average, compared to the 427.8 yards and 36 points a game the offense scores. Another thing that has set the team back is season ending injuries to the starting team, including defensive back Leonard Nelson suffering a torn meniscus, wide receiver Jacob Sipes with a torn achilles, and defensive back Chris Williams suffering a broken foot. Osterhout said that they play high quality teams every week and the the next game is always the most important. “In the National Division, you’re playing against the best of the best,” Osterhout said. “Every nonconference week it’s a quality opponent. Every week we play in conference is a quality opponent.” “At this level, all the teams are of great quality. Our mindset is the every game is a big game because it’s the next game.” ARC returns home Oct. 1 when they host the 2-2 San Mateo College.
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Arts & Culture
September 28, 2016
R-rated play will be ‘dark’ By Lidiya Grib griblidiya@yaho.com The American River College theater department will be directing “Cabaret” for the first time in nearly 30 years, starting on Oct. 7. “It is a piece that is really offensive,” said play director Nancy Silva, “but you get what it’s saying and it’s powerful.” “Cabaret” is set in Berlin, Germany in the 1930s during the rise of the Nazi party and recognizes the powerful influence of demagoguery in the time Hitler ruled Germany. “I enjoy doing musicals that are darker, and Cabaret is that type of musical with a very different approach,” said Silva. “It’s like a ‘Road Warrior’ meets science fiction. “Hitler was one of the biggest demagogues,” Silva continued. “He lied and told people what they wanted to hear emotionally.” According to Silva, she chose this play largely because of its strong resemblance to the world we live in today. “I feel really strongly that there is a relationship between the demagoguery in time of Hitler and the times that we are living in today,” said Silva. “It’s very possible that there is a very powerful demagogue in this country today that we all need to be aware of.” Silva describes demagoguery as people that “find the cultural problems of the time and appeal to the emotions of the mob and blame it on other groups of a different race or religion.” “I’m hoping to have an intellectual response to the play,” said Silva. “I want people to sit back and think, ‘wow this is a terrible thing that happened to these people. This is feeling like what I’m seeing happen to my country today.” The original version of “Cabaret” presents what happened during the Holocaust but “doesn’t do it in an emotional way at all,” said play director Silva. Silva went on to say, “this play makes a statement not only about the 6 million Jews killed, but also the other few millions of people who the Nazi government felt were undesirable.” That is “communists, gypsies, homosexuals and people with mental and physical disabilities that were also rounded up and killed.” “I think that there will be those intellectuals who will put the dots together and see the picture. But there will be people who are acting on emotional; they may not see the picture,” said Silva. While the play deals with the delicate nature of the Holocaust and pre-World War II Germany, the theme of the play is directed towards a more adult audience. “Its definitely rated R and not for children,” said Silva. The first showing of “Cabaret” will be on Friday, Oct. 7 at 8:00 p.m. in the ARC Theatre. The ticket prices are $12 for students, seniors and staff, and $15 for general visitors. Online ticket sales begin Oct. 1, at ARCTheatre.org. More information regarding the play can be found on the ARC website, under Calendar/Events.
Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez / Arts & Culture Editor
Unity Lewis’ near-finished piece “Free Mind” which is on display in the American River College Kaneko Gallery until October 13.
ARC displays a ‘new gen’ ARTIST UNITY LEWIS INTERLACES HIP-HOP AND FAMILY IN HIS WORK By Luis Gael Jimenez luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com Over the course of the next week, artist Unity Lewis will be hosting an exhibition and live art show at American River College’s James Kaneko Gallery, which will take viewers through the history of African-American art and its artists. Lewis has set up shop in the Kaneko Gallery and has begun painting murals and hanging canvases on its walls. Lewis’s show runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 13. Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez / Arts & Culture Editor He will spend the next eight Unity Lewis’ interpretation of his grandmother’s piece entitled ‘Field.’ days transforming the walls of the Kaneko into a visual timeline of Lewis a famed artist, art historian complished artist as well. and author. He hopes to tell her story, and African-American art. According to Lewis, his grand- the story of African-American art, His muralistic style is interlaced with hip hop influence, homages mother was the first black woman through his own art. Lewis’ exhibition at the Kaneko to fellow black artists and the sto- in the country to earn a doctorate in fine arts and art history. will also feature some of the ry of his family. Lewis’ grandmother, Samella His mother, Sita Neeley, is an ac- work of legendary funk musician
George Clinton from ParliamentFunkadelic. Lewis will be painting live in the gallery and urges students to attend. David Jackson, a childhood friend of Lewis and his assistant, claimed that watching Lewis paint is “a show in itself.” Neeley, who encouraged her son to display his art at ARC, said that “we’re trying to get him established in Sacramento.” She also urges students to come observe Lewis and his painting process. “This is a new generation.” said Neeley. “They’re not interested in finding new jobs. They’re interested in finding a passion. This is the new paradigm.” She added that this would be a place where students can talk to someone who has already discovered their passion.
Moving Van: Comedy on the run CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Hyatt was honest with the two officers but they didn’t pursue the matter further. Hyatt describes the show as a “reclaiming of public space.” Since the show is done without the proper paperwork or permits, there is always a constant fear of being shut down by the police at every event. Hyatt is not fazed by this. “Building tension builds laughter,” said Hyatt, as a crowd of nearly two dozen enjoyed the show on Sept. 17. A crowd of about two dozen found themselves sitting on curbs, and even the asphalt to watch stand up comedy on a Saturday night. Most of those in attendance showed up on bicycles or on foot,
further adding to the impromptu nature of the night. Many of the audience members were newcomers who had only heard about the show through word of mouth, which is entirely the point according to Hyatt. “The focus is on showcasing local comics as a contribution to the arts in our community,” said Hyatt. “We’re targeting an audience that may never make it into a comedy club. A wall-less comedy ‘club’ of people.” People in the audience seemed receptive to the idea. Audience member Kai Faust described the whole show as “really entertaining” and “really fun.” Faust was one of the first audience members to show up and stick around for the entirety of the night, adding that he felt the show was his “kind of comedy”
and that he would recommend it to anyone who loves a good laugh. Some of the featured comedians included John Ross, Becky Lynn and Jamie Fernandez. A good way to get a feel for their comedy is to follow their twitter accounts. Ross’ username is @johnrossx, Lynn’s is @Ohthatsbecky and Fernandez’s is @JamieLikesYou. It’s a way for the comedians to get some exposure and showcase their styles. For instance because of the limitation of 140 characters it forces them to summarize some of their material. “I’m not a racist butt,” - my butt,” said Ross via Twitter. “I was just asked out by a man old enough to be my grandfather. *blows knuckles* still got game (smug emjoi), said Lynn via Twit-
“
Building tension builds laughter. SHAHERA WYATT ter. “Excitedly bought a water purifier, called Comcast about weird fees on my bill, ate almonds. never felt more adult in my whole life,” said Fernandez via Twitter. The next show is scheduled for Oct. 22. The venue will be announced that day. You can find our more about the “Moving Van Show” and future dates on Twitter at @MovingVanShow.
Arts & Culture
September 28, 2016
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Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez / Arts & Culture Editor
American River College students Stu Stower (left) and Tristan McNay (right) perform in their local alternative band, Lucid, at The Boardwalk in Orangevale on Sept. 23.
Local band
a ‘perfect blend’ of
everything
By Cheyenne Drury cheyennemdrury@gmail.com Technical difficulties, a year hiatus from playing live and preparing to send off their bassist are just a few of the difficulties local alternative band Lucid faced the day before their show at the Boardwalk in Orangevale on Friday. American River College students Matt Lomas and Tristan McNay have been friends since McNay joined the band in Dec. 2013. The band comprises of Lomas on drums,Tim Towne and Jordan Simpson on keyboard, Stu Sower as lead vocalist and guitarist and McNay, who performed for the last time as Lucid’s bassist. A few hours before they were to perform, band members Towne and Simpson stressed the importance of working together to problem solve. In this case their supportive nature and teamwork is what made it possible for them to have their equipment ready to go for the night. “So actually two days ago my laptop just started working to where we knew we were gonna play this show,” Simpson said.” Towne said, “I had to get everything ready in four hours.” Fortunately, Towne possesses a lot of knowledge when it comes to programming, “If it wasn’t for Tim we’d be lost,” Simpson said. Beyond their technical problems and McNay’s last performance, the musicians discussed how they felt about playing.
Photo by Cheyenne Drury / News Editor
Bassist Tristan McNay’s sister Tori Holmes makes a heart, during Lucid’s performance at The Boardwalk.
“It’s definitely going to affect us locally,” Towne said. “I’m not really worried about anything I just want everything to sound good.” Lucid was fourth to play that night out of six bands. In order from first to last the list went as follows: Surviving the Era, Altessa, A Foreign Affair, Lucid, The -Body Rampant, and Demon in Me. The venue was relatively small but with more than enough room to move around and dance. “Boardwalk’s always been a good spot for getting good local bands,” Towne said. Minutes before Lucid was to
play, fans and first time listeners gathered at the railing in front of the stage. Deanna Ruiz, a frequenter of the Boardwalk said, “I’m excited to hear them. Anybody really who tours with Demon In Me has usually been up to par with my standard of music.” Danny Hopkins and John Valencia, friends and fans of Lucid, were among the crowd of people gathered and waiting in front of the stage. “They decided to take a different route in their music and I personally think it’s one of the
greatest things to hit Sacramento,” Hopkins said. “They are some of the most talented people I have ever met.” Hopkins wasn’t the only one who noticed and liked the change in their music. “The last music they released sounds completely different from what they have now,” Valencia said. “I love it. It sounds amazing.” Not only was their support from their friends but also family. Gina Holmes, McNay’s mom, was front and center. Holmes said, “(Tristan’s) self taught. It’s crazy I’ve always been
a fan of music but I’ve never had any musical talent.” and that she “one hundred percent supports his love of music.” Each band played for roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes. Lucid ended up playing five songs in total, three of them being off of their EP, “Now I can see again”, “All for you” and “Starlight”. The other songs were not off the EP but were new and they were, “Is this real” and “Do you know”. The aftermath can best be explained by the band members themselves and the fans who came out to support. Hopkins said, “The show was amazing. Nobody expected Lucid to sound the way they did. So many people were dancing.” “I truly feel like they got the best reaction of the night.” Valencia said, “Lucid was amazing as expected.” As for the final hurdle, playing one last time with McNay, there were only good things to be said. ”I was oblivious to the fact that it was the last show with him until he gave his speech, then it hit me hard,” Simpson said. “Playing with those guys, you kinda lose all train of thought and just vibe. It was bittersweet for sure but I was just happy to be on stage with them again.” “I will miss being in a band with them, but the music isn’t gonna stop here,” McNay said of his last show with Lucid. “We are all still best friends and we will definitely still be writing tunes together.” Lucid is “the perfect blend of literally everything,” Hopkins said.
September 28, 2016
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Scene
‘Different is good’ TEARS FLOW DURING TALK ABOUT AUTISM By Robert Hansen hansenrobj@gmail.com
Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff
Student Tasiya Owens speaks to Umoja-Sakhu learning community member Nia Simien and counselor Reyna Moore during Club Day at ARC. Sept. 22.
Club Day brings spirit CLUBS AND VENDORS SET UP TABLES TO TALK TO STUDENTS By Shiavon Chatman schatman916@gmail.com American River College hosted this semester’s Welcome Day and Club Day on Sept. 22 in addition to the Health and Wellness Fair. Several clubs set up their tables with music and eye catching artwork in hopes to attract students who share their interests. “I really like the high energy and how busy Club Day is at (ARC),” said Jonathan Bates. Several vendors set up booths in front of the library and next to the cafeteria to draw in more students. “It’s cool seeing people on campus showing off stuff that they made and hoping students will buy it. It’s great to know it was made in my community,” said Bates. The vendors sold a plethora of items such as clothing and handmade jewelry. “I always look forward to Club Day because it’s nice seeing everything that my school offers,” said ARC student Kayla Jones. A sense of school spirit flooded the air when students were seen wearing ARC t-shirts and visiting as many booths as possible.
Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff
A member of the Muslim Student Association sits at her booth at ARC on Club Day, Sept. 22.
“This is my first semester at ARC, so I really wanted to get very involved. ... I bought of couple shirts for my friends and I wanted to check out Club Day,” said ARC student Breanna Addams. This semester’s Club Day seemed to attract a lot of new
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CAMPUS PU
“My psychology class is pretty interesting. Right now we’re learning about the brain.”
-CINDY CHUE nursing
students. “This is my first Club Day at ARC, and I belonged to a lot of clubs in high school and I was really into school spirit, so I think joining a few clubs would be good to do in my free time,” said ARC student Hanna Bishop.
Also, there were several new vendors this semester as well in addition to some that have been coming to Club Day and other ARC events for years. “I like coming back when (ARC) hosts something like Club Day because it gives people a chance to see what I like to do in my free time and I also make a little profit, which really helps me out,” said ARC student and jewelry vendor, Linda Hernandez. “I like Club Day because it makes it easier for me to recruit people who are interested in some type of fashion, and also recruit models to wear the clothes that we are designing for a possible fashion show at the end of the semester,” said Fashion Club Vice President Tylannia Brooks. But most of the clubs at ARC are not exclusive to just the campus. Latinos Unidos is a student run club at ARC and is open to everyone of all ethnicities. Latinos Unidos is hoping to raise enough funds to start a scholarship for students next semester. “We really want to reach out to our community and give back the best way we can,” said secretary and treasurer for Latino Unidos, Stephanie Lorenzo.
Comedian Jack Gallagher gave an emotional speech, laced with humor, about his experience as a parent with a son that has autism to a group of educators and counselors at American River College (ARC) on Friday. Gallagher is a nationally known comedian, having made several appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Johnny Carson as well as a recurring role on the show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Gallagher began by speaking about what we think of as “cool,” what it entails and also that being cool starts out by being exceptional. “Cool when you first see it,” Gallagher said. “Is unique, it’s different, it’s out of the ordinary, it’s one of a kind.” Gallagher held back tears several times throughout his speech. Gallagher said when his son Liam was seven, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and that he and his wife saw signs pointing to autism, but it was different when someone else said it. “That’s when your heart sinks,” Gallagher said. “Because there is nothing worse in the world than thinking there is something wrong with your child.” Gallagher ended his speech by touching on his opening theme of what is cool. “Different is good, there’s nothing bad about different,” Gallagher said. “Cool is different. If we don’t take time to know these people and appreciate who they are as people, we’re missing out.” “He’s a different kind of cool,” Gallagher said of his son. Barb Dyal, who has an 18 year old grandson with autism whom she raised by herself, was grateful to hear Gallagher’s speech. Dyal said that all these years, she thought she was a failure and that Gallagher helped her realize that she was not. “Thank you, so much,” Dyal said holding back tears. “It took 18 years to find out that my grandson has autism. For 18 years I blamed myself, what have I done wrong, and from what I’ve heard you say I’ve done everything right.” Gallagher and Dyal shared a hug after she thanked him for his speech. “Liam is not autistic, Liam is a child with autism,” Gallagher said.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far this semester? “That there is a new program for ECE majors, It’s a program to help with special needs children.”
-HEATHER HIGH child development
“Racial profiling, and how it involves everyone around us.”
-JAMES VAN DUSEN music
“My P.E limits have improved, ARC has a lot of help on campus. Especially for math, science, tutoring hours and office hours are great here too.”
-DARREN SMOTHERMAN undeclared
Opinion
September 28, 2016
Page 7
Forget stigma, ARC plays to win FOOTBALL IS FOOTBALL - NO MATTER LOCATION By Mike Yun mikeyun19@gmail.com
File photo
People of color face inter-community discrimination in many places, including the race hostile environment found at Donald Trump rallies.
Colorblindness isn’t real WHITE SPACES ARE EVERYWHERE, AND STUDENTS NOTICE By Shiavon Chatman schatman916@gmail.com Imagine having a conversation with someone who assumed the actions and behaviors of people who looked like you and made predictions about the way you conducted yourself. Being a person of color in a predominantly “white space” is similar to this. The idea of “colorblindness” doesn’t exist. No matter how progressive and accepting a person is, they will see color. Recognizing color, or rather, race and ethnicity, is being consciously aware of the social injustices and stereotypes that people of color experience. American River College student Alyssa Senna said “I feel like there’s a stereotype for all people of color and that’s how white people see us.” “White spaces” are places where white people are usually
the majority. Senna said, “Being in predominantly white spaces, I just feel like I don’t belong. When I would go to (my friends’) houses I was just known as the Mexican friend. I fit in more with (people of color) so that’s who I surround myself with.” The enforcement of stereotypes for people of color furthers systematic racism in places where people of color are the minority. ARC student Preet Kaur said, “Sometimes I feel uncomfortable being around (white people) like I’m not worthy. I remember being in highschool and (white people) laughing at me because I didn’t know how to pronounce some of the words.” The stigma of being a person of color in predominantly white spaces has the same level of intensity for mixed people. “I feel almost like an alien at times,” said ARC student, Sade Butler, “because I’m black, white, and Filipino and I’m of a medium complexion, (so) a lot of people
don’t see me as a person of color.” Mixed people typically experience more privilege, referred to as “passing”, than non-mixed people of color, except in predominantly “white spaces.” In a report from NPR in 2014, historian Allyson Hobbs discovered she had a African American cousin who was passing as white and had been passing as white since high school. Her mother felt that her “passing” as white would give her better opportunities that she wouldn’t have as a black woman. Conversely, people of mixed race are obviously not white, but also not “enough” of their nonwhite ethnicity is accepted into that community. “In high school I would hear someone say something really racist but it would be really hard for me to comment because people would say ‘you’re not really black, so why do you care?’” said Butler. “I don’t experience as much
racial backlash from people because I’m mixed,” said Butler. “But I know no matter what, I’m not gonna be seen as a white person in anyone’s eyes so I am predisposed to racism and judgement.” The greatest issue is that people are unaware of their own stigmas. “For Latinos I feel like we’re looked at as people who would be in gangs, not graduate high school, and have kids at a really young age,” said Senna. White people have the advantage of their actions not negatively affecting public perception of their race, unlike people of color. “It’s really hard for my dad to be himself because he’s an American Sikh. After 9/11 he replaced his turban with a simple football logo hat at work because he didn’t want a white person to mistake him for a terrorist,” said Kaur. The first step in tackling this issue is simple - it’s time to admit there’s a problem.
An inconvenient option
VENDING MACHINE MEALS AREN’T AS SIMPLE AS THEY MAY SEEM
By Jared Smith sjared33@gmail.com From the cafeteria to the vending machines, our campus has a junk food problem. Take a walk around campus and you’d have a hard time finding foods that are nutrient, rich and filling. It’s not that there are no good food options, because there are, but these suitable options are just overwhelmed by all the junk food, when it should be the other way around. Cindy Chue, a general studies student at ARC, said not only is there more junk food on campus than healthy food but also the healthier options, “taste plain.” One of the major sources of
junk food on campus, vending machines, is a convenient snack for those who don’t have enough time to bring their own food to school, but the convenience comes at a cost. The snacks that are in these vending machines are usually chock full of sugar and fat, far more than what the average student needs from a snack. One single Pop-Tart has 14 grams of sugar, and comes in at 210 calories, which is 420 calories and 28 grams of added sugar in one pack. One tool these vending machines have is a number you can text that will then send you a link that will give you the nutritional info of the food inside. The problem with this is when you try it, it
gives a you a blank page. This means that students don’t even know what the nutrition of the food they’re getting is before they reach their hand in the machine and look at the bag. A simple solution to give students more healthy food options would be to instal vending machines that are filled with healthy food. Some of the options include dried fruits, baked chips, seeds and nuts and healthy to-go meals like brown rice and ramen dishes. This solution would not only keep students healthier, but would help keep students energized and full for the long days they have ahead.
Photo by Jared Smith / Staff
Vending machine with more junk food than healthy options in the hallway.
In an episode of “Community”, a high school football star struggles with playing for his community college team because of the stigma surrounding it. The program was depicted as a underfunded and badly coached, full of players who are in community college sports because they are simply bad at the sport. Although this was a comedic depiction of how community college and their sports and athletes are, it still has a profound effect on students and how they see community college sports. “I believe the players (at the community college level) are truly playing for the right reasons,” said ARC head football coach Jon Osterhout. “They are playing exclusively because of their love and passion for the game.” This negative stigma surrounding community college athletes, that they’re just playing sports at that level because they are not talented enough to play at a four year university, is a product of media more than reality. The media influences these perceptions in a very obvious way watching college games on television, one will more than likely see a stadium full of students, with follow up marketing telling you that all the best student athletes are at these four year universities. Last Chance U, a docu-series produced by Netflix, follows a team of community college athletes, and showcases the immense talents that can be found at these schools. Many of ARC’s athletes say the same is true for their home program. “The school spirit here is great … Coach Osterhout would tell us it is like a D-1 atmosphere.” said Adam Lopez, a defensive lineman for ARC’s football team. Players themselves said they were initially shocked by the high turnout at ARC’s games, but can now see how American River compares to other colleges. “It (school spirit) is more than I expected ... playing at a junior college,” said Ce’von Mitchell Ford, a running back for ARC. “I look at the stands at our home games and see the stands flooded with people. At other schools I can’t really say the same.” Osterhout went further by saying that playing in community college athletics can be a springboard for athletes. “I believe here at American River College we are setting these athletes up for their life in the future, whether they are here for one year of two,” said Osterhout. As long as the stands at Beaver stadium continue to fill with fans, cheering for their players, the stigma of community college inferiority is one only held by the losing team.
Arte Plumario
“Arte Plumario,” or feathered art, is an ancient pre-Hispanic artistic custom where feathers of different sacred birds are used to decorate spears, fans, bracelets and sandals.
Photo essay by Lidiya Grib American River College hosted a reception on Thursday to showcase the artwork of Mexican artist Alfredo Abraham Endoqui Guerrero. The reception also included a live performance by the Sacramento area Aztec dance group Maquilli Tonatiuh. The exhibition, “Arte Plumario”, which had a strong Aztec influence, was presented in a weeklong exhibit from Sept. 12-16 at the James Kaneko Gallery at ARC. The gallery was held in collaboration with the art club, the Native American Resource Center and ARC’s U.N.I.T.E. program.
The arte plumario custom is ancient, and dates to before the Spanish Inquisition.
An accompanist played for the Maquilli Tonatiuh dance troupe while they performed their routine.
The dancers performed in the courtyard outside the James Kaneko Gallery.