Vol 68 Edition1

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Vol. 68, Ed. 1 September 14, 2016 News: Pages 2 & 3 Sports: Pages 4 & 5 A&C: Pages 8 & 9 Scene: Page 10 Opinion: Page 11

CURRENT The American River

ARCURRENT.COM

AFGHAN TRANSLATOR ENDANGERED HIS LIFE FOR US MILITARY

/ARCurrentcom @ARCurrent @ARCurrent

Former officer arrested FORMER LRPD OFFICER ARRAIGNED By Robert Hansen hansenrobj@gmail.com

n September of 2011, Qais Ahmad made the decision to put his own life in immediate danger; he had volunteered to become an interpreter for the United States military in his home country, Afghanistan. Ahmad, who is now a 23-year-old American River College student, became interested in doing something to help his country after seeing American soldiers working to help Afghanistan. Working as an interpreter, Ahmad accompanied American soldiers as well as Afghan National Army soldiers on dangerous patrols and missions that sometimes lasted as long as 15 days at a time. As an Afghan, Ahmad faced not only the immediate danger of the work that he did, but also the threat of death were his identity to ever be revealed to the Taliban insurgents. Several close calls on his life included a rocket-propelled grenade airbursting directly above his unit and a firefight that led Ahmad to receive a shrapnel wound to his left forearm that wasn’t tended to until

A former Los Rios police officer was arrested late July on suspicion of multiple sexual assaults, some that date back to his time at American River College, prosecutors said. Noah Winchester, 32, was taken into custody on charges that he sexually assaulted five victims while on duty, according to San Mateo County Dist. Atty. Steve Wagstaffe as reported by the L.A. Times. Winchester faces 22 felony charges, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, rape, sexual penetration and oral copulation under color of authority, sexual battery, criminal threats and forcible sex offenses, Wagstaffe said. According to CBS SF Bay Area, investigators said he would pull over young women, tell them they did something wrong and he’d arrest them unless they had sex with him. “They did what we teach people to do, which is follow the directions of a law enforcement officer,” said Wagstaffe. “Not knowing that they were about to be victimized by someone who was putting a dark stain on that badge.” Winchester was with LRPD from Jan. 1, 2009, to Jan. 16, 2015 before transferring to San Mateo P.D. During his last two years, he was assigned to American River College, said Los Rios Community College public information officer Mitchel Benson to the L.A. Times. “We are appalled to think they could be true,” Benson said. Benson said the charges were shocking, and that college officials are launching an independent investigation into the allegations.

Translator | Page 10

Winchester | Page 3

Photo courtesy of Qais Ahmad

Qais Ahmad (middle in black) translates for first lieutenant Spinnelli (right) of the 327th Alpha Company and Afghan Police (left) after a combat and maneuver training in Fob Connolly base Afghanistan.

Found translation in

Afghan translator volunteered for US military

Story by John Ennis | alexennis@gmail.com

I

INSIDE: ARC pulls ahead of Modesto Junior College at the last minute Page 4

Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff

ARC quarterback Griffin Dahn rushes on a play during the Beavers’ 47-33 win against Modesto Junior College on Sept. 10.

The Crocker Art Museum hosts a comic convention and “ArtMix” event Page 9

Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez/ Arts and Culture Editor

Four cosplayers pose for a picture at “CrockerCon” at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California on Sept. 8.


September 14, 2016

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News

ARC rolls out new policy SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS ADVOCATE NOW AVAILABLE By Jordan Schauberger jschauberger94@gmail.com At the start of the new semester, the Los Rios Community College District and American River College announced a new sexual assault awareness, education and reporting program. Prior to this release, students had only two options on campus for reporting such assaults: the Los Rios Police Department and designated Title IX officers. Title IX officers are faculty members who are responsible for administering the district’s policies regarding sexual discrimination, assault and harassment. This semester, the district is implementing a third option for students; a trained Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) advocate has been contracted to provide information, support and referrals to students who want to report sexual assaults confidentially. This advocate will also provide information on sexual assault awareness and prevention to Los Rios faculty. In a recent press release, Los Rios Chancellor Brian King said that WEAVE will allow the district to do a better job at both education and prevention of such attacks. “We are fortunate that few of these assaults and crimes are reported at the Los Rios colleges, but even one occurrence is too many,”

Photo by Cheyenne Drury / News Editor

An American River College student reads a flyer on sexual health awareness on campus.

said King. “With WEAVE as our partner, … we will do a better job of supporting members of the Los Rios community who are reporting them.” Los Rios public information officer Scott Crow echoed King’s statement, while adding that this new option is essential to help support the members of the Los Rios college

communities. “The district is making every effort possible in this area,” Crow said. “Safety is so important.” In recent years, ARC has had trouble with multiple sexual assault related incidents, including the indictment of a former student on sextortion charges and the arrest of a former campus police officer on

rape allegations. English as a second language (ESL) professor John Gamber said that in his 17 years of teaching at ARC, he’s only come across written material on what to do regarding sexual assault and has never been required to go through in-person training. “They (Los Rios administration) always send out an email on who to call and what to do,” Gamber said. “Now when I see it, I go, ‘Very nice,’ and move on.” Gamber pointed out he’s never had an incident in any of his classes and that he went through “extensive” sexual assault and harassment awareness training while he was in the Army. According to Gamber, the district has been providing information on who is a mandated reporter for the past eight to 10 years and focusing heavily on redefining definitions of sexual harassment for the past five to six years. Several students, including firstsemester student Imani Smith were unaware of this new program, with Smith saying that she didn’t even see the email that was sent out. The WEAVE advocate will be available to ARC students on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the campus health center.

Hirtzel found guilty of extortion FORMER ARC STUDENT SENTENCED TO OVER FOUR YEARS IN STATE PRISON By Hannah Darden hannah.k.darden@gmail.com Former American River College student Christian Brian Hirtzel was found guilty of four felony counts today as part of a plea bargain between his attorney and the Sacramento District Attorney’s office. Hirtzel plead no contest to one count of extortion, one count of communication with a minor with intent to commit a sex offense, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of computer crime/access without permission to defraud/control. Hirtzel was originally charged with one count of distribution of child pornography, but

as part of his plea deal, had it changed to possession, which deputy district attorney James Wax called a “reasonably related charge.” “It’s not a lesser offense,” said Wax. “Just a different offense.” The recommended conditions for Hirtzel’s plea bargain were a sentence of four years and eight months in state prison, registration as a sex offender for the remainder of Hirtzel’s life, and the payment of any reparations to the victims. During his sentencing on August 2, Hirtzel was sentenced to four years and eight months in state prison. He will have to register as a sex offender for life, when he gets out. Judge Michael Bowman said Hirtzel “planted so many unseen scars.”

ASBNOTEBOOK By John Ennis and Mychael Jones alexennis@gmail.com mychael.jones.arc@gmail.com In their first meeting of the fall semester, the American River College Student Senate discussed a bill for the renovation of the lactation room, a bill for new cards for Associated Student Body members and newsletter announcements on Thursday. The lactation room is next to the restrooms in the cafeteria and is intended to be a designated area for ARC mothers to breastfeed or pump for their children. According to Student Senate

Vice President Alejandra Hilbert, in order for the funds to be allocated, the bill will have to be approved by the Buildings, Grounds, & Safety Committee. The bill would allocate $2,000 for possible items such as a rocking chair, a table to use a breast pump, improved lighting, a diaper changing station, cleaning supplies and literature for the mothers to read. Murals and pictures were also discussed as decorations to improve the aesthetic of the room. Senator Julian Lopez asked the board if they knew the cost to maintain the room per semester to which Hilbert replied that she did not have an estimate, but the cost to keep courtesy supplies

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

Screencapture from Hirtzel’s Facebook

Former ARC actor Chris Hirtzel was sentenced to four years and eight months in state prison on August 2.

NEWSLETTER AND LACTATION ROOM DISCUSSED BY ASB BOARDS stocked was, according to her research, “a couple hundred dollars.” American River College’s Clubs and Events Board (CAEB) discussed plans for Welcome Day and Greek Week Celebrations, an upcoming film festival and a trip to Cosumnes River College (CRC) for the annual Leadership Summit meeting with other Los Rios College associates. CAEB President Justin Nicholson talked about his hopes for good energy on Welcome Day. “This is the day where we come together and welcome new students, try to make this club day a more boisterous one,” said Nicholson. The Welcome Day event will be open to all ARC students to par-

ticipate in activities and compete for prizes during the Greek Week celebrations. CAEB Vice President Mary Stedman said that “people work together on teams,” when she described what students would do at the upcoming Club Day event. Another topic discussed was the upcoming film festival, in which Stedman said that student films could help demonstrate a variety of films to be seen. Nicholson said that films should have “no explicit content, such as nudity and gore because it might trigger some students.” A five dollar gift card could be a possible prize for students that participate in the film festival according to Nicholson.

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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


News

September 14, 2016

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New bills will affect students, staff COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEGISLATION PASSED IN STATE ASSEMBLY, SENATE Budget According to the updated Higher Education Budget Plan, the state increased the community college budget by $269.7 million. The budget plan also includes $283 million of Prop 98 funding, which comes from the state’s general fund, for community college maintenance.

Photo by Robert Hansen / Managing Editor

Secretary Robin Reilly (left) and President Gray Aguilar of the Academic Senate listen to comments from members of the board at the September 8, 2016 meeting. The proposal of a new department was one important topic of the day’s meeting.

Assembly Bill 2017

Senate off to quick start

AB 2017 creates a funding stream to help community colleges provide mental health services to their students. AB 2017 passed both houses uncontested, with unanimous votes in the assembly and senate. The bill now sits on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk, awaiting his decision to approve or veto the bill.

FACULTY SUPPORTS PROPOSAL OF NEW DEPARTMENT By Robert Hansen hansenrobj@gmail.com The Academic Senate of American River College heard the head of the nursing department, professor Julie Blaney, make her case for creating a Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide(CNA/ HHA) department at Thursday’s meeting. Blaney said that in California, the CNA/HHA licensing program and the nursing licensing program are separate from one another in their accreditation as well which state agencies govern them. “The proposal that my partner and I are making to the Senate,” Blaney said, “is that we pull that CNA/HHA program out of the nursing department and make it its own department and that I would be chair of that department.” Blaney said that she would love to see the program grow but that

an issue is how funds are allocated within the nursing department. “Ninety percent of funding goes to nursing because it’s a big program and then we get about ten percent of it,” Blaney said. “We could go after our own Perkins funding as our own program.” Currently, the program has only one full time instructor, Blaney, and cannot grow without more funding. “It’s a community need,” Blaney said. “Every term I get no less than 40 applicants to be in my program with 15 seats.” A unanimous vote took place during the nursing department’s scheduled meeting in August agreeing that separating the licensed nursing program from the programs CNA/HHA was in the best interest for the program growth and viability. The Senate supported the possible separation of the nursing and CNA/HHA programs that will have to ultimately be approved

by the district. The Senate also listened to representatives from the physical sciences and astronomy, engineering, fashion and journalism departments requesting critical hires for the spring 2017 semester. These hires will subtract from the pool of hirings available for the upcoming fall 2017 semester. Professor David Austin addressed challenges the journalism department is facing after the resignation of Walter Hammerwold who had previously served as chair of the department, full time faculty member, mentor to the students as well as the advisor to three student publications on campus. “Journalism is in a truly critical position,” Austin said. “In a best case scenario, the journalism department is one full time faculty member. Worse case scenario is that there’s nobody in there.” As a result of Hammerwold’s unprecedented success in elevating the quality of ARC’s journal-

ism program and his continual work to nurture it, his departure in July left administration scrambling to replace him in August. Austin said that the department has for a long time held two adjunct faculty members and that those two adjunct faculty members have taught a single course. The two adjunct faculty members who they hired to replace Hammerwold, he said, were brand new adjuncts whose futures at ARC next semester are uncertain. “The problem is this, whoever this person is that’s going to be hired has to do two very important jobs,” Austin said. “One, is they need to be able to teach the core classes … the other part of that, is that we need somebody who can run a school newspaper, and run it well.” The board will vote on which critical hires to support at their next meeting on Sept. 22.

Winchester: Cop pleads not guilty CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “If these allegations are proven to be true, that would be horrific for the women who were victimized,” Benson said. “Such criminal behavior is contrary to the core values and mission of the Los Rios Community College District, our Police Department and the good men and women of Los Rios who work so hard to establish relationships and partnerships of trust and service across the four Los Rios Colleges and throughout the greater Sacramento region.” The San Mateo district attorney began the investigation last fall after initial accusers came forward claiming to have been sexually assaulted by Winchester during his time as an

officer for the LRPD, according to ABC7. Michael Rains, a well-known Bay Area defense lawyer, is Winchester’s attorney. Rains has represented high profile clients such as Barry Bonds during his doping trial and Johannes Mehserle, the BART police officer who shot Oscar Grant. “Countless times where one witness makes an allegation, others hear about it,” said Rains to CBS SF Bay Area. “And then we all of a sudden have a flurry of allegations, some of which turn out to be true in some cases. Many times, they turn out to be false.” Winchester pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in early August and his next scheduled court appearance is Nov. 15, 2016.

Assembly Bill 1995 AB 1995 requires community colleges with any showers accessible to students (for example, in a locker room) to provide homeless students with access to those showers. The bill passed both houses and went to Governor Brown’s desk on Aug. 31, where it now awaits his signature.

AB 1960 & SB 1379 AB 1960 and SB 1379 work in conjunction to help guarantee part-time and adjunct faculty in the California community college system certain rights. Both bills passed in both houses, and have been ordered to enrollment.

Assembly Bill 2393 AB 2393 provides community college faculty and classified staff with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. The bill passed 57-22 in the assembly and 28-10 in the senate, and is also awaiting governor Brown’s signature.

Assembly Bill 2069

File photo

Noah Winchester, seen here during his time with the Los Rios Police Department, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in San Mateo.

AB 2069 would require reporting of part-time faculty office hours, and would require the districts to post that information on their websites. The bill went to Governor Brown’s desk Aug. 26 and awaits his signature.


September 14, 2016

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Sports

ARC takes fourth at Fresno HASSEN FINISHES FOURTH OVERALL IN HIS RACE By Cheyenne Drury cheyennemdrury@gmail.com The American River College men’s cross country team finished fourth in the Fresno Invitational and ARC Sophomore Hassen (Ozzie) Hassen finished fifth in the race with a time of 21 minutes and 22.5 seconds on Sept. 10 at Woodwork Park in Fresno. Mt. Sac College finished first overall in the meet with a collective time of 1 hour 47 minutes and 12 seconds and Hartnell College finished second with 1 hour forty-seven and 58 seconds. The winner of the race was Hartnell College Sophomore Edgar Bonilla with a time of 21 minutes and 05.6 seconds and Glendale College Sophomore placed second with a time of 21 minutes 06.8 seconds. As for the other sixteen teams who competed in the race the results for the top ten teams and their top runner are as follow. Glendale College’s men’s team placed 2nd with a combined time of 1 hour 48 minutes and 01 seconds. Orange Coast College’s men’s team placed 5th with a finished time of 1 hour 50 minutes and 21 seconds and their top runner, Sophomore Danny Dominguez finished with 21 minutes and 20.2 seconds. Cerritos College’s men’s team placed 6th with a final time of 1 hour 51 minutes and 30 seconds and their top runner, Sophomore Faustino Diaz finished with 21 minutes 49.02 seconds. Cuesta College men’s team placed 7th with a combined time of 1 hour 53 minutes and 20 seconds and their top runner, Freshman Sean McDermott finished with 22 minutes and 06.4 seconds. Sequoias College’s men’s team placed 8th with a finished time of 1 hour 55 minutes and 23 seconds and their top runner, Freshman Adam Gonzalez finished with 22 minutes and 03.8 seconds. De Anza College’s men’s team placed 9th with a finished time of 1 hour 55 minutes and 19 seconds and their top runner, Sophomore Juan Pablo Magana finished with 22 minutes and 07.4 seconds. Canyons College men’s team placed 10th with a finished time of 1 hour 56 minutes and 23 seconds and their top runner, Sophomore Jake Higdon finished with 22 minutes and 24.0 seconds. ARC men’s team will compete next in the Pat Ryan Invitational at Spring Lake Park in Santa Rosa on Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

Photo by Laodecia Broadway / Staff

ARC wide receiver Jabarri Johnson flashes the money sign on the sidelines following a 47-33 win over Modesto on Sept. 10.

ARC holds off Modesto AFTER A LATE SCARE, THE BEAVERS GO UP 2-0 ON THE SEASON

By Mack Ervin III me3current@gmail.com Despite a late comeback attempt, American River College’s football team was able to hang on and defeat Modesto Junior College 47-33 on Saturday at Cosumnes River College, extending their record to 2-0 on the season. The Beavers, ranked first in Northern California and fourth in the state, were forced to play at CRC due to playing surface at ARC not being in good enough condition. Coach Jon Osterhout said that they were displaced by the construction of the new soccer stadium, but it was a sacrifice the team made so that the soccer teams have a “first class facility.” “We all knew that we were gonna pay a price, the soccer team’s have been practicing off campus and at other schools,” Osterhout said. “Everybody’s been displaced but we have a first class facility now.” MJC started the game well with a strong 85-yard drive ending in a touchdown for running back Jay Green, and with their defense forcing ARC to turn the ball over on downs. The Beavers quickly bounced back with a 98-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Damen Wheeler Jr. and tied the game at 7-7. Freshman quarterback Griffin Dahn, starting in place of the injured Chris Guillen, settled in with the first team offense and found Wheeler Jr. again for a three-yard touchdown on their very next drive to take the lead. ARC’s defense was also busy throughout the game, racking up 74 tackles and four sacks against the Pirates’ offense. Defensive lineman Anthony Luke had one and a half sacks on the night and said the defense were really on the same page. “The defense was great. I think we all came together and executed this week,” Luke said. “We put a huge emphasis on linemen as-

Photo by Laodecia Broadway / Staff

ARC wide receivers coach Michael Johnson and head coach Jon Osterhout look over the playbook on the sidelines during a game against Modesto Junior College on Sept. 10 in which ARC won 47-33.

signment and I think it showed tonight.” Luke also pointed out the differences between facing Modesto this season, and last season where they lost 41-10. “Last year they gassed us because we were out of shape but this week Coach O prepared us and had us do a lot of conditioning for this game and we were ready for them,” Luke said. Four of ARC’s six first half drives resulted in touchdowns with Dahn racking up three touchdowns and 270 yards through the air, along with a rushing touchdown at halftime, leaving the game well in ARC’s favor 29-13. The third quarter was a defensive showdown, as the only score came from an ARC field goal on their opening drive to extend their lead to 19 points. Miscues by ARC in the third and fourth quarter including a failed fourth down conversion and an onside kick from MJC allowed the Pirates to close the gap to 7 points with just over four minutes

remaining. Coach Jon Osterhout took the blame for the decisions leading up to those miscues. “I made two terrible calls. The kicker had a choice to either kick or run and he chose to run. It was a bad call and I shouldn’t have put him in that position,” Osterhout said. “I didn’t have the right personnel out here for the onside kick. We were sweating bullets there for a little while, but like last week, these situations are gonna pay dividends for us and we’ve been in these types of environments. Today we had the upper hand and last week we were behind.” Dahn said that while their game slipped in the second half, they were able to pick it back up. “I felt like we had a great first half and then we got a little too lackadaisical in the second half, but as soon as it got a little close we started to pick it back up,” Dahn said. The Beavers suffered a threeand-out on the next drive, but

were given a lifeline after MJC’s punt returner muffed the catch and allowed ARC to recover in Modesto territory. Three rushes from Ce’von Mitchell-Ford put them on the goal line, where Dahn was able to sneak the ball in for his third rushing touchdown, leaving him with six touchdowns overall as ARC beat Modesto 47-33. Osterhout said that the team performance was good and they executed their gameplan well. “I feel great about it (the team performance) we put a lot of practice and effort into it over the course of the week. After the game against DVC we immediately went to work for tonight,” Osterhout said. “We had a really good game plan in all phases and the guys went out and executed it. I couldn’t be more excited to get a win in what is essentially a road game at CRC.” Wheeler Jr. said that they played well, but that they have to remember not to ease up down the stretch. “We did great we just gotta make sure next time not to let up and play a full game,” Wheeler Jr. said. “I felt like we did great tonight.” Osterhout said that the team should be back on their home field next week. “From what I’ve gathered, we’ll be back to playing on our own turf next week,” Osterhout said. “It’s a great environment and we’ll be welcoming the state champions at our house for another great matchup with the City College of San Francisco.” “As far as I’m concerned, that’s where we want to be and we just needed to give that grass two weeks to grow. The grounds on campus did a phenomenal job to get the topsoil down and we’ll be ready to go.” “We’re just happy to be 2-0. Wins are hard to come by.”


Sports

September 14, 2016

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SPORTSUPDATES Men’s Soccer The American River College men’s soccer team drew 2-2 against Lassen College leaving them with a record of 2-2-1 on the season. The results of their most recent game against Clovis on Tuesday were not immediately available.

Women’s Soccer The American River College women’s soccer team drew 0-0 against West Valley college leaving them with a record of 1-2-1 on the season. The results of their most recent game against Yuba City college were not immediately available.

Men’s Water Polo The American River College women’s water polo team lost against Golden West College 12-3 leaving them with a record of 1-4 on the season. Their next game is today at San Joaquin Delta.

Photo by Laodicea Broadway / Staff

ARC linebacker Joseph Gardner and wide receiver Daliceo Calloway celebrate following Calloway’s game winning touchdown against Diablo Valley College on Sept. 1.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Women’s Water Polo The American River College men’s water polo team lost against Riverside college 22-2 leaving them with a record of 2-1 on the season. Their next game is today at San Joaquin Delta.

Sept. 16 Men’s Soccer vs. Shasta 2:00 p.m.

Sept. 17 Football vs. San Francisco 6:00 p.m.

Sept. 16 Women’s Soccer vs. Sacramento City 4:00 p.m.

Sept. 20 Women’s Golf Tournament 12:00 p.m.

Sept. 16 Volleyball vs. Diablo Valley 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Women’s Soccer vs. Modesto 3:00 p.m.

Sept. 17 Men’s Soccer vs. Redwoods 2:00 p.m.

Sept. 21 Women’s Water Polo vs. Fresno 3:30 p.m.

Volleyball team eyes early wins ARC WELCOMES SECOND COACH IN AS MANY YEARS, PLAYERS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT SEASON By Mack Ervin III, Mike Yun and Laodecia Broadway me3current@gmail.com mikeyun19@gmail.com broadway.laodecia@gmail.com American River College’s women’s volleyball team is feeling upbeat and confident after starting their season with six wins out of eight after defeating San Mateo on Saturday. The Beavers are coming off of a another playoff run after reaching the second round of the NorCal Regionals, ending the season with a 21-9 record. However, the team will face another challenge, as they are now on their third coach in three years after Carson Lowden was brought in to replace last year’s coach, Gabe Gardner. Lowden is originally from the Sacramento area, and shared her excitement for the chance to coach in her home town and for ARC. “I’m originally from the Sacramento area so it’s kind of a homecoming for me,” Lowden said. “I’m also excited to coach at the community college level because I think it’s a special place to be and help transition student athletes to the 4-year level.” Lowden also said that ARC “has a very rich history and is a well established college academically and has strong ties to the community.”

Photo by Mack Ervin III / Co-sports Editor

New American River college women’s volleyball head coach Carson Lowden explains a new sign to her players during a team practice.

“I was very excited to choose American River as my new home.” Some of the players were also excited by the prospect of a new coach, including returning sophomore Katlin Meyer. “I love her,” Meyer said. “She’s a great coach and knows what she’s doing and relates to the players well.” Lowden highlighted Meyer, fel-

low returning sophomore Emily Dzubak and new Humboldt State transfer Madison Hunziker as players to watch in the early stages of the season. “As (Meyer and Dzubak) are all conference players they are gonna be strong right at the start,” Lowden said. “Hunziker is an opposite, and she can bring physicality to our offense that should be

pretty exciting to watch.” Kylie Villarreal also held high hopes for the new season and believes they are good enough to win. “I’m very confident in my team and believe we are good enough to win,” Villarreal said. “Win conference again.” Brianne Whitt said that she “was pumped” and was excited that ev-

eryone “immediately fit right in.” Lowden brings with her a wealth of experience from serving as assistant coach at Butte College, Division II school Chico State and Division I school UC Berkeley. She says that the experience she has had will help her make the step to head coaching. The team’s next game is on Sep. 16 against Diablo Valley College.


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s e fr

n a hm BEAVER

September 14, 2016

SURVIVAL GUIDE

Feature

EVERYTHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO SURVIVE AT AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE

For more College Hacks like where to find the CL&D and what services it provides, go to Arcurrent.com To submit your own, email current@arc.losrios.edu


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Page 8

Arts&Culture

September 14, 2016

Illustrations by Lidiya Grib

Gene Wilder

remembered Story by Luis Gael Jimenez | luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com

With the news of 83 year old actor Gene Wilder’s death yesterday, American River College professors discussed the effect that the star had on them as film and theater enthusiasts. History and film professor Richard Hellesen told the story of the first time he saw “Young Frankenstein.” “We walked out of ‘Young Frankenstein’, and immediately began quoting it. Everybody was quoting the lines,” Hellesen said. Theater arts professor Pamela Downs had the opportunity to direct a stage version of “Young Frankenstein” here at American River College and called the experience “a labor of love.” Hellesen also talked about “Bonnie and Clyde,” a film his students watch in his film history course, and Wilder’s short appearance.

Photos by John Klaiber / Staff

ARC Professors Pamela Downs and Richard Hellesen recount the life, works and talents of actor Gene Wilder.

“He steals that scene. It’s his first movie, and he steals that scene.” Hellesen and Downs both made mention of the “world of pain” and “sadness” that they saw in his eyes during his performance in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”.

“When he’s singing there’s a little melancholy, there’s a little something going on inside Willy Wonka that he never lets you totally see, but you just see a glimpse of it. It makes him deeper than just the guy in the crazy hat

and clothes. There’s a heart there that’s really unexpected,” Hellesen said. Both Downs and Hellesen recommended such films as “Blazing Saddles” and “The Producers” as examples of his strength as an ac-

tor. Lyova Margaryan, a theater arts major, described his experience watching Wilder in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”. “His ability to bring your attention in made me want to be one of those kids that Wilder invited into his factory.” Theater arts professor Nancy Silva called Wilder a “master of comedy” and said “there is such an innocent quality about him. When he succeeds it feels like you succeed.” Silva also praised his “anti-superhero” quality that made him feel so relatable to audiences across so many different demographics. “It comforts me to think that he is with his wife Gilda Radner now in heaven.”

Kaneko Gallery exhibits faculty art ARTISTS GET FIRST SHOW

STAFF ATTEND RECEPTION

By Cheyenne Drury and Laurie Jones

By Lidiya Grib

cheyennemdrury@gmail.com ljones.asbarc@gmail.com The James Kaneko Gallery kicked off the fall semester on Aug. 22 with its annual “ARC Faculty Exhibition.” Administrative assistant Bernice Foster, fine arts professor Joy Bertinuson and art appreciation professor Craig Smith were among some of the artists featured in the gallery. The majority of the faculty have been featured in the show before with Foster being the lone firsttime participant. “Mosaic” and “Tidepool” are two watercolor pieces painted by Fos-

ter. “Both are colored with watercolor, ‘Mosaic’ in texture paste on board and ‘Tidepool’ in light modeling paste and paper on canvas for depth,” said Foster. A piece painted by art professor Craig Smith was self-described as being “a landscape based on observation.” “The colors and the way that it is balanced is intended to make it expressive of something,” said Smith. The artwork drew the attention of many ARC students including art major Anton Torrence. “I love oil painting. That’s my medium.” Torrence’s favorite piece was an oil painting, “Protect Yourself at All Time” by Bertinuson.

griblidiya@yahoo.com

Photo by Cheyenne Drury / News Editor

Joy Bertinuson’s painting entitled “Protect Yourself at All Time,” was on display in the Kaneko Gallery for the “ARC Faculty Exhibition.”

Kaneko’s “ARC Faculty Exhibition” reception was held on Sept. 1. “I think it’s really important for the students to be able to see what we are doing as faculty,” said art professor Linda Gelfman. “It’s about the viewer and their experience.” Among the art displayed in the gallery was a photography piece by art professor Jodi Hooker called “Wild Flower.” “I really appreciate the faculty show every year because it’s a chance to let students know what we’re doing outside of the classroom,” said Hooker. To create her digital piece,

Hooker used tri-color gum bichromate over cyanotype. The medium gum bichromate “is one of the first color processes in the 1800 and then it died out because it’s challenging and difficult,” according to Hooker. ARC student Lahel Fowler said her favorite art piece was “Crow Call,” a piece by professor Craig Martinez. “I like that it’s made with rustic and found materials. It looks intentional but appears like it just fell together,” Fowler said. Art professor Sarah Mattson’s “Untitled Figure Study” was also featured. “I’m very honored that I’m able to show my work,” Mattson said. “I think it’s a wonderful for students to be able to see what the professors who teach the courses do.”


September 14, 2016

A&C

Page 9

Theater lineup revealed By Luis Gael Jimenez and John Ennis luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com alexennis@gmail.com

Courtesy of Travis Cannady

ARC artist Travis Cannady’s polaroid series “Hannah and the Cambo Passportrait” will be displayed at the shadow box gallery starting Sept. 19, 2016.

Student art on display SHADOW BOX GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT ARTWORK By Luis Gael Jimenez luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com American River College students are ready to display their work at the Shadow Box Gallery which is a display intended to showcase students’ art. Alexandrea Villarreal’s figurative artwork went up on Sept. 7 and is based entirely on the human figure in different poses. Villarreal regularly attends events like drawing workshops and figure marathons in order to further her understanding of the human anatomy and to become a better artist. “The best way of portraying how a character moves, or even looks,” said Villarreal. “Is to observe the human figure.” Villarreal is a member of the art club and is majoring in art and art new media with an emphasis on

with a Cambo Passportrait camera, a camera that was developed specifically to take passport photos. This forced him to stand at a distance of exactly four feet from whatever he was shooting in order for his subjects to be in focus. Cannady relies strictly on film and described his switch by saying, “there is just a look that I could not get with digital. There is a rawness to film. It reminds me of old family vacations shot on a disposable camera.” Cannaday says that he uses photography as a way to cope Photo by Mychael Jones / Staff with depression and that he ARC art student and art club member Andrea Villareal’s figure drawings hopes his photos affect people went up in the shadow box gallery on Sept. 7. the way they do him. According to art club presiCannady draws inspiration 3D animation. Travis Cannady, ARC student, from everyday life and other pho- dent Blanca Bastida, the Shadow Box Gallery will be between the is looking forward to his first solo tographers like Ryan Muirhead. The photographs that will be Kaneko Art Gallery and the Oak display which will go up in the Shadow Box on Sept. 19. used in the display were all taken Cafe.

The American River College theater department’s “Welcome Back Gathering” at the ARC Theatre on Thursday afternoon brought nearly 40 students and professors to the main stage to discuss upcoming productions and give information about clubs, classes and volunteer opportunities. Theater professors Tracy Shearer, Pamela Downs, Sam Williams and Nancy Silva introduced the shows they will be directing for the 2016–2017 season, from October through May. The first show of the season will be “Cabaret,” directed by Silva. The show will run from Oct. 7–23. Williams, ARC theater professor and choreographer, announced that “The Shepherd’s Play” will be the second production of the season. The department’s third play, along with its guest director, have yet to be announced, but Shearer said that the production details will be available in the next few weeks. Auditions for the unannounced show will take place November 28–29, and the show will run next semester, from Feb. 24 to Mar. 5. The spring lineup will also include a touring children’s show, which will go to area elementary schools for performances, and the annual production of compilation show “Gumbo!.” The final show of the season will be “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” directed by Downs, who said she has aspired to direct the show for 35 years. The show will hold auditions next January and will run in late April. Shearer also mentioned that the theater department needs volunteers to work in concessions and as ushers during this season’s performances. Volunteers get to attend the shows for free as compensation for their time.

Comic convention comes to the Crocker By Mychael Jones mychael.jones.arc@gmail.com The fourth annual “Crocker Con”, a comic book convention in collaboration with Artmix, where cosplayers and various artists on Sept. 8 showed their creative styles at the Crocker Art Museum. Crocker Con this year hosted an event that showed different artists talents on display with a different theme for each artist. “This particular scene is anime and comic books,” said supervisor Stephanie Longoria. Artmix was a demonstration of art from people dressed in costumes, disk jockey’s performing on stage and a unique art style of using masking tape to recreate Star Wars themed characters and space ships. Danny Scheible, an artist at the event, created a style he coined “TAPIGAMI” where creation is brought to life through tape.

“I was inspired to create TAPIGAMI because I felt that art needed to become part of everyday life,” Scheible said. “I felt a huge lack of accessibility to the ideas of creativity that are learned through creating art.” The style of “TAPIGAMI” was inspired through Scheible’s eyes as a means of connecting with people on a personal level. “I wanted to be able to create with everyone I met everywhere I went,” Scheible said. “To that end I sought out a material that was inexpensive and you use to create without needing tools and facilities. Then I had to create my own mantras of making in order to inspire and encourage everyone to make art.” Another artist at “Crocker Con” named John Cattrell had a comic book style he had showcased, he also attended a class with fine arts professor Joy Bertinuson at American River College. “It was awesome.” said Cattrell. “Very helpful, great instructor, she (Bertinu-

son) was able to help you resolve problems.” Michael Calero, an artist who attended the Crocker Con event had said that his wife Tiara Simoni teaches at American River College. “She teaches hula and polynesian dance,” Calero said. However, not all that had attended Crocker Con were artists who could draw. Bob Daloia and Dan Rodriguez were two men who had dressed up as the main characters from “Back to the Future” with their own personal DeLorean time machine, used for fun and entertainment purposes. The Crocker Con event is held every 2nd Thursday of Sept. while the Art Mix is every 2nd Thursday. According to Longoria, “Next month is ‘Dance Macabre’ in collaboration with trash film Photo by Luis Gael Jimenez / Arts & Culture Editor orgy, they did zombie walk (and) will A cosplayers poses at the Crocker Con in Sacramento on show horror shorts and skate show with Sept. 8 as a clone trooper from Star Wars. dancing.”


September 14, 2016

Page 10

Scene

Smokers ‘pushed to the edge’ by ban UNOFFICAL SMOKING SECTIONS ON THE EDGES OF THE CAMPUS ARE WITHOUT ASHTRAYS By Robert Hansen and Mychael Jones hansenrobj@gmail.com mychael.jones.arc@gmail.com Smokers at American River College have been relegated to the edges of campus without smoking sections or ashtrays since the smoking ban went into effect Jan. 1. The amount of cigarette butts scattered around the bus stop on College Oak Drive in front of the administration building is piling up without designated smoking areas. Los Rios campuses implement their own rules on the systemwide ban on smoking and although Sacramento City College and Folsom Lake College have designated areas, ARC is completely smoke and vapor free. Ryal Strom, an ARC student, risks being late to some classes because of having to smoke at the edge of campus. “Sometimes I only have 10 minutes in between classes,” Strom said. “And then there are no ashtrays so I’m forced to litter.” According to a campus sur-

Photo by Robert Hansen / Managing Editor

Leah Cato (left) and Ryal Strom (right) walk back to class after their cigarette break at the edge of the campus. American River College has been smoke-free since Jan. 1 and does not provide smoking sections.

vey taken before the smoking ban, 76 percent of students and 83 percent of faculty supported a smoke-free campus. However, there have been no steps to help smokers not litter. Leah Cato, ARC student and

smoker, feels that without smoking sections on campus, some smokers could suffer from stress. “They cut off so many smokers,” Cato said. “It doesn’t make any sense because they took a stress reliever away from a bunch of stu-

dents.” Shelby Takens, non-smoker, thinks that a smoking section would be fair for smokers. “I feel like it’s kinda silly to make them walk so far across the street,” Takens said. “If it’s outside in a

small area for them to smoke, it isn’t a problem.” According to the California Department of Public Health, 15.5 percent of men and 10.5 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 24 smoked in 2012. In 2013, 8.6 of adults aged 18-24 used e-cigarettes. With a population of nearly 30,000 students, statistics suggest there are over 3,000 who smoke. This could lead to an even larger litter problem on the edges of campus. Victor Garcia, an ARC student and non-smoker, said that although he has asthma he would be fine with smoking sections at the edge of campus. “As long as I don’t have to walk through cigarette smoke I wouldn’t have a problem (with smoking sections),” Garcia said. “My friends vape around me and I’m fine.” Najibullah Sahak, non-smoking ARC student, agrees with Garcia. “Although smoking is not good for people,” said Sahak, non-smoking ARC student, “I think it would be better (to have smoking sections).”

Translator: Ahmad came to the US on a SIV visa and was added to the State Department’s list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations on Jan. 14. Ahmad gained access to the US when he was granted a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) under an amended extension of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 that grants visas to Afghan interpreters and guides that worked for US forces for more than a year, and who face threats to their lives because of their work. Now at ARC, Ahmad studies international relations and sees himself pursuing a career with the US government, possibly the State Department or at an embassy. Air Force Reservist Rachel Davis from ARC’s Veterans Resource Center worked for a short time with Afghan interpreters on a 10day trip to Afghanistan. Davis says she supports Afghan interpreters receiving SIVs for their service. “They do a lot to help us when we’re in country and when we’re on the ground and making sure that we’re safe and we know what’s going on,” Davis said. “I definitely support them getting special circumstances so to speak and taking care of them since they’ve done their part to serve us and essentially serving our country as

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 hours later. “We were out, going with the soldiers wherever they go, so like even when we were getting shot at, I was with them,” Ahmad said. “I got hurt a couple times.” Ahmad was also responsible for biometrically scanning Afghans to help American forces identify friend from foe, catch insurgent suspects and hinder Taliban movement across the country. In many cases Ahmad had to biometrically scan deceased Taliban to put into the Department of Defense database to check against a list of suspects. Although Ahmad knew he was doing an important job, the constant encounters with dead bodies took its toll. “It was bad guys ... I don’t like, feel bad for them … but as a human being when you look at stuff like that … it’s something kind of hard to look at,” Ahmad said. This biometric database will very likely contribute to helping US and Afghan forces in their recent fight against a relatively new terrorist threat to the Afghan people, ISIL-K, or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan. ISIL-K is the Afghan branch of ISIL

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well.” Michael Robinson, also from the Veterans Resource Center and a veteran of both the US Army and Navy, said that he and his fellow soldiers grew really attached to their interpreters. “We lost a few of them. But a lot of times it’s really difficult to do two things,” Robinson said. “It’s difficult to trust them for one and it’s difficult to get them on the team for the next one.” Robinson’s unit lost an interpreter in an attack while serving in Tikrit, Iraq. “Because once you learn to trust them, when you know that this is somebody that is going to work with me,” Robinson said. “They’re not you know, giving any kind of intel to the enemy or anything like that, someone you feel like you can trust, then you have to deal with the fact that you’re probably going to lose them at some point down the line.” Before immigrating to the US on Dec. 12, 2014, Ahmad spent his last year in Afghanistan working at Jalalabad Airport, also known as the Forward Operating Base Fenty. His family still lives in Jalalabad and he hopes to one day help them immigrate to the US.

Photo by Robert Hansen / Managing Editor

Afghanistan traslator Qais Ahmad came to the United States in 2014 on a Special Immigrant Visa and is now a student at American River College.

How do you feel about textbook prices?

“Some teachers are trying to make a profit, we only use like two chapters.”

“I just feel like they’re too expensive, especially for the low income people.”

-BRETT WERNER

-CHANEL WILLHITE

“Expensive! But whatever they require I usually buy.”

-JULIANNE SILLA

“I’ve been renting books, usually online they’re more reasonable.”

-AKANE BERARD


Opinion

Sept. 14, 2016

Page 11

Sexual harassment affects students CATCALLING AT ARC IS OUT OF CONTROL, STUDENTS DON’T KNOW HOW TO REPORT

By Shiavon Chatman schatman916@gmail.com “I can’t even walk to class without some guy being super inappropriate toward me. It makes me uncomfortable at times,” said American River College student Julia Smith. “Catcalling,” the act of uninvited sexual advances, physical or verbal, has been running rampant through the halls of American River College. Daniel Chin, another student, feels that whether or not catcalling is a problem for someone comes down to a simple factor; their gender. “Guys don’t get sexually harassed, come on. Girls put up with a lot of crap … they shouldn’t have to come to school and be harassed,” said Chin. In the conversation surrounding harassment, catcalling isn’t spoken about as often because there are many people who still don’t feel that it’s offensive. “I cannot even count how many times some guy would make me feel uncomfortable by calling me names, thinking he was complimenting me,” said student Melinda Hernandez. Several students were asked how they felt ARC could control the incessant catcalling on campus and where they think the problem comes from. Photo by Kyle Elsasser / Photo Editor One of them, Paul Johnson, responded Harassment in the hallways has become somewhat of an epidemic at American River College.

that “(He thinks) the issue of (sexual harassment) at school in particular comes from people not knowing about their rights and their resources.” Several students have no idea where to look for assistance in terms of sexual health or where or how to even file a complaint against a student or faculty member when they’ve been harassed. “If someone was sexually harassing me, I’d probably just avoid that person or maybe go to the police station on campus. I’m not sure where I’d go to talk to someone about it,” said Hernandez. All sexual harassment claims should be reported at the Instruction Office inside of the Administration building. Students like Johnson are questioning how serious campus officials will handle sexual harassment cases. “Nothing will probably happen if someone just files a complaint. Those things aren’t taken seriously. We need to do a better job on connecting with students,” he said. For any questions or concerns pertaining to sexual harassment and sexual health, the sexual health office opens every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and is located in the Administration building. Sexual health services remain confidential and supply services such as birth control, pregnancy tests, STD screenings and emergency contraception.

Sexual health services underappreciated CONFIDENTIAL STD TESTING, PREGANCY TESTING UNDERUTILIZED BY ARC STUDENTS By Solange Echeverria solangerecheverria@gmail.com The American River College Health Clinic is working hard to help students take care of themselves by partnering with community provider Women’s Health Specialists to provide a variety of reproductive health care services. For many students, college is an exciting time, whether you are jumping in right after high school or an older student returning after many years. It is also a busy time, where we juggle very real responsibilities of work, family and school, rushing through life in pursuit of our goals. It’s in this harried place where sometimes our attention to our health, especially our sexual and reproductive health, can fall to the wayside. The numbers are sobering. According to a 2014 report released by the Center for Disease Control, young people ages 25-24 account for nearly half of all new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) di-

agnosed every year. The reasons for the high numbers are complex. Some say it’s because sex education is underfunded in high schools, others say the newly found freedom of college life is a contributing factor, others say that social stigmas regarding STI’s is at fault. These stigmas may come from many different cultural or religious forces, just talking about sex is still taboo, much less being sexually active or accessing health care services. This can lead to shame or embarrassment when it comes to taking control of our health. Regardless, accepting the need to value sexual health and talking about it with our partners and with our medical providers is a good first step in taking care of ourselves. According to Pamela Whipple, a nurse at the Student Health Center, the Sexual Health Clinic is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment with drop-ins available. The clinic offers birth control, emergen-

cy birth control, pregnancy testing and STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The clinic is welcoming to students of all gender identities and respects preferred gender pronouns. All of the clinic’s services are confidential. George Hillman, a Communications Major, feels that it is important for young men to know where they stand with regards to their sexual reproductive health. “I think if you are going to be intimate with someone, it’s good to make sure that you are not going to hurt them.” said Hillman. “We need to feel comfortable, so I’m glad that they understand that. I didn’t even know they were here. It’s good to

pendulum swing to the positive side. “…Many of the students we serve regard sexual health services like any other service,” Whipple said. Malmoud Mahabad, a Business Major, thinks that it’s especially important for everyone to care for themselves. “It would help them if they have any issue. When they come here, they can check with the staff. It’s a natural part of life.” Taking care of your sexual health is a critical part of your overall health care and respect for your sexual health can impact you for years to come. The Sexual Health Clinic is located in the Student Health Center, right down the hall from Enrollment Services in the ARC

know, makes it easier.” According to Whipple, there are a variety of reasons people may find it difficult to seek out services or talk about sexual health. “Fear of stigma and prejudice sometimes prevent people from seeking sexual health services,” Whipple said. As a long time nurse, she has seen the

Administration building. The health clinic open every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. They do serve drop-ins but priority is given to those with appointments so they are strongly encouraged. To make an appointment, please call the Health Center at 916 484-8383, they will be glad you did, and so will you.

Welcome Day overlooked by CAEB By Jared Smith and Lidiya Grib sjared33@gmail.com griblidiya@gmail.com Twice a year, thousands of students pour across the American River College’s campus on their way to their first classes. Often in the fall, many of these students are freshmen and they don’t have clear directions—this is where Fall Welcome Day comes in. Hosted by ARC’s Associated Student Body Clubs and Events Board (CAEB), Welcome Day is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 22 —a full month after the first day of the semester and is listed as an event

that welcomes new and old students back to the campus. Welcome Day would be a great idea if not for being held so late. CAEB Adviser Juan Blanco said that the reason behind their scheduling was that “(they) don’t want to bog down students.” It would make more sense to have Welcome Day on the first week of school, to make students feel more welcome and less nervous about the first week. During the first week of school, when most students are looking for somewhere to go, the event is underpublicized. Freshman and culinary arts major

Brandon Obas didn’t know that Welcome Day was an event at all. “Not really, no,” he said when asked about whether he knew what Welcome Day was. The job of welcoming or orienting new students doesn’t fall solely on the shoulders of CAEB, who are hosting the first Club Day on Sept. 22 as well. This summer, ARC’s Student Success and Support Program held a “Freshman Welcome” on campus, another function that missed many members of its target audience. Often, new students turned to others to help guide their transition to ARC. “My friend Kristen was my source of

information,” said Gabrielle Porter, another freshman and a history major. Returning student Chris Rowe claimed that, “(The) only orientation I know of is the online orientation,” when asked if he was aware of the freshman orientation. These are problems that hamper such events’ success; they have to be better publicized and spoken about with new students, otherwise they’ll be entirely missed. By informing more students about these events or by moving them closer to the first week of classes, ARC could benefit not from not just a potentially improved attendance rate but also a more connected campus community.


American River College art club members Aerial Sudds (left) and Brianna Hulce (right) work on their pieces at the live art show and open mic night at Oak Park Brewing Company in Sacramento, California on Sept. 6, 2016. The art club attended the event to make and sell art in the community.

Live from

Photos by Hannah Darden hannah.k.darden@gmail.com Members of American River College’s art club painted and sketched under jury-rigged lighting at Oak Park Brewing Company the night of Sept. 6, as part of a live art show featuring local musical talent. The event was the first of its kind and served as a prototype for future live exhibitions for the club. For many of the artists, such as minimalist artist Aerial Sudds, it was also their first time painting in front of a live audience.

Oak Park ••••••••••••••••••••••

At the end of the night, Sudds claimed that she felt nothing but “good vibes” and that she would definitely like to do an event like this again. Paige Logsdon, an artist who had an experience with live events, felt that the art show served as a tool for reworking older pieces. Logsdon, who used to present her art at various Second Saturday locations, said that the musical accompaniment was “influencing the rhythm of the painting” and that she

Story by Luis Gael Jimenez luisgaeljimenez@gmail.com

felt her work taking on a “surreal” feeling as one of the musical acts began playing their self-named “spirit set,” which involved a flute, bongo drums, and a didgeridoo. Art club secretary Erika Gonzalez said that she would try to set up events like it more often. “It’s a good way for our artists to get themselves out there,” said Gonzalez, adding that “the live aspect of the show gets me out of my bubble, makes me more social and helps me out Artist Paige Lodgson rinses her brush while painting at the live art night. Lodgson had an array of pieces displayed on the art club’s table throughout the night. of my artist’s block.”

The ARC art club’s splatter-painted banner hangs from a table where art club members work on their pieces. The club spread various pieces, in progress and on sale, on the table at the live art event.

Art club vice president Erica Campbell adds to a “pocket painting” on a small piece of wood. Some of the wood was cut from old shelving at the Kaneko.


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