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MIA
‘REST IN POWER’ Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
A vigil and open mic poetry is held to honor the late Mireyda “Mia” Barreza Martinez at Fresno City College on Dec. 6, 2016. Martinez was a Fresno State teaching associate in the Department of English and a graduate assistant.
By Hayley Salazar @Hayley_Salazarr
Friends, poets and writers gathered to honor Mireyda “Mia” Barraza Martinez with an open mic poetry reading and candlelight vigil on Tuesday at Fresno City College’s main fountain. Barraza Martinez, 29, died on Nov. 20 in a car accident. She was a student in Fresno State’s masters of fine arts (MFA) program in creative writing, a graduate assistant to U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and a Fresno State teaching associate in the English department. Dr. Jennifer Dorian, faculty coordinator for PASS Program at Fresno City College (FCC), helped organize the vigil, which en-
couraged attendees to share their poetry, stories, music and experiences in remembrance of Barraza Martinez. “Mia was an incredibly powerful driving force on this campus,” said Dorian. “She inspired students who have been told time and time again that they weren’t worthy of an education or they would make it anywhere in their lives.” Dorian said Barraza Martinez was the PASS leader who helped the program realize its potential, value and worth. “That’s the legacy that she is leaving at this school. That’s why we’re here today – because we want to not only honor Mia, but to continue her legacy of empowering others,” said Dorian. “That’s why I think it’s so fitting that we are saying ‘Rest in Power.’” About 40 people attended. Among them
was Monique Quintana, a recent MFA graduate from Fresno State who spoke fondly of her memories of Barraza Martinez. “We were dancing in Minneapolis at a nightclub where they filmed ‘Purple Rain’ so I will never forget that. It was a purple Prince party, and we went there for it,” Quintana said. She said Barraza Martinez lived every day with a lot of conviction, and was a great poet, scholar and activist. “But most importantly she was a really good friend. Every day she honored her ancestors, her friends, her family and her feminism,” Quintana said. Both women held back tears as they mustered the strength to make remarks about Barraza Martinez. One by one people took the mic to share
their thoughts. Various poems described Barraza Martinez as a brilliant, passionate, kind and sincere person. Presenters said: “From the moment I met you, I was inspired.” “You knew what you wanted, and you worked for it.” “You empowered and educated each person you reached.” Dorian addressed the crowd: “To those of [you] that have come from Fresno State or elsewhere in our community, we thank you for being here with us at Fresno City College where Mia’s legacy lives on.” Staff writer Jessica Johnson contributed to this report.
REVITALIZATION
Quad reopens after a four-month renovation
By Jessica Johnson @viamjesslj
Gone are the days of walking out of the Social Science building and around the Family Food Science building to get to the Henry Madden Library. The central quad of the Social Science, Family Food Science, McKee Fisk and Professional Human Services buildings has reopened. Construction in the quad began before the fall semester began, and it now repened two weeks before the semester ends. The timing of the renovations came
with mixed emotions due to the noise and inconvenience of losing walkways between buildings. Sara Mitchel, Fresno State manager of construction services, said in a previous interview with The Collegian, “Given that the duration of the project exceeds the length of the summer break, facilities management made every effort to get the noisiest part of the work done over the summer break in an effort to minimize the disruption to the campus during the semester.” The quad’s renovation costs was included in the $84 million of investments for campus facilities and utility infrastructure, said a press release from Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro.
So, what is there to look forward to about the renovated quad? “The new quad improvements offer much-improved walkways for our campus community [with] the addition of drip irrigation which allows for water conservation,” Mitchel said. She said more than 20 trees have been added, not only for shade, but to create a more vibrant and inviting environment. Mike Mosinski, grounds manager in plant operations, said the quad went from a walkway that connected buildings to a “park-like setting that will invite people to step out of the buildings and hang out for a while.” According to Mosinski, the renovation
was a two-year collaborative process. Input from students, faculty, staff and administrators was considered when designing the quad, along with the type of environment they would like when visiting the quad. “Many faculty, staff and students alike expressed they would use the space if there was seating and shade, and if the area was more inviting,” Mosinski said. He said various materials were used to complete the project, such as “concrete, decomposed granite, lawns and shredded bark to give an organic feel to the space and
See REVITALIZATION, Page 3
OPINION
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
2
PROP 63
Shooting down rigid gun laws
Peretz Partensky • Flickr
By Jenna Wilson @fsjennawilson
Proposition 63 is nothing more than a list of wishful, unrealistic expectations that impinge on the integrity of law-abiding citizens and does nothing to prevent violent acts carried out by criminals. California citizens voted “yes” on Proposition 63 on Election Day. Beginning Jan. 1, a background check will be required to purchase ammunition possession of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds for future and current owners will be banned. Gov. Jerry Brown and the California bureaucracy put this proposition on the ballot to decrease the number of violent acts committed with guns, but stricter gun laws are not the answer for preventing mass shootings.
Illegal behavior will not stop at the drop of Brown’s pen. California will only find itself in more debt as billions of dollars will be allocated toward trying to come up with a process for monitoring ammunition sales. Implementing the law will be an insurmountable challenge. A background check and a $50 fee are required to obtain an ammunition permit and have your name added to an electronic list created by the Department of Justice. How fast will the turnaround be on the background check? How quickly will names be added to the list? Either way, the California government will be violating the Second Amendment by complicating the process of obtaining ammunition by gun aficionados and hunters who are huge contributors to the economy. Proposition 63 is crossing the line, violating our coveted right to keep and bear
arms as American citizens in a free state as written in the U.S. Constitution. Californians, however, have been dealing with infringement of our rights largely all of 2016, as far as gun control laws are concerned. On July 1, Brown signed into law a ban on selling semiautomatic rifles and pistols with removable magazines that will go into effect on Dec. 31. Owners of semiautomatic rifles and pistols will be required to register their weapons with the California DOJ by 2018 and periodic inspections of those firearms will be conducted by law enforcement officials, as well. Yes, you read that correctly. A ban and periodic inspections. A ban that does not infringe on the rights of current semiautomatic rifle and pistol owners, but one that will on future generations and thus a violation of our Constitutional rights. Periodic inspections do not promote a free state and are virtually useless in preventing violent
acts. These laws are just an excuse to take money from the pockets of law-abiding citizens who pride themselves on following laws to the T and enjoy going to the shooting range to shoot at targets in a safe facility. Meanwhile gang members and mass shooters get to run around with illegal firearms, stolen or bought on the black market, shooting whomever they please despite the law. More laws are not the answer to cure gun violence in California. However, there is much to be said about spending money to implement gun safety courses that can eliminate the fearfulness of guns and train citizens how to properly use firearms for self-defense or a fun day at the range. Not even a month later, it’s time for voters to take another shot at Proposition 63.
Drew Sheneman • The Star-Ledger/TNS
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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
PAGE 3
Fresno State introduces its new ‘park-like setting’
September 2016 REVITALIZATION from Page 1 complement the nice grove of existing oak and cork oak trees.” Mitchel said that although the construction team is putting the finishing touches on the quad, there are no safety concerns. Alexis Vargas, a Fresno State junior has classes that are predominantly in the Social Science Building and is happy he does not need to walk around the buildings anymore. He said he can now come a few minutes late to campus because he doesn’t have to walk around multiple buildings. Vargas has one aspect of the quad he likes in particular. “They even got the lit-
Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian
The newly reconstructed quad area at Fresno State near the McKee Fisk building makes its debut on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016
tle charger things,” Vargas said, referring to the charging outlets installed in the concrete benches. “I like it, it’s pretty cool, and it makes [Fresno State] look nicer,” Vargas said. “This is probably where I’m going to come to study.” Luis Palma, who is also a junior history major, said, “I’m excited about it too. It looks like it has potential for a lot of people to be here, like a social environment.” Finishing touches on the quad will include benches and tables being installed in January.
CAMPAIGN
Giving hams to those in need By Razmik Cañas @raz_canas
The Fresno State community is giving back to those in need this holiday season with their fourth annual “Helping Hams” campaign. The Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market hosted the annual event, and manager Jeremy Lewis said it was a community effort to help make sure everyone enjoys holiday season. They accepted donations that helped pay for the ham, which are produced on campus through the meat science department. “Those hams will then be donated to organizations within the community to help those in need have a great holiday,” Lewis said. The farm market teamed up with campus organizations, Associated Students Inc. (ASI) and Ag One which will help in selecting the community organizations that receive the hams. This year’s goal of $7,000 lead to the purchase of 230 hams for families in need. On Dec. 16 the market will be dispensing the hams to the community organizations that ASI has chosen. “It’s going to be a mini event we’re going to have ASI here and the organizations
they have chosen,” Lewis said. “The Gibson Farm Market will be the drop-off point where we can get those hams out into the community” Lewis said he’s happy to see the campus involved in this campaign and how much of an impact they made in reaching their goal. From producing the hams to the donations collected at the market, everything was done on campus. “It’s very Fresno State from start to finish,” Lewis said The donations were accepted in $5 increments and six donations ($30) pays for one ham. Along with individual donations RCO Ag Credit continued their annual support and donated $3,500. Each year the campaign exceeds its targeted goal with the help of everyone who donates whatever they can. Lewis said he is grateful for all the local businesses that took part in donating, but what really surprised him were the number of families that came in together to donate. “It’s really great see the average family coming into the market wanting to donate,” Lewis said. “Being able to put their money and have it work towards somebody out in the community that may be a little less fortunate than them.”
FUNDING GAP
Tuition hike proposal stirs mixed feelings By Chueyee Yang @Chueyee15
If a pending proposal is approved, an increase in tuition for California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) institutions may take effect in 2017. Laurie Weidner, assistant vice chancellor of public affairs for the CSU chancellor’s office, said tuition fees may have to increase if the state does not provide additional money to plug a funding gap. “There is a pretty substantial gap between what we anticipate the state may provide this year, which is $157.2 million, versus what our actual needs are, which is $343.7 million,” Weidner said. The goal, she said, is to work with students and stakeholders to urge the state to fully fund CSUs. “If for some reason the state does not fund the university fully, then we have to look at other funding options to fill that gap, and the CSU has two funding sources – the state and tuition fees that are paid by students and their families,” Weidner said. Fresno State students currently pay an average of $6,000 in fees and tuition per year, according to the university’s website. If a tuition increase takes place, $270 would be added to undergraduates’ tuition per year. UC undergraduate students would have to pay an additional $280 per year. Institutions will be able to use the funds to provide more faculty, academic advisers and expand the numbers of courses offered to students, Weidner said. Fresno State student could face a dilemma. Higher tuition hurts, but more resources are welcome. “I think especially when you need help getting into classes or want a lower student-
to-teacher ratio, that [more resources] would be good,” said Alexa Cota, civil engineering major. However, Carmen Arriaga, Spanish major, said she is not sure if having more faculty and advisers would be that much more beneficial to students. “I feel like it would depend on what specific subjects they would give those teachers,” Arriaga said. “I feel like for Spanish – I don’t think that is a big major, so I would doubt that the funding would go for Spanish teachers.” Cota said, although there will be more resources for students, she thinks the university is doing well with the current number of employees and does not need to hire more. Weidner said CSU officials want to surround students with additional support. “That includes additional support, faculty and additional academic advisers who support them on their academic journey when reaching their degree,” Weidner said. Although tuition may go up, Weidner said the proposal is still in its consultation period. The board of trustees will be reviewing the budget between February and May 2017. The increase may not be necessary, Weidner said. “It will depend on what our budget is, but we don’t get our budget until June, and our classes begin in August,” she said. If there is a need for an increase in tuition, students will have to pay the additional fees starting in fall 2017.
C
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NOTICIAS
These stories are available on The Collegian website in English and Spanish. Estos artículos están disponibles en el sitio web de The Collegian en inglés y español. MIÉRCOLES, 7 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2016
6
DACA
La incertidumbre de DACA y aquellos que dependen de él
Diana Giraldo • The Collegian
Los residentes de Fresno acudieron a las calles para protestar el presidente electo Donald Trump el sábado 12 de noviembre de 2016.
Escrito por Francisco J. De León @frankiejda
A lo largo del año anterior, los noticieros y las redes sociales murmuraba una tras otra vez las declaraciones provocadoras por parte de Donald Trump durante su campaña presidencial – muchas de las cuales se dirigían hacia las minorías. Hasta el 15 de junio de 2012, la póliza de inmigración estaba en pausa. Sin embargo, la administración de Obama creó la Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA), uno de los programas que Trump juró eliminar durante su campaña presidencial. Este programa permite que jóvenes indocumentados, menores de 31 años, según las estipulaciones del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS), obtengan un permiso para trabajar y
CARTA A TRUMP
un número de seguro social. De acuerdo con Gaby Encinas, en Fresno State hay aproximadamente 800 estudiantes, un 3 por ciento de la población estudiantil, con DACA. Encinas, la coordinadora del Dream Success Center en Fresno State, respondió preguntas sobre DACA. P: ¿Qué pasaría si el nuevo presidente electo elimina DACA? Encinas: Si DACA es eliminado, los estudiantes no tendrán la oportunidad de trabajar legalmente. También, DACA protege a los jóvenes tras eliminar la posibilidad de ser deportados. P: ¿Cómo afectaría a los nuevos estudiantes quienes quizá quieren entrar a Fresno State? Encinas: [No los afectará.] Las leyes que protegen a los estudiantes indocumentados para que puedan asistir a la universidad como AB540 o ayuda financiera
como CA Dream Act son leyes estatales y no son afectadas por leyes federales. Los estudiantes podrán continuar en obtener su licenciatura. P: ¿Cree que las notas y el progreso académico de los estudiantes con DACA han sido afectados tras la elección de Trump? Encinas: La incertidumbre de lo que pueda suceder o la retórica de lo que se ha dicho en contra de las personas indocumentadas es algo real y causa de miedo para los estudiantes. Muchos han expresado que no quisieran continuar su educación y para muchos más la concentración en las clases ha resultado ser ardua. De acuerdo con el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS), la cantidad de casos para DACA aprobados suma a 1,239,404 desde su inicio en el año 2012, una cantidad que sobrepasa la 3ª más grande ciudad – San José,
California. Los recibidores de DACA varían en nacionalidades, lo cual hace esta póliza de inmigración tan diversa. Se recibieron peticiones de ciudadanos extranjeros de América del Norte, Centro, Sur y de países en África y Asia, de acuerdo con las estadísticas de USCIS. “Ahora más que nunca debemos ser fuertes y no caer bajo la influencia del temor”, dijo Encinas. “El Dream Success Center está preparando conferencias con expertos para poner en perspectiva las ramificaciones de lo que pueda suceder si DACA es eliminado”. Los estudiantes pueden requrir al sitio web del Dream Success Center www. fresnostate.edu/dsc. También, pueden encontrar más información sobre este asunto contactando a Encinas directamente, gencinas@csufresno.edu.
Querido presidente electo Trump por parte de las Universidades de California
Traducido por Francisco J. De León @frankiejda
Ante la retórica de Donald Trump en eliminar la Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA), representantes de California State University, University of California y California Community College enviaron una carta al presidente electo el 29 de noviembre, con la esperanza de asegurar el futuro de DACA. Esta carta fue firmada por la presidente de University of California Janet Napolitano; rector del CSU Timothy P. White y el rector-designado del CCC Eloy Ortiz Oakley.
Esta carta lee: Querido presidente electo Trump: Líderes de las universidades y colegios comunitarios a lo largo de la nación, incluso aquí en California, están preocupados sobre informes en relación con las posibles acciones que esté considerando, incluyendo el fin del programa Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA). De parte de los estudiantes con DACA actualmente siguiendo su sueño de alcanzar una educación superior en los EE.UU., le urgimos que continúe este programa tan importante y permita que estos jóvenes sigan su educación superior y así puedan contribuir a sus comunidades y a la nación. DACA está arraigado en la premisa fundamental de que nadie debe ser castigado
por las acciones realizadas por otros. Para ser elegible para DACA, un individuo debió ser traído a este país cuando era menor de edad, no haberse metido en problemas y continuar su educación. Estos hijos e hijas de inmigrantes indocumentados son tan americanos como cualquier otro niño a lo largo de la nación, en todo menos la ley escrita. Algunos ni siquiera hablaron el idioma de su tierra natal. No representan ninguna amenaza hacia el público. De hecho, ellos representan algunos de los mejores que nuestro país ofrece. Voluntariamente salieron de las sombras para participar en el programa DACA. Cada uno de los sistemas de University of California, California State University y el California Community College tienen miles de estudiantes con DACA estudiando
en nuestras instituciones. Son miembros constructivos y contribuyentes de nuestra comunidad. Deberían tener la posibilidad de seguir su sueño de una educación superior sin el miedo de ser arrestados, deportados o << rounded up >> por tan sólo querer aprender. Habrá tiempo para un vigoroso debate y diálogo sobre la reforma migratoria en los días por venir y esperamos entablar una conversación saludable y constructiva con usted sobre este asunto importante. Pero ahora, mientras continúa hacer su nueva administración y designar miembros de su gabinete, de parte de estos Dreamers, le imploramos que les dé a saber que son miembros valorados de nuestra comunidad y que se les va a permitir seguir el sueño americano.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
PAGE 7
REVIEW
‘California’s Deadliest Women’ is ‘quirky and disturbing’
By Selina Falcon @SelinaFalcon
In his latest release, “California’s Deadliest Women,” author David Kulczyk presents a collection of 28 strange and shocking mur-
der cases to happen in California. From well-known murder cases that even I had heard of, to more obscure ones that I couldn’t believe actually happened, “California’s Deadliest Women” kept me reading with its detailed account of the murderer’s
background, the crime and what drove her to it and the aftermath. Kulczyk covers a wide array of murder cases and the reasons these women murdered their husbands, lovers or children. Larissa Schuster of Clovis, who I had only
ever heard of in passing, is extensively covered in what Kulczyk calls “The Acid Queen.” Schuster and her husband Tim were in the midst of a divorce and things weren’t going well. Feigning injury outside Tim’s
See REVIEW, Page 8
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A&E
8
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
SHOPPING
Don’t buy, DIY
Selina Falcon • The Collegian
This book is killer
REVIEW from Page 7
GREAT
home, Schuster called him outside where her accomplice rendered him unconscious. They tied him up, drove him to Schuster’s house, and dissolved his body in a barrel of acid in her garage. The messiness of Schuster and her husband’s marriage, events leading up to the murder and what became of Schuster and her accomplice are detailed along with the murder and make for an edge-of-your-seat read. Other murders detailed include the murder of famous comedian Phil Hartman by his wife Brynn Hartman, Dana Sue Gray who killed the elderly to feed her shopping addiction, and Omaima Aree Nelson who
cut up her husband, cooked him and ate him. Gruesome murders a sane person would never even think of are committed by women from all walks that are facing inner demons, trying to escape abuse, or simply making a cold, calculated move. Appearing alongside most of the stories are illustrations of the murderers done by artist Olaf Jens. These “quirky, disturbing caricatures of the killers” only add to the overall chilling vibe of the book. Though I found a lot of “California’s Deadliest Women” disturbing to read, the thing is, I couldn’t stop reading. I found it fascinating (in an obviously unsettling way) to see just what people are capable and how far some of these women were willing to go. Kulczyk succeeds with “California’s Deadliest Women” and it’s definitely landed a spot in my top true crime books of 2016.
With Christmas approaching, college students everywhere are scrounging up their loose change in attempts to pay for all of the gifts they still need to buy. Considering students are notorious for not having enough money to buy themselves a proper meal, when it comes to Christmas buying, some of us have to get a little more crafty. Because gift-giving, in general, is more about the thought behind what you are giving, perhaps a homemade or do it yourself (DIY) gift is a route you should try. With that being said, your mom never did, and still doesn’t, want a “coupon book” with promised chores and hangouts that will never be fulfilled. Perhaps a homemade body scrub made from brown sugar and lavender oil, all stored in a Mason jar, would be a wiser choice that will actually find some practical use. Not to mention, it will cost you around $10. If you want to take the “homemade” aspect to a different level, even a homemade batch of cookies can be considered gift-giving material. Begin by buying an inexpensive glass dish from HomeGoods or even Dollar
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@Sam_mehrtash
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By Samantha Mehrtash
Tree. Then buy your ingredients for the type of treat you’re baking based off of things the recipient likes. A day before you will be handing the gift over, bake and place the goods on the dish, cover with Saran Wrap and finish with a bow. Add a handwritten note with the ingredients/directions, say the dish is theirs to keep and you have just demonstrated how they can reuse it in the future. If DIY’s aren’t really your thing, maybe visit a local thrift or antique store to give a gift that’s already been given. Not only is it trendy and “vintage,” the cost of these unique finds will be significantly less than department store prices. For a gal, you could buy a retro scarf, a beaded clutch or even a favorite vinyl. For a guy, you could buy a vintage tie, a plaid button-up or an old wristwatch that has character. But buyer beware – if you are purchasing clothes from a thrift store, make sure you’re positive on the sizing because they tend to have strict return policies. When it comes to Christmas shopping, ultimately being thoughtful is the ticket to finding the perfect gift; and luckily for college students, thoughtfulness doesn’t cost much besides a little time and effort.
REVIEW
‘La La Land’ is brilliant, beautiful and breathtaking
Dale Robinette • Lionsgate/TNS
Ryan Gosling as Sebastian and Emma Stone as Mia in a scene from the movie “La La Land” directed by Damien Chazelle.
By Marina McElwee @MarinaMashelle
MASTERFUL
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in a musical? When I first heard about “La La Land,” I thought it would be ridiculous. But I’m glad I gave it a chance because this beautiful technicolor film swept me off my feet and
took me to my own la la land. “La La Land” is a romantic musical set in modern-day Los Angeles and tells the tale of Mia, played by Stone, and Sebastian, played by Gosling. Mia is an aspiring actress, and Sebastian has dreams of opening up his own jazz club. The pair both experience failure, triumph and success in their respective fields, and this rollercoaster of a career path directly correlates with their relationship. Since I was raised in Los Angeles, the nods to local historic venues were what drew me closer to the story. Mia and Sebastian danced through the Griffith Observatory, took a stroll down Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena and had their first date at the Rialto Theater. These moments were nostalgic and exciting and made the cheesiness of the “musical” aspect seem a little more realistic. One of the things I was most wary of when I went to this movie was the quality of the singing and dancing because I have never heard of Stone or Gosling doing those things. I am so glad they proved me wrong. One of the films shining moments is the tap dance scene in which Mia and Se-
bastian sing together for the first time. Stone and Gosling always play charming characters in their other films, but this scene really captivated that allure and showcased their hidden talents. I was extremely impressed not only by their skill, but also by their wit and chemistry on screen. I walked out of the theater in love with the characters and wanting to watch it all over again. I can’t find a single thing to complain about in this film. The producers’ use of technicolor film created vibrant visuals with colors that pop out at you and pull you in. The storyline is unpredictable and ends by leaving you with two “happily ever afters” – what could have happened when they followed their dreams, and what really happened. “La La Land” is hands down one of the best musicals I’ve seen, and that says a lot coming from a theater and musical junkie like myself. If you love romance, music, dance and city life, this film is definitely for you. “La La Land” will be released in theaters on Dec. 25.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
PAGE 9
Student Spotlights ‘Creativity and art shouldn’t be hindered by rules’ FILMMAKING
By Brooke Rodriguez @TheCollegian
Chad Saecho started making films six years ago as a sophomore in high school when his dad bought him his first camera. “Inception,” the 2010 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was an inspiration. “I was completely in awe as to how a story like that could be visually executed, and I knew then that I wanted to pursue cinema as an art form,” said the 21-year-old from Visalia. Saecho now wants to pursue filmmaking as his lifelong vocation. The Media Communications and Journalism major with an emphasis in multimedia, plans to head to Los Angeles a few months after he graduates. “I’d like to tell any story, really, that has a lot of heart and emotion,” he said. “I don’t really care about genre. I care about story.” Saecho, as a filmmaker, feels it’s important to spread love and expand the world of art. Similar to other art forms, cinema is a form of escapism, which provides people a world to venture to when they want to escape real life, and for Saecho, “That’s incredible to me.” He also feels it’s a unique privilege to be able to create a world in which to immerse people for a short period. “It’s crucial to tell stories that are equally entertaining but also have elements of the human condition,” Saecho said. “If audiences walk away from the cinema not feeling something, then what was the point?” Saecho has several major goals for his filmmaking career. For starters, Saecho said he wants to share his ideas and stories to the world
through the use of narrative fictional films. A job well done for Saecho is generating some type of emotion, even if it’s only for a split second. Saecho said his main goal is “to be a source of inspiration for kids who have dreams of pursuing film.” While at Fresno State, Saecho has worked on several on-campus projects. However, he said his best work is done outside of school. Academics plus the arts doesn’t work well for him, and the guidelines and rules in order to receive a high grade can get murky. “Creativity and art shouldn’t be hindered by rules, so I tend to focus most of my time towards films outside of campus with my own cast and crew,” Saecho said. Hearing about the process of making a film definitely shows the dedication it takes to create one. For him, it’s magical and the most rewarding thing he has experienced. Creating an idea and watching it come to life for other people to see is a thing of beauty, he said. Saecho also said he has learned by studying the work of the best filmmakers. “I have a handful of directors I look up to,” Saecho said. “[Christopher] Nolan is one of my favorites. and his movie ‘Inception’ is what inspired me to do film. I love his cerebral non-linear storytelling. Quentin Tarantino is awesome. I love his dark humor and outlandish use of music and dialogue.” Saecho explained the three essential stages: preproduction, production and postproduction. Preproduction, he said, is where the artist conceives an idea or a story to tell. “Ideas are a dime a dozen, so crafting a narrative that’s different and has unique elements is quite difficult,” he said. Production is the phase where the
Courtesy of Chad Saecho
filmmaker executes the idea and makes it a reality. He said this is where “both the filmmaker and cast and crew are spending many hours on set crafting the story visually.” Postproduction is the phase where all of the footage is edited into a cohesive story. “It’s a lot like putting a huge puzzle together and you have all of these small pieces and you’re trying to paint them together to form the bigger picture,” Saecho said. Saecho is passionate about filmmaking.
Although, he said, it is tough and requires a lot of time and mental work, teamwork is the biggest thing. He emphasized the importance of this, and that if you don’t have a good team,then you don’t have a good film. It’s all about collaboration and telling the story. “Dedicating your life after college to the arts can be a scary thing,” Saecho said, “but I hope one day when I’m 65 years hold, my work as a filmmaker can inspire some kid with a camera to follow their dream.”
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Student uses screen printing as creative outlet By Brooke Rodriguez @TheCollegian
Have you ever wondered how designs get on your T-shirts? Who picks the designs and how they become part of the fabric? Senior printmaking major Zachary Bland, 22, does just that – graphic design and screen printing. Bland participated in yearbook in high school and liked seeing something he made brought to life and enjoyed by others. He got an internship at age 17 designing for Central Valley Business Forms, which made his career choice more apparent for him. Bland has been a professional graphic designer for six years, and higher education made his drive even stronger when he discovered screen printing in 2013. “That was a vehicle to put things that I made into things people could wear,” he said. “Useful, wearable graphics are what I think are helping the world to become more beautiful.” Bland worked on, what he says, was his biggest project yet – printing vinyl decals for city of Los Angeles vehicles. He is now working with Dr. Frank Llamas in the department of student affairs, while also working on a large personal series focusing on his parents’ relationship from when they met, he said. Courtesy of Zachary Bland
The screen print for that project, he said, will “fill a 7-foot-by-12-foot canvas, filled with mix tapes I’ve found at thrift shops and also the ones my parents sent each other as love letters when my dad was in the Marines during Desert Storm.” Bland also has a start up clothing line called FYL (@fyllifestyle) that is doing well and selling internationally. His goal is to continue working in the clothing industry. But for now, he said, it’s “on the back burner for the series I’m working on now.” He compared screen printing to being a chef and having people enjoy a specially prepared meal. The guests appreciate the time and effort put into the final product. “My two main influences are polar opposites, and they are Massimo Vignelli and Keith Haring,” Bland said. “Massimo for bringing Helvetica to the forefront, and Keith was a street artist known for his bright colors.” Both of these artists were from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Vignelli maintained a clean and modern aesthetic, which is how Bland likes the basis of his work to be. Haring’s use of bright colors and shape work influenced Bland’s more fine art brain. Bland is passionate about designing and making things for other people. “I think my passion for graphic design boils down to being able to be creative for a living and seeing people with my work.”
PAGE 10
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
FOOTBALL
Tedford brings in first wave of assistants
Spencer Harris Position: director of player personnel
J.D. Williams Position: defensive backs coach
Jamie Christian Position: running backs coach and special team coordinator
Kirby Moore Position: wide receivers coach
Photos courtesy of Fresno State Athletics
Scott Thompson Position: tight ends coach
Brian Wilkinson Position: director of football operations
“ I am really anxious to get to work, and I cannot wait to get to the players and get the coaching staff in here and start the foundation that we need to be successful. It is a process and a lot of hard work, but I’m fired up for it and can’t wait to get going.” Fresno State Football Head Coach Jeff Tedford on the rebuilding process
By Daniel Gligich @DanielGligich
Fresno State football head coach Jeff Tedford announced the signing of four assistant coaches to his staff. This is Tedford’s first group of hires, coming soon after he let go of the entire coaching staff at the end of November. The four new coaches are Jamie Christian, Kirby Moore, Scott Thompson and J.D. Williams. Christian will coach the running backs
and special teams, after coaching running backs at UNLV the last two seasons. He is a former Bulldog who played fullback from 1991-93, but he transferred to Central Washington where he finished his playing career. Christian is the nephew of famed former collegiate and NFL head coach Dennis Erickson. xa Moore joins Tedford from Washington and will coach the wide receivers. Moore in 2016 was a graduate assistant under his former head coach at Boise State, Chris Petersen. Moore played wide receiver for Boise State from 2009-13 and is the broth-
er of legendary Boise State quarterback and current injured NFL backup Kellen Moore. Thompson is another former Bulldog, having played tight end when Tedford was offensive coordinator. Thompson joins the staff after serving as an offensive assistant at USC, helping out with tight ends and special teams. He will be the tight ends coach. Williams was a defensive back as a Bulldog from 1986-89 and is coming back to coach his former position. He served in the same capacity at UNLV the last two
seasons. Williams was drafted in the first round of the 1990 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills and was a member of the Buffalo teams that played in four straight Super Bowls. This is Williams’ third stint as a Fresno State coach. He was a graduate assistant in 1997 when Tedford was offensive coordinator. He returned to coach the Bulldogs’ secondary from 2000-01. The rest of the staff should be hired soon and will include the important positions of offensive and defensive coordinators.
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
PAGE 11
FORMER ’DOGS
Bulldog born, Bulldog bred: 'Dogs to Pros By David Chavez
Tyler Johnson (Shooting Guard, Miami Heat) (Fresno State 2010-2014)
@d23chavez
Derek Carr (Quarterback, Oakland Raiders) (Fresno State 20092013) 3,375 yards 24 touchdowns 100.3 QB rating 12.4 points per game 3.2 assists per game 4.8 rebounds per game
Dan Honda • Bay Area News Group/TNS
Davante Adams (Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers) (Fresno State 2011-2013)
793 yards 8 touchdowns 59 receptions
Johnson has become one of the most intriguing players in the NBA. As an undrafted player, Johnson had to prove night in and night out to the league that he was ready for the next level. After some time in the D-League (NBA Developmental League), he was called up by the Heat and has not looked back. With the departure of Dwyane Wade from Miami to Chicago and the uncertainty of Chris Bosh’s playing future, Johnson is being looked upon to perform at a high level every night.
Paul George (Small Forward, Indiana Pacers) (Fresno State 20082010)
The NFL is starting to take notice of the former Bulldogs receiver. Adams has become one of Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers’ most reliable targets. Going into Week 12, Green Bay was 4-6. Adams had five receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Packers defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-13 to snap a four-game 20.4 points per game losing streak. 3.6 assists per game 7 rebounds per game George is one of the top players in the NBA and a team leader. The Pacers will look to him if Courtesy of Indiana Pacers • NBA Photos they hope to make some noise this season. Injuries have hurt George in the early portion of this season, but his presence is surely felt when he suits up.
Pedro Portal • El Nuevo Herald/TNS
Ryan Mathews (Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles) (Fresno State 2007-2010) 427 yards 7 Touchdowns 102 Carries Despite battling injuries over the course of his career, Mathews has remained a steady No. 1 option when healthy. Mathews has spent time with the San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles and has amassed 5,027 yards on 1,131 carries with 36 touchdowns.
Richard Rodriguez • Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS
Mark Hoffman • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/TNS
The Oakland Raiders are 10-2 and one of the top teams in the NFL. They are currently in first place in the AFC West and also have the best record in AFC Conference. Carr is one of the main reasons for Oakland’s success as he has showcased why he is in consideration for MVP honors. Carr is the first player in NFL history with five game-winning touchdown passes in the 4th quarter or overtime in a season.
SPORTS
12
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016
MARTIAL ARTS
By Jenna Wilson @fsjennawilson
Miranda Imamura’s grandfather, Haruo Imamura, started the Fresno State Judo Club in 1985 along with the Fresno Judo Club. Nearly 30 years later, junior pre-nursing major Miranda revived the campus judo club as its lone competitor and will be representing Fresno State and the United States at the 2017 World University Games in Taipei, Taiwan. Haruo is one of the highest-ranked blackbelts in the country and a well-respected judo competitor in Japan and the U.S. He came to Fresno from Japan, while on tour, when the Japan all-star
collegiate team made a stop in Fresno. He has been teaching at Fresno State in the kinesiology department since 1980. The club consisted of 20 members when Haruo started it. As the coach of the Fresno State Judo Club, Haruo took the men’s team to two Collegiate National Championships, one in 1985 and one in 1988, teams that Miranda’s father and uncles – all blackbelts in the sport – competed on. He also led the women’s team to a co-championship with San Jose State in 1989. After Miranda’s father and uncles graduated from Fresno State, the Fresno State Judo Club faded away until Miranda, herself, became a student at the university. “You could say I was basically born
into the sport,” Miranda said. Miranda began doing judo when she was 4 years old. Of Haruo’s eight grandchildren, Miranda is the only one who has continued in the sport. Miranda started the club so she could compete at the National Collegiate Judo Championships, It wasn’t until recently that she and another Fresno State Judo Club member, Chance Bruce, began to branch out and recruit more members. Miranda and her coaches, Randy Imamura and Richard Imamura, her father and uncle, respectively, wanted to grow the club and expand the sport of judo on campus. “We believe judo is an amazing sport, and we want to share that with as many people as possible,” she said. “Our club is
kind of small now, but we welcome anyone and everyone. We want our club to continue growing.” Even though Miranda started out as the Fresno State Judo Club’s only member, she never felt alone because of the support she had from her family, fellow judo competitors and coaches of the Fresno State Judo Club. “There were times where I was the only one who would show up to practice, but that never stopped my grandpa, father and uncles from making me practice,” Miranda said. Miranda is no stranger to championships, herself. In 2014 at Texas A&M, Miranda took second at the National Collegiate Judo Championship after losing in the finals by a penalty. In 2015 at her sec-
Jovany Gonzalez • Fresno State Judo Club
The Imamura legacy lives on ond NCJC, Miranda took third overall. Disappointed in her placing, Miranda knew that at the 2016 championship, she would need to be faster, stronger, lighter and healthier. Miranda trained for two hours a day, five days a week on her judo. She also followed a strength training regimen. “In order to win, you need to be committed to judo,” Miranda said. “You have to push yourself to the absolute breaking point and then keep going.” After cutting down from 138 pounds to 125, Miranda competed at the NCJC held at San Jose State University. After a tough match against a competitor from San Francisco City College who ended up
Ways to score in Judo
getting disqualified, Miranda moved on to the semifinals to face a member of the San Jose State club, a very tough competitor. The match lasted nearly the entire four minutes. Due to superior conditioning, Miranda was able to beat her opponent in the final minute to move on to the finals. Prepared and determined to win the final match to be deemed the champion of the tournament, Miranda knew losing was not an option. The match ended in 13 seconds as Miranda threw her opponent an “Ippon.” To get an Ippon, one must either throw their opponent on their back with power and
“Ippon”
An automatic win. To get an Ippon one must either throw their opponent on their back with power and impact, hold a pin for 20 seconds or submit their opponent in a choke or armbar until they tap.
impact, hold a pin for 20 seconds or submit their opponent in a choke or armbar until they tap. “I was so relieved and happy. After two years, I finally won a National Collegiate title,” Miranda said. “It was easily the highlight of my judo career, so far.” Winning the senior division at the NCJC earned Miranda a spot on the World University Team to represent the U.S. in Taiwan. “I am so excited to represent the USA in judo, and I am also excited to meet students from all around the world,” she said. As a female in a male-dominated sport, Miranda feels honored to be not
“Yuko”
To get a Yuko one might throw their opponent on their side or they hold a pin for 10-14 seconds.
only a judo champion, but a positive role model for young girls to look up to. “It feels amazing to be a female champion. A few months ago, I had a mom come up to me and tell me her daughter idolizes me,” Miranda said. “That was probably the best thing I have ever heard.” One of the greatest things about judo to Miranda is that it does not matter if you’re male or female or big or small. Anybody can do it with proper technique and practice. “Judo runs in my blood,” she said. “I want to continue my judo career for the rest of my life, whether it’s competing, coaching or teaching.”
“Wazaris”
Get two of those and you win. Wazaris are half a point. To get a wazari, one throws their opponent, but it is not as powerful as an “Ippon”, or maybe their opponent isn’t completely on their back or hold a pin for 15-19 seconds