Nov 7, 2016 (48.2)

C

The

Volume 48 Issue 2 Nov. 7 - Nov. 16

ommunicator Spokane Falls Community College

VOTING LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!

PERSPECTIVE: PAGE 5 & 6 NEWS PG. 3

FEATURES PG.7

CULTURE SIDELINES PG. 9

PG. 11

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Contents

The Communicator 11.03.2016

When was the last time you voted? Why did you or why didn’t you vote?

Editor: Blake Herrod sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com

The

Campus shooting ...............pg.3

Editor-in-Chief: Sam Jackson

Blue light ...............pg.4

Managing Editor: Blake Herrod News:

Stefanie O “I voted this week. The country is fucked up as it is that’s why I voted.”

Section editor:

Third party candidates ...............pg.5

Dane Leyde

Reporters:

Averie Skeels Rhyan Graham

Electoral college ...............pg.6

Features:

Sarah B

Section editor:

Venacia Williams

“I have never voted before.

This is my first year I can.”

Sydney W “I voted a few days ago. It’s important to vote.”

Jesus C “I voted in 2012. I felt Obama was making a lot of progress, and I wanted to give him a chance to make a difference.”

Interviews by Blake Herrod. Photos taken by Collin Maesteller.

11/01/16, Spokane Falls Community College.

C ommunicator Staff

Reporters:

Thanksgiving flavors ...............pg.7

Britt Pierro Katelynn McPherson

Culture:

Free resources ...............pg.8

Section editor:

Jedi church ...............pg.9

Josh McManus Bryce Bryant Dyanna Diltz Melanie Brooks

Devyn Seier

Reporters:

Teacher spotlight Art gallery ...............pg.10

Sidelines:

Section editor:

Chloe Zimmerman

Reporters:

Demi Burger Skiing ...............pg.11 Volleyball ...............pg12

Perspectives:

Section editor:

Chandler Pedersen

Photo Editor: Collin Maesteller Photographers:

Ben Holman Robert Bremner

Adviser: Jason Nix

Staff members can be reached via email in the following format: sfcc.firstname. lastname@gmail.com for any questions, comments and corrections found in the paper.

Venacia Williams Photographer | The Communicator

Cupcakes sold at The Petit Chat Bakery for the Thanksgiving season.

www.communicatoronline.org

The Communicator is a student-run newspaper that hopes to maintain a forum in which students are able to voice diverse opinions on campus-related issues.

The Communicator also aims to inform students about important events concerning CCS, including sports and other fun activities that make their college days memorable.

Editor: Dane Leyde sfcc.dane.leyde@gmail.com

News

Charles Werneth the III shows what he would do in case of shooter on campus. shooter. EspeSFCC’s campus cially when you security have limited can not always rely means for helping on local police to during an attack. quickly arrive to the “We are not scene. accredited officers According to we do not carry former law enforcer firearms, so we SFCC security is providing a free Roger Manson, “The don’t have specialsafety workshop to students and FBI has concluded ized training,” said facualty that many active Jovanna Dunbar, shooter incidents “We are a security Averie Skeels lasts less than seven department, not a minutes.” law enforcement sfcc.averie.skeels@gmail.com With 27 years department. But we The likelihood concluded that of experience in Los are better equipped of an active shootthe 190 incidents Angeles County, than a mall. Anyone ing occurring on at 142 colleges had Manson knows that wearing a black campus is very low, at least one person no matter how fast shirt all go through however it doesn’t intentionally shot on the police can rush, a reserved academy, hurt to know how to campus from 2001- they may not be which is 360 hours respond in a crisis.

2016,” according to fast enough to stop of academy trainAccording to Ashley Cannon. a shooter before ing.”

Cannon, author of With the indamage has already The “Run. Hide. the article Aiming at crease of gun viobeen done.

Fight.” video proStudents, shooting lence at schools all “Saying your duced by SFCC’s occurrences on or over the nation, it security officers campus security around campuses is only natural for should just respond describes approacross the nation the school board and evaluate is priate preventative have gone from 12 to become agitated based on the faulty actions in further incidents during enough to utilize notion they will detail. It should be 2010-2011 to nearly their security seralways have enough available on the 30 during 2015vices to teach their time and situational SCC homepage 2016. students and faculty control to call for before next quarter.

“The Crime members how to help,” according to There will also be Commission also react to an active Manson. posts throughout

Campus shooting prep.

www.communicatoronline.org

The Communicator 11.03.2016

Collin Maesteller

campus about information on active shooter seminars where a representative from security will go through the video and hold “Q and A” sessions. All students and faculty members are urged to attend.

“People probably assume you’re going to hear gunshots and know what’s going on”, said Dunbar, “You can take an airsoft gun in a three story building and not hear it. If you see a whole group of students running don’t be the last one. If you’re not able to run the next best thing to do is hide.

Barricade yourself, hide under a table, if you’re with other people spread out. If it ever came down to having to fight with somebody, everything goes. If you need to

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| The Communicator

scratch out eyeballs, if you need to rip ears off. The goal is for you to go home to your family at night and not to be the victim to someone with the intention to hurt people.

Don’t be afraid to damage property.

Everyone definitely needs to have an idea of what the would do for when the situation presents itself.”

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The Communicator 11.03.2016

Code blue lights The blue lights are up for an update Averie Skeels

sfcc.averie.skeels@gmail.com

SFCC’s four blue emergency beacons are due for a much needed update since their installment in 2008. Their towering lights have aided in connecting students with on campus security for reasons ranging from reporting vehicle prowlers to asking for help after locking themselves out of their car.

According to the Code Blue homepage, the blue light has been around for over 25 years, with installing up to 200 help points on every campus that they serve.

Although this system has helped with campus security in the past, the calls coming from the blue lights have declined with the increasing ease of simply using your cell phone to contact campus security.

Haley Mickey, the program coordinator for Central Security Dispatch, noticed this

News

Editor: Dane Leyde & Chandler Pedersen sfcc.dane.leyde@gmail.com , sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

trend of decreasing calls coming from the emergency towers.

“The blue light phones do seem old school with how many people have a cell phone these days,” said Mickey. “I definitely feild more phone calls from people on their cell phones than I typically do with any of the blue light phone.”

“It’s the ease of access, where I have a phone in my pocket and know if anything goes wrong or something happens I can call security at the push of a couple buttons right on the spot.”

Other schools across the country have looked into the relevance of the blue lights on their own campus, and concluded that their students barely notice the blue light towers when they have emergency apps downloaded on their phone.

In a recent article written by The Daily Campus, Anna Pancak regards campuses switching from depending on the blue lights as a means for student to security communication to introducing emergency apps made by their faculty.

“Many universities are introducing

Ben Holman Photographer | The Communicator Blue Emergency Beacons are placed all around SFCC.

phone apps as a modern approach to campus security, including University of Florida’s Gatorsafe app,” said Pancak. “Others are contracting with already established apps, such as Rave Guardian, which works with Brown University and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.”

SFCC does have RAVE alerts and other notification apps, however they do not provide the two way services students need to communicate with their security officers.

Gym Renovations are on the way The SFCC student government voted to renovate the outdated gym Christian Kincade sfcc.christian.kincaid@gmail.com Changes to the current gym might be peaking just around the corner. Back in March of 2015, the SFCC ASG voted to approve a gym renovation costing $14.5$19.5 million, at the price of $6.50 -$8.50 per credit students are the ones taking the blow.

“The state of Washington does not allow legislatively appropriated funds to be used for things like rebuilding athletic facilities or gymnasiums,”said Gullickson. “The reason they don’t, in part, is that many of the universities have strong alumni connections, and that allows them to fundraise and build these facilities without any [state] funds, but we don’t have huge athletic programs. We have very good athletic pro-

grams, but we don’t have a huge one.”

During the developmental phases 1,000 students were surveyed what they would like to see in a new facility. surprisingly the number one most requested addition was more access to the health and fitness facility A hot debate about whether the gym needs a full or partial remodel is still being discussed. However the two possible phases of construction to be done to the gymnasium. Phase one would bring all safety codes up to date, while the optional phase two would reconstruct the whole gym as well as adding a juice bar & climbing wall.

Phase one would cost approximately $14.5 million and phase two would cost an additional $19.5 million. If both of these phases were completed, there would be plenty of extra space giving the opportunity for more classes.

“I just get kind of choked up about it when I talk about this,” said Janet Gullickson, President of Administration. “Last year we had a coach in a wheelchair who had to www.communicatoronline.org

Jeff Gregory Photographer | The Communicator The renovations to the gym have caught student’s eyes.

be carried down by his team to coach from the floor of the gymnasium.”

“The students feel that they don’t want that to happen again. They liked to use wellness as a legacy, the idea that we come out healthier than when we come in. I am just very impressed with our students.”

Improvements to accessibility for everyone is definitely a must. And the potential addition of a climbing wall and juice bar will give the new gym a more modern feel.

Perspective

Editor: Chandler Pedersen sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

The Communicator 11.03.2016

Getting to know our third party candidates Many people feel conflicted about the choice of candidates in the upcoming election.

Brittanyana Pierro sfcc.britt.pierro@gmail.com News coverage predominantly goes to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

However, when filling in the bubble on the ballot this year, we will be seeing the names of a few other candidates. On the Washington ballet, alongside Hillary Clinton with the democrats and Donald Trump with the Republicans, there will be: Gary Johnson, of the Libertarian party and Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party, along with a variety of other independent party nominees.

Of the many independent parties on the ballot, the two front runners are Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. Though not often seen, both parties are very active and involved in the community in Spokane.

Dr. Jill Stein is originally from Massachusetts. She has political background in local office and has run for Massachusetts State Governor twice, against Mitt Romney.

Backed by the green party, Stein held her first presidential campaign in 2008 and has been running in each presidential election since.

Stein and her VP Ajamu Baraka, a well known civil rights activist, are taking the election with a voice that is catered to the people; the focal point of their campaign being environmental protection and

human rights.

Most recently, Stein has been a voice in the fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Taking part in protests with the citizens, listening to their concerns, and speaking publicly against the pipeline’s installation.

“Jill Stein and the green party... they stand for those things (the environment and the public) ... in a way that no other political party does,” said Autumn Schmidt, a local representative of the Green Party.

“For me, those are the two things that really set her apart from any other candidate.”

Stein is also the only presidential candidate to support bill I-735. “ Initiative 735 was designed to encourage... a federal constitutional amendment reserving constitutional rights for people and not corporations,” according to ballotopedia.org, an encyclopedia of American politics.

Essentially, the bill will stop private multimillion dollar companies from funding political campaigns.

The Libertarian philosophy is, minimum government, maximum freedom.

“Laws should be sensible to the environment which it applies,” said Randy McGlenn, a member of Spokane’s Libertari-

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Stricter gun cotrol

Same sex marriage

Legal abortion

Death penalty

Clinton

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

Johnson

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

Stein

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

Trump

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

Graph designed by Brittanyana Pierro

an party and nominee for State Representative.

In an ideal libertarian government, laws would be very basic at the federal level, more in depth at the state level, and very specific at the local level.

The Libertarian party of Spokane has rallied for many local industries, including the food truck industry when it was facing harsh revision in 2014.

The presidential candidate for the Libertarian party in the upcoming election will be Gary Johnson, and his Vice President Bill Weld. Johnson has political background as governor of New Mexico.

Gary Johnson’s frontrunning focus on this election is foreign policy. He will be restoring relationships with foreign countries and removing U.S. involvement in other countries’ affairs.

www.communicatoronline.org

Raise Mandated minumim vaccines wage

| The Communicator

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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The Communicator 11.03.2016

Perspective

Editor: Chandler Pedersen sfcc.chandler.pedersen@gmail.com

Electoral college: when voting is unfair

The number of electoral votes each state should get

Wyoming

Vermont

District of Columbia

Alaska

North Dakota

Our current voting system, the electoral college, was designed by our founding fathers in a much different time period.

“When it was created in 1787 the men who wrote the constitution did not trust voters very much,” said Blaine Garvin, a political science professor at Gonzaga. “They wanted an indirect election for the President so they allowed for the states to chose electors that actually vote, so today, there are really only 538 people in the country who vote directly for president, the rest of us vote for those electors whether we know that or not.”

The voting system was implemented when the government needed an efficient way to transfer and count votes, so they decided a group of electors would meet and decide who the next president should be. Due to the lack of media we had back then, implementing a popular vote would be ludicrous because no candidate would be well known enough to receive the majority of the vote.

“If they had the technology we have now they probably would not have made that system,” said Dylan Stiegemeier, a political science teacher at SFCC, “I don’t think it’s very democratic, it does provide some benefits, but I mean if you’re looking overall it reduces democracy and representation in an election. I mean the fact that you can win a popular vote and lose an election, that doesn’t seem like the most democratic system to me.”

According to Larry J. Sabata in his book A B etter Constitution, when the electoral college was implemented, its purpose

Delaware

sfcc.katelynn.mcpherson@gmail.com

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 South Dakota

Katelynn McPherson

Number of Electoral Votes in Each State

California Texas New York Florida Illinois Pennsylvania Ohio Georgia Michigan North Carolina New Hampshire Rhode Island Montana

Many young people are often encouraged to get out to the booth and vote, but does your vote really matter as much as you think it does?

The number of electoral votes each state gets

Graph designed by Katelynn McPherson

| The Communicator

was not even to decide the president, but vote and you will get all of those electors.” simply present possible candidates. Whichever If you divide the total population by candidate receives the majority of the electoral the number of electoral votes, it shows a major votes wins the presidency, but if no candidate flaw in this system. As shown in the graph, receives the majority, then the decision falls there is a great inequality in how much each upon the House of Representatives, which is vote is worth. One vote in Wyoming is worth what was predicted to happen the majority 4 votes in California. of the time. 538 electoral votes are divided

“I think since its original founding it among all states and the number of represenwas set up because we wanted everybody to tatives each state has in congress determines get an equal shot,” said Thew, “but things have the number of votes each state is allowed to changed.” cast.

“Three electoral votes are required for every state,” said Dan Thew, a civics teacher at Lewis and Clark High School, “That means that some of the bigger states with bigger populations are getting robbed of what should rightfully be more electoral votes while smaller states are actually receiving more than they should of their representation. It also opens up for people to say well that forces politicians to go to those states and solicit votes but that’s Collin Masteller Photographer | The Communicator not true. They really just focus on the swing states because they only have to win by one www.communicatoronline.org

Editor: Venacia Williams sfcc.venacia.williams@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Desserts

Features

The Communicator 11.03.2016

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Venacia Williams

sfcc.venacia.williams@gmail.com Fall is in the air and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Going to a Thanksgiving dinner means it is likely the dinner will need a little something extra.

Bringing a sweet dessert will make a great finish to the feast of the month.

Making a dessert is as great as grabbing a fall specialty from your local bakery. Students on a low budget need cost effective desserts they can make and buy that can be enjoyed by family and friends.

The Petit Chat Bakery is big on fall specialties for Thanksgiving. The Baking Manager, Lycia Clark is always trying new things that could add a spotlight to any table such as her Peanut Butter Oreo Crust Pie. The Petit Chat Bakery makes quality quick-breads in a range of flavors that make a great gift for the host. The real deal that always sells out the fastest around fall is the bakery’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake for only $3.50 a slice.

“For fall we like to focus on those feel good, remind you of your childhood, comfort foods,” said Lycia Clark. “It’s that time of year where you allow yourself to go over the top so you get to try so many things that can make people happy.”

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie are great classics to any Thanksgiving Dinner, but why not bring donuts? Donut Bakery, Casual Friday makes fall flavored donuts like Pumpkin Spice starting in September. Donuts are priced individually so for a dozen you can pay anywhere between 13 and 25 dollars.

This fall they have added two new additions, a Caramel Apple Donut and a Candy Apple Donut. “The Caramel Apple and Candy Apple Donuts sell out really fast during fall,” said Tatianna Hill, an employee at Casual Friday. “Customers really enjoy them.”

“Pumpkin Pie is the best part about Thanksgiving,” said Jeannie Merdanian,

Venacia Williams Photographer | The Communicator

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake from The Petit Chat Bakery an employee at Celebrations Sweet Boutique.“I know family is the most important during Thanksgiving but you can’t forget about the Pumpkin Pie.” As the weather starts to get colder, Celebrations Sweet Boutique has a large range of fall flavors in their cupcake line.

Apple Pie, Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Maple Bacon are just a few of the flavors that can be experienced at the dessert table. You can see their complete list of flavors on their website.

The traditional Thanksgiving is always a great pace to start but adding a little culture to your dessert can make a meal, without cutting deep into your budget.

Joe White, a truck driver from Louisiana makes a classic Sweet Potato Pie every year for Thanksgiving, and it’s a hit all around.

“I like to make good food for the soul, something people will remember,” said Joe White. “I don’t mind sharing a recipe that I know will make happiness and memories.”

Have your cake, and eat it too, in a mug! Mug cake is a simple treat that can be made in the microwave with very few ingredients. Janice Kennedy, mother of two makes a Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake, that her family is in love with.

“My family asks me to make it for them all the time,” said Janice. “I’ve decided on making it every Friday during October and November since it’s such a hit!” www.communicatoronline.org

Sweet Potato Pie by Joe White

4 ounces butter, softened 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups granulated sugar 1 small, 5 oz can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs, beaten 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 prepared pie shells, unbaked Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter, potatoes, sugar, and evaporated milk until well blended. Add vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon; mix well. Pour into the prepared pie shells. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, until set. Makes two pies.

Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

by Janice Kennedy

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar 2 tablespoons fat-free milk 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Grease a microwave-safe 8 oz mug with cooking spray or butter. Add all ingredients into mug and mix until smooth.

Cook in the microwave for 1 minute, 10 seconds. Times will vary depending on your microwave. Makes one mug cake.

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The Communicator 11.03.2016

Features

Editor: Venacia Williams sfcc.venacia.williams@gmail.com

Benjamin Holman Photographer | The Communicator

Food resources at the Food Bank are available at SFCC to stduents up to three times per quarter.

Free resources for students SFCC students with a Student ID card have free resources available to them.

Venacia Williams sfcc.venacia.williams@gmail.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Students can sign up for Amazon Prime using their .edu email and receive six free months of Amazon Prime. After the six months students only have to pay 50% of the cost of an original Prime account.

Everyone likes free items! Students at SFCC have an advantage when it comes to their learning and can obtain free resources all over campus.

On a college student budget, money can be tight and students don’t have the tools they need for their school and home life. Luckily Spokane Community Colleges have many free resources available to students with a student ID card.

One resource students have at SFCC is the Food Bank, which is available to students up to three times per quarter and the amount of food you get depends on how many people you are getting food for.

“The main goal of the Food Bank is to

provide SFCC students with important resources,” said Jenna Rivera, Director of the SFCC Food Bank.

“We provide students with the opportunity to come and get some food, just like any other Food Bank, but it’s for students.”

Stuck on a math question? Need help with a science lab?

Students can get free peer tutoring sessions both online and on campus. No appointment is required and they cover a range of topics from homework questions to time management.

E-Tutoring is available to students at any time. Students can choose between waiting for a response or a Live E-Chat.

“I’ve used the E-Tutoring program for study questions

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in Chemistry and it really helped,” said Ellen Macklin, a student at SFCC. “I’m glad that we have those resources at our fingertips.”

Spokane Community College has a Health Clinic. The Health Clinic is not only available to SCC students, it’s also available to SFCC students, who are enrolled and have a student ID card. The Health Clinic is free of charge for nurse consultations and flu shots but students do have to pay for vaccines.

The nurse practitioners at the Health Clinic are able to give check-ups and if you’re sick they can prescribe medication for students to pick up at a pharmacy.

“We’re here for the students,” said

Kathy Lomonaco, a receptionist at the SCC Health Clinic.

“You can just dropin. If you’re sick or you need a prescription, we can help.”

The library at SFCC has a program which allows students to check out electronics. Laptops, Flip-Cameras and GoPro Heroes are available for a 24hour checkout. If a camera is needed, students can check them out from the Photography Building.

“These resources really do help support student’s academic success,” said Beth Hachey, Circulation Desk representative at SFCC. “It’s so important that we help our students succeed and that’s why these resources are here.”

Culture

The Communicator 11.03.2016

Spokane

Editor: Devyn Marie sSeier Sfcc.devynmarie.seier@gmail.com

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Jedi Alliance Katelynn McPherson

sfcc.Katelynn.McPherson@gmail.com

B Jedi Church Located in Downtown Spokane Welcomes New Members

e excellent to each other, being a better person will make the world better, is the motto of the Jedi Alliance, a fairly new church in the Spokane area.

This church was founded July 21, 2015 and truly is one of a kind. They are affiliated with the religion Jediism, a nontheistic religious movement mainly based on the depiction of the Jedi in Star Wars media, and allow people of all ages to come and explore their facility.

This church includes an arcade with over 70 pinball and arcade games, a gift shop, snackbar, an HD movie projector, and a large toy exhibit. The church is owned by brothers Tim and Tyler Arnold who have been collectors since they were teenagers and have wanted to own a collectibles shop since they were kids.

“January 2015 I had a celebrity-owned guitar and I sold it and got enough money for a down payment,” said Tyler. “I found the Jedi Alliance building, {which used to be the Free Methodist church} the zoning had been changed where it could only be a house or a

church, so with that the church happened, accidentally I guess really.”

Tyler had to be ordained as a Minister and an official Jedi Knight in order to run the church and even though they are a church, they do not receive any special treatment.

The brothers have been collectors since they were teenagers, and now are able to put all of their merchandise to use. The church is only open one day a week because they both have other full time jobs.

“This is a hobby not really a business,” said Tyler, “With the games all turned on for the first time you know when people walk into the room it’s always pretty exciting, sharing it with people for the first time is the best part.”

Jediism is a religion which became popular in 2001, when a large number of people wrote it in as their religion on a national census survey. Many think it started as a joke, but it has grown into a legitimate organization called the Temple of Jedi Order. ”Like many people who come to the temple, I was looking

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for a place that would align with some of my beliefs,” said Rosalyn Johnson, a member of the Temple “I think the biggest thing that made me want to become an active member was the Temple’s emphasis on learning and exploring New Perspectives and new points of view.”

Although the religion was founded around an appreciation for the Star Wars movies, for many people it is more about learning to live their lives like Jedi’s do in the film.

“I saw other ideas available, some even I had never seen or even thought about,” said Carlos Martinez, an active member of the church in Illinois said, “I took time and found my own balance on things. Here I am a Jedi Knight and minister three years later.”

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Culture

The Communicator 11.03.2016

Instructor takes on the world Britt Pierro

sfcc.britt.pierro@gmail.com Some choose to travel the world as a tourist, but others like Ellen Fujioka choose to travel the world and teach.

Graduating from the University of California Irvine in 1995 with a BA in comparative literature, Fujioka decided to try something new, and moved to Dublin, Ireland on a work visa.

In Dublin, Fujioka worked as a secretary by day and studied to get her teaching credential at night.

“While I was there in Dublin, I met an English teacher,” said Fujioka. “He hadn’t been home in 13 years. Every few years he just went

to a different country [to teach]. And I thought ‘what a good idea’.”

After eight months in Dublin, Fujioka got her TEFL certificate. The TEFL certificate is the credential that gave Fujioka the ability to teach english as a foreign language, and to travel the globe doing so.

Her first stop after Ireland was Japan. Being of partial Japanese descent, Fujioka thought of this venture as a way to connect to her roots, and experience a new culture.

After spending two years in Japan teaching English, Fujioka moved to a series of places around the map

including Germany, Ecuador, and Paris where she stayed for five years and learned the French language.

Fujioka moved to Spokane about 7 months ago, and is teaching her first quarter of French this fall. “We’re happy to have Ellen here with us, and we’re excited to move forward,” said Jennifer Matsuda, one of Fujioka’s co-workers in the the language department at SFCC. Matsuda has been teaching at SFCC for about two years now. She believes traveling expands the mind, and values having a co-worker who’s experienced so many ways of life.

Britt Pierro

Ellen Fujioka educating her French 121 class.

Many of Fujioka’s students appreciate the worldliness she has to offer.

“She has a lot of different viewpoints, and I think she’s completely absorbed the culture of France...so she is better able to prepare us to go to [French speaking] countries.” said Jill Addington, a student in Fujioka’s French 121 class.

Of all the places she’s been to in the last decade, Fujioka says Spokane is one of her favorites. She enjoys the duality of city and small town, as well as the close proximity to nature.

Washington is also close to her native state of California, so she can more easily visit family and friends.

Though the length of her stay is indefinite, Fujioka values being in her home country, and hopes to stay awhile.

| The Communicator

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Editor: Devyn Seier sfcc.devyn.seier@gmail.com

Robert Bremer Photographer | The Communicator

DRUM art collection by Ric Gendron.

DRUM speaks dimensions Bryce Bryant

sfcc.bryce.bryant@gmail.com

Spokane Native, Ric Gendron, is displaying his art collection DRUM in SFCC’s gallery throughout Nov. Gendron is an artist whose specialty consists of monoprint art. Monoprinting is a style of painting that has images and lines that can only be used once.

“I did an art and residents at Eastern,” said Ric Gendron he stayed at Eastern to do some of his art, including some of the monoprints that had been shown.

His distress for the political system was the muse for a lot of his art.

“I like to keep up with politics, and what the hell is going on in with this world,” said Gendron.

“With monoprints, the act of creating it is more more important than the product.”

During Gendron’s artist talk, students were able to analyze and appreciate his work.

“I really liked little bear, I’m not really sure, I like how soft it is l and how the whole piece is black,” said Brayden Rasb, student.

He was invited to SFCC because he is a local member of the community and his work speak dimensions. He’s become renowned, his art has been shown across America and has spoken to others.

“He is a Native American, and he actually grew up in Spokane,” said Tom O’Day, instructor. “He’s done expeditions all across the country.”

Go see DRUM in the art gallery located in the Fine Arts building.

Sidelines

Editor: Chloe Zimmerman sfcc.chloe.zimmerman@gmail.com

La Nina winter forecast means ample snow for Spokane skiing Chloe Zimmerman sfcc.chloe.zimmerman@gmail.com Spokane is home to a surplus of possibility for outdoor adventure. With snow season quickly approaching, now is the time to decide whether or not to purchase a season pass or ski or snowboard gear.

Knowing what weather to expect this winter gives insight into whether the snow conditions on local mountains and ski or snowboard resorts will be quality enough to expect a full season of recreational activities.

Over five recreational ski and snowboard parks within two hours of Spokane will be open for business as soon as the first snow falls. According to information given on Onthesnow. com, a website that provides statistical accounts of measured snowfall, snow reports, weather, and webcams most ski resorts in Washington, most local resorts will open for the season between mid November and

early December.

“We typically open around Thanksgiving, but an earlier opening is possible if the weather cooperates,” according to Ski49.com, the website for 49 Degrees North, a ski or snowboard park that is less than a 90-minute drive from downtown Spokane.

If the weather cooperates, the Pacific Northwest will undergo predicted snow conditions native to what is known as a La Nina year.

“Count on snow this winter,” said Tom Sherry, an SFCC graduate and broadcast Meteorologist at KREM 2 News in Spokane.

“The average snowfall is 44 to 45 inches of snow (seasonally), and last year we only had 17 inches. My gut feeling is that after five years of below average snowfall, we are due for an above average or an average

Recreational Ski and Snowboard parks within two hours of Spokane:

The Communicator 11.03.2016

snowfall.”

An above average snowfall would be due to below average sea level temperatures, and therefore categorized as a La Nina winter. This accounts for warmer than average weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest, and wetter than average conditions in the Southwest.

“The sea surface temperatures heavily influence global weather patterns,” said Sherry.

“Two months ago, we had El Nino patterns . Since then, we

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have seen cooling patterns. The indications are that we have a weak La Nina forming.”

Regardless of whether this La Nina is mild or not, the Inland Northwest is expected to receive a harsher winter than the last 4 years.

For people who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, even a mild La Nina could mean the difference between getting your money’s worth out of a season pass, and spending the season praying for snow in the moun-

Collin Maesteller

| The Communicator

Stephanie Wilson, SFCC student, tries on winter weather gear and skis.

tains.

While skiing and snowboarding are among the most expensive sports, certain rental package deals may even appeal to college students who are pinching their pennies.

“If there are college students who can’t afford to buy new gear, we actually lease equipment,” said Rachel Harding, co-owner of Alpine Haus, a ski and snowboarding outfitter on Spokane’s South Hill. “We do a daily rental and a season lease, which ends up being the most affordable. Its $229 for the entire year. That includes skis, boots, and poles.”

Alpine Haus will also be selling ski tickets for a lower

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price than offered at the ski resort.

“We will also be selling Schwitzer tickets,” said Harding. “If you buy them at our store, they are $10 less expensive than if you buy them on the hill.”

Look forward to plenty of snow, and therefore opportunity for shredding the slopes.

“The mountains will definitely get snow,” said Sherry.

“Most of the National Weather Service is taking a nuanced approach to the idea of a La Nina.

We don’t know exactly what that will mean. But I do know that there should be ample snow in the mountains which is great for skiing and recreating.”

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Sidelines

The Communicator 11.03.2016

Editor: Chloe Zimmerman sfcc.chloe.zimmerman@gmail.com

Sisterhood of SFCC volleyball players Demitra Burger The Communicator

To many SFCC’s volleyball team players, volleyball is more than just a game: it’s a lifestyle.

According to Jessica Schmautz, one of two team captains, volleyball creates unbreakable bonds between teammates.

“The girls become your

“Even though the team begins to struggle toward the middle and end of the game, I always keep my team goal in mind...” said Bianca Sanchez, team player.

“Play for each other, always do better than the other Collin Masteller team, and stay disciplined.” | The Communicator When the team does lose Baylee Gordner, player number 11, jumps up from standing position to spike ball as it flies towards her side of the net.

“Strive for progress, not perfection.”

-Jessica Schmautz sisters,” said Schmautz.

They celebrate their wins, they motivate each other before and after games, and they practice together.

a game however, the SFCC’s volleyball players don’t let that stop them from playing hard at their next game.

“There’s nothing we can

do now but do our best at the next game,” said Santana Jose, team player.

“Strive for progress, not perfection,” said Schmautz.

Granted, a loss for the SFCC’s volleyball team rarely happens, and wins are especially celebrated. Screaming, shouting, and buying new

gear are common ways the SFCC women’s volleyball players congratulate their efforts.

These three women are part of what makes the SFCC’s volleyball team. They will always be a team, on and off the court.

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