Former CRC athlete in Hall of Fame See Page 6
Construction of parking garage continues See Page 8
Volume 58,Issue Issue Volume 59, 2 1
College students ready to march against budget cuts
www.thecrcconnection.com
Black History Month event honors students
Students reveal their flaws See Page 4
March 1, 2012
Former CRC president passes away
Students to meet up at Capitol in effort to improve college accessibility and affordability By Zachary Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com California community colleges and universities are coming together on March 5 for the March in March for Higher Education event to protest against public school budget cuts, according to the event’s website. The protest is a student-driven mass event held annually for the last three years. This year’s march will begin at Southside Park at 10 a.m. and end on the steps of the Capitol, where a rally will be held at 11 a.m. Ben Levy | The Connection Bus parking will be held at Raley Field in West Sacramento, according to the event’s CRC GreenForce Director Torence Powell congratulates an honoree at the annual BHM Honors Night on Feb. 23. Students were recogonized for their academic success. website. “The goal is to increase public awareBy Ben Levy ness of the need to improve accessibility blevy.connect@gmail.com and affordability of public higher education in California,” Los Rios College FederStudents of African descent who ation of Teachers President Jason Newman maintained an exceptional GPA during the said in an email. fall 2011 semester were honored at the 13th According to the event’s website, stuannual Black History Month Honors Night dents are marching for lower fees, full-time on Feb. 23. faculty, counselors, affordable textbooks The Recital Hall was packed with honand more classes. orees and their friends and family, who “The students will put an emphasis on laughed and applauded to the words of the millionaires tax which they hope will keynote speaker DeVaughn Jones. Jones, a generate more revenue for California colCosumnes River College alumnus, spoke leges,” Newman said. about his journey from abused child to a Associated Student Government senaUC Davis graduate with honors. He is curtor Petra Duke Maxey said she expects aprently a student at the University of Pacific. proximately 5,000 students to attend the “We wanted to recognize students for rally. their positive achievement,” said Teresa “We’ll come together at the capitol Ben Levy | The Connection Aldredge, the Black History Month chairand we’ll protest the cuts to support services and the tuition increases,” Maxey said. Keynote speaker De Vaughn Jones woman and a CRC counselor. Honorees were given a certificate of reacts to receiving a commemorative “Those are some of our main concerns.” recognition for their achievement. plaque at BHM Honors Night on Feb. 23. See MARCH, Page 2
Dr. Marc Hall
Marc Hall served in time of expansion, helped attain resources and funding By Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail.com The longest serving Cosumnes River College President, who served from 1984 to 1995, passed away at the age of 72 on Feb. 17. Dr. Marc Hall had been the executive vice chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District when he became the CRC’s interim president, before the position was made official, according to an email from current CRC President Deborah J. Travis. “President Marc Hall will be remembered by long-time employees as an exceedingly decent and kind man,” philosophy professor Charles Van Patten said in an email to the CRC community. “He loved the college and all the people here, faculty, students and staff.” With Hall as president, the campus grew from about 5,000 students to more than 12,000, according an obituary in the Sacramento Bee. See HALL, Page 2
2 | Campus
News
www.thecrcconnection.com | March
Like The Connection on Facebook and follow @CRCconnection on Twitter to stay up-to-date with all the latest CRC news, trends and stories. facebook.com/CRCconnection
twitter.com/CRCconnection
Hawk's Eye Old Elk Grove First Friday Held the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m., the free events take place in Old Town Elk Grove on Elk Grove Boulevard from Walnut to School Street. Old Town First Fridays celebrations offers musical entertainment, art displays, face painting and more. More information can be found at oldtownelkgrovefoundation.org Dr. Seuss’s birthday party with NFL player Lance Briggs On March 2, the Elk Grove Library will celebrate the 108 birthday of author Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Festivities include: read to a dog, visit with Scooter the Safety Dog, fun crafts, face painting, balloon animals and refreshments. NFL player and graduate of Elk Grove High School will be reading his favorite Dr. Seuss story at 3:30 p.m. More information can be found at saclibrary.org Sacramento Beer Week The third annual Sacramento Beer Week is being celebrated through March 4 at various locations, such as Nugget Markets, Streets of London and Extreme Pizza. More information can be found at sacramentobeerweek.com.
State championships to be held at CRC Cosumnes River College is hosting the 2012 men's and women's basketball state championship from March 9-11. Tickets are 24 dollars for all sessions. General admission for adults is 10 dollars. General admission for students with a valid ID, faculty and children is 8 dollars. March 9: CCCAA women's basketball state semi-finals March 10: CCCAA men's basketball state semi-finals March 11: CCCAA men's and women's state championship. Women’s history month set to begin Celebrations throughout March will honor historical women. On March 3, CRC will pay tribute to dance instructor Marguerite Phares, with an event honoring her life. The tribute will be at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Women’s history month will officially kick off on March 5 with a panel discussion from 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in LRC 105. More information can be found at crc.losrios.edu. Living well, spending less EOPS is having a workshop on March 9 titled “Living Well, Spending Less” in the College Bookstore from 1-2 p.m. The workshop will be presented by Library Media Tech Assistant Barbara Nuss and Administrative Assistant Alma Mejia. Students must sign up in L-106.
Editor-in-Chief: Imran Majid Campus News Editor: Imran Majid Opinion Editor: Takara Campbell Lifestyle Editor: Ashley Boucher Sports Editor: Jon Wilson Online Editor: Tammi Kolesinski Copy Editor: Stephan Starnes Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati
Staff
Editors
The Connection Will Bouzeneris, Carlo Dela Cruz, Cody Durham , Demitri Fellines, Mike Hendrickson, Tracy Gilkerson, Ian Graves, Zachary Hannigan, Erik Juarez, Josh Lee, Ben Levy, Alex Mosqueda, Jon Peralta, Joseph Roberts, Vince Schwede
The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 400 newspaper production class. Editorials and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Rios Community College District. The Connection is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC). Letters to the Editor must be typed, signed and include the first and last name of the author and a phone number. They must be 200 words or less and may be edited for length, clarity or taste. The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823
Telephone: (916) 691-7471 Fax: (916) 691-7181 Website: www.thecrcconnection.com E-mail: connect@crc.losrios.edu
It is the duty of The Connection to report all news with the highest accuracy, brevity and clarity as possible. All feedback regarding stories and photos should be sent to connect@crc.losrios.edu.
1, 2012
Obama proposes funding for community colleges By Imran Majid imajid.connect@gmail.com As part of 2012-2013 budget summary, President Barack Obama proposed spending $8 billion on job training programs at community colleges over the next three years, according to Inside Higher Ed. The funds will build on current job training programs, allow community colleges to train workers in technical and manufacturing fields and encourage partnerships between businesses and schools. “We built this budget around the idea that our country has always done best when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share and everyone plays by the same rules,” Obama said in his budget message to Congress on Feb. 13. California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott praised Obama’s decision to help train and employ workers, citing that California’s community col-
leges serve 2.6 million students annually. “This proposal, if enacted, will help grow and strengthen statewide and local business partnerships,” Scott said in a press release. “We are well positioned to be a key player in working with the federal government to stimulate our nation’s economic recovery by preparing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of a changing job market,” he said. Cosumnes River College President Deborah Travis also applauded Obama’s proposal. “I am grateful that President Obama understands and supports the importance of community colleges in creating a strong workforce,” Travis said in an email. “Our community partners tell us they need a strong workforce and CRC is doing all we can to educate and train students that can compete in the global workplace and effectively contribute to our community," she said.
Community College Statistics • 2.6 million students a year attend a California community college. • 112 California community colleges serve 25 percent of the nation's college students. • Los Rios Community College District will serve 84,063 students in the spring semester. • This is a 3.39 percent decrease from the spring 2011 semester. • 15,210 students are attending CRC this semester. • Obama's community college to career fund will seek to train 2 million workers for high-demand industries. (Information gathered from Los Rios enrollment report and the Chancellor's Office).
President: Hall helped inspire creation of Folsom Lake College Continued from page 1
He made partnerships with different businesses, including Ford Motor Co., to expand CRC’s vocational programs; Hall also installed portables in Folsom, which later grew to become Folsom Lake College, according to the obituary. Van Patten said that Hall did a good job at getting resources for the college. “CRC benefitted from him and we would always be the college in the district that got more than an equal share, to the chagrin of ARC and SCC in those pre-FLC days,” Van Patten said. “He was legendary for this, and Hall took pride in being able to deliver for us.” Hall is remembered as someone who was dedicated to what he wanted to do.
“He had a vision and stuck to it," former CRC Vice President Gary Straus said to the Sacramento Bee. “Sometimes it wasn't the most popular thing. But you could always count on him to do what he said, and that earned the respect of a lot of people.” The sentiments expressed by Straus were shared by Van Patten in his email. Van Patten referred to CRC’s employees as a family when the college was “young” in the time of Hall’s presidency. “I suppose some might say Hall saw himself as ‘head of the family,’” Van Patten said. “But the fact that he was so empathetic, compassionate, supportive and empowering redeemed any possible ill-feelings that might emerge from some perceived patriarchy," he said. Van Patten’s email had many
“
But the fact that he was so empathetic, compassionate, supportive and empowering redeemed any possible ill-feelings that might emerge from some perceived patriarchy.
”
Charles Van Patten Philiosophy Professor words of praise for Hall and told of being able to go and talk to him about philosophy when Van Patten was the only philosophy teacher. “Marc Hall was my friend and I will miss him,” Van Patten said. “I know he misses us, too.”
March: Event historically significant for California colleges "March in March" Event Information Who: California community college and university students What: March against budget cuts and tuition increases Where: Students will meet at Southside Park and march to the state Capitol, where a rally will take place When: Monday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Continued from page 1
Maxey said the rally will feature three student speakers who will voice their opinion about the budget cuts and the decline of higher education in California. “I hope it puts a stamp for the assembly members and the senators about how important this is to students,” Maxey said. The event is historically significant as the largest and most visible student protest movement in California. The March in March is supported by student and faculty organizations within community colleges, California
State Universities and University of California systems, Newman said. Cosumnes River College faculty is supporting the event by providing a bus with funds from the faculty union to bring students from Raley Field and back, Newman said. Maxey reiterated the importance of this event and is excited to be a part of something bigger than herself. “It’s one of those rare opportunities where you’re going to be with like-minded individuals and be a part of something special,” Maxey said.
Opinion | March 1, 2012
www.thecrcconnection.com |
Abuse is never acceptable By Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail.com The fact that entertainer Chris Brown beat singer Rihanna doesn’t matter anymore. Not because it’s old news but because women don’t care that getting beat is a bad thing. Chris Brown being able to perform at the Grammy Awards this year and somehow winning a Grammy wasn’t the most shocking part of the love I’ve seen for him. Rather, it was the women who were tweeting during the Grammy’s that got the most attention. Some of the tweets directly from Twitter read, “I’d let Chris Brown beat me up” and “I don’t know why Rihanna complained. Chris Brown could beat me anytime he wanted to.” There are multiple tweets
with similarly disgusting messages hash tagged with “love” and “sosexy.” Some of the tweets were sent with pictures of the person who tweeted some of these messages. Was it only the men in our society who were brought up to think that it is wrong to beat women? Women shouldn’t be going against what society tells us is wrong. As it is, one in four women will be victims of domestic violence in their lives and most cases are not reported, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Note the word “victim”—domestic violence is not something that is thought of as fun or sexy. And it’s definitely not something that you should ignore because you’re in love—or worse yet, just attracted to someone.
I have lived in a household in the past where there was violence. It isn’t pretty seeing someone hit or abused even in the slightest. Violence is violence: just because Chris Brown is famous and supposedly attractive, it doesn’t make it glamorous to be beaten by him just to say you were with him. Women should not degrade themselves by thinking that abuse is something worth dealing with just to feel special. Being with someone famous, attractive or wealthy is not worth it. If a woman really wants a man to make her feel special, then all she would need is to turn to one of the men in her life for the love, acceptance and self-esteem boost she might need. Don’t encourage violence; enough people in the world are already being hurt.
Chris Brown tried to clear his own name and is now working with Rihanna on songs. Rumors on various music and hip hop sites say that rapper Jay-Z is disappointed in Rihanna for defending Chris Brown and hooking up with him again. Any real man should be. After the huge backlash when pictures of her battered face surfaced online, Rihanna should have been the last person on Brown’s side. And his image is only getting worse. Most recently, Chris Brown is said to have snatched a woman’s iPhone, yelled at her about not wanting his pictures posted and driven off with it. It doesn’t seem like his anger management classes have paid off. Don’t make it easier for him to be violent and still be worthy of a woman, especially when the most recent things are taken into account.
3
Hawk Talk Do you think Sacramento deserves a new arena?
It's gonna bring jobs and “even let us be a candidate for the Olympics. ”
Devin Fonsworth, 18 Business major
I think it would be a “negative thing because it would cost too much. ”
Rebekah Naiditch, 17 Music Composition major
Celebs need to step off their pedestal but what do I get from it? Am I willing to drive for six hours to catch a glimpse of one of my favorite celebrities in concert? Celebrity. Yes. Just the word brings thoughts There’s no denying how inof fame, beauty and riches. It’s safe to say that many of fluential celebrities are. They start our fashion trends, us dream of becoming one of the our diets, and our new hygiene coveted few. Some of us spend countless regimens. We allow celebrities to worm hours waiting in line so we can try to catch a glimpse of these their way into our lives. It starts at an early age, with elusive figures. Living in California, I feel a live action shows geared towards personal connection with most of children and pre-teens. Many kids adopt these celebrities as role the celebrities today. Everyone around the world models because they aren’t findknows that the most star-studded ing any in their communities. They see the illusion on teleplace in this country is Los Angevision or in magazines and try to les. There’s something about the attain it. This is destroying our society City of Angels that lures the rich, from the inside. the famous and the desperate. Everyone, no matter how Well, all that tourism does wonders for the city’s economy, educated or mature, gets sucked By Takara Campbell tcampbell.connect@gmail.com
into this vortex of idolizing and yearning. For years, I hated my body because I wasn’t as skinny as Gwyneth Paltrow, as lightskinned as Natalie Portman or as gorgeous as Emma Stone. Granted, there’s no way I could physically look like these individuals, but that didn’t stop me from dreaming or trying. This isn’t just an issue for women. Men have to deal with it, too. Most male celebrities are portrayed as tough, manly, attractive and confident. Any man who doesn’t have at least one of those qualities is seen as less than a true man. The remedy to this problem isn’t just to inform people about how celebrities influence them. We must go to the celebrities themselves.
“
It would bring a whole new excitement to our basketball team.
”
Just because society puts them on a pedestal doesn’t mean that they have to be on it. Kim Cabigon, 19 They need to stay relatable Communications major to their audiences and not be some object of status and desire. It’s not as hard as it sounds. First, without compromising safety, celebrities should stop isolating themselves from their fans. A few minutes of stopping by in a local bookstore or going to the store can work wonders with improving relatability with fans. Maybe a fan can recommend a good book series or vice versa. If that’s too much, then during meet and greets, celebrities Use our QR code to view our should give a little extra time to Hawk Talk video at fans. Shake their hands, look them THECRCCONNECTION.com! in the eyes and tell them a quick story while they’re waiting in line. Compiled by Ian Graves and A small human gesture will Joe Roberts go a long way. Photos by Carlo Dela Cruz
4 | Lifestyle
www.thecrcconnection.com | March
1, 2012
Davis photographer captures people's insecurities through the 'What I Be Project' sion: photography. “Through sharing what is going on with you, I think it opens up so many doors Camico McKnight was insecure about for other people to accept what is going on her health. But instead of hiding it, she de- because they feel connected because they cided to make her insecurity public by in- might have the same issue,” Rosenfield said. Steve Rosenfield | What I Be Project cluding herself in one of the photos for the Rosenfield said he has photographed “What I Be Project”, which will be displayed around 500 people for this project, which in the Library building at the beginning of started in 2010. I am not my diagnosis. Camico McKnight March. Rosenfield introduced the audience to The photo shows the 37-year-old lib- his friend, Amanda Stang, who joined the eral studies major with the words “sickle lecture through Skype. Stang, who was the cell” and “cancer” written on her arms. The first person to be photographed in Rosencaption reads, “I am not my diagnosis.” field’s project, read her essay about the in“It’s not what I am because I’m so much security of her body. more than this,” McKnight said. Rosenfield showed some of the picMcKnight was just one of 28 students tures from his project and said that conand faculty at Cosumnes River College fessing your insecurity forces you to take who participated in the “What I Be Project”, responsibility. which was created by photographer Steve “I think you become accountable when Rosenfield as a way to help peoyou tell someone because ple deal with their insecurities. then they hold you acCRC anthropology profescountable,” Rosenfield said. I’m living for sor Anastasia Panagakos said today, and I’m going “If we share our insecurities, she wanted to bring the “What to let tomorrow take we’re going to be held acI Be Project” to campus to pro- care of itself. But in countable for them, rather mote Safe Spaces, a CRC pro- letting tomorrow than shying away from gram she coordinates that helps take care of itself, I’m them, which I think is students—regardless of their not going to focus what stunts our growth in race, sexual orientation, reli- on my diagnosis. ourselves.” gion or politics—when they feel He then did an exerSteve Rosenfield | What I Be Project threatened or discriminated Camico McKnight cise with the audience in against. Liberal Studies which he asked someone “If people can see people to stand up and tell the rest I am not my turban. Makhan Virk that they recognize in this exof the audience about his hibit and say, ‘wow, I had no or her insecurity. One volidea that person was insecure unteer stood up and admitabout that thing,’” Panagakos said. “Hope- ted he was insecure about his acne. Others fully it will generate empathy, and I’m hop- followed and began ing it will generate discussion about what it The event, especially Rosenfield’s means to be an inclusive campus and how statement about accountability, had quite we all should realize that we’re human.” an impact on Viktor Varnas, a 21-year-old Rosenfield talked about the project to nursing major, who stood up and told the an audience of approximately 100 people at audience that he was insecure about abusthe Recital Hall on Feb. 24. ing pills. He that said 10 years ago, he was an “I noticed that and I capitalized on the “opinionated jerk” and “materialistic,” and opportunity because I haven’t told anyone as a result, his relationships with those before this,” Varnas said. “I’ve never told around him suffered. He wasn’t happy and anyone that I had a problem. An exposure realized that he needed to change. to people leads to accountability. So I am “I decided to open up and show who I now accountable to everyone here.” really was, rather than hide it and pretend McKnight, who also attended the like I was this perfect person and that noth- event, said that people don’t have to let ing was ever wrong,” Rosenfield said. their insecurities hold them back from livRosenfield said that his relationships ing their lives. improved and that he felt much happier. “I’m living for today, and I’m going to Steve Rosenfield | What I Be Project For Rosenfield, the “What I Be Project” let tomorrow take care of itself,” she said. was a test on something that worked in his “But in letting tomorrow take care of itself, I am not my revelry. Professor Anastasia Panagakos life, a test he decided to do through his pas- I’m not going to focus on my diagnosis.” By Vince Schwede vschwede.connect@gmail.com
“
”
“
”
“
”
“
”
To Participate in the What I Be Project... At CRC Professor Kathryn Mayo and her photography class, Large Format Photography, are doing their own version of Rosenfield's "What I Be Project". Contact Mayo at (916) 691-7783 or email mayok@crc.losrios.edu. With Steve Rosenfield Rosenfield may have finished working with CRC, but he still continues the "What I Be Project". Participate outside of CRC by emailing Rosenfield or checking out his Facebook and website at: • facebook.com/ganeshphotography • whatibeproject.com • info@stevejrosenfield.com
Steve Rosenfield | What I Be Project
“I am not my deployment.”
Jason Silverhorn
Where to view What I Be photos Rosenfield's "What I Be Project" photos will be located in CRC's Library building in early March. "What I Be Project" photos are also at facebook.com/ ganeshphotography. View more of Steve Rosenfield's photography visit: www.stevejrosenfield.com
Lifestyle | www.thecrcconnection.com
March 1, 2012 | 5
Students find Facebook to be unimportant for socializing, despite linked violent crimes Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail.com A Tennessee couple was murdered after a woman was “defriended” on Facebook, according to a Feb. 9 article published on Reuters There were other factors to consider, according to the article, but it wasn’t until after the woman was removed from the couple’s Facebook that there was a reaction. The article went on to tell about a man who struck his wife for not liking a post of his and a woman who set a garage on fire after being “defriended.” The examples paint a picture where Facebook plays an integral role in socialization. Cosumnes River College students were asked how big of a role Facebook plays in their social lives, and half of those interviewed said that they did not like
Facebook or did not have one. Kyle Deutsch, a 19-year-old anthropology student, had the same thoughts shared with most of the students who were asked about using Facebook. “I have it but I rarely use it,” Deutsch said. “Some people take it too seriously.” Deutsch said that while it is useful, “it never feels as deep as being with your friends and talking to them.” While Deutsch has been deleted by friends on Facebook before, he said that he was “a little sad,” but okay in the end. Devin Munn, a 21-year-old computer science major, said that he doesn’t use Facebook often. “It’s useful, but I’m not dependent,” Munn said Munn expressed displeasure at being deleted by friends, but said that he also “defriends” people. “I’ll unfriend someone if I don’t see them around,” Munn
said. “It doesn’t really change anything.” However, Tasha Sanders, a 22-year-old art major, had a more positive look at Facebook. “It’s important for business and talking to old friends,” she said. Sanders said that she uses Facebook for her photography, and wanted to stress that Facebook is “really important for business,” as it is her only way of advertising her photography. Sanders has also been deleted by friends, but knew it was coming. “I wasn’t angry,” she said. “It was inevitable. In the long run, people change and friendships move on.” Sanders has mixed feelings on deleting people from her friends list. “I feel like I have too many friends on Facebook and I want to delete some of them, but I feel bad,” she said.
Limited parking frustrates students Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail.com
Share your thoughts at thecrcconnection.com
Compiled by Carlo Dela Cruz, Demitri Fellines and Erik Juarez All photos are courtesy photos
All-Star
The West won 152-149. Kevin Durant was MVP and Kobe Bryant broke the all-time NBA All-Star game scoring record. “The All-Star weekend game was just boring overall,” said Chris Sevilloy, 20, general education major. “I hated everything. It ruined my weekend.”
tioning
With rude petition signature collectors starting fights on the Bay Area Regional Transit and accosting students here on our own campus for signatures, it’s no wonder Yashika Devi, 18-year-old radiology major said “The petitioners were just too much, a bit annoying.”
Gam
Chis Brown and Rihanna are back together as the tandem both collaborated on each others singles which were released on Feb. 20. “Rihanna should be setting an example for her fans,” said Naty Oglesby, 30, nursing major. “She’s set to a higher standard.”
Peti
Mus
Trending Now
ic
NBA
Construction on Cosumnes River College’s future parking garage has had immediate effects on students. Temporary Parking Lot E is unavailable, where the structure is being constructed. “As of the start of the spring 2012 semester, approximately 473 parking spaces were unavailable due to construction activities,” CRC Administrative Services Director Cory Wathen said via email. While it has been hard to find parking for some students, Wathen said that “since the end of the second week of the semester, there have been spaces available in certain locations on campus, including the southeast corner of Lot E, the southwest corner of Lot C and the northwest corner of Lot A.” However, while Wathen said that this should be the “most challenging semester for parking,” he said that some construction projects will be finishing up by the fall, opening up parking in Lot A and along the north side of campus. Students on campus were asked about their parking experiences. Kirsten Larson, a 24-year-old
photography major, described parking this semester as “really crappy.” Larson said she’s done a lot to get a spot, and that it can take 10 minutes to find a spot. “I’ve given people rides to their car to take their spot,” Larson said. “Or I’ll stop and wait for someone to leave. Following people to their cars is one way to get a parking spot, Larson said. “I feel like I stalk them while they walk to their cars,” Larson said. Scott Miller, an 18-year-old marketing major, had a different experience looking for parking. Miller said that parking is “not bad,” and that he finds plenty of spaces. “I park over by the art department,” Miller said. “There’s lot of spaces. By the third or fourth week, people start dropping and there are open spots.” However, Miller was the only student interviewed who said that he thought parking was not a problem. Steve Hoang, a 22-year-old business administration major, shared similar frustrations as Larson. “I try to come earlier just so I can get a better parking spot,” Hoang said.
e
Buildings, rivers and worlds are only a few things you can build in the popular free online game called Minecraft. “It’s simple and fun for all ages,” said19-year-old mechanical engerneering major Annie Lau, “people should try it out.”
6 | Sports
www.thecrcconnection.com | March
1, 2012
Hawks begin playoffs with overtime victory Freshman forward Nikki Gordon comes up big for the Hawks with game on the line Cody Durham cdurham.connect@gmail.com The Cosumnes River College Hawks opened the playoffs at home with a 66-63 overtime win against the Laney College Eagles on Feb. 24. Freshman forward Nikki Gordon was clutch for the Hawks, scoring eight of her 21 points in overtime. She knocked down all six of her late-game free throws to cap off the win. “Nikki hitting those free throws at the end is what clinched it for us,” CRC head coach Coral Sage said. Gordon emphasized the importance of the playoff game. “This was a go-hard-or-gohome game,” Gordon said. “You have to keep that fire. I just focused in and made my shots.” The Hawks controlled the first half with stifling defense and patient offense, forcing the Eagles into early foul trouble. Capitalizing on the foul trouble, the Hawks made six free throws towards the end of the half and entered the locker room
with a 12-point lead. The Eagles started off the second half with a 10-1 run, led by Dominique Williams-McNac, who scored 30 points for the Eagles. However, the Hawks maintained composure and controlled the majority of the second half with solid defense. The Eagles continued to go on short runs that cut into the deficit, but each time, the Hawks slowed the game down and ended the run. “We’re experienced,” Sage said. “We have quite a few sophomores. We just stayed calm and kept telling ourselves that we are okay.” Down by 12 points with five minutes left, Williams-McNac put the Eagles on her back and took over the game. She scored 12 straight points for the Eagles, including a layup that tied the game and forced overtime. “She was simply going off,” Sage said. While the crowd was stunned Jon Peralta | The Connection that the game was headed to overtime, Sage gathered her team and The women's basketball team rallies before winning its first game of the 2012 playoffs. Both the men's calmed them down. and women's teams won Feb. 24, marking the first time they have made it this far at the same time. “We’ve been in situations like this all year long,” Sage said. “In 25 seconds left. down, Gibson blocked a shot, Andraquay Quinnine, who scored close games we know what to do.” However, Hawks sophomore which electrified the crowd and 12 of her 16 points in the first half. The Hawks controlled the forward Natalia Gibson did not sealed the win for the Hawks. “We came up really big and for us overtime period, but the Eagles let that happen. “This was a big victory for to win it, it just extends our bashad a chance to tie the game with With the clock winding us,” said Hawks sophomore guard ketball season longer.”
Baseball team falls Ex-Hawk is 2012 Community to Chabot College College Hall of Fame inductee Vince Schwede vschwede.connect@gmail.com The Consumnes River Hawks fell to the Chabot College Gladiators 7-3 on Feb. 21, dropping to a 3-6 record. Due to construction at CRC’s baseball field, the game was played at California State University, Sacramento. “We didn’t hit with guys in scoring position. We walked too many guys [and] hit a couple guys. They were a better team,” CRC head coach Tony Bloomfield said. Chabot’s starting pitcher Juan Padilla, who got the win, pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and no runs. “Our guys didn’t attack him right,” Bloomfield said. “He’s a sinker, slider guy. Our guys were giving in.” CRC’s starting pitcher Austin Ales took the loss, as he pitched five innings and gave up six hits and three runs. The Gladiators drew first blood, scoring a run in the third inning and two more in the fourth inning. The Hawks failed to catch up and soon found themselves down five runs when the Gladiators scored twice in the eighth inning. But the Hawks refused to fold their wings. After two singles by sophomore center fielder Colby Brenner and sophomore second baseman Jake Schu, freshman first baseman Garrett Heisinger walked to load the bases with one out.
Sophomore shortstop Josh Silver struck out swinging, and with two outs, sophomore third baseman Phillip Roa hit a single to bring Brenner home, giving CRC its first run of the game. Sophomore catcher Shawn Wheeler smacked a line drive over the leaping shortstop to bring in two more runs, making the score 5-3. “We knew they were going to come back,” said Chabot head coach Steve Friend. “Going through my mind was, ‘Help. Let’s get out of this inning.’” With two down and the potential winning run at the plate, sophomore designated hitter Colby Wilmer hit a towering foul ball down the left field line that appeared to be out of reach, but that didn’t stop the Gladiator’s freshman left fielder Rett Cortez. “At first, I didn’t think I was going to be able to get there,” Cortez said. “But the ball was hit really high, so I kept sprinting out there and then decided I could make a play. So I ended up diving and caught it.” Cortez’s catch bailed out his team and ended CRC’s eighth inning threat. The Gladiators added two more runs in the ninth inning and eventually sealed the game 7-3, improving their record to 6-4. Bloomfield said the Hawks need to find a way to play better and be more consistent. “We got a long ways to go to get ready for the Big 8,” Bloomfield said.
Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com Former Cosumnes River College baseball star Jermaine Dye will be inducted into the California Community College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in March, according to a press release. Dye will be honored at the CCCAA Convention in San Mateo, Calif. He will be CRC’s first ever athlete inducted into the CCCAA Hall of Fame and is already a member of the CRC Hall of Fame. Dye was initially drafted into the pros out of high school, but instead came to CRC to pitch for then coach Rod Beilby. Rather than use Dye as a pitcher, Beilby said he saw Dye as more of a hitter and moved him to the outfield. Dye played for CRC during the 1992-1993 season, where he finished his freshman year leading the team in slugging percentage (.744), on base percentage (.480), batting average (.397) and doubles (13). As an outfielder, Dye recorded nine assists and was second on the team in runs scored with 29. In conference play, Dye led
the team in runs scored, hits and doubles. After a record season, Dye was named the Bay Valley Conference Most Valuable Player for the 1993 season. After one season at CRC, Dye was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft. He played 2 1/2 years in the minor leagues and was named MVP in both Class A and Double-A baseball. After posting impressive numbers in the minors, Dye finally got the call up to the major leagues and made his debut for the Braves on May 17, 1996. Dye made the most of his opportunity after launching a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in his first major league at bat. Dye was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1997 where he played four seasons. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 2000, and won a Gold Glove for outstanding defensive play in the outfield. Dye was traded to the Oakland Athletics on July 25, 2001 as part of a three-team trade. Dye played four seasons for the Athletics and was part of the
Scan this QR code with your smartphone for more Connection sports stories online.
Jermaine Dye
infamous “Moneyball” team. In 2005, Dye played for the Chicago White Sox and won a World Series. Dye was also named the World Series’ MVP after hitting .438 with a home run and three RBIs in four games. In 2006, Dye hit a career high 44 home runs and was second in the American League in that category. Dye also won a Silver Slugger Award for the highest batting average in the American League and made his second All-Star team. After 14 seasons in the majors, Dye retired after hitting 325 career home runs and knocking in over 1,000 runs.
Sports | www.thecrcconnection.com
March 1, 2012 | 7
Opinion: New arena is needed in Sacramento March 6 city council vote will decide final outcome of new arena Jon Wilson jlwilson.connect@gmail.com Last year, after scares of the Sacramento Kings relocating to Anaheim due to Sacramento having an outdated arena, the NBA and the Maloofs—family that owns the Kings—agreed to give the city one more year to approve a new arena or relocation talks would be readdressed. Now, only a few days are left until March 6, when the Sacramento City Council votes to accept or reject a proposed term sheet for the financing of an estimated $387 million new sports and entertainment complex in Sacramento. Over the course of the NBA’s All-Star weekend, Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, city representatives, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Anschutz Entertainment Group—the proposed arena operator—and the Maloofs spent several hours each day negotiating the possible terms of the arena’s financing. On Feb. 27, all parties agreed to a tentative deal, which includes up to $250 million from the city, mostly from the leasing of downtown parking, approximately $75 million from the Maloofs with possibly another $60-$70 million coming from them over the life of the deal, roughly $60 million coming from AEG and possibly some extra money coming from the NBA. The proposed sports and entertainment complex has larger
Courtesy Photo
An artist's rendition of the proposed sports and entertainment complex that may be built in the old Downtown Sacramento Railyards. implications than simply keeping the Kings. The city of Sacramento is in a catch-22 where the city is both in a reported $39 million deficit, according to the City of Sacramento’s website, and lacking a major attraction such as an updated sports and entertainment complex. Sacramento has missed out on big name concerts and events and seen the attendance drop at Kings’ games in recent years, all completely or partially due to the outdated Power Balance Pavilion. This all results in money lost for
surrounding businesses and the city as a whole. In recent years, Sacramento has also lost out on the revenue from NCAA tournament games that the city hosted for many years. The Kings and the Power Balance Pavilion also employ roughly 4,000 people, meaning a huge loss of jobs should the team leave town. The fact is, if the entertainment and sports complex isn’t built, the Kings and future events will leave town. And the cost of losing more attraction and city
revenue is far greater than the cost of investing in a new arena now. Cities such as Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Orlando are great examples of how new or updated sports complexes can revitalize a fan base and increase traffic to the city. Orlando just received the 2012 All-Star game, its first in 20 years, after building a new arena. Indianapolis received the 2011 Superbowl after opening a new football stadium in 2008. According to Micronomics, an economic research and consulting firm, the 2011 All-Star
Game in Los Angeles game was expected to generate $85 million for the city. Now, there are only a few more days and we find out if Sacramento will be added to the list of cities with a new arena and revitalized economic opportunities. The proposal will be available online for public viewing as of March 1, but the vote now hangs in the hands of the nine members of the Sacramento City Council. Five more votes is all it takes to redefine Sacramento history forever.
Opinion: Race shouldn't matter with Jeremy Lin Lin's basketball talent and Asian-American ancestry continues to captivate basketall fans across the world Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he’s Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise.” Those are the words of famed boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who obviously hasn’t been reading Jeremy Lin’s stat sheets. Lin is the first Harvard graduate to play in the NBA in almost 60 years, and he’s the first American of Taiwanese ancestry to play in the NBA. In his first five games as a starter he averaged over 20 points and at least seven assists, something no one has ever done in NBA history. He was also the thirteenth athlete in history to dawn the cover of Sports Illustrated two weeks in a row, and he has accomplished all of this in just his second year in the league. No one ever gave Lin a chance, in fact according to ESPN, the New York Knicks were set to
waive him but gave him his op- all draft pick John Wall, five-time portunity because of the lack of NBA champion Derek Fisher and depth at the point guard position. the highly-touted rookie Ricky Lin was on the Golden State Rubio. Warriors last season, which many While Lin is the newest speculated was just a publicity American underdog story of hard stunt to attract Asian-American work and persistence, it wasn’t an fans, before getting waived on Asian-American story until Lin the first day of training camp. came along. Lin then played He is not only for the Houston battling his oppoRockets before be- Players don't usually nents, but he is also come out of nowhere. If fighting the negaing let go. As a senior, you can go back and take tive stereotypes Lin captained Palo a look, his skill level was that go along with Alto High School probably there from the being an Asianto a state title and beginning. American athlete. was considered Though race Kobe Bryant should not matter, one of the best high school baswith Lin it does. In ketball players in fact, in an attempt California. to be witty, an ESPN writer was He wanted to play at UCLA fired for writing a headline that or Stanford, but no college of- read “Chink in the armor” when fered him an athletic scholarship. referring to Lin’s high rate of Instead, he got stuck with the ath- turnovers. lete’s idea of the ugly twin sister Now it’s time for us to see if named Harvard, where he set the it’s Lin’s skill or race that keeps Ivy League scoring record. him in the spotlight. Mayweather Jr. is right, race Kobe Bryant was quoted does play a part, but Lin is not just in saying, “Players don’t usually another one-hit wonder. come out of nowhere. If you can The kid can play; he goes up go back and take a look, his skill against the best in the world every level was probably there from the night. beginning.” While on his way to a sevenMaybe that’s why Lin cangame win streak, he has beaten not get away from the deafening the likes of gold-medalist Deron cheers of M-V-P every time he Williams, 2011 number one over- touches the ball.
“
”
Courtesy Photo
8 | Campus
News
New buildings to arrive on campus Construction to include several new buildings and fields that will shape the college's future, says Public Information Officer Kristie West By Cody Durham cdurham.connect@gmail.com Cosumnes River College has multiple ongoing construction projects spread throughout the campus. The goals of the construction projects are to “expand and improve constructional space, add parking spaces and improve access to facilities for all staff and students, including those with mobility challenges,” said Public Information Officer Kristie West. The first construction project is the parking garage, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013. The garage will add approximately 2,000 parking spaces to support a future light rail extension to CRC, West said. “It would get me downtown quicker,” said Jerry Mcnabb, a 36-year-old geography major. “It sucks having to wait for the buses to come around.” In addition to the parking garage, there is building upgrades and construction occurring on the northeast side of CRC. These projects include a new greenhouse, an instructional building for welding, construction and horticulture programs and remodeling the custodial and receiving operations building. West added that this project is set to be completed in the fall of 2012. In efforts to upgrade facilities and bring improvements to parking and accessibility, there is a barrage of construction
www.thecrcconnection.com | March
1, 2012
Students react to gay marriage decision
Court overruling of Proposition 8 leaves students and faculty with mixed reactions By Josh Lee jlee.connect@gmail.com
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on Feb. 9 that California’s Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. In the 2008 general election, Proposition 8 was passed, which banned same-sex marriage, leaving some Californians excited and some upset. Since then, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community has been struggling and pushing for equal rights. Because of the appeal of Proposition 8, the LGBT community is another step closer to equal rights and many people are in favor of the decision. “I think it’s great that Prop. 8 got overturned because I have family who wants to Mike Hendrickson | The Connection get married who couldn’t before but can Construction for Cosumnes River College's new parking structure began on Nov. 7. now,” said Monique Reveles, a medical administration major. The structure will contain about 2,000 parking spaces and will be completed in 2013. Gov. Brown said in a statement that he being done in the athletics department. This building will “provide instruc- agrees with the court’s decision. “The court has rendered a powerful afThis includes a new synthetic field for tional space for architecture, construction, the stadium, as well as new soccer, baseball photography, pharmacy tech and other ac- firmation of the right of same-sex couples and softball fields. In addition to these im- ademic programs, along with a community to marry,” Brown said. “I applaud the wisdom and courage of this decision.” provements, landscaping and parking will room and offices,” West said. Idrese Baskerville, a 20-year-old psybe added to the athletic fields on the north All projects have been funded by state side of campus, West said. and local bonds, local and federal funds chology major, said that the overturning of “I just think it's odd to spend money through Sacramento Regional Transit and Proposition 8 will have a positive effect on on a new stadium when we could use that private donations including a $1 million society because it shows that people can be comfortable in public, and it will give them money for new teachers or classes,” said donation from Winn Brothers. 24-year-old history major Elijah Rodriguez. The general response of all the ongo- a “sense of acceptance.” However, some students are against The athletics construction is sched- ing construction is mostly positive. uled to be completed in the fall of 2012. “For the amount of construction taking the overturning of Proposition 8, such as One of the newest construction proj- place at one time, the response is largely Cathy Chao, a 19-year-old early childhood ects underway is the Winn Center for favorable. Seeing the exciting new facilities education major. Chao said that marriage Architecture and Construction, which is developing for the college’s future with rel- should stay between a man and a woman scheduled to be completed in the fall of atively little impact on normal operations,” because it is stated in the Bible. 2013. West said. “I have nothing against gay people,” Chao said. “I have some gay friends, but it’s what I believe.” One of the arguments in favor of Proposition 8 is that gay marriage will have a negative effect on children. “I don’t think that gay marriages will affect children,” said Devin Munn, a 21-yearold computer science major. “It’s the parents who will affect and influence their children.” History professor Jason Newman predicts that those who are against gay marriage will continue to fight the issue. “What will happen next is that those who are pledged against gay marriage will take the case to the Supreme Court,” said Newman in one of his recent lectures. “So it won’t be a vote by the people. It will be a Supreme Court decision.”
Need to Know • In Nov. 2008, a 52 to 48 percent vote ruled in favor of Proposition 8. • On Feb. 23, the 9th Circuit of Appeals ruled Prop 8 unconstitutional because it violated the 14th Amendment. • Proposition 8 supporters can still bring it to the Supreme Court, where the decision would be made by the court, not the people.