Issue 5

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Students weigh in on presidential election results See Page 2 Unrealistic goal?

Students face issues with the 2-year plan News, Page 3

Issue 5 Fall 2016 Student voice of CRC since 1970

Abigail Babineau| The Connection

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Simple eating for a healthy body and mind Features, Page 7

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Black Friday

Should it still be a part of the holidays?

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Page 2

November 10, 2016

Students and staff react to Trump presidency Written by Lola Chase lchase.connect@gmail.com Compiled by the staff

ing they will face a Trump-led nation and deal with its repercussions for decades to come.

“I’m sad that my fellow countrymen chose a bigoted, xenophobic, misogynistic, lying, irresponsible, unfit for office individual for president,” she said.

Trump’s win prompted concerns over how he’ll lead.

“I don’t know what to expect from Donald Trump, with me being an African American female,” said 62-year-old Annice Porter, undeclared major.

“You know, the people of the U.S. are going to be the laughing stock of the entire world.”

Moore said millennials are part of the reason why Trump was elected.

“I think we’re in a world of hurt with a Trump presidency,” said Moore. “We’re in for it now.”

Nephtali Robles, a 25-year-old international relations major, noted the American people’s desperate need for change.

“They’re frustrated.

They’re done with the way of politics as usual,” Robles said. “It obviously hasn’t been working for them in the way they expect it to be or the way they imagine it to be. It’s been going on for a while and it hit a breaking point.”

A Trump supporter, 28-year-old programming and cybersecurity major David Mattson, saw the night as a success that aligned with his expectations.

“I’m actually glad that I voted for him because he’s actually the first candidate to run, at least in my lifetime, on a platform of anti-government corruption. And that’s something that really strikes a chord with me,” Mattson said.

The theme of anti-government corruption is something that many believe was a trigger point for voters who were looking for a candidate to recognize their issues.

“I think he tapped into something. I hate to say he tapped into some deep dissatisfaction, but the people he tapped into don’t have all the proper relevant information,” said Political Science Professor Martin Morales, chair of the political science department.

“People will always vote against their own interest and not realize until it’s too late.”

“I think we, the voters, have sent a message that we are fed up with Washington.

We are looking for a change - right, wrong or indifferent, they’re looking for a change,”

Shock, fear, loss, triumph, and glimpses of hope are felt deeply by the community of students and faculty at Cosumnes River College.

The results of the presidential election leaves an eerie feel across campus, and the night of the results, students share their stories and their thoughts for the future. People of CRC watched the electoral Abigail Babineau | The Connection map of the United States slowCRC students gather to watch multiple media outlets as returns come in and ly fill with red on Tuesday candidates gain electoral votes throughout the night on November 8. night.

Porter said.

“I think third parties are Donald Trump, the PresiThere was an empha- useful in the fact that, well, dent-elect of the United States sis on political outsiders this they would be useful if they of America, won a tight race election, from businessman were allowed to be in debates with 279 electoral votes to HilTrump to Democratic Socialist and they were allowed to have lary Clinton’s 228.

Bernie Sanders. Third-party actual media coverage and “[I was] candidates like Green Party’s have some more influence,” watching it Jill Stein and Libertarian Par- Roman said.

People will always vote against go either way ty’s Gary Johnson stood in This was also a landmark throughout their own interest and not realize contrast to the typical cook- election because of the Demthe entire ie-cutter politicians. ocratic nominee. Although night, one until it’s too late.” moment it’s – Martin Morales going ClinPolitical Science Professor and Chair of the ton’s way I’m actually glad that I voted for him because Political Science Department and one mohe’s actually the first candidate to run, at least in ment it’s going Trump’s my lifetime, on a platform of anti-government “But you know, we did way,” said international rela- it to ourselves. Millions of corruption. And that’s something that really tions major 21-year-old Lyon- people didn’t vote, and when na Yohannes. “So as a liberal, people don’t vote, Repubstrikes a chord with me.” that’s disappointing and that’s licans win. Young people, – David Mattson stressful to me.” millennials, they bought the 28, Programming and cybersecurity major It’s been a nasty and deri- false equivalency of Clinton to sive yet historic election sea- Trump, and they didn’t go out son. to vote,” Moore said.

Yohannes said she found women have been running This election became Students said the election it impossible to vote for the es- for president since before they known from the outset for its spoke to issues voters had tablishment-based candidate could vote, Clinton is the first sexism, racism and xenopho- with the political establishClinton. to garner a major party’s nombia, primarily in regards to ment and this year represent“Personally, I did vote ination for president.

Trump’s vulgar remarks about ed the tipping point for voter third party because I live in Even before this election, women, Muslims, African frustration.

California and eiClinton had her foot in the Americans and immigrants. ther way it is gopolitical door, having served Sofia Rios-Dominguez, ing to go blue,” as Secretary of State and one a 20-year-old film major, exsaid Yohannes of only 46 women to serve in pressed fear and optimism said.

“So yeah, I the U.S. Senate. Clinton’s exabout the results. voted for Stein perience is a stark contrast to “I am so scared for my and so I don’t Trump’s nearly nonexistent brown, black brother and sisthink I put our political record. ters who are in red states right country at risk at Shawn Feuerstein, a now. I think that that vote valthat.

Honestly, 45-year-old political science idated and reinforced a lot of if I’d voted for major, said he now wants to votes of very racist, distasteHillary Clinton, see how a presidential camful, and homophobic rhetoI don’t know if I paign built on fear plays out ric and action and my heart is could live with now that Trump is in office. with them,” Rios-Dominguez myself.”

“Unfortunately, Amerisaid. “I want them to stay Maria Ro- cans have allowed this person strong and regroup, approach man, a 19-year- to become our president. And it hopefully starting tomorrow old international he based his whole election refreshed and positive no matrelations major, plan on the fear that people ter what happens.” said that third had,” said Feuerstein.

Professor Maureen party candidates “And, well, I’m curious to Moore, chair of humanities were used mostly see how this is going to play department, said she feels bad as a diversion in out in the next four years,” for the younger generations, Abigail Babineau | The Connection this election.

Feuerstein said. especially millennials, know- Sofia Rios-Dominguez, 20, film major, takes notes on the election while watching at home.

“

“

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Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton speaks at CRC

By Lola Chase lchase.connect@gmail.com Women participated in the second Focus 4 Women event on Friday with special keynote speaker Ruthie Bolton as a continuation of the “First me, Then You: Relationship Building” conference.

Bolton has been a speaker for women’s empowerment and self-healing for the past 10 years. The two-time olympic gold medal winner and former WNBA player of the Sacramento Monarchs shared her stories of perseverance, domestic abuse, healing, selflove and self-empowerment.

The coordinator of the program, Jacqueline Mathis, said she hopes to hold this event every year. “We want students to know that we are still there for them to help them. School is not just academic, it’s emotional,” said Mathis. “A lot of our students are going through domestic abuse and you wouldn’t even know. This is to help them

find their voice.”

Bolton has played basketball professionally for 15 years and was USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, wrote her own book The Ride of a Lifetime: Making of the Mighty Ruthie, released a gospel CD and will soon be releasing a documentary of her personal story.

“When you flex your mus-

cles, you turn your pain into your power,” Bolton said. “I get up every day asking ‘How can I be a better person? How can I be a better mother, a better wife, a better me?’”

Women who attended the previous workshop on Sept.

17 gave summaries of the important topics covered: forgiveness, health, leadership from the inside out, workplace ethics and etiquette.

“For me, [this conference]

was about self persona, character, respect and self empowering. I love female empowerment and it’s good to have that safe space with other women,” said 24-year-old student ambassador and psychology major Stephanie Rivera.

The conference emphasized forgiving toxic people.

“There’s no resentment, so he [Bolton’s abuser] has no power over me anymore,” said Bolton.

Bolton said that she was excited to speak with the women, and that her purpose is to impact others. “Every time I go to a place, their impact has an impact on me,” said Bolton. “It’s so important to talk to college students because they have to be able to learn about themselves too and it’s such an important time in their life.”

Rivera said she was emotionally touched by Bolton at the event. “She was a genuine, authentic presence. Her vulLola Chase | The Connection nerability was really powerful Bolton speaks to audience members at women’s conference on Friday, Nov. 4 and showed how to find your

strength,” she said.

Cosumnes River College President Edward Bush spoke of the importance of students’ emotional states in academics.

“This has a potentially huge impact, on a variety of factors, to success, more than just in the classroom because there is a huge value in peer support. Knowing that other people have experienced the same things as you is transformational,” Bush said.

Mathis and her Focus 4 Women team intend to hold an overnight event at Woodleaf for the women who attended one or both of the conferences.

“I really hope to bring people to the retreat, and surprisingly it’s all for free,” said Mathis.

Mathis also mentioned that she hopes to make a similar event for men “because we all need some healing.”

Bolton ended her keynote speech at the event saying “I love you. Please keep living your life and flexing your muscles to a better you.”

Students face longer sentence at two year colleges

By Lola Chase lchase.connect@gmail.com Cosumnes River College is a two-year community college, but two years is a reality for few people.

A 2012 study done on CRC showed that 7 percent of students graduated within that expected time frame, according to the College Navigator of National Center for Education Statistics.

“I don’t think it is a twoyear college,” said Estella Hoskins, CRC counselor. “It usually takes about three years to graduate, but it depends on your major. Students in highunit majors can be here for much longer.”

On top of the time it takes to graduate, about 26 percent of students make it to graduation.

But it’s not just CRC; It’s public community colleges in America in general, as 25 percent of students on average transfer when 80 percent intend to get a bachelor’s degree, according to the nation-wide research of the Community College Research Center.

There are many factors that contribute to that.

“Two years just isn’t realistic unless somehow you know exactly what major you

want and plan all classes beforehand,” said 20-year-old film studies major Emily Lotz who is in her fifth semester and hopes to receive her AA this semester before she goes to study abroad and pursue an RTVF degree.

The same 2012 study shows that 39 percent of the graduates graduated within twice as long as the expected time frame, which would be closer to four years.

“You have to get help right up front. Many students wait until midterms,” said Hoskins. Hoskins, who attended CRC herself, suggests students meet with a counselor once a semester.

“I had to basically start over because I switched majors,” Hoskins said. “I had two jobs the entire time, which is another reason. Some classes you need just don’t line up your work schedule. Every minute of every day is planned out. You have to work the system to make it work at all,” she said.

Having a job is a serious struggle for many students trying to get by while attending college. This is a reality for 21-year-old Eric Bell, who has been at CRC for three years and is working to support

himself financially.

“I hope to be done in fall 2017, but I have a spring semester set aside just in case,” Bell said. This could mean close to five years. “I have two jobs and work 32 hours a week, plus having family obligations. There is no time for my personal life.”

“We get to college seeing that I can do whatever I want, but now I don’t know what I want to do.”

– Emily Lotz

20, film studies major The reality is 56 percent of students attend a public community college for their continued education, according to the CCRC. And, according to the Hechinger Report, fewer than one in seven community college students transfer and get a bachelor’s degree.

“I had a coworker who was taking 18 units and had to quit her job to balance work.

It’s hard to nail down everything you need, and it’s not just counselors, it’s a lot of things and our generation is

completely lost,” said Lotz.

“We get to college seeing that I can do whatever I want, but now I don’t know what I want to do.”

The transfer and career center offers guidance to students who need to get on track to receive their degree.

“Talk to a counselor and get an academic plan because that is key. If they are undecided on a major, come to the transfer center and workshop events on campus for support,” said Emily Barkley, student personnel assistant for counseling & student services. “Make sure you are taking enough classes and completing classes.

Many students drop classes for other priorities, but it is important that you pass all of your classes,” said Barkley.

Barkley attributed multiple factors such as student placement in math and English, which many students leave to the end, and students are in high-unit majors with prerequisites, and some are thrown out of sequence of those classes needed. “Also, sometimes it’s course availability, and a lot of that is limited to the number of instructors and facilities we have,” she said.

“It’s multiple different factors that play against each other that makes college difficult,” Bell said.

CRC President Edward Bush recognizes the problem faced by so many and hopes to change the way the system is working.

“My goal is to redesign the college to have a path. It’s two years for people without general education of math and English, and depending on where people place, it can take a year to complete just that. So it’s more about setting two-year and three-year pathways,” said Bush.

Bush has been making changes to the school in his first year, and this has been on his list. He also acknowledges the hardships of students who work while attending college.

“It’s a struggle for students balancing their job schedules as well, so I would like to block-schedule students and offer classes during times that they can manage, from morning to evening blocks because it’s so hard to plan for both,” said Bush. “Hopefully down the road we can get the sophistication as an institution to have a proper student approach to scheduling and success.”

November 10, 2016

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Food pantry addresses high demand for services

By Kaelyn Blizzard kblizzard.connect@gmail.com It’s 1:50 p.m., 10 minutes until the Hawk Spot, Cosumnes River College’s food pantry, opens to students. Several students are already gathered outside while a student leadership center worker finishes setting up.

A large sign is displayed outside the front door, with the words “1 visit per week” printed in bold font.

It has been about a month since the food pantry made a change in regulations and how they operate, creating a new system of premade bags and limiting how many visits a student can make.

“The first two weeks were kind of like a trial for everybody because we really didn’t know the best way to service the students; we were trying to find out what it was going to be,” said Diana Atkins, a student ambassador.

When the Hawk Spot first opened, students could come in as many times as they wanted and take as much as they needed. However, by the end of the day, Atkins said there was “minimal supplies” due to the high traffic during the day.

“We changed the system to make sure we last through the week,” said Student Personnel Assistant Yesenia Castellon. “We wanted to be conscious of the students who come later in the day. So now, before we open, we have

a few bags already packed and ready.”

For the students running the food pantry, they have seen a positive impact on the procedures since changing the way they run things, such as Castellon, who says things are moving in the right direction.

“Our feelings towards giving haven’t changed,” Castellon said. “And in doing that, we had to think about the broader student population and whether we’re serving enough people.”

Right before opening time, more than 20 premade bags are assembled

by Freddy Mande, a 24-year-old computer science major and graphic designer for the Student Life and Leadership Center.

“By tomorrow, it’ll be empty. A lot of people come on Monday,” Mande said, gesturing to the bags that almost completely cover the floor.

Each bag is loaded to the very top, overflowing with bread, cereal, canned goods, ramen, juice and much more.

“It’s actually a lot faster, in terms of operationally,” Castellon said. “We can just give and go, give and go.”

A student who wasn’t previouslysigned up for the Hawk Spot walked away with a premade bag of needed supplies in less than a minute and a half.

Alongside Freddy Mande, there was another student helping unpack the deliveries from the Elk Grove Food

Kaelyn Blizzard | The Connection

Freddy Mande, 24, prepares premade bags for students who visit the Hawk Spot.

Bank, but he didn’t work for the SLLC. “We’ve been blessed with a volunteer who comes and unpacks and shelves,” said Atkins.

Brandon Phung, a 19-year-old English major at CRC has been volunteering at the Hawk Spot since the food pantry opened.

“I try to come every Monday, well, pretty much every day of the week,” Phung said.

Phung’s help in the food pantry has been appreciated by all of the student leaders who help run the service.

“He’s that staple that always comes through with whatever we need,” Castellon said.

The food pantry is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. in T-111. Any student enrolled in at least one class can register to use the food pantry.

Student medical waste needs are brought to light

By Julie Wallinger jwallinger.connect@gmail.com

Stories of syringes being discarded in the streets and parks have been a popular urban legend for years. But for the custodial staff of a large, public college like Cosumnes River College, improperly disposed of sharps are a very real concern.

Sharp waste is defined by Campus Nurse Michelle Barkley as any item that comes in contact with bodily fluids and can potentially puncture skin.

Because of their nature, all sharps are potentially infectious and extremely dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with them.

Both Barkley and Custodial Supervisor Tony Cartright expressed concern about whether or not students are aware of what constitutes sharp waste.

“Generally speaking, it has been my experience that the student population does not fully understand what qualifies as a sharp waste,” Cartright said.

“Although most students would use caution when crossing the path of items such as syringes, blades or broken glass, I’m not sure they wholly comprehend the potential for harm injuries from biohazard waste can pose,

“Some people may just recap and bring [test strips] home, or

do that, and then dispose of it that way. But, for the most part, just dumping it in any trash can, by all means, is a hazard.”

– Michelle Barkley

Campus Nurse

should they come in contact with it.”

In 2008, the California Health and Safety Code made disposing of sharp medical waste in trash or recycling illegal.

Both Sacramento and Elk Grove have several provisions in place to monitor and ensure safe disposal of these hazardous items in private homes and public institutions.

Two common items that are considered as sharp waste are blood glucose strips and lancets, which are used several times a day by people who have type one or type two diabetes, as well as by those who are prediabetic.

Because they not only contain blood, but a tiny needle as well, it is incredibly important to dispose of test strips and lancets in the same safe sharps containers used for their more intimidating, and conspicuous, cousins: syringes.

“Some people may just recap and bring [test strips] home, or do that, and then dispose of it that way. But, for the

most part, just dumping it in any trash can, by all means, is a hazard,” said Barkley. “Especially to other people who come upon it, [like] our custodial staff.”

There are many reasons that a person would need to use sharps for medical purposes, but all patients are required to have an agreement worked out with their primary care physicians as to how to properly dispose of their instruments.

“Some students may be going under temporary care for injections of steroids, or some other things,” said Barkley, “but, once again, the pharmacy [where] they got the prescribed medication and the doctors, they would have something worked out.”

But according to a 2013 article in Diabetes Health, “surveys indicate that less than [5] percent of the more than [three] billion sharps devices sold in the United States annually are disposed of in some type of closed container. Of the remaining 95 percent,

most are deposited -unprotected- into the household trash.”

Cartright said that the training his staff goes through to know how to respond to the presence of sharp waste is thorough.

However, if a student happens to come into contact with improperly disposed of sharp waste, Cartright advised to treat it as a potential biohazard. He said to avoid the items, warn others of the danger and report it to either Administrative Services or a staff member immediately.

For the safety of and in respect to CRC’s custodial staff, it’s important that students understand how to properly dispose of their sharp waste and take the responsibility seriously.

“Sometimes it’s just easier to just [throw them away],” Barkely said.“But for custodians, it’s inherent in their job description now to be mindful that there could be [sharps].”

Although she said that students should inform her of their needs at the start of the semester, Barkley wants students to know that the sharps disposal box in Health Services is available to anyone who needs it.

It is currently the only spot on campus for students or staff to safely deposit sharp waste.

The Health Services office is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Page 5

>>Features

New social scene opens in West Sacramento

By Stan Smith ssmith.connect@gmail.com With striking, abstract lines dominating the skyline west of the Sacramento River, The Barn’s architecture looks like something straight out of a Picasso painting.

Constructed as essentially a funky bridge on land, The Barn mixes a modern venue with traditional features - drinks, live music and a great view of downtown Sacramento across the river.

Upon walking up to the Barn, visitors are greeted with a number of diverse food trucks. Among the cuisine offered is pizza, barbeque, frozen yogurt and the ever-popular Mexican food.

Enough options to satisfy even the pickiest vegan hipster.

Underneath the roof of the Barn lies a pleasant cocktail bar, with a number of spirits, wines and beer available, albeit at a typically marked-up price. However, there is also an information booth that sells bottled water for only $1 for those who are unwilling to part with their hard-earned cash.

Expected to be complet-

ed sometime in the middle of 2017, Drake’s Brewing - a local Northern California brewery - will be setting up a kitchen on-site and operating the venue permanently.

The live musical acts on stage are quite enjoyable, with small indie rock and alternative bands occupying a majority of the live acts.

When live musicians are not playing, an upbeat playlist containing a number of varying genres that smoothly transitions in.

One odd feature of the Barn is that all of the available seats on location are individual chairs, but without tables. While tables are not entirely necessary, the lack of them does detract from the social aspect of meeting people at the venue. Everyone tends to form their own circles of chairs, which is not exactly an invitation for others to join in.

The staff working the bar and information booth were nothing but welcoming and they provided excellent customer service all across the board. Dogs are allowed throughout the venue and there are generally several present.

Stan Smith | The Connection

The Barn in West Sacramento presents a unique experience, with dazzling architecture, live music and welcoming staff members.

There is a decent amount of free street parking available, although patrons arriving later in the night will likely have to pay for parking in section F of Raley Field’s parking lot. Conveniently, free valet parking and stor-

age is available for all those who arrive via bicycle.

The Barn is a unique destination that has something to offer for everyone.

Likewise, the venue will only continue to improve as Drake’s Brewing establishes

their permanent kitchen and word of mouth makes it a major Sacramento attraction.

Make sure to gather a couple of your friends and enjoy the experience of Friday nights at The Barn in West Sacramento.

Veteran’s day is a time for remembrance

By Steven Bryla sbryla.connect@gmail.com Tomorrow is Veteran’s day, a day of honoring the brave men and women that served our country in the military.

It’s a day when discounts are given and special events, like parades with former and current military members marching down streets across the nation, are held in apreci-

ation of our nation’s veterans.

Cosumnes River College has 418 veterans attending classes this semester.

United States Army veteran Michael Lopez, who is pursuing a kinesiology degree at CRC, will be attending the Veterans Day Parade in Elk Grove with his wife and, for the first time, his 11-monthold son.

Following the male bloodline in his family, which has

Steven Bryla | The Connection

The five seals represent the five branche of the United States Military, which are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

had a member of the Lopez family serving in every war since World War II, Lopez already knew in high school that he was going to join the military.

The 31-year-old spent eight years in the Army before getting medically retired due to numerous injuries from Improvised Explosive Devices, which caused several fractures in his vertebrae and spine.

Mariah Peck, United States Air Force veteran, served six years and 28 days, including her favorite moment in the military, a one year tour overseas in South Korea.

“When you are stationed overseas, you have a lot more camaraderie,” Peck said. “The bond of the brotherhood and sisterhood is a lot closer because everyone is away from their families, so everybody leans on each other for the

“You should definitely think about the troops that gave their life and for all of us to be here.”

— Michael Lopez 31, kinesiology and athletics major support we don’t have.”

Six year Marine Corps veteran and chemical dependency counseling major John Spuehler is looking to help veterans in the transition process of returning back into civilian life.

The 57-year-old joined the military so he could grow up and become responsible.

Throughout his years of service, Spuehler learned “leadership, motivation, honor, integrity.”

Tomorrow, Spuehler will be reflecting on the time he spent in the Marine Corps.

He will not only be thinking about his fellow brothers and

sisters who stayed in after he got out, but also the ones who he lost while he was in.

Nov. 11 may be a day off of work or school for members of society who haven’t served in the Armed Forces, but for veterans, it is a day of remembrance and reflections on the many experiences they endured while serving in the military.

“It’s a time to honor all those that have served. I know people say Veterans day isn’t Memorial Day,” said Lopez. “You should definitely think about the troops that gave their life and for all of us to be here.”

Page 6

‘Doctor Strange’ strays from comics

November 10, 2016

By LeShea Munoz lmunoz.connect@gmail.com Doctor Strange, a 2016 American superhero film featuring a Marvel Comics character of the same name. The highly anticipated film is produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

It is film number 14 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and is directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister and Sinister 2).

The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes; The Hobbit trilogy), Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Martian; 12 Years a Slave), Rachel McAdams (The Notebook; Spotlight) and Oscar winning actress Tilda Swinton (The Chronicles of Narnia; The Grand Budapest Hotel).

In the film Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is a well renowned neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands due to severe nerve damage from a horrific car accident. His fellow surgeon and former lover Christine Palmer (McAdams) tries to help him move on in life without neurosurgery, but Strange, still believing he can regain use of his hands, uses all of his resources and fortune pursuing experimental surgeries and treatments - all in vain.

He travels to Kamar-Taj in search of the Ancient One (Swinton), a sorcerer who has lived for an unknown amount of time with an infinite amount of power. He meets a master of the mystic arts named Mordo (Ejiofor) who is the Ancient One’s assistant and Wong, the guardian of the ancient books in the library.

Strange’s power grow and the three men pursue Kaeci-

“Life After RTVF”

RTVF Alumni discuss their experiences after they graduated from the RTVF program at CRC in a panel discussion.

Where: CRC main campus, L-111 Time: 6-8 p.m.

Courtesy Photo

lius, one of the Ancient One’s former pupils, who has stolen pages from an ancient book of spells in order to raise a dark power named Dormammu bent on world domination. The plot thickens from there.

One of the things that we can count on Marvel to deliver is a story that is interesting and cinematically beautiful. In terms of narrative structure and theme, fans of the MCU will note a similarity to the flagship film Iron Man (2008), with the title character’s lavish lifestyle and lack of humility that leads to a tragic downfall, with the after effects instilling a sense of purpose beyond his own worldview. He then slowly comes to realize the consequences of his attitude, leading to his rise as a more heroic figure by the end.

The aesthetically monk-esque aspects of the film (emphasizing strength of spirit and synchronization of the body and mind) are reminiscent of another

renown comic book film, Batman Begins (2005) The movie had a constant underlying humor to it, with several one liners and some comic undertones present in even more serious moments, but it did not push the viewers to laugh out loud or make it obvious that those moments were to elicit humor.

The visual effects were mesmerizing, imaginative and extremely interesting to look at, while the exotic and remarkably structured locations range from Nepal to Hong Kong to New York, with each feeling just a relevant and captivating as the last.

Being such a visually complex film, the 3D animation was beautiful to see and worth the extra charge to see it with glasses.

Overall the movie was, as a whole, well put together. It could be tad bit slow at times, with scenes dragging on a bit, seeming to fill time for the sake of doing filling time before it moved onto

the next plot development.

There are plenty of easter eggs in this film as well as the anticipated cameo from the beloved Stan Lee. The movie has a semi-solid plotline and the acting is above average, but as with all Marvel Comic movies, I feel the tie in with all the other Marvel films was long and excessively drawn out, as though the film did not consider itself a film in it’s own right, but rather, another chapter in the overall collaborative universe.

Although it could have been shorter or more condensed and gotten to the points faster, I myself will eagerly wait for the next installment to tie Dr. Strange into the Marvel Universe forever.

Score out of 5 stars For more TV reviews, visit thecrcconnection.com or follow the Connection on Twitter @crcconnection

Jazz Band Concert

CRC’s jazz band will be performing their second-to-last concert at the school for the fall semester Where: CRC main campus, Recital Hall

Annual Tree Lighting

Sacramento will be hosting its annual tree lighting on Nov. 23. Along with the lighting will a live retelling of the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Where: Old Sacramento

Saint Pablo Tour

Established rapper Kanye West will be stopping in Sacramento on Nov. 19.

Where: Golden 1 Center, 547 L St.

#StreamingNow: television edition

Compiled by Ashley Navarro and Jared Lee

‘Black Mirror’

2011-present; TV-MA; Drama, Sci-fi, Thriller; Show that explores the dark side of technological advancement. Netflix.

‘Shameless’(U.S.)

2011-present; TV-MA; Comedy, Drama; Adaption of UK show following a dysfunctional family in Chicago.

Netflix. Hulu.

‘American Horror Story’ 2011-present; TV-MA; Drama, Horror, Thriller; Each season follows a different story ranging from witches to a circus.

‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ 2015-present; TV-MA; Action, Crime, Drama; Matt Murdock is a blind lawyer who doubles as a vigilante in this Marvel Comics adaptation.

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Page 7

Super foods could benefit your health

By Rachel Norris rnorris.connect@gmail.com There’s a big chance that many students have already fallen victim to the persisting illnesses that come around this time of year: colds and the big one, the flu. Nobody wants to fall behind in their studies because they caught the dreadful flu that could have been prevented in the first place.

We know that prevention is the best method for fighting the flu and other sicknesses, but in what ways do students prevent catching the bug? Many go out and buy supplements and multivitamins to try to build up their immune system. Some will go to the doctor for a flu shot, but the true method of prevention lies with what people are putting in their bodies as fuel. Preventing sickness goes hand in hand with what food you are consuming.

“You don’t want to catch anything bad,” said 18-year-old medical assisting major Liz Rosario. She said that she actively tries to eat healthier foods in order to keep herself from getting ill. “Do something small, at least.”

Cosumnes River College’s nutrition professor Timaree Hagenburger is a

registered dietician with a Master’s Degree in Public Health with her own website dedicated to nutrition and healthy eating called The Nutrition Professor. She also has a monthly column in the Lodi News Sentinel and is a guest contributor for The Stockton Record. Hagenburger delved into how “superfoods” are beneficial a n d necess a r y f o r o u r

the most potent form of superfoods that fight diseases, reduce the risk of cancer and elevate your body’s overall nutrition. The acronym stands for greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds.

bodies’ wellness.

“‘Superfoods’ are foods that provide more than just the calories, carbs, proteins and fats that our bodies need. They contain phytonutrients that literally fight for your health,” Hagenburger said.

Hagenburger mentioned a very well-known MD from the east coast of California named Joel Fuhrman, who classifies superfoods into an acronym called GBOMBS, which are

Courtesy Photo

“These are the types of food that are going to elevate your body on a cellular level,” Hagenburger said. “Adding each of those to your diet is going to be very easy.”

Many students think that buying food that is good for you is going to break the bank or they don’t have time to be making meals at home with all their

studying and school work.

Hagenburger explained that in reality, it is actually cheaper to buy these foods compared to buying fast food or eating out every day and making one crockpot meal can make a meal that will last an entire week, saving a lot more time than one would think.

“A fast food meal can cost anywhere from $5 to $10, while you

can g e t three d i f ferent fruits or vegetables at the grocery store for that amount. While you are studying at night, take thirty minutes to cut up some vegetables, open a can of beans and broth, and cook overnight to make a crockpot of soup that will last you a week,” Hagenburger said.

Hagenburger gave suggestions to stepping up your nutrition game in ways are that extremely easy and fast. If you get a sandwich from Subway,

get spinach on it instead of iceberg lettuce for no additional charge. If you are in a hurry and make oatmeal for breakfast, add some frozen berries to it. These are all easy ways to elevate your nutrition.

“I have students who take my nutrition class and experiment with these foods and the number one response I get from them is that they have more energy,” Hagenburger said.

“They no longer need naps during the day or fall asleep in class and it makes them want to start exercising.”

Not only do students start doing better in school and getting better grades from the energy they gain, but behind the scenes, their bodies are being protected against viruses, heart disease, cancer, lung disease and high blood pressure, Hagenburger said.

Some students, like 18-year-old undeclared major Michael Sterk, say that it’s worth the cost. “If they have obvious benefits, then yes,” said Sterk. He said that if the health benefits are guaranteed, then superfoods are worth the increased cost.

If you would like to see easy and healthy recipes that contain superfoods, then visit Hagenburger’s website “thenutritionprofessor.com”.

Department offers unique, hands-on experience

By Ashley Navarro anavarro.connect@gmail.com Within the many classes offered at Cosumnes River College lies a department dedicated to giving students the opportunity to create and gain knowledge in radio, television and film.

The RTVF department offers in depth courses to prepare students if they choose to continue in the field and make a career out of it. It’s important to acknowledge how much CRC offers to students attending.

“It’s invaluable hands on experience in here,” said RTVF adjunct professor Terry Finnegan.

“Where ideally at the end of the semester you could

walk into a television or radio newsroom and function.”

RTVF 330 and 350 are basic and intermediate classes that teach students how to make and produce films. In the intermediate class, students are even separated into groups to create a short film.

Another course, RTVF 331, is beginning television production that stems into other majors within the department.

Although students can continue learning television production through a series of workshop courses, the knowledge gained from taking the class can help with broadcasting.

The courses have a “hands-on” approach so students can actually learn with equipment unlike

universities.

“We as a school let you start using equipment pretty much right away which

even the aesthetics of a film are available.

Having such a diverse set of courses available

“It's invaluable hands-on experience in here. Ideally at the end of the semester you could walk into a television or radio newsroom and function."

— Terry Finnegan Adjunct Professor is why I chose to come here,” said RTVF professor Lauren Wagner. “If I had gone to a CSU straight away then it would have been my junior year before I was able to take classes and before I could use equipment.”

The options of learning more about screenwriting, film history, radio and

gives a unique experience to students who may only have a slight interest in the field. Without having the option of working with equipment, it might make it difficult to decide whether it is the right path for them.

“I have greatly enjoyed working with the other like minded students and

the amazing professors in the department.” said 20 year-old RTVF major, Austin Morris. “I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people.”

The television studio located in the library will be in the works of being renovated with new equipment to become modern and more efficient.This renovation is to be completed before the spring classes to resume television production classes.

“I think as a faculty, not to brag,” said Finnegan regarding the uniqueness of the department. “We’ve got a lot of experience here.

I think that is the strength of junior college and that you have folks from real world situations coming to teach.”

November 10, 2016

Page 8

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Legal marijuana is better for everyone The debate over the legalization of cannabis has raged on across the country for years.

More steps have been made in the legalization of cannabis, with 25 states allowing cannabis for medical use and four allowing both recreational and medicinal use, according to whitehouse.gov.

California presented its own cannabis ballot measure in the 2016 election. Proposition 64 would permit the recreational use of cannabis and allow smoking in a private home or business licensed for on-site cannabis consumption, according to the California Voters’ Guide.

Proposition 64 was passed by 56 percent of voters in the November election. With its passing on Thursday, Californians over the age of 21 are legally allowed to possess and use cannabis, though licenses to sell marijuana would not be available until possibly Jan. 1, 2018, according to Capital Public Radio.

Many continue to try

and fight against the legalization of marijuana at federal and state levels.

Opponents often argue about the dangers of addiction, driving under the influence of marijuana and the potential use of marijuana by children and those under 18.

Opponents focus on the interpreted negatives of cannabis and paint a doomsday picture where there’s a cannabis shop on every block, children easily having accessing it and people’s health deteriorating from the potential gateway drug that will lead down a line of addiction.

These arguments are flawed. No one would be allowed to receive a license to sell cannabis until potentially 2018.

Since the recreational use of cannabis was passed in Colorado in 2014, the Colorado State Patrol found that the number of citations issue for driving under the impairment of cannabis dropped, according to The Colorado Springs Gazette.

HAWK TALK

In 2014, troopers reported they gave out 5,546 drug and alcohol-related citations. That number dropped to 4,546 in 2015 and of those 4,546 citations, 347 of them involved only marijuana, according to The Gazette.

If opponents are so

“It's a measure to

start cutting down on prison overpopulation by taking non-violent, drug offenders out of jails.” concerned about people’s lives and health being put at risk by recreational use of cannabis, they could always turn their attention to prescription drugs or alcohol.

Across the United States in 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

That number rose to 10,265 people killed in

2014, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) statistics.

Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol present one of the greatest threats to everyone’s safety on the road. While steps are being taken to try and reduce this number, alcohol is in no danger of taking a financial hit any time soon.

In research done by Nature.com, a British interdisciplinary scientific journal, scientists found that cannabis was far safer with less risk than alcohol and tobacco, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, prescription painkillers have proven to be very dangerous to many users health and their lives.

The increase in use and distribution of prescription drugs played a role in the overdose death rate, nearly quadrupling from 1999 to 2008. The substance use disorder treatment admission in 2009 was six times of what it was in 1999, according to the American Society of

Addiction Medicine.

The study further showed that four of five new heroin users started out misusing prescription painkillers.

Opponents of the legalization of marijuana do care about people and keeping them healthy, their minds are just not in the right place. Cannabis should be seen as a much better alternative for pain relief than opioids.

There are also positives from legalizing the use of recreational marijuana. It’s a measure to start cutting down on prison overpopulation by taking non-violent, drug offenders out of the jails and instead providing them rehabilitation support by helping them be strong, productive members of our community.

We want the best for our society and we want everyone around us to be safe and healthy. This is another step in the right direction and California now becomes part of the solution to our existing problems.

What were your feelings about the outcome of the presidential election?

Compiled by Alejandra Morales Photos by Joe Padilla

Gabrielle Lee 23, business

“I was actually pretty traumatized I think it was a dream, after I felt like he was chosen as president for entertainment not as a serious political leader."

Marshell Sailor 27, undeclared

Simone Memeffe 18, chemistry

"I do not really find anger in that situation or get scared of a racist uprising because I am pretty confident in my day to day and I do not really see that much of an effect yet so I like to just see how it plays out.”

“I do not like the thought because he is disrespectful and disrespecting my people and my best friend's family.”

John Brooks 18, computer engineering

"I do not think it is a positive that he won because I think there is a lot of hate with his campaigning and how he spoke throughout the whole period of time last year."

Page 9

thecrcconnection.com

Holiday Cla$h Should people participate in Black Friday shopping?

Pro: Take a chance on Black Friday

By Andrew Maestas amaestas.connect@gmail.com Black Friday is a theme park in a casino for all to place bets. Family and friends wait hours in a line to get on a roller coaster ride that lasts no more than a few minutes that gives excitement, a rush, the feeling of accomplishment.

“Black Friday is a bet for

fun, gifts for family and friends, and a crazy yet rewarding experience for everyone. ” That is Black Friday, but in a casino where shoppers must decide where to shop first. The choices are plentiful from electronics at Best Buy, jewelry, fragrances and name brand clothes at Macy’s or Toys R Us for the kid in everyone.

Black Friday offers the adventure to find the perfect gifts like the best Apple Macbook for the college daughter, shoes for the wife, the tie and dress shirt for the husband who needs that update in style and that perfect black suede Nike sweater for the little soccer player at home.

Consequently, businesses prepare for the holiday shopping experience by providing the opportunity to hire talent for the season. For many of the new hires this is their first time in the workforce and in retail during Black Friday. There is nothing like coming home with a paycheck with holiday pay.

There is an excitement and privilege knowing that I get to help patrons find the perfect gift and a treat for themselves. Personally, working in retail the details matter to patrons and providing the best experience to them possible is rewarding in itself.

I remember helping a patron looking for the right leather jacket and we took the time trying a handful on. Finally, we were able to narrow it right down to the Calvin Klein faux leather jacket that was the right fit and look for him. He left the store happy and satisfied with a jacket bought at a great price.

Despite all the horror stories Black Friday comes back every year and shoppers plan ahead to rush and

get the best deals, making memories to tell at home and years to come.

Shoppers are the reason for the season. They help give the new hires a job and work experience.

They help the local economy by driving up sales, they get to see what’s new and familiar in the stores, at the malls and their community altogether.

Shoppers get to burn off the calories from Thanksgiving food, spend time with family and friends visiting for the holidays, and they all get to come home to put the beautifully carefully wrapped ribbon bow tied gifts under the bejeweled lit Christmas tree.

Black Friday is a bet for fun, gifts for family and friends, and a crazy, yet rewarding experience for all. There is a story behind every gift.

If someone you know is shopping on Black Friday, they may be thinking of you, so you’ll have a gift waiting for you on Christmas day.

If you haven’t gone shopping on this controversial day, then place a bet, take a chance and go have fun. Happy Thanksgiving and happy Black Friday shopping!

Con: Celebrate people not profits

By Andrew Flores aflores.connect@gmail.com When I think of Black Friday, the words that circulate in my head are long lines, reckless customers, parking nightmares, greed, injuries and sales.

“Having Black Friday sales

during Thanksgiving encroaches on a holiday that allows one to reflect on their blessings and to give thanks for what they have. ” For most people the discounted price on an item, whether big or small, is enough to endure these grueling circumstances, while others have transformed this day into a family tradition.

I have made the conscious decision to not participate in an American tradition riddled with corporate greed.

A day that can bring the worst out of Americans and that feeds the beast of capitalism.

As profits increase on Black Friday, stores across the nation try to become more accessible to the consumer. One controversial trend that occurs every year is department stores that remain open during Thanksgiving day for Black Friday sales.

Courtesy Photo

A number of stores have opted out of this trend, mainly due to the backlash from shoppers, while other retailers have decided that profits are more important than the values and traditions held by some Americans on Thanksgiving day. Though who can blame them when customers flock to sales on a large scale.

Having Black Friday sales during Thanksgiving encroaches on a holiday that allows one to reflect on their blessings and to give thanks for what they have. A holiday where people can spend an entire day enjoying the company of their family and friends.

From cooking food, sharing meals and catching up to watching movies, playing sports and competing in board games, there are endless activities to craft a memory with those you love. It is better to show your love and affection to those you hold close by spending time with them rather than buying them a frivolous gift.

For those of you who do not celebrate Thanksgiving or rather spend time with your family during a different holiday, think about all of the people working in retail who will have to sacrifice this day and the day after to quench your materialistic desires.

Sure, you can argue that people would rather work to get money, or that these people knew what they were signing up for when they took the job but that does not make it right.

Many Americans work minimum-wage retail jobs to support their family and to make ends meet, while others are college students who work to support themselves through school.

Working during Black Friday is often times mandatory and missing work for any circumstance that is not life threatening, will most likely be grounds for termination.

Should they not be allowed the courtesy of having Thanksgiving and the day after off like most Americans?

Another reason that Black Friday should be dismantled is because it puts customers and workers in potential danger. Numerous news organizations have covered the madness of Black Friday, showcasing the injuries and sometimes death that occurs from incidents such as human stampedes.

With the rise in online sales and the introduction of Cyber Mondays shoppers can take advantage of sales without having to enter a store. Another solution to the Black Friday absurdity would be for stores to offer sales throughout the year, while encouraging shoppers to do their shopping earlier rather than last minute.

Of course, Black Friday will only be brought to its demise when people learn to cherish each other rather than the

Page 10

November 10. 2016

>>Sports

Forward overcomes injuries in return to the court

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com She felt the pop. Not once, but twice.

It was the Hawks second game of the Cosumnes River College women’s basketball tournament. Redshirt sophomore forward Akila Britton felt it immediately.

She didn’t know it at the time but Britton had tore the labrum in her left shoulder.

“I felt it pop. They said I probably felt the dislocation because it dislocated and when it dislocated, it tore, then it relocated right back,” Britton said She was physically limited, unable to extend her arm up, but she found a way to keep playing through the injury.

“I just knew I couldn’t lift my arm.

So I had one of the trainers tape it,” Britton said.

“He was like, ‘You won’t have a lot of motion,’ I was like, 'I don’t really have that much anyways,'” she said.

“So it was kinda like, I knew I just had my right hand really, so it was kinda doing everything with that,” she said.

Britton was back out on the court for the team’s third tournament game when injury struck again. She felt that dreaded pop sound again, this time in her leg, and she feared an Achilles injury.

“I honestly thought I had torn my Achilles tendon, because my dad has torn both of his partially and I felt it pop too,” Britton said.

“But they just said that was all my ligaments, pulled them all. I was screaming.”

As a former player, head coach Coral Sage immediately felt for Britton.

“As a player myself, I dealt with a lot of injuries. As a coach, I’m very emotionally tied to that," Sage said.

"So when I first see my players go down like that, my first thought is ‘please don’t be hurt’, because I know how tough it is to go through something like that and recover,” she said.

It was also a crushing moment for Britton and her family, after all the

Akila Britton Road to Recovery Sophomore Forward Freshman (2014-2015): 24 Games, 3.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG Injury: Interior knee degeneration Sophomore (2015-2016): Four Games, 6.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG Injury: Torn labrum, torn ankle ligaments

Joe Padilla | The Connection

Sophomore foward Akila Britton returned to the court on Monday after she tore her ankle ligaments and ended her season. She returned to the court two months ahead of schedule.

work they put in to recover from a previous injury.

Britton battled through interior deterioration in her left knee as a freshman and the road to getting back on the court wasn't easy.

effort she put in to recover from knee injuries that as a freshman, then to tear her labrum and ankle ligaments, it was a devastating blow.

As time went on, the voices of people who told her to quit grew louder.

“I felt it pop. They said I probably felt the dislocation because it dislocated and when it dislocated, it tore, then it relocated right back,” — Akila Britton Women's basketball forward

She worked tirelessly with her father in the offseason to strengthen her knees so she could get back on the court.

“My dad thought I hurt my knee ,because my freshman year I did hurt my knee,” Britton said.

“But I spent that whole year rehabbing both my knees so they’d be strong enough to play. I was fine and then that happened and I was screaming.”

Her season was over. After all the

“A lot of people started to tell me eventually that I should just give up, I should not play. I think through the rehab process that really started to take its toll on me,” she said.

Britton was able to return home to her parents in the Bay Area to train with her dad.

In between working with her dad, she talked to him about the doubt that crept in.

“What if they’re right. What if I

can’t come back and play the way I’ve played before,” she said.

That’s when her father told her, “That’s up to you. That’s between you and god. If you want to come back and play, you can come back and play,” Britton said. “That was a big part of the reason why, something just clicked when he said that, I was able to come back.”

She continued to commit herself to working her way back from the injuries, becoming stronger in the process., Which Sage said speaks to Akila’s passion for basketball and her dedication to coming back from injuries.

“She just loves the game of basketball and she’ll do whatever she can do to keep playing. So there was no question in my mind that she would come back, because I knew she just works her butt off,” Sage said.

Not only has Britton made it back, but she beat the timetable that was set for her when the injury happened, completing her rehabilitation and coming back two months ahead of schedule.

While the injuries kept her off the court and presented a hurdle, Britton has overcome them and seen the positives from her experience. Being on the sideline helped her see the game from a new angle.

“I feel like I came back with a lot of deeper understanding of a lot that was going on," Britton said.

"Stuff that my coach would tell me I was doing and messing up on maybe, that I wasn’t seeing until I stepped off and was able to see it from a whole different perspective,” Britton said.

Now her knees, ankle and shoulder are healthy. She is ready to get back on the court and compete.

“I think it is going to be a really good feeling being back out there. Being able to play with my teammates,” Britton said.

It's a return her teammates are glad to have back on the team because of what she brings.

"She brings a lot of energy and hustle to the team and we really need that," said sophomore guard Gina Ingravallo.

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Hawks dropped by Eagles in women’s basketball opener

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com The Hawks opened the season with a tough loss on Monday as the College of Siskiyous dropped them in a 100-53 contest.

For the second time in three years, Cosumnes River College’s women’s basketball team opened the season against the Eagles and the Hawks met a similar fate once again.

While it was a tough loss for the team, head coach Coral Sage was still pleased with the hustle and effort her team showed.

“The fight the girls had,” Sage said. “They just kept playing the whole time, which is what we always talk about.”

Even as the Eagles continued to build on its lead as the game went on, players said they felt good about the work they put in and how they never game up.

“I feel like we played hard. I feel like we didn’t let down even though they got ahead of more than we wanted it to be,” said sophomore forward Daija Ward.

Monday’s game was the first game back for redshirt sophomore forward Akila Britton, who retured to the court after she tore her labrum and ankle ligaments in the team’s third game of the year last season.

In her first game back, Britton contributed three rebounds, she also found herself in some foul trouble with four fouls on the night.

Siskiyous dominated from start to finish, jumping out to an early 24-6 lead and they never let CRC cut the deficit below 20 points after that.

The Hawks surrendered 100 points on the night, running into issues with rotations, leaving Eagles’ shooters open for threes and struggling to play transition defense.

It’s something Sage knows the team must improve on and will adjust to given their unique defensive system.

“Because of the type of defense we run, it’s just unorthodox, our rotations need to be better,” Sage said.

“We’re getting too many people on the ball instead of one person on the ball and then everyone rotating.”

Players also saw areas where they could improve defensively so they can keep things close and smooth going forward.

Editor in Chief: Matt Johnson News Editor: Courtney Fong Features Editor: Ashley Navarro Opinion Editor: Tyler Santana Sports Editor: Matt Johnson Photo Editor: LeShea Munoz Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff: Abigail Babineau, Kaelyn Blizzard, Steven Bryla, Lola Chase, Andrew Flores, Jared Lee, Andrew Maestas, Alejandra Morales, Rachel Norris, Joe Padilla, Stan Smith, Julie Wallinger

Sports must support female fans in non-patronizing ways

By Ashley Navarro anavarro.connect@gmail.com

Joe Padilla | The Connection

Freshman forward QuoQuese Jackson (top) attempts a jump shot against College of Siskiyous on Monday.

“Defensively, just being in the gaps and being more aware of where my teammates are,” said sophomore guard Gina Ingravallo.

While the Hawks had to play catch up for most of the game, they made several trips to the free throw line, attempting 24 free-throw attempts on the night.

“That’s something I want to do. Get to the foul line and knock down free throws, get those easy buckets,” Ward said.

“We just have to work on executing and just keep fighting. We’re really excited for the tournament because we think it’s a good chance to bounce back from this game,” Ingravallo said.

The Hawks next game will come in the three-day tournament hosted by CRC. The tournament will feature some of the top-15 ranked junior college teams in the state by the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s preseason rankings.

Their first game will be at 1 p.m. against Butte College.

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 410 & 411 media 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.

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

Theout Connection Check Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823

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Since the dawn of time, or just the dawn of athletics, women have been patronized for having any association with sports.

Unequal pay for female athletes and gender exclusivity in sports have been a continuous issue. Among these issues lies one that hasn’t been so addressed; the treatment and perception of female fans.

In recent decades, leagues such as the NFL and MLB have made attempts to involve women in sports.

These attempts included “feminine” colors and bedazzled merchandise. The exclusivity went so far as to not even offer the same player jerseys that are available in men sizes.

Just a few years ago, the NFL started a “Fit for You” campaign that offered female fans more merchandise options than previously stated.

What happened next was an increase in sales.

Advertisers have opened their arms to women in sports. Sponsors such as Nike have made large strides towards having female athletes in advertisements but what about those who are just a fan of the sport?

During the prime of sports seasons, advertisements for beer, chips, cellular networks and even satellite providers involve sports to have sport fanbases buy into their product. The issue with these commercials is that they are largely composed by male actors for male fans.

Is it that woman don’t go through the struggles of missing out on a game because they already own NFL Sunday Ticket or that women just don’t like Tostitos tortilla chips?

I can’t speak for all women, but I personally do not have NFL Sunday Ticket and miss out on a lot of games because of my location and I enjoy good tortilla chips

with a nice dip. So where is my ad?

Along with the lack of portrayals of female fans in brand advertisements, there is a hint of entitlement from some male fans.

Part of what makes sports so enticing is the unity it creates with fans. Fanbases can celebrate wins and mourn failures together but the sad reality is that although times have changed, the authenticity of a female being a fan is often questioned.

I’ve watched football for much of my life because I was fortunate to have a brother who showed me the ways of the emotional roller coaster teams put you through.

For some reason, whenever I share my appreciation of sports, my knowledge is immediately questioned.

Questions like, “Oh who’s your quarterback?” to “What does LB stand for?”

It continues to happen and it’s extremely insulting.

I’ve watch fellow female fans get increasingly frustrated by the ridiculous questioning. What gives people the right to question another’s knowledge because of their gender?

I’ve met men that have said that they don’t really watch sports but they support a team because of association. But because they are a man, their knowledge wouldn’t be questioned.

It’s understandable that sports has a larger male demographic because of earlier, conservative times that boxed woman’s lifestyle in a certain way, but that idealism is far outdated.

While some sports have some complex rules, it doesn’t take much mental capacity to understand and enjoy.

A comparison can be made to the old ideal that only women knew how to cook, but there are renowned male chefs. If a male can hold a spatula, than a female can turn on the television and watch sports.

Page 12

November 10, 2016

Halloween scrimmage builds chemistry for team

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com As the softball team starts to wind down its fall training for the upcoming season, it held its annual Halloween intrasquad scrimmage on Nov. 3.

With Halloween costumes that ranged from Thing 1 and Thing 2, Bugs Bunny and Spongebob to Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. The Halloween scrimmage was the perfect thing to keep things light and fun before the season rolls around.

“It’s nice to end fall being fun because as soon as spring starts we go hard and are very focused, no messing up,” said sophomore first baseman Chelsea Martinez.

The scrimmage was beloved by players, both new and returning, who enjoyed the opportunity to play the game they love without any of the stress that will come from games in the regular season.

“Just being able to be out there and play softball, not have it be so serious," said freshman shortstop Miranda Rodriguez.

"Do what we do in a re-

LeShea Munoz | The Connection

Softball players showed off their creativity for the team's annual Halloween intrasquad scrimmage on Nov. 3.

laxed atmosphere,” she said.

The scrimmage also provided players and coaches a chance to grow closer and build an even stronger bond for the upcoming season, which is only beneficial in the long run.

“I think it’s just a good experience because the bonding brings us closer and that just helps us later on in spring with just being on the field and helping each other out with

school. It keeps us on track,” said redshirt freshman pitcher Ashleigh Berg.

The scrimmage featured four groups of three hitters with groups rotated between fielding and hitting.

The game ended in a 7-7 tie, but the players walked away from the game knowing they had fun doing it.

“It was a lot of fun. We all got to dress up like dorks," Martinez said.

"That’s always fun and we got to play softball and I love playing softball,”she said.

There were a wide variety of creative costumes on display and it helped make the intrasquad scrimmage even more enjoyable and kept the mood light.

“Probably just having fun and getting to see all the creativity of everybody’s different costumes,” Berg said.

The game provided a pos-

itive experience for freshman players in helping them have fun with their teammates and get more comfortable with them.

“I think it’s a good experience because they just get to bond with the sophomores, because sometimes they may feel a little insecure and don’t want to put themselves out there," Berg said.

"So it’s just a good bonding experience,” she said.

It also helped teach the players who are newer to the college athletics level about how the importance of relaxing and not getting swept up by the added pressure and itensity when the season rolls around. “[Kinda] Just to stay relaxed. It teaches us a little bit about when it comes to game time, to kinda just play our game and relax,” Rodriguez said.

Overall, the annual Halloween intrasquad scrimmage provided players and coaches with a fun, light-hearted atmosphere and the perfect chance to relax before the team gets back to the grind of the season and competing for a conference title in the spring.

Alumni return home for some friendly competition

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com It was a competitive reunion.

The Cosumnes River College baseball team has spent much of the fall training, scrimmaging and preparing for next season. After competing against each other so much, the team faced a fun opponent on Nov. 5 The Hawks hosted their third annual alumni game at Conway Field in a matchup between players from the upcoming 2016-2017 team against baseball alumni from CRC. The game provided many alumni the chance to catch up with old friends and coaches before they laced on the cleats, put on their gloves and took the field.

“Bloomy always provides a great atmosphere. It’s awesome, it’s phenomenal to be able to come back," said second baseman Michael Chavarria, who played under head coach Tony Bloomfield at CRC in the 2013-2014 season.

"Just to have so much fun, like we never left pretty much,” he said.

The game also provided a nice opportunity for older players who played at CRC to see the new changes made to the facilities.

“It’s really nice to see the new field they have, the facilities have gotten a lot better and it’s nice to come back and see the coaches and the program flourishing,” said right fielder Evan Zimny, who played for the Hawks in the 2005-2006 season.

While there was certainly rust after time away from swinging the bats against live pitching, alumni players were still pleased with how they performed.

“I felt good. It’s been forever since I have swung," Chavarria said.

"I thought I felt better than how I thought I was going to be swinging it. It was fun, that’s all that matters pretty much.”

The alumni fell behind early as the Hawks jumped out to

an early 1-0 lead on a fielder’s choice that scored a run from third. While the alumni missed out on an inning-ending double play when the throw went wide of first base.

The Hawks held onto that lead, though it didn’t come without some scares.

In the top of the third, the alumni loaded the bases with two outs in the inning and an opportunity to tie or take the lead, but a strikeout stranded the runners.

Hits with runners in scoring position never came for any of the alumni, but they did come just a few feet from tying it up later in the game.

“Well, I almost knocked one out of the park, that was a pretty good moment. But I was just a few feet short. I’m gonna be thinking about that one until next year,” said catcher Cody Morris, who played at CRC during the 2013-2014 season.

The Hawks tacked on an additional run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly, giving the alumni one last inning to

Stan Smith | The Connection

Cosumnes River College baseball alumni and current players shake hands after the 2016-2017 team won the annual alumni game 2-0 on Nov. 5.

try and get back in it.

They stranded tying runner at the plate when a double play ended the game and gave the 2016-2017 Hawks the 2-0 victory.

While the alumni didn’t walk away with the win, the opportunity to see old team-

mates and friends made it all worth it.

“Just being out with all the guys who have been a part of the program and organization that Bloomy has put on pretty much. He’s a phenomenal guy.

Bloomfield is the man,” Chavarria said.