The Connection

'Road warriors' ready to make playoff run

The baseball team, who currently play all their games away from Cosumnes River College, are in second place in the Big 8 conference standings and have won nine of their last 12 games.

See Page 6

Proposed tuition increase raises fears for community college students

A tuition proposal at Santa Monica College that would charge more for high-demand classes was recently shot down. But the issue raises a question for students: would they pay more to get into required classes?

See Page 8

Volume 58,Issue Issue Volume 59, 5 1

Students network to find jobs

The third annual FutureFair on April 11 allowed students interested in human service careers to connect with professionals and regional managers. Over 40 businesses and agencies visited, and students agreed that the career fair was a positive experience.

See Page 4

www.thecrcconnection.com

April 19, 2012

Annual event raises money for students

By Zachary Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com

Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris (top) addresses the crowd during the Gala event on April 14 in the cafeteria. Board member Kevin Pressey (bottom) pours a glass of Cosentino Tempranillo wine to a guest.

Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

The sound of jazz and the smell of wine filled the air on April 14 at Gala 2012, an annual fundraiser presented by the Cosumnes River College Foundation in which all proceeds benefit students.

Guests were greeted with a warm welcome and a wine glass as they entered the CRC cafeteria. Patrons of the event were invited to taste wines from California vineyards such as Heritage Oak and Ironstone vineyards.

Along with the wine, eventgoers were treated to Hors d’oeuvres, made by CRC’s culinary department. The fundraiser also held a silent auction that allowed guests to bid on items, such as a photo of the 1980 U.S. Olympic gold-medal winning hockey team signed by goaltender Jim Craig.

After giving the guests a chance to get comfortable at the event, Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris addressed the crowd of more than 200 people.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone in this economy,” he said. “However, your support this evening will have a direct impact on thousands of students.”

After Harris’ speech, CRC President Deborah Travis introduced the emcee for the night, CBS13/CW31 news anchor Marianne McClary.

“The atmosphere here is just great,” McClary said. “It’s great to see events like this that truly help students.”

The goal of the event was to raise money for the CRC Annual Fund.

The CRC Foundation’s goal is to establish scholarships, grants and other assistance for students and raise funds to improve the college experience, according to the event’s program.

“Gala is a signature fundraising event for the CRC Foundation,” Travis said. “All proceeds go to scholarships and most of the stuff that we have is donated.”

Two hours into the event, the silent auction closed and the live auction began. Elk Grove Vice Mayor Pat Hume did the honors of live auctioneer.

The auction featured things like a guitar signed by music legend Eric Clapton and an eightday, seven-night trip to South Lake Tahoe.

When the auction concluded, guests continued to sample food and wine.

The fundraiser is very important to CRC, and the support was a great thing to see, Travis said.

“This fundraiser helps make sure we can continue our mission and help out our students,” Travis said.

Los Rios chancellor holds budget forum

By Tracy Gilkerson & Vince Schwede Connection Staff Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris spoke to students, faculty and staff at Cosumnes River College on April 10 about the budget crisis facing Los Rios community colleges, saying that the crisis is “by far the worst and by far the longest.”

The forum was one of four meetings being held at each of the Los Rios colleges. Harris opened the forum by addressing the severity of the budget crisis.

“Most experts, not just me, will tell you that it is the worst in modern history,” Harris said.

Since the 2009-2010 academic year, the Los Rios district has dealt with a $77 million budget deficit, cutting 1,430 class sec-

tions, according to the chancellor’s presentation.

Harris presented three budget scenarios for the next two academic years: best case, mid-range and worst case. These decisions depend on Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative passing in November.

Under the best case scenario, Brown’s tax initiative gets on the ballot in November and passes.

The revenue from the initia-

tive would generate approximately $218 million in funding for California community colleges, which could mean $7.6 million for Los Rios colleges.

Under the mid-range scenario, the tax initiative gets on the ballot in November and passes, but the governor would use the $218 million to pay down part of the $900 million debt for California community colleges.

Under the worst case scenario, Brown’s tax initiative doesn’t make it to the ballot or doesn’t pass, resulting in a $264 million cut in funding for California community colleges. This would result in a $12 million cut for Los Rios colleges.

If the worst scenario occurs, the district will have to cut 830 class sections in the next two acaSee HARRIS, Page 8

April 19, 2012 |

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Corrections Issue 4: A news story on the faculty forum held by Los Rios College Federation of Teachers President Dean Murakami said the trombone clause would result in a 9 percent decrease in the salaries of Los Rios employees. The actual number is 6 percent.

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.

Hawk’s Eye Health services available to students on campus The Cosumnes River College health services office is open Monday through Thursday and offers tuberculosis testing, health evaluations and reproductive services.

The office is located in OPS 126, and there is no charge for students. Appointments are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome.

For more information, call (916) 691-7584 or visit crc. losrios.edu.

Next blood drive set to begin on April 24 The next blood drive at CRC will be held on April 24 and 25. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., students can donate blood at the bloodmobiles located between the LRC and Science buildings. Participants must have a valid I.D. and are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. Participants will receive a free pint of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins.

For more information, contact Michelle Barkley at (916) 691-7767.

Supplemental enrollment form now available The supplemental enrollment form on eServices is now available to fill out.

Completion of the form will give students an enrollment date and allow them to register for classes beginning on the given date. Enrollment dates begin on April 30, and open registration begins on May 21.

For more information, visit www.losrios.edu.

Professor and theater department prepare for fairytale opera “What Your Parents Don’t Want You to Know… (About Fairytales),” an opera written by CRC professor Kurt Erickson and directed by theatre arts professor Cheri Fortin, will open on April 19. Shows are scheduled to run through April 22, and tickets are $10 for general admission or $8 for students and faculty with a valid I.D. The opera is based on the Grimm brothers’ fairytale “Cinderella.” It will include a narrator presenting the sweeter and more popular version of the story, while the actors rebel and explain the original, darker story of “Cinderella.”

The play “embraces a love of the macabre, silliness, and the truth about fairy tales in a postDisney era,” according to the play's website.

All performances will be in the Recital Hall. For more information, contact the box office at (916) 691-7802.

Counseling appointments are drop-in only Students can sign up for Counseling appointments in the Counseling Center until April 27. From April 30 through Aug. 24, appointments are on a drop-in basis only. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit crc.losrios.edu for updates and changes.

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 Carlo Dela Cruz, Cody Durham Demitri Fellines, Mike Hendrickson, Tracy Gilkerson, Ian Graves, Zachary Hannigan, Erik Juarez, Josh Lee, Ben Levy, Alex Mosqueda, 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

Campus News

Proposed scholarship act aims to end wasteful corporate spending Scholarship Act distributed by Pan. “I think that it will definitely help kids who can't afford college, afford it,” said Justin Henry, a 29-year-old communications major.

The act will close a $1 billion corporate tax loophole that allows out-of-state corporations to have lower California taxes, according to the brochure.

Communications professor Colette Harris-Mathews supported the event and the act.

“It’s important to have this civic engagement,” Harris-Mathews said. “We have to do something to fund community colleges and make community colleges more Ian Graves | The Connection available to students.”

California Assemblyman Richard Pan speaks at Cosumnes River While the majority of the College on March 28 about the Middle Class Scholarship Act. students in attendance were in favor of the act, there were some assistance to those families to students that were not so quick to

By Cody Durham cdurham.connect@gmail.com make college affordable again." support the act.

Assemblyman Richard Pan, “I’m just a little bit skeptiA new scholarship proposal who is a sponsor of the bill, spoke cal of it because while I’m all for is aimed to keep the cost of col- at a Cosumnes River College pushing education in California, lege affordable for middle-in- about the act in front of more we’re just kind of faced with this come families by eliminating out- than 100 students on March 28. grim reality that we are $13 billion of-state corporate spending.

He told students that the act will in debt in just California alone,” Proposed by California As- have a positive impact. said Michael Lindsley, 21, a comsembly Speaker John Perez, the “Why should we reward corputer science/mathematics major.

Middle Class Scholarship Act porations who move jobs out of would reduce tuition at Califor- California?” said Pan, who was “Stuff like this, I don’t just go up nia’s public colleges, making it af- in charge of the event. “This [act] and sign it.”

While not every student was fordable for middle-class families. will put $150 million into the in favor of the act, there was no "The California Middle Class community college system.” denying the passion they felt Scholarship Act is very simple,” The $150 million would Perez said in a video posted on increase fee waivers or provide about improving community colthe Middle Class Scholarship Act grants to cover the costs of books, leges.

“We are at a time where we website. "Too many families are transportation or other educagetting squeezed out of higher tional expenses. The act aims to need to redevelop our commueducation. The Middle Class slash college fees by two-thirds for nity,” said 22-year-old undeclared Scholarship Act reduces fees at all students with a family income major Natasha Sanders. “It takes UC system and the CSU system less than $150,000, according to a hard work and effort to make by two-thirds, giving tremendous brochure about the Middle Class things better.”

Opinion | April 19, 2012

www.thecrcconnection.com |

Editorial

Sacramento and Kings deserve better

Fans have endured a lack of committment from the Kings’ owners–the Maloof family–for over a decade now.

The time has come for them to either put up or shut up.

In a letter to the Maloofs on April 12, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson expressed his disappointment with the Maloofs for not honoring their verbal agreement, making it clear that the city would not change the terms of the deal.

"The best – and only – way to demonstrate that commitment is to honor the 'fair deal' as all other parties have done,” Johnson wrote. “Your handshake is your handshake. Your promise is your promise.”

Unfortunately, a handshake and a promise mean nothing to the Maloofs, and by sale or by self-enlightenment, it’s time the Sacramento Kings had an owner, or owners, that did value such agreements.

It was barely over a month ago that the Sacramento City Council approved a term sheet that outlined the funding for a new arena in Sacramento.

A term sheet that had been

agreed upon by the NBA, Anschutz Entertainment Group, the city of Sacramento and the Maloofs.

Excitement filled new City Hall in downtown Sacramento, and Gavin Maloof high-fived the many arena supporters in attendance.

As of April 13, Friday the 13th of all days, high-fives are the last thing arena supporters would give to any members of the Maloof family.

The Maloofs backed out of an arena deal that was initially deemed fair by all parties–including themselves–citing numerous disagreements they had with the term sheet in a PowerPoint presentation delivered at the NBA Board of Governors meeting.

While the Maloofs said they had disagreed with much of the term sheet from the get-go, it sure didn’t seem that way when they walked on to center court of the Feb. 28 game against the Utah Jazz with Mayor Johnson, hands raised in the spirit of victory.

It didn’t seem that way when Gavin Maloof shed tears of joy after closed door negotiating during the 2012 All-Star weekend in

Orlando, Fla. The Maloofs pleaded for a new arena for the better part of the last decade and are on record as saying that renovating the existing Power Balance Pavilion was not a reasonable option for them.

But when the city of Sacramento stepped up to the challenge of putting a feasible plan in place and the Maloofs were asked to pay up, they found a slew of reasons to back out of the deal and even backpedaled to suggesting Power Balance Pavilion renovation was now an option.

Confused yet?

The only clarity that has come from this debacle, is that the Maloofs either need to invest in the city of Sacramento with cold hard cash and signatures or sell the Kings to one of the several reported parties interested in purchasing the team.

Sacramento has proven its loyalty to the Kings, and the city does not deserve to be jerked around.

Fans have sold out 19 of the 26 seasons the Kings have been in Sacramento, and the city was–and still is–willing to put up $255.5 million towards the construction

of a new arena, according to the term sheet.

Sacramento has come through with a plan that was accepted by the Sacramento City Council, even when NBA owners and Commissioner David Stern were pessimistic toward the possibility that it could come up with a plan.

All the Maloofs have done thus far is hurt a city that has been nothing but loyal to them, and in the process, they have burned the bridge with a mayor that sincerely cared about being a partner and getting this deal done.

The Maloofs have also failed to realize that the arena deal is bigger than basketball.

It is a chance to be a part of history.

It is a chance to revamp the image and economics of a depressed city.

It is a chance to be immortalized forever in Northern California.

It’s time the Maloofs either pony up some cash and invest in their team and their city or sell the team to somebody that will.

The city of Sacramento and the Kings deserve it.

Profane or not profane: professors should be professional in the classroom

By Ben Levy blevy.connect@gmail.com Now I’m no commie. I believe in free speech (and apple pie) as much as the next redblooded American. So when I say college professors shouldn’t cuss, I’m not proposing a ban of obscenities. Professors should have every right to be vulgar; however, they should choose not to.

Potty-mouthed professors are setting a precedent that foul language is okay, which leaves students unprepared for the workplace.

If you want a career washing dishes or mowing lawns, then by all means, cuss. But profanity doesn’t fly at a good job. You won’t find many business executives saying, “our profits this quarter hella increased,” or doctors say-

ing, “well shit, you have cancer.”

Some might say college isn’t for learning to become employees.

On the contrary, one of the main purposes of college is to prepare students to become successful employees. Roles are taken to teach responsibility, deadlines are given to teach timeliness and group projects are assigned to teach collaboration, just as clean language should be used to teach professionalism.

Some might also say when professors curse, it captures their class’s attention. It does. But not for long. While cursing grabs the attention of students at first, the shock factor soon wears off, and after a few profanity-laden lectures, students become as uninterested as they’ve always been.

Four letter words aren’t some “as seen on TV” solution to bor-

Letter To The Editor Dear Editor,

In your March 29 article “Los Rios union leader presents lecture on status and future of community colleges,” there is a comment

by Dean Murakami that if the deficit in funding is not resolved, a Los Rios contractual provision known as the trombone clause would be instituted.

The actual statement reads as follows “As a result, Murakami said the trombone clause will be instituted, resulting in a 9 percent decrease in the salaries of Los Rios employees.”

In fact, it is a 6 percent proposed salary reduction not a 9 percent decrease.

While still significant, it is important for our college community and its constituents to have accurate information and to understand the proposed salary rollback is a component of the district’s budget planning scenarios (Worst Case, X Budget).

The salary rollback will only be instituted in February 2013 if the November tax initiative is not successful and the community college system sustains additional statewide funding reductions.

Further information about the Los Rios District’s budget planning scenarios and the impacts on our college, employees and students is available through

“

If you want a career washing dishes or mowing lawns, then by all means, cuss.

”

Ben Levy Staff Writer

ing professors and their boring lectures, as proponents of professor profanity would have you believe. To capture the attention of students for the long term (and not just in an instant of expletives), teachers must make their lectures interesting, engaging and relevant.

Besides, if the only thing keeping a student's attention is the professor dropping a payload of f-bombs every lecture, then the student isn’t paying attention to

my office and from our Public Information Officer, Kristie West.

In these challenging times, we want to make sure everyone at CRC is informed about the seriousness of the fiscal situation and has the opportunity to offer his/her feedback on the budget planning models.

Dr. Deborah J. Travis, President, Cosumnes River College

what’s important—the lesson.

It is no great challenge to abstain from being profane, but some professors may simply refuse.

In times of great stress or when emphasis is needed and professors find themselves unable to express their thoughts with clean language, they should at least choose less profane words.

This is illustrated by one of the most prestigious archaeology professors of all time—Indiana Jones.

In the midst of bloodthirsty cult members, Indy expresses his anguish with a mildly profane “shit.” If he can restrain himself in that situation, then surely college professors can keep it clean in the midst of a markedly less bloodthirsty group—college students.

3

Hawk Talk How did you spend your spring break?

at home, hung “outJustwithchilled family. Didn't really do much. ”

Matthew Erler, 20 Undeclared major

to Lake Camanche “andI went I partied. ”

Victoria Crabtree, 19 Undeclared major

had to work and do a lot “ofIhomework. ”

Jose Bucio, 20 Public Relations major

If you want to send a letter to the editor, please contact us at connect@crc. losrios.edu If you just want to talk to us, follow us on Twitter @ CRCconnection or "Like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ crcconnection. com Also, come visit us at thecrcconnection. com!

“

I restored a bicycle from the '40s. I did all the body work and now I'm ready to paint it.

”

Erika Bradley, 20 Communications major Compiled by Demitri Fellines.

Photos by Carlo Dela Cruz.

April 19, 2012 |

4 | www.thecrcconnection.com

Lifestyle

Annual fair allows students to network with professionals

By Imran Majid imajid.connect@gmail.com Before Edwin Edebiri founded the I Am Happy organization, he remembers how an economic recession in 2009 caused many people to lose their homes and jobs. This environment motivated Edebiri to shift the negativity of the world around him into something more positive.

Edebiri began asking random strangers how happy they were on a scale of 1-10 and then proceeded with a quick discussion of the person’s life. One day, he encountered a young man who scored very low. Surprised, Edebiri spent some time with the individual, telling stories and asking about his life. Shortly after the encounter, the man called Edebiri and confessed that he was on the way to committing suicide the previous day. He thanked Edebiri for saving his life.

Inspired, Edebiri founded and became the Chief Happiness Officer of the I Am Happy project. The organization was one of 40 agencies and businesses that visited Cosumnes River College on April 11 in the third annual FutureFair. The event, which targeted students interested in human services, psychology, social work, counseling and other related majors, gave students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential employers, as well as gather facts on career options.

“One of the best ways for students to network is to come to career fairs,” said Anna Davtian, the main organizer of FutureFair.

“And giving them that opportunity is going to help them succeed in the future.”

Various recruiters and regional managers from colleges and volunteer organizations packed the cafeteria to meet with students. Raffle prizes were given to students who answered questions related to jobs and careers, and students also had the opportunity to have their resume reviewed by professionals.

Eli Danis, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major, said that he found the event helpful, but also wished there was more organizations that appealed to a broader spectrum of majors.

“There’s a couple of applications that did apply to me,” Danis said. “I’m probably going to fill them out and hopefully end up getting hired somewhere.”

Cindy Truong, a 23-year-old veterinary technology major, also saw the event as an opportunity to see what career paths are available.

“I’m just trying to find a position I find interesting,” Truong said. “It’s always fun to get to know more people and more businesses as well.”

Compared to past two years, FutureFair has added more organizations that remain relevant to students majoring in human services, said human services professor Hoyt Fong. Overall, the career fair allows professionals and students to work together to reach their goals, Fong said.

Edebiri emphasized the importance of helping other individuals. One of the best and quick-

Ian Graves | The Connection

Clanci Cochran, recruitment coordinator and David Griffith, Senior Corps Member of City Year's newest Sacramento location, are talking to students about donating their time to help students stay on the track to graduation at the FutureFair held in the Cosumnes River College cafeteria.

“

One of the best ways for students to network is to come to career fairs, and giving them that opportunity is going to help them succeed in the future.

”

Anna Davtian Future Fair organizer est ways to become happy is to help other people, he said. Danis agreed, and said he liked the various opportunities to help out.

“I like the volunteer opportunities with tutoring,” Danis said.

“I also like the volunteer opportunities to go to school and help out.

That’s applicable to everybody, especially college students.”

Ian Graves | The Connection

Maurice Cooper, a 24-year-old theatre arts major, answerss a question about job searching, posed by student personal assistant Anna Davtian. He won a T-shirt for his correct answer.

Lifestyle | April 19, 2012

www.thecrcconnection.com |

Campus group gathers women together to empower one another

By Ashley Boucher aboucher.connect@gmail.com As communications professor Colette Harris-Mathews holds a small meditation book in her hands, she reads a passage.

“What does it mean to be alone? To be lonely?” HarrisMathews says, summarizing the passage to a group of women gathered inside the classroom.

The passage becomes a discussion for the seven women.

A person can still be lonely when not alone, the women concluded.

Like many, this Sister2Sister meeting at Cosumnes River College didn’t follow a planned curriculum but served as an informal mentoring session.

The mentoring group is meant to be open for all women on campus but specifically serves underrepresented groups.

One of the women, 22-yearold mechanical engineering major Angileena Maurice said the group is just women “getting together, bettering each other as women and empowering each other.”

Sister2Sister members not only share their concerns, inspirations and thoughts in meetings but also reach out into the community around them.

The group seeks to mentor the young generation, and in spring 2011 presented “Loving the Me I See” to 400 middle school girls at University of California, Davis, as part of a project with the Sacramento City Unified School district.

The women also hosted

the 2011 Welcome Reception for African-American students at CRC and are hoping to host the reception again in the fall in order to promote achievement of students from diverse populations.

To celebrate their accomplishments, the women of Sister2Sister recently attended “The Color Purple,” a musical adaption of the novel by Alice Walker.

“The themes in 'The Color Purple' allow students to see African-American history, interpersonal relationships, women overcoming obstacles and Celie’s [the central character of the play] identity development,” Harris-Mathews said.

To Harris-Mathews, being active in the community, both at CRC and beyond, is something all students should be involved in. And Sister2Sister is one place where students can start.

“There are 15,000 students at CRC, but I don’t think students are using their voice,” HarrisMathews said. “Their voice is passive.”

Repeatedly, the women individually recognized Sister2Sister as having an enjoyable environment and being a safe place for the variety of discussions they have.

“We talk about everything, from stress to healthy relations and healthy eating,” 20-year-old early childhood development major Symphia Jackson-Weaver said.

Doing Zumba, receiving tips from a campus police officer,

listening to a presentation on etiquette and learning healthy food recipes are a few ways Sister2Sister members have spent their meetings.

Caylan Thompson, a 22-yearold architecture major, agreed but added that they discuss what they see happening in society as well.

Thompson doesn’t forget what the basis of the group is: mentoring.

“You have somebody to come to if you have any questions or even self-esteem issues,” Thompson said.

Another discussion circulates among the women.

What does it mean to be a woman? A question often asked during Women’s History Month. “Gender roles have been redefined,” Harris-Mathews said, joining in the discussion. Outside the classroom, students peer through the windows, ready for their upcoming lecture. The seven women, eager in conversations, walk out together, savoring what they can until their next meeting.

“Sometimes you don’t feel comfortable talking to certain people about some things, but the good thing is in there, you can talk about anything,” Maurice added.

“What happens in Sister2Sister stays in Sister2Sister.”

Sister2Sister members are always interested in more participants and encourage students to join for their next meetings in room BS 126 on April 19 and May 3 at 3 p.m.

“It’s open for all people,” Thompson said. “We are all sisters.”

5

Trending Now Compiled by Josh Lee, Ashley Yu, Tracy Gilkerson, Takara Campbell and Ben Levy.

All photos are courtesy photos.

Titanic

Facebook buys Instagram

It’s been 100 years since the luxury steamship Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912. 1,515 people lost their lives in the tragedy. The incident is relived with the rereleasing of the film Titanic in IMAX 3D. "I don't plan on watching it in 3D because I already know what's going to happen," Adreanna Porter, 21, music major.

On April 9, reports came out that Facebook bought Instagram, a popular mobile application on the Apple App store and the Andriod Market, for $1 billion. By purchasing Instragram, Facebook will acquire more users, and further advance their mobile experience.

"I feel it will be intergrated into Facebook," Bandon Hall, 19, psychology major.

NBA playoffs

Pottermore

Eight teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences will square off in best-of-seven series' in hopes of reaching the NBA Finals.

Playoffs begin on April 28 at 3 p.m. on ABC. "I would like the Kings to wind but it's not going to happen," Hayley Arellano, 20, vet technician said. Instead Arellano will be rooting the Miami Heat.

In early April, Pottermore, a website dedicated to being an interactive companion to the "Harry Potter" book series

by J.K. Rowling, launched.

"For fans of the 'Harry Potter' universe, it's a dream come true," said Michael Arthur, a 19-year-old undeclared major. "I remember in elementary school, everyone wanted to be at Hogwarts."

Last piece of 'American Pie'

By Josh Lee jlee.connect@gmail.com The final installment of the popular “American Pie” movie franchise came to an end on April 6 when “American Reunion” was released into theaters, coming in second on the top box office with $21.5 million.

Jim, Michelle, Kevin, Stifler and the rest of the cast from “American Pie” reunite for a weekend in East Great Falls for their high school reunion. During their time back for the weekend, the gang see what each other has been up to since Jim and Michelle’s wedding. They observe who’s changed and who still acts like they’re in high school.

As expected from an “American Pie” sequel, “American Reunion” was filled with laughs, old jokes, nudity, perverted comments and drunk people at parties. Some old romantic feelings also come back between a few of the characters, making viewers wonder who will end up together.

Stifler brought many laughs with all the pranks he pulled and the perverted things he said.

However, if the writers didn’t bring back “The Stifmeister”, the humor of the movie would’ve been disappointing. It’s sad to say, but he brought most of the best laughs in the movie.

The comedy in “American Reunion” wasn’t what was expected of an “American Pie”

movie. “American Reunion” delivered humor that has been played out in previous “American Pie” movies, and it felt like deja vu.

It seems as though the writers of the movie relied too much on humor from the old movies, which made it seem unoriginal.

Most of the comedy in the movie came from nudity and sexual acts, which proves that the “American Pie” movies need to come to an end.

Bringing back most of the main cast to see where everyone was at in their lives seemed like a great idea. However, it seemed as though the writers really wanted another installment of the franchise which, made it seem like “American Reunion” was trying too hard to live up to the previous movies.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, an online movie review site, critics gave “American Reunion” a 42 percent, while “American Pie” was given a 60 percent.

To see all of the main cast one last time was a great way to end the “American Pie” franchise.

If there turns out to be more “American Pie” movies, I suspect that the opening box office numbers will go down and that the franchise will die out from all the repetition of jokes and pranks.

The “American Pie” movies have gone stale, so let’s just finish it here.

April 19, 2012 |

6 | www.thecrcconnection.com

Sports

Baseball team is ready to make a playoff run

By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com Road warriors was the name given to the Hawks by head coach Tony Bloomfield, but the season didn’t start out so well for Bloomfield’s bunch, as the baseball team dropped five of their first eight games to begin the year.

The grind of a long season has been especially tough on the Hawks this year, considering the team has not played a game at their home field all year due to construction of a new one.

“You’re always at a disadvantage because you’re not playing at your home field,” sophomore catcher Shawn Wheeler said. “You don’t know the field too well, and you’re constantly traveling. But hey, it’s baseball, and you should be able to perform anywhere you play.”

But the Hawks have started to gain momentum and confidence after getting some games under their belt.

They have also played their way into second place in the Big 8 standings.

“The wheels are starting to roll and we're starting to figure out what it takes to win and compete,” Wheeler said.

The Hawks have battled through inconsistent hitting, shaky defense and erratic pitching most of the season.

However, with a combination of gritty play and a keep-yourhead-down-and-battle-throughit attitude, the team has been on a roll as of late, winning nine of their last 12 games.

“It’s been a tough season so far,” freshman pitcher Austin Ales said. “We struggled a little bit, but

Ian Graves | The Connection

The baseball team has banded together on the road all season long while their new field is being built, and are now making a playoff push. we are starting to come around.”

While the Hawks have begun winning games (16-13), the team struggled early in the competitive Big 8 conference, losing five of their first eight conference games.

But the Hawks did not fold their wings and now own a winning record in conference (11-7).

Though the season is coming to an end and the Hawks are beginning to mesh as a team, there are still things they can improve on.

“There is always room for improvement for the team,” Ales said. “Everyday it could be something different. We always need to work on the basics and keep on our game.”

Situational hitting has also proved difficult for the Hawks

this season. guys on base.” freshman pitching, getting on “Hitting in timely situations While the team has struggled base and competitiveness; everyhas been a problem,” Wheeler with some aspects of the game, one is in the game,” Wheeler said. said. “We need to finish games they have also excelled in other The Hawks only have a handwith the same intensity that we aspects. ful of games left and are primed to started with.”

“Some of our strengths are make a push for the playoffs.

Sophomore outfielder Colby Brenner reiterated on some of the team’s hitting woes.

“We need The semester is almost over, which means it’s time to register for summer and fall to work on classes. Registration appointments begin on April 30, and the course schedule is getting ahead already available for review. Here is list of fitness and nutrition classes that are availin the count,” able for you to take: he said. “As hitters, we Summer: need to not FITNS 354 – Individualized Physical Fitness – 1 Unit leave as many NUTRI 300 – Nutrition – 3 Units TMACT 361 – Team Sports – Beginning – .5 Unit

-Volleyball ® TMACT 362 – Team Sports – 1.5 Units

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Sports | April 19, 2012

www.thecrcconnection.com |

7

Rain puts a damper on softball and baseball

Carlo Dela Cruz | The Connection

The CRC softball field is empty after the doubleheader on April 14 was cancelled because of rainy conditions earlier in the week. The games were rescheduled for a later date.

Rain causes several game delays, but teams carry on

I’m willing to bet the Hawks might be singing this tune as well.

While there hasn’t been a ton of rain this season, the days it has rained have often landed

By Jon Wilson on days the softball and baseball jlwilson.connect@gmail.com teams have been scheduled to play games.

Cosumnes River College ath“Rain, rain, go away, come letic director Liz Belyea said that again some other day.”

It’s a lyric we’re all familiar it normally rains more at the bewith from our days of being chil- ginning of the spring sports seadren and wishing the rain would sons, but this year the rain seems go away so we could have more to have come more toward the time to play outdoors. middle and end of the season.

Because of the rain, the softball team had its April 12 doubleheader cancelled and its April 14 doubleheader postponed.

The baseball team had its April 12 game at Sacramento City College postponed.

In total, the softball team has had 10 games cancelled or postponed, including four doubleheaders, while the baseball team has had nine, according to the schedules posted on the CRC athletic

website. scheduling makes it hard. I have “It makes it difficult,” Belyea not heard a single complaint from said. “Especially for the baseball the coach or the team.” team who has no home field.”

The softball team hasn’t Though the rain has pre- faired as well in the standings sented scheduling conflicts, the overall this season, but the team baseball team has recently steam- has gained some headway as of rolled itself into a tie for first place late, splitting their games in April. in the Big 8 conference.

In sports, momentum is ev“The baseball team has been erything. Hopefully the untimely outstanding about dealing with showers haven’t dampened the no home field,” Belyea said. “Re- teams’ recent success.

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April 19, 2012 |

8 | www.thecrcconnection.com

Campus News

Harris: Salary cuts will occur if tax initiative fails to pass Continued from page 1

demic years. Employees will also take a 6 percent cut in their salaries.

With all the decisions to increase fees at California’s public colleges, Harris said it is likely that many more students will start attending out-of-state colleges.

“We’re seeing a brain-drain

of this state that people refuse to acknowledge on the one hand, and they don’t understand the ramifications of that over the long haul,” Harris said. “So it’s not a good time to be a student in the state of California.”

Victoria Turney, an 18-yearold undeclared major, said she is thinking about transferring to a college outside the state.

“It’s a bit ridiculous, but outof-state is going to actually cost me less than to go in my own state,” Turney said.

History professor Jason Newman noticed many faculty coming together to deal with the budget issues.

“I think that there’s a shared misery going on,” Newman said.

“And in some ways, faculty differ-

ences disappear when we’re all in the same boat of budget decline.”

English professor Linda Sneed said the realization of all the numbers was overwhelming.

“I quite literally nearly cried twice,” Sneed said. “Not so much because this is new information to me. It’s really not. It’s just like anything that’s this big and this seemingly insurmountable. It’s

shocking when you encounter it in its fullness.”

Sneed appreciated the budget forum and stressed the importance of understanding “how we got here,” saying that there is a move towards privatization.

“This is nothing new,” Sneed said. “There’s been an assault on the idea of public institutions and public service for a long time."

Students react to Santa Monica's two-tier tuition plan

By Alex Mosqueda amosqueda.connect@gmail.com As the recent problems concerning tuition increases and budget cuts continue to grow in community colleges, Santa Monica College decided to meet the situation by proposing a two-tier tuition plan that would charge more for required graduation classes and give priority enrollment spots to students who are willing to pay more.

Originally planned to begin in the summer, the plan was conceived in order to start offering selected courses to students for a higher price. Instead of paying $46 a unit, SMC students were looking at prices as high as $180 a unit for core classes such as English, math and science.

Students held a protest at a SMC’s Board of Trustees meeting on April 3, in which campus police pepper sprayed protesters and several people suffered from minor injuries as a result. The Board of Trustees voted to postpone the two-tier plan on April 6 after receiving conflicting responses from students and California Community College Chancellor Jack Scott.

“No one likes to see something like this happen, and I expressed that it might be wise to put this matter on hold,” Scott said in an interview, where he voiced his concern about the student protest and questioned the legality of the two-tier plan.

Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris has made visits to Los Rios campuses in order to discuss the current budget situation and its effects on students and staff, according to CRC Public Informa-

tion Officer Kristie West. Harris was asked about his views about Santa Monica College's two-tier plan when meeting with CRC students, faculty and staff on April 10.

“We think it is probably illegal and certainly immoral to charge more for classes so that students who have resources can then get them,” Harris said.

However, despite high ranking officials making public statements about their misgivings towards the two-tier plan, some students are growing uneasy themselves about the current state of the community college system.

“I’m a little worried because I already have the burden of saving for a four-year university,” said 26-year-old mathematics major Eric Young. “That’s why I decided to go to a community college in the first place, to save money. Except now I think I’m going to have to work more in order to afford both schools.”

If the situation were to occur at other community colleges there are students who would be willing to follow the plans of two-tier tuition. Kristina Madeira, a 21-yearold biology major, supported the plan and said she would pay more for classes without hesitation.

“I’m willing to pay whatever amount in order to complete my education,” Madeira said. “True, the amount I would be paying is kind of steep for community college, but sadly education’s becoming expensive.”

While some might agree with Madeira’s views others believe it would create a rift between students.

Young also brings up the matter of students who aren’t eli-

Michael Price | Santa Monica Corsair

A Santa Monica student is restrained at the Board of Trustee's meeting on April 3. Students protested against the implementation of a two-tier system that would result in higher fees for high-demand classes.

We think it is probably “illegal and certainly

immoral to charge more for classes so that students who have resources can then get them.

”

Brice Harris Los Rios Chancellor gible for financial aid.

“Some of my friends don’t qualify for financial aid so this would cause a whole new problem if tuition gets too pricey,” Young said. “So not only would they be unable to pay for school, they’re looking at the possibility of quitting.”

Students prepare for summer, fall semester

By Tammi Kolesinski tkolesinski.connect@gmail.com It’s mid-April and students are already on the home stretch to summer vacation and planning for the fall semester.

Many students received acceptance letters from state colleges and universities. Others are continuing their education here at Cosumnes River College.

Budget and department cuts haunt many students going forward and frustrate some professors.

“Students are at a disadvantage,” Spanish professor Blanca Gill said in regards to cuts.

The Spanish Program at CRC offers less classes now than in 2002. The summer Spanish program has been cut by 50 percent last summer, resulting in fewer

sections. Further cuts this summer leave only one Spanish class.

“If they (students) want an A.A. in Spanish, they might have to go to another school to get the classes they need,” Gill said.

There is no way to know at this point if more classes will be cut in the future, CRC Public Information Officer Kristie West said. “A lot will depend on the budget situation.”

Spanish professor Gabriel Torres hopes the government initiatives to increase revenue will pass so that community colleges can get more money and higher education can continue to be available for everyone.

“Students need to get involved and vote,” Torres said.

In the meantime, students will be paying $46 per unit begin-

ning this summer and crossing their fingers in hopes they’ll get into the classes they want.

Students’ financial aid for the 2011-2012 year will also cover the summer semester. The new financial aid year begins in fall 2012. The financial aid office will be open most of the summer, and the hours are available on the CRC website.

Most students haven’t checked their enrollment dates.

Dates were assigned through eServices on April 12, though most students haven’t realized.

“I would recommend registering for classes as soon as they can,” West said. “The class schedule is online so students can begin to look for the classes they want and alternative classes in case their first choice is already full.”