The Connection Issue 2 Fall 2018

Students learn about signs of violence through chalk expressions See Page 5 Alicia Ilaga | The Connection Dario Lizarraga|The Connection

District Sued

Student files lawsuit against Los Rios and former counselor News, Page 5 Issue 2 Fall 2018 Student voice of CRC since 1970

‘Romeo and Juliet’

Theatre department debuts iconic play for a limited time Features, Page 6

FACEBOOK /crcconnection

‘One in Five’

A father talks about raising daughters in today’s world Opinion, Page 9

TWITTER @crcconnection

Double Team

Identical sisters discuss life on and off the field Sports, Page 11

INSTAGRAM @crcconnection

OctOber 18, 2018

Page 2

Dream Center Student files lawsuit against Los Rios District provides resources

By Victoria Blanco and Max Connor vblanco.connect@gmail.com mconnor.connect@gmail.com Cosumnes River College student Iris Perez filed a lawsuit against the Los Rios Community College District, the Los Rios Federation of Teachers Union and former Los Rios employee Hoyt Fong.

The lawsuit alleges that Perez suffered emotional distress, negligence, gender violence and assault after being sexually harassed by Fong, a former crisis counselor at CRC. Perez’s complaint was investigated and confirmed by Los Rios officials.

“It’s not just about this single incident,” Perez’s Attorney Kresta Daley said. “It’s really more about what seems to be the culture at the university that the district and the union have a history of tolerating and covering up sexual misconduct on behalf of both professors, counselors and other employees.”

Perez’s case was not the only claim of misconduct involving Los Rios employees, according to district data of complaints obtained by The Connection.

From 2013-2017, there were 17 cases of sexual harassment involving Los Rios employees filed with the district. All of them were investigated. Three of those resulted in undisclosed disciplinary actions and, in one case, the complaint was dropped. The rest were determined to be unfounded, according to the data.

Perez has said she was particularly upset with being asked if she wanted to drop her case after Fong resigned and left the district. Perez declined to drop her case and the investigation found her complaint to be credible, but, with Fong gone, there was no further disciplinary action taken.

After Perez publicly addressed the Board of Trustees at a March board meeting, the district proposed new policy changes involving sexual harassment cases and relationships between staff and students.

“We are always looking to pursue changes based on single incidents or the Me Too movement or anything else,” said Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Ryan Cox. Cox said the new policies are currently in

“The college is committed to making sure that all of our students have the safest environment to pursue their education and the college needs to work as hard as we can, diligently as possible to make sure that that happens. ” —Edward Bush, CRC President

effect although some are interim policies until the district makes them permanent.

Cox said these changes include: barring an employee from working in the district if they resign during an investigation, forbidding any personal relationship between a teacher and student, using hired firms to investigate sexual harassment cases instead of the campus Title IX officer on each campus and hiring an outside firm to look at the district’s discrimination policies and recommend changes.

Although many changes have been made, Cox said the district has never taken these issues lightly.

“The district has always been cognisant and proactive on issues of sexual harassment,” Cox said.

Changes are not only being made districtwide but also at the CRC campus level.

“The college is committed to making sure that all of our students have the safest environment to pursue their education and the college needs to work as hard as we can, diligently as possible to make sure that that happens,” CRC College President Edward Bush said.

“We’re committed to raising awareness, providing additional services and most importantly holding people accountable when these situations occur,” Bush said.

Bush has taken an initiative by starting a presidential advisory task force focusing on sexual assault and sexual harassment on campus.

Faculty members, staff and administrators on the task force will discuss how to be proactive and ensure that all students are safe.

Perez is seeking unspecified damages and said she hopes to spread awareness through this lawsuit. Perez said she is suing due to the lack of repercussions against Fong.

“The university is now having all complaints investigated by an outside third party, which is definitely an improvement,” said Daley, Perez’s attorney. “My hope is that it’ll [the lawsuit] eventually cause some significant and lasting change at the university.”

Cox said he hopes that complaints no longer being handled by the campus equity officer will allow the equity officers up “to do more proactive training” with these issues.

Perez said she’s looking forward to the possibility of becoming a student representative for Women Escaping A Violent Environment as well as having a WEAVE Confidential Advocate that can provide confidential support for students and faculty.

“I’m looking forward to that so that there’s more awareness so people know that they do have resources on campus,” Perez said.

The WEAVE advocate provides emotional support, information and referrals to on and off campus resources. To schedule an appointment, call 916-568-3011 or email at WEAVEConfidentialAdvocate@losrios.edu. The Advocate is on campus on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. inside the Health Center in OPS-126.

for undocumented community

By Marysol Olvera molvera.connect@gmail.com

The Dream Center hosted its first ever resource event for undocumented students on campus.

The event was on Oct. 11 in the WINN Center and featured booths for different organizations from across the community.

“This is the first of many more,” said Oscar Plascencia Mendoza, head event coordinator. “It will take us time to establish trust and a connection with the students.”

College President Ed Bush attended the event and spoke to the group. He said that “information is powerful” when it comes to getting information out for undocumented students requiring help.

Booths there included UC Davis AB540 and the Undocumented Student Center, Dreamer Resource Center at Sac State and the Sacramento FUEL Network.

They each had different resources available such as UndocuAlly training that trains students and faculty how to help undocumented students on campus and legal services offered for free or at discounted rates.

Some of UC Davis’s resources include a safe space office, UndocuAlly training, and free legal services for both students and their families said Alondra Franco, a community advocate for the UC Davis Undocumented Student Center.

The Sac State Dreamer Resource Center have Friday seminars for students that include policy debriefing, renewing DACA applications and also providing an internship program with the resource center said Rossmeri Ramirez, a coordinator at the Sac State Dreamers Resource Center.

Other booths included organizations from the Sacramento community, including Sacramento Family, Unity, Educa- “I believe this would tion, and Legal Network that helps with legal services and make an impact on the education for families that undocumented commuare on the verge of deportation, according to flyer print- nity because the outs at their booth.

Dream Center has La Familia Counseling Center also provides help brought all of these with legal services for un- organizations out here documented students and families. Their services also for their help.” include help with support services to low income fam—Halimeh Edais ilies and at-risk youth in the journalism major Sacramento County.

“I believe this would make an impact on the undocumented community because the Dream Center has brought all these organizations out here for their help,” said Halimeh Edais, a 20-year-old journalism major who volunteered at the event.

Selene Ramirez, a coordinator for the event, said that even if the turn out wasn’t as expected that at least the information is out there for students to find.

For more information about the services available for undocumented students visit the Dream Center website at www. crc.losrios.edu/dreamcenter or visit them in the Student Access Center in Library 125.

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Food pantry offers support to students

By Lilianna Ordaz lordaz.connect@gmail.com The Cosumnes River College’s Hawk Spot is a student-operated food pantry in partnership with the Elk Grove Food Bank that provides food for students on campus.

As the Hawk Spot continues to open its doors for a third year, student ambassadors say change is up ahead.

“As more students have been using our services, we want to eventually change the type of food being given out,” said Hawk Spot Student Personnel Assistant Jordan Cervantes. “Right now, it’s mostly non-perishable items.”

Student ambassador Medelin Velazquez said currently the food pantry focuses on having three primary categories of non-perishable items.

The take-it-home, on -thespot, and staple items are

what the pantry mostly has, said Velazquez.

“We know there are different kinds of students who don’t have the same access, so we try to have something for everybody.”

Any student in the Los Rios Community College District can use the services provided by the Hawk Spot, according to the Hawk Spot webpage.

Student ID needs to be presented and then students can come once a week.

“It’s nice that struggling college students can take advantage of its services,” said 39-year-old business major Emmanuel Horton.

Horton said he has been using the Hawk Spot on and off for over a year.

“If you need it, you can come,” said Velazquez.

Velazquez says the goal is to change the way the food pantry is perceived.

Lilianna Ordaz | The Connection

The food pantry on campus is called the Hawk Spot and is located in the Technology building in T-111. The Hawk Spot eventually hopes to add more food choices for students, such as perishable items.

“We also want to change what kind of food is given out, we want to incorporate more fruits and vegetables so students have more healthier options,” Cervantes said.

“We eventually plan to get connected with the United States Department of Agriculture,” he continued. “Due to limited space and lack of refrigeration the Hawk Spot is not able to have perishable

items.”

Cervantes hopes that with more planning and coordinating they will be able to change the food pantry.

The food pantry has also changed its hours due to student demand, added Cervantes.Velazquez said they added appointments on Wednesdays so students can have a set time to pick up their grocery bag and not have to rush on other

days.

“Student are also encouraged to bring their own bag as bags are limited,” added Velazquez The Hawk Spot is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. by appointment.

You can contact the Hawk Spot by email at crcHawkSpot@gmail.com or visit their office in T-108.

Prop. 10 aims at rent prices

By Summer Lomendehe slomenedehe.connect@gmail.com

Summer Lomendehe | The Connection

Sources: Sacramento Bee, Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle

Proposition 10 is a measure that would allow local governments to establish rent control.

The proposition, which was put on the ballots following a petition, will further repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995.

“Costa-Hawkins puts strong limits on local governments’ abilities to institute rent control,” said Political Science Professor Daniel Aseltine. “If Prop 10 succeeds, cities and counties will be able to establish rent control on all types of rental housing.”

Aseltine said that local governments would have “greater political power” if Proposition 10 is passed.

Aseltine said supporters of Proposition 10 are advocating for social justice.

“Proponents, including California’s Democratic party, believe that landlords are in a fundamentally unfair position to gouge powerless tenants who face the threat of eviction

and possible homelessness,” Aseltine said.

Aseltine further said that people who oppose the proposition are “conservative advocates of free markets.”

“Opponents, including California’s Republican party, feel that the supply of new housing coming onto the market will be diminished if investors perceive their chances of a reasonable return on their money are being subjected to government over-regulation,” Aseltine said.

Aseltine said the approval of Proposition 10 could impact students.

“To the extent that students or their families are renters, I would think that Prop 10 might provide some shortterm economic relief,” Aseltine said. “On the other hand, if students or their families are homeowners, the impact of Prop 10 might be minimal.”

Students like Carlee Mae, a 24-year-old communications major, said they believe Proposition 10 would regulate rent control.

“It’s designed to hope-

fully institute a way for our government to be able to have policies on rent control,” Mae said. “It doesn’t really set rent control directly but it’s basically us giving the government permission to set those kinds of policies in place.”

Mae said she voted in favor of the proposition in hopes of it making it easier for families and other renters to have an apartment.

However, other students like Jessica Gipe, a 27-year-old undeclared major, said they don’t have opinions on Proposition 10 or on rent control.

“It’s not really something I’ve run into in person, so it’s not really something I’ve had a chance to form strong opinions on,” Gipe said.

Going into the midterms, Aseltine said the question voters should answer is whether or not rental housing is a “fundamental” human right.

“If you think it is a right, you should support Prop 10,” Aseltine said. “If you think housing is something you earn, then you’ll end up opposing Prop 10.”

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OctOber 18, 2018

Professors give historical lecture on the year 1968

By Victoria Blanco and Dario Lizarraga vblanco.connect@gmail.com dlizarraga.connect@gmail.com Students gathered to join a panel of professors to discuss events that occurred in the year 1968 through each professor’s disciplines in the Community Room located in the Winn building on Sept. 25.

Professors Elizabeth Huffman, Diana Reed, Alex Peshkoff, Nyenbeku George, Jim West and Martin Morales each shared different perspectives such as a sociological and photographic aspect of the year 1968.

“When you have a bunch of professors who have different disciplines but they’re all working towards the same type of goal, you get multiple views and vantage points, something that you don’t get from just that class’s view,” said David Miranda, a 21-yearold social science major who attended the event.

“It was really inspiring and powerful because of all the topics that were mentioned.”

—Amani Heilman English Major

West shared a collection of photographs some of which included imagery involving war and child labor.

“Imagery is more important than anything that we’re seeing nowadays,” said West.

Amani Heilman, an 18-year-old English major, said she really enjoyed learning more in depth about the event.

“It was really inspiring and powerful because of all the topics that were mentioned,” Heilman said. “I’ve felt that the photography one was especially powerful because photos do speak sometime louder than words and just generally.”

Cathy Lemelin, a 66-yearold science major, said she was interested in the event to learn more about 1968 from a historical perspective.

“I didn’t understand as a sixteen-year-old girl, being that bitter, but from a historical perspective I understand his bitterness,” said Lemelin.

Miranda said it was a well organized event that covered an international aspect of 1968.

“I liked how it went beyond the United States in 1968 and how it brushed on some other countries and how the year was big in their histories as well,” said Miranda. “I don’t think that a lot of schools offer in America, it’s more of an international perspective, so it was very cool to hear.”

Dario Lizarraga | The Connection

Professor Jim West gives a lecture in Winn 150 on Sept. 25 about the year 1968. In the lecture, West talked about photography across the years and how photos impacted everyday life in history.

Reed said that historians look at the cycles in our history to understand why similar events occur more than once.

“We are living in an exciting time and thinking of a lot of the movements that are happening right now and

there are some aspects when history does repeat itself,” Reed said.

Morales said he and George were discussing the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination and the events that took place after which sparked

the idea to organize this event.

“This is a testament to the brilliance of the people who work here,” said Morales.

“Each one of us could be doing something else for a lot more money, but we choose to be here.”

Students and teachers react to the governor’s race

By Stevie Gutierrez sgutierrrez.connect@gmail.com Students and professors were asked their thoughts on the two candidates running in the California gubernatorial race this November.

People all around Cosumnes River College, students and faculty alike, were asked about their stances on the California governor’s race between Democratic candidate Gavin Newsom and Republican candidate John Cox. “I tend to see California politics as an art form, not a science,” said Political Science Professor Daniel Aseltine. “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”

Aseltine noted that having said all that, he believed that Gavin Newsom will be our next governor.

Newsom has a long and extensive career as a politician and is currently running on a platform of social justice, fighting for women’s rights, defending immigrant communities, supporting the LGBT community, healthcare for all, gun laws and more, according to Newsom’s website.

Cox, a businessman, is running on a platform that advocates for reducing taxes, more charter schools, fighting sanctuary state policies, pro-consumer healthcare system, clean energy, and fixing the housing crisis, according to Cox’s website.

Newsom currently has a significant lead in the polls with a strong 51 percent against his opponent Cox who is trailing behind with 39 percent, according to a poll conducted by the Public Policy

Institute of California posted on Oct. 2.

Students have a variety of reasons why they will vote for a certain candidate.

“I’m voting for Gavin Newsom,” said 18-year-old philosophy major Annie Andrews. “I’m voting for him because he wants to make the state a zero carbon emission one, and as a environmentalist that resonates with me.”

“I tend to see

California politics as an art form, not a science.”

—Daniel Aseltine

Political Science Professor

Some students are voting for a particular candidate because the party they represent aligns more with what they believe in.

“I’m going to vote for John Cox for governor,” said 21-year-old history major Jacob Linebaugh. “I’m Republican and I, of course, am going to vote for the Republican party.”

Linebaugh said that it may be good for change since the Democratic Party has been in charge of the state for years.

Linebaugh said Cox’s campaign ad made him feel tied in and that Cox will help take care of the state.

Twenty-year-old journalism major Halimeh Edais said she’s voting for Newsom because his views align with hers and explained why she’s not voting for Cox.

“I read up on Cox and I’m not really a big fan,” Edais said. “A lot of of the stuff he says appeals to the Californian people but at the same time I feel that once he gets the seat he won’t follow through with what he said.”

Despite the advantage Newsom has, Aseltine noted that even though California is a blue state there is a possibility that Cox can pull the impossible and win the race.

“I think the demographics of California have shifted dramatically since the Cold War, and those demographics trends tend to work against Republicans in this state,” said Aseltine. “However, in my mind this does not doom Cox to defeat. If things break his way, there is room for an electoral upset.”

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>>Features #TRENDING NOW: Fall Classics Edition

Pum

Compiled by Nekita Smith All photos are courtesy photos

By Dario Lizarraga dlizarraga.connect@gmail.com Women Escaping A Violent Environment set up a table full of cards, pamphlets and information about sexual assault and violence on Oct. 11.

Campus Violence Prevention Coordinator Tania Silva managed the table with two associates, Elissa Crandall and Dillion Dinwiddie. Next to the table was a giant chalk circle drawn on the ground, which they used illustrate the ‘cycle of violence’ that occurs to victims of abuse.

“The difference is with abusive relationships is it’ll move over into what we call the ‘tension-building’ or the ‘walking on eggshells’ and this is when one partner starts to feel like they have to be careful about they do, what they say around the other person because they don’t want to make them mad.”

Silva said.

The WEAVE volunteers encouraged anyone to stop by and write or draw onto the ground about the steps in the cycle of violence or anything the individual felt like contributing.

Carlos Armenta, 19, undeclared major, drew ‘LOVE’ outside the circle in giant red letters and a heart in the middle.

“I didn’t even know what this was, ” Armenta said. “I just saw over there, ‘Come draw to help end violence’, and so I came to draw something positive, obviously.”

During the event, dozens of students, professors, and other individuals passed through

the area, with many stopping by to draw something or to shake the hands of volunteers and thank WEAVE for everything they do.

Sociology Professor Rachael Browne brought her students to the event after class, saying she believes it’s important to find time to come to these events and have these conversations, especially as a survivor of sexual assault herself.

“This month is the awareness month for national domestic violence, and it’s a really unpleasant thing,” Browne said. “And I find that people like to steer away from talking about unpleasant things but that’s all the more reason why we do need to draw more awareness to them and talk about them because when you stay silent about them, nothing improves.”

“So I wanted my students to educate themselves a little bit more about it, become more comfortable engaging in the subject, and it’s something they can tell their friends about that they participated in,” Browne said.

The “Chalk It Up” event is just one of the many informative events that WEAVE does on college campuses in Sacramento, with more planned in the future.

“For the month of October, we have one more event happening: it’s gonna be Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. in the Recital Hall and it’s an ‘Intimate Partner Violence’ Workshop,” Silva said.

For more information about WEAVE, please visit: https://www.weaveinc.org. For more information about CRC’s confidential advocate, visit: https://www.crc.losrios.edu/ services/weave.

season

Boot

Chalk it Up event brings awareness to domestic violence

Let’s face it, pumpkin spice flavored everything is the pivotal part of the fall season. From pumpkin flavored coffee at Starbucks, smoothies at Jamba Juice, Oreos, cereal, oatmeal to homemade baked goods including pies, cupckaes, cookies and cakes.

Let’s not forget pumpkin spice scented hand soap...it’s safe to say, this trendy flavor is a crowd favorite this time of year.

The return of boot season is here and that’s right, that means UGG boots will be everywhere soon enough. UGGs are available in the original khaki color to every color in the rainbow and even in sequins.

There are styles that resemble Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters.

UGGs are one fall trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

vision lineup

Fall tele

Dario Lizarraga | The Connection

Dozens of students showed up to participate in the Women Escaping A Violent Environment sponsored event Chalk it Up on Oct. 11 in the main quad. Students shared personal experiences, words of positivity and illustrations on the grounds in front of the library.

pkin spice

Fall kicks off new shows hoping to hit the mark such as ABC’s “Single Parents,” The CW’s remake of “Charmed” and Fox’s “The Cool Kids.”

Of course, highly anticipated favorites make their return. Shows such as AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” NBC’s “This Is Us” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” continue to keep and build their fan base.

www.thecrcconnection.com

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Matt Dizon |The Connection

Courtney Shannon as Juliet on her balcony during the infamous “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” scene, declaring her love for Romeo, wishing he was not a Montague.

Matt Dizon |The Connection

Austin Romero, right, as Romeo, entangled with Juliet during their first kiss when they meet at a party and begin their star-crossed love affair.

Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ comes to Cosumnes River College’s Black Box Theatre

By Nekita Smith and Marysol Olvera nesmith.connect@gmail.com molvera.connect@gmail.com The theatre department debuted their production of “Romeo and Juliet” on Oct. 5.

The play is set in Verona, Italy during the 1600s, and is based around the long feud between two families, the Capulets and the Montagues.

This feud leads to an unfortunate ending between the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet.

“We’re trying to make it appear like it did in the 1600s, and that’s really hard to do in five weeks with an academic program,” said Department Set Designer and Technical Director Martin Flynn.

“It was very overwhelming for some of them,”he said.

The play starts with a well-choreographed sword fight between the dueling families.

Flynn and his stage design students recreated the

London Globe Theatre where William Shakespeare was once a resident playwright.

Although overwhelming, the students created the replica theatre and looked forward to seeing the completion on opening night.

“Opening night is like giving birth to the show,” said Flynn. “The show is born now and then it takes on a life of its own.”

Courtney Shannon, 19, a child development major, plays Juliet. Shannon’s performance stood out due to the fact that she acted as if she was 14 years old.

“I thought about how I felt when I was 13, 14, crushing on boys,” said Shannon.

“It’s a lot of stress, but I really tried to play me at 14, how I was with boys.”

Shannon admitted to being nervous but was excited for opening night.

“Opening night is a celebration of all the work we’ve done, there’s this rush of energy and everyone is so excited, the audience is excited

because they got to see it first show,” said Shannon. “It’s my favorite part!”

Theatre arts major Maggie Perez, 20, plays the nurse to Juliet and says it’s a “heavy role.”

“Opening night is like giving birth to the show. The show is born and then it takes on a life of its own.”

— Martin Flynn

Department Set Designer and Technical Director

“The nurse is a heavy comedic character,” said Perez.

“I haven’t done such a very funny character before, so I’m working really hard to hone in on all of the jokes.”

Perez also plays the part of a servant on some nights

and said she is looking forward to the final show for reflection of the hard work that was put into the production.

“I’m most looking forward to closing night, I see that as the finish line,” said Perez. “There’s always a different energy that night.”

The details of the costumes for the cast were visible.

Costume Designer and new CRC theatre arts professor Audrey Walker, who is also a full-time staff member at Sacramento State, made 13 pieces for the show with the help of two students. There were 50 costumes in the play.

The boys wore period clothing of the 14th century that somehow had a modern feeling.

Walker used already made pieces and turned them into period pieces for the cast. The girls dresses are ball gowns from thrift stores that she altered or added period sleeves to.

“You have to look but I tried to take real things and

tried to make them periods, and that was my concept,” said Walker.

The lace details and jewels worn by Lady Capulet and Juliet were precise and beautiful. For the nurses and maids, the ragged, torn and almost worn out clothing choice was a nice detail to show the class differences of the women.

“This play is iconic because this story is happening right now, so I tried to bring the elements of it right now, but it’s far away and that’s what Shakespeare did,” said Walker.

More than 30 people helped make this production possible.

“A lot of people going to plays don’t realize how much goes into making the play,” said Flynn. “There’s hurdles and challenges everyday but the idea is to keep progressing.”

The play is now playing at the Black Box Theatre until Oct. 21. For showtimes, tickets and other info, call (916) 6917802.

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Graduate returns to campus as an English professor

By Summer Lomendehe slomendehe.connect@gmail.com A former student was recently hired into the English department this semester and currently teaches various English classes revolving feminism and queer studies.

Jose Alfaro was a student at Cosumnes River College from 2010 to 2012, where he graduated with an associate’s degree in social science.

“It’s exciting,” Alfaro said. “It’s surreal walking through the hallways as a professor.”

While Alfaro was a student on campus, he was an editor at the Cosumnes River Journal as well as a student of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program.

“CRC is as welcoming as it was when I was a student,” Alfaro said.

Alfaro teaches English composition and literature, saying that a lot of his writing classes focus on people of

color as well as queer people of color.

“I really try to center on the most marginalized students in my class in hopes to create a warm and feminist space in the classroom,” Alfaro said.

Alfaro said he credits English Professor Erica Reeves for shaping his outlook on finding marginalized voices in class.

“It’s the strong women professors I had as a student who taught me to be powerful and taught me to get an English degree that made me center my classes around marginalized students,” Alfaro said.

Reeves said it’s incredible to see students back on campus as professors.

“It shows just how amazing community college could be when they come full circle,” Reeves said.

As a student, Reeves said Alfaro wasn’t the most talkative in class but made insightful comments whenev-

er he did. She also said he was a strong writer.

Alfaro, who is currently finishing his PhD through UC Riverside, said he wanted to contribute to the community by being a professor on campus.

Reeves said this decision to give back to the community is a “testament” to who Alfaro is as a person.

“He’s a perfect model for the new batch of CRC students,” Reeves said.

Alfaro said it’s important for him to show students perspectives that are different from their own and reflect the perspectives of students who share similar experiences.

He also said it’s important for students to empathize with marginalized communities.

“The English class is to bring voice to the voiceless,” Alfaro said, later adding that he hopes students find their voices in his classes.

Alfaro said his own experiences as a queer person of

color inspired him to center his classes around marginalized students as well.

“He has a very interdisciplinary mindset,” English Professor Lisa Abraham said.

Alfaro said his degree in social science allows his classes to “draw from other fields.”

“He’s willing to collaborate with professors of other departments,” Abraham said.

“Collaborations like this have the potential to provide a richer experience for students.”

Abraham said Alfaro gives a “fresh” perspective to their discipline.

“He brings a very modern, youthful, millennial-type perspective to our department,” Reeves said.

Reeves encourages students to take his classes and said she also wants students to know that Alfaro was “exactly in their shoes.”

“I’m really proud to be here and to work with students I identify with,” Alfaro said.

Starr, who attends a mostly-white high school, faces several problems as she tries to navigate through her relationships with her friends and her boyfriend who doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with her on culture and race.

Despite an upbeat soundtrack featuring artists like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar, “The Hate U Give” takes Starr’s problems and manages to weave them into other hard-hitting issues such as the media portrayal of

police brutality against black people as well as the indictment of police officers who are involved in such cases.

Like her character, Stenberg shines through in a breakout Oscar-worthy performance as Starr.

Stenberg pushes the film forward into mirroring the current social climate and is strikingly convincing that every arc of the movie feels like it’s happening in real time.

“The Hate U Give” is symbolic, thought-provoking

and successful in making viewers uncomfortable with the idea of hatred and anti-blackness.

The film adaptation raises questions about what it means to be black in America, and what happens with the hate we give.

The film shies away from nothing and in that, there is power.

Summer Lomendehe | The Connection

English Professor Jose Alfaro teaches his College Composition and Literature class on Sept. 19. As a former CRC student, Alfaro was inspired by his professors who encouraged him to pursue an English degree.

‘The Hate U Give’ pays homage to #BlackLivesMatter

By Summer Lomendehe slomendehe.connect@gmail.com “The Hate U Give” tells the story of Starr Carter, an African American high school student who witnesses her childhood best friend get shot by a white police officer.

The film, directed by George Tillman Jr. (“Notorious”), was adapted from a young adult novel written by Angie Thomas and officially opens in theaters on Oct. 19.

“The Hate U Give” captures an intimate portrait into the life of Starr (“The Hunger Games” actress Amandla Stenberg) following the murder of her friend Khalil Harris and looks at the personal and horrific trauma of black people who witness police brutality firsthand.

Following the traumatic

death of her best friend, Starr faces the consequences of what it means to witness a police involved shooting.

Fronted by familiar faces like Regina Hall (“Girls Trip”) and Russell Hornsby (“Fences”), the film boldly addresses white privilege and police brutality in a cinematically-balanced world between a safe, hopeful place the Carter family has lived in and a harsh reality that lives just outside that.

Once society discovers who the eye witness is, not only is Starr faced with backlash, but the whole Carter family as well.

From within their own neighborhood and community, to those who are shielded by white privilege, Starr must decide what kind of friend she want to be.

Courtesy Photo

OctOber 18, 2018

Page 8

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Hope in a Trump Age: Why Your Vote Matters

The current political climate has sparked national interest in the upcoming midterm elections. With the spotlight shining on younger voters and their possible impact on the midterms, their drive to vote in favor of gender, sexual and racial equality could change the balance of politics.

Celebrities like Taylor Swift have begun endorsing political candidates and encouraging their fans to vote weeks ahead of the midterms. Our own Social Responsibility Committee has even set up a table outside the WINN building on campus until Oct. 19 where people can register to vote before California’s Oct. 22 deadline.

This sudden intrigue in young people and the way they vote comes with good reason. Young people are a crucial demographic in swaying the election and with key issues largely affecting them on the ballot, the pressure to have a better turnout rate has been significantly higher recently.

Historically, students in particular have also played a major role in social mobility and political reformation. The students of the Parkland shooting have set the expectations for activists and other students.

With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh onto the Supreme Court, health care and abortion rights have been the center of conversation as well.

This confirmation has led people to understand how the lack of representation in the government indirectly af-

Courtesy Photo

fects the policies that then personally affect them.

Women, people of color and the LGBT community have found themselves vastly underrepresented in the government. The incentive to vote is– in part–to have a government that reflects diversity and inclusivity.

Treatment of racial and ethnic minorities as well as the treatment of lesbian, gay and transgender people is important to democratic voters, according to a September survey by the Pew Research Center.

The hope to see this in legislation

has been ignited since the presidential election of 2016.

Sixty-one percent of all registered voters are more enthusiastic about voting than in past congressional elections, according to the same Pew Research Center survey.

Voter enthusiasm, however, doesn’t necessarily translate to turnout. A large part of criticism towards young people lies specifically in this fact.

Twenty-eight percent of young people say they are actually certain they’re going to vote in the midterms,

according to a poll conducted in June by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Atlantic.

A vote could mean the difference between protecting the rights of the people and provoking fear over losing them. As optimistic as we could be, these effects have greater impacts than imagined and this kind of greatness can no longer be ignored.

With an administration threatening to get rid of healthcare and environmental rights, the urgency to vote to protect these rights are unmistakable.

Sixty percent of all voters said that the president will factor into their vote for Congress this fall, according to the same Pew Research Center survey.

Some activists headed to the streets in support of movements like Black Lives Matter, March For Our Lives and the Me Too movement. Off the streets, there’s been a significant emphasis to personally contacting government officials to advocate for change.

While poster boards at rallies and letters to senators are key examples of advocacy, voting is a tool for activists that runs deeply alongside hope and direct action.

The pen may be mightier than the sword, and writing on poster boards and handwriting letters to senators are definitely strong ways to protest.

A vote, however, could be mightier than that, and even hatred and oppression.

What do you plan on being for Halloween this year?

HAWK TALK

Compiled by Lilianna Ordaz and Marysol Olvera

Guadalupe Aguilar 19, English and psychology

Katie Jacobson 22, biology

Alexis Cervantes 19, mechanical studies

Annabelle Navarro 19, studio art

“That’s a good question… A ghost.”

“Angelica from the Rugrats.”

“The dude from scream.”

“I’m gonna be Cleopatra.”

Page 9

thecrcconnection.com

Prop 7: spring falls off midterm ballot

By Nekita Smith nesmith.connect@gmail.com First things first: It’s daylight saving time, not savings. It’s a time that comes around twice a year where we must set our clocks forward one hour in March and set them back one hour in November.

Hence the familiar terms “spring forward” and “fall back.” Proposition 7, however, has proposed to eliminate DST. Sacramento is known to be “America’s Farm to Fork Capital,” so what does this mean for the farmers? It was once believed that DST was created to benefit farmers, but contrary to popular belief, a farmer’s day is started with the sun, not the time of day.

I can admit, I was a believer of that myth!

On the brighter side, voting yes on Prop 7 would mean less time and more schedule adjusting for weeks.

Children wouldn’t have to go to school in the dark during the winter seasons, among other hazardous issues that come into play each year with the time change.

Courtesy Photo

Not to mention the DST makes you feel like you need to be in the house at 4:30 p.m. and your body feels like you should be in bed by 6 p.m.

If shorter days in the fall and longer days in the summer naturally occur, what would we really be missing without daylight saving?

Is it that we’ve become so accustomed to DST, that the thought of not having it seems weird?

If you’re anyone like myself and didn’t even know that DST was something that could just be changed or eliminated with a vote, then you get it.

States like Arizona and Hawaii don’t have DST. More states including California and Florida are on their way to not have DST as well.

Originally, I felt strongly about keeping DST but weighing the pros and cons, and realizing the sensible reasoning that with or without setting my clock forward or backward, the days will naturally get shorter in the fall and stay light longer in the summer regardless.

We wouldn’t be missing anything at all, just the routine of something we’ve been doing all our lives.

Change comes in all forms and cancelling DST is one of them. It’s funny to think that one day we can look back and say, “I remember when we had daylight saving time and had to reset our clocks twice a year.”

Change needs to come from men in #MeToo era

By Max Connor mconor.connect@gmail.com “One in five, one in five, one in five.” This is the thought that runs through my head everyday as I go to pick up my 4-year-old daughter from daycare.

When I arrive, I enter into a world of boisterous, playful laughter and yelling that one hears in a preschool classroom. It’s the kind of carefree laughter that can only come from a room full of children with no concept of the type of problems they may face as they get older.

Everyday I try not to and yet I subconsciously begin to count the number of girls in the room thinking “one in five, one in five, one in five.”

One in five is the number of women who will be the victims of sexual assault, according to a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s a number many women are likely to be familiar with and men are likely to be blissfully unaware of.

In the wake of allegations of sexual assault in high school by newly-confirmed Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, there has been a new cry of outrage. But that cry has not been for the victims of sexual assault but for the men who fear they may be wrongly accused.

President Donald Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., and Presidential Counselor Kellyanne Conway have all recently spoken about the concern they have for men being wrongfully accused.

The fact is men should absolutely be concerned and worried about what they may be accused of, but

not because they may be wrongfully accused but because most men engage in language and behavior towards women that is disrespectful if not down right abhorrent.

There is not a woman alive who doesn’t have at least one story where they feared for their safety or felt disrespected by a gross comment or uncomfortable by an intrusive leering gaze.

Most women deal with these sort of sexual microaggressions everyday and, as a man, it is something I have never had to deal with, ever.

One the flip side there is hardly a man alive who, if he is honest with himself, hasn’t been on the other

There is not a woman alive who doesn’t have at least one story where they feared for their safety or felt disrespected by a gross comment or uncomfortable by an intrusive leering gaze. end of those types of behaviors towards women, myself included.

One in five women is being sexually assaulted not because of a few bad apples, but because of a culture that celebrates and cultivates male dominance and sexual conquest.

A culture that has been shaped and controlled by men for men.

Now men want sympathy for the fear they are feeling related to generations of bad behavior towards women and perhaps because of their own despicable behavior?

For a gender that likes to claim respect, courage and strength as important stereotypical traits a man should have this is pretty pathetic.

I would gladly give up my job and reputation if it meant my two young daughters could grow up in a world where they could not only feel safe but actually were safe and didn’t face a one-in-five chance of being raped.

To the men who are genuinely concerned about being wrongfully accused, here are some numbers to comfort you: Several studies compiled by the National Sexual Violence Research Center found that in the over 3,000 cases looked at, 7 percent where found to be falsely reported.

Couple that with the fact that 63 percent of sexual assaults go unreported and your chances of being wrongfully accused -- or even accused at all -- are minute. In fact, men are far more likely to be victims of sexual violence then of being wrongfully accused of perpetrating it.

So maybe instead of crying about how “scary” it is to be a man today, maybe men should start fearing for their own safety like women have to everyday.

Or maybe men should consider changing their behavior, attitudes and actions towards women.

Or maybe men like our newest Supreme Court Justice and our President, should walk over to the nearest preschool, look into the eyes of the little girls there and consider how they are going to work to make this a safer world for them to grow up in.

All while knowing, that if nothing changes one in five of those beautiful little faces will experience a terrifying violation and a trauma that can never be undone.

Page 10

OctOber 18, 2018

>>Sports

Former player returns as new head soccer coach

By Skyler Maclenan & Lilianna Ordaz smaclennan.connect@gmail.com & lordaz.connect@gmail.com There is a new women’s soccer coach this year and her name is Erika Anguiano or “Boots” as she is known to the team.

Anguiano, 27, who is originally from Reno Nevada is returning to CRC after playing as an attacking mid in college seven years ago.

“I played for Cesar in 2009 and 2010, so when he asked me to come back to coach I was excited.”

It’s been challenging taking on this new task of coaching but she said she’s up to the

challenge.

“I’ve embraced the responsibility of it, it’s made me grow… as an individual and a coach.”

Learning how to never give up is one thing forward Obi Onejeme said she’s

“She wants us to win but she also focuses on us being the best players we can be, she really pushes us to be our best,” —midfielder Taya Bradford learned from her coach.

“I like.. How she sees the best in us sometimes when we don’t even see it in ourselves,” Onejeme said.

Stevie Gutierrez | The Connection

Head Coach Erika Anguiano and assistant coach Brynn Konkel (right) look on as CRC played Sac City on Tues. The Hawks won the game 7-0.

Men’s Soccer Standings Team

Conf.

4-0-1

10-1-3

Folsom Lake

3-1-1

12-2-2

Santa Rosa

3-1-1

7-5-1

Cosumnes River

1-2-2

7-4-4

American River

1-3-1

4-9-2

0-5

0-13-1

Lilianna Ordaz | The Connection

Women’s soccer coach Erika Anguiano played for CRC in 2009 & 2010.

Anguiano pushes her team to be their best on and off the field.

game and she encourages a style of play that emphasizes maintaining possession of the ball.

While the team has struggled, Anguiano’s players feel they have learned a lot from her.

“Learning how to never give up is one thing,” said Onejeme.

Anguino pushes her players a lot during drills, during anything, encouraging them

Women’s Volleyball

Overall Team

San Joaquin Delta

Modesto

Not only does she help her players be the best they can be on the field, she helps them off the field as well.

“She is always checking up on me and making sure I’m good,” said defense player Taya Bradford. “Even if it’s school or how I’m feeling, she’s always making sure I’m good.”

Assistant coach Brynn Konkel has witnessed Anguiano’s passion for coaching first hand.

“She’s very accurate with her coaching directions and competitive, she really enforces the ‘don’t lose’ mentality,” said Konkel Her team is 3-2-7 but with seven games left she stills believes they can make it to the playoffs. “...I know it’s a possibility still so that’s what were driven for, that’s our goal,” Erika said.

While winning may be important, the focus is also to build great players, said Anguiano.

“She wants us to win but she also focuses on us being the best players we can be, she really pushes us to be our best,” said Taya Bradford.

During practices Anguiano also joins the team on the field to work through drills and scrimmages. Her coaching philosophy is that training should be replicated in the

Conf.

along the way.

“I feel like my soccer IQ has gone up because of her,” said second holding Natalie Lopez.

Anguiano knows that with the season more than half way through they are going to have to stay focused to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the playoffs.

“It’s going to be close, but we just have to work hard,” said Anguiano.

Women’s Soccer Standings

Overall Team

Conf.

Overall

American River Sierra Folsom Lake

7-1 6-2 6-2

14-5 13-4 13-5

Sierra

10-0

15-0

Santa Rosa

7-1-1

10-2-2

San Joaquin Delta Modesto Santa Rosa

6-2 4-4 4-4

13-5 9-5 10-9

Folsom Lake

7-3

9-3-1

San Joaquin Delta

5-2-2

11-2-2

5-5

9-5

Cosumnes River Sacramento City Diablo Valley

1-7 1-7 1-7

8-11 4-14 3-13

Diablo Valley Modesto

3-7

6-7

Cosumnes River

2-6-2

3-8-2

American River

2-7-1

3-10-1

Sacramento City

0-10

0-12-1

thecrcconnection.com

Page 11

The Cheap $eats Baseball postseason delivers unrivaled drama

Lilianna Ordaz | The Connection

Freshman starters Taya Bradford (left) and Bailey Bradford (right) have been playing soccer together since they were little girls. Taya Bradford said opponents often lose track of them on the field since they are twins.

Identical twins achor the midfield for women’s soccer

By Lilianna Ordaz lordaz.connect@gmail.com

The women’s soccer team is unique compared to their opposing teams this season.

First year students Taya and Bailey Bradford are identical twin sisters who play soccer for the Hawks.

“We’ve played together for thirteen years, so playing here didn’t seem that much different,” said Bailey Bradford.

19-year-old Bailey plays attacking midfield for the Hawks. She has scored two goals in non-conference games and has started all twelve games this season as well.

“I knew the coaches, and especially Cesar for a long time, so when he recruited me it just made sense to come play here,” continued Bailey Bradford.

Playing left-back, Taya has started 11 games this season.

“I think when we play together we make each other better,” continued Taya Bradford. “We’re always on the same page and we play with a lot of effort.”

“They use positive communication to motivate each other on and off the field,” said Head Coach Erika Anguiano.

The sisters have been playing ever since their mother put them in the sport when they were young and have remained playing ever since.

“Being told I was good, and knowing I was good just made me like it and want to try harder,” said Taya Bradford.

As local high school students from Elk Grove High School, the sisters were recruited to play for the Hawks.

Editor in Chief: Max Connor News Editor: Stevie Gutierrez Jr. Features Editor: Nekita Smith Sports Editor: Max Connor Opinion Editor: Lilianna Ordaz Copy Editor: Summer Lomendehe Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati

“It made sense to start playing at a junior college and eventually going to play at a four year university,” said Bailey Bradford.

Anguiano said the sisters have been great team players.

“They are versatile and open-minded to play different positions if needed,” Anguiano said.

The sisters also recognize their resemblance to each other as one of their versatile attributes.

“Our opponents notice, but then some realize we play different positions and start to realize,” said Taya Bradford.

While the sisters share so many similarities, Anguiano says they have different personalities.

“They are so similar that it’s hard to tell them apart, but once you get to know them it’s so easy to tell them apart,” said Anguiano.

Along with their personalities, Anguiano says she uses their distinctive hairstyles to distinguish the twins.

“The sister also definitely have twin telepathy,” said Anguiano.

Anguiano says the twins always know if another one is missing and plays their best when they’re together.

“They just think so much alike and support each other,” she said.

The sisters said they also hope to make it playoffs this season.

“We have a set play, and we make each other better,” said Bailey Bradford.

With seven games left in the conference, they hope to turn things around and to take their team to more victories.

Staff: Marysol Olvera, Dario Lizarraga, Matthew Dizon, Skyler Maclennan, Victoria Blanco, John Cabales, Crick Fulencheck The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published 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

Baseball is phenomenal seems to stand still for a moall season long, but the post- ment. Then there is either the season is the time when the euphoria or utter deflation Baseball is phenomenal all that comes whether the shot season long, but the post- is made or missed. season is the time when the In baseball, during a unique and wonderful qual- close game that moment hapities within the game can pens over and over. There is flourish with an explosion no clock to watch, there is of drama. no end to the drama deterDrama is the key mined by anything other word here and it is the than completing the 27th element of baseball that out. makes it so gripping In baseball, that Max Connor during the time of last second shot year when one game can feeling can come with mean everything. This is real each pitch that is thrown drama too, not the type often with runners on base. That referred to in sports when moment can last for for 12 talking about anOdell Beck- seconds as you watch to see ham Jr. interview or a post if a ball in the gap is going to fight malay after a UFC bout. be caught and when it drops This is a type of real in game you wait to see if the runner drama and suspense which tries to stretch it into a triple only baseball can lay claim to. and it peaks as you watch the For those who feel base- throw head to third base not ball is boring and slow, who knowing if he will be safe or say nothing ever happens out. And then? Euphoria or and they can’t understand it, I utter deflation. get it. Baseball is a game filled These moments in the with nuance and subtlety, it baseball postseason happen is filled with hundreds of lit- again and again, making even tle battles and chess matches the strongest of heart weak in between pitchers and hitters the knees while they sweat and if you weren’t raised to and pace with invigorating understand it or you didn’t anxiety. It’s the long, slow play a lot of it, you very likely season that allows the game won’t be gripped by its fur- this kind of crescendo that tive beauty. can only be described as tanThe playoffs however, tric sports viewing. bring that beauty forward For those who do not Sports editor ebbs give the view of with heart pounding get tofan experience this type of and flows, sustaining a level prolonged current sports topicsjoy and sometimes of drama typically only expe- agony, who need the instant rienced in other sports at the gratification of a sport that is very end of the game. fast and bloody and where In basketball, there is a games are infrequent and moment at the end of a close convenient, I say slow down game when a team is down and sink in to the rest of this by a couple points and they postseason. Try to experience get the ball with seconds re- the full scope of emotional maining. A player makes a delight and despair which move and puts up a shot as only baseball can provide. the buzzer sounds and time

The Cheap $eats

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Page 12

OctOber 18, 2018

Men’s soccer team making a push for a playoff birth

By Max Connor mconnor.connect@gmail.com The men’s soccer team came into the season with the talent and confidence that they could win their conference and make another trip to the playoffs.

With the conference season half way through, the Hawks find themselves in fourth place and fighting to pick up power points in non conference play this week before they return to close their season with five more conference games.

“We gotta get power points, power points are important for playoffs,” said freshman midfielder Dominic Maestretti.

Each conference champion gets an automatic bid to the playoffs.

The remaining teams are then chosen by a complicated matrix of points given based on the record of the teams they played at the time and whether it was a win lose or draw.

The Hawks are 1-2-2 in conference play so far this year but still have five games remaining and with San Joaquin Delta in first place at 4-0-1, it could be tough for the Hawks to find their way back to the top of the heap.

This makes their last second 3-2 loss to Delta on a penalty kick on Oct 5. that much more painful.

“I thought we probably out played them for a good 80 to 85 percent of the game,” said Head Coach Ron Preble. “The problem was they

grabbed some moments and in their moments, that’s when they did the damage.”

The Hawks have also been hampered by injuries and academic suspensions this season which Preble said may have led to a crucial two game losing streak, including that loss to Delta.

“We’ve had some stuff going on behind the scenes that have kind of disrupted us a little bit,” Preble said.

Even with those off field issues Preble and his team are confident that they have righted the ship and are ready for the second half of the season.

“We’ve kind of settled in and settled down and now guys are finding their form again,” Preble said.

The Hawks have continued to play well in the last week securing power points with a draw against Clovis on Friday and a win against Fresno on Tuesday.

The Hawks will look to pick up an additional power point with a victory in their one final non-conference game this Friday against West Hills Lemoore, before finishing out the season with one game against each conference opponent.

With the second half of conference play still to come the Hawks are confident that they can make a push to the playoffs.

“Keep playing the way we play, trust our system and the results will come our way,” said sophomore forward Francisco Comparan.

Matt Dizon | The Connection

Forward Daniel Ramirez moves the ball upfield in the Hawks 5-0 victory against the College of Sequioas on Oct. 9. The Hawks have picked up power points going 2-0-1 in their last three non-conference games.

Matt Dizon | The Connection

Defensman Dominic Maestretti leads a Hawks defense that looks to dominate possesion of the ball.

Matt Dizon | The Connection

Midfielder Lincoln Carvalho dribbles past defenders during their victory against Sequoias on Oct. 9.

Volleyball takes a tough loss 3-0 loss against Sac City

By Savannah Potter The women’s volleyball team lost their seventh conference match, 3-0, against Sacramento City College on Friday evening.

The Hawk’s had a slow start to the game which allowed the Panthers to gain their first win in the conference.

“We did not execute what we wanted to do,” said Head Coach Kari Nahlen. “We definitely had some good spurts

of play, but we just didn’t do that as a whole.”

The Hawk’s were not ready for the intensity the Panthers brought to the court, resulting in a 25-19 loss in the first set.

The low energy the Hawk’s came out with contributed to their loss of the game. The team needs to come out with energy and keep their energy consistent throughout the entire game said team captain Rebekkah McLaughlin,

a returning sophomore that plays setter.

The Hawk’s picked up their momentum in the second set, but the Panthers were able to maintain their intensity.

The Panthers won the second set, 25-18, leaving one last opportunity for the Hawk’s to bring their game to the court.

“They just hit around our blocks very well and hit in our weak areas that we weren’t there for,” said McLaughlin.

Kainoa Nunez | The Connection

After the second set loss, the Hawk’s were able to put up an intense fight and lead majority of the third set. The Panther’s retaliated with a stronger fight that the Hawk’s couldn’t keep up with.

The Hawk’s fell short in the third set, losing 25-22, allowing the Panther’s to take the match win.

“We didn’t play up to, I guess, the level that we could potentially play to,” said team captain Abigail Hicks, a fresh-

man defensive specialist.

The Hawks are now tied for last place in the conference with Sacramento City College and Diablo Valley College with standings of 1-7.

“We want to take at least four games in the last half of the conference, which, that would be a big feat,” said Nahlen. “We had three wins last year in conference, so taking four in just the last half would be a good feat in itself.”