Spring 2014 - Issue One

Alcohol & Energy Research shows negative effects from mixing alcohol and energy drinks | News, Page 2

Will the minimum wage increase stimulate the economy?

Opinion, Page 9

s k er a

B y d tu

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How to survive the flu and feel good after | Features, Page 6

News, Page 4 Photo illustration by Stephan Starnes/The Connection

ISSUE ₁

Flu Fears

THE STUDENT VOICE OF COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE SINCE 1970

Pitcher takes league by storm Sports, Page 10 02.13.2014—02.26.2014

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Febuary 13, 2014

>>News

New research shows the perils of mixing drinks

By Jelina Cortero jcortero.connect@gmail.com Monster, Rockstar and RedBull are well known energy drinks and have become a common staple in the lives of many college students.

However, these beverages have now turned from being an aid to boost energy to becoming a widely popular chaser for alcoholic drinks.

College students who consume energy drinks tend to drink more alcohol and having both in the same day may lead to more negative consequences, according to a new University Life Study at Pennsylvania State University.

Mixing alcohol and energy drinks is a serious public health concern. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks such

as Four Loco in December 2010, but it’s easy for college students to just mix their own, researchers noted.

In general, mixing energy drinks and alcohol is bad idea. The negative side effects of energy drinks and the negative side effects of alcohol interact and hit the body at the same time, according to the California State University of Chico Health Services.

“What I’d like to say is, you only have one vessel, one body. What you do to it now, it’ll all come back in the end,” said Cosumnes River College’s head nurse Michelle Barkley.

Steve Clarke, director of the Virginia Tech College Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center said in an online Health Issues article, “Even though the energy drinks have stimulants in it, the alcohol is still going to have similar effects

on you. You may feel more alert, but actually the alcohol is having the same effect on you . So you might perceive that you are less impaired when in actuality you are not less impaired.”

Barkley said students should be concerned about the negative effects that can happen over time if an individual continues to consume both energy drinks and alcohol. Negative effects include dehydration, cardiac related problems, heart rhythm problems, liver and kidney problems, physiological and mental health issues. The list is endless, Barkley said.

Many of the students interviewed said they wouldn’t try mixing alcohol and energy drinks themselves.

“I’ve seen my friends chase their alcohol with energy drinks but I wouldn’t,” said Doug Anderson, a

20-year-old business management major. “They’re both not good for you in the first place.

Alcohol makes you sleep and energy drinks pump you up, so combining the two is essentially bad for your health.”

Another student agreed with Anderson’s sentiment.

“I’ve got no issues with it. I wouldn’t do it myself though, I like straight drinks,” said Michael Duran, a 21-year-old physics major.

Even though mixing alcohol and energy drinks are a major health issue, Duran sees a bigger picture.

“I don’t think stopping or banning the issue is a good idea. What good would it do?

There are bigger fish when it comes to health,” Duran said.

Barkley highly encouraged students not to mix their drinks together.

“I won’t take the drink from their hand. In the end,

they’re going to do what they want,” Barkley said. “My philosophy is that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. It’s the person’s choice, my job is to educate.”

Students need to be careful when consuming the two substances together, there are more negative consequences than there are positive ones and it does make a difference in your body and in your brain.

“I know as a young adult, there’s this sense of feeling invincible like whatever bad is happening, it won’t happen to them,” Barkley said. “I hope they make a wise choice.”

What are your views on mixing drinks? Join the conversation on our facebook page https://www.facebook. com/crcconnection or on our website thecrcconnection.com

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Bans at local colleges Flu season proves bring questions about the to be deadlier than campus smoking policies previous years

By Stacey Harris & Damon Hickman sharris.connect@gmail.com Surgeon general warning labels on cigarette packs may not be the only thing students on campus will need to worry about. Complete smoking bans are now becoming more prevalent on college campuses around the nation.

University of California, Davis, and Sacramento State University are two local colleges that have recently enacted anti-smoking policies on their campuses, and recent changes in the smoking areas on campus bring to question if such a ban could come to Cosumnes River College.

Recently, new signs have appeared prohibiting smoking outside the library building which was once designated as a smoking area on campus.

The current smoking policy, which can be found on the college’s website in the student’s rights and responsibilities section of the college catalog, states that smoking is allowed in designated areas only and students should consult campus maps to find those areas.

“At this time, the college and the Los Rios District have no plans to ban smoking on our campuses,” said CRC Public Information Officer Kristie West via e-mail. “The main reason is access. We want to respect the rights of smokers and nonsmokers alike and that is why our board set the guidelines for designated smoking areas at this time.”

CRC students have mixed feelings regarding the current policy and the ban on other campuses that some believe should be brought to Cosumnes.

“I think it would be better [to ban smoking on campus], because other people who don’t smoke won’t get the secondhand smoke,” said Itzel Garcia, a 19-year-old criminal justice and psychology major.

“Even in the areas where it is designated, sometimes when you pass by it, you still get the secondhand smoke, so I think it would be a good idea to implement a smoke-free campus.”

Danielle Feist, a 22-yearold respiratory therapy major,

said she believes the opposite.

“I think banning smoking completely is extreme,” she said. “For both sides to have equal rights the smokers should be able to smoke in the designated areas. Even workplaces allow smoke breaks and an area to have a cigarette.”

Neither student confirmed whether they were smokers or not, but even those who do not smoke themselves have an opinion on the topic.

“I don’t smoke, but I actually don’t mind [the smoke], to be honest,” said Aurora Rincon, a 19-year-old undeclared major. “I mean, people who smoke [are going to] smoke. I don’t really mind.”

It appears that CRC officials share her sentiment. As

long as non-smokers have access to smoke-free areas and smokers have the ability to light up in designated areas, both parties are satisfied.

Smoking will not be banned on campus, but the current policies and guidelines are still in effect and will continue to be enforced.

“Of course, health and safety is all of our responsibilities,” West said. “So we are counting on our students and staff to remind others where those designated areas are at CRC.” Should the CRC enact a campus ban on smoking? Send a lett er to the editors with your view on the topic to connection.crc@gmail.com

Bobby Bishop/ The Connection

Students stand outside the Library building, which used to be a designated smoking area on campus. The campus designated smoking areas can be found all over campus, visible by the distinctive blue signs that indicate smoking is allowed.

By Emiliano Martin emartin.connect@gmail.com Sacramento County flu deaths have risen to 24 victims and flu season has only just peaked, according to a press release from the Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 5.

This year’s viruses have hit an unlikely group compared to previous years.

“The biggest difference [in this year’s flu from previous years] is that it’s hitting rather healthy 18 to 64 year olds,” said Cosumnes River College’s Nurse Michelle Barkley.

“It’s hitting working adults and killing them. That’s why it’s been on the news.”

There are three strains of flu in Sacramento County, Influenza A, Influenza B and H1N1. The last of which circulated in 2009 and returned this year claiming younger victims than most common flus.

“People who didn’t get the flu shot are dying,” said Health Education Professor Jon Adams. “The reporter, from Channel 10 News, she was 46, went into the hospital and then died within a week.

That’s scary. I mean, you go to the hospital and they know the symptoms, they know this is what you have, but couldn’t do anything.”

By the end of 2012-2013 flu season, there were only 16 deaths compared to the 24 so far this season.

There are preventative measures to take in order to avoid the flu.

“The first thing is to get a flu vaccine,” Barkley said. “ T h e second t h i n g is to stay home if you’re sick.

Third,

good hand washing, good hygiene and how you cough.

If you cough, make sure you cover your cough into your sleeve, into your elbow.”

Many are concerned that getting a flu shot can only yield negative effects.

“I think it intentionally makes you sick,” said Robby Olivarez, an 18-year-old computer development major, who has not received a flu shot.

This is a commonly held sentiment.

“I try to advise every student get the shot, even now,” Adams said. “I think a lot of people get scared thinking ‘It made me sick one year, so I don’t ever want to do it again,’ but that’s not a rational thought right there.”

Many, such as 46-yearold English major Pamela Enmark, attempt to stay away from someone who seems sick.

“What’s challenging with the flu is that there are people who carry it and get milder cases and you may be around them and not know it,” Barkley said.

Look for “cough, congestion, body aches and fever,” Barkley said. The flu basically shows its early signs as amplified cold symptoms and “it takes about two days to get sick.”

If you feel these symptoms, call your primary care physician immediately and stay home from school or work.

“It’s a very small act that has a profound effect,” said Eugene Le, a 25-year-old biology major, who has received a flu shot.

thecrcconnection.com

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Photo Illustration by Stephan Starnes/The Connection

Putting the sex into education

C

By Jelina Cortero jcortero.connect@gmail.com

osumnes River College prides itself on trying to provide students the best overall education among California’s community colleges. Students are receiving their education, realizing their career aspirations and having sex?

Professor James Frazee teaches a human sexuality class on campus and in the past year has encountered two events where students were engaged in sexual activity on campus and a total of three during his time teaching at CRC. “It’s inappropriate for them to do that in public and they need to find a private place for it,” he said. “They need to respect everybody else around them and the natural social decorum that’s been set up.”

Frazee has found students engaging in sexual activity in the parking lot, in the parking structure and in the school’s library. He said his first response when encountering such an act is to confront the students.

College has a reputation that not only will you receive an academic education but a carnal education as well, also known as “hooking up.”

“Between 60 to 80 percent of college students have experienced some kind of sexual ‘hook up,’” according to new research published in the Review of General Psychology.

So is it such a surprise CRC would fall under that category?

It’s not abnormal for college students to engage in sexual activity and sexual experimentation.

“I support sex on

campus. If given the opportunity, I would probably participate in it.”

-- E.J. Acorda

18, Medical Assisting Major Students had differing views on sexual activity on campus.

Joann Trang, a 39-year-old nursing major doesn’t support any sexual activity on campus and said, “It should stop because it’s inappropriate.”

Joseph Ogaz, 19, an undeclared major had similar views.

“It’s very immature and high school like,” Ogaz said. “Make the

campus a comfortable atmosphere.

Learn to gain self control and not act like a teenager with raging hormones.”

Cyrus Suarez, a 19-year-old undeclared major said, “I wouldn’t have any sex on campus because it’s unsanitary to do so. I’d rather have sex at home.”

However, E.J. Acorda, an 18-yearold medical assisting major disagreed.

“I support sex on campus. If given the opportunity, I would probably participate in it,” Acorda said.

Angelica Garcia, a 22-year-old music business major said that “it isn’t right but students will continue to do it regardless.”

University of California Berkeley student, Nadia Cho wrote a sex column for her student paper in 2012 and an article titled, “Sex on Tuesday” she wrote detailed information about how she took her lust across campus as well as tips and hot spots.

“Having sex on campus is actually very doable, and it’s lots of fun. It’s also surprisingly easy,” she wrote.

She continued her article by writing where her sexual acts took place, advice on how not to get caught and that the possibility of getting caught is what makes public sex thrilling.

“It was like a game,” she wrote, “having to frantically put our clothes back on and immediately pretending

to be interested in the data collections of the European Union while panting and giggling hysterically.”

Cho encourages sex on campus as much as a mother encourages her child on the soccer field.

Cho ended her article writing, “Don’t be scared. Make the screw session worth getting caught, and remember that you are definitely not the first person to have had sex on campus, nor will you be the last.”

Cho’s article created controversy, debate and judgment but she ignored all comments.

A lot of the negative feedback comes from whether sex on campus is a problem or not. Is sex on campus a problem? Professor Frazee doesn’t think so.

“Sex on CRC’s campus is rare and I think smoking on our campus is a bigger health issue,” he said. “I don’t think that it’s something we really need to focus a lot of time and energy on stopping. There are other bigger threats to public health on campus.”

What is your view on sexual activities on campus? Join the conversation on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/crcconnection or on twitter @CRCConnection.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

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>>Features

Study shows opposites don’t attract

By Kaley Andrews kandrews.connect@gmail.com Unlike the rule of math in which two negative, and inherently similar numbers always produce a positive, the rules of attraction are not quite so reliable.

Compatibility, as determined by eHarmony, refers to the similarities of emotional expressions, values, beliefs and desires.

“We look at something at a glance for what it is,” said Cosumnes River College sociology professor Nyenbeku George. “Instead of really looking at what has kept them in that relationship for so long.”

Contrary to the wellknown adage, opposites do not in fact attract. According to a recent analysis of the eHarmony Compatibility Matching system, similarity is a better predictor of long-lasting relationships.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Margie L. Sandoval, a family and consumer sciences student at Sacramento State University said. “Those differences you found initially cute or funny could end up pissing you off.”

The analysis found that opposites, though initially attracted, typically remained together for only a short period when compared to couples with greater similarity.

Courtesy Photo

Why then, does this viewpoint seem so prevalent?

Humans tend to focus on surface similarities in relationships, seeing only the outward differences of a couple instead of looking further into factors that support close emotional bonds, George said.

Surface differences may not play such a large role

in deciding the length or strength of a relationship.

Instead, the underlying compatibility of a couple beyond apparent differences is a more important factor.

An introvert and extrovert may differ in social characteristics, but match very well in regards to how they express emotion. In contrast, two introverts who express

affection differently may begin to annoy and clash with each other.

“I think when people talk about opposites attract, I think they’re really talking about personalities more so than social characteristics,” George said. “At the deeper levels, you have to have stronger ways of bonding that are applicable to each other.”

Similarities and compatibility allowed couples to grow beyond personality differences and find common ground based on values, desires and interests.

“I do believe like attracts unlike,” said Walter Vasser, a 25-year-old a human psychology major. “But I don’t think 100 percent compatibility is important or even a good goal. You’re basically dating yourself.”

People with opposing opinions challenge one’s own perceptions of the world. Dissimilarities in opinions and can foster debate of broader worldviews and interpretations of human society.

Opposing personalities that match on a certain level also open the door to finding and exploring new interests.

Even in friendships, we are sometimes expected to step beyond our own comfort zones and take part in things we are uncertain about.

“In the end, you need common ground,” said Myra Alvarez, a 22-year-old accounting major. “Not just someone to debate or argue with, but someone you can share interests with, and talk to about more than just initial interests.”

Compatibility is important, but perhaps one should not limit themself to a particular type of person based on a test.

#TrendingNow Compiled by Bobby Bishop All photos are courtesy photos

“I think it was a legal matter,” said Cong Do, 25, an art major. “It was probably way easier to take down the game instead of change it.”

Facebook released their newest creation called ‘A Look Back,’ an app that instantly creates a movie of your experiences on Facebook.

“I believe it’s the epitome of what Facebook is all about. It’s almost revolutionary in the fact that your life is now in a single instance,” said Josiah Sloan, 18, a film major.

mour Hoffman’

‘Philip Sey

Flappy Bird is an addictive game that soared to the number one app on Apple and Android Play stores, but was discontinued on Sunday by the developer.

k Movies’

‘Faceboo

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Actor and theatre director Philip Seymour Hoffman, who had a known addiction to heroine, was found dead in his New York apartment on Feb. 2.

“I had no idea he had an issue, and I am a fan of his work,” said Cesar Aguirre, 26, an environmental studies and sustainability major. “It’s a loss for the acting community.”

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

PAGE 6

How to survive the flu

By Damon Hickman dhickman.connect@gmail

By Rachel Norris rnorris.connect@gmail.com We all know that social media has become a very big part of the lives of Americans. For a lot of us, almost every single day is spent updating statuses, tweeting or hashtagging like crazy.

Let’s ask ourselves this, why is the one thing that is supposed to connect the whole world also causing 20 percent of today’s divorces, according to an article from the New York Daily News? Because we live in an age where technology is king, even when it comes to cheating on your significant other.

A third of all divorce filings in 2011 contained the word “Facebook” according to Divorce Online. This statistic is staggering, and is not okay.

The Internet is the most widely used and publicized form of communication.

Chances are if your partner doesn’t catch you sneaking a few promiscuous comments to the personal trainer from the gym, then a friend will be more than willing to fill them in.

Sure, many may think it’s not considered cheating because it’s not the actual act, however, would you find it appropriate to approach a man or woman while you were out with your partner and whip out all of your cheesy pick-up lines? The answer is probably not.

Even if you’re just typing it, you’re still thinking about doing it. Here’s a bit of advice for the people with partners who flirt over Facebook or even do a bit of sexting: Just don’t do it.

Talk to your partner face-to-face and let them know how you are feeling.

As a couple, two brains are better than one.

It’s not a trustworthy relationship when you’re always curious about your partner’s actions over social media.

After all, curiosity did kill the cat.

By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com A few exchanged words across the lines of the Internet, with a winky face and a bit of flattery, leading up to full on flirtation back and forth. In our internet filled age this is more and more of a common experience, but the real question is does that count as cheating?

If you are in a committed relationship, this is cheating.

It’s just flirty words, and words are cheap, but most relationships are built off flirtations that lead to something more.

What is to stop a person from taking that online flirtation further and meeting in person? The answer is nothing.

A report released recently from Christian Mingle and JDate called the State of Dating in America, found that out of the 2,700 singles surveyed that 82 percent of women and 56 percent of men believe that texting or flirting online is cheating.

More than half of each gender surveyed found that anything that might lead to emotional attachments should be considered cheating. As well as they should.

Why cheat online?

The better question would be why not. The internet provides an anonymity that the real world never could offer.

A person can hide behind an IP address to bash someone on an Internet forum, hack and steal information or hook up with some random person they just met in a chat room to engage in cybersex anonymously.

It provides an almost consequence less, because there is no activity that comes with no consequences, way for someone to get what they want outside of their relationship.

Turn off your computers and focus on your significant other. Flirting online isn’t worth the risk.

It’s that time of the year again, when the excitement of the holidays is long gone and the inevitable fear of contracting the seasonal flu is upon us.

Preparing for the Influenza virus, which generally peaks in January or February, but sometimes as late as March, can prove to be beneficial, and well worth the little effort it requires.

Despite the variety of strains of the virus, there are basic precautions we can all take in an effort to reduce our chances of coming down with the flu.

For starters, handwashing is a must. The restroom is a place sick and healthy people alike visit, so ridding your hands of any present bacteria is a great start to staying healthy.

Megan Wheeler, 22, a pharmacy tech major, stressed the importance of handwashing.

“Especially at school and work, I make sure to always wash my hands,” she said.

Hand washing in con-

junction with covering your coughs and sneezes is a proven method of not only avoiding illness but also reducing the spread, said Cosumnes River College Nurse Michelle Barkley.

Another necessity is a well-rounded wardrobe fit for any weather this unpredictable season may bring.

Whether rain, sunshine or somewhere in between, being appropriately protected from the elements is essential for good health.

However, in the eyes of an expert, a good winter coat and good hygiene are not the only recommended precautions for staying healthy this flu season.

“The number one way [to avoid the flu] is to get vaccinated,” Barkley said.

There are many local spots offering flu vaccinations, most with affordable or reduced prices.

Walgreens is offering flu shots for around $30, while MDSTAT Urgent Care is offering them for significantly less--around $10. These are just two of the many locations offering vaccines.

A simple phone call to

any clinic or pharmacy will let you know at what cost flu vaccines are offered. But for those with health coverage, most health-care providers offer flu vaccines at no cost.

Another tip for staying healthy? Don’t be afraid to miss a day of class. One sick day may be the difference between a speedy recovery and more missed class time.

“Missing one day is much better than missing five days,” Barkley said. “Your GPA is not going to fall off the cliff if you miss one day.”

So it appears that good hygiene, a warm winter coat, a flu shot and taking care of yourself before you’re at your worst is all it takes to make sure your chances of sickness are at their lowest.

“The flu virus is so strong,” Barkley said. “You get a cough, you get congestion, you get a fever and body aches. If you don’t take care of those symptoms early on, you’re going to be wiped out even longer.”

So cover that cough, get a vaccination and don’t be afraid to miss a day of class-your health (and grades) may depend on it!

Courtesy Photo

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 7

Best local burgers on your budget Craving a delicious burger that will tame your taste buds but won’t break the bank? Here is a list of the best burgers for your buck that the Sacramento and Elk Grove areas have to offer.

By Kayla Gangl kgangl.connect@gmail.com

1. In-n-Out

4. Squeeze Inn

Taking the number one spot is a west coast favorite. Inn-Out offers mouthwatering burgers that are sure to make your aching tummy happy.

From the fresh cut fries to the mouth-watering “animal style” option, this burger is simply delicious. My personal favorite part is that it offers a quality burger and fries without emptying my wallet. Even though the lines are usually long, the food is totally worth the wait.

Another feature on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”, Squeeze Inn serves monstrous burgers that come dressed in their best, twirling to the table in a giant cheese skirt with whatever other fixings you choose. Squeeze Inn has a variety of burgers for all types of foodies, even offering a veggie burger for the herbivores in your group as well as other delicious options including hot dogs, corn dogs, tacos and a variety of sandwiches. The burger was delicious and cooked perfectly, but for a first timer like myself the cheese was a little overwhelming.

Location: 9188 E Stockton Blvd.

Price for a meal: $4.85

Location: 5301 Power Inn Road Price: $11

2. Dad’s Kitchen After seeing this burger on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show “ Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” there was no question I had to check it out. If you are a bacon lover like me, Dad’s Kitchen is a paradise with a “bacon crusted” patty on the majority of their burgers. The burger is first layered with the bacon “crust,”followed by cheese and last the burger patty itself. So when you take a bite of this burger, not only do you get that savory bacon flavor, but you are surprised with a creamy pocket of cheese. Although it was a little more expensive, you really get what you pay for.

5. Five Guys Burgers

Five Guys Burgers may have similar style to In-n-Out, but they have a whole different take on their burger. With topping options like grilled mushrooms, jalapeño peppers and sauces like A-1 Steak Sauce and hot sauce, the combinations of what you can put on your burger seem endless. While the burger was good and there was a variety of ways to customize it, I felt like I paid for more than what I actually got.

Location: 2968 Freeport Blvd.

Price: $12.50 Courtesy Photo

3. The Habit Burger Grill Walking into The Habit Burger Grill my first thought was that it smelled amazing. The burger was delicious and totally customizable as far as what free toppings you wanted. For a few cents more you could add toppings such as bacon and avocado to your burger as well. If a burger isn’t your thing, you can also order equally delicious salads and sandwiches from the menu.

Location: 7400 Laguna Blvd.

Price for a hamburger, fry and fountain drink: $6.20

Location: 9527 Laguna Springs Drive Price: $10.47

PAGE 8

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Affirmative action bill is not right for state The United States of America has always been a nation that can’t get it right when it comes to issues of race or gender.

On Jan. 30, the California State Senate opened up another can of worms when it comes to race and gender in college admissions. The group voted to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would allow state universities and colleges to give preferential treatment based on race or gender in deciding whom to recruit or admit.

The measure, SCA5, if approved by the assembly, could go on the ballot in November, but it’s much more likely to appear in 2016 to coincide with the presidential election, according to The Los Angeles Times.

If voters approve the measure, it would repeal parts of California Proposition 209, which was made law in 1996, and that prevents preferential treatment by colleges when it comes to admission decisions.

Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Los Angeles), the amendment’s author, said to the LA Times, “A blanket prohibition on consideration of race was a mistake in 1996, and we are still suffering the consequences from that initiative today.”

While addressing inequality is an important issue, this measure simply misses the mark. As a society we cannot address or solve the issues of inequality and perceived racism of the system by creating a new form of inequality and changing the direction of discrimination.

Hernandez argues that minorities are underrepresented at state universities, which can’t be denied.

In 1995, minorities made up 21 percent of freshmen in the University of California system, and that number fell to 18 percent by 2004, according to The Washington Post.

However, this year’s freshman class tells a different story. While Latinos and African Americans are still underrepresented, so are white students.

The Associated Press reported that this year’s class was 28.1 percent white, 27.6 percent Latino and 4.2 percent African American.

While Asian Americans make up 36 percent of the class, which is more than twice the percentage of Asians in California’s population.

So is it Proposition 209’s fault, or is there a bigger issue?

The fact that we can ask a question like that at this time, means the bill is misguided and isn’t the answer to underrepresentation.

Our Democratic governor, Jerry Brown, vetoed similar legislation from Hernandez in 2011, which was a poorly-thought bill then, and still is today.

Taking from one group and giving to another is never the answer.

However, a constitutional amendment would go straight to the voters without the involvement of the governor.

Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) told The LA Times, “It [the amendment] doesn’t create more space in our colleges and universities, it just rearranges the chairs on the Titanic.”

Giving preferential treatment to certain races or genders over others won’t fix the gaping holes that budget cuts and poor legislation have drilled into this ship.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know at connection.crc@gmail.com or thecrcconnection.com

HAWK

TALK

Sacramento State University has banned smoking.

Should CRC do the same?

Michael Lawlor Physics Professor

Catalina Serrano 23, Theatre Arts

“I don’t have a feeling one way or the other. I’ve been happy with the designated areas on campus related to smoking.

I, personally, would be fine if people were not smoking on campus at all.

But it also may be going too far.”

“No, I mean that there are only certain places where people can smoke and, as long as people follow those rules, I really don’t think they should. I mean, I know it bothers certain people, but that’s why there are certain areas for that.”

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view the Hawk Talk video.

Lora Stewart Mathematics Professor

Joshua Thomas 22, Computer Science

Grant Parker Music Professor

Compiled by: Bobby Bishop, Kayla Gangl and Shafa Ilyas

Editor in Chief: Scott Redmond Features Editor: Rachel Norris News Editor: Scott Redmond: Online Editor: Zach Hannigan Opinion Editor: Zach Hannigan Sports Editor: Nick Valenzuela Visuals Editor: Stephan Starnes Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff: Kaley Andrews, Bobby Bishop, Jelina Cortero, Amari Gaffney, Kayla Gangl, Stacey Marie Harris, Damon Hickman, Shafa Ilyas, Heather Kemp, Emiliano Martin, Nicole Scott, Greg Prouty, Raquel Williams

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 410 & 411 media production classes 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 and California Newspaper Publisher’s Association.

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.

“I don’t know if I would go that far because I know that some students are really addicted and it’s hard for them. Sometimes after class they have to run and smoke. But I would like to keep it restricted, more restricted than it is right now.”

“No. Just because people want to smoke, they are going to smoke.

It doesn’t really matter if we ban it or not. It’s a free country so if they wanna smoke, let them smoke, if they don’t wanna smoke don’t let them smoke.”

“We have a defined smoking area right outside of the Recital Hall, so anybody coming in has to walk through the smoke. Even though we have a defined smoking area, they are not observed that well...We have Delta College to the south of us that has for six or eight years banned smoking.”

The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 Telephone: (916) 691-7471 Fax: (916) 691-7181 www.thecrcconnection.com connection.crc@gmail.com

Facebook.com/crcconnection Twitter: @CRCconnection Instagram: @CRCconnection Storify.com/TheConnection

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PAGE 9

Raising federal minimum wage is step in the right direction

By Kaley Andrews kandrews.connect@gmail.com

President Barack Obama recently proposed raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10, a move that has drawn both criticism and support.

A decision is yet to be made despite the clear need for a change in policy regarding minimum wage. The current $7.25 is clearly not adequate for a decent standard of living.

The fragile economy set the context for arguments against an increase, but a review conducted in 2007 by David Neumark of the University of California, Irvine, and William Wascher of the Federal Reserve revealed that a wage hike reduced unemployment among low-wage workers, and a subsequent review in 2012 supported the results.

There are claims that the increase would impede employment, but Arindrajit Dube, an associate professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, found little evidence of job loss. Dube said of a hypothetical 10 percent increase, it “affects employment in the restaurant or retail industry by much less than one percent.”

An increased wage would also act as an economic stimulant. Workers will have more money to spend and funnel back into the economy. In fact, a 2011 study by the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank found that a dollar increase in wages translated to a $1000 rise in household income and a subsequent hike in spending.

Addressing the issue of a

A letter from the Editor in Chief

Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com

Daisy Garcia, a 20-year-old sociology major, works the cash register in the Hawks Nest bookstore. Garcia would be one of many affected by a federal minimum wage increase.

living wage goes well beyond economic concerns though.

Surviving on minimum wage alone is incredibly difficult, and maintaining an acceptable standard of living is even harder with full-time employees only earning $15,000 a year.

Faced by such scarce income, minimum wage workers are often forced to rely on government aid. Instead of paying a living wage, businesses are instead counting on the government to make up the difference, a further strain on the economy.

Without a living wage, America’s poorest workers are trapped in a vicious economic situation that is extremely hard to escape. Supporting families and attempting to attend college is made even more difficult by the need to earn enough to maintain a decent standard of living, which the current minimum wage simply does not allow for.

With a dearth of jobs and a rise in college tuitions, lowwage workers are faced with bleak prospects for earning a living and moving on to better opportunities. A college education is expensive, and does not always open doors; yet it is a significant advantage in the workforce and one that low-wage workers cannot often attain without significant hardship.

It seems quite clear that something must change. Increasing the federal minimum wage is a step in the right di-

Dear Readers, Welcome to the first issue of the all-new Connection.

What’s all new about it you might ask?

Well if you’ve never picked up an issue of our 44-year-old student run newspaper, you ask a very good question.

Previous issues of our esteemed publication were in the format of a standard newspaper similar to the Sacramento Bee or The Los Angeles Times.

If the paper has been around since 1970, why make

Amari Gaffney/The Connection

“Faced by such scarce income, minimum wage workers are often forced to rely on government aid. Instead of paying a living wage, businesses are instead counting on the government to make up the difference, a further strain on the economy.” rection, but it is certainly not the only one, perhaps not even the most important. Poverty cannot be solved simply through an increase alone, though doing so could alleviate some of the struggles faced by poorer populations.

Whether it will work or not depends on future plans to address the economic difficulties of America’s workforce. Studies suggest that the

increase would not in fact aid the poorest workers if other steps aren’t taken. A 2010 study carried out by professors Joseph Sabia of American University and Richard Burkhauser of Cornell University found that “only 11.3 percent of workers who will gain from an increase in the federal minimum wage to $9.50 per hour live in poor households.”

As it is, the minimum

wage increase would be far more beneficial alongside other measures than standing alone. It may help alleviate the financial strain on lowwage workers, but it is not the end-all-be-all solution and legislation must take further steps to address the struggles of the working poor.

the change now?

Another good question.

In an effort to connect better with our community, the editors decided that a fresh approach to how we present the news to Cosumnes River College and the surrounding community should change.

This is not to say that what we were doing in the past was not working.

Like most things in life and society, the news game is constantly changing and updating for the sensibilities of the consumer.

The age of the internet and social media is here to stay and

as more and more news moves into a digital format, publications are looking at how they print the news outside of the digital realm.

We’ve begun a new era of forging forward more with our website, striving to bring you all the news and stories that you might want to read in a timely fashion.

The facelift and format change of our printed issue is just another way to analyze how we bring you the news in a format that might better connect with you, our readers.

We live in a world that relies on visuals and bite-sized

news, leaning away from pages and pages of text.

We’re responding to that new world as we present you the quality stories we’ve always presented with just a little something extra.

So check out our website, thecrcconnection.com, follow us on Twitter and continue to pick up the subsequent print issues.

Sit back, strap in and join us on this brand new journey into the present and future of not only news reporting, but The Connection as a whole.

It’s worth the price. Free.

You can’t beat that.

To comment on Kaley’s article visit thecrcconnection.com

Page 10

February 13, 2014

>>Sports

Freshman softball pitcher brings determination and skill to the Hawks Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail.com

It’s time the extra point goes away Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com Quick, let’s make a bet.

A bet in which the odds of you winning is 99.5 percent and the odds of the other guy winning are around 50 percent.

What’s the point, the other guy will ask, “I know what’s going to happen.”

That is exactly the point. Over the past three years, NFL kicker’s have only missed 18 of their combined 3,709 extra point tries.

That’s one miss every 200 points, which works out to a 99.5 percent accuracy rate.

So, I ask you now, what’s the point of a play where the outcome is as predictable as the sun rising in the morning.

On Jan. 20, Goodell told the NFL Network that the competition committee is considering getting rid of the extra point.

Now that’s a good idea there, but the revised scoring system that Goodell proposed is ridiculous.

Touchdowns would automatically be worth seven points, and teams would have the option of going for an eight point either by running or passing the ball. However, if they fail, they go back to six.

Wait, you want to punish a team for being more aggressive and making the game exciting? Isn’t that what you wanted when you proposed the scoring change?

While the NFL got one thing right, they failed to get it all right. Here is what I propose: Make touchdowns worth seven points and make teams go for the eighth. If they don’t get it, they keep their seven points.

It’s a simple idea really, but will make the game much more exciting to watch.

The idea that the extra point shouldn’t change because it is tradition is ridiculous.

It wasn’t until 1940 that the modern quarterback-center exchange became what it is today. it had evolved from the center kicking the ball with his heel back to the quarterback, to rolling the ball back on the ground, to an elevated snap.

It took a stroke of genius from Chicago Bears coach George Halas who directed his center to snap the ball to the quarterback standing directly behind him.

As you see, they weren’t afraid of change then, so we shouldn’t be now.

So, how about another bet?

Let’s bet on whether your favorite team will convert on going for that eighth point.

It’s not such a gimme anymore, is it?

That’s what makes the game of football exciting.

Going into the current season, Cosumnes River College softball head coach Kristy Schroeder said that the pitching this season had improved upon last year’s team.

It was with this in mind that freshman Amanda Horbasch went into the first game of the season against Lassen Community College.

Sophomore pitcher and outfielder Jessica Venturelli described Horbasch as collected in the dugout before a game.

“She doesn’t look nervous, she’s usually just joking around with all of us and ready to go,” Venturelli said.

“She’s not super serious, but you can tell she’s ready to get out there.”

Horbasch started off strong with the Hawks in the opener, striking out 13 batters in a complete game shutout.

On top of that, she hit 2-3.

Stephan Starnes / The Connection Horbasch fin- Freshman pitcher Amanda Horbasch threw a shutout game with 13 strikeouts in Cosumnes ished Woodcreek High River College’s home opener against Lassen Community College. The game was called in the School in 2013 with bottom of the sixth inning when the Hawks scored their eighth unanswered run of the game. three years of varsity softball under her belt.

I love the softball team,” Horbasch said. “I came to At 19 years old, she has played softball for 14 watch some games and really liked the way Schroyears. eder coaches.”

Her dad played baseball when she was a child, “She gives 110 perwhich sparked her interest for the sport when he cent,” Cherry said; the “She knows what two have wanted to get her into athletics. played toWith an overall ERA of 1.34 and 311 strikeouts she wants in life, and gether since they were over 282 innings pitched on her high school varsity in eighth grade. team, it’s no surprise that Schroeder wanted Hor- she’s willing to go “She’ll pick anybasch on her team. body up if they need to through and get what “We try to recruit good Sacramento talent ... and be picked up. She’s alshe wants no matter ways positive.” we got lucky to snatch her up,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder said Freshman outthat Horbasch and her what’s at stake.” fielder Jessika Wilkins friend, freshman first described the focus baseman Briana Cherbrings to the —Jessika Wilkins Horbasch ry, live in the area.

Hawks.

Freshman outfielder Schroeder said she “She’s got a lot watched them both of energy when she’s play. pitching and she’s focused,” Wilkins said.

Horbasch said that “She does what needs to be done.”

Schroeder was a big Off the field, Wilkins and Venturelli both depart of why she came to scribed Horbasch as friendly.

CRC. “She’s fun to be around and easy to get along “I love the school, with,” Venturelli.

thecrcconnection.com

Page 11

“She epitomizes what we want our student athletes to be.”

—Kristy Schroeder Head Softball Coach

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

Freshman pitcher Amanda Horbasch swings at a pitch in game one of the opening day double header against Lassen Community College on Feb. 1. Horbasch went 2-3 in the game.

“She’s just all around a good person.”

While Horbasch said she plays softball “24/7,” Schroeder also said she is a good student. Horbasch is majoring in Kinesiology so that she can become a pediatric physical therapist.

“I just love working with kids and I love helping people, so I thought that was a good way to do that,” Horbasch said.

Wilkin’s said that she sees Horbasch as being able to achieve her goals.

“She’s very well rounded,” Wilkins said.

“She knows what she wants in life, and she’s willing to go through and get what she wants no

matter what’s at stake.”

Schroeder concluded with saying that Horbasch is “the type of student athlete any coach at any level would love to have.

“She epitomizes what we want our student athletes to be,” Schroeder said.

“She takes care of business academically, she’s a great teammate, she’s a great athlete, she works hard, she takes pitching lessons on the side when she’s not with our team.

“She kind of covers all aspects and that’s what you have to do if you want to be able to continue on at the next level.”

For more CRC sports coverage, scan this QR code with your smartphone or visit thecrcconnection.com

Page 12

February 13, 2014

Baseball Schedule Opponent

Date

Time

vs. Sequoias @ Sequoias

Feb. 14

2 p.m.

vs. Sequoias @ Sequoias

Feb. 15

2 p.m.

vs. Chabot @ Chabot

Feb. 18

1 p.m.

vs. Shasta @ Shasta

Feb. 20

2 p.m.

vs. Lassen

Feb. 21

1 p.m.

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

Freshman infielder Gail Oliver popped out to first in Cosumnes River College’s season opening game against Lassen Community College on Feb. 1. The game was called in the bottom of the sixth inning when the Hawks scored their eighth unanswered run.

Read Connection staff writer Stacey Harris’s full story about the Hawks’ softball season opener at thecrcconnection.com

Softball Schedule Opponent

Date

Time

vs. Sequoias, Bakersfield @ Sequoias

Feb. 13

10 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

vs. Siskiyous, Gavilan @ Fresno

Feb. 14

9 a.m., 10 A.m.

vs. San Jose

Feb. 17

12 p.m., 2 p.m.

Scott Redmond / The Connection

vs. Merced, Yuba @ Merced

Feb. 18

1 p.m., 3 p.m.

Sophomore center fielder Cody Morris hits the ball deep into center field, bouncing off the back wall, early in the second inning of the opening game of the season against the Shasta Knights on Feb. 1.

Read Connection staff writer Emiliano Martin’s full story about the Hawks’ baseball season opener at thecrcconnection.com