The Renegade Rip Vol. 86 No.5

The Renegade Rip Bakersfield College

w w w.t h e r i p .com

Vol. 86 ∙ No. 5

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Lounge: Building code not up to date

By Elizabeth Castillo Reporter

Elizabeth Fernandez / The Rip

The Bakersfield College cheerleaders pick up a ride for the Homecoming parade and wave their pom-poms for school spirit on Oct. 25.

Homecoming fun and festivities

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter

This year’s Homecoming festivities, coined by the theme #theBCselfie, spread red and white throughout the week and culminated with a Bakersfield College football victory Oct. 25.

Becky Stambook, a former cheerleader and 20-year alumna of BC, was “excited” to get to participate in the homecoming.

“A lot has changed since I went to the college, and it is so much fun to represent my class and the BC school spirit. I hope to encourage the younger women in their cheer careers,” Stambook said.

The cheerleaders really enjoyed the game, including Megan Chamberlain, a second-year cheerleader. When asked if the events were better than last year, she replied, “There was more school spirit and more people into the game, coming to the game and being involved.”

The weeklong on-campus activities, from Oct. 20 to 24, included a Got Talent competition and a decorations contest for the offices that participated in the school spirit week.

The BC Financial Aid Office won a catered lunch. The office was filled with decorations, including a selfie background with dollars all through it. There was also a box of items to use in the selfie, including pom-poms, mustaches, and fake gold dollar-sign chains. The items could be used to take selfies in front of the creative background.

The Future Teachers Club took first place in the team competition, the Nursing Association was second, and Veterans Club was third.

Each team’s score was based on the overall scores for each event that took

Above: The parade is led by BC’s drumline and the director of student life, Nicky Damania (centered right).

Left: BC’s homecoming theme, #theBCselfie, is displayed by the BC Nursing Club, with members posing for pictures after the parade.

Elizabeth Fernandez The Rip

Please see HOMECOMING, Page 5

Saving water on campus

By Brooke Howard Reporter

Bakersfield College has initiated water-conservation projects all around campus, and is looking for your help.

When it comes to water conservation, small adjustments can have a huge impact.

“We’ve been browning-out the campus and watering the trees every other week so they won’t die,” said Director of Maintenance and Operations Craig Rouse. “This alone has saved us a lot of valuable water.”

Last year, many small projects were completed all over campus to conserve water and energy.

“We saved millions of gallons a year by replacing all the toilets with low-water flush last year,” Rouse said.

They are looking to duplicate

those results this year with the replacement of the 50-year-old pipes.

“This is a huge infrastructure project we are working on. With new water lines in place we will get better water pressure,” Rouse said.

Projects set for next year include sprinkler head replacement and better programming for water usage on plants and grass.

“By replacing all the sprinkler heads we will cover more completely and use 28 to 30 percent less water by having better coverage, and by next spring, all sprinkler heads will be replaced,” Rouse said.

The school hopes to attain a grant from the state for better programming that monitors the water usage more efficiently.

Students can help out in the water conservation effort by us-

ing only the necessary amount of water in sinks, trimming a minute or two off showers in locker rooms, and not flushing things instead of throwing them away.

Sometimes, though, communication is the best way to lend a hand.

“A 155-acre site is hard to cover with just eight guys. Call maintenance operators if you see a sprinkler head broken,” Rouse said.

Amber Chiang, director of Marketing and Public Relations, also said that students can be careful in their own water usage.

Students who see toilets or sinks running needlessly can report it to maintenance and operations at (661) 395-4501.

“Coming out of a drought like California is experiencing is difficult, but takes the dedication of all involved,” Chiang said.

The student lounge area located next to the Veterans Lounge and cafeteria must remain abandoned due to outdated building codes, according to the Bakersfield College Maintenance and Operations department.

The Student Government Association attempted to give the area to the Veterans Lounge so it could expand. Through this decision, students were made aware of the building’s structural issues.

“We were leaning toward giving the veterans a larger lounge,” said SGA President Alex Dominguez. “So we had a meeting with Craig Rouse [director of maintenance and operations] and learned that the lounge area not in use has to be completely redone. We’re looking at the budget to see if there is anything that can be done right now.”

Although most SGA members hope to see an expansion of the Veterans Lounge in the near future, this expansion may not be realized until the entire Campus Center is remodeled, which Rouse said should be in the next two to five years..

“When we remodel Campus Center, then we will think about how to best use that space,” Rouse said.

The abandoned area’s main issues are due to building codes specific to schools. All California buildings need to adhere to Title 24, the California Building Standards Code.

Buildings that are owned and operated under community colleges face stricter codes than other non-resident buildings. The abandoned area has been evaluated as lacking certain provisional codes.

The Division of the State Architect is the government department that amends Title 24, specifically for public school buildings.

After an assessment of the Campus Center, the abandoned area was assessed as lacking certain DSA requirements. During the assessment, only specific areas of the Campus Center were evaluated by the DSA. “The Veterans Lounge wasn’t assessed, but it has been brought to my attention,” Rouse said. Because portions of the Campus Center do not follow DSA regulations, the Veterans Lounge continues to have limited resources available to BC’s veteran population.

“I acknowledge we need a larger space because of the growing population of veterans,” said Tina Mendoza, academic adviser for veteran students. “Veteran issues are more focused and the lounge needs to be expanded.”

Due to budgetary and future construction concerns, the veterans will remain in their current space with little progress made toward expansion.

Stairway area under construction

Alisia Sanchez / The Rip

The area surrounding the stairway between the Gil Bishop Gymnasium and the Language Arts and Forums buildings is undergoing construction, forcing students to take different routes to their destinations. This new section of construction began on Oct. 21. While there is no definitive word on the completion time, this round of work is expected to be completed in the latter part of this month.

News

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 2

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

News Student safety is a priority at BC briefs

By Elizabeth Castillo Reporter

Bakersfield College Panorama Campus was closed Saturday at 8:51 a.m. Nov. 1 due to lack of water.

Classes scheduled that day were canceled.

This stage of construction on the water pipe replacement required the water to be turned off. The campus was re-opened the same day at 5:01 p.m. *** The guitar duo Rucco/ James, specializing in 19th century music performed on period instruments, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Simonsen Performing Arts Center at Bakersfield College Panorama Campus.

On the Delano Campus, the Cultural & Historical Awareness Program will present Josephine Triplett from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6. She is the last lecturer for 2014 and is a retired BC faculty member and winner of the Frederick Douglas Leadership Award. *** First Wednesday at Bakersfield Museum of Art welcomes Kern County Library coordinator, Kristie Coons, as part of the museum’s special lecture series.

The special lecture series features guests presenting a variety of art and music topics and is held 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Refreshments and lecture are free for members, $5 for non-members and $2 for students. For more information contact (661) 3237219 or email mmunoz@ bmoa.org *** Free forum titled “LGBTQ Who? More Than An Acronym!” hosted by the Youth Empowerment Pride Project and the Bakersfield’s AIDS Project, will be held 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at The Nile Theatre. For more information contact co-chairperson of YEPP, Phillip Castro, at (661) 377-4909 *** Critical Academic Skills Workshops will be held 2-3 p.m. Nov. 5 on Preventing Plagiarism in Library room number 147 and the workshop Organize! 11:10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Collins Conference Center.

These workshops benefit all students in essential college skills. *** The Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival will take place over Veterans Day Weekend - Nov. 7-9 at the Fox Theater. The event is produced by the Fox Theater Foundation in conjunction with Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films, a Bakersfield-based practical film workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. Three-day movie passes are just $20. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 1 through Vallitix.com. The festival will open Friday evening in grand Hollywood style with a Red Carpet Walk and gala reception followed by an opening program and movie screenings. Tickets for the Red Carpet event are $50, which includes a three-day movie pass, and are available through the Fox Foundation at (661) 636-0918 *** The Veterans Day Holiday is on Tuesday, Nov. 11 and no classes will be held at Bakersfield College. *** Early web registration begins on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in which some students can log in to InsideBC and register for spring semester classes. To see your registration date go to your InsideBC > Student Tab > Registration Status.

On Oct. 21, an email was sent to the Bakersfield College community regarding an indecent exposure incident. After this incident, students may be questioning the safety of the BC campus.

BC has released an Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report that suggests there has been a drop in crimes on campus.

The report is available to all members of the BC community via BC’s website. It details safety precautions the community

should take and outlines how to report crimes on campus. The report also offers statistics relating to crimes occurring on the BC campus.

Some of the selected statistics include crimes related to sexual offense, motor vehicle theft and burglary. These crimes have taken place at BC’s main campus, the Weill Institute and the Delano Center. Other statistics include crimes that have taken place on public property associated with BC, such as Stockdale High School.

The report shows that there were no crimes reported relat-

ing to manslaughter, arson and sexual offense “non force.”

While other crimes are reported on campus, statistics show that these crimes, specifically sexual offense “force,” robbery and aggravated assault are reported at very low rates, usually only once during the school year.

In the past, BC has been known for issues relating to car theft.

The statistics show that while motor vehicle theft still occurs, the frequency has gone down. In 2013, only seven motor vehicle thefts were reported compared to 2011, which reported 17.

Another notable section of sta-

tistics released in the report deals with students and disciplinary actions. The three categories for specific disciplinary actions are drugs/narcotics, weapons and alcohol. The category that saw the most disciplinary action was drugs/narcotics, with four referrals reported in 2013 compared to nine referrals in 2011.

Although some numbers do exist regarding certain crimes that have occurred on campus, it’s important to note how small the numbers are. Seventeen was the largest number of crimes reported and that number was from 2011. Since then, crime reports

have gone down in frequency.

A simple guideline to remember when handling crimes occurring on campus is: “If you see something, say something.”

The report notes that the statistics provided are of when those crimes were reported and not necessarily when the crime occurred. Some crimes may occur on campus, but are not reported to the Department of Public Safety.

Chris Counts, the director for the department of public safety, was unavailable for further comment regarding crimes and crime safety on campus.

Photos by Vanessa Munoz / The Rip

With the new online process for applications, students now have direct, easy-to-find access to scholarships they are interested in. The large bank of computers in the library can serve students who do not have internet acces at home.

New app process shifts to online

By Christopher A. Baptiste Reporter With a new online process, BC has a lot of scholarships to offer.

Director of financial aid and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services Primavera Arvizu said, “We have over 600 scholarships to offer, ranging from $100 to $3,000.” The process was switched from paper to online to save time and money.

“Everything was done by paper and the review process took a very long time, plus there was cost associated with copies….

“By having everything online you have a trail, plus it is easier for students: just a couple clicks and you can type your statements, email professors a request of recommendation, and check when they have been submitted,” Arvizu said.

If that doesn’t sound simplified enough, Arvizu said that “whether you have a quick ques-

tion or need help, there are workshops being offered weekly, and you can sign up for those through your inside BC accounts.”

When asked if she thought more students would apply this year because of the new easier switch Arvizu said she thinks more people will apply.

“We have been ramping up the marketing using social media, online email letters, posted on inside BC and web page, made fliers and posters, informed the entire faculty, and made a video.

We want to get the message out to students who don’t check their email, so we used as many alter-

native routes as possible.”

This year BC is also doing what Arvizu called “target marketing,” in which she said, “last year there was a decline in students applying with the paper applications so we are hoping to use target marketing to increase the number of applicants.

“Specific workshops/scholarships have been requested by the athletic departments and EOP&S to help those students as well.”

For the instructors that are open to the idea of a small lecture and primer on the new way to apply for scholarships, Arvizu also plans to stop by classrooms to do

presentations, as well as send out another string of emails and use more social media time.

“I think the word is out there, but we are going to keep messaging,” Arizu said.

If you are interested in who qualifies and how you are picked, Arvizu said, “A variety of things determine that. There are scholarship committees, and then there are donors who want to review their own scholarship applicants. Each scholarship has criteria that needs to be met by students and that depends on the donor who offers the scholarship.”

Some of the scholarships are based on GPA, and others can range from academics to voluntary works, obstacles and hardships to first generation students.

“You don’t know it is out there ‘til you apply!” Arvizu said.

Students who want more information regarding the new online scholarship applications should visit the BC hompage and search scholarships in the upper right hand search function -- there does not appear to be a new dedicated tab on the homepage -- or directly linked at www. bakersfieldcollege.edu/scholarships.

SGA wants students to get involved

By Phillip Rodriguez Reporter Big things are being planned for the students and community according to Student Government President Alex Dominguez. Senate spots are open for students to apply for, such as the position for Allied Health & Fire Tech 2 and the Career and Technical Education 1.

“It is very important that students apply for these senator spots,” Dominguez said in regard to the open positions. “Senators represent a specific constituent base.”

The spots are already being filled, however, as vice president

Jimmy Moran stated, “I’m actually excited to have a full board.

I’m very proud of what my team has been doing … we don’t have any issues with each other.”

Dominguez confirmed Moran’s statement, saying that SGA has already received several applications and have been conducting interviews.

In addition to empty senator spots being filled, two commitment packages are being unveiled by the SGA. The first of the two packages is titled the Commitment to Kern.

“Commitment to Kern is a series of resolutions that deals with major issues in the community and how we plan to take a larger

role,” Dominguez said.

Commitment to Kern will also deal with other colleges in the KCCD, as well as elementary schools, according to Dominguez. An initiative to promote local businesses is being planned, and the SGA is working alongside the Future Teachers Club on campus to assist grade schools.

SGA will participate in other acts such as water conservation, an attempt to cut back on the use of water on campus, and “students for energy;” an attempt to “embrace our oil and gas industry.”

The second package, titled Commitment to Bakersfield

College, focuses on student government accountability and will make the association more “transparent” as well as accountable for spending and other actions, Dominguez said. “[Commitment to Bakersfield College] is our commitment to the student body and the campus,” said Dominguez. “It’s very much for the students.”

Dominguez said that the movements will make the student government more financially responsible, and students will be able to hold their senators and other members of the government accountable for what their money is spent on.

Other parts of the commit-

ment to BC were described by Dominguez, such as government accountability, a self assessment by the SGA that will be released monthly which outlines where and how money was spent, what legislative actions were taken, and other applicable pieces of information.

“This gives the students power,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez states that he hopes students will come to future SGA meetings and voice their opinions on each piece of legislation that comes before the SGA board.

Student government meets every Friday at 9 a.m. in the SGA boardroom, Campus Center 5.

Features

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 3

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Deferred Action keeps him going An evening of

By Elizabeth Castillo Reporter Leonel Teran, a Bakersfield College student, continues to accomplish his goals with the help of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Teran was granted deferred action on Aug. 5.

DACA is a memorandum that was created by the Obama administration and has been implemented by the Department of Homeland Security to defer the removal of low priority undocumented individuals.

With deferred action, Teran, an undocumented individual, has successfully applied for a California identification card, employee authorization and a driver’s license.

Teran was brought to the United States when he was 3 years old, and was unaware of his undocumented status until he was a teenager. At the age of 18, Teran asked his mother why he was unable to get a driver’s license.

“I thought I was like everyone else,” he said. “I asked my mom why I couldn’t get a driver’s license. She said, ‘You can’t because you don’t have your citizenship, you don’t have a social, you can’t get one.’ I learned there was something different about me.”

Teran was unable to tell anyone about his status, and it would hinder him from getting into college as well. He recalled applying to California State University Bakersfield and wondered why he had to pay an expensive application fee and his classmates did not.

“I raised my hand and asked why I had to pay the application fee. My mom was the only one who worked in our family and we were poor,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m not going to go to college.’ That messes with you. It feels like your dreams are crushed.”

Now, at the age of 23, Teran has renewed hope for his dreams.

Because of his deferred action status, he is able to continue working toward his goals. Teran is a communications major and hopes to transfer to California State University, Los Angeles and complete the radio, TV and film program. He also hopes to

the macabre at The Padre Hotel

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter

Elizabeth Fernandez / The Rip

Leonel Teran, 23, is a Bakersfield College student willing to share his story about being an undocumented American. minor in theater.

“With deferred action, I have more opportunities, and it’s opened a whole bunch of doors for me,” he said.

DACA allows undocumented individuals certain benefits for two years with a chance of renewal.

Although Teran was eager to apply for deferred action, he knows some individuals are wary of it.

To apply, individuals must fill out paperwork that informs the government of their whereabouts.

Teran said some individuals don’t apply for deferred action for fear of immediate deportation.

There is also the risk of DACA being discontinued.

“There is definitely fear that the next president can end the program,” Teran said.

Although DACA is not a permanent fix, it is one step closer for Teran to be accepted into this country. “[Without documentation], you feel like a total outsider, and

you feel worthless compared to other individuals who have citizenship,” he said.

Teran was not born in the U.S., but he feels tremendous pride being able to live in this country and is grateful that DACA allows him a chance to give back to the U.S. Under DACA, an individual’s wages will be taxed, but because DACA does not provide an individual with a legal status, individuals are unable to use government benefits provided by taxes.

“The issue is when people say ‘Oh, you’re illegal.’ I hate that so much,” he said. “We’re undocumented Americans. I feel proud seeing the American flag. Overall, this is a great nation and I’m so lucky to be here. [DACA] is an investment from the government.”

One condition of DACA, is that most applicants cannot leave the country.

Teran recently lost his mother to breast cancer, and her final resting place is located in Mexico. Although Teran was saddened that he and his siblings could not

visit his mother’s grave, he is hopeful that one day his chance to visit her will come.

“My mother was laid to rest in Mexico and it haunts us that we couldn’t visit her,” he said.

“Someday, I will go visit her.”

Currently, Teran remains focused on following his dreams but he hopes to end the stigma undocumented individuals face.

When he was younger, he felt the need to hide his legal status, but is now more confident informing others about his past.

“I’ve learned to voice my opinions and am coming out of the shadows,” he said. “I’m undocumented and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Now that he has successfully been granted deferred action, Teran is currently helping his sister with the process.

With his deferred action status, Teran hopes to inspire his family.

“I want my family to be proud of me,” he said. “My nieces and nephews all look up to me so much. They don’t care that I’m undocumented.”

Core Ensemble performs ‘Tres Vidas’

Photos by Alisia sanchez/ The Rip

Bakersfield College’s Core Ensemble hosted the chamber music theater work “Tres Vidas” at the Simonsen Performing Arts Center on Oct. 30.

The work consists of three scenes, in which each scene is based on the lives of three legendary Latin American women: Frida Kahlo, Rufina Amaya and Alfonsina Storni. Defying technical issues, such as sound problems, all three women were played by Colombianborn actress Cristina Isabel Lucas, specifically playing Storni in the photos displayed. The Core Ensemble consisted of Ju Young Lee (cello), David Berry (piano), and Michael Parola (percussion).

This Halloween there was definitely something stirring at the Padre. No, it wasn’t the ghost that is said to walk the seventh floor, but it was one of the best events of the evening.

The Padre Hotel went all out, with a property-wide Halloween event.

From the very beginning, at the entrance on H Street, The Padre held an eerily dark twist of a huge carnival complete with a dark ticket booth.

The $40 cover was completely worth the experience.

The man who took the tickets was a Bakersfield College student who was in charge of informing guests about the events that were available, including the performance times and areas to which one must attend to see certain shows. He wore a top hat and mask of the vaudeville style that the entire Padre employee staff implored.

Instead of a typical nightclub atmosphere, as soon as you walked in, you were transformed to the picture-perfect movie set of a dark carnival completed by a Halloween theme. People were everywhere, with performances catching your eye at every corner, making the entire space a spectacle to see.

There were two women on stilts that looked like their legs were six feet long. The women were dressed in white and black, with face paint to match, with a sugar skull makeup style. The women twisted umbrellas and walked the lobby to greet guests.

Centered in front of the doors to the elevators and staircase was a woman who did extraordinary moves on a carousel horse with a pole.

She wore a gypsy style turquoise halter bra and panty set, she did flips, and other contortionist style moves, all while on top of the moving horse, as it rotated 360 degrees.

Every 30 minutes, a burlesque performance took place, and the mistress of ceremonies, Donetalla MeLies, had on the most appropriate outfit for the Halloween celebration. In the vaudeville style, her ensemble, complete with short petticoat and top hat, MeLies stood out against even the most elaborate of costumes of the guests of the event.

With just a touch of sexy, lots of darkness, and splashes of color -- like a pink tint hue on her hair -- MeLies instantly caught the eye.

Her booming voice captivated the audience, and held even the drunkest person to attention.

The mistress gave instruction for the burlesque performance, inclusive of explaining that the proper etiquette of the audience is to scream, shout and “let your wildest noises fill the room,” instead of the typical clapping of hands.

The first performer was the aptly named Vixen Deville, with an outfit reminiscent of a Vegas showroom performance.

Deville undressed provocatively and pop-locked her body in positions that isn’t suggested that anyone attempt. She contorted her body all the way forward, then all the way back, unfastening the hooks to her bra and skirt as she moved. The moves went in complete sync with the blaring music that played, as the crowd cheered and excitedly encouraged Deville to lose her top. She had pasties on her nipples -- to the dismay of the men in the room -- but it was just the right level of nudity.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m waiting for someone to get hurt!” MeLies said before introducing the second performer, Delilah Melilah, a

woman who did the seemingly impossible, performinging on top of shattered glass without hurting herself.

Melilah positioned herself over a tarp full of glass shards, in acrobatics seen only in the best circus performances.

As Melilah did the different moves, she also would undress, leaving a little more to the imagination by remaining covered in the breast area, but completely losing the long skirt that was attached, to boast a much shorter one. The theatrics of the removal of the skirt were to show, with detail, that not only was the woman on the glass shards, but she did not get cut.

After the two women performed, there was an illusionist to whom the Mistress of Ceremonies referred to as the “proprietor weirdo” but was actually named William Drayden.

Drayden first hammered a nail through his nose and took it out his ear, explaining what a true illusionist is.

“The trick is to make you think that the illusion is reality,” said Drayden. He then called up two spectators to assist him with a magic trick, one of which was BC alumni Rocky Arenas.

“It is unlike anything I have ever experienced,” Arenas said about the macabre filled evening.

Arenas and his female companion were both shocked and amazed -- in conjunction with the crowd -- at how the artifacts of the RMS Titanic correlated to cards they both picked featuring pictures of the passengers of the Titanic.

Downstairs, the female acrobat on the carousel started to do even more acrobatic moves, moved along with the live music that played in the Brimstone bar.

The live band was Mento Buru, the Bakersfield-famous latin ska fusion band, and they played until around midnight.

Their performance covered different songs that we all know and love. The sounds floated throughout the foyer, where periodically, the live flame-eaters performed.

On the main floor, there was a tarot card reader, Billy Scream, who had a long line of anxious people waiting to hear stories of their future. Everyone who received a reading left pleasantly blown away by the Scream’s accuracy.

As a group, all of the performers and the troupe of circus people gathered for pictures at the carousel at 1:30 a.m. The group was a sight to see, as many of the people attending the event crowded around to get a look at the group and snap pictures.

The Halloween costume contest crowned the couple dressed as Shrek and Fiona as the best-dressed couple. The two were complete with green makeup and little antler-style ears that lit up.

In the Brimstone bar area, student Ruth Cruz and her husband danced the night away with a huge crowd of people.

“I wasn’t going to come at first, because it was rainy and cold. But we thought about it, we would only be in the cold for a minute to get in and to leave.”

Student Debra Ramirez said, “I really had a great time. I am really happy that I didn’t let the weather keep me from coming out. I loved the event, everything was fun, and the costumes were well thought out and very colorful.”

Matthew Howell, the Food and Beverage director, hopes to incorporate more events of this grandeur.

“This is the first event of this size and we hope that you and all the guest of the night really enjoyed the event,” he said.

Campus

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 4

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Disappointed student starts political club

By Elizabeth Fernandez Editor in Chief

alisia sanchez / The Rip

From left to right: Salvador Murillo, Tabitha Guadian, and treasurer Wendell Veasey are members of the BC Geology Club.

Bake sale helping to fund club trips

By Christopher Baptiste Reporter With a goal to get a hands-on education while on field trips, the Geology Club recently threw a bake sale to contribute to that dream Oct. 23.

The club had a few treats to offer such as Fruity Pebble crispy treats, sugar cookies, frosted cookies, cupcakes and cake slices. As a collective unit, the members of the club worked fast to keep the line under control.

Tabitha Guadian was working the sale and said she joined the club to learn about geology.

Guadian said the fundraiser was intended to help the club raise extra money to take future fieldtrips.

Pursuing a career in petroleum geology, Guadian is planning on using an upcoming field trip to Red Rock Canyon “to get a more hands-on experience.”

Guadian said the fieldtrips are very educational. “[They give] me experience and are a fun learning environment,” Guadian said.

When asked about how the bake sale was doing, third-year student and president of the club Naomi Bacop said, “It is going good. We have sold the majority of our goods.”

Bacop is serving her first semester as president and joined the club “for the idea of getting geology outside the classroom as well as inside.”

Whether you’re a geology ma-

Photos by Alisia sanchez / The Rip

Top: Wendell Veasey hands senior Enrique Villegas his change after purchasing a crispy treat.

Bottom: Treasurer Veasey helps Anthony Bangon make a selection at the club’s bake sale. jor or not, the benefits of being in the club are “that you get a more personal connection with other members and paid field trips,” Bacop said.

“Ever since I was young, I had a thing for geology and wanted to be in that field,” Bacop said.

When asked what inter-

ested her most about geology, she said “The rocks! It is cool learning about what type of rocks are out there, and it is satisfying to be able to indentify the kinds.”

Bacop is also pursing a career in petroleum geology and hopes to find a career in California.

Students say mid-semester is flying by quick

By Trina Goree Reporter It has arrived: the halfway mark in the semester that will determine whether or not it has gone in one’s favor. Mid-semester feelings vary among Bakersfield College students.

“It’s crazy that it’s almost over, that it’s coming to an end,” said BC student Clayton Fowler.

The majority of BC students that were asked about mid-semester had the same response.

Many BC students felt this semester, in particular, came and will go much too soon.

“It came so fast,” stated Victoria Vargas. “[I] feel like I’m doing OK, but could be doing better.”

Some students feel that the semester is moving at too steady of a pace. “It should be the end of the semester,” Miles Post replied.

Post’s statement was reflective of his feelings of it being the mid-point in the semester.

The mid-semester point also usually means midterms for BC students. This time can be stressful for any student, and for the most part is a stressor that BC students face among an array of stressors that seem to be the nature of busy college students.

Gabby Caraballo shared that she was stressed out about midterms, but feels better now that midterms are finally over.

Next on Caraballo’s mind are finals. “I’m now nervous about finals, but also excited about my courses this semester almost being done,” Caraballo said. Lastly, Caraballo proclaimed, “I’m ready to party, too!”

There are those few lucky students who did not have midterms and are happily enjoying the semester.

Although she did not have midterms this semester, student Sahar Forouzanfar said she could feel the immensity of students’ stress levels regarding midterms and was not oblivious to other BC students’ issues during midterms.

With the luxury of not having to dedicate time to midterms, Forouzanfar found useful ways to spend her semester, stating, “I’m enjoying the semester, and also enjoy getting involved in activities and events on campus.”

The consensus on campus varies according to which student was asked. A common sentiment was that the semester would go as you deem it should go. Perspective played a crucial role in how the semester was turning out for BC students.

Bakersfield College student and physics major Maximus Sallam, 25, has founded the first Libertarian Club on campus. After being disappointed with recent events and government policies, Sallam said he decided to revisit an ideology he had initially been introduced to in high school.

“I considered myself a libertarian because somebody told me that libertarians believe in liberty, and somebody said that it’s the best of the Republican and Democratic Party,” he said.

Sallam’s attention shifted to politics a few months ago when he started to do more research into politics and he realized he wasn’t satisfied, and said, “I wasn’t happy.”

Although he added that he had no business in politics previously, he said his escalating disappointment in the government fueled his decision to start the club.

“Liberty is the most important thing to me, and it’s why I wanted to start the Libertarian Club,” he said.

“I want other people to be aware that there are other options besides the progressives, Democrat or Republican Parties — other viable options.”

Citing his background as a veteran, Sallam said he was further motivated.

“This is exactly what I even joined the military for.

[It] was to protect people’s freedom, protect what they own, protect their rights as individuals, and protect their rights economically,” he said.

Sallam then approached two of his friends and fellow students Shanara Cruz, 20, and Brian Becker, 19, and asked if they would be interested in founding a club based on the Libertarian Party’s philosophy.

“I admire his passion for starting the club,” said Cruz, a photography major. “There are a lot of people that say, ‘Oh, you’re a libertarian; nothing gets done.’

At least this club is to promote more awareness, bring people to see that it can be [done].”

Sallam, who will be active as the Libertarian Club’s president, said the first step would be “disseminating” information and gaining members before deciding what topics and issues to tackle as a club.

Sallam emphasized the importance of effecting change in a positive way and

stated that the club would put forth petitions rather than resorting to methods of social disruption.

“Here in the United States, they tend to get out of hand, and people don’t take them seriously,” he said and described libertarianism as very non-violent and nondestructive.

If something comes up during a meeting or the club decides it wants an unjust law repealed, Sallam said he wants to handle things professionally.

“At its heart, pure libertarianism is pure anarchy. And I myself am 100 percent pure libertarian, but I do agree that government is there to be an extension to help the people. There are things that need to be addressed,” he said about matters he hopes to discuss.

The Libertarian Club aims to raise overall awareness about politics and educate those interested in joining.

Students like Becker, who helped start the club and acts as treasurer, said he had no idea what his political affiliation was until he participated in a class exercise where the instructor asked the students questions about their political beliefs.

“I think that more people are libertarian that just don’t realize it,” said Sallam. “My friends that vote democrat vote because they believe in social liberty, and my friends who vote republican vote because they want economic liberty.”

The three founders said that the club is not exclusive to libertarian students, alumni, or staff because the club is an extension of the Kern County party.

“I strongly recommend whether people are republican, democrat, independent, or don’t even know, to join just so they can have a feel or an idea or a different perspective of what’s going on in the political atmosphere,” Sallam said.

Cruz also described the club as another class and a place for students to learn.

“Like I said, a lot of younger people — even if you’re in college — they don’t really know that much, or they’re too busy to really care for anything political, or too intimidated to join the actual Kern County party,” she added. “It’s just a place for us to go to and get started on things.”

Sallam extended an invitation to interested students and said meetings are scheduled Mondays at 4 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Complete Your Degree or Credential at University of La Verne’s Bakersfield Campus Available Undergraduate and Graduate Programs § Business Administration* § Organizational Management* § Public Administration* § Health Administration § Liberal Studies (Teacher Preparation)** § Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential § Special Education: Mild/Moderate § M.S. Educational Counseling § M.Ed. Educational Management § Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (La Verne Campus) * Also available Online ** Also available at Delano & Taft locations

Attend an Information Session Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM

Jennifer Salas MBA ’09 J.P. Morgan Chase

Call toll free at 877-GO-TO-ULV

infosession@laverne.edu laverne.edu

Kern County Regional Campus 1201 24th Street, Suite D-200 Bakersfield, CA 93301

Campus

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 5

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Former NFL player is now instructor at BC

By Alisia Sanchez Photographer

Alisia Sanchez / The Rip

Mostly known for being a former NFL player and a U.S. Marine, Jeremy Staat has returned to Bakersfield College as an assistant professor of welding. He said he has hopes to inspire and motivate his students to use BC as a starting point to reach success, as he has done.

Homecoming: Themed #theBCselfie, Bakersfield College’s homecoming 2014 shows school spirit Continued from Page 1 place through the week.

The Future Teachers Club will receive a miniature redand-white traveling trophy. The names of the winners will be engraved on the trophy.

The new addition to the Homecoming events this year included an unbiased Royalty Court to replace the gender specific positions of King and Queen.

Trina Goree, a Student Government Association member, along with Ali Newton and Abigail Phillips, who were

nominated by the Future Teachers Club, represented the Renegades in the Royalty Court.

The winners were selected, voted for and then were held to fulfill their duties as Royalty Court members.

The best use of theme float of the Renegade’s Homecoming Parade was awarded to the Veterans Club. The club will receive $100. The first place winner of the Rage of the Renegades’ Homecoming Parade went to the Student Nursing Association, which also won for the float with the most spirit.

The winners of the BC channel competition were also the Nursing Association.

In all, the spirit of homecoming was alive and well, representing the red and white proudly. “I loved the events,” said Goree, the Royalty Court member, “The outcome of all the SGA’s hard work was well appreciated and welcomed.”

The sound was provided by the 1990-1991 BC Alumni, Jerimiah Laura, of Pacific West sound, who said that the sound, and the entire event, went “perfect.”

Former NFL player, U.S. Marine, and Iraq War veteran Jeremy Staat has a number of accomplishments. But, according to Staat, had he not first attended Bakersfield College in 1994, that number would have never budged beyond zero.

“Anybody can achieve their goals and aspirations as long as they put forth the effort, and BC is a huge starting point,” Staat said.

“If it wasn’t for BC, everything else that I’ve done in my life would have been nil. It wouldn’t have happened.”

After graduating with an associate’s degree in criminal justice at BC in 1996, Staat transferred to Arizona State University, where he later earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. He played in the NFL for six years between 1998 and 2003 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006, subsequently becoming an Iraq War veteran.

In 2011, Staat established his own nonprofit, The Jeremy Staat Foundation, which allowed veterans to tell their stories at local schools, and at no cost.

Today, however, that foundation is on hold, and Staat is an assistant professor of welding at BC. “BC was the catalyst for everything that followed. BC is still the catalyst for everything that’s continued to go,” Statt said.

“For instance, if I didn’t do the things that I was supposed to do when I was [at BC], I wouldn’t be here right now. I don’t even know where I’d be.”

A huge fan of trade skills, Staat said he started welding on his own 12 years ago out of necessity.

Initially, Staat wanted to start a welding program through his foundation, where he’d teach welding to the youth.

He decided that if he wanted to teach welding, he needed to learn more about it, and thus returned to BC two years ago as a welding student.

“I started taking classes here [at BC], and along the way, I just kind of noticed that the instructors were always here,” Staat said, reportedly asking his instructors whether they needed help and if they were hiring.

He was informed the position was

available but they had not been able to get anyone else to teach. Staat was advised to take a look at the classifieds, and though he started out as an adjunct, within a semester, Staat was hired on full time.

“I always tell my students ‘Luck favors the prepared,’ and so by the steps that I was taking, allowed me other opportunities.

I didn’t have to come to school. I could have just went out there and said ‘Hey, I’m a welder,’ but no, I said, ‘I gotta learn more if I’m going to be teaching it to the kids. I’ve got to be able to teach them more than I know, so I need to continue to learn.’

All the pieces fell into place … The opportunities opened up, and here I am.”

In class, Staat said he builds a rapport with his students and doesn’t inform them of who he is, but rather of what he’s accomplished. He also tries to inspire and motivate his students by telling them stories about the welding industry, informing them that individuals such as Jesse James, Paul Teutul, Sr. and Jr. of Orange County Choppers, and Ken Small of Ken Small Industries have all made it successfully as welders.

“At the end of the day, they’ve pushed themselves. They’ve set themselves up.

They give themselves opportunities, and they’ve made sacrifices and set goals,” Staat said.

“That’s kind of what I try to do with these students here. I know it’s not going to happen in my first year, but I’m always going to constantly push it and re-invent my syllabus and re-invent myself, and continue to tweak my curriculum until I’ve got it where I want it.”

Staat also tries to instill discipline in his students by asking them to arrive 15 minutes early to class in order to prepare them for future job interviews.

He has also set up a template email in which students can communicate and inform him whether they will be late or absent.

“I’m just trying to give them all tools to be successful. I think sometimes, too, I take it a little personal. I get really upset if a kid is not passing,” Staat said.

“I guess it’s like the Marine Corps thing, I don’t want to leave anybody behind.”

AVAILABLE NOW

Transfer to Success Scholarship

Photo correction Up to $5,000 Award Automatically Awarded to Qualified Students Transfer Friendly Year-Round Enrollment A Private Nonprofit University Serving the Public Good™ Alisia Sanchez / The Rip

Marco Velasquez, left, goes for a pin against his Cuesta College opponent Nick Miller.

The photo above is featured in the sports section on page 9 of the recent Oct. 22, 2014 issue. It was inadvertently reversed during its original publication. It is now being presented in its true, accurate state.

Call Today • (661) 864-2360

nu.edu/transfer

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and be formally accepted to National University. Funds paid in accordance to the scholarship terms. Some restrictions may apply. © 2014 National University_1394

Commentar y The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 6

Staff Editorial

BC classrooms falling apart and resources being wasted The construction that has plagued Bakersfield College is a hot topic that has been discussed over and over during the last couple of months. As students, there is really nothing that we can do about the current construction except be careful and continue on with our daily routine.

There is something that can be done about an even bigger problem that the school is facing and doesn’t seem to get enough attention: the aging interior of many of the classrooms on campus.

As if having to ignore the many construction sites that are located around campus isn’t enough, now the college wants students to go to their classes and be educated when some of the classes are in serious need of renovation and filled with distractions.

The level of subpar classrooms around BC ranges from something as simple as a couple of tiles missing, paint chipping or just a faulty clock, but in others, something like a projector used for lecturing or even a student’s desk can be something that needs to be replaced.

There are times when a teacher walks into a classroom and turns on the projector for a lecture but nothing happens.

They fiddle around with it hoping for a quick fix but that quick fix turns into a 10-minute waste of time. Finally, the projector starts to work, but the speakers are blown out so everything is back where it started.

Instead of an education, we get a firsthand view of the college’s resources being wasted.

In other classes, the pull-up desk that some of the auditoriums have don’t ever seem to stay in place. You pull your books and binder out to get ready for the start of class, then the desk suddenly gives out sending all of your supplies crashing to the ground. If that happens during class time it can be a huge distraction, especially if your desk is the one that gave out.

Or, if you take a class in the Humanities Building, it has regular desks but some of the chairs don’t seem to match your desk.

Suddenly you have a chair that sits you too high for the desk or leaves you wobbling all class leaving you in a search for something to stuff underneath the chair to even it out.

Then, while taking notes, you look down and, suddenly, you’re reading the profanity that has been left on the top of the desk by previous students.

Or, you turn and look at the clock to see what time it is, but the clock is off anywhere from 15 minutes to some that are hours off the actual time, but that’s if the clock in the classroom is actually working.

Just sitting in a classroom, it’s easy to notice that they are falling behind what is considered an average classroom. Electronics that should work never do, missing tiles trip any student that dares to step on them, and white boards that don’t erase yet seem to save anything that is written on them.

This is a college and some of these distractions are an easy fix and something the paying college student shouldn’t have to worry about.

Like the pipes that are being replaced, it seems like the student is going to have to wait until BC is forced to update these classrooms that are stuck in the past.

Students understand the campus is extremely old and we’re not asking for the latest classrooms with the newest technology, just a classroom that doesn’t constantly distract with everything that is falling apart inside.

We are always told that we’re college students and there are no excuses for missed homework or exams, so shouldn’t the college be held to the same standard?

Students pay to be taught and educated, not distracted and annoyed.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Campus restroom cleanliness Men’s restrooms: have some options to choose

By Graham C Wheat Contributing Editor

Elizabeth fernandez / The Rip

The women’s restroom in the Campus Center is one of the most used at BC.

What are we doing in the restroom, ladies? Eating, sleeping and talking?

By Trina Goree Reporter Where one relieves oneself is usually a topic best left unsaid, but I feel the time is way overdue to discuss, or at least share, my views regarding the women’s restrooms on campus.

I must begin with the women’s restroom in the Admission and Records building. This restroom is extremely outdated and is an eyesore to any woman unfortunate enough to have to use it.

I can only imagine the horridness that must consume the men’s facility, which is located in the same area as the women’s restroom.

I think it a travesty that any new potential student beginning a journey at Bakersfield College has to endure these awful restrooms, especially the women’s.

This building, restrooms included, are the gateway to the BC experience and the restrooms in that building question the school’s priority in regard to restrooms appearances and functions.

Another restroom on my radar is the women’s restroom in the Campus Center foyer leading to the cafeteria. That restroom has become a hub for women to sleep, do school work, and engage in the act of eating while other women defecate and urinate.

The need or reason to do this is beyond me. I get the “I’m tired, it’s been a long day” thing, but that is what the beautiful lawns on campus are for. Get under a tree and get

out of the restroom! The sleeping through all of that noise related to relieving oneself, while using lack of sleep as a valid excuse to snooze, is absurd.

Also, attention women, all meals should be eaten on some form of a table, and at all cost, avoid any room that possibly resembles a restroom. This is for your own safety. There are thousands, if not millions, of unwanted particles in the air that one does not want to ingest along with a meal.

I know it possibly sounds as if I’m completely disgusted with all the restrooms on campus. This is not the case. There are lovely restroom facilities, but they are few and far between.

These beautiful restrooms can be found in the library, MS Building, and the newly opened SPArC building. Ladies, if you can hold it, I would seek these facilities.

My last concern is an issue the transgendered women face on campus. When a transgendered woman does not have the wherewithal to brave the looks of dismay one sometimes encounters when entering the women’s restroom, that community is forced to use one of two unisex restrooms on campus, which are located on the same side of campus, making it difficult to alleviate oneself.

What is worse is that these unisex restrooms inadvertently “out” the transgendered women who use these facilities. This restroom issue is still a double-edged sword for transgendered students.

There are a few estimates of how much time the average person spends in the restroom. A British study found that people will spend one and half years of their lifetime on the porcelain throne. Interestingly enough, men spend more time on the actual toilet at an average of one hour and 45 minutes a week; women spend about two hours in the actual restroom.

With a portion of your life being spent in the restroom that is just unavoidable, how do Bakersfield College’s facilities stack up?

As far as college students go, I am pretty sure that those times are increased for both sexes.

Some may only see the restroom as a necessary place to relieve oneself, but sometimes a restroom can have such a negative impact on your day that you can never wash your hands of the experience.

However, for the most part BC has sanitary facilities that are well-maintained for the amount of “traffic” moving through them.

The restrooms in the Industrial Technology wing offer a nice quiet experience for those of you that have some potty phobia.

They are nice and clean, too; not many people use them and it is a less-traversed area by students.

If nature calls and you can’t rush fast enough to the IT buildings, Math and Science have your butt covered. Point of note, however, there are two sets of restrooms in MS. Avoid the cramped bottom level like dysentery, the upper level offers more roomy stalls and replete with toilet paper.

For those of you who spend most of your time in the Humanities wing there are plenty of options, too. The restroom in that building is quite clean most of the time, however a few times

The 24-hour challenge steps without social media

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter

To do that involves taking a 24-hour challenge. So here are seven simple steps to reconnect to the world: 1. Go off the grid Go 24 hours without Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and other popular avenues of social media. Yes, you will live. The first part of reconnecting is to talk to your friends and family without using social media. Instead of sending a text or message, give the person you haven’t spoken to in forever a ring. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, instead of tagging their pictures online, print one up and start a new photo album.

2. Leave your cell phone at home Will you die without your cell phone? No. You may be too young to remember, but I can recall a time when if you wanted to call someone you had to be at home or on a pay phone. As part of the 24 hours challenge, I challenge you to find a payphone. Now, they are almost non-existent in a world where even a homeless person will at least own a cell phone.

3. Write someone a handwritten letter or note When is the last time you checked your mail and got a handwritten letter from someone? When is the last time you sent a note to a friend that you

The pettiness that people exhibit on social media is extreme.

The lack of privacy and the overexposure, and the issues that plague our Facebook or Twitter accounts, all have become so extreme that violence and even death or suicide can be linked to social media. It seems like the more clothes you take off, the more likely it is that you get a “like” or a conversation.

The word “selfie” has been coined by this generation. It is self-focused and loses sight of the bigger things in life. We are already in the zombie apocalypse. The zombies are you and I, running around tagging pictures and posting things online, without even taking the time to see what the other person may actually think or feel. A “like” sums everything up, a re-tweet is the depth of our intimacy, and a true connection in this day and age requires a cell phone.

The social media world is irrelevant to the progress of a college student, or the day-to-day events that take place. As college students, we must find time to put down our tabs, cells and laptops and look around.

have in class or pass between classes?

Try it out. As a child, I remember that people hardly emailed one another and typically sent “snail mail” to each other. Give it a try. Write in cursive, even.

4. Call someone from a landline I remember that everyone used to have a landline, and these days, typically the owner of landline is someone’s grandmother. If you can’t stand the thought of being away from your phone for that long, leave it in your backpack or car when at school, at least. Give it a try, I promise that you can live through it.

5. Take a walk around, and through, the BC campus When I write or say this line, I don’t mean the daily hike from class to class, I mean on a day off, come to the campus, with a friend, family member, or pet. Actually take a walk. Map out your path, especially with all the construction going on, and stick to it if you want to. As a child, one of my fondest memories was when my grandmother took me through the campus for a walk, where she wasn’t holding a tablet or cell phone. We talked. I asked tons of questions, and everything seemed magical. You can get an entirely different perspective of your campus by partaking in the joys of simple landscape.

The Renegade Rip Winner of the 2003 and 2008 JACC Pacesetter Award First place in 2011, third place in 2013 for CNPA General Excellence The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College journalism classes, printed by Reed Print in Bakersfield, and circulated on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees, but sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors. The Rip is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and the California Newspaper Publishers Association.

there was a monstrous overflow of paper towels and no T.P. to be found in multiple stalls. The real treasure of a commode is near the Humanities building, which is a hop to the east.

The FACE building has single, private and locking restrooms that can be nice and serene if you need the extra privacy. The only drawback is the walk of shame after you exit the head, with waiting on-lookers left to linger in your, ahem, essence.

To the south, you also have the restroom located in the Admissions and Records building.

Building near the president’s office one would expect it to be immaculate, and it indeed is. The only trouble you might have is running into some administrators and again some potentially embarrassing moments.

Avoid the cafeteria and Campus Center restrooms at all costs.

They are hectic and always full of stinky dudes. If it’s lunch time, be prepared for the worst.

The creepiest men’s restroom is located in the Science and Engineering building, across from rooms 52 and 53. It is separated with a wall; one side stalls and sinks, the other side urinals. It’s generally dark and who the hell knows what’s creeping about on the other side of the urinal section. I recommend, again, avoiding this restroom, just out of the sheer unknown that could be lurking.

Overall, BC’s restrooms are kept nice and clean by our hardworking maintenance staff, especially considering there are about 10,000 selfish students using the throne at any given time.

The next time you absolutely have to go, remember this: BC’s restrooms aren’t that horrible; there are much worse.

Thank the people who keep them clean and do the job you don’t want to do. This isn’t your mother’s house, so clean up after yourself and make their jobs a little easier.

Feel the nature around you.

6. Go on a lunch picnic with at least one person that you haven’t seen this month Make the time for someone that matters in your life. If you can’t do a lunch picnic, grab some breakfast or dinner, and eat outdoors. There are far too many days spent inside eating at establishments. While on your picnic, the reconnection with the person you are with will be a level of intimacy not available for purchase, and definitely lacking in a tech-crazed world.

7. Turn it off Put down your tablet, hide your laptop, and shut the TV off. The worst part of the tech-crazy world we live in, is that there are so many forms of communication that we forget the intimacy of a person-to-person interaction. Read a book, and make it a physical novel that isn’t on your nook or Kindle. Pick up the good old paperback copy. Since technology has run away with e-readers, the print copy is extremely inexpensive.

The challenge is really to see if you can move past the technology boom, reclaim the essence of nature, and explore the levels of intimacy that are ever-so lacking in our personal relations with one another.

Write The Rip

Editorial Board

Staff

Editor in Chief..........Elizabeth Fernandez Opinions Editor..............Elias C. Ahumada Sports Editor ..........................Daniel Ojeda Contributing Editors: Graham C Wheat, Kennedy Thomas

Reporters/Photographers: Mohamed Bafakih, Christopher A. Baptiste, Elizabeth Castillo, Trina Goree, Monique HansenGarcia, Brooke Howard, Vanessa A. Munoz, James Macias, Darla Mangrum, Phillip Rodriguez, Alisia Sanchez

Letters should not exceed 300 words, must be accompanied by a signature and the letter writer’s identity must be verified.

The Rip reserves the right to edit letters, however, writers will be given the opportunity to revise lengthy or unacceptable submissions.

If an organization submits a letter as a group, it must be signed by only one person, either the leader of the organization or the letter writer. Anonymous letters will not be published.

How to reach us

Adviser. ........................................ Danny Edwards

-Address: Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 -Phone: (661) 395-4324 -Email: ripmail@bakersfieldcollege.edu -Website: therip.com

Commentar y The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 7

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Walking Dead showing signs of life

By Daniel Ojeda Sports Editor

Rick and his fellow survivors kill off the cannibals by beating them to death. Rick uses a machete to kill off their leader, who had previously tried to kill and eat Rick’s entire group.

The last couple of seasons, the main character, Rick, became more of a talk first act later type of person.

In the first season, it was doing anything to survive, and that is the Rick that we are being treated to in this season.

Speaking of the killed-off cannibals, they also brought a level of violence to the show that it hadn’t had in previous seasons. They would capture people, beat them over the head with a baseball bat and then slit their throats, all for the purpose of keeping themselves fed.

The leader of the cannibalistic group, Gareth, had also captured one of the survivors from Rick’s group and talked to that individual while eating the leg that they had just amputated off of him and cooked, while describing what he tasted like and what type of humans he likes to eat.

This type of action and violence is something that the show has been truly lacking and while it can’t be expected in every episode, it helps to push the show to a higher level of excitement.

The zombies have also gloriously returned. Zombies are everywhere crawling around with missing limbs, with faces falling off or just a herd of them walking around aimlessly waiting for someone.

Fans favorites like Darryl, Carl and Carol also return— for now— and along with Rick are willing to do what it takes for the group to survive.

With the story finally progressing and the excitement level high, I can’t wait to see how far “The Walking Dead” can go. The last few seasons of “The Walking Dead” have felt as if they were just plodding along because the viewership has always been there, but this season it seems as if the producers have heard the pleas of their fans.

As a fan that was ready to quit on the show, I can safely say that the show is back and better than it has been in a while.

Let me start off by saying that I am a huge fan of “The Walking Dead.” I have seen every season and episode, including every episode of the current season airing on TV. There is only one way to describe the current season. That description is: Finally!

These last couple of seasons have been plagued by dragging out matters longer than they should, whether it was last season’s individual episodes about every character on their trek to Terminus, or the dragged out affair of when Rick was going to kill Shane.

The show seemed to settle into a let’s introduce an interesting idea and stretch that out as long as we can” mode.

Countless fans, including myself, felt this way about last season and it seems as if some of the other seasons fell victim to this as well.

Zombies also seemed to have vanished as the seasons progressed. In the earlier episodes, Rick was fighting off hordes of zombies, since then we have been reduced to seeing the occasional zombie here and there. During the second episode of this season, after Rick and the survivors escape Terminus, we are shown that they are being followed by the remaining cannibalistic survivors, and they’re hell bent on revenge.

So like most fans I began to think, “here we go again with another season filled with Rick’s group of survivors being picked off one by one until the eventual final meeting in the season finale.”

Boy was I ever wrong.The latest episode had Rick dispose of those Terminus survivors in a fashion that “The Walking Dead” hasn’t shown in a long time. Instead of a bullet to the head,

Racism’s reach over the years disputed Derogatory words can be defeated through merging cultures, acceptance

By Phillip Rodriguez Reporter White privilege – have you checked it? If not, you might be one of the millions of white Americans who has viciously profiled, targeted and (unwittingly or not) beat down the minority to the point where we can’t take care of ourselves anymore.

Not really, but you get the idea that I’m conveying. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and a slew of other opportunistic, pandering and completely worthless racial doorstops have prevented the “poor little brown man” from advancing in the world ever since the true martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement died out, along with their cause.

While there is no doubt that racial profiling may have been an injustice that perpetuated hatred for certain nationalities and races

in the 1800s and well into the 20th century, we are at a point in our awakening as a society where the everyday man has no other option but to set aside his petty grievances and lock arms with his brothers and sisters of all skin colors.

The far left would have you believe that the rich, fat, white politicians have their stubby fingers in the pockets of the “minorities,” but in the end, this concept is simply a red herring for a more serious problem.

Our politicians have meticulously set race against race and brother against brother in an attempt to garner support from special interest groups so that they may be elected again to repeat the cycle.

The only problem with their plan is that the racial gap is not the same as it was 80, 50, or even 30 years ago. In a world

PRO of mulattos (mixed white-black persons) and a generation of multicultural backgrounds, there are probably few people suffering from “white guilt syndrome” who couldn’t admit to having some form of non-white ancestry in their family.

Just walk across the campus on any given Monday and try to

Are you a victim that can’t hold your own in a world full of people, or are you just you? guess races. Cultures are becoming intertwined, and America is truly the essential melting

pot (for better or worse) that it claimed to be so long ago.

By my own name, one might think I might look completely different just by assumptions about my racial heritage. This is harmless, because anyone who actually takes the time to know me, as well as any of my friends, wouldn’t meet a Mexican, or an African American, or any other race. They would meet Christians, musicians, doctors, writers, mechanics, and philosophers.

I have indeed been insulted for my race, however, and I would be remiss if I were to say that race is no longer a concept in society. I’ve been told to “go back to Mexico” and that my people were the problem in America. I do not find these things upsetting, because these people are not hiring me. I am not dating these people, and these people have no control over my life.

However, if anyone should say that because of my name, my skin color or my ethnic background, that I am being transgressed, I would be more offended that I should be pigeonholed into such a concept as a race and not seen as an individual encompassing several identities than I would be if I were called a “spic” or a “beaner.” As long as people bring up the issue of racial injustice, the actual problem itself will thrive and exist. If you are someone the political elite considers a “minority,” you have to ask yourself something. Are you a victim that can’t hold your own in a world full of people, many of which have grown up just like you, or are you just you?

If you are an individual that can change your own life, then never be a victim. Live and let die, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Even in 2014, we still have yet to put away the old scars of discrimination

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter Racism is still alive and brewing in the hearts of men and women who feel superior or less superior than one another based on the color of their skin.

Too often we encounter racist propaganda in our day to day, that instead of racism dying, we have become desensitized.

With major cases like the Treyvon Martin or Mike Brown murders, that have quite arguably rocked the nation at its core, it’s hard to ignore the fact that race still divides our nation.

Instead we, as a nation, perpetuate the stereotypes of our minorities by acting ignorant to the facts that are self-evident.

I never knew what racial profiling was until I experienced it firsthand.

I was victim to police brutality

and witness to it, based on racial tensions.

I am of a mixed heritage of Hispanic and Caucasian origins.

Being half white, looking white, and speaking with white people, I have encountered the double standard that every race holds.

I have also had the other half of my race, Hispanics, talk about the “gringa” (slang for white girl) in Spanish. I listen, marveling at the fact that I can comprehend everything being said.

“Tu sabes pero no hablamos” (I understand but don’t speak) is usually what I say if I hear anything offensive.

It’s just the point that racism is everywhere, even in Kern County, or especially in the segregated city of Bakersfield.

Not only in Bakersfield is there a division of race, because race and class divide every metropolitan area.

CON Here in my hometown, I can remember as a child that African-Americans lived mostly in the southwest, Mexicans in the east and white people populating the west and north.

Oildale, still a predominately white-populated area, was high for crimes against minorities.

While being labeled as “white trash” people have had a bad ste-

We are all the same, and race should not still be a factor of American life in 2014 reotype that has perpetrated the feeling that African-Americans weren’t welcome.

In contrast, Rosedale or Stockdale areas were once predominately white, but the richer people of the race.

The issues of race and class can hit home, regardless of the city you live in.

This year has held the nation by its divide of race in numerous cases, monumental changes in gender and religious foregrounds.

It will continue to divide the thin boundary lines of race in the background as a national issue We need more leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. who hoped to unite in his fight against the race issues of his time period.

We simply have no single power that has taken the reigns of leadership, especially when the job would entail strenuous circumstances.

Implementation of cameras on police officers and their cars, along with the boom of novice video makers has given new tes-

timony to the old stories of the past, only now we can see and hear for ourselves how race still plays a huge part in the world as we know it. The fact remains that issues of racism are too much when even in 2014 AfricanAmericans are found hanging from a tree.

What else can motivate such evilness other than the hate that will never die as long as the racist groups like the KKK still exists?

Racist people are not blatant in their disregard, but there will always remain one person in any race that can mess it up for the whole bunch. We are all the same, and race should not still be a factor of American life in 2014; sadly, it remains until we all learn a greater level of peace.

To not just deal with people of all races, but to accept and coexist in equality is our only weapon against racism.

Google Images

New songs, cliche

By Elizabeth Castillo Reporter Although Jessie J has some stand-out tracks on her latest record, “Sweet Talker,” they are drowned out by unmemorable tunes that scream familiarity.

The British musician begins her album with “Ain’t Been Done.” The song illustrates her rapping abilities and then seamlessly transitions into poppy vocals. This song exhibits J’s range of musical styles and has an upbeat tone. “Ain’t Been Done” demonstrates that J has her own unique sound, but her individuality gets lost later in the record by her imitation of other pop vocalists.

“Seal Me with A Kiss” is a fun and sexy throwback to the silky sounds of ‘90s acts like Mariah Carey. De La Soul contributes nicely to the song, adding a memorable hip hop element. In stark contrast, J dumps a pop cliché onto her album with “Burnin’ Up.” The overtly sexual song adds little to the album and is ineffective. J’s breathy moans are unappealing and overdone.

This track is one of the weakest on the album but features a 15-second cameo from 2 Chainz that saves the song from complete mediocrity.

Some other disappointing tracks on the album include “Keep Us Together” and sadly, the title track.

“Sweet Talker” is bland, and toward the final seconds of the song features characteristics too similar to Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”

“Said Too Much” is an enjoyable track, but it lacks originality and can easily be confused with past Demi Lovato hits.

“Bang Bang,” a joint release featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj reveals J’s musical prowess. Her vocal parts are stronger than Grande’s and outshine Minaj’s rapping portions. While J shows off her musical abilities in this single, J truly shines in “Loud.”

The track is found near the end of the record and features violinist Lindsey Stirling.

The simple but memorable instrumentation allows for J to showcase her vocal talent alongside powerful lyrics.

“Get Away” is another stronger song on the album.

While at first it sounds like a generic ballad, the chorus adds a distinctive element.

J once again showcases her powerhouse vocals but then adds a gentle and unexpected delivery of the chorus. When J begs a destructive lover to “get away,” her voice is wispy and fragile. J’s delivery of the chorus represents the theme of the song as a whole. The juxtaposition of her vocal styles in this song aptly shows what J is capable of musically.

If J had built upon her stronger tracks in this album, she would have created a unique brand of pop that showcased all of her abilities. Unfortunately, J’s individual talent gets buried under a slew of forgettable songs that rehash what’s already been done in the pop genre.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 8

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

BC wrestlers preparing for conference

By Mohamed Bafakih Reporter

elias c. ahumada / The Rip

The Renegades special teams celebrates after blocking a punt that led to a touchdown. Bakersfield College won the game by a final of 34-31.

Football moves into rankings

By Daniel Ojeda Sports Editor The Bakersfield College football team ran its winning streak to a season high three straight games as the Renegades knocked off Cerritos College by the score of 34-31 on Homecoming night.

The win not only evened BC’s record at four wins and four losses, but also catapulted the Renegades back into the California Community Athletic Association state top 25.

The 22nd ranked Renegades raced to an early lead and seemed poised for a blowout win before having to withstand a late Cerritos comeback.

The win was BC’s third in the last four games and was also the fifth straight game the Renegades had played that was decided by three points or less.

On BC’s opening drive, quarterback Tarek Yaeggie drove the Renegades downfield before finding Marquise Johnson for a 37-yard touchdown, giving BC an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

On the ensuing drive, the Renegade

defense was able to cause a fumble that was scooped up by Darren Adjei who ran it back for a 24-yard touchdown.

“I saw it on the ground, I picked it up and scored. Everyone did a great job blocking and causing the fumble,” said Adjei.

Despite the fumble, Cerritos was able to block the PAT and return it the length of the field for a safety, cutting BC’s lead to 13-2.

After a touchdown and two-point conversion had Cerritos down only 1310, Yaeggie found Khalin Smith open for a 15-yard touchdown that put the Renegades up 20-10.

The second quarter was a defensive showdown as the Renegades managed to hold Cerritos scoreless. The Renegades offense was also held scoreless, but BC managed to score with just over two minutes remaining before halftime as the defense blocked a punt that was recovered in the end zone by Justin Nieto for a touchdown.

This gave the Renegades a 27-10 lead heading into halftime.

After each team had exchanged a three and out, BC was driving downfield before Yaeggie had a pass inter-

cepted and returned all the way for a Cerritos touchdown.

On the next BC possession, however, Yaeggie was able to atone for his mistake as he drove the offense downfield before once again finding Smith for a 12-yard touchdown and extending BC’s lead to 34-17.

That score would be the last for the BC offense as they were held scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Cerritos was able to make the game into a nail biter despite a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

With just under nine minutes left in the game, Cerritos was able to score two touchdowns to cut the deficit to 34-31, but any hope Cerritos had of pulling out the win was dashed when the Renegades recovered the last onside kick and ran out the clock.

With the win, the Renegades’ winning streak was extended to three games and also kept the confidence level rising.

“We feel like we have become a different team from the first half of the season and that we can do some really good things,” said Smith, who was on the end of two receiving touchdowns.

The reliable offense was aided by a defense that managed to score and come up with stops whenever the team needed.

The defense had a fumble recovery and also blocked a punt that led to scores.

Just before the half, the defense also stripped the ball from a Cerritos receiver at the one yard line halting what would have likely been a touchdown and momentum killer for the Renegades.

“I thought we played our best game of the season until we started to make mistakes in the fourth quarter,” said BC coach Jeff Chudy.

On the day, Yaeggie finished with 214 passing yards to go along with three touchdown passes. Xavier Williams rushed for 68 yards on 9 carries, while Smith led the way for the Renegades receivers with 95 yards receiving on eight catches. The Renegades have a bye week before returning to the field for the last two games of the season.

The penultimate game is on the road against Pasadena City College before finishing the season against Ventura College at home on Nov. 15.

Cross country teams prepare for SoCal meet

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter

Vickers looks to lead team to playoffs

By Daniel Ojeda Sports Editor Football is one of the toughest sports, so for any incoming freshman there is a steep learning curve that usually comes along with playing for a college team.

The freshmen learn from returning classmen and try to stand out enough in practice so that they get a chance to show their worth during a game.

There are, however, certain players that, despite being freshmen, are relied upon and looked to when the team is in need of a big play. One of those players is Bakersfield College’s very own wide receiver, Derrick Vickers.

Vickers has been a revelation for the Renegades this season; he leads the team in receiving touchdowns and is second in receiving yards, but the accolades don’t stop there. Vickers has also stepped in to help give the running backs a breather. He’s third in rushing yards and has also become the team’s top kick returner.

As an incoming freshman, and fresh off a season in which he helped lead Bakersfield High School to its first state championship in the modern-era, Vickers had a modest goal of earning a starting spot as a wide receiver on the football team.

With only two remaining games in the season, Vickers has not only surpassed that modest goal, but he has also become BC’s standout wide receiver.

He has accumulated 520 receiving yards to go along with a team high 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 209 yards and averaging a team high 4.6 yards a carry, not to mention the 21.5

Despite withdrawing from the San Francisco State Tournament this past weekend and only having one placer the previous weekend at the Meathead Movers Tournament in Cuesta, the banged-up Renegades wrestling team is fortunate to find themselves sitting at 10th in the state.

The San Francisco State Tournament is not a California Community College tournament, so there was nothing accounted against them, but with higher competition and scouts present, it was a risk pulling out.

The end of the year is the ultimate goal for Bakersfield, however.

The most recent taste of competition before heading into the final stages of the season for the Renegades was the Meathead Movers Tournament. The tournament was dominated by Palomar and Mt. SAC on Oct. 25, but BC still managed to place eighth as a team and the state’s firstranked wrestler at 197, Bakersfield College’s Jack Murphy, walked away with yet another first-place finish.

“I really don’t think anyone can stop the guy [Murphy] honestly,” grappling coach Joe Espejo confidently stated.

Murphy and 125-pound Marcos Velasquez were presented with Jockey Club awards for their outstanding performances in the month of October on Oct. 27.

With their first place finishes and a Most Outstanding Wrestler award for Velasquez during the Mike Tamana Invitational in Modesto on Oct.11, both wrestlers were deservingly honored by Mike Stricker.

Renegade wrestling will finally host the conference tournament after spending the last month on the road here at BC on Nov. 15, perhaps by then having the expected guys ready and healthy to go.

“We got some guys that are injured, guys that are sick … So I think the guys will be ready and healed up by then,” Espejo said.

Elias c. Ahumada / The Rip

BC wide receiver Derrick Vickers (1) makes a one-handed catch against Cerritos College on Oct. 25. yards Vickers averages as a kick returner as well.

Vickers credits the atmosphere and reactions that he sees during home games as one of the reasons for his success on the field.

“It feels good to know that the reason they are here is to support us. When I’m out there I’m playing for them,” said Vickers.

The crowd has had many reasons to cheer as of late as both Vickers and the football team have started to heat up as the season draws to a close.

In a recent game against Moorpark, Vickers had a career night hauling in five receiving touchdowns helping lead BC to the win.

For Vickers, that game was business as usual, “My team needed me to step up. I fed off their energy and did what I was supposed to do,” he would go on to say.

That game echoed what head foot-

ball coach Jeff Chudy had been saying all season long, “Find a way to get Vickers the ball.”

For that game, it was mission accomplished, and now comes the added pressure of trying to keep it going while knowing that the receiver will most likely face tougher coverage as the season moves along. That’s where the BC football coaches step in, and they have succeeded at teaching the players and showing them what’s required each week in order to compete.

This late in the season it’s not so much teaching anymore as it is refining what you already know.

“The coaches help us get better at the little things and trying to make all of us perfect with our techniques,” said Vickers.

The momentum and winning streak that has come late in the season is the result of not giving up despite a slow start that saw the Renegades drop three

of its first four games. During the losing games and during practice, the team wouldn’t give in.

“We just stayed positive at practice and with our teammates, then we all came together,” Vickers said.

Now it’s about continuing this current run of success and wins out with the hope of having an outside chance of making it into the playoffs.

“We have to come out and execute instead of worry. We have to come out and play our game,” Vickers said about his thoughts about BC’s remaining games.

Vickers helped lead BHS to a state championship, and now as a freshman he is trying to help lead the Renegades back to the playoffs.

Whether it happens has yet to be seen but one thing is for sure, Vickers has elevated his status as a wide receiver for BC and has raised the expectations for his sophomore season next year.

The Bakersfield cross country women’s team placed third and the men’s team took seventh at the Western State Conference Championships at Arroyo Verde Park on Oct. 24.

Leah Theroux led the pack for the women’s team with the time of 21:44.08 in the 5k races. Theroux placed 13th, with teammate Emily Freeman about a minute behind, in 15th place with the time of 22:07.66. Freeman has made steady improvements this season, especially to keep the women’s team a factor to beat.

Yareli Ocampo and Paola Silvestre came in 24th and 25th place, respectively.

Ocampo had the time of 22:36.97. Silvestre had the time of 22:39.41.

Jessica Campbell, returning from injury, placed 31st with the time of 23:10.93.

On Campbell’s heels was Monet Portillo, who came in 32nd place with the time of 23:11.71.

The men’s team was lead by Juan Calderon, who came in 21st place for the four-mile races. Calderon had the time of 23:21.24.

Tyler Moore came in 38th place with the time of 23:56.08. Richard Timmermans, with the time of 23:58.66, placed 41st.

The teams will be continuing its seasons with the Southern California Finals, which will be held in Van Nuys. Seven females and seven males will represent the BC team.

The finals will be held at Woodley Park at 10 a.m. Nov. 7.

Coach Dave Frickel is excited to take his team to the final legs of competition.

“When deciding which 14, seven men and seven women, will be representing the team, I look at who has done what, who’s hot right now,” said Frickel.

Frickel compares the decision to basketball, saying, “I think of the decision on who will run to be like a coach that decides who is the starters for a game, like basketball. We must run those whose overall consistency has proven their aptitude for competition.”

Following the So-Cal Finals will be the State Championship meet. The state meet will be held in Fresno at 10 a.m. Nov. 22.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 9

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

BC men’s basketball ready for season

By Mohamed Bafakih Reporter The second-longest tenured head coach in Bakersfield College men’s basketball history according to gogades.com, Rich Hughes, is heading into his 10th season at BC with a remarkable, yet unfulfilled term.

Hughes has a won-lost record of 161-108 for a .599 winning percentage. He took over a program in June 2005, which previously hadn’t clinched a playoff birth since 2002, and revitalized it with visits to five straight regional playoff appearances (2005-2010), a state-leading record of 30-3 in 2006-2007, and even a Final-Four State Championship appearance in 2008 as an 11th seed to begin his campaign.

“Well, we’ve had ups and we’ve had downs, much like with anything – but it has been fun, it has gone by quick and it’s hard to believe it has been 10 years – but I enjoy coaching, coaching here, and enjoy the game of basketball,” Hughes said on his journey over the years.

Despite early success, Renegade basketball has been held in check over the last four years from making the postseason in their resilient Western State Conference-South Division which includes: newcomer and defending champions Antelope Valley, conference-rival Citrus, Glendale, LA Valley, Santa Monica, and West LA. “That conference (WSC-South) prepares you.

If you do well in the conference you’re going to do well in the playoffs, that’s how we look at it… we’re trying to get back there (postseason) in year 10, hopefully,” Hughes said.

With only two returners, Alex Daniels and Jose Nava, from last year’s group bringing “sophomore stability” – as Hughes called it – which went 1314 overall and finished tied for last place alongside Santa Monica in the conference (3-9), the Renegades have a lot of new faces from numerous places as listed on the roster.

To add some experience, the Renegades bring in sophomore transfers Gary Dysart (Allan Hancock), Demontrey Mitchell (Western Oklahoma State College), Isaiah Rogers (Northwest Kansas Tech College), and David Wilson (Doane University, Crete, Nebraska).

With previous intercollegiate-level experience under their belts, Hughes is expecting big contributions from these guys.

“They’ve been through it. They got a lot of experience, which should be helpful even though they haven’t played for us. At least they’ve played a college game,” Hughes said.

For the rest of the cast and as well as the sophomores, it’s a time where they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the season.

Alisia SAnchez / The Rip

Sea (30) and Davis (5) battle for a rebound during a box-out drill in the teams first practice. The Renegades begin the season on the road against Fullerton Nov. 13.

“This year was the first time we were able to play a fall showcase (held on Sept. 19 and 20 at Cerritos, BC went 2-2). We got to put in some stuff six weeks, then go play in a fall showcase, and now we’re on about an eight-week stretch before we start playing. So right now we’re in that stage where guys really want to play…it’s coming,” Hughes said.

It has shown on the court during practice as guys are chasing down loose balls, being aggressive on both ends of the floor, showing togetherness by clapping for one another and even coach Hughes and assistant coach Aaron Chavez joining in on push-ups with their players throughout practice.

It becomes evident guys are coming together and are ready to contend in the preseason, regular season and hopefully the postseason despite being pushed to the limit.

When Hughes was asked what it’s like to adapt through seeing players move on after two years and then having a bunch of new faces join in and not always expecting the same returners, Hughes responded, “that’s JC life, baby.”

“This is my 20th year of junior college basketball and you just never know… you’re always having to re-teach but I’ve been in it for so long I’m just used to it,” Hughes added.

A key fresh face for the Renegades will be Washington Union High (Fresno) product, Deandre Dickson. Dickson is a 6-foot 9-inch freshman wing (the tallest player to play at BC in Hughes’ 10 years) who averaged 15.4 pts, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks a game during his senior year for the Panthers.

“He’s a very talented player at 6-9. He can do a lot of things: shot-block, rebound, create havoc for other teams, and is skilled offensively,” Hughes said. Hughes also stated that Dickson may even see the point guard position which will be called on by committee due to the scoring abilities of the multifaceted depth chart.

Another interesting new face is freshman Gregory Glamoc. Glamoc is the second French player to come to Bakersfield in the last two years. He heard from former Renegade center Paul LecurieuxLafayette who went back to France to concentrate on school after one year playing for BC last season and instilled Glamoc on the potential opportunities as a student-athlete. The 6-7 swingman is excited to be a Renegade and is excited for the upcoming season to begin, which will tip-off on Nov. 12 when the Renegades travel to Fullerton for a 3-day tournament.

“The level is really good here, I really like it. It’s a little more aggressive and the shot clock is 35 seconds instead of 24 seconds in Euro, but I feel like I could be a pretty good player here,” Glamoc said.

Although the Renegades finished 10-5 in preseason last season, rebounds and turnovers were the difference-maker during conference play. With an increase in size, Hughes expects more boards and shot blocking from his team.

“We can’t be handing out steak dinners on a platter. That was one of our problems last year; rebounding and turnovers last year were big for us,” Hughes said. It has been a slow and steady offseason trying to implement the foundation to the team and taking a while the freshmen adjust, but it’s expected.“The first tournament is always wild… we don’t want to be at our best at preseason, we want to peak during the midseason to get ready to compete for a conference championship and continue peaking later into the year,” Hughes said.

According to cccaasports.org’s Coaches Association Preseason Regional Rankings, defending WSC-South champions Antelope Valley leads the Southern California rankings with Bakersfield not making the top 15 list, but that won’t stop the Renegades from making some noise.

On the preseason rankings, Hughes said, “The list is useless. Not everyone gets to vote, and it’s based on what they saw last year.”

It’ll be up to Hughes and company to overcome the odds against them as the season tips off Nov. 13 at Fullerton.

BC’s women hoops start season with home win

By Monique Hansen-Garcia Reporter The Bakersfield College women’s basketball team won its season opener 66-58 against Santa Barbara City College on Nov.1.

The team is modest with its win, each player echoing the next. “I could have done better,” said Clasey Tarver. Tarver led the team in scoring with 16 points, including the team’s first 3-pointer. The three fell in, nothing but net, with such ease and Tarver set the momentum for her team.

Tarver played very strong and was all over the board, with more time on the court than any other player. “I am proud of the team, we worked really well together,” said Tarver. In a sport that teamwork is imperative, all the players said that their individual games would need work, but the teamwork went perfectly.

“We were nervous as with any start of a season,” said guard Melissa Duggins, “but coach [Paula Dahl] really works with us on a personal level.

“She is very caring and nurturing, aside from her being strict on us, and it helped a lot [for the team] to work together for the win.”

The team’s only pitfall was the foul trouble, with

55 fouls in the game, 29 of them belonged to the Renegades.

“I will do better next game, mainly just by not getting as many fouls,” said Nakia Page. Page finished the season opener with an impressive run of 13 points and eight rebounds. “We just have to stop fouling, that’s all we can do to do better.”

Alex Green agreed with her teammates by saying, “Fouls really hit us. Luckily, our offensive game made the necessary plays to combat the points we gave up to the other team.”

When asked how Green thought she played she said, “I am my own worst critic, I will foul less in the next games, and the only way to do that is just to not foul. There isn’t a formula or quick fix, you just have to work hard toward being on the top of your game.”

Yoemma Esparza, making her debut for the team, as a transfer from another school, said, “Aside from picking up two quick fouls, in both halves, I was happy with how I played. I loved playing for my old school, and I love playing here [even more].

Here, my family can attend my games, and that’s a great benefit I didn’t have.”

The team had definite chemistry as all of the players had great things to say about it.

Page spoke extremely highly of her team by saying, “I thought we came out strong with a message that we are ready to take on anyone in conference.”

The reserves had an outstanding show, with Coach Dahl utilizing the bench; there were 17 points and 17 rebounds from those players that came off the bench.

Khiylah Dean and Alyssa Garcia, both off the bench, had six points each, respectively.

Garcia had a playmaking steal, and Dean had two steal and two rebounds to help the team’s defense to overpower SBCC. MacKaiela Tyler had five points, five rebounds and seven boards off of the bench, also.

“We gave up, like, 24 points to the other team because of foul trouble, so we each had to play a strong defense,” said Tarver.

Tarver had over three turnovers by just the half time score.

When asked of what the players expect from the tournament, Tarver said, “We should do really good. We don’t want to overlook other teams, but I feel our team is the stronger one.”

Page feels that the team will be not only contenders for the championship but should have no prob-

Soccer team back to winning ways

By Mohamed Bafakih Reporter After suffering a four-game losing streak, the Bakersfield College women’s soccer team ended the drought winning two of their next three games.

The first win ended in a shutout at home on Oct. 24 as Danielle Vargas and Guadalupe Chavez connected on both goals giving BC the 2-0 victory over the Guachos of Glendale, and most importantly some regained swagger.

Vargas, on finally ending the skid, said, “It feels good. I feel like we’re working better as a team. We’re such a young team that we honestly didn’t know it was coming for us and now and we’re more prepared for what’s to come.”

That swagger and preparation fed off the next game as visiting West LA came into town eying their first conference win of the season.

Despite an early goal from West LA in the 20th minute from Catherine Sanchez, Bakersfield flipped the switch offensively allowing zero goals thereafter.

Forward Victoria Pyle, who has been held scoreless for the past six games, ended her scoring skid in the 35th minute off a deflection and again in the 43rd (assisted by Chavez) giving the Renegades a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

For Chavez, a freshman from McFarland, it has been a chance for her to make the most of her minutes that have increased tremendously the past couple of games. “[Chavez] has been mostly in the back (defender), and the last game (vs. Glendale) was the first time we tried that and she was the one that set up both goals… So let’s keep trying that again, and she was really dangerous again today,” Coach Scott Dameron said.

It’s a breakout moment for Chavez.

“It feels good that I’ve been getting the assists, because those [assists] lead to goals,” Chavez mentioned on her performance.

In the second half, the Renegades’ goals became more effortless.

Danielle Vargas added the team’s third goal eight minutes into the second period extending BC’s lead to 3-1.

Five minutes later, the frenzy continued

as midfielder Savannah Melendez joined in to add to the lead making it 4-1 with still about 30 minutes left to play.

Although Bakersfield had several shot attempts on goal that didn’t cross the goalline, Dameron cleared his bench and gave backup forward Teresa Martin the opportunity to capitalize in the 88th minute – which she did – giving BC the 5-1 lead and the victory over West LA. After winning two at home, the Renegades traveled to Antelope Valley with their second date against the Marauders (first meeting ending in a 1-1 draw) of the conference season on Halloween night.

Pyle sent out a treat in the 10th minute adding some more sugar to her offensive play again as BC led 1-0.

However, the Marauders’ Shandra Pereira and Cleste Flores added goals to give Antelope Valley a 2-1 win over the Renegades.

Before another meeting with Canyons, Bakersfield (7-6-3 overall, 3-5-2 conference) sits tied with Antelope Valley for fifth in the WSC-South with Antelope Valley owning the tiebreaker as things heat up in the final stage of conference play.

lem winning it this season. “We got great coaches, and great players and we work hard everyday.

There shouldn’t be any reason why we aren’t going to be conference champions.”

Esparza agreed with Page and Tarver by saying, “I’m really excited for this season, we are going to be great this year.”

The BC women will compete in a two-day weekend tournament to take place on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 coined the BC Crossover.

The Nov. 7 games will be held at noon and 2 p.m. At noon, the BC team will matchup with Taft; and at 2 p.m. Reedley will play Rio Hondo.

The Nov. 8 games will be held at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Taft will play against Rio Hondo, and BC will play against Reedley.

All games for the BC Crossover will be held in the Gil Bishop Gymnasium.

BC students receive free admission to all home games, so be sure to show your support for the women’s team.

Following the weekend tournament will be the team’s first road game, against West Hills Lemoore, held in Lemoore on at 6 p.m. Nov. 14.

BC will return back home after the tournament and host Taft at 1 p.m. Nov. 22.

BC volleyball continues rollercoaster season

By Daniel Ojeda Sports Editor The Bakersfield College volleyball team continued its upand-down season as they dropped two of the last three games, leaving them sitting at fourth place in the division.

The rollercoaster season has seen the Renegades struggle to win consistently and these last few games have followed suit.

On Oct. 29, BC lost to Santa Monica College three sets to one.

Tyler Herring finished the game with a team-high 18 kills while her teammate Lorena Ramirez chipped in with 17 kills. Jade Delgadillo finished with a teamhigh 39 assists.

Against Glendale College on Oct. 24, the Renegades easily

won taking all three sets.

Kourtney Grantz led the way for the Renegades finishing the game with a team-high 10 kills while Delgadillo once again led the team in assists with 26.

With a chance to see how they measure against a first place squad, the Renegades lost all three sets against College of the Canyons on Oct. 22.

Grantz led the way with nine kills while Delgadillo had 20 of the team’s 21 kills for the day.

The Renegades have an overall record of 7-12 with a division record of 3-4.

Next up for the volleyball team are two home games against Antelope Valley College on Nov. 5 and West LA College on Nov. 7 with both games starting at 6 p.m.

Spotlight

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 10

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Orchestra returns, gets a renovated home

By Darla Mangrum Reporter

The first instrumental concert featuring the Bakersfield College Orchestra and Band was held Oct. 29 in the BC’s indoor theater.

BC professor Tim Heasley conducted the show and was glad to get a chance to hold a performance in the refurbished building. For nearly three years, the band has had to practice and play in many different places all over the campus.

“Each space had its own set of challenges, and it was logistically tough to not be situated next door when it came to moving equipment, chairs, stands, large percussion instruments, etc,” he said.

Heasley said playing in the other areas did provide some positive results.

“Bringing the band to new locations created some positive side effects, attracted people who may not have attended in the past, and created new collaborations between different ensembles (and even different departments) on campus,” Heasley said.

He also said he had always been happy with the facilities offered at BC and personally enjoyed older spaces even if they are out of date, but for the department and the college as a whole, the renovation has created limitless possibilities.

When asked what it was like

to perform one of the first concerts in the new theater, Heasley replied, “It was humbling. The theater is a state-of-the-art space, and to have the opportunity to conduct the first band to perform on that stage was a once in a lifetime experience.”

Heasley went on to say, “I traveled the world as a musician in a Broadway show, and I would put the SPArC up with almost any of the venues I performed in.”

SPArC is the new acronym for the renovated building, the Simonsen Performing Arts Center.

Heasley invited everyone to the holiday show on Dec. 10 where, once again, the BC Orchestra and the BC Band will collaborate and perform in the new theater.

The conductor of the Bakersfield College Orchestra, Lisa Buringrud, said, “The symphony has been asleep for such a long time and I’m so excited to be able to get the orchestra gathered again. I have been teaching music for over 20 years, and I feel privileged and honored to be able to reassemble the college orchestra and perform in this beautiful, modern, state-of-the-art theater.”

Bakersfield College alumnus Alex Navarro, 34, was the featured solo violinist of the evening. He was a graduate of Bakersfield College before he moved on to further his education at Long Beach State.

Navarro has been playing the viola and violin for 28 years and teaches music out of his home.

Photos by Vanessa munoz / The Rip

Top: The band has had to practice nearly three years in odd locations. Now, their home is, once again, in the refurbished indoor theater. Bottom: Conductor Lisa M. Buringrud introduces her solo performers and the next concertos that are to be performed, which were based on a Halloween theme for the concert. Buringrud has taught music for over 20 years.

Navarro has also been involved with the Bakersfield Youth Symphony for almost two years.

“I was honored to be asked to be the featured soloist in tonight’s show, especially in this wonderful new theater,” Navarro said.

Some of the music performed by the BC orchestra was “Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter),”

written by Mozart, and “Autumn from The Four Seasons Op. 8, No. 3,” written by Antonio Vivaldi.

Some of the music performed by the BC band was “Linden Lea,” written by Ralph Vaughan Williams and arranged by John W. Stout, and “Hymn to the Fallen,” written by John Williams and arranged by Michael

Sweeney.

Jeanette Wilson, 21, and a music major, said, “I enjoyed the show so much. It was amazing, and so is this theater. I actually performed with the choir here last Friday (Oct. 24) and had a great time.” She plans on bringing some friends and family to the holiday show in December.

Maria Bran, 20-year-old biol-

ogy major, said she was so glad that the orchestra is back and plans on supporting them every chance she gets.

Bran also mentioned that the theater was amazing with its beautiful details and comfortable styling. “I’m already excited about bringing my mom to see the holiday show on Dec. 10,” Bran said.

TRANSFER NOW At Fresno Pacific University, your success is our priority

Empowering leaders. Transforming lives.

Empowering leaders. Transforming lives.

• Get the classes you need to graduate on time • An affordable, quality education • Small classes with professors who really care • Over 97% of students receive financial aid

Empowering leaders. Transforming lives.

Fresno Main Campus | Bakersfield Center

fresno.edu/transfer Empowering leaders. Transforming lives.

We Saved You A Spot

APPLY NOW