Vol. 89 No. 03

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Bakersfield College

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

Walk Like MADD is a success at River Walk Alexandra Apatiga

Sebastian Garcia, Mark Gulesian and Ryan Lucker show off their medals after participating in the MADD Dash event.

Reporter

Around 1,000 people came out on Sept. 23, to participate in the fourth annual Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash event at the River Walk Park, and to support the local Kern County office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash has become one of the largest fundraisers in Kern County, raising more than $80,000 this year alone and bringing the total of funds raised in Kern County to more than $225,000 since 2014. All proceeds go toward helping victims of DUI crashes, raising awareness in the community, and continuing the fight in ending drunk and drugged driving.

The event brought out local businesses, community leaders, law enforcement, and residents as they participated in a 5K and

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

10K run, as well as a kids’ fun run. Vendors, raffles, and various informational booths were also present at the family-friendly event.

Before the rally and march, the morning began with an opening ceremony with statements from representatives of MADD, victims of DUI crashes, Assistant District Attorney Scott Spielman, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, and Councilman Andrae Gonzales. All advocated for a future without drunk and drugged driving, citing Kern County’s sense of community in the face of adversity.

The Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash event first began in 2014, as Bakersfield became the first city to institute a running element to a MADD event. Carla Pearson, a victim service spe-

cialist for MADD Kern County, along with Chain | Cohen | Stiles started the MADD Walk/Dash and have been coordinating the Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash ever since.

Pearson, who lost her own son to a DUI crash 15 years ago, saw little to no support for victims and their families impacted by drunk and drugged driving. She began a campaign in Bakersfield to help those affected and raise awareness of DUI crashes in Kern County.

“Seeing all these people come together is so heartwarming and means the world to me” said Pearson. “Many of the participants here today have lost loved ones to this 100-percent preventable crime, and unfortunately, there will be many more affected unless we can end this tragedy

today. But there is hope. Our community is done with seeing [its] members hurt and this event and the people who’ve come out here today is proof of that.”

According to Pearson, with help from dedicated volunteers such as Jorge Barrientos – the current Marketing Director for Chain | Cohen | Stiles – the event has expanded to new heights.

Barrientos – a volunteer of the MADD Walk/Dash since 2014, and one of the major coordinators, explained that there are three vital messages Mothers Against Drunk Driving tries to send to attendees about drunk and drugged driving.

“First, we want to raise awareness of the devastating effects these kind of incidents have on the community” said Barrientos.

“The issue of DUI arrest and

crashes is a community wide issue and we need to address the problem together.”

The second message, says Barrientos, is responsibility. Being aware of how much you are drinking and knowing you cannot go onto the road.

“We all share these roadways together,” Barrientos said, “and it’s our responsibility to make sure our roads are safe for everyone.”

The third and final message Barrientos shared was supporting the victims. “By no fault of their own, these people and their whole lives have been changed.

We are here to let these victims and their families know we stand with them.”

Michael Benge and his family were victims of a DUI crash. His wife was killed and he and his

Dolores Huerta holds a Q&A after documentary Jenny Brito Reporter

Dolores Huerta, labor and civil rights leader, hosted a Q&A at the Maya Cinemas in Bakersfield on Sept. 24 after the premiere of Dolores, the documentary based on her life and fight for social justice.

The first screenings of the movie sold out quickly, and the theater was filled with people eager to meet the civil rights leader.

Huerta entered the stage right after the showing and received a standing ovation as she prepared to answer questions.

The first question was related to her reasons for co-creating the United Farmworkers Union (UFW). She said that she decided to take action after witnessing how the children of farm work-

ers struggled with poverty.

Huerta was also asked to share her sources of inspiration with the audience. “When you see what people can accomplish by getting organized and taking power, that’s a reason to be inspired,” she said.

Among the accomplishments of the Latino community, she emphasized the value of building a presence in Congress and schools. Further, she shared her opinion about recent actions taken against DACA students.

“Latino movements aren’t dead, and DACA students are not going away,” she said.

Huerta added that schools would be able to show her documentary to students. She encouraged them to educate children on the contributions of Mexicans and African Americans. Other-

wise, society would be creating more Neo-Nazis, according to her.

Other questions came from people who are trying to drive change in their communities.

Huerta encouraged them not to give up on their dreams, make activism fun, and have determination.

The documentary was directed by independent filmmaker Peter Bratt and produced by Grammy Award winner Carlos Santana.

Huerta congratulated them for creating an accurate representation of her career and life.

Dolores Huerta continues to advocate for the rights of immigrants, women, and LGBT individuals. She asked people to get involved and provided information about the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

two daughters were hospitalized Memorial Day weekend in 2004, when a driver under the influence crashed into them at nearly 100 MPH. “DUI crashes are 100-precent preventable” said Benge, who today travels with MADD giving talks and speaking with DUI drivers.

“I always ask them [DUI drivers] if there was any shame in their actions, they always say yes.”

Driving under the influence and the impression it leaves on victims are life changing, says Benge, which is why he and other volunteers at the Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash in Bakersfield will continue to combat DUI crashes, to build a future world without loss of life from drunk and drugged driving.

ONLINE Answer the Renegade Rip’s poll online

In light of recent mass shootings, should the average citizen be allowed to buy automatic or semi-automatic weapons?

Vote yes or no, we want to know.

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Dolores Huerta sits in fornt of audience members after the premiere of “Dolores,” a documentary based on her life.

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DACA panel held in Fireside room Board passes new tuition grant Ambria King Photo Editor

On Sept. 21 a group of six local lawyers held a panel discussion in the Fireside Room at Bakersfield College, in order to address frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the rescinding of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.

The Fireside Room, which holds up to 125 audience mem-

bers, was filled to capacity; requiring that a conference room in the campus center be opened up to handle the overflow. The discussion was live-streamed, allowing those in the overflow venue to view the forum in realtime.

Attorneys Win Eaton, H.A Sala, Sarah Rich, Vanessa Sanchez, Edyta-Christina Grzybowska-Grant, and Andrew Fishkin held an open forum which concluded with students

having the opportunity to consult the lawyers about general questions regarding immigration and deportation.

The panel discussion lasted over an hour and covered topics ranging from what the announcement by the Trump administration on Sept. 5 means for current DACA recipients, to ways in which those who are currently undocumented can avoid the threat of deportation.

There are approximately Please see DACA, Page 7

By Lizette Chavez Editor-in-Chief

The Board of Governors issued a press release on Sept.

19 announcing the approval of the California College Promise Grant, previously known as the “Board of Governors Fee Waiver program” a grant that would make community colleges in California tuition free for those with “financial need.”

Paige Marlatt Dorr, who sent

out the press release shared some of the reactions to those present at the meeting including Board of Governors President Cecilia V. Estolano.

“California’s commitment to affordability focuses our resources on those students with the most financial need . . . this progressive approach to financial aid ensures that all California students, not just those from higher-income families, have the opportunity to attend and suc-

ceed in community college.”

The press release stated that the California College Promise Grant was made a “first dollar” plan which would allow the state to pay for a college’s tuition and allow any other financial aid awarded to be distributed at the students’ discretion. Other states like New York, Oregon, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee currently use a “last dollar” plan, which only pays a part of the tuition cost not covered by any Please see Tuition, Page 7

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Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

USCIS holds a swearing in for new citizens

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

131 people raise their right hands as they swear the Oath of Allegiance and become naturalized citizens at the library.

By Ambria King Photo Editor A ceremony was held by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to celebrate the swearing in of 131 newly naturalized citizens on Sept. 21 at the Beale Memo-

rial Library auditorium on Truxtun Avenue.

Those being sworn in hailed from a list of countries including: Colombia, The Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Pakistan, The Philippines, South Af-

rica, Sweden, and Taiwan.

The standing-room-only event included a keynote speech delivered by congressman Kevin McCarthy, who urged the newly sworn citizens that the greatest gift their new country can give them is to be considered American, completely and equally.

“Being American is not passive,” said McCarthy, “Every citizen in every state, from the newest born to the oldest living, from the students to the laborers ... everyone has an important and necessary calling in our great nation.”

After McCarthy’s speech, a

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

Colefield Muretta smiles as he accepts his new certificate. group of children, who were also being sworn in as citizens, were brought on to the stage to lead in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

As the ceremony ended, those who were sworn in formed a line on stage to receive their Certificate of Citizenship. Cole-

field Muretta, who was sworn in along with his wife, stated that after working toward gaining his United States citizenship for over five years, that the day was one of the happiest in his life.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Muretta, after receiving his certificate.

Upgrades to Isabella dams to be finished in 2022

By Melissa Puryear Reporter Recent earthquakes in Mexico serve as a reminder that natural disasters can strike at any time.

The local threat of an earthquake in Lake Isabella, an active fault line with two dams that are long overdue for upgrades, has had officials in the Lake Isabella and Bakersfield communities concerned for years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been actively working since 2006 to figure out a plan to mitigate threats that Lake Isabella might pose to both communities should it experience a significant earthquake.

To address those concerns and the deficiencies that were determined to be valid in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that the USACE submitted in 2012, a date to begin the long-awaited project’s next phase has been decided.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded an approximate $204 million contract to Flatiron/Dragados/Sukut Joint Venture, to modify the main and auxiliary dams at Isabella Lake,” according to Tyler Stalker, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, which is overseeing this project.

Stalker said that the total cost to fix the auxiliary dam will be an additional $37 million, but, first, USACE must acquire an easement for the Borel Canal from California Edison, which they are in the process of doing now. The project is planned to

begin in November and projected to be completed in 2022.

In 2006, the USACE determined that Lake Isabella’s main and auxiliary dams posed risks.

There were three criteria used to determine that risk: a large storm could overtop the dam, an active fault line runs under the dam, and the dam cannot withstand a big earthquake, according to Stalker.

“The original dam was not built with filters and drains for water to appropriately seep through, meaning seepage (which occurs in all dams) could also push out the earth that comprises the dam and could cause problems for the entire structure,” said Stalker.

What Stalker calls an “unacceptable risk” was released in the EIR by USACE and was presented to the community in 2012. The EIR evaluated that “… The Corps’ need for action is to reduce the likelihood and consequences of dam failure and to restore the authorized project benefits.”

To fix the current problems USACE will have both the main and auxiliary dam raised about 16 feet, drains and filters added, and the existing spillway will be raised 16 feet. A new emergency spillway will be added between the two dams and the conduit will be filled in. Also extra material will be added on the downstream side of the auxiliary dams for stability, according to Stalker.

This will remedy the three deficiencies, according to Stalker.

Stalker details why the auxiliary dam is especially vulnerable; it is not made of granite like

the main dam, and this presents stability issues. By reinforcing its foundation and adding the filter and drains, it will eliminate the seepage concerns that Stalker said could undermine the integrity of the dam. It is the project’s goal to bring the dams to “modern safety standards.”

Although hypothetically an earthquake along the San Andreas Fault could affect the dams, if one were to occur, Stalker shared the USACEs findings, “It would take a significant magnitude earthquake from any other fault to dramatically impact the Isabella Dam.” Yet, the USACE Operations personnel leaves nothing to chance. They are continually monitoring for seismic activity, and when one does occur they inspect to be sure that the dams have maintained their integrity.

In February 2016, that’s just what happened and put USACE’s supposition to the test. A 4.9 magnitude earthquake near Wasco struck and USACE responded. They determined that the earthquake had no impact on the Lake Isabella dams. “Even though we don’t think there is an imminent danger from other fault lines, we will ensure the dams are safe if a nearby earthquake occurs,” said Stalker.

He does contend that in the event of dam failure, it would send “… a significant wave of water to Bakersfield within hours, with catastrophic consequences to the people downstream ...” but “we have no reason to believe an earthquake is imminent or even likely, but

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

The water of the Kern River gathers outside the Lake Isabella main dam, which will be undergoing modifications to raise its foundation by 16 feet, with drains and filters added. we are moving forward to mitigate the seismic risks nonetheless.”

Nate Wright, 58, a part-time local resident, who is retired from the Department of Corrections, shared his own thoughts on the danger of an earthquake affecting Lake Isabella dams and posing any significant risks to the communities downstream.

“They’ve always had a seepage of water in the tunnel that goes inside, there’s been a foot of water or so … back in the 70s … people think the dam’s going to collapse or whatever, and that’s just not so. But they need to re-

furbish it and do some things to it just to upgrade it and make sure that it doesn’t. If they do have to hold a lot of water, they do have to put a lot of output out, it’s not going to fall apart like that one did up North,” he said, referring to the Orville Dam that collapsed on January 11, 2017, due to snowcap melt which sent water toppling over the spillway. The pressure damaged the concrete wall, causing a mass evacuation by authorities to avoid the potential of loss of life.

According to Stalker, the Lake Isabella Dam project involved a vast number of partners and

outside agencies cooperating together, including The US Forest Service, Kern County, Caltrans, Representative Kevin McCarthy’s office, the Kern River Watermaster, Southern California Edison, the local populace and Native American tribes, and the contractors, to bring this project where it is at the moment. “We are excited to start the dams and spillways construction and fulfill the purpose of this project: to protect the people who live near the Lake Isabella dams,” concluded Stalker.

Details about the project will be linked at therip.com.

Rudy Salas helps prevent scams

By Christopher Cocay Reporter California State Assembly member Rudy Salas discussed why senior citizens are the main target of scammers and how they can protect themselves from being victimized at a public forum held at St. John’s Baptist Church on Sept. 28.

Salas explained that the main reason seniors are the main targets is because, often, they are too polite, have a lack of knowledge, are less likely to report a crime, and tend to have decent credit.

Non-seniors can also be potential victims of scams, according to Salas. Mail scams and online scams are the most common tac-

tics used to lure younger generations into this modus of theft.

The most common scam is the Pacific Gas and Electric scam, which is a type of scam that tells you that you did not pay your electricity bill. The other most common type is a telephone scam. This type of scam will usually ask for personal information like date of birth and credit card information over the phone.

According to the other speaker, Alysen Gelines, the fear of going to jail is what pushes other people to get involved in this type of scam. It is better to not make a snap decision and do a bit of research before taking any actions.

The last common type of scams is door-to-door scams.

This type of scam includes nonlicensed contractors that offer items for home improvement, like solar panels and smoke alarms. If really interested in a product, make sure to do research before buying it and make sure that sales people have a permit to sell items door-to-door.

What could possibly happen after a scam? It could lead to a loss of money, potential identity theft - if personal information was given, and other con-artists can open new credit cards.

Gelines mentioned to report the scam to the law enforcement if victimized and request a “credit freeze.” Also, if one’s identity is stolen, they should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

CHRISTOPHER COCAY / THE RIP

California State Assembly member Rudy Salas explains different scams to senior citizens.

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Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

Big Bounce inflates in Bakersfield Alexandra Apatiga Reporter This past weekend, the Big Bounce America Tour found its way to Bakersfield as the world’s largest bounce house was set up at Hart Park for a three-day weekend event.

At 10,500 square feet, and made up of five individual, 1-ton sections that connect, the inflatable bounce house began its debut tour across the United States earlier this July in Grand Rapids, MI. It has since made its way to California and will cross Texas before ending its tour in Florida in early November. Bakersfield was the tenth city in a 15 city tour, with the bounce house open to the public from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

Molly Truszinski, an administrator for Big Bounce America, shared what inspired the bounce house and their overall goal in bringing the world’s largest bounce house to the United States.

According to Truszinski, it was two Scotsmen who had the idea of creating a bounce house large enough that adults and their children could have fun together.

“They both had 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry and saw an opportunity to create a family-friendly environment while also accomplishing a huge achievement.”

Truszinski said, “Our goal is to create a long lasting experience for families and their children, and to create memories that’ll be looked back on for years to come.”

She explained that each city

Video Game Culture:

From a veteran’s perspective

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

A mother and her son enjoying one of the themed zones inside the Big Bounce American bounce house at Hart Park. selected by the Big Bounce had high levels of community involvement. “It’s always fun to watch parents enter the bounce house looking all serious, only for them to start bouncing along with their children minutes later with huge smiles on their faces.”

Every city that the Big Bounce

has visited so far has sold out, with each city holding three-day weekend events. According to Truszinski, they hold around 20 one-hour sessions in a weekend, with up to 200 people attending in only one session. In total, the world’s largest bounce house sees up to 4,000 people within a

given weekend.

“The amount of people who come out to see and participate shows how popular our bounce house is,” says Truszinski.

“We’re already planning on releasing a second bounce house, along with the first, to travel simultaneously across the U.S. for

our 2018 tour.”

Truszinski says that during their second tour, they plan on visiting between 40 to 50 cities, almost triple the first tour, and instead of only being held during the summer, the Big Bounce America Tour will be touring year-round.

Downtown celebrates for Bisexuality Day

By Melissa Puryear Reporter Sept. 23, 2017 marked the eighteenth anniversary of a global celebration known as Bisexuality Day. It coincides with Robyn Ochs birthday, who Emily Fisher, President of The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield, said is a major bisexual and bivisibility advocate . It is on this day that those who are bisexual can celebrate who they are, feel acknowledged, and stop erasure through education and celebration.

To celebrate this day, and to educate the community, The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield sponsored a workshop which covered topics that ranged from bisexuality, the differences between labels that are encountered in the LGBTQ community, the concept of erasure of the majority of the bisexual community, how to be a good ally, and how isolation affects those who are alone or who have not found a community they can belong to or identify with.

Not being recognized as being bisexual can lead to feelings of depression that can lead to mental health issues. Erasing this feeling and helping bisexual people begins with education at workshops like this, according to

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Emily Fisher poses for a picture after bisexuality seminar.

Fisher.

“It is very important to recognize bisexuality because it represents, as the best we can tell, about half of the LGBTQ community, but is often the least represented, the least recognized ... there’s negative connotations for people who are bi, which prevents them from coming out,” Fisher said.

In fact, statistics seem to indicate this. “77 percent of gay men are out, 71 percent of lesbians, only 23 percent of bisexual people ... that’s why celebrating bisexuality, raising awareness,

getting the whole community to recognize bisexuality as a special day is important.”

Workshops like this serve as a means of informing and educating straight and gay people who want to understand the bisexual community and are interested in becoming an ally. Allies help to educate others so that it increases acceptance and decreases stigmas and judgments towards those who have a sexual orientation that differs from their own.

Fisher said, “There’s a lot of conversation around what is bisexuality and pansexuality, and

there’s other labels like fluid, omnisexual, queer ... there’s a lot of terms out there, and even within our own community we’ll argue about the difference between bisexuality and pansexuality ...” It’s the reason that the center schedules workshops like these in order to help educate.

For those who are struggling with coming to terms with bisexuality, Fisher said, “You are not alone. The center is working really hard to provide that space to make it easier and it’s very common for bi people to either assume everyone’s lesbian like them or feel isolation or lost when they find out that that’s not necessarily really true. Isolation is terrible and leads to a lot of the issues the bi-community is facing. I would encourage anyone who is bi to seek out and find that community because it really helps to know that you are not alone and helps you to figure out who you are with other people who are similar.”

Jose Granados, 50, a man who identifies as being gay, and is volunteer for the center, agreed.

He said, “The center helps a person to accept themselves and come to see that there’s nothing wrong with them ... you come to that realization by talking to people who have gone through that journey, because it is a journey

... the journey is individual and unique to you. That’s the key we need to all understand.”

Granados said that his friends who are gay don’t understand what it means to be bisexual so attending a workshop like this helps him understand the sexuality.

He also said, “We shouldn’t feel we need to judge others through our own experience. We create our lives by taking our own personal journey and making it the best journey possible.”

Recently the center was awarded over a million dollars in grant money from the state of California.

With this grant, the center hired staff and added a secondary location, The Annex on Mohawk Street, will begin sponsoring workshops, like Bi+ workshops, Trans workshops, and counseling services beginning in November.

Anyone who would like more information about the Center or The Annex, or would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, counseling, and attending workshops can contact (661) 843-7995 or stop by 902 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 during business hours. Hours and information can also be found at the center’s website www.glcenterbak.org.

TEDx conference held at Spotlight Theatre is informative

By Jenny Brito Reporter The world-renown conference TEDx was held on Sept. 21 at the Spotlight Theatre in Bakersfield.

It featured local and out-of-town speakers who discussed topics such as U.S. drug policy, water treatment, dogs for rehabilitation, 3-D design for children, and molecular warfare in microbes.

The conference took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was streamed online for those who were unable to attend.

TEDx are independent TED Talks events, and they can be organized by members of the community as long as they agree to follow TED’s principles and format.

One of the first local speakers was Sandy Scott-Roberts, a Civil Engineer at the Orange County Water District, who discussed water treatment. She introduced

Harassed by losers

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

Dino Giacomazzi speaks about ways to teach STEM to students through farming.

Dancer Jordan Nata’e performs at the TEDx conference.

the Groundwater Replenishment System, which turns sewage water into drinking water.

Scott-Roberts criticized the media for giving the project a bad reputation. “The media often calls it toilet-to-tap drinking water, and that does not sound appealing and is not correct,” she said.

Andrea L. Medina, Director of the Fabrication Lab at California State University of Bakersfield, spoke about teaching children 3-D printing and design. She started CSUB summer camps to teach children about the 3D modeling process and increase their interest in STEM as a future career.

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

California farmer and board chair of the PLANT Foundation, Dino Giacomazzi, also focused on STEM fields, but as applied to farming. He said that farmers are the best teachers, and they can teach STEM through the farm to young people.

The PLANT Foundation brings students to the fields.

Being connected to agriculture encourages students to think innovatively and develop technologies that can help farmers protect the environment by doing more with less.

“Solving problems for farmers requires thinking like farmers, but only two percent of the population are farmers,” Giacomazzi said.

Singer Amy Adams and Dancer Jordan Nata’e, both Bakersfield natives, performed for the audience. Nata’e spoke about her career and the importance of having determination in the face of difficulties.

Out-of-town speakers included Zach Skow, who talked about pairing rescue dogs with addicts; Judge Jim Gray, who spoke about drug policies; Sabra Williams, who raised awareness about arts for rehabilitation; and Joseph Bondy-Denomy, who discussed molecular warfare.

Chances are, if you have played an online video game, you have been harassed in some way.

From personal experience, the times when people have harassed me the most in a video game is when I play “Dark Souls III.” From playing video games for over a decade, I have gotten good at a few games.

“Dark Souls III” is a video game where I have gotten particularly good, with proof being that I won a North America versus Europe tournament on Sept. 16.

Whenever I play this game, I hop in the public matchmaking system and start playing against random people from around the world.

It is pretty easy playing against these random people, Brandon and someCowan times these people that I beat start posting comments on my Steam profile. These comments are public and anyone going to my profile can see them.

One of the comments from the Steam user apocalyptic was, “complete faggot.”

Another user named Besatt called me a “Poor lil shitstain.”

There are other comments on my Steam profile expressing their hatred of me on my profile.

All of the 13 pages of comments that are bashing me are from gamers that are sore losers. For some reason, these people cannot take that someone is better than them and they just take all of their anger out on the person who beat them.

In order to understand the next comments I am going to quote, you need to know that the term “r1” is a button on a PlayStation controller that is used to attack. There are some other terms that cannot be understood unless you play “Dark Souls III.” The Steam user Elf commented, “I love it when I fight someone who lags so bad that they can backstab me as i (sic) roll into their face and then proceeds to r1 spam and running r1 spam a cucksword.”

I read this comment and decided to go to his profile and he only had 40 hours in the game when he wrote this comment on my profile.

So I replied to his comment and typed, “You should probably play the game for more than 40 hours before you act like you understand how pvp works in DS3.” The term “pvp” stands for playerversus-player.

After I wrote that, he then started blaming the game for his loss.

Elf wrote, “The fact that anyone has to play a game for 1000+ hours of a game to understand why its (sic) broken and why thats okay is pathetic. And im not new to dark souls, just to 3 and its pvp is flaming garbage when it comes to hit reg.”

This person is such a sore loser that he says that it should not take someone hundreds of hours in order to be good at something.

I have gotten a surplus amount of hatred on my Steam profile just because I am good at the game.

This is something that all gamers have to live with if they play video games online.

Thankfully, there are ways to combat this, in which the ability to disable people from commenting on your profile can be restricted.

The only reason that I let people comment on my profile is because it is pretty damn funny to see people get angry at me because they lost at a video game.

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Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raise money to support men with illnesses

By Melissa Puryear Reporter On Sept. 24, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, or DGR, began as a 50-mile road trip that wound through city streets in Bakersfield to various checks points like The Padre Hotel, Riverwalk, Hart Park, Garces Circle, and Temblor Brewery.

From morning to mid-afternoon, a total of 47 participants came together to ride and share time on classic and vintage motorcycles while dressed in suits, ties, vests, and jackets.

The show of force to support men around the world who are facing prostate cancer and thoughts of suicide.

The local DGR was organized

by David Hostetter, BMW Bike Club President. Hostetter said that although it’s the first year in Bakersfield, this ride originated in 2012 in Sydney, Australia when Mark Hawwa, its founder, watched a television show called “Mad Men” where the main character drove an old vintage bike in a business suit, and he thought, “that’s a great idea, that’s a way to draw attention and raise some funds …”

Hawwa partnered with Movember Foundation, that is committed to ending silence on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues like depression and suicide, to establish a global movement of gentlemen on motorcycles.

Men across the globe have been meeting annually since, to suit up, ride bikes, and raise money for the cause.

Hostetter said that when he became aware of the global cause, he reached out to a fellow bike club president, Felix Adammo, to ask him his thoughts. Adammo quickly agreed to join Hostetter in promoting the first DGR event. Both men became involved to do something about ending the silence men live with.

“I think prostate cancer and suicide is a symptom of men’s silence. They’re two diseases.

Over the years I lost one friend and others who committed suicide.” Hostetter said.

Men commit suicide at five times the rate of women, according to Hostetter.

“If we would open our eyes and talk to someone, but we don’t; that’s why men become victims of their own silence.”

According to Hostetter, having associations like the DGR, feeling the camaraderie, and having that safe space, men are able to

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Tom Hostetter and Tom Dietz arrive at Riverwalk Park on a motorcyle for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to support men from around the world. open up to other men and are able to talk about their issues more comfortably.

He also said that this kind of event lets men know that there are men who can be reinforcements for one another when needed.

Men don’t have to feel like they are facing their struggles alone in silence.

Hostetter considered this event successful.

By the end of Sunday evening, the global DGR ride showed that the number of participants had almost doubled last year’s, from 56,000 riders to 92,000 riders.

A total of 581 cities in 95 countries have successfully raised $4.4 million, based on the final stats on DGR’s website.

Yet the stats weren’t the only proof of the DGR’s success.

Friendships were also made.

Hostetter said, “I’ve met so many people through this … this is a chance for us to meet each other and create a new community.”

Hostetter hopes to be able to get conversation going, “let’s talk to folks before [it becomes a crisis point].”

One of the ways he would like to help men in the Bakersfield community is to invite those who have an interest in riding to join

him in the BMW Club.

The club meets the first Tuesday of every month at Tony’s Pizza.

He said there is also the Euro Bike Rider’s Club which meets the second Monday of every month at The Temblor.

Some of the additional benefits of being a part of the bike club is it gives members a chance to go on a ride every weekend, take vacations, and have a sense of community.

In reference to helping spread awareness of prostate cancer, Hostetter encourages men to get their annual checkups in what’s called a “PSA test,” which is a non-evasive visit and only requires a blood test that tests enzymes in the blood.

“I’m very hopeful that the research will lead to some big breakthroughs,” Hostetter said regarding the money from the rides that fund research to save men’s lives.

Contributions from riders have already funded the identification of 25 new types of cancer by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Center.

To get more information about the local DGR rider movement email the organizer David Hostetter, at Davidhostetter610@gmail.com.

The Empty Space holds dark play

By Ambria King Photo Editor Local theater, The Empty Space, presented a performance of “The Woman in Black” to a packed house on Sept. 23.

The two-hour long show featured Paul Sosa and Daniel Korth playing the two leading roles of the lawyer and the actor.

The identities of the actresses who played the title character were intentionally left off of the playbill to keep a sense of mystery in regards to the ghostly woman in black.

“The Woman in Black” chronicles the story of a lawyer, played by Sosa, who is convinced that his family is being plagued by the spirit of the woman in black. He enlists the help of an actor, played by Korth, to help tell his tale.

Korth mentioned that he loved how dark and eerie the play was and that even after

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

Paul Sosa (the lawyer) reads out “The Woman in Black.” two months of preparation, he still felt a sense of surprise when the woman in black would appear.

“I legitimately don’t know when the woman in black is coming out. It freaks me out and scares me,” Korth said after the show.

“The Woman in Black” is

based on a novel by Susan Hill.

It was adapted into a stage play

by Stephen Malatratt and was one of the longest-running and most popular shows in London’s West End. The Empty Space’s production was directed by Michelle Guerrero and ran for two weekends, from Sept. 15-23.

Renegade Struggles: Cody Fuhrman We all have a struggle, and every person has a different story. Each issue of The Rip will feature a student overcoming certain struggles to gain an education and better their life.

By Christina Benavides Reporter Cody Fuhrman, 21, is a Bakersfield College student who is struggling with depression.

Although he battles with mental illness, he has discovered positive ways to cope with his struggles.

Fuhrman has been dealing with depression since he was 2 years old, and has hopes to inspire others who are also struggling with mental illness because some may not know how to deal with it.

He is currently a survivor, and one thing that has helped him over time is his passion for theater. Fuhrman is currently pursuing his theater arts major at BC. Theater plays an important role in Fuhrman’s life. As a

child, he was inspired to be an actor because he had family that were actors. Ever since then, it has been a career goal for him to pursue acting, along with film.

When it comes to balancing school and mental illness, it can be very difficult; however, Fuhrman has found a safe place within theater.

Fuhrman said, “If I’m doing something productive, it forces me to not think about what is upsetting me and caused my depression to flare up.”

When Fuhrman is acting and staying productive he is trying to avoid unhappiness, and it can help for the moment.

He encourages people suffering with depression to stay productive and get involved.

Fuhrman mentioned that if you are surrounded by people

who love the things you do, it helps you make connections with others and can possibly help you find someone who is understanding of your struggles.

He added that there are days where he is happy and ready to take on the day, but there are also days where he just wants to be alone to build himself back up after feeling down.

Sometimes when he’s feeling depressed he can’t find joy in anything. Things like writing poetry, acting, and reading books are how he does find joy.

In addition, over the summer Fuhrman volunteers with a Bakersfield Human Rights Agency, called SAFE (Stop Abuse for Everyone.)

This agency provides services for victims of domestic violence. This is how he remains

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Cody Fuhrman, 21, is a theater major and poses for a picture at Bakersfield College. productive. He enjoys helping others and giving back to the community.

One of the most difficult parts of dealing with depression for him is the misunderstandings people have of him. There are moments when people do not understand what he is going through, and it can be hard on him.

“Most of the time people

don’t really understand how to comfort me, and people isolate me because they feel like I’m just crying out for attention.”

Fuhrman said.

As a man, Fuhrman is faced with mental health stigma. He mentions that in today’s society men are supposed to be “tough” and able to handle themselves, but some men are more sensitive and emotional.

Fuhrman added that women do get a little more sympathy than men do.

He wants anyone who is currently going through something similar to him to hang on. He mentioned that it might seem like you are alone, but it does get better in time. He experiences depression first-hand, and believes that you have to keep fighting for your happiness.

Campus

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 5

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

‘Hamlet’ plays at Outdoor Theatre

KARLA GUTIERREZ / THE RIP

Horatio (Tevin Joslen) holds Hamlet’s (Ryan Lee) head.

By Karla Gutierrez Reporter “To be or not to be,” that was the main question on the opening day of “Hamlet” on Sept 29.

The play revolved around two important themes: revenge and tragedy. Even though “Hamlet” had its dark moments throughout the play, it did have a bit of humor every now and then to ease the audience from the tension that erupted on stage. For example, every time Polonius was in a room with Hamlet, the mood

seemed to lighten up a bit more due to the friendship that these two characters had.

Hamlet, who was portrayed

by Ryan Lee, is one of the most iconic characters in the tragic genre of theatre. His soliloquy in act three, scene one “To be or not to be...”, is one of the utmost known lines written by William Shakespeare that is known by the general public. “Hamlet” has lived on throughout the centuries due to its brilliance and well written story; however, it is the actors and actresses who are the

ones who bring the story to life and captivate the audience’s attention.

Students were not the only ones who auditioned for the play.

Teachers, such as Colter Allison, also took part in the school’s production.

Even though tragedies, such as Hamlet, were a means of catharsis in the 17th century, it is a play that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Hamlet is one of the two productions that are currently running for the 33rd Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival.

The other play is “Rosencrantz and Guilden-stern are Dead.”

Both productions go back-toback with “Hamlet” being the opening show followed by “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern” running the next day.

Tickets for both productions will be the same. The tickets for the general public go for $12 while tickets for student/staff/ senior/veteran go for $8. Both shows will run on Oct. 3, 5, and 7 and have the same starting time of 7:30 pm at the Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre at Bakersfield College.

Fun at the annual fair

Health Advice: Practical tips for staying healthy

KARLA GUTIERREZ / THE RIP

Hamlet (Ryan Lee) tells his famous soliloquy.

Kaiser Permanente on STD prevention at BC

By Christopher Cocay Reporter

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Zayden Smith, 6, who wants to be a paramedic, gets his face painted at the fair.

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Fairgoers creating Sandy Candy.

SGA president Dez Von Mans (left) and Jonathon Herrera (right) pose for a photo at the Kern County Fair.

The Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Program by Kaiser Permanente was held at Bakersfield College on Sept. 30. The program consisted of a stage play titled “What Goes Around.” The play tackled the dangers of STDs and how to prevent getting them. The play revolves around a group of high school students who caught several types of STDs from having unprotected sexual relations with each other.

The program discussed that having unprotected sex can lead to getting serious diseases like herpes, chlamydia, HPV, gonorrhea, or in worst case scenario, HIV that can lead to AIDS. One of the speakers said that if someone is infected with these STDs, they may not have any symptoms and the best way to tell is to get tested.

HPV is the most common STD. This type of disease can lead to infertility and cervical cancer in women if not treated.

A certain strain of HPV can cause genital warts, while others may have symptoms such as itching and irregular discharge.

However, many forms of HPV are symptomless. It can also cause penile cancer in men.

There is currently no cure for HPV. Chlamydia is a bacterial in-

CHRISTOPHER COCAY / THE RIP

Juan Dela Cruz (left) and Sandra Smith (right) discussing the potential dangers of unprotected sex. fection that can be easily treated by taking antibiotics.

Chlamydia is a short-term disease that can last for five days if the right treatment is received.

The most common symptoms are white or cloudy, watery discharge, and bleeding, but, like with many STDs, the person infected may show no symptoms.

Smith and De La Cruz mentioned that high school students have a high risk of getting STDs. It is very likely for a woman to get a disease from a man.

Smith said that best way to prevent getting these diseases is to use condoms with water based lubricant and to make sure that the condom is not backwards.

Speaker advocates for global education

By Christina Benavides Reporter Education is the key to solving most of the problems we have today, said Orubba Almansouri, a native of Yemen, at a distinguished speaker’s series, held on Sept. 21 in the Fireside Room at Bakersfield College.

Almansouri spoke about the importance of education for the world today, and how everyone can make an impact, big or small.

Almansouri is known for her desire for education worldwide, and she stands up for her community and everyone’s right to have an education.

Joe Saldivar, host of the event and chair of the Biology Department, mentioned that Community Colleges normally do not have speakers like this, and thanks to the administration, Orubba was able to speak.

Almansouri began her speech at 7:15 p.m. She wanted to remain respectful to her community and made sure to point out that there are different tribes and different sections that people belong to in Yemen who have different traditions. Her story is

not a one scenario for the entire country. Almansouri spoke about her experience with education, and the battle she had with her family to receive an education.

“I could have not imagined attending college, simply because I wasn’t allowed to, because my sisters weren’t allowed to, and girls in my family weren’t allowed to” said Almansouri.Almansouri included that access and opportunities for education are not equal across the world, not in Yemen and not in the U.S. She had to fight for her education, despite what her tradition believed. Almansouri mentioned that her father allowed her to push for an education, and she is eternally grateful; however, it could not have happened without her starting conversations. She added that although her family hesitated to allow her to receive an education, they are her biggest supporters today.

“They thought that being educated in America would mean loss of identity, loss of tradition of the moral and cultural values that they worked so hard to engrain in us.” said Almansouri.

She also mentioned her parents thought they would lose the

daughter they knew, and did not believe she could be an educated woman.

Almansouri’s passion for education grew while she was in America, and she realized that all people have the same dream to succeed. She added that people reassured her that the message she delivers is not just one of a Muslim woman, but it is a story of thousands of people from various backgrounds that can identify with her story. Almansouri believes the struggles for education and better life opportunities are not limited to one region, but are universal.

Almansouri mentioned there are over 62 million girls around the world who are not getting the education they deserve. This amount would be even more if boys were added. Almansouri added that change does not happen overnight. However, it should happen gradually, building stronger each day. She believes success is being able to positively impact her community and family.

Almansouri is currently finishing her masters in Near Eastern studies at NYU, and has started the national program, The Amer-

Food is a comfort

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Orubba Amansouri, smiles as she refers to her mother, who has been at her side since pursuing an education. ican Association for Yemeni Students and Professionals, with a group of her friends.

Almansouri included that the project provides mentorship and workshops for students pursuing higher education, but is still a work in progress.

She also mentioned that the program will be working with schools soon.

Almansouri strongly believes in the power of conver-

sation because conversing with each other is beneficial and leaves a long lasting influence.

She mentions that people’s relationship with one another is what builds a strong community, and together they can change the world from within.

She knows people can be successful on their own; however, she encourages the community to work as one to make a larger impact on the world.

Many of us have used food as a coping mechanism, and chocolate is certainly a favorite. People buy chocolate when they are sad.

They get chocolates when their significant other makes a mistake. Even when they are happy, they must have the chocolate.

The solution is, obviously, to eradicate chocolate, but that cannot be done, so we need to change our relationship with food.

It is impressive how much we rely on food items to improve our mood. This coping mechanism is learned. We learn it from parents, friends, and the media.

If you think about it, most movies that deal with breakups show the typical image of a girl sitting in front of the TV eating endless amounts of ice cream. For some reason, the sad girl always reaches for the frozen treat.

When it comes to parents, they tend to reward their children’s behavior with food as well. If they do well in school, their parents will take them out for some ice cream. If they are not b e h a v i n g , Jenny Brito their parents will not let them have that cookie after dinner. As they grow up, most important life events are celebrated with food. Birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings all share a common denominator: food, and lots of it.

Am I saying that food is evil?

Most certainly not. However, our lives should not revolve around food. Giving it such a central place in life can contribute to the development of unhealthy behaviors. One of such behaviors is overeating. Overeating refers to consuming more energy (food) than your body spends. Holidays such as Thanksgiving can lead to overeating, and how can I blame you? Cranberry pie is awesome.

Unfortunately, some people do not just overindulge during holidays; they do it every day.

When overeating gets out of control, it can result in weight gain, obesity, and eating disorders. Overeating is a symptom characteristic of binge-eating disorder. People who suffer from this disorder experience recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period. They have no control over their eating, and experience extreme shame or guilt after episodes.

The reason why I chose to focus on binge-eating disorder is that, as opposed to anorexia or bulimia, it is not talked about often. Those who have it suffer in silence and may not be aware that there is help. If you are one of those people, you should know that you are not alone. There are others like you, and most importantly, they have taken advantage of the many tools out there to manage their condition.

My first recommendation is that you seek help. Help comes in many forms; you can talk to parents, friends, professors, and therapists. A therapist will diagnose, treat, and guide you as you change your relationship with food. They may also direct you to self-help and support groups, which can be very helpful.

I have found several options for those struggling with eating disorders. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has a 24-hour helpline that offers support, resources, and treatment. Bakersfield also offers many options if you need help.

There is a group called Overeaters Anonymous that meets several times during the week at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on 17th street.

The most important thing is that you seek support. If the issue of overeating has taken a toll on your life, and if it is preventing you from feeling your best, please reach out. If you are not struggling with this issue, then I encourage you to throw that bar of chocolate away and join me in raising awareness and supporting others.

Commentary The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 6

Renegade Events

Movie Review

Kingsman still funny but vulgar

By Lizette Chavez Editor-in-Chief “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” was released in theaters on Sept. 22 to the joy of its sequel asking fans and the chagrin of many critics. The film, lasting 141 minutes and uncut, left much to be desired in the way of characterization of both its new and old characters. This honestly left the viewer wondering what the point of some of the new characters were for, if not just for the actors’ name value.

For example, you have Channing Tatum whose running screen time seems to be as long as the films trailer after you meet him, the rest of the time he is on screen he is lying in a bed of ice.

Halle Berry’s character “Ginger,” who played Mark Strong’s “Merlin” American counterpart also had limited screen time, though better strategically placed to make it seem otherwise, and when she was seen she took a backseat to Merlin.

Some new characters seemed to be brought in, or back, simply for the sake of killing them off like in the case of (SPOILER ALERT) Brandon (Calvin Demba) and the lovely Roxy (Sophie Cookson), whom I’m still convinced will be back for the threequel.

The humor was still as good as the first if not improved in the style of the paradoxical context of the film. Some of the more unsavory jokes of the last film were given a nod to in the sequel and some fell flat with its clichéd “ball and chain” image of marriage. One scene in particular,

GOOGLE IMAGES

with a certain tracking device being implanted, seemed intent on causing controversy much like in its predecessor, which the film could have done fine without. A factor audience members were glad to see again were the action fight scenes done seemingly in one shot which definitely brought back fond memories

of the infamous church scene.

One of the more interesting forms of humor was in its way of satire and social commentary, with topics like feminism, politics, and the war on drugs.

Though, it must be said with all the crazy and stretched possibilities of some of the scenes, like a ski lift falling from very high up

News

only to be stalled from crushing some elderly gentlemen with a lasso, the most unbelievable part was the president getting impeached.

Speaking of unbelievable humor Elton John’s performance sparkled all the way through.

The singer, who has only played himself on screen, did a magnificent job of playing a humorous and colorful version of himself.

In the way of acting the cast delivered as best as a cast full of Oscar veterans could, but “newcomer” Taron Egerton, who improved greatly and is definitely a name to watch, kept up just fine.

The amazing Mark Strong was the standout of this film, however, with impressive emotive facial expressions and comedic timing, not to mention the best rendition of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, which has splattered the YouTube comments with (SPOILER ALERT) “RIP Merlin” or “Merlin brought me here”, the man can act, seriously how does this man not have an Oscar.

“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” did what it was made for, provided a fun action-packed parody of Bond and spy movies made to entertain and make an audience laugh for a couple of hours. So yes, this R rated film uses the f-word like a person breathes and the humor can be at times crass, but you get exactly what you expected and Kingsman doesn’t pretend to be anything otherwise.

Restaurant Review

New Vietnamese restaurant Rolls and Grill has healthy and low-cost alternatives to fast food

By Melissa Puryear Reporter Six weeks ago, a new Vietnamese restaurant called Rolls and Grill opened in the Ming Plaza shopping strip a few doors down from Ross Dress for Less.

It’s a very clean, casual, and balanced eating environment which has bright lighting, spacious seating area with a window ledge table complimented by tall chairs, and pleasant music videos to keep diners entertained.

The decor is simplistic but modern and feels inviting.

I was greeted by the owner, Loam Nguyen, who took my order. She is from Vietnam and said at Rolls and Grill, everything is made fresh. The food she features on her menu is the kind of best food choices that people enjoy in Vietnam, which is light, fresh and healthy eating.

This is Nguyen’s and her family’s first restaurant. The food price ranges from approximately $6 to $16. Even though it’s a counter-order restaurant, it is designed to be a casual dining experience with tableside delivery. If you are willing to be patient, the time and attention that is given to each dish will exceed expectation.

From my first bite, I suspected that it would be more than just an attractive visual food experience.

The food was yummy, but there

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

Bakersfield College is now smoke-free, and people are no longer allowed to smoke tobacco on campus.

Campus Events

Oct. 4: Kern Shakespeare Festival 2017: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the outdoor theater from 7:30-10 p.m.

Oct. 4: Finding Books and Ebooks workshop in room 217 in the BC library at 9 a.m.

Oct 5: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Oct. 5: CalStateApply! Workshop at CSS 151 from 1-2 p.m.

Oct. 5: Finding Articles in Periodical Databases workshop in room 217 in the BC library at 3 p.m.

Oct. 5: Geology-themed show “Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet” at BC planetarium at 7:30-8:30 p.m. $8 adult tickets available at BC Ticket Office and Vallitix.

Oct. 5: Kern Shakespeare Festival 2017: Hamlet at the outdoor theater from 7:30-10 p.m.

Oct. 6: Google for Internet Searching workshop in room 217 in the BC library at 11 a.m.

Oct. 6: High School Counselor Conference at the Fireside Room, Forum 102, Cafeteria Alcove, LA 116 and LA 201.

Oct. 6: Kern Shakespeare Festival 2017: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the outdoor theater from 7:30-10 p.m.

Oct. 6: “Sounds of Autumn” by the BC concert band and orchestra at 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $7 for students, staff, senoirs, and children.

Oct. 7: 3rd Annual Free Community Swimming Lessons at the BC swimming pool from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 7: Kern Shakespeare Festival 2017: Hamlet at the outdoor theater from 7:30-10 p.m.

Oct. 9: Latinos Unidos Por Educacion (LUPE) StudOrg meeting in room 5 of the BCSGA Executive Boardroom at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 9: Finding Books and Ebooks workshop in room 217 in the BC library at 1 p.m.

Oct. 10: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 10: BCSGA Student Services Discount Day in the BC bookstore from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 11: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Oct. 11: Gadfly Cafe: Robotics - At Work, at Home, in Bed at the Levan center from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Oct. 11: CalStateApply! Workshop at CSS 151 from 1-2 p.m.

Oct. 11: “Jobs In Justice: A Panel on Justice” at BC Forum 102 from 1-2 p.m.

Oct. 12: “Becoming Brown in America” speech by Ignacio Garcia at the BC Indoor Theatre from 7-9 p.m.

Oct. 13: Panorama Creative Music Summit at the indoor theater from 7-11 p.m.

Oct. 14: Strategies for Effective Research workshop in room 217 in the BC library at 11:15 a.m.

Oct. 14: Tailgade: The 2017 BC Alumni Association BBQ at the North Side of Memorial Stadium from 3-6 p.m.

Oct. 20: Last day to withdraw and receive a “W.” Nov. 1: Last day to file for graduation.

Nov. 8: Early web registration begins for spring 2018.

Nov. 10-11: Holiday - Veterans Day. Nov. 22: Classes starting at 5:30 p.m. and after will not be held.

Nov. 23-25: Holiday - Thanksgiving.

Nov. 29: Open web registration begins for spring 2018.

Dec. 2-8: Final exams.

Dec. 9: Fall session ends.

Around Town

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

A healthy, popular Vietnamese choice is the Grilled Pork Sandwich with Spicy Sauce. was something about its presentation that made the flavor settle in even better. I was hooked.

I ordered the Banh Mi Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Sandwich).

It was so delicious; I detected a pickle-marinated mix of thinly shaved carrots and white winter radish, topped with cilantro, tiny slices of jalapeño and just a slight touch of mayo.

I dipped my sandwich in a peanut buttery, spicy sauce topped with walnuts (which is provided

upon request). Out-of-this-world amazingness. I also tried the Goi Cuon (Grilled Pork Spring Roll).

Don’t think Chinese egg roll my friend, which can taste oily, like cardboard, and sometimes stale.

No, these very healthy Vietnamese spring rolls are not fried.

They’re packed with grilled pork, shredded fresh veggies, thin vermicelli noodles, and a crunch thin wafer-like center, by a chef that snuggly rolls it into a tight, thin, orderly, edible spring

roll. I loved them.

The portions are large and I felt full. Thirsty? Top it off with a drink that you can chew. My Boba drink was a fruity experience with what tasted like fresh squeezed pineapple juice with a gelatin-like fruit. This is my new favorite eating place. A girl on a budget has a place she can afford to eat, as well as a place that serves healthy choices.

Oct. 5: Recovery and Support After Stroke will be happening at the Dignity Health Community Wellness Center from 3:30-5 p.m.

Oct. 6: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Empty Space at 11 p.m.

Oct. 7: Bakersfield Pride Fest: Stand Up Speak Out! will take place at Stramler Park from 3-9 p.m.

Oct. 9-14: CSUB will be having a pride week at different locations and times around Bakersfield.

Oct. 12: Open House and Ribbon Cutting at the Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield Annex on 841 Mohawk Street, Suite 260.

Oct. 14: Bakersfield’s AIDS Project AIDS Walk 2017 at Ricky’s Retreat from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Social Media Editor

The Renegade Rip EDITORIAL BOARD First place for newspaper in 2011, third place in 2013, 2014, 2015 for CNPA General Excellence Ninth place for newspaper in 2016 for national Best of Show contest by Associated Collegiate Press Second place nationally in 2016 for website publication by Associated Collegiate Press The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College journalism classes and is 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 California Newspaper Publishers Association, Associated Collegiate Press, and California Colleges Media Association.

Editor-in-Chief.....................Lizette Chavez Web Editor.........................Brandon Cowan Social Media Editor..........Megan Fenwick Photo Editor............................Ambria King

Compiled by Megan Fenwick

Write The Rip

STAFF Reporters/photographers: Alexandra Apatiga, Jenny Brito, Chris Cocay, Karla Gutierrez, Christina Benavides

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.............................................Erin Auerbach

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

Continued The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 7

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

Interim director Andie Apple is named head director of library

By Karla Gutierrez Reporter Andie Apple, once a worker for the Beale Memorial Library, was appointed head director of the library. She started off shelving books and worked her way up into the position she is in today.

“I definitely have a passion for library services and resources in the communities that we serve.

I’ve been to other libraries over my 20 years, but this is where I got my start in 1997,” said Apple.

As the head director, there are certain amount of duties that come with the job. Some duties that were mentioned by Apple included dealing with personnel, media, budget, and staffing. “It’s the typical duties that one can assume,” said Apple.

When asked if she was ready for this position as head director, Apple said that she was absolutely prepared. She had been an interim director for nine months until they appointed her perma-

nently as the head director.

“When I started off as an aid, it was a job that I needed when I was going to college, and I worked 20 hours in the library and 20 hours a week on campus.

I never really saw myself, in 20 years, sitting at where I am today,” said Apple.

Apple’s favorite part of working in a library is informing people about the resources that they have and that are available for free to the public. She mentions that they’re still amazed with everything the library has to offer and sometimes are astounded by the amount of programming they do around the county. In fact, she comments that in only two months, over the summer, they had 2200 events and a lot of them were STEM or STEAM focused. Even with this new position, there is one disadvantage.

“In every position, there’s always something different to learn, to like, and to love. So over the years, that’s obviously evolved. I’m not on the floor

anymore, so I don’t have direct contact with our customers as much as I used to and I really miss that aspect. Though, during the summer and summer reading, I tend to go down stairs and interact with the families because that’s where, at least, I can get that connection,” said Apple.

With the advancement in technology, books can now be read on any smartphone device using applications such as iBooks or e-books from Amazon. This might be a good or bad thing, but using e-books or physical books is something Apple balances out personally. She stated that last year there was a study that came out that stated that the use of EBooks went down 12 percent and the use of physical printed books increased.

“I use both just depending if I’m traveling. If I’m traveling, I use an e-book. Though my preference is to turn the page and to feel the page. I get that a lot from people that they prefer to feel the book. It’s just so hard to carry a

stack of books with you when you’re traveling,” said Apple.

Apple’s been told over her 20 years of being a librarian that she’s not the typical librarian.

“They have told me, ‘You’re not reserved’ or ‘You’re not quiet.’ I think not being that has helped me spread the services that we have. It’s allowed me to go out into the community and have those honest conversations.

Not everybody is good at public speaking, but I love that aspect.

I have forced myself over the years to do it and now I’m so comfortable with it. It doesn’t bother me. So to me, that’s a personal accomplishment is forcing myself like a decade ago to do that,” said Apple.

Apple mentioned that there are two colleges in the state of California where one can get their masters in library information science and those two colleges are San Jose State and UCLA. Anybody can enter into the MLIS (Masters Library Information Science) program with any

bachelor’s degree.

“I suggest they go into web design or technology because as is any business or organization in this day in age you need that foundation. You need to have a website, you need to have a social media person, you have to have a marketing person. There’s jobs like that an average person may not know that we utilize that skill set to help spread our word,” said Apple.

For people who want to have a library card, Apple mentions that all a person needs is a photo ID, and the first card is free.

“I would encourage students to check out their local library or volunteer. I think they would be amazed at the variety of events and resources that we offer the community. It’s a way for them to connect if they want to volunteer an hour or two shelving a week or helping with programming, we would be more than happy to have that conversation with any of the BC students,” said Apple.

DACA: Lawyers hold panel on DACA at Bakersfield College in Fireside Room Continued from Page 1 27,600 students at BC. Approximately 800 of those students currently receive assistance and protections under DACA. The forum began with a breaking down of what DACA was and ways in which it could potentially be replaced. Eaton pointed out that DACA was not a piece of legislation, but rather, an executive order made by former president Obama, and that the rescinding of that order could potentially lead to a more permanent solution for those with undocumented status.

“All of the pressure, all of the focus is where it needs to be- squarely in the laps of congress,” Eaton said, “The president doesn’t make law. The president doesn’t change law.

The president is now enforcing the law, unfortunately the way the law was drafted and signed on Sept 30, 1996. For 21 years, no president has dared to enforce the law the way it was written, so congress has to act.”

Currently, what actions congress might take have left a lot of undocumented people feeling uncertain and insecure about what their futures might hold.

“I hope congress does something better for us. I hope legalization comes for us because that would be really amazing, especially for my family,” said Judith Diaz, a BC student and self-identified Dreamer, who attended the forum.

Diaz shared how her father had just become a permanent resident, and how she hoped his status would help her to gain legal residency, but Eaton says that a path to legal residency and citizenship isn’t always so simple, particularly for those who were brought here illegally as children.

Eaton said, “The law is complex. Here’s the bottom linethere is no mechanism in law or policy in the United States today ... for young people who are brought here to fix their status.”

This means that a number of undocumented immigrants are not eligible to become citizens, simply because of their undocumented status.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or U.S.C.I.S, in order for one to begin the naturalization process, one must be at least 18 years old, be a lawful permanent resident or green card holder, and have maintained their permanent resident status or green card for at least five years. They also must have been physically present in the U.S. for a minimum of 30 months, be of good moral character, be able to speak, read, and write English, have knowledge of U.S. government and history, and be willing to take the “Oath of Allegiance.”

In order to obtain a green card, one usually has to be sponsored by a family member who already has legal residency or citizenship status, or be sponsored by an employer. Those who emigrate to the U.S. seeking asylum are also more likely to receive a green card, but the requirements for asylum seekers are strict; often requiring that the country of origin be engaged in civil war.

For those who do not qualify to become naturalized citizens under the U.S.C.I.S process, the only options are to return to their country of origin, to continue living in the U.S. illegally or until congress changes immigration law.

“There is some good news ...

You have a lot of rights, and ICE frequently tries to ignore those

rights, but they’re very powerful and you will win if you exercise your rights,” said Fishkin.

All six attorneys contributed to a list of rights and suggestions to assist those who have not yet obtained permanent resident or citizenship status.

Including: - Immigration officers do not have jurisdiction over U.S. citizens, and all who are on US soil, within 100 miles of a U.S. border, are presumed to be U.S. citizens until proven otherwise.

- Never volunteer information regarding immigration status.

- Everyone who is present in the U.S. is protected under the 4th Amendment, which guarantees that one cannot be subject to illegal searches and seizures.

This means, unless authorities have a warrant signed by a judge, there is no requirement to offer information to law enforcement or ICE, or to open one’s door if authorities arrive at one’s home. Authorities cannot legally forcibly enter without a warrant signed by a judge or probable cause.

- Do not break any federal law.

For example, possession and use of marijuana is legal under California state law, but not under federal law. Breaking federal law, regardless of state law, can result in grounds for probable cause of search and seizure, or arrest.

- If an attempt is made by authorities or law enforcement to detain or make an arrest, cooperate. Do not run. Do not fight. Do not escalate the situation in any way. Comply with the officer’s orders, while keeping in mind that his or her questions do not have to be answered.

- If arrested or detained, do not sign a voluntary departure form.

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

Win Eaton and H.A. Salas listen to BC students’ concerns.

- If identified as an undocumented immigrant while under arrest, ask to contact the consulate from one’s country of origin.

- If placed under arrest, immediately ask to contact a lawyer.

The next six months will show whether or not congress decides on new laws that offer amnesty or a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Until then, Eaton suggests that those who want a viable path to citizenship need to take action by

informing those around them.

“This is a political fight that is unavoidable. The human suffering and the tragic separations that are going to be caused by this heavy-handed enforcement, without any relief, is untenable.

It’s un-American,” said Eaton, “I think everyone in this room needs to be aware of how urgent this need is and we need to dispel the myths that are misguiding and misdirecting our national leaders right now.”

TUITION: Board of Governers make tuition free

TITLE IX

online poll results Should Betsy DeVos change the current Title IX guidance enacted by the past administration?

YES 17%

NO 83%

Continued from Page X other financial aid, making low income students the recipients of the least amount of financial benefits.

Another aspect in which the California College Promise Grant differs from other states’ plans, according to Dorr, is the set of eligibility requirements it presents. Other states eligibility requirements can, at times, establish time limits or require fulltime attendance, reject students with basic skill needs, require students to study in specific fields or remain in the state upon graduation for a certain length of time.

Vice President of the Institute for College Access and Success Debbie Cochrane commented on the importance of the California

Community College program and its refusal to use arbitrary eligibility limitations based on age, academic merit or attendance, which can often leave out the very students the program was meant to help.

One of the main concern and goals of the Board of Governors in adding changes to the fee waiver was to increase the amount of students that could afford and attain a college education, specifically recently graduated high school students, as well as keep California’s role as a nationally-leading state in offering free tuition to students requiring economic help.

“California has long been a leader in college opportunity,” Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley

said. “By rebranding our fee waiver program as the College Promise, we are aligning our historical commitment to affordability with the successful Promise partnership model to send the message that college is within reach to young Californians who otherwise may not see higher education as an option.”

The Board of Governors approved the “2018-19 Budget and Legislative Request” and proceeded to urge Californian Governor Jerry Brown to make increases to the Cal Grant and “access grant” funding and a $25 million ongoing funding for community colleges to “help establish stronger regional” California College Promise Grant partnerships.

Save a life and end stigma Mental Health: For mental wellnes and awereness

Men are less likely to come forward about their struggles with mental illness. This plays a part in mental health stigma worldwide.

Society seems to reject anyone who seems different or out of the ordinary. People dealing with mental illness have a fear of seeking help, and to this day do not always come forward when they need to. Men are taught at a young age that showing emotion is feminine, and strips them of their masculinity. By doing this, we are telling men that they should not show emotion. I do not believe that a man is less of man because they want to seek help and search for a path to recovery. I also do not think a man is less of a man because they decided to not seek help due to stigma.

S o m e thing everyone seems to forget is that mental illness is not a choice. No one chooses Christina to have de- Benavides pression, personality disorders, or even suicidal thoughts. It is mental, and a mental illness is a real illness that people battle on a day-to-day basis. It is important to educate ourselves about mental health because people you interact with every day are dealing with it, I assure you. Whether it is a colleague, a classmate, or a family member, you never know what someone is dealing with in their lives.

I do not blame people for not seeing the signs of mental illness because sometimes it is not obvious. Stigma has kept people from expressing the way they truly feel, often having to put on a fake smile to appear as everyone else. Women are more likely to be welcomed with open arms when they are in an emotional state, and men are forced to “man up.” Women are never seen as less of a woman for being emotional, but men are “unmanly.” Men should feel like they can seek help without being afraid of what others might think of them. It takes a great deal of strength to seek help whether you are male or female, and you should never be ashamed to want a better life for yourself.

According to the MerriamWebster dictionary, the word stigma means a mark of disgrace or dishonor. The fact that mental health stigma exists is devastating. We are telling them that something is wrong with them and they are to blame.

In some places around the world men are traditionally seen as bread winners of families, and are normally pressured to be invincible due to the tough exterior society believes they should have. It is great that we are telling men to be strong, however we should never tell them to suppress their feelings to keep their strength. People are suffering in silence to seem “normal.” Stigma has made people feel like there is something inhumanely wrong with them, and we should always reassure everyone that the way they feel might not be normal, but their feelings are valid.

Mental illness is real. Not only can our bodies get sick, but our brains also can. Stigma does not allow people to reach out for treatment, and sometimes they never do. Everyone should be more considerate of those with mental health issues. Men should be able to talk about their mental health issues, and no one has the right to belittle them for doing so. Both men and women can reach out for help, however stigma keeps them from doing so. If we all work together to end mental health stigma, then we can save lives, and possibly open doors to recovery for many.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

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Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

GOGADES.COM

Kuntz finds wrestling worth the challenge

By Ambria King Photo Editor

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Bakersfield College Renegade Brandon Jones throws the football at his fellow teammate Chance Cooper.

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Cristion Brown and an El Camino College Warrior collide mid-air, as Brown attempts to intercept the ball.

Renegades win against El Camino 21-17, putting them at their fourth win of five Alexandra Apatiga Reporter On Sept. 30, Bakersfield College played at home and defeated El Camino College 21-17.

This is the fourth win out five games so far this season for the Renegades.

The first score of the night was made by Bakersfield College during the first quarter, with a 50 yard pass from Cameron Roberson to fellow Renegade Brandon Jones, who scored a touchdown.

The El Camino Warriors then began to take the lead near the end of the second quarter and into the third quarter.

Kevin Boermeester of El Camino successfully made a field goal at the 44-yard line as the second quarter ended, placing the Warriors on the scoreboard and putting BC and El Camino at 7-3 at halftime.

Into the third quarter, El Camino made two touchdowns.

The first was a 1-yard run by Warrior Okalani TaufahemaLangi.

Near the end of the third quarter, the Warriors rushed again, scoring a touchdown with a 24yard rush from Cole Klayman.

By the end of the third quarter, the BC Renegades trailed El Camino 7-17, with the El Camino Warriors ahead by 10 points.

But the Renegades would not go down so easily.

The BC Renegades managed to pull a comeback that would score the team a victory.

Jakell Tomlin’s 87-yard punt return managed to achieve a touchdown bringing the Ren-

egades closer.

The final score of the night came from a pass from Ceasar De Leon to Lameshio Hill who scored a 4-yard touchdown. The Renegades maintained a score of 21-17 for the win.

The next game Bakersfield will play will be the Homecoming game against Moorpark College from Ventura County at Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium.

The Homecoming game will be on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 6-9 p.m.

“Wrestling has taught me that anything can be done if you are willing to put the time and effort in,” said eighteen-year-old Emmett Kuntz, a fun-loving Freshman criminal justice major and wrestler at Bakersfield College.

Kuntz, who has been wrestling since he was eight-years-old, originally wanted to be a football player, but began to consider changing his focus to wrestling when he started high school. “I realized I was too small to be a football player,” said Kuntz, “when I was younger, my dad would tell me that I was going to be a wrestler one day, so I did.”

During his senior year at Highland High School, Kuntz entered a wrestling tournament in which he was seeded in seventh place, but managed to defeat many high ranking state wrestlers to wind up taking first. Kuntz points to that event as his best moment in wrestling.

While Kuntz appreciates that wrestling is highly rewarding, he also admits that it can be extremely demanding.

“My worst experience was breaking my ankle during a match,” said Kuntz, “I was lifting

a kid off of the mat, and when I tried to bring him back down my foot caught grip and my ankle snapped.”

Kuntz also claims that the absolute worst part about wrestling is cutting weight. Kuntz doesn’t have any special tips or secrets to cutting weight, he says he mainly just tries to eat healthy and prays that the weight comes off. Which can be a bit of a challenge, since Kuntz claims his favorite thing on the planet is his mom’s cooking.

Despite the fact that Kuntz finds wrestling to be a very demanding sport, he says there’s nothing better than the feeling of having his arm raised after he’s won a match.

When Kuntz isn’t at a tournament or practicing, he spends most of his time doing schoolwork or hanging out with friends. Like a lot of students, Kuntz dislikes doing homework.

“It’s one of those things that has to be done, but you never want to do it,” said Kuntz.

In his free time, Kuntz also likes to hunt and occasionally fish.

After finishing his education, Kuntz would like to go into law enforcement. He hopes to one day become a detective.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 9

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

Women’s volley ball defeats Glendale 3 - 0

By Megan Fenwick Social Media Editor The Bakersfield College Women’s Volleyball team won 3-0 against Glendale at the home game last Friday on Sept. 29. The team has now won 10 out of 14 games this season.

The Renegades won the first set against Glendale with the biggest lead of the game, scoring 25-9. Glendale’s team improved but still lost in the second set, with a score of 25-11. Glendale continued its steady improvement in the third and final set of Friday’s game, but the Renegades stayed consistent by scoring 25-15.

“I felt really good. We were having kind of a losing streak and now we came back and really showed what

we can do, so I’m really proud of our team,” said setter Alanna Sikes, referring to the last three games that the volleyball team played and lost.

“I thought we were mentally ready to play tonight, and … that’s the first thing we talk about on a consistent basis, is winning in the mind before we step on the floor,” Coach Carl Ferreira said about the win. “I thought we were above average in our preparation and our energy level and then that leads into the skill and execution, and I thought we executed really, really well.”

The Women’s Volleyball team has 10 more games this season, beginning with an away game against Santa Monica on Oct. 4.

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Sarah mendariz (front) and team mate Brooke Horack (back) face of f against Glendale’s volleyball team.

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Outside Hitter Jourdon Muro hits the ball over the volleyball net.

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Bianca Logsdon jumps to set the volleyball as a Glendale community college player does the same.

VC victorius over BC

By Lizette Chavez Editor-in-Chief The Bakersfield College women’s soccer team faced a tough match against Ventura College on the Sept. 29 home game, losing 3-0. The game began with both teams working the ball back and forth across the field neither team gaining a closer distance to the goal box. The frustration seemed to show with the VC women’s soccer team with some of the BC players getting the brunt of it.

Lea Mason was kneed in the face and later shoved to the ground from behind from one of the VC’s player. This was met with booing and calls to the referee to card from the audience.

BC’s Alexi Baca was later yellow carded by the referee causing the audience to suspect the referees of bias. The rest of the game carried in such a manner and VC player had a fall, hitting her head and staying down, to the gasps of the audience, BC’s Sabrina Murillo called the referee over and the on hand medic was called to the field to examine the player, who was cleared to continue after she got up.

The BC team made several attempts and came close to scoring, one moment in particular saw Murillo take a shot at the opponent’s goal box, with the VC goalie saving at the last minute.

This made the audience cheer and seemed to give the players a second wind.

The first goal was made 35 minutes and 32 seconds into the game by VC player Carolina Apodaca Morales with assistance from Audrey Castillo.

BC Coach Scott Dameron motivated the girls soon after by giving out advice on how to proceed in the game.

“You’re doing what you need to do, just keep going, keep working, let’s go.”

The next goal was scored after half time by Castillo with assistance from Paulina Aldrete 55 minutes into the game. After the second goal the BC team attempted to make some of their own, BC’s Delaney Boyer came close but the shot was saved by the VC goalie.

Men’s soccer suffers narrow loss Men’s Soccer

By Jenny Brito The Bakersfield College Men’s Soccer team lost 3-2 to LA Mission at the Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29.

The BC team focused on the defense, but they were not able to prevent LA Mission’s Richard Cuellar from scoring a goal 37 minutes into the first half.

Javier Moran, also from LA Mission, scored the second goal on minute 58. Despite the dis-

appointment, the Bakersfield team did not give up. In minute 65, Bakersfield College’s Marshall Compton scored the first goal for the team. He was assisted by Alvin Tobar and Brian Nava.

Approximately 20 minutes later, BC’s Alvin Tobar made another goal, assisted by Brian Nava.

The score was 2-2 at the 85-minute mark.

The stadium was silent and the only voices that could be heard were the teams’ coaches telling the players that there was still time. As the end of the match approached, Richard Cuellar from LA Mission made the goal that ended the draw.

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

Jackie Garcia puts pressure on VC player Paola Gonzales.

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

Joseph Lenton, midfielder, protects the ball from an LA Mission’s player.

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

Alexi Baca (2) attempts to gain control of the soccer ball as a VC player, Gabrielle Pido, holds on to her arm.y The third and final goal, which handed VC the victory, was made

by Sierra Patton and assisted by Paola Gonzales, 88 minutes into the game.

Both teams high fived each other after the game and chorused a “good game” as they

passed each other, the BC team then handed out Gatorades to the guest players.

VC beat the BC team 3-0, breaking their four game losing streak and tying BC’s wins with their losses at four wins four losses.

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

BC Midfielder Carlos Melendez travels the ball as a LA Mission player tries to steal.

Page 10

Renegade Adventure The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Brandon Cowan adjusts a screen for an Xbox 360 that has the game “Middle-eath: Shadow of Mordor” running.

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Brandon Cowan plays “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor,” in the room dedicated to adventure games.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Brandon Cowan purchases fan-made melting beads art of Luffy from “One Piece” from local artists at RowdyCon.

My first time going to a gaming convention

By Brandon Cowan Web Editor I really like playing video games.

To me, there is no reason to go outside unless I have to or to go out with friends.

Rowdy Con is the first time I have ever been to a gaming convention, and because I enjoyed myself so much at the convention, I would love to go to another one.

I arrived at Rowdy Con at 2 p.m. I was supposed to participate in a “Dark Souls III” tour-

nament in the morning, but it ended up getting cancelled, so I slept in.

When I arrived at CSUB, I did not know how I was going to get back to my house because the person that gave me a ride said that he may not be able to give me a ride back to my house.

I asked around where the event was on campus and then I found the check-in.

I then went immediately to the building where the video game rooms were. I looked around and eventually decided on entering the 18+ room and played the

tabletop game “Cards Against Humanity,” and I also played “Grand Theft Auto IV” until about 3:20 p.m.

Afterwards, I wandered around the building filled with video games and went into the room dedicated to adventure games.

I played “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” for about 20 minutes. I was having so much fun because there were video games that I could enjoy on my own.

This convention also had a building for buying things that relate to video games and other

pop culture.

I walked around the poorly lit room for 10 minutes until I found a booth that was selling melting beads art. I bought a piece that was Luffy from the animation “One Piece” for $10.

I could not find anything else that I wanted to buy that was worth the money.

I left the building with the surplus amount of items to buy and went back to the building filled with video games.

I found a room that had a Super Nintendo with a copy of “Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” in it.

This game is the hardest Zelda game that I have ever played before and I was well aware of it when I saw it.

I played Zelda II for about an hour and then gave up before beating the first boss. I then found a room that was filled with retro games ranging from an Atari 2600 to a Sega Dreamcast.

I never played an Atari 2600, so I immediately went to the console and started playing a bunch of games on it.

I got bored pretty fast because all of the games were simple like old arcade games; I did expect

this though because I did know what kind of games were on the Atari 2600.

I left the building full of video games and found a stack of copies from the student newspaper at CSUB. I read the newspaper until I found out that the friend that gave me a ride to CSUB said he could take me back to my house at 6 p.m.

I really enjoyed going to Rowdy Con; going to this convention made me want to go to another one. I hope I can get a ticket to Twitch Con.