Vol. 89 No. 04

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The Renegade Rip Vol. 89 ∙ No. 4

Bakersfield College

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Local citizens protest Pence Bill passes to at McCarthy fundraiser protect victims

By Megan Fenwick

By Melissa Puryear

Demonstrators gathered outside of Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace to protest the visit of Vice President Mike Pence on Oct. 10.

Pence, along with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, were attending a breakfast fundraiser at what was originally an unknown location.

Protestors initially planned to meet at 11 a.m. in front of the Stockdale Country Club where Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated were holding a general meeting at 1 p.m. instead, in the hope that some of those who attended the fundraiser with Pence would attend and see them.

About an hour into the demonstration, the Secret Service made the protestors move across the street to the northern corner of Buck Owens Boulevard and Sillect Avenue.

Douglas McAfee, one of the demonstrators, said he was protesting because, “Pence is an affront on the constitution and the freedom of speech.” When asked to move, McAfee approached the Secret Service member to ask why.

“I asked him, ‘Didn’t you have a plan for this corner? I mean, why did you let us assemble and then have us disperse?’ I didn’t get it, and he said, ‘Well, there was a problem with communication ... with the police department,’ or something.” According to McAfee, the police department said they had not heard anything about why the protes-

The new Domestic Violence Prevention Bill, AB326, was introduced into law by California Governor Jerry Brown on September 27 and will go into effect in all barbering and cosmetology schools across California by July 1, 2019.

Assemblyman Rudy Salas, coauthored the bill which requires these schools to provide students the training and resources to identify all types of abuse, to include elder abuse and human trafficking as part of the licensure process to become a professional. The one-hour training on domestic violence and abuse will allow students to recognize the signs in the course of their work and will also allow students, as professionals, to share resources with their clients, when needed or upon request.

The bill will also bring student awareness to these sensitive areas they may encounter in their line of work, where oftentimes industry professionals are confided in about abuse by their clients whom they have built trusting relationships with.

Salas said earlier this year in a press release concerning the AB326 Bill that “these professionals can serve a unique role in spotting signs of abuse and connecting victims that wish to seek out services with the appropriate resources.” Salas also said that training is the key to being able to recognize abuse and provide the “compassion-

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MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Douglas McAfee asks a Secret Service agent to explain why demonstrators were made to move across the street to the northen corner of Buck Owens Boulevard and Silect Avenue. tors were forced to move when he asked them. “They know that we’re no threat ... How are we more of a threat here than there?

We’re not,” said McAfee.

The protest continued nonetheless, with chants of “No Trump, no Pence, no walls, no fence!” and people carrying signs supporting an array of issues from healthcare and reproductive rights to immigration

and the environment. “We’re here to say that no human is illegal, that deportation is inhumane, and that we want a clean Dream Act passed in the house and the senate,” said a protestor named Brandon Hudspeth over a megaphone.

Neither Pence nor McCarthy could be seen leaving the event, but some protestors knelt near the end of the protest to show

Annual AIDS Walk event held at Ricky’s Retreat in Baskerfield Christina Benavides Reporter

Locals gathered at Ricky’s Retreat in East Bakersfield on Oct. 14 to support Bakersfield’s AIDS Project Annual AIDS Walk that has been on-going for over a decade.

Walkers walk 3 miles, each mile having significance. The first mile is in remembrance of those who have passed away, the second mile is for those still living, and the third mile is for education prevention and the end to stigma. Some walkers were sponsored by their family and friends to help raise money for Bakersfield’s AIDS Project.

BAP is a non-profit organization that has been around for 25 years with the help of volunteers and local donations. The house is named in memory of BAP’s beloved Ricky R. Montoya who passed away of AIDS on December 7, 1992. Since 1993 the Montoya family and volunteers have been providing housing and other helpful services for local persons with AIDS in Kern County.

The event was hosted by Phillip Castro, Administrative Assistant, Audrey Chavez, Director, and Janessica Sanchez, Treasurer, at BAP. The event was held at 9 a.m. and walkers spoke before the walk about their reasoning for coming out and walking with BAP. Many said that they were there to support their loved ones who have passed away or are walking because someone they know is currently dealing with AIDS or

HIV. One local walker and BC Student, Alex Rinaldi, 21, decided to join the AIDS Walk this year for the first time to support a friend. He spoke about the stigma surrounding AIDS. Rinaldi mentioned that the stigma stems from ignorance.

He adds that some people think that because someone is infectious, it also means it is a deadly disease and they should not be around them.

Rinaldi believes that there is a common misconception that AIDS is contagious just from skin to skin contact. In addition to volunteering with BAP, he adds that he volunteers for the Bakersfield Burrito Project, which is also a non-profit organization that helps feed the homeless every Sunday.

A group of people walked down Union Avenue holding pictures of loved ones, including Transgender Pride flags, LGBT Pride flags, and American Flags. Although, one local honked their horn and proceeded to throw up a middle finger to walkers, everyone continued to walk with pride and smiles on their faces to support BAP. Castro mentioned that this experience was an example of how fresh the Stigma is today.

“I did not really notice it until after I was waving and smiling at them but I would still do the same regardless because it’s nice to still be proud of who you are and what we represent,” Castro said.

This experience did not outweigh the support from other

locals who saw BAP walking and helped them finish strong by smiling or waving as walkers circled back to Ricky’s Retreat.

Castro also added that the conversation of sex needs to be discussed and that it is not a word we should be afraid of.

“It’s very important that we have those open conversations no matter if they are in our school, our workplace, at our homes, in our churches,” Castro said.

He mentioned that due to our statistics, many people are having sex and conversation will definitely bring awareness on the subject of AIDS and HIV. BAP is important to Castro because he lost two uncles to AIDS and he believes his mission in life is to make sure they are remembered. He found the organization when they came to his High School and it drew him to volunteer with BAP, and he has been volunteering ever since.

BAP did receive support during the AIDS Walk, however they are always in need of volunteers and anyone can offer support aside from events.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering with BAP is encouraged to contact Audrey Chavez at 661-742-3611 and Phillip Castro at 661-377-4909.

Any additional information can also be found by visiting their website at www.bakersfieldaidsproject.org. Donations are strongly encouraged and needed to help continue providing services for local persons with AIDS.

solidarity with National Football League players like Colin Kaepernick who have been kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality in America.

On Oct. 8, Pence left an NFL game in protest of the players who decided to take a knee amid controversy due to the trip costing an estimated $200,000 of taxpayer funds.

ate support to victims and connect them to safe resources they need to heal from the abuse.”

Prior to the bill, professionals were in the role of listener, yet would not be able to offer full guidance. This bill makes guidance, intervention, and assistance now possible.

Marla Bermudez, Dean of Education at Milan Institute of Cosmetology, which is a student salon and spa, said that without the bill, her students were only permitted to provide resources upon request.

With the new law in effect it allows students to provide resources when their clients divulge to them they are in an abusive relationship. Bermudez said that by having the bill protect her students when they share resources with victims, it will make her students feel more comfortable. In fact, the bill gives that level of protection to the schools, students and professionals because sharing resource information will now give authority to carry out a reliable course of action that will help those being abused.

The Director of Education at Milan will be responsible for handing down the modules to be implemented in this training according to Bermudez.

Gia Murielo, the prevention education supervisor at the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, a non-profit organization that provides resources to those trapped in abusive relationships, said that with this new law in place, there Please see Bill Page 7

AYESAVY to play in LA

By Lizette Chavez Editor-In-Chief

Former Bakersfield College student Gregory Scoggins Jr., most commonly known by his stage name AYESAVY, will be performing in Los Angeles for the first time on Oct. 19 at The Airliner. AYESAVY, 23, a local rapper said he was no stranger to performing live in town in places like Jerry’s Pizza & Pub and The Mark but admitted that this would be his first performance in Los Angeles and his first show out of Bakersfield. Doing a show for the first time in Los Angeles of all places could make an artist very nervous, but AYESAVY said his excitement outweighed his nerves.

“I am very excited about it, just the love, I’m really looking forward to putting some smiles on people’s faces and coming out of there with a good amount of more fame cuz I ain’t from LA. It’s kind of scary at the same time cuz you don’t know what they gonna think but hopefully I’ll come out on top,” AYESAVY laughed as he shared on his upcoming performance.

Another aspect of his career that AYESAVY was seemingly eager to share was his thoughts

on originality as an artist and his writing process.

“My music is basically just speaking about how I live my life and how life is going and I feel like I put so much energy into it because I just think about everything that I write. A lot of people write but they don’t write about things that they think about they just write about something they probably heard, but I really sit down and I think. It takes me a good day before I finish me a song because I just gotta make sure that it’s how I want.”

AYESAVY said he had to really learn in discovering this method of song writing for himself and that because of it he can see his growth as an artist. “When I first started, I was young so I was just trying to do like everybody else was doing, talking about girls and all that other stuff, but now that I’m taking it serious and I think about everything and I write, basically that’s the truth. So nobody can be like I seen AYESAVY yesterday and he was not riding that limo he said he was, I gotta think of everything that might mess up my image.”

This is something that AYESAVY believes is the biggest difference between more well-

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

AYESAVY raps a hit song. known rappers and those just starting out in the community.

AYESAVY shared that in the rap community a lot of originality and a rapper’s identity is sometimes hard to keep, as labels sometimes ask their artist to change their image. This is something AYESAVY said he is Please see AYESAVYPage 7

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Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Bakersfield prays for victims of Las Vegas mass shooting at somber community vigil

By Karla Gutierrez Reporter

KARLA GUTIERREZ / THE RIP

Bakersfield Police Chief, Lyle Martin, discusses injured officer Aaron Mundhenke at the vigil for the victims of Las Vegas’ mass shooting

Criminal justice careers explored

In response to the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival where some local residents were killed or injured, a vigil was held on Oct. 2 in downtown Bakersfield.

The event took place at the Kern County Liberty Bell on Truxtun Avenue and was organized by Mayor Karen Goh. Some attendees gathered and prayed for the victims of the shooting, whether they were complete strangers, family or friends.

Chief Lyle Martin from the Bakersfield Police Department talked about, not only his colleague, but his friend Officer Aaron Mundhenke, who was injured.

“First, I am humbled and want to thank this entire community for all the prayers, support and well wishes that have been sent to our offices regarding Officer Aaron Mundhenke and all the men and women of the Bakersfield Police Department,” said Chief Martin.

Chief Martin mentioned that not all heroes wear capes, but that some wear first responder uniforms or hospital scrubs. Some of the heroes, specifically the night of the Las Vegas shooting, wore wranglers, boots, cowboy or cowgirl hats, and even Jason Aldean t-shirts.

“I was a little overwhelmed when the text messages started coming in. We had 20 to 30 employees at the event. So when these text messages were

coming in, [the Las Vegas shooting wasn’t] even on the news yet. I had no context to it. When it hit the news, I said to my wife ‘they need comfort. They need someone from home. They’re texting me and they’re all in shock,’” said Chief Martin.

Chief Martin remarked that he got a phone call from one of the chaplains that was in Las Vegas on another matter and offered his support services to injured officers. Chief Martin told the audience that the officers that were injured got to see a BPD Chaplain, a familiar face, to show up and deliver some comfort.

“Jesus works. God works in mysterious ways, but you have to believe,” said Chief Martin.

Pastor Ron Vietti made a point that the Las Vegas shooting is not going to stop people from going to concerts or events because that will just make people walk in fear.

“We’re not going to walk in fear,” Vietti said.

“We’re not going to stop going to concerts.”

Sonya Christian, president of Bakersfield College, had some words to say about this tragic incident on the Renegade Roundup.

“We live in a new world in ways that are hard to understand. There are real threats, and with that, we must face the reality that it can happen to anyone – in any place – even familiar places and [communities],” wrote Christian.

She mentioned that it is a constant effort to keep the community safe and that it takes constant awareness, understanding, and progress.

Public Safety tips and training for an active shooting

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

Monique DeLeon, Deputy Probation Officer, tells the audience about her educational background.

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Juan Rocha talks about his expertise with the audience.

By Fitzgerald Graves Reporter The Bakersfield College Career & Technical Education has opened a pathway of opportunity for students at BC, by hosting a panel of criminal justice employers, who participated as guest speakers.

The event took place in Forum 122, on Oct. 11, where the panel participants gave specific advice as how to acquire gainful employment in the criminal justice field.

The panel was made up of six professionals from the following agencies: Kern County Superior Court, Juvenile Investigation, Kern Valley Prison, Bakersfield Police Department and Department of Human Services C.P.S. The panel facilitator, Patricia

Smith, welcomed the students who entered the forum and thanked them for their interest in “Jobs In Justice.”

Smith said, “All the agencies here today have applications or information on how to apply.”

From BC’s CTE department, Job Development Specialist, Lupe Aguirre said, “CTE works with many departments around the campus putting together workshops that are geared toward employment for students.”

Aguirre along with advisor Dominica Dominguez and program manager Stephanie Baltazar coordinated the event, which focused on a panel of guest employers discussing their experiences in the criminal justice field.

One of the questions posed to the panel asked about their worst experiences in their field. Juan Rocha, from Child Protective Services described a case where a 5-month-old child was killed by his father without warning.

Cherly Wegman, Public Information Officer for Kern Valley State Prison discussed her experience of being sued by an inmate because he claimed he didn’t receive his kosher meals as requested.

Students hearing these reallife stories of challenges faced by these individuals provided insight on what could potentially await in that career, allowing the student to make an informed decision about entering that field.

Panel members were asked three other questions that shared insight about their careers such as: What level of education is needed to enter these various careers and what was your best or most rewarding experience in your field?.

Students who attended this event are predominately criminal justice majors who are seeking employment in this field of study.

Students engaging the panel received firsthand information

that could potentially provide some internship opportunities or an in-demand entry level position within one of these agencies.

Approximately 80 students attended the panel discussion/mini job fair, and with more “Jobs In Justice” events planned the number of student participants could possibly increase.

“Three or four of the six panelists are former students of Bakersfield College,” Aguirre said.

“Many of the employers at this event started out as extra-help workers in their field.”

Extra-help positions have a minimal screening process that allow potentially permanent employee candidates to gain entry to their prospective fields under a different classification that does not require immense scrutiny.

As Bakersfield College aligns itself with the growing trend of career pathway structured community college curriculums, the benefit to transfer students as well as certificated students, whom are interested in working, may be the best practice for the institution.

“Our Delano Campus mentioned to us that they have classes going on for criminal justice and they would like this event,” Aguirre said.

CTE has scheduled the next “Jobs In Justice” panel for 6 p.m.

Tuesday on Oct. 24.

The next panel will include: Edwin Barahona-Assistant Court Supervisor of Kern County Superior Court, Monique DeLeon-Deputy Probation Officer of Juvenile Investigations, Cheryl Wegman-Public Information Officer of Kern Valley State Prison, Jeff Acebedo-Correctional Counselor of Kern Valley State Prison, Santiago BaltazarDetective of Bakersfield Police Department and Juan RochaProgram Director of Department of Huan Services.

Tentatively the Delano Chief of Police or a representative of the office will attend the event.

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Christopher Counts discusses how active shootings can escalate and how to people can remain safe.

By Jenny Brito Reporter Christopher Counts, from the Department of Public Safety, hosted an Active Shooting Response training on Oct. 4 and 5 at the Indoor Theater at Bakersfield College.

The training focused on the possibility of an active shooting at BC and recommendations on how to deal with the situation. Considering that it is an ongoing trend, Chief Counts said that students and staff need

to be prepared.

There are three options when it comes to responding to a shooting situation. The first alternative is to run. “If there is no escape path, distance is your friend,” said Counts.

Moving can save lives.

Counts explained that shooters are not usually trained to hit a moving target so moving can prevent people from being shot.

If there is no way to run, the second option is to hide. People should get out of the shooter’s

view; offices or classrooms are good options. Once inside, they should lock the doors and block them with furniture and other large items.

According to Counts, shooting situations last between 10 to 15 minutes, and police response time is 5 to 10 minutes.

As such, shooters have no time to lose trying to breach locked doors. They move to easier targets instead.

Attacking the shooter is the last option in these situations. If the shooter enters the room, then everyone must take action.

“You can either sit there like a sheep or turn yourself into a sheepdog,” Counts advised.

Victims should attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter’s plan, and they must know that it is okay to try to kill him or her. Some ways to do so include throwing items, improvising weapons, yelling, and overwhelming him or her with many people.

Chief Counts ended by explaining what to do once the threat has been eliminated. The injured must receive immediate medical attention after the event.

When helping other victims, stopping the bleeding is crucial.

After the training, audience members shared their comments and concerns. Mardy Smith, BC faculty and shooting instructor, shared that most rooms on campus have fire doors that can only be open from the inside, so hiding in rooms is a safe bet.

“When you walk into any room, even in a restaurant, get familiar with all the exits. Also, never turn your back to a door,” Smith shared.

Additional active shooter training will take place on Oct 18 in the Fireside Room.

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Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Tehachapi’s annual Apple Festival showcases a pie eating contest

By Melissa Puryear Reporter Tehachapi community leaders, residents, farmers and the public from surrounding communities, gathered on Oct. 6-7 to celebrate the annual harvest of the apples.

The apple-themed event raised money for some of Tehachapi’s charities, like Our Hope Chest, Tehachapi Boy Scout Troop #3, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This was Tehachapi’s fifth consecutive Apple Festival.

The family-oriented event centered around activities throughout the weekend. Children could take advantage of the all-day access pass to a variety of bounce houses.

On Saturday, there was bobbing for apples on a string, the apple pie eating contest, a vintage wooden marionettes performance, as well as a mobile petting zoo provided by Windswept Ranch. The event also featured the shell of a real plane owned by local resident, Ken Heigi, where children could sit

inside of the cockpit.

On Sunday an apple pie bakeoff was underway by mid-noon.

The day’s festivities included a central location for its Apple Drop contest, where hundreds gathered around to watch the red apple foam painted balls drop from a crane at 2 p.m. The Jackpot was worth more than $1,000 and awarded to contestants whose apples came closest to the target. There was also a classic car show and almost 80 vendors lined up and down Green Street, which offered a variety of apple concessions, foods, drinks and items for purchase.

It was also a year of firsts. It was the first year that children took part alongside adults in the Apple Pie Eating Contest, and one child ate a pie quicker than all of the adults. The Apple Festival also introduced its first marionette performance with David Steelereed. The Bakersfield College alumnus, who is a marionettist and owns a collection of vintage marionettes, reintroduced the dying art into local performances tailored for

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Three young children participate in an apple eating contest, “apples on a string”, at the Tehachapi annual event Apple Fest. The weekend of events celebrated the harvest with everything from a pie eating contest, a vintage marionette performance and an apple drop. children and adults. Tom Siembieda, 62, who entered his 1959 GMC DF860 “Cannonball” into the Classic Car Show for the first

year, won first place.

Attendance for the festival was up, and vendors were almost to full capacity, according to the

festival’s coordinator Linda Carhart. For more photos and fun from the Apple Festival visit the rip online.

Fundraiser held for CASA children Rocky Horror thrills

By Jenny Brito Reporter Couples for CASA, which took place on Oct. 7 at the Delamater Residence in Bakersfield, helped raise funds for CASA of Kern County and celebrated community leaders who have contributed to improving the lives of local children.

Amy Raddatz, development director, said that the goal of the red-carpet event was to provide 60 more children with a CASA volunteer for at least one year.

Local influencers and leaders were invited to a night that focused on glamour and advocacy.

The first of its kind, the Hollywood Through the Ages event began at 5 p.m. sharp, and people were welcomed by paparazzi who took their pictures as they stepped on the red carpet.

Attendants enjoyed hors d’euvres and drinks while getting to know each other. Some of Bakersfield’s big names including Tim Calahan from 23 ABC news, who interacted with people and encouraged them to take part in the silent auction.

The silent auction offered several high-end jewelry and paint-

CHRIS COCAY / THE RIP

The “Rocky Horrow Picture Show” cast perform a scene.

Christopher Cocay Reporter

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

Tim Calahan and Erika Calahan pose on the carpet. ings. In addition, a “Diva Den” stocked with makeup, clothing, and other accessories from Chanel and Tiffany & Co was offered. A couch from Urner’s called the “Man’s Cave,” was a favorite among the males.

Attendants were invited to the dinner tent at approximately 6:30 p.m., where activities for the evening began. A unique game of head and tails

had the audience standing with their hands on their heads or their bottoms.

Tim Calahan said that although the purpose was to have fun, the event was for a great cause. “CASA directors, power couples, and their volunteers are some of the most selfless people in Kern County,” he added.

Power Couples were those Please see CASA, Page 7

Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ Alexandra Apatiga Reporter Stramler Park held the 14th annual Bakersfield Pride Festival Oct. 7, with local vendors and businesses, community organizations, and live entertainment for attendees to enjoy.

The Bakersfield Pride Fest, which began back in 2004, has grown in both visitor turn-out and community involvement.

Shelby Gonzales, a veteran organizer for Bakersfield Pride and member of the Board of Directors Bakersfield LGBTQ, elaborated on how much the event has expanded alongside the community.

“Our pride started out relatively small, with the first few prides at the Kern County Museum of Art in downtown Bakersfield” said Gonzales. “At the beginning, we had to reach out to people to get involved in pride and see what we were about. Now people seek us out because they know how big Bakersfield Pride can get.”

What started out as a community event attracting only a few hundred people, explained Gonzales, has now grown to over 1,000 attendees, over 50 vendors, and the addition of live

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

Bakersfield College student Kelsey Morrow inspects her ukelele before her opening performance at Pride Fest. music, engaging entertainment, and family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

With each pride gradually growing in presence and size, Gonzales shared that members and allies of LGBTQ community as well as the general public in Bakersfield have come to Pride Fest knowing it to be a safe space of acceptance.

“Bakersfield is a very conservative community” said Gonzales, “and we tend to forget or push away certain members who are a part of our community.”

“It’s important to have pride because, no matter where you’re coming from or who you are,

it brings unity and resources to those who need it the most.”

Various community organizations and projects like the Bakersfield Burrito Project and the Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield who were present at Bakersfield Pride provided resources, free materials, and insight into their programs.

The Bakersfield’s AIDS Project, a non-profit HIV hospice home run by volunteers and donations, provides care and resources to the community. It is the only HIV hospice home in the Bakersfield community.

Phillip Castro, a volunteer for BAP, says that their organization

The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was performed by Velvet Darkness at The Empty Space theater on Oct. 6. These local performers reenacted the scenes from the film, which played on a screen behind them.

The performance had a Halloween special theme and the characters in the play dressed up as horror movie characters while performing the show.

The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is about two couples, Brad Majors (Thomas Kennedy) and Janet Weiss (Haley Dodd), who get stranded with a flat tire in a storm, and end up in a creepy mansion where Dr. Frank-N-Further (played by an actor who goes by the stage name Avairrianna), a “transvestite” mad scientist, lives. The story goes with a lot of musical sequence.

The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a combination of scifi and rock opera, and around two years after the theatrical release of the 1970’s film, it became popular in the midnight circuit in New York City.

Kennedy, 37, has been doing the Rocky Horror Picture Show since 2002. When asked

has been involved with the Bakersfield Pride Festival for more than five years. “Pride reached out to us through the LGBTQ President, Whitney Weddell,” said Castro. “She plays a huge role in Pride here in Bakersfield and without her, we wouldn’t be here so we always try to give back to her and to Pride.”

According to Castro, the vast majority of attendees today are youth. “I remember when I was in high school, I was never exposed to this sort of environment,” said Castro, “so to see so many young people participating in Pride, it really speaks to how times have changed when it comes to the LGBTQ community.”

Among the many who attended the Bakersfield Pride Festival was Kelsey Morrow, who is a Bakersfield College student and member of the music band Bandrew Jackson.

how long it took to memorize the songs, he said, “Songs are pretty easy to memorize. You typically memorize them by singing along, but for the lines, you don’t get the movie down at first but you will learn very quickly if you put a lot of effort into it.”

Kennedy said the challenges of doing the play were putting in different elements that aren’t normally part of the show.

Since it was a Halloween special, the cast had to put on different costumes. “The Velvet Darkness is Bakersfield’s own Rocky Horror cast. I am very lucky enough to come in and out and perform with them because I live out of town,” said Kennedy, who lives in Hollywood. “I wasn’t around when the group formed, but I’ve been involved since 2005 or so, and I think the group has been around for 15 years now.”

When Kennedy was asked about the difference of the 70s “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and the stage play they’re doing, he said “The movie itself is the same actually. Some of the things we’re doing are exactly what they were doing in 1978. In some ways they’re exactly the same, but the audience participation aspect of it has evolved constantly.”

Morrow expressed how this pride was the first pride event that she has ever attended, as well as the first time she has ever opened for an event.

“It’s a little daunting coming to your first pride,” said Morrow, “but I’ve always wanted to attend the pride here at Bakersfield and when I was told if I could perform on stage, I saw it as the best time to come.”

Morrow explained that pride gives people the opportunity to seek out allies and a safe place to be themselves.

“It’s comforting to see our community come together and have an open conversation about our struggles and triumphs, especially in our current political climate.”

“It is important for us to guide younger generations and let them know it’s ok to be who they are and that whoever they may like is ok too” said Morrow.

My online friends Video Game Culture:

From a veteran’s perspective It does not matter what I look like. When I am playing video games, I can be myself.

My early childhood did not consist of climbing trees and playing sports.

Instead of going outside and playing kickball during recess, I did nothing unless it related to video games.

When I was in elementary school, hanging out with friends was a means of visiting someone’s house and playing games like “Star Wars: Battlefront II” and “Super Smash Bros. Brawl.”

The only time I feel comfortable when I meet someone new is if it is through video games.

It is hard for me to talk to someone if they do not have the same interests as me.

When I meet someone who does not play video games, I Brandon feel like Cowan someone who is out of reach from everyone else. I feel like there is no way to get to know me unless someone plays video games.

The only people that I keep in touch with are the ones who play video games with me.

I am not good at keeping friends. All I want to do is play games, but most people do not feel the same.

Growing up through high school was not enjoyable.

During my first year of high school, I did not have any friends for a good portion of the year.

I remember during lunch I would go eat away from everyone else because I doubted that anyone was like me.

Eventually, I was approached by someone who also plays video games and had a small group of friends that I ended up staying with for the rest of high school.

Going to Bakersfield College has put me in a strange position.

Everyone is focusing on school. If I want to make friends, I need to initiate.

For now, I am fine with not having friends at BC because I already have friends that I have met through video games.

I have a group of friends that I met through playing “Overwatch.”

I met two people through the ranked matchmaking in the game during the summer of last year.

They were both good at the game and we won the match that we were in. They invited me to their Discord server to talk during other matches.

Discord is a program marketed toward gamers that is used to type, speak, and use video to communicate with people online.

We ended up becoming good friends with each other and we are going to meet in real life during Twitch Con in Long Beach.

I am so excited to meet these guys because playing video games with them is one of my favorite things to do.

I also have a group of friends that I met through the game “Black Desert Online.”

BDO is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game and I started playing the game during the summer of this year with some people from the group of people that I met from “Overwatch.”

My friend introduced me to a Discord server that is dedicated to a Twitch streamer.

I have met many people on that server and I still talk to them almost daily.

Video games provide me a method of talking to people without having to worry about judgement; I do not know what I would do without games.

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Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

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Garcia’s story of a struggled youth Brandon Cowan Web Editor

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

Decorated sugar skull example for created for students.

BC students decorate handmade sugar skulls

By Christina Benavides Reporter The BC DREAMer’s hosted a free Sugar Skull Workshop at Bakersfield College on Oct. 13, in hopes of BC students and their families making a connection with Mexican culture.

The event was created by Manuel Rosas, EOP&S Counselor who invited all of our dreamers to come out and join other fellow BC students. This workshop was possible due to donations from local businesses and shops.

The workshop was held at 3:30 p.m. at the SS151 room right next to the EOPS and Financial Aid Office.

Rosas introduced the Patino family, and mentioned that they come from a long line of educators. He also added that they are a culturally rich family. Eva Patino, started making Sugar Skulls in the classroom.

Patino mentioned that she was introduced to them when she received her education and then brought her skills into the classroom. She and her family now do workshops related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Mexican culture.

The Patino family taught everyone how to make Sugar Skulls by giving students step by step instructions from a traditional Sugar Skull recipe, including hands on experience with the help of members of the family.

Students and children were also able to choose from skulls

that were already prepared.

There was a choice between three different types of skulls to decorate with a various selection of icing colors. In addition, decorations were given to place on the skulls and pictures were nearby to be used for inspiration while decorating.

Eva Patino added her perspective on how Sugar Skulls have impacted her past students in the classroom.

“The parents were seeing an interest in the young people, which are my students, whether it was about their aunts or their uncles,” Eva Patino said.

She added that doing Sugar Skulls in the classroom started conversations at home for her students, and they were more interested about their culture.

Alondra Guadarrama, Granddaughter of Eva Patino, also mentioned why Sugar Skulls are important to her.

“Personally, it is important just because it’s a tradition in our family, and some other families might not do it and that’s fine, but we like to teach it to people who want to learn it,” Guadarrama said.

She added that making Sugar Skulls are relatively easy if you follow directions and it takes a lot of practice to perfect the skill.

The next Sugar Skull Workshop will be outdoors on Oct. 28 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on 2101 16th St. here in Bakersfield. You can RSVP by texting 661-2044339.

In the Indoor Theatre at Bakersfield College, Ignacio Garcia spoke about his life during his youth with his speech being titled “Becoming Brown in America: Remembering the Chicano Movement.”

Part of the Distinguished Speakers Series at BC, Garcia was introduced by Matthew Garrett who was the faculty coordinator of the event.

Garcia starts off his speech recalling when he was in high school going to a football game in San Antonio.

He described the football game as not being an important match for the season.

The team that his school was facing off was from a rural part of San Antonio, Garcia describes. The team was undefeated and went on to go win the championship.

Students explore the night sky from their seats

By Melissa Puryear Reporter The William M Thomas Planetarium at Bakersfield College featured “Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet,” a film documentary produced by California Academy of Sciences, and provided courtesy of a grant by Chevron, on Oct. 5.

The one-hour planetarium night sky journey and earthquake documentary was projected from a state-of-the-art Goto Chronos star projector with a SciDome all-dome video system by Spitz, under a 36-foot white screened dome.

John Menzies, Professor of Geography and the Assistant Director of the planetarium, was the program’s guide. The star gazing experience included a visual of the night sky from Ba-

Renegade Struggles: Ivory Williams 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 Lizette Chavez Editor-In-Chief Bakersfield College student, Ivory Williams, 44, spends her days in the library typing up her homework when she’s not sitting in class. Williams likes to smile, laugh and to pray almost every day, a feat seemingly unlikely for most in Williams situation, because Williams is homeless.

Williams shared the events that led to her current situation. She had written to her landlord to get certain things in her home fixed, which the landlord refused to do, according to Williams. She wrote to him again, and this time the landlord showed up to her home to tell her that after five years as a tenant she needed to leave.

Williams was left home-

less and had to rely on friends and family to have a place to for her and her son to stay as the shelter could not give her a spot because of overcrowding.

Williams, the mother of four, has been struggling with being homeless, and it wasn’t until Aug. 3 that Williams and her son were allotted a place in a homeless shelter.

Despite this, Williams shared that she doesn’t consider herself a victim or a hopeless person but a mother, a grandmother, a graduate and a student.

“I came to BC right out of high school in 1991, but of course with life and living I had my kids, I didn’t come [to school]. I had to stop, cuz my struggle back then was getting adequate child care, so once I was blessed to get all my boys into the BC day care center I

was able to drop them off and get to all of my classes. At one point though, I had to stop,” Williams said.

After a five-year gap, Williams returned to BC in the summer of 2009 and did well for the semester. The time gap, however, affected Williams GPA. Williams said she could not understand why if her grades for her current classes were good that her GPA remained so low. After speaking to a former professor, Williams found that she was eligible for academic renewal.

This renewal helped Williams current grades to be the sole contributors to her GPA, which increased after the change. Another problem Williams had to undergo was the catalogues, because of her gaps the catalogues would change, and she

The high school that Garcia was a part of was expected to not have a chance against this team, but there was an upset; his high school won.

Garcia said, “We MexicanAmericans have been fighting all our lives. We are often times losing and they have been winning all the time and rarely losing.”

As soon as the winning play ends and along with the time of the game, Garcia says, “All of the sudden my side [of the football field] just euphorically scream out there ‘wow.’”

Then Garcia says that he hears someone yell that the other side is coming with flag sticks and any other objects that they could grab.

Garcia explains how angry mob of high schoolers were shouting names at them as they were running and would not repeat what they were shouting.

Garcia went on to describe

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

Garcia entertains the crowd with stories from his youth. how he and his friends would go to one of the three Spanish movie theaters in San Antonio as a means of escapism from the culture around him.

He said, “... the movies were like temporary exits from out daily struggle of being Mexican in one of the most bicultural cities in the country.”

The Brigham Young University professor also talked about his hardships when he went to serve in the Vietnam War. The Distinguished Speakers Series is an ongoing event at BC and more information, such as dates for future speeches, can be found at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/studentevents/dss.

FIRSTNAME LASTNAME / THE RIP

Attendees of the documentary take their seats and wait for the presentation to begin. kersfield’s perspective, which included some of the major constellations of stars from Ursa Major, Polaris, and Ursa Minor to Andromeda, the North Star and the Milky Way. According to Menzies, one particular star, which is difficult for many viewers, even astronomers to see, due to its faintness, requires averted vision, a technique which Menzies said involves looking a little off to the side of the star in order to get a better view of how bright it is.

He said that the Adronmenda Galaxy, seen as a “fuzzy patch,” in the night’s sky, is on a collision course with earth’s galaxy, the Milky Way, but it won’t collide for another 4.5 billion years.

The Milky Way, a band of suffused soft smoky light, got its moniker because the band is would have to retake classes that she had taken before but were no longer valid. This setback made Williams determined to try to remain in school.

“In 2009, I said ‘I’m not stopping. I am not losing my catalogue rights.’ I’m going to do what I need to do,” said Williams as she punctuated each point by hitting her fist against her hand.

Williams kept true to her word as another obstacle came up, Williams had been diagnosed with diabetes and had to undergo a lot of health related issues during that time.

In 2015, Williams was washing dishes when she cut her pinkie and thumb. Williams attended to it at the time but she lost partial movement in her arm and hand, and when Williams went to the hospital to get checked out, she found out she had a blood clot. Williams could not write and had to rely on classmates to take notes for her so she could study for exams.

Williams also could not carry a backpack and this resulted in her having to push a cart around to carry her school supplies.

Williams graduated on May 12, 2017 from BC, but is taking journalism classes in order to transfer into the CSUB Communications program.

Williams said that child development classes have been her preferred classes as she wishes to be a kindergarten teacher in order to make a difference with the coming generations.

“Child development is my

said to resemble the traced pathway of milk spilled out over the universe, according to Menzies.

In order to get a better view of the Milky Way, and stars in general, he suggested that stargazers “get out of the city and camp on a mountain,” to get away from light pollution which affects the clarity and “drowns out a lot of stars.”

The informational stargazing segment of the program was followed by a 23 minute film on how the influence of earthquakes has dramatically changed the planet’s landscape over millions of years.

The earthquake documentary took the viewers from the shorelines of California, to the San Andreas fault, up to an aerial view, which glided down through and into the San Francisco Bay to the streets where

they experienced the earthquake that occurred in 1906 and killed over 30,000 people. Viewers then traveled across time and across the globe to other significant earthquakes that shook and tore the continent apart.

BC graduate Liseth Arreguin, 28, enjoyed the film and said it gave her “a perspective on how the world is connected and how what happens on one end of the earth impacts the other side.”

She also said that the film gave her the sensation of “floating.”

Throughout the month of October and November, other film documentaries are scheduled to be played at the planetarium.

Visit the Bakersfield College website or Renegade Rip website for additional information about these documentaries, dates, and times.

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

BC student Ivory Williams, 44, smiles in the campus center quad as she recounts her daily school schedule. passion. After I get my BA, I would like to become a kindergarten teacher, helping the children and helping the communities, my quote is, ‘You gotta’ give them to me while they sap before they turn into their tree,’ Williams laughed, ‘because you can’t bend no tree’.”

Williams admitted that not all her BC experiences have been positive as she has been the butt of the joke from some BC students. Williams doesn’t hold it against them though, because she knows that these types of attitudes come from people who lack compassion, something Williams believes

is important for society to reestablish.

Some advice she would like others in her position to know is that perseverance, hope and faith are critical to being successful, she said, “Never give up, we can make it, we are the generation that can make it.”

When asked how she wished to be remembered she said, “I want people to remember me as being an encourager, an encouraging person because sometimes we don’t know what nobody is going through, and sometime that smile, that hug, or that good word, it helps the person go on and it helps brighten their day.”

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Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Paint for fundraising scholarships

By Lizette Chavez Editor–In-Chief The “Pop Goes the Easel” event held in the cafeteria on Oct. 9 saw 21 members of Bakersfield College and the community in attendance. The BCSGA Scholarship Program fundraising event was priced at $30 per person and the cost covered art supplies, paint and refreshments.

Two rows of tables and chairs were set up with easels and canvases, black, red, white and gray paint, brushes and water to rinse the brushes between uses.

Guests helped themselves to a buffet of hot wings, quesadillas, fruit, assorted sauces and an array of cooled beverages before the painting session began.

The host instructor for the evening was Lisa Ritter, with assistant Patricia White, from Brush & Blush Easel Events who instructed guests on how to paint a knight helmet and shield

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

Director of Financial Aid Jenifer Achan sits and paints among other guests participating in the activity. inspired by BC. Ritter greeted the audience and said she insisted that the participants grab food as she deemed it important for the painting process before they began. She then took time to explain what the painting activity would be like and emphasized throughout the affair that even though there was

a set painting the guests were to follow, creative freedom was “absolutely” allowed.

Ritter, a BC alumnus, shared some of her memories and experiences as well as observations on how the school had changed or stayed the same.

“I attended BC 20 or plus years ago,” said the former jour-

nalism major. “I won’t say exactly when, but I can say that [the cafeteria] still smells the same.” This was met with laughs from the audience, a seemingly common occurrence during the event.

One guest in attendance who seemed to be having a good time was BC student Callaryah Flowers, who was not new to art, stating Leonid Afremov as one of her preferred artist, but did share that it was her first time attending a painting event on campus.

“It’s my first painting event at BC. I thought it would be fun. I’m better at watercolor, I’ve worked with acrylic before but I prefer watercolor,” said Flowers as she stood to paint.

Another guest participating in the art session was BC Director of Financial Aid Jennifer Achan, who attended the event to support BC and admitted that she was having a “fantastic

time.”

People would laugh as they sang along to the ’80s music playlist playing in the background or at the progress in theirs and their neighbors’ paintings.

Something that Ritter said she was happy to see, “I love it. I love listening to them sing and giggle, especially when they laugh at themselves because if you can laugh at yourself you know you’re having a great time.”

Most of the guests admitted to having little to no experience painting but said that they were eager to try and were enjoying themselves.

The “Pop Goes the Easel” fundraiser was held from 6-8 p.m. in the BC cafeteria by the Office of Student Life. Of the proceeds raised, approximately $600, all are to be implemented into the BCSGA Scholarship Program.

Recalling BC choir of ‘65 ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

The tuba section of the BC concert band playing during the Sound of Autumn fall concert at the Indoor Theatre.

BC students perform in band and orchestra

By Alexandra Apatiga Reporter The Bakersfield College concert band and orchestra performed at the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center Friday night, Oct. 6 for the Sound of Autumn fall concert.

The Bakersfield College Performing Arts program holds a fall and winter concert each semester to showcase their ensemble to the public and to BC students interested in joining the program.

Kathryn Kuby, director of the BC concert band and orchestra and a full-time professor, was the conductor for the Sound of Autumn concert. Kuby shared that her students involved with the band and orchestra are either BC students pursuing a music degree, or just interested in music. “But in order to be a part of one or both of the ensembles,” said Kuby, “students are required to audition, no matter if they’re music majors or not.”

“My students rehearse around

three hours a week for their concerts” said Kuby. “But they also perform for other events, like graduation, visiting community guests, and with high school and middle school bands.”

Kuby explained that whenever her students perform for an audience, they try to accomplish a few things. “Our first and foremost goal is to play music and entertain our audience. Our second goal is to use our performances as a recruitment and show students, no matter their age, anyone who enjoys music can be a part of our ensemble.”

But according to Kuby, one of the most important things they were trying to accomplish at the Sound of Autumn concert was, “spreading awareness of our musical ensembles to our students and to our faculty.”

“Most aren’t even aware we have a concert band or orchestra at BC,” said Kuby. “We always try to raise awareness of our presence on campus, while also giving people an enjoyable experience through music.”

KARLA GUTIERREZ / THE RIP

The 1965 BC Choir sings the song “The Lord Bless You Keep You,” to the audience.

By Karla Gutierrez Reporter Members of the 1965 Bakersfield College Choir joined together to watch their documentary “One Heart, One Voice” which was produced by Fabian Productions and edited

by Jeff Anderson on Oct. 8.

The documentary unraveled the story of how the choir got the chance to go on a European trip and become the first American choral group to have won an award called “Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.”

In the documentary, the choir members mention that it didn’t matter what kind of background the person had, it was the music that connected them.

Most of the 1965 BC Choir alumni thought that the director, Joe Huszti, was a very strict conductor; however, it was in the best interests of the choir to keep them on their toes.

The alumni said they went

to every service club. They sold records of their music and advertised as much as they could. They did as many fundraising events as they could possibly do, just to go on a trip to Europe. They accomplished that goal in a time span of two years.

The choir was put into three categories. One of them was the mixed choir. They felt like everything was leading up to that point: their hard work, dedication, commitment, etc. was going to pay off at that moment. Huszti mentioned that they were the second group that sang in the competition. All of them stated that they strived to make the music perfect.

When leading up to the performance, they sensed that they made magic in the room.

It wasn’t 48 singers singing, it was all one voice coming together and feeling connected.

The room was filled with silence building up to a loud applause and a standing ovation even though they still had two

songs to go in their repertoire.

They felt like that moment was only for the 10,000 people listening in the audience and for them it was like they had transformed. The moment they won, they realized how far they came as a choir. Some mentioned that they were treated like royalty.

From Europe, they were invited to Washington D.C. to sing for Lyndon B. Johnson, who was president at the time.

Johnson mentions in a clip in the documentary that he was proud of the choir for representing America in the competition.

Fast forward to 2015, they had their 50-year reunion and they were aware that the magic was still there just like it was in 1965.

At the end of the documentary, many of Huszti students thanked him for bringing them together like one big family.

They ended the premier with a song called “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” and singing it to the audience.

BC brings talent and creativity with music

By Brandon Cowan Web Editor Several musicians, including Bakersfield College students, performed at the Panorama Creative Music Summit which was in the Indoor Theatre at Bakersfield College.

The collection of concerts was performed over the course of two days on Oct. 13-14 at 7 p.m.

One of the musicians on the second day was Tatsuya Nakatani.

Nakatani taught 14 BC students for 2 ½ hours in order to perform for his orchestra called Nakatani Gong Orchestra.

Nakatani was the third performance and introduced himself to the audience stating that he moved from Japan 23 years ago to Los Angeles.

He said that he started doing concerts for his orchestra 7 years ago. Since then, Nakatani has performed over 100 times.

He also said that he does not

use any electronics when he performs his music. He described his 15 gongs and 15 speakers.

Nakatani said that he specializes the vibrations of music instead of traditional parts of music such as rhythm.

Nakatani started his performance by himself using bows to swipe the edges of two gongs to play a sort of ringing noise. He also hit the gongs and also used a metal sphere to emphasize the vibrations of the gongs.

Nakatami performed this solo for about 30 minutes non-stop before bringing out the 14 BC students to play for another 30 minutes that also did not have a break.

With Kris Tiner on the trumpet and Cathlene Pineda on the piano, the duo was the second performance in the Indoor Theatre.

Tiner is the director of jazz studies at BC and introduced his duo before they performed, stating that Pineda was one of his favorite musicians in the world.

AMBRIA KING / THE RIP

Bakersfield College alumnus Andrew Morgan plays drums on an orginal piece performed by the Andrew Morgan Quartet.

After performing a song written by Pineda titled “A Woman Under the Influence” as well as another piece written by Tiner called “Unheard of Words,” Tiner told of the song “Silence” written by a mentor that both of the musicians learned from at California Institute of the Arts.

Tiner said, “This is a really important composition to both of us. It was written by our mentor Charlie Haden ... Some of the most meaningful experiences I think I’ve ever had with

music in my life were being around Charlie.”

Tiner said that he learned from Haden that creativity is something to be taken to a personal level in order to become a better person.

The Andrew Morgan Quartet performed first of the three performances on the second day in the Indoor Theatre.

The quartet is compiled of the drummer Andrew Morgan, Chris Middletone who played a trombone, Luke Reeder who

played a saxophone, and Jeff Schwartz who played the bass.

On the first day of the Panorama Creative Music Summit there were also several other performers.

Psychic Temple, led by Chris Schlarb; Josh Ottum Trio, which consisted of Josh Ottum, Kyle Burnham, and Jared Gardner; and BC commercial music students Luke Duffell, Mason Edwards, Ian Merete, and Trevor Turner were all of the performers on Oct. 13.

Stop the hypocrisy Health Advice: Practical tips for staying healthy

By Jenny Brito Reporter I’m not a big fan of social media, but I must admit that Instagram has a special place in my heart. I love following accounts that post about health and motivation. Instagram posts have inspired me to be more accepting of myself and others. For instance, I have seen many accounts of overweight people who not only accept themselves as they are, but are not ashamed to share that with the world.

I’ve always wished to be as confident as those people, but that has changed. I no longer see them as powerful or inspiring because they do not practice what they preach. They talk about acceptance but spend an awful lot of time judging others who look different.

In a way, I understand their behavior, but I can’t support it.

People who have weight issues have to endure pain, ridicule and judgment.

Many were bullied when they were in school. Many were even Jenny Brito bullied by their families. I remember how a close friend of mine was often made fun of by her own mother. Once, my friend decided to wear a tight purple dress, which prompted her mother to ask her to change her clothes. “You look like a huge grape,” she said as she laughed.

Like many people, my friend’s mom failed to realize that fat shaming hurts. People lose their confidence, have trouble interacting with others and become isolated. Some become frustrated and full of hate toward their aggressors. So, I can see how making fun of others could help them cope with their pain.

However, being a victim of body shaming does not give anyone the right to put other people down. And those who claim to be in love with their curves are often the ones who make fun of lean people.

If you are skinny, you have been told that you are nothing but skin and bones. You have been told that you should eat more. You’ve heard that men like their women with a little meat, and watched how society focuses on the beauty of having curves. There’s a commercial that claims that real women have curves. So what does that make you? Are you not a real woman if you are slim?

Men are affected by it as well.

They are told that they look sick or like they are on drugs if they are too skinny. They are told that women will not like them because of their looks. Women want strong guys; that seems to be the message.

If we want to change society’s views, we need to start by changing our attitudes toward the topic. We need to understand that body type does not define a person’s worth. We need to stop body shaming of all kinds. Otherwise, we are just hypocrites.

To me, the plus-sized woman who laughs at the skinny woman is a great charlatan. She cannot talk about respect if she needs to put others down to feel better about herself. Real self-love does not develop from criticizing others because they are thinner, bigger, darker, or whatever.

Everybody is fighting their own battle which we know nothing about, so we must be kind.

An obese person may be battling with depression, binge-eating disorder, or hormonal imbalances. In the same way, a lean person may be struggling with bulimia, anorexia, or other health issues. Or, perhaps, the skinny person just likes to work out; who are we to judge?

Change starts with the individual, and the world is in desperate need of change. Let’s focus on building each other up and embracing our differences. Whether a grape or a skeleton, love yourself and respect others.

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Television Review

Riverdale episode delivers twists

By Christopher Cocay Reporter The story continues... the second season of “Riverdale” was premiered on Oct. 11 on The CW Channel.

The story picks up right where season one ended. Archie (KJ Apa) rushed his dad into the hospital because he was shot by a masked killer, but gladly, he survived. The brand new season has so many stories to tell; like what’s next for Veronica (Camila Mendes) now that her dad is back from prison, a darker side of Jughead (Cole Sprouse) will be explored, Cheryl’s (Madelaine Petsch) dark family secrets, and most of all, who is the masked killer that is stalking and killing people in Riverdale? (SPOILER ALERT!) He was the one that shot Archie’s dad, and he killed Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel) at the end of the episode.

I find this season darker and more interesting. The first season was just a normal teen drama but in the latest season, the whodunit mystery genre has blended into the storyline. I never expected that there would be more questions than answers in the new season, because I thought that, somewhat, season two would make everything full circle since

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Jason’s (Trevor Stines) killer was revealed. The entire first season revolved around his murder, but it did not end there.

There is a new mystery that needs to be unraveled. Each character’s personality has changed drastically, especially Veronica and Jughead. Jughead joined The Serpents, a band of bikers that sells drugs and sometimes kills people. Veronica

became more rebellious when her strict dad came back from prison. I want to see what’s going to happen with them during season two. I want to know what happened to Veronica’s dad, why was he in jail, what’s next for Jughead now that he’s part of the deadly group The Serpents, and who’s going to protect him from the danger now that his dad got sent into prison.

The revelation of Jason’s killer made Cheryl delusional and insane but also braver, which is such a big movement for her, because in season one, she used to be so scared of her parents.

She used to follow whatever her parents said, she was treated like a puppet, and she wasn’t even allowed to mourn her brother’s death. (SPOILER ALERT!) In the season one finale, it was revealed that Cheryl’s dad killed Jason. When the footage of the murder got released, Cheryl’s dad committed suicide right away. Cheryl got really upset because of the revelations and the bad things that happened to her family, led her to burning their mansion, and un season two, she broke free from her family.

She’s no longer the scared little girl anymore. She confronted her mom, telling her that from now on, things should go her way or else she would reveal everything she knows about their family.

After watching the first episode of season two, I couldn’t wait for the next one. It made me more excited and curious to see more twist and turns. I highly recommend this show for everyone who likes mysteries.

Book Review

Rupi Kaur’s new collection of poetry, “The Sun and Her Flowers” is bittersweet but uplifting

By Christina Benavides Reporter Rupi Kaur is a #1 New York Times best-selling author. Her second collection of poetry, “The Sun and Her Flowers,” was published on Oct. 3.

The first self-published collection was “Milk and Honey,” and was translated into 30 languages.

That collection of poetry was about survival. She sold over 1.5 million copies and was on the New York Times best seller list for over a year. This book covered controversial themes, and she continues to write boldly for the second collection.

The second collection “The Sun and Her Flowers,” is currently a #1 best seller on Amazon and leans toward healing. The collection features five chapters: Wilting, Falling, Rooting, Rising and Blooming. The chapters allow us to imagine a plant cycle, just like flowers; we wilt, fall, root, and rise to bloom. Kaur touches similar to themes as her first collection such as feminism, love, migration and abuse.

In the first chapter, wilting, one theme she discusses is heartbreak. More specifically, how you feel after someone you loved has left. There is some sadness in these poems, however there is a sense of hope in them. As readers, it might feel like we are reading our own thoughts. She takes us through heartbreak and the pain we eventually overcome.

An idea she often mentions is that you can still be whole after your heart has been broken. Kaur carries strength in her writing as she progresses into the next chapter.

The flower is no longer wilting, and we move on to the

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second chapter, falling. In this section, Kaur writes about insecurity. She writes about the way society makes women feel, including the pain we must endure to meet beauty standards. Kaur also gets personal in a few pieces and writes about her encounter with her abuser. Kaur mentions how this person ruined her views on relationships, and the way

she perceives herself after this trauma. There are up-lifting messages in this section, too. Poetry about acceptance and letting go of toxic people in order to become your best self, reminders of self-love and self-worth are also seen.

The third chapter, rooting, features a controversial issue, immigration. Kaur expresses

gratitude towards her mother and all she has sacrificed to come to America. She mentions to honor your roots because those who have come before you are still a part of you. In her writing she points out how grateful she is to be given life despite all the chaos it might bring. Kaur also adds messages of unity as a community, and her words continue to show her strength into the next chapter.

In the fourth chapter, rising, the flower has now risen.

Strength is definitely shown as she expresses love in a positive light. Words of encouragement regarding love, representing equality in relationships, and reassurance of starting over. Kaur mentions that it is okay to start over with someone new and that moving forward is an option.

Her powerful words are comforting for those who may be dealing with the idea of love.

In Kaur’s final chapter, blooming, the positivity has reached a high now that the flower has bloomed. This section is full of self-empowerment, words of wisdom, and loving the skin you were born in. She mentions loving her brown skin, and expresses that others should because it is beautiful despite what society says.

This collection of poetry is worth reading. The messages are inspirational, comforting, and cover themes anyone can relate to. It is also reassuring to know that someone else has similar thoughts too. Regardless of your background, there is something in this collection for everyone.

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

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

Campus Events

Oct. 18: BCSGA Workshop: How to Run an Effective Meeting in the BCSGA Executive Boardroom in CC5 at 3 p.m.

Oct. 18: 3D Printing Workshop in L160 at 4 p.m.

Oct. 18: Active Shooter Training in the Fireside Room at Bakersfield College at 6 p.m.

Oct. 18: Poverty and Police in Delano at the Celano Branch Library at 6 p.m.

Oct. 19: Book Discussion- Chasing the Harvest at the Levan Center at 7:45 p.m.

Oct. 19: The Great California Shakeout at Bakersfield College from 10:15-11 a.m.

Oct. 19: Google for Internet Searching Workshop in L217 at 1 p.m.

Oct. 20: Last day to withdraw and recieve a “W” Oct. 20: 24 Karat Wine Dinner in the Renegade Room at 6 p.m.

Oct. 23: Latinos Unidos Por Educacion (LUPE) StudOrg Meeting in the BCSGA Executive Boardroom in CC5 at 11:00 a.m.

Oct. 23: How to Blog Workshop at Bakersfield College Room L160 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Oct. 23: BC Chamber Festival at the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center (Indoor Theater) from 4-9 p.m.

Oct. 24: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 from 10-11 a.m.

Oct. 24: CAlStateApply! Workshop in CSS 151 from 1011 a.m.

Oct. 24: Avoiding Plagiarism Workshop in L217 at 2 p.m.

Oct. 24: Video Creation, Editing, and Captioning in L160 at 3 p.m.

Oct. 25: Strategies for Effective Research in L17 at 2 p.m.

Oct. 25: Chasing the Harvest: Oral Histories From the Field in the Levan Center from 7:15 to 9 a.m.

Oct. 26: Disability Awareness Day at the Renegade Crossroads & Fireside Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 27: BC Choir- “The Music of Living” in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center (Indoor Theater) from 7:30- 9 p.m.

Oct. 27: Second Annual Masquerade Ball in the Campus Center from 6-10 p.m.

Oct. 27: Latina Empowerment Day workshop series from 12 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Location to be announced.

Oct. 28: Google for Internet Searching Workshop in L217 at 11:15 a.m.

Oct. 28: Evaluating Internet Sources Workshop in L217 at 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 30: Evaluating Internet Sources Workshop in L217 at 11 a.m.

Oct. 30: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 30: Individual “Drop-in” Application Review for students planning to transfer at CSS 45 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 31: Finding Articles in Periodical Databases Workshop in L217 at 10 a.m.

Oct. 31: FAFSA, Dream Act, and Scholarship application workshop in CSS 151 from 9-11 a.m.

Oct. 31: Individual “Drop-in” Application Review for students planning to transfer at CSS 45 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 31: 3D Printing workshop at L160 from 3:30-5 p.m.

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.

Compiled by Megan Fenwick

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

Around Town

Oct. 21-22: Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival at the Marketplace.

Oct. 26: Art After Dark at the Bakersfield Museum of Art from 8-10:30 p.m.

Oct. 28: The Halloween Hustle 5k from 8-11 a.m.

Oct. 30-31: Safe Halloween at the Kern County Museum from 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $10 for children.

Write The Rip

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

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. 18, 2017

The LGBTQ center hosts ribbon and open house celebration

By Megan Fenwick Social Media Editor The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield held an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 12 for the Annex, their new second facility. The location is an office space at 841 Mohawk Street in Suite 260 and will be used for counseling, workshops and activities for the Bakersfield LGBTQ community. The office will also house administrative offices for the center.

“With the advent of our RISE (Reducing Isolation through Support and Empowerment) program that was funded by the state of California, we really had a need to be able to have focused office time

and private counseling services and meeting space available to really go deeper in serving the most vulnerable,” said Jan Hefner, the executive director of the Center.

From 3-4 p.m., people gathered in the courtyard or went upstairs to see the inside of the office, which housed a wall of different pride flag paintings and explanations for different sexualities and identities, and receive tours of the space.

The ceremony began in the courtyard at 4 p.m. with a greeting from Melanie Farmer, the president and CEO of the Downtown Business Association, which the Gay and Lesbian Center is a member of.

She was soon joined by Hefner, who said that “It is our hope

Tumblr can hurt Mental Health: For mental wellnes and awereness

By Christina Benavides Reporter

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Guests pose and smile as Vice Mayor and Ward 4 councilman Bob Smith cuts the ribbon for the opening of the newAnnex of the Gay and Lesbian Center in Bakersfield. and our mission that all LGBTQ people in our community can live rich, authentic lives in this city.”

Hefner proceeded to introduce other staff members, including Emily Fisher, the Center’s board president. Fisher thanked the five people who founded the Center in 2011, as well as the committee of volunteers.

“With this new location we can better reach out to bisexual and transgender people in our community, which is something very important to me personally,” said Fisher.

Many lawmakers were dis-

tinguished guests at the event and sent representatives who thanked the center for its work in the community. One member of the audience, Robert Petersen, called out“Have him vote for us instead of against us next time!” after House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s representative had finished speaking.

“Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is not our friend, and for him to send a representative here and pretend that he is our friend is kind of disingenuous … It’s a nice gesture but if you want to be our friend, vote for us,” said Petersen after the event ended.

McCarthy, who voted against repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which required openly LGBTQ people to be removed from the military, was not the only lawmaker represented at the ribbon cutting who had a contradictory voting record. Both Rep. David Valadao and former Sen. Jean Fuller voted against prohibiting the use of sexual orientation conversion therapy in 2012.

The event ended with Bakersfield Vice-Mayor and Ward 4 Councilman Bob Smith cutting a rainbow colored ribbon in the courtyard.

BILL: New bill to aid victims of domestic violence in salon

AYESAVY: Bakersfield rapper and former BC student to perform live in Los Angeles

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

is a possibility of an increase in referrals to their organization. They are able to provide the much needed services that those who have been referred to their organization will need in order to escape the abuse and its cycle.

The Alliance provides a wide range of services from assigning a case manager to those who have been abused, to counseling, long term transitional housing to licensed child care and helping the undocumented escape their abusers. The services are free and private. Currently, The Alliance has provided 237 people anonymous housing, and 60

children with anonymous housing and childcare. The Alliance also provides free domestic violence awareness presentations to those organizations and businesses that would need their expertise.

According to Lucile Packard Foundation, a program aimed at the “health and well-being of children in communities across California … an estimated 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the U.S. have experienced intimate partner violence.”

However, these estimates are inaccurate because according to the foundation, many incidences of violence go unreported.

HOLLYWOOD: The Couples for CASA fundraiser sells Hamilton tickets for $1900 Continued from Page 3 who donated or somehow supported the event. Elena LaRoque and Gilbert LaRoque, a power couple representing Bakersfield Hyundai, said that they often contribute to CASA events because it helps the local community.

After dinner, the live auction led by auctioneer Austin Dennington began. The most popular offerings included a lunch with Kevin McCarthy in Washington, a September Haze limited edition by June Carey,

and tickets to Hamilton in Hollywood.

The lunch with Kevin McCarthy was particularly popular with the audience, and the winner agreed to pay $2400 for the opportunity to meet the Congressman. Two Hamilton tickets were also sold for $1900 each.

The evening concluded with music and dance performances. All proceeds from the tickets and auctions will benefit the CASA of Kern Country.

Poll : Mass shooting In light of recent mass shootings should the average citizen be a llowed to purchase automatic or semi- automatic weapons?

NO

YES

(9) 64%

(5) 36%

not willing to compromise and wishes most of his career to stay true to who he is.

“I would say it hinders a couple of artist that do stereotypes.

I feel like as long as you’re yourself you should be able to do whatever you want to do.

There are a lot of artists that are starting to do their own thing.”

One artist who AYESAVY cited his admiration for was rapper XXXTentacion. AYESAVY said that many people find XXTentacion weird but that he has been one of the only artists not afraid of being himself.

What AYESAVY said he appreciated most was that XXTentacion doesn’t seem to be pretending to be another person and isn’t interested in living any other life than the one he leads.

Montana of 300, however, AYESAVY said is who he enjoys listening to as he is an independent artist just like AYESAVY. “Montana of 300, he is not signed by any label but he does all this stuff basically by him-

self. In a lot of his interviews he talks about why he doesn’t want to sign with certain people.

Certain things start happening when you do get to that level.

People start changing you and you can’t do what you want to do when you want to do it. …

How do you wanna live your life? If you wanna live your life under their rules, then be my guest but if you wanna be yourself and think for yourself and write your own music then that’s the way to go, just be independent. “ AYESAVY said he has done a lot himself to make his career, including putting his songs on the radio in Vermont, Baltimore and in Bakersfield.

AYESAVY also said he pays for studio time to record and is hoping to go on tour soon after his Los Angeles performance with other artists.

His main goal he said is making this happen for himself, something he feels a lot of local artist do not always do.

“I really want to go on tour …

after this show that’s what I’m shooting for. [I want to] open, I don’t wanna be the only person just performing a lot of people don’t want to just spend their money and just see one person they wanna see a whole show.”

As for how AYESAVY would like others to remember him and his upcoming performance in Los Angeles he said “I don’t want [people to] specifically remember me for something, I want them to remember me as he did something for himself, [despite] of everybody else, not only am I doing stuff for myself, I’m not trying to hate on the next person, I try to do stuff for everybody, I just want the same love the same loyalty back, that’s it. I want people to remember me for my love, how I respect them and how I carried myself to be what I am.”

AYESAVY will be performing in Los Angeles at THE AIRLINER on Oct. 19 with other artists like Marcus Christ, 211Plotracks, Andre3 Tha Giant and Pierce Reed at 7 p.m.

‘Hart Park after Dark’ event to be held Oct. 21 Melissa Puryear Reporter “Hart Park After Dark” will kick off on Saturday Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. in Section 7 of Hart Park. The free family event is being hosted by the Kern County Library and the Kern County General Services - Parks, according to Jasmin LoBasso, who is the marketing and promotions associate with the Kern County Library.

The evening park party will feature camouflage face painting with the Kern County Veteran Services, which Dick Taylor, the County Veteran’s Service Officer, said that a camo team will be prepared and “ready for the challenge,” to paint up to three-hundred faces, if that’s what the event calls for. They

will also be able to answer questions about veterans’ benefits.

There will be star gazing activities with the Kern County Astronomical Society, a photo booth with props, rock painting and Corn Hole provided by the Kern County Department of Human Services, a night hike that begins at 6 p.m., and a bike ride that begins at 6:30 p.m.

Those who plan to participate in the hike or ride should bring their own equipment such as comfortable shoes, a flashlight, reflectors and a bike. Event goers should also bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The Phantom Stranger and Heavy Vinyl will be providing live music entertainment.

“Spooky Stories for Families” and “Scary Stories for Young Adults” series by the

Popup Library, will be there for those who enjoy storytelling.

For those who are hungry or crave sweets, Brazilian hot dogs, cotton candy, and La Rosa Fruit Bars will be sold.

LoBasso said that they will also be having a Halloween costume contest based on spookiest and best costume for babies and kids, tweens and teens, and adult groupings. This is the first event of its kind. The idea for this event came after hearing about San Diego County’s “Park After Dark,” according to LoBasso and she said that they thought that being able to host a similar event at Hart Park, would be bigger and better because of the size of Hart Park.

For more information, visit Kern County Library’s Facebook page for details.

For some people social media is a place to escape and unwind.

For those suffering with serious mental health issues, this could be a triggering place.

Tumblr has been around since 2007, and is a social networking website. It is a place where users can re-blog, and share and upload photos with designating hashtags. There are a few hashtags that I have seen that are concerning. These hashtags are “#anorexia” and “#thinspo.”

Thinspo is referred to as thin-spiration, a hashtag where you post anything thin related, and anorexia is a prolonged loss of appetite. There are more hashtags used for people dealing with an eating disorder, and when you search these hashtags you are prompted with a message from Tumblr asking if “Everything is Okay.” Not only this, but they list resources to contact if you are in a crisis.

O ff e ring support is great; however, if Tumblr recognizes that these types Christina of hashtags Benavides may be a problem then they should be censoring posts.

There is a possibility that some users are posting under these hashtags for support, yet they are being confronted with pictures of starving bodies. This is not helping a person with an eating disorder. By keeping these sort of hashtags, we are romanticizing the idea of eating disorders.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, this word means to make something more appealing than it really is. I do not see how these posts can be helpful to anyone.

I decided to scroll down the hashtag anorexia and I was shocked with the images that were allowed on Tumblr. Photos posted of malnourished bodies due to eating disorders, ribcages being showcased like an award.

There was a post that caught my eye that was titled as “Essentials.” This post listed things that were essential to them and it seemed normal at first until I saw the words ribs, hip bones, collar bones, thigh gap and jawline listed. To make matters worse, at the end of the list there was “Selflove.” This is concerning given that post had ninety-nine notes, which are likes. Those words being at the end of the list is romanticizing eating disorders. It is giving false information because self-love does not require you to have this type of body. So many people are reading these posts with current mental health issues and they are far from supportive.

Then I moved on to the other hashtag I mentioned, thinspo. I was even more taken back. I saw the same unrealistic body type, but something else I noticed was that the people posting these were seemingly a part of a community. People suffering with eating disorders were giving each other advice on how to continue starving themselves, even going as far as to reminding one another not to eat. One post read, “Reblog if you want random messages reminding you not to eat,” with two-hundred-seventy notes. This sort of behavior is common under hashtags like these and it is not okay.

When I was a teenager, I battled with an eating disorder and I stumbled upon posts such as these. They never helped me, and only encouraged me to continue harming my body. These sort of hashtags on Tumblr are unsafe for some who are dealing with mental health issues and can lead to future damage. Personally, when I stopped looking at posts like these I found myself doing better. Please seek a professional if you have an eating disorder.

Social media is risky for recovery and you are better off in the hands of someone who wants to help you.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 8

Women’s volleyball pulls another win

By Megan Fenwick Social Media Editor Bakersfield College beat LA Mission 3-0 in the women’s volleyball game on Oct. 13 in the BC gymnasium. The BC volleyball team has now won 14 out of 18 games this season.

The Renegades started off strong, winning the first set 2514. In the second set, BC scored a point with 25-12, the widest margin of the game. LA Mission improved in the third and final set, but still lost to Bakersfield College 25-18.

The BC volleyball team racked up 34 kills to LA Mission’s 18.

“We wanted to have good energy, good communication with everybody. I think we had posi-

tive vibes the whole game,” said BC outside hitter Mandy Sangha of her team’s performance.

“When we played for each other rather than when we were playing for ourselves is when we really switched up the game.”

Head Coach Carl Ferreira pointed out the higher than average amount of errors that his team made, which he attributed to either fatigue or mentality. Despite this criticism, Ferreira said, “If you can win when you don’t have your cleanest execution, that’s a sign of a pretty good team.”

There are six more games for the Women’s Volleyball team this season, with the next game scheduled on Oct. 20 at Bakersfield College against Canyons.

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Mandy Sangha leaps to spike the volleyball over the net.

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Renegade football triumphs over Moorepark with 34-10 victory

By Alexandra Apatiga Reporter The Homecoming football game at Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium Saturday, Oct. 14, against Moorpark College gave the BC Renegades another win, bringing their season record to 5-1.

The Renegades have been finishing their games strong, with a 34-10 win against the Raiders, entertaining fans and students alike who attended the game for the BC Alumni TailGade Party and Homecoming festivities.

Among the many memorable and exciting plays was Elisha Ortiz, BC running back, who scored four touchdowns throughout the game. A 7-yard pass from fellow Renegade

Brandon Jones for a touchdown during first quarter, followed with a 4-yard run in the second quarter, 1-yard run during the third quarter, and 21-yard run in the fourth quarter. This launched BC ahead of Moorpark and secured victory for the Renegades.

BC Renegade Nathan DeJager’s performance also shined at the Homecoming game, as with each touchdown Ortiz scored, DeJager followed with a successful extra point kick, as well as two field goal kicks during the second and third quarters.

With a strong defense anchored by BC players Desmond Ramseur, with 10 tackles, and Sale Atuatasi, with 8 tackles, Moorpark’s Raiders were only able to score a 45-yard field goal and a 1-yard run touch-

down during the game.

But while the game was a clear cut victory for BC, both sides suffered from penalties. A grand total of 39 penalties were confirmed, with BC taking 20 for 216-yards while Moorpark took 19 for 195 yards.

Overall Bakersfield College’s win streak (5-1) has been going strong as the Renegades ended the game with a 34-10 win.

Following the game fans were treated with a dazzling fireworks display celebrating another win for BC and the end of Homecoming week at Bakersfield College.

Four football games remain, two at home, for this season.

The next home football game will be against Santa Monica College on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.

MEGAN FENWICK / THE RIP

Bakersfield College players rush to return the volley from Los Angeles Mission.

BC celebrates Tailgade

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

Number 85, Jakell Tomlin, and his teammates struggle as they try to make an opening for Tomlin to run past the Moorepark Raiders.

By Melissa Puryear Reporter The Bakersfield College Alumni Association hosted this year’s Tailgade party on Saturday Oct. 14 from 3-6 p.m. prior to BC’s Homecoming game against Moorpark College.

The association sponsored the white-tent event with a New York steak dinner where tickets sold for $15-$20 per person. Proceeds from the ticket sales go toward providing scholarships and athletic programs for Bakersfield College students, according to the BC’s Alumni Association.

The white tent was impossible to miss earlier last week, which was strategically placed in between the Northside portion of the Memorial Stadium and the Math Science Building. The tent served as the event’s venue and was set up to seat 220 people, according to Joronco, one of the event’s contractors.

Fred’s Barbeque Factory, a local catering company, grilled up the New York steaks. It was the first BC fundraiser that the catering company has been a part of, according to co-owner Julio Leon. Patrons lined up to grab a plate and seated themselves under the tent to listen to Mento Buru, a popular local “ska, reggae, mambo, jazz, world-beat band,” during the three-hour pregame event.

Miranda Whitworth, the wife of the band leader for Mento Buru, played a game of croquet with some friends nearby. She said, “I am a huge supporter of the Bakersfield College Foundation … I love the work that is being done in the community, how much the campus has grown, and the affordable education BC offers.”

Amongst the crowd were supporters, Arica Leighton and Sandee Fry. Leighton is an alumni and IT tech for BC, and said that Fred’s Barbeque was “fantastic” and “served huge portions.” She also said that Mento Buru was “fabulous to listen to.”

Even Mayor Karen Goh was present to show her support of BC’s Tailgade and homecoming game.

Student volunteers from the soccer team and golf team were present, and engaged people in a game of Corn Hole on the lawn.

They also promoted this week-

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

From the left: Barbar Lopez, 79, Karen Tallman, 57, James Tallman, 55, and Buddy Lopez, 83 throw their own tailgate party at the homecoming game.

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

A Raider attempts to slip past two BC players, Louis Early and Bobby Robinson, and make headway towards the end zone.

MELISSA PURYEAR / THE RIP

BC cheerleaders pile on to the back of a truck and engage passerbys and the crowd during the homecoming parade. end’s Corn Hole Tournament which will be held on Oct. 21 at Lengthwise Brewery on District Boulevard at 12 p.m., according to Brandi Borjon, a women’s golf player and sophomore at BC. Borjon said that her and the other athletic team volunteers were there “to create a fun environment” for Renegade fans, as well as bring attention to raffle tickets for the Corn Hole Tournament. The raffle winners will be invited to play with their own team for monetary prizes ranging from $200 to $600.

While Renegade fans congregated, the Homecoming Parade

rolled through with the BC’s Drumline, the Agricultural Department on their float, followed

by Bakersfield College cheerleaders and the security detail.

In the Southeast parking lot there were patrons with table spreads of foods, huge pits with spits and a variety of grilled meats.

Children played tag football amongst the cordoned aisles, while adults socialized.

The fire department was also present with an aerial ladder hoisted 100 feet in the air with the American flag displayed at the corner of University and Mt. Vernon Avenue.

ALEXANDRA APATIGA / THE RIP

BC Renegade running back Elisha Ortiz breaking Moorpark’s defensive line as he inches closer to scoring a touchdown.

Sports

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 9

The Bakersfield College swim team holds a six hour swim relay with free lessons

By Jenny Brito Reporter The Bakersfield College Swimming team hosted a sixhour relay showcasing some of the team’s athletes and offered free swimming lessons on Oct. 7.

Tanner Bradley initiated the relay at 8 a.m. sharp, and swam for approximately 30 minutes while several community members watched.

Other athletes also showed off their talents for 30 minutes each.

Approximately 10 members of the swimming team participated in the relay.

Matt Moon, the head swimming coach for the men’s and women’s swimming teams, spent some time in the water as well at the event. He said that the purpose of the relay was to promote the swimming team and raise awareness about the importance of water safety.

Moon added that this is the third year of the community swimming lessons event, and turnout was great. “There were about 45-70 kids this year,” Moon said.

The swimming lessons ran on 30-minute cycles. Children who already knew how to swim were also welcomed and received instruction to help improve their swimming technique.

JENNY BRITO / THE RIP

Mark Moon, the head coach of the men’s and women’s Bakersfield College swim teams, shows off his technique during the swimming relay on Oct. 7.

Bakersfield men’s soccer gets unlucky on Friday the 13th

By Lizette Chavez Editor-in-Chief

LIZETTE CHAVEZ / THE RIP

Jose Daniel Guerrero fights to keep the ball in his play from two Citrus College players during the Oct. 13 soccer game at BC.

The Bakersfield College Men’s Soccer team lost their game on Oct. 13 2-1. The Renegade team, which had just taken their first win this season on Oct. 10 against Victor Valley College, added another loss, this time to Citrus College.

The first half of the game saw both teams grabbing and pulling at each other’s uniforms, with one player from Citrus getting yellow carded, in what seemed a tense and desperate bid to take the lead.

The first goal of the game was made by Citrus. The game’s second goal was achieved by BC, and the third and final goal of the night was scored in the second half by Citrus.

This cemented Citrus’s victory and started the team on a two-win streak with Bakersfield College, who received their ninth loss of the season. Three of the Renegade’s games this season have resulted in a tied score.

The BC Men’s Soccer team will face off with Antelope Valley College on Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m. at the Memorial Stadium for a home game.

Free community swim lessons held for the third year in a row at BC

By Christopher Cocay Reporter The third Annual Free Community Swimming Lessons occurred at Bakersfield College on Oct. 7. The free swimming lessons were coached by Matthew Moon, the head men’s and women’s swim coach at BC for seven years, as well as the Renegade swim team members.

The event was hosted by the BC swim team, with the purpose of helping people learn how to be in the water safely.

The swimming lessons ran on a continuous thirty-minute cycle so they could attract more people, especially kids at the pool.

According to Moon, they were not only focusing on kids but also, older people who needed assistance with swimming. He said “Learning how to swim varies among everybody. I think the earlier you get them involved the more likely they will be to catch on. If you can teach the kids at an early age, then they will be able to enjoy the water more while

being safe and hopefully teach their kids or family in the future.

It will allow the kids to enjoy water, and in a town like Bakersfield where the summers are hot … it will hopefully prevent any unnecessary drownings.”

When Moon was asked which stroke is the most important, he said it can be up for debate, but the most common stroke would be freestyle.

Ten people drown each day in the United States, according to Moon, and he contends that this is because many do not know how to swim.

“I highly recommend parents to enroll their kids in swimming lessons, I am hoping the lessons caught the interest of the attendees and will spark the interest in joining the swim team or getting enrolled in future lessons,” Moon said.

Learning how to swim can be difficult for other people, but the earlier you get involved in this kind of activity, the more likely you’ll be able to learn quickly, according to Moon.

CHRIS COCAY / THE RIP

Tanner Lopes, a member of the Bakersfield College swim team teaches Braylen Davis how to be comfortable in the water.

Page 10

Renegade Adventure The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Reliving history for the first time in my life

By Ambria King Photo Editor Back in May, a friend of mine invited me to a be a guest at a group that was part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA. He told me that the group focused on historically accurate reenactments of Roman battle techniques and arts such as garb making and leather-working, and guaranteed me that it would be a ton of fun. I’m the first to admit, I am by no means a history buff. I mean, I think history is interesting to learn about, but at no point in my life have I ever had the desire to go back in time and try to relive it. (The fact that I’m a woman of color may have a little something to do with that.) Nonetheless, on a Wednesday evening in late May, I wandered into a practice for an SCA group called the Horsemen of Judgment Keep, and I’ve been nothing less than obsessed ever since.

As my friend promised, practices with the Horsemen are a ton of fun, but the purpose of all of those practices is to prepare for war. A war in the SCA consists of a number of different SCA groups coming together and putting all of the battle techniques that they’ve been practicing to the test. Fighters dress in full armor, ranging from leather to chain mail and everything in between, and meet on a field to bash the living daylights out of each other with weapons made from rattan coated in a thin layer of foam and duct tape. For those who aren’t quite so keen on taking blows, there’s arts and sciences (A&S) classes and contests to focus on.

On Oct. 5 I finally got the opportunity to attend my first war, and I have to say, it was nothing less than spectacular.

I left for the Great Western War on a Thursday. My friend Zion rode with me to Lake Buena Vista, where the war was held, and between the two of us, my tiny Nissan Sentra was packed to the brim. We knew we’d be camping out until at least Sunday night, and tried our best to find the perfect balance between having everything we might need and packing light. I took a chest of food that contained mainly dry and canned goods, (because I had zero intention of running back and forth to town all weekend to buy ice) a small grill, some coals, a few dishes and cooking utensils, and my suitcase, which was filled with my first feeble attempts at handmade garb.

Driving into camp that afternoon was kind of like driving into another world. Or, better yet, another time. There were hundreds, if not, thousands of people who were dressed like pirates, gypsies, knights, kings, and queens. There was an area dedicated to nothing but merchants who sold everything from meat pies to weaponry.

Because I knew I’d probably spend most of my first day set-

PROVIDED BY JEFF ROPER JR.

Ambria King laughs at a joke while watching a battle during the second day of Great Western War. ting up camp and helping others set up, I made it a point to dress in clothes that I’d be able to work in. Roman chitons and long, elegant dresses with bell-sleeves are nice, but I’d rather not set up a tent while wearing one. Instead, I chose pirates garb for my first day, which was made by altering an off-white men’s dress shirt, throwing on black pants and boots, and adding some belts and sashes for effect.

After setting up, I headed out for my first bit of exploring at Merchant’s Row. I have to tell you, I’ve never seen so many beautiful pieces of clothing and jewelry all in one place. The fact that everything is handmade makes it that much more impressive, but also made it that much more expensive. I made it a point to head back to my car, which was parked pretty far away, and hide my wallet in the trunk to make sure that a more intoxicated version of myself didn’t come back and blow all of my cash later in the night.

As the sun set, I changed from pirate garb to a long dress and headed over to the area where people were “bobbling.” Bobbling is essentially gambling, except money isn’t allowed to change hands, so instead of cash, people bet small bits of jewelry

and trinkets, or “bobbles.” Many of the people who were bobbling would make up an interesting story about the item they were betting on, which made the experience that much more entertaining. My favorite was a single pearl earring with thin, gold tassels that the gambler assured everyone had, in fact, been Cleopatra’s nipple ring.

My first night at war wound down without too much excitement. It was certainly fun, but the majority of it was spent getting a feel for the situation and drinking sangria around the campfire with the rest of the Horsemen. It was relatively quiet, which was nice, because the next day was the first day of war.

I was woken up 5 a.m. the following morning by the hushed, yet harsh whispers of some disembodied voice outside of my tent calling me to guard shift.

Guard shift is not fun, but it’s required in the Horsemen. There’s a history of practical jokes in the SCA. Harmless stuff, such as stealing another camp’s flag or taking something of theirs and holding it for ransom. The Horsemen protect against this by always having someone on guard. It’s also the duty of those on guard shift to keep the fire going and tend to the camp.

After the sun came up, I chippered up a bit and jumped right into making breakfast. After scarfing down my spam and potatoes, I threw on some clothes and headed down to the battle field with the rest of the Horsemen.

During the battle, I served as a water-bearer. Water bearing isn’t the most exciting job, but it gives you a front row view of the fighting and gives you the opportunity to boss people around a bit.

Many fighters, due to stubbornness, adrenaline, or a mix of the two, forget or refuse to hydrate during battle. As a water bearer, I pretty much had full permission to march up to people and demand that they drink. I’m not going to lie, I really enjoyed it.

Many people think of the fighting in the SCA as something akin to LARPing. While I understand how that misconception can be made, I have to say that war in the SCA is nothing like LARPing. I cannot tell you how many bloodied and broken people I saw on that first day. I saw everything from a high school kid who had the wind fully knocked out of him by taking a pike to the chest, to a fighter from the West with his eye swollen shut and covered in blood after taking a blow to the

face. Battle in the SCA is a full contact sport, and people suffer real injuries. It’s brutal as hell, and amazing to watch.

After the fighting was finished, most of the Horsemen headed back to our camp for lunch and some rest. I set out for a bit more exploring and people watching, and waited for the sun to set. I had it in my head that Friday night was going to be a night of partying and getting to know people from camps other than my own.

Around 10 that night, a group of about 10 Horsemen and I set out to explore and party. I was given instruction by my sponsor to make sure that the group stayed together, and at the very least, that no one took off without an escort. I have to be the first to say that this task, while seemingly simple enough, was kind of like keeping track of a bunch of monkeys on LSD. The drunker people got, the more difficult it was to keep them together, and by the end of the night, the group had dwindled down to my friend Pollux and I. We found ourselves at a pirate camp that had a hookah lounge at one corner and a bunch of gypsies belly dancing around the fire. A full drum circle kept the beat for the gypsies, and in that moment, I couldn’t be

convinced that I hadn’t somehow traveled back in time.

Pollux and I managed to befriend a pirate who went by the name of “The Boy,” who had driven out from Las Vegas for Great Western. This was his seventh year in the SCA and he made it a point to take Pollux and I under his wing, show us around, and make sure we had a genuinely good time.

First he took us back to his camp and filled our cups with grog, which is nothing more than a mix of rum, water, sugar, and lemon, yet instantly became my favorite alcoholic drink. Then he took us to a make-shift bar called the Cock and Bull. While at the Cock and Bull, I learned to play a dice game called Ship. I managed to catch a streak of ridiculous beginners’ luck and won quite a few back-to-back rounds.

Which was lucky for me, since Ship is a drinking game. By the time I stumbled away, everyone, including Pollux and myself, was noticeably inebriated.

We headed to a few more camps, chatting up dozens of random people who, due to sheer number and a bit of intoxication on my part, all began to blur together. We headed back to The Boy’s camp to get more grog and noticed a small box at the bar that said, “tips, tits, or song.”

Even at my drunkest, I’m not the type to go topless, and my wallet was locked safely away in the trunk of my car. I was gearing up to croak out something that might pass for a song, when Pollux, a music major, took over.

He began slowly, in a deep bass voice, “we’re no strangers to love you know the rules, and so do I ...”

Knowing smiles seemed to be growing on the faces of the people around me. I was at a total loss. As Pollux got to the chorus, every person in the camp jumped in, “Never gonna give you up!

Never gonna let you down!

Never gonna run around and desert you...”

It was the best Rick Roll I’ve ever experienced and my favorite moment of the entire war.

The following days of Great Western were all fun. There was more fighting, more parties, and a general mix of creativity, physical labor, and debauchery that makes me love being a part of this organization. Telling every tale worth telling from those five days would take another five pages, but to sum it all up, I watched a year’s worth of work pay off as two new Horsemen were sworn into the house.

I watched one of our houses best fighters start on his path to becoming a knight. I watched a new fighter receive recognition from a different house for breaking the shield wall to run forward and pike a prince in the face. I watched friends, who are becoming closer to family, perform feats that I am immeasurably proud of, and I can’t wait for my next war.

PROVIDED BY JEFF ROPER JR. PROVIDED BY JEFF ROPER JR.

Optimus Aurelius (Nick Robertson) and Atticus (Devon Lieske ) engage in battle on the battle of the Great Western War.

King Alexander Aethelwulf (James Acton) shouts commands to his shield wall at the Great Western War.