The Renegade Rip Vol. 83 No. 2

Unusual Pets, Features, Page 3

Vision Quest 2011, Features, Page 2

Softball, Sports, Page 10

The Renegade Rip Bakersfield College

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Vol. 83 ∙ No. 2

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Political activists honored with plaques

By Michael Wafford Editor in Chief

Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Jack Brigham were honored by commemorative plaques on Bakersfield College’s campus Feb. 9 for their lifetime achievements. Dolores Huerta was unable to attend the unveiling due to an accident resulting in a need for shoulder surgery.

However, the executive director of the Dolores Huerta foundation, and also Huerta’s daughter, Camila Chavez, spoke.

During her speech, Chavez brought up the importance of political activism among the youth while recounting stories from her past involving the United Farm Workers and Cesar Chavez.

Also speaking was honoree Jack Brigham, the executive director of the Center for Kern Political Education.

“Obviously, Cesar has a holiday named after him, Dolores has a Girl Scout patch in her honor . . . I’m not someone like that. I’m from Bakersfield. I’m very proud of my time here at BC,” said Brigham.

Brigham said he became involved with civil rights in the ‘60s. During his time with the Civil Rights Movement, he met Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Brigham said being honored by an educational institution is the favorite award he has received.

BC’s M.E.Ch.A and Maiz clubs organized the event.

BC M.E.Ch.A member Enrique

Martinez said, “It was hard and hectic to put together, but everything went great.” The plaques were placed to help educate the community about the work of Chavez, Huerta and Brigham, said Martinez.

The plaques are placed between the Business and Humanities buildings located near three trees that were dedicated to the trio in 2008

by Maiz. The area between business and humanities is also dedicated to their legacy, according to Severo Ramirez of M.E.Ch.A Chavez said, “I think it’s awesome because it’s homegrown history that we’re celebrating. Unfortunately, the work that they started is not over, and so hopefully it will inspire students to become involved and help carry the work on.”

Brandon Barraza / The Rip

Azteca dancers perform near the Campus Center in celebration of the dedication of plaques to Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Jack Brigham on Feb. 9.

New program offers LGBTQ community a ‘Safe Space’

By Brian N Willhite Reporter

In an effort to make Bakersfield College a more comfortable environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students, the Student Government Association has initiated the Safe Space program for professors, staff and students.

The Safe Space workshop was held on Feb. 5 and was a discussion-based orientation that identified issues and terminology among the LGBTQ community to better acquaint the individuals participating. The initiative aims to provide counseled support for LGBTQ students by being a resource, allowing concerned or troubled students an opportunity to confide, in a positive environment, with an ally who is trained to be sensitive and understanding in matters concerning sexuality and gender is-

sues.

Topics that are discussed, including what constitutes homophobia and the differences between tolerance and acceptance, seek to point out that even good willed intentions may still be inappropriate. The heterosexual perception of gays and gay culture is presented on an “attitude scale” and is designed to educate individuals of the different levels of attitudes toward LGBTQ persons.

More specifically, the chart helps the participant identify where they currently stand on the scale as well as where they would like to be.

Another topic that participants discussed at the meeting was the concept of heterosexual privilege.

This designation implies that, in a heterosexist society, heterosexuals take their sexual identity for granted, alienating those that do not fit the spectrum. The concept illustrates

the differences that LGBTQ persons must overcome in society, such as the “normality” of relationship statuses and how they can affect employee benefits or the constant battling of social commentary with phrases like “that’s so gay.”

Participants were also informed of statistics relating to students in the LGBTQ community. The study reported on situations, among other issues like assault and homophobic remarks, verbal harassments of LGBTQ students were at 64.1 percent and 74.2 percent of LGBTQ students who report feeling unsafe at their school.

Those in attendance felt that the program is needed at BC because not all LGBTQ students feel that they are safe to express themselves like heterosexual students do without any animosity or discrimination directed Please see SAFE SPACE, Page 4

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Bakersfield College’s Philip Valos delivers a pitch in a game against Golden West College played at BC on Feb. 13. Valos came into the game in the fifth inning and closed BC’s 10-4 victory.

Renegades open up season 4-3 Please see BASEBALL, Page 11

Bookstore works to fix delays in shipments of spring stock

By Andrea Delanty Reporter

Samantha garrett / The Rip

Students and faculty experienced frustrations at the beginning of the Spring semester stemming from the delay in shipments of textbooks to the Bakersfield College Bookstore.

Bill Norris, manager of the bookstore, attributes the problems with receiving the correct books on time to a “tight schedule.”

Adding to the initial holdup in shipments was the sudden onset of heavy snowfall on the east coast where most of the publishers of the required textbooks are located.

Norris explained that there are actually only a few titles not in stock and that he reordered shipments every time a problem arose, using overnight shipping to get the books in as soon as possible.

Laura Lorigo, auxiliary services manager and budget analyst for BC, sent an e-mail to instructors addressing the problems many were experiencing in ordering and receiving the correct textbooks.

Lorigo assures staff that while the full explanation behind the delay is not clear, all steps were being taken to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

After unsuccessfully finding the necessary textbooks at the campus bookstores, some students have resorted to finding the books elsewhere.

“I went to get my philosophy books and they didn’t have any of them. I went and found them at Barnes and Noble,” said sophomore Benjamin Servin.

Other students were unaffected by the delay.

Freshman Patricia Rocha said she had experienced no problems getting the books she needed.

“It was packed and I had to wait in line for a while, but they had all the books I needed.

It’s almost impossible to find something that fits my budget, though,” said Rocha.

While the delay made for a rough start this semester for some, Norris said all of the books are in and there are no more problems, “only success stories.”

Features

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Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

BC professor organizes ride for charity

By Gregory D. Cook Features editor

Vision quest is the name given, in many Native American tribes, to a difficult rite of passage designed to test the limits of endurance, and it usually represents a turning point in a person’s life.

It’s also what Bakersfield College English professor Scott Wayland has taken to calling his annual 13-day, 425-mile cycling tour of the eastern Sierras.

Wayland is a self-proclaimed adventure junkie. “I’ve been really lucky to live an adventurous life,” he said. “I’ve been a rock climber and mountaineer for over thirty years.” The walls of his office in the Humanities building are decorated with photos of his exploits scaling the faces of El Capitan, Half Dome and other peaks in the United States and Canada.

He is also an avid, long-distance cyclist who routinely rides the 45 miles from his home in Tehachapi to BC to teach classes.

In 2007, he rode across the United States, starting in Maine and finishing in Ventura, Calif. on his recumbent bicycle, a bicycle that

Scott Wayland places the rider in seated position with their legs out in front of them.

Wayland feels it is important to share his passion for cycling with young people. “One day I was just bombing along, thinking how much I enjoy this and what a great experience it is,” he said. “And I thought ‘you know, a lot of kids don’t have access or any kind of introduction to this kind of activity.’”

He began visiting the local high school, recruiting anyone with the “motivation and adventurous spirit to try these kinds of

rides.”

This will be the third Vision Quest Tour and it will take place over the summer break. It will have participants starting in Bishop, Calif. and riding over 12 mountain passes in the eastern Sierras before returning to Bishop 13 days later.

The ride is not for the faint of heart. Riders carry all of their own gear and camp each night of the ride. “The camping is a mix of Forest Service campgrounds and a couple of nights of just wild camping,” said Wayland.

To make sure his riders are up to the challenge, Wayland organizes regular training rides for people that are interested in undertaking the Vision Quest Tour.

“We’ve got a series of training rides and one significant test ride that’s 40 miles, and about 4,000 feet of climbing,” said Wayland.

“If the riders can finish that and not die, then physically, they’re ready.”

Wayland is using this year’s Vision Quest Tour as a fund raiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to honoring and empowering wounded

Lisa Project shows abuse

veterans.

“I see a lot of veterans come through my classes,” said Wayland. “And I read a couple of books that kind of pushed me over the edge and I decided I had to do something more concrete than just think about it and be sympathetic.”

One of the books Wayland credits with bringing the plight of the nations war-wounded to his attention was “War”, by Sebastian Junger. “I just started thinking about the kind of sacrifice and commitments these guys go through,” he said. “And that we, as a country, often don’t even think about them because it’s a volunteer military.”

Wayland hopes to raise $5,000 for the charity through donations from riders and others who may become aware of the organization through his activities. “The one thing I want you to do if you’re going to join the tour is I want you to raise a few bucks for the soldiers,” he says.

The 2011 Vision Quest Tour is open for anyone, provided they pass the test ride. For more information, visit www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/swayland.

photos by Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

BC professor Scott Wayland rides his recumbent bicycle down Red Apple Road in Tehachipi, Calif. on Feb. 12.

First Friday puts local talent on display in downtown Bakersfield

By Sandra G. Ward Reporter

Members of the community were invited to take an in-depth view into the world of a few young lives that have suffered from the torment of child abuse, sexual abuse and neglect at The Lisa Project Exhibit. The presentation is on display in the parking area of the Bakersfield Heart Hospital throughout the month of February.

The 20-minute presentation gives visitors an audio and visual experience of abuse through a child’s perspective. When first entering the exhibit visitors are provided an audio device that allows them to listen to a narration of each individual story while being guided through a number of rooms that realistically resemble the environments of those truelife victims portrayed in the project.

Visitors are then given an opportunity to view several news stories of child abuse cases that have occurred here in Kern County. “It only takes a minute to help a child,” said local project organizer Jana Davis.

The traveling exhibit is free of charge to the public. It was created to promote awareness and to educate people about child abuse and the number of cases occurring and being reported daily within our own communities.

The Lisa Project Exhibit, named after one child’s true story of abuse, travels to communities in the effort of collaborating with local agencies and organizations for sponsorship.

By invitation, the exhibit has now come to Bakersfield courtesy of ASPIRAnet, the Bakersfield Heart Hospital and several

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

From left: Bakersfield College Art Club members Donald Myers, Chris Ballard and Laura Opperman sell art to raise money for the club at First Friday on Feb. 4.

By Mateo M. Melero Kayla broadhag / The Rip

A mural displays one of the faces of abuse as part of the Lisa Project at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital on Feb. 10. other local agency sponsors.

The project is a production of creator Gene Hardin and the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County, in Stockton, California. After touring the “King Tut” exhibit with his wife Lindy Turner-Hardin, executive director of the CAPC in Stockton, Hardin came up with the idea of creating the project. “Why can’t we take a child by the hand figuratively and let them tell you their story,” said Hardin.

Hardin added that they wanted to create a realistic view of the world of child abuse without trying to shock people of the tragedy behind it.

“We didn’t want to turn it into something like a horror film.

So why not let the children tell their own story?” said Hardin.

He hopes the exhibit will inspire visitors into paying more attention to the reality of child abuse and keep the public aware that it continues to occur in our own communities.

“Child abuse isn’t only about

a mom screaming at her child in the department or grocery store,” explained Hardin. “There are laws about definite abuse and children are being pulled from their homes.”

According to The Lisa Project, each day in Kern County there are approximately 41 reports of children being abused, and yet studies have indicated that those reported are only 40 percent of cases to actually occur.

The cycle continues as 30 percent of those child abuse victims move on as adults to become abusers of their own children.

In cases of child fatalities due to abuse or neglect, 75 percent of those are under the age of 4 years. The exhibit will be on display free to the public throughout February on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Due to the strong content there is a PG-13 rating and children under age 13 must be accompanied by or guardian.

An example of a bedroom of an abused child is on display as part of the Lisa Project’s audio tour at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Feb 10.

Kayla broadhag / The Rip

Reporter

First Friday was in full bloom Feb. 4. All along Eye, 20th and 19th Streets, lay a patchwork of handmade didgeridoo, paintings and sketches, as local artists and musicians gathered to display and potentially sell their art.

Set up in between 19th and 20th street, the BC Art Club displayed a collection of past student art in attempt to raise funds for new display cabinets. “Last semester there was a bunch of student artwork hung up in the Fine Arts building, with the lockers in it, and someone came around with red paint and just destroyed all the student artwork,” said BC Art member Chris Ballard.

“So what we’re doing tonight is take some of the old student pieces that were left by students throughout the years, and we’re trying to sell them to raise money to make display cases so we can still display student art, but it will be a lot safer.”

Further down Eye Street, near Wall Street, an instrument from half around the world could be heard.

“It’s said to be the oldest instrument in the world,” said Matthew J. Peters as curious onlookers passed by in curiosity of his handmade didgeridoo. Originating from Australia, the aborigines, Peters said, “would take hollow termite logs, where the termites would bore up the tree and it would die, then they would go and knock on it, find the hollow ones, tip them over, and make a mouthpiece out of bees wax.”

Constructed from yucca stalk, Peter’s didgeridoos took him about 10 hours of work to

complete.

“I have to go out and find them, bring them back, cut them, hollow them, sand them all, shape the inside, glue them back together, pour two coats of epoxy down the center, two coats of epoxy on the outside, make the mouth piece, shape that and cook that. So it’s a process,” said Peters.

In regards to selling his exotic aerophone, Peters said, “It’s hard in town, but people have been seeing me because I’ve been doing a couple of art shows, and I’ve been coming out to First Friday.”

Hope Henderson, 17, local artist and author of manga novels, which she hopes to publish, also commented on marketing art in Bakersfield.

“I’ve known people who lived here and they couldn’t sell a thing, and they moved to another city, like Los Angeles or anywhere besides Bakersfield or the city surrounding, and they started selling really fast,” said Henderson.

And though First Friday doesn’t necessarily promise sales, Henderson went on to say about her recurring appearances at First Friday, “I like to show people what I love.”

Other artists participating that

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Patrons fill the Metro Gallery on First Friday. night set up their art with only the intention to be seen.

“What my goal was tonight was to just come out here and show my art. I didn’t plan on selling any, just want to get it out there, that’s all,” said Kristal Burton as she stood in front of her self-described expressionist drawings.

As the night progressed, the street brought many onlookers, with some artists exchanging cash for crafts but always conversing with inquiring folks, detailing on what they do.“First Friday is good,” said Peters.

Features

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Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

BC manager of maintenance and operations finds benefits in birds

By James Licea Copy Editor

James licea / The Rip

BC manager of maintenance and operations Paula Bray holds her pet rooster Feb. 5 2011.

If you walk near the Levinson Center at Bakersfield College, you may have had a chance to see the manager of Maintenance and Operations, Paula Bray, and her pet chickens. Bray is an admirer of birds of all kinds, owning four chickens, two ducks and two parrots.

Every once in a while, one of her pets will make a visit to Bakersfield College campus. Bray explained that about once a week her husband, Kevin Tschida, comes to pick her up and will sometimes bring one of their pets with him.

When he does, she said, “I get to show them off as I’m walking out the door.”

Depending on the day, he’ll bring either one of their roosters,

ducks or parrots.

When one of her roosters is brought out in public, they are given a leash to wear. Bray explained that her chickens do not actually walk on the leash. They are usually carried; the leash is just to keep them from running away if they are set on the ground and happen to get startled by something.

Bray is a bird enthusiast and has cared for various types of birds for 10 years. Her two roosters are named Flower and Benji. Flower, she said, “was named after the skunk in Bambi, because when he was a little baby he had a stripe all the way down his back. Now that he’s a big grown-up rooster, it seems silly.”

Originally wanting a large cockatoo, Bray explained, “It takes a lot of care, and I couldn’t care for them that much. So the next best

thing to a big fluffy parrot is a big fluffy chicken.”

Along with the small amount of upkeep they require, Bray explained, “they’re useful animals, as well as being nice, soft and cuddly.”

Bray explained that usually people have a bad understanding of roosters.

“They think they’re mean animals,” she said.

She explained that roosters are quite delightful pets as well as being helpful. By letting their roosters roam in the yard during the day, they help minimize unwanted insects. Another benefit, she explained, was that they also get eggs from their two hens, which they eat.

Although she does keep her two roosters outside most of the day, when night falls, her pets are given

diapers to wear and brought inside.

They wear their diapers to eliminate accidents that might occur indoors. She gets small diapers that are especially made for chickens from a website called chickendiapers.com.

Along with the occasional visit to campus, Bray also brings her pet roosters with her while shopping at Farmers Market and also brought them to the Garden Fest in the Horticulture lab last year.

Her rooster, Benji, has even been in parades.

In public, Bray said people usually give similar reactions to her and her pets. They ask her, “What’s that? Is that a rooster?” Then they usually ask her questions, which she is always happy to answer.

She said that most people are afraid of her roosters at first, but after a while they warm up to them.

Melodrama pleases crowd with Western themed production

By Monica Bolger Reporter

As the lights dimmed and the curtains divided, the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre traveled to a time where adventurous cowboys, suave sheriffs and ditsy sweethearts roamed the saloons of Bakersfield.

A performance held on Feb. 12 brought a full house of guests that settled into reserved seating in excitement to see “Shootout At Ethel’s Old Coral.”

Tim and Heidi Green are regular customers at the Gaslight Melodrama and enjoy coming to see its year round productions.

“We really enjoy coming to watch the show here and we usually have season tickets,” said Heidi Green.

“We’re familiar with the cast and think its great how the sto-

ries tie in to Kern County.”

The show starred Ethel Spencer, played by actress Coryn McBride.

McBride was successful in drawing roaring laughs from the crowd as she continuously made comical jokes and innuendos about her “special sarsaparilla” and marital status.

Coryn McBride and four other actors achieved the shows western theme by wearing the appropriate attire of corsets, bustles, gun satchels, and cowboy boots.

The moral of the story is to get Ethel to sell her late father’s saloon.

Along the way, she and her sister face several obstacles of shoot-outs and protests, They are fully satisfied when good prevails over evil and the bad cowboy is forced to run out of town.

Artistic director and set designer, Michael Prince, attended the evening show with his son.

The pair came to support the cast and watch his wife Jennifer perform as Prudence, one of the main characters that’s a protesting holy roller.

“The theater is family owned and we’ve all been at this location for the past five years,” said Prince.

The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music Hall originated from its main location in Oildale and was once known as the Vaudeville Express.

Today, the Melodrama family remains successful in attracting new viewers to its fairly new location off of Allen and Rosedale highway.

Saturday night’s wall to wall audience and crowded bar shows proof of Melodrama’s success in

Joe Cota / The Rip

From left: Kati Metz (Edith), Coryn McBride (Ethel) and Jay Campbell (Clint) act out a scene from “Shoot-out at Ethel’s Old Corral” at the Gaslighlight Melodrama Theatre on Feb. 12. The show is scheduled to run through March 12. attracting new people.

“We welcome everyone to come see our shows and we guarantee they’ll love it,” said Producer Arnie Carlos.

Carlos has been the owner of

the theater, alongside his wife Linda Larma.

“We have many different shows for people to come bring their families and friends,” said Carlos.

At the end of the show, guests left satisfied and encouraged to return to the place where only they would be familiar when hearing the “Code of the West!”

Literature inspired art on display at Padre Hotel

By Monica Bolger Reporter

A medley of aromas, pigments and conversation interpreted the scene at the Padre Hotel’s Farmacy Café on Feb. 4.

Hors d’ oeuvres and fine wine were carried by attending guests who had come to experience ConTEXTual, an evening exhibition presented by the Art Council Community of Kern.

This show of literacy gave on-lookers the opportunity to acknowledge and purchase the items showcased, while creating awareness of their cultural elements.

The opening show recognized four artists: Yvonne Cavanagh, Christine McKee, Claire Putney, and Barbara Reid for their creative work.

Each portrait hung on alternate walls and was highlighted by dim lighting, followed by a descriptive caption underneath explaining its significance.

Former Bakersfield College student and featured artist, McKee described her work as, “how I see it.

“I made this piece in attempt to portray the way I view Dyslexia through my own eyes.”

McKee discovered through many years of experience the different forms of visual art and printmaking.

“There’s many ways you could interpret my work,” said McKee. Barbara Reid attracted guests with a completely different style of acrylic on canvas.

The statement usually made in Reid’s work is expressed through a personal experience and a tragic life lost.

Reid’s visual art consisted of different seasons, handwritings, a picture of her son, and also text cutouts from a newspaper and a book.

Yvonne Cavanagh was another artist whose work showcased clay sculptures.

“My work for this show is based on a gorgeous Ficus tree that I admired while traveling last year,” said Cavanagh.

Cavanagh’s sculptures made a bold and solid statement, for ranging all under 15 inches in length.

photos by Joe Cota / The Rip

Above: Artist Christine McKee (center) talks with Sarah Johnson (left) and Velda Bryan (right) about her paintings on display for the ConTEXTual exhibition at the Padre Hotel on Feb. 4 Below: Art enthusiast Jacon Brown admires a painting by artist Barbara Reid at the Padre Hotel on Feb. 4 .

Joe cota / The Rip

Artist Yvinne Cavanaugh’s work titled “Strength” was on display for the ConTEXTual exhibition at the Padre Hotel on Feb. 4.

Like the additional artists, Claire Putney used oil on canvas to define her style of abstract art and toward the end of the evening, sold three individual pieces.

The profit gained from the show also played a meaningful role in supporting various non-profit organizations, along with sponsors of Jim Burke Ford, Neuro Feedback’s Train Your Brain and First Book.

The goal of ConTEXTual’s evening event was achieved in making people aware of literacy-involved art.

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News Briefs Swim Team Fundraiser The Bakersfield College Swim Team is planning a fundraising dinner and silent auction on March 25. Tickets and more info available at the pool or by calling 395-4663.

Lecture discusses women’s history with “Women Win the Vote” Bakersfield College’s Women’s History Month celebration will be “Women Win the Vote,” featuring history professor Ann Wiederrect.

Learn about suffrage in California on March 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Planetarium Show at Bakersfield College The William M. Thomas Planetarium will show “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” a presentation on the history of the telescope on February 24 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Doors will be open at 7 p.m. and will be closed during the one-hour program with no late admittance. Tickets are available for $6.50/adults and $4.50/ seniors and children five to 12 years old from the Bakersfield College Ticket Office only (tickets will not be sold at the door).

The Planetarium is on the second floor, northwest end of the Math and Science Building, Room 112.

No food, drink, gum or candy is allowed in the planetarium. Children must be five years or older.

Karaoke night featured at Junction Lounge

Karaoke will be offered Tuesday through Saturday at the Junction Lounge and Diner, 2620 Buck Owens Boulevard, Bakersfield, CA 93308. There is no cover charge. The schedule is Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Friday and Saturday nights are from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

“Glamouresse” Pageant The Bakersield Music Theatre will be holding a production called “Pageant,” and is described as “one of the rowdiest farces ever staged.” Audience members will judge and determine the winner each night. The show runs February 25 - 27, March 4 - 6, March 10 -12, and March 17 - 19. Order tickets and get showtimes at bmtstars.com. The BMT is located at 1931 Chester Ave.

“The Vagina Monologues” The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler’s award-winning play benefitting Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, will be playing at the Empty Space Theatre March 18 -19 at 8 p.m. and March 26 at 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. Join them for the V-Fair on March 26 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The V-Fair is free and has vendors, info booths, live performances, art, and more. The Empty Space Theatre is at 706 Oak St. Call 327-PLAY for tickets.

Law School Forum On Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. a free, informational law forum will be given at San Joaquin College of Law at 901 5th Street. It is intended to help prospective students learn about law school, admission requirements, the amount of work involved, and if San Joaquin College of Law is right for the interested student. The forum will then be opened up to questions from the audience. Participants will be provided with a catalogue and LSAT regristration information at no cost.

Political Lecture featured in the Norman Levan Center At Bakersfield College “Democracy and Empire: Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War.” A public lecture by Mike Peters, the President of St. John’s College and former Chief of Staff of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The lecture will be at 7 p.m. on March 2 in the Seminar Room of the Levan Center. Parking and attendance are free.

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Changes ahead for elections

By Mateo M. Melero Reporter

In order to provide training and initiation time for newly elected officials, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association will be holding their election process earlier this year than in previous years .

Set to be held on March 8-9,

about two weeks earlier than 2010 elections, SGA President Lisa English said,“There really is more running time because we started giving the [election] packets out the first week of February.”

“Another reason why the election is early,”said English, “is so that they can go to conference and it’s more for us to teach and bond with them so

that when we come back from conference, we can all work together.”

The National Center for student leadership conference will be held April 7-10 in Atlanta, Ga. and offers workshops and speakers in hopes of providing leadership skills.

“We’re going to Georgia with them to have ... a training session with them there so that

they can get leadership skills from the conference and in order to secure their job situation when they come in and for us to give them more training. This is the best idea we had so far,” said English.

Other changes are also being made to the election process this year. Voting will now strictly take place online through the website, Votenet.com, in which

students log on using their last names and ID numbers to vote.

The website will also be used throughout the year for polls concerning campus issues and concerns.

Open candidate forums will be held March 1-2 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main campus inside the Fireside Room, and March 3 at the Delano Campus at 5 p.m.

GSA chapter opens at BC, reaches out

By Amber T. Troupe Reporter

President of the proposed Gay Straight Alliance Matt Guenther was a student at Bakersfield College in 2004, but is now returning for the nursing program.

Guenther stated, “This association has quite a history.

It was established six years ago, but fell apart when all the members graduated including me. So this semester I decided to try again because I am no longer working full time, so I am able to do a lot more.”

Gay Straight Alliance is not currently an official club, but Guenther says that he is finishing the application and getting the authorization required.

Guenther also said that he is working on the constitution for the future club. He had a local nonprofit organization put the word out around town about the GSA at BC. “Our first meeting on Jan. 21 had a turn out of about 12 people and at the second one, Feb. 3, 18 people showed up.

I was not expecting the type of crowd that showed up, from

the returning older people 50 and over, deaf, younger, transgender, gays and lesbians and straight allies. It is a very cool network and that was part of the ideas to form a support group for these kinds of students,” said Guenther.

Guenther says the GSA has four major purposes for its creation starting with the goal of facilitating a safe environment, straight allies, culture of acceptance and education. They also reach out to the local high schools’ gay and straight alliances and introduce them to the “Safe Space” progam which is a designated area for students to hang out and feel safe to be themselves.

The mission statement is: “We’re here to act as an advocate for students of the lesbian gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning community.”

Next Meeting The next Gay Straight Alliance club meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24 in the Fine Arts building, room 54 at 5:45 p. m.

Joe Cota / The Rip

Matt Guenther, a nursing student and President of the Gay Straight Alliance at Bakersfield College, sits and reads a magazine in the Campus Center on Feb. 14.

SAFE SPACE: Providing support for students Continued from Page 1 toward them.

“Of course, all students should feel safe on campus, but I think there’s a significant portion of students from this community who don’t feel safe and that’s exactly why we need to work on this program so that they do feel safe,” said Matthew Morgan, philosophy professor and co-chair of BC’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committee.

Morgan feels that this program would be very beneficial for faculty to help them understand what their students are going through. He was also surprised at the percentages of students that are assaulted or harassed on the basis of their sexuality and because of these issues; he fully supports the program and would like to see it grow at BC. Dean of Students Joyce Coleman, who is also a co-chair of the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committee, feels that the Safe Space program is very beneficial for BC students and staff members. She discussed how students that want to be open about their sexual orientation should not be fearful of

negative responses and actions that may be directed at them from students or professors who do not understand them.

“If we have students that are coming up to us and saying, ‘I don’t feel safe,’ then it’s our job to try and work to give them the opportunity to feel safe and this is one way to do that,” Coleman said.

One of the students in attendance, SGA secretary Toccara Byrd, felt that the experience and knowledge that she learned from the workshop has better helped her understand what her feelings are on the subject.

“I didn’t realize where I stood before I started reading this information. I thought that it was OK to say ‘As long as I don’t see it’, or, ‘as long as you don’t throw it in my face,’ but it’s not,” Byrd said of her new perspective.

“It’s important to give every Bakersfield College student the opportunity to be able to walk into a room or walk into a class and just be accepted for who they are,” said Byrd.

Matt Guenther, representative for BC’s Gay/Straight Alliance club, spoke about the program and feels it’s ben-

eficial for the college to embrace the Safe Space program because many students are at a point in their life when they need a supportive ally that won’t judge them.

“It’s a time of transition for a lot of people. It’s a time of soul searching and it can be really difficult when you’re coming to term with parts of your personality that you’re not certain that others around you are OK about.

“So, having a visible resource, an advocate and an ally in a professor – an educated person you know you can trust – is really helpful to students,” Guenther said.

Furthermore,Guenther feels that if programs like Safe Space were more prominent, tragedies could possibly be averted by showing students that there are people available to them who are open to listen.

“Visible advocacy is one of the best ways to prevent such tragedies as suicide. If we had had a professor, teacher, or club on campus in Tehachapi, where Seth Walsh had taken his life at that school, he probably would have been able to turn to somebody and ask for help

and a qualified individual would have been able to recognize that there’s some problems going on and they could’ve interceded,” said Guenther as he confirmed his support for the program.

Other colleges have initiated similar programs that influenced this program that Coleman and SGA President Lisa English developed with the help of others.

“Lots of colleges already have Safe Space programs or ‘Safe Zones’ and BC is coming to it kind of late. Even CSUB has one. So what we did when we developed our program was to look at what other colleges did and what they’re doing, and kind-of pull information and other things about what they’re doing from their programs and incorporate it to ours. Now, the next step is to have a second workshop that goes even further

than this workshop,” Coleman said as she noted that the program is still at an introduction level.

According to English and Coleman, the next steps will be to incorporate more into the program and expand it to include other programs like the Breaking Bread program, which puts together students of diverse social backgrounds to experience a social activity with one another, such as cooking and eating dinner together.

Coleman also emphasizes that equality is one of the main components to the Safe Space program and that all students should be afforded the same rights.

“It’s all about students being successful and doing the same thing for every student,” Coleman said.

Safe Space Workshops Workshops for the Safe Space program are proposed to be held once a month by the SGA. Everyone who participates in and completes the program will receive a plaque that they can display for students to see. To learn more about Safe Space or to participate, contact the SGA office for more information.

Read a review of

Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 online at

therip.com

available Feb. 17.

courtesy of capcom games

Campus

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The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Renovations planned for BC facilities

Photos by Gregory d. cook / the rip

Obsolete controls backstage in the indoor theater are one of the many things scheduled to be replaced Feb. 14.

By Chrystal Fortt Reporter

Bakersfield College Maintenance and Operations manager Paula Bray is hard at work overseeing plans to renovate many buildings on campus.

The entire Speech Arts & Music building, which houses both the indoor and outdoor theaters, is going to be renovated from the inside of the classrooms to the landscaping of flowers on the outside.

“We believe that there will be many more performances in the facility now that we will actually have a facility that we can be proud of,” said Bray.

The renovations still need to be approved, and then the renovation process is estimated to take 18 months to construct.

Right now the maintenance office is looking for other locations on and off campus to hold all performing arts classes.

The condition of the building prevents the college from holding more events in the theaters. “There may have been one event,” Bray said. “And part of the reason is that the facility is aging and the seats are really passed their lifetime.” The outdoor theater seats cause a lot of dust because they are made out of deteriorating fiberglass.

Along with the renovation,

new equipment will be set up.

Right now, the outdoor theater doesn’t have the proper equipment for scenery on stage and a number of moving panels will be added to improve scene settings.

A screen will also be installed on the sides of the outdoor theater. The screen won’t cover the entire theater like a roof; it will act as a frame for the stage.

The indoor theater will have completely new seating that will be set up like a stadium. “You’ll be looking over the person in front of you rather than looking through their heads,” Bray said.

“You’ll actually be able to have a better view of the stage.”

The new seating will also help people with disabilities, and there will be a number of different areas specially designed to accommodate persons with disabilities that can be chosen from.

The indoor theater will also have new lighting and sound equipment will be installed as well as new catwalks up across the top so the lighting can be put up safely.

“I know that the facility is going to be something that will be used much more frequently than it is right now because of the equipment that is going to be installed,” said Bray.

Currently whenever it rains, the rain runs down onto the stage and then leaks into the prop and

Many of the seats in the indoor theater suffer from worn or torn upholstery and are due to be replaced.

The lighting controls in the control booth of the indoor theater are out-dated, making replacement parts hard to come by when needed. scenery room. These leaks will also be repaired.

The projected budget for this project is $16 million.

After this summer semester the SAM building will not hold any classes inside and all equipment will be taken out.

After the renovations, the SAM building will be referred to a performing arts center, however it’s unknown if the actual name, Speech Arts & Music building, will be changed.

The SAM building isn’t the only

project that is being worked on.

The earliest project behind the SAM building is work on the elevators in the Language Arts building and Math Science building that has been pushed through as an emergency repair.

The LA building’s elevator stopped working, and as a result the entire top floor of the LA building’s classes had to be moved to different locations to accommodate students with disabilities.

Work on these renovations could begin in the next six months.

annie stockman / The Rip

Fiberglass bench seating in the outdoor theater show their age and the effects of continued exposure.

Food pantry has served over 3,300 BC students and children

By Amber T. Troupe Reporter

The Renegade Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization that was created by the Bakersfield College Student Government Association over a year ago to give students, especially single parents, a helping hand with the rising cost of food.

Operations Manager Gilbert Hernandez explained that the Renegade Pantry is working on a one-year anniversary celebra-

tion for all the students that have been assisted by the pantry as well as the investments and food donations received from all over the community.

“It’s not quite official yet, but the SGA members are meeting and working on a date for the possible event. It was meant to be more or less a shout out for the pantry’s year-long opening as well as to commemorate all donating establishments,” said Brian Rathfelder, SGA vice president.

Both Rathfelder and Hernandez proudly shared that since the pantry’s opening last year they have proudly served over 1,400 students and over 1,900 of their children as well. The SGA stated that they have been working on getting local grocery stores involved even more by donating their gifts of non-perishable food items.

The SGA is also trying to encourage local businesses to donate money to this non-profit program at BC because it is also

a tax write-off for them.

“We sent out a BC all-email to thank everyone that made the BC Renegade Pantry successful,” stated Rathfelder.

Students can sign up for food boxes in the SGA office located in the Campus Center 4 prior to the distribution dates for the Spring semester: Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 7 and 28, and May 12. Pantry hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Ryan George / The Rip

Various types of food sit on the shelves of the Food Pantry prior to pick up Feb. 10.

Changes may be coming to SGA Student Discount Card soon

By Kevin Foster Reporter

Changes are coming to the Bakersfield College Student Government Association Student Discount Card, according to SGA Vice President Brian Rathfelder.

“We are currently under contract with Student Advantage printing company and it costs us $5,000 to get only 1,000 discount cards just for this semes-

ter,” he said. “With that being said, I think we need to find a new printing company that can save the students money.”

Rathfelder wants to cut out the middleman.

“My idea is a hologram sticker to be put on the corner of the card instead of a regular sticker, because not that many people can just copy that from a printer and say that they bought the card and we won’t have to spend the money to go to a printing com-

pany.” Rathfelder said.

The current card has discounts to over 30 different locations including La Pizza Veloz, BJ’s 5 star Pizza and Don Roberto’s Jewelers, just to name a few.

The card also has two free football season passes to every home game as well as 5 percent off at the Bakersfield College Bookstore for people who buy it in the fall.

Rathfelder wanted to make some changes to make it fair for

the people who buy the spring card.

“Maybe we can talk to the people in charge of the pool or the weight room and get them free access if they buy it in the spring semester.”

All this is offered for $15, Rathfelder said he doesn’t foresee any change in that price when the new cards are implemented.

Another problem with the current card that Rathfelder talked about was the amount of steps it

takes to currently get a card.

Students buy the card at the finance office and then take their receipt to the SGA office and then wait to get the card. When the students get the card, they have to activate it online.

Rathfelder also expressed interest in working on getting more vendors from various parts of town so the cards will benefit students from all areas.

“Most of the vendors off campus are near Chester Avenue and

on the east side of town,” he said.

“Well I live out in the west side and there are hardly any vendors by my house that I can use the card with. I think we need to branch out a little bit.”

While the SGA is currently in talks with companies to produce the new cards, according to Rathfelder, it will be next semester at the earliest before any changes can be expected.

Campus

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The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Wi-Fi installed in cafeteria by SGA

By Keith Kaczmarek Reporter

for the SGA, created a proposal for the SGA with his recommendation.

“I went out and tested it with my computer,” he said. “I understand that it is a major area for students doing homework and sometimes you need the Internet for that.

“Almost everyone has some need [for the Internet] to survive in school today.”

When asked about the expense, he said “It’s a big chunk at once, but we do have the funds. There was plenty of money for that.” He added, “They were going to redo the campus center, but they can get it up so it won’t be affected. It was a one-time deal.”

According to Hill, the expansion of the Wi-Fi to these other rooms cost $2,300 and the SGA voted in the proposal 16-0-0.

Jason Ramirez and Katrina Salutan share a Valentine’s Day kiss in the Bakersfield College cafeteria Feb. 14

For those students used to hovering near the wall of the cafeteria to catch a trickle of Wi-Fi, your prayers have been answered, as Wi-Fi is now available within the cafeteria, the game room, the Collins Conference Room and Executive Board Room.

When Dean Serabian, network administrator of information services, noticed students near the cafeteria wall shared with the Fireside Lounge getting the bleed over of Wi-Fi from that room, he mentioned it to the SGA and suggested extending Wi-Fi coverage to the cafeteria. Eventually, he was also the person responsible for the installation.

Sean Hill, General Counsel

Students express meaning of holiday

GED test no longer given on BC campus

Megan Luecke / The Rip

By James Timothy Reporter

The overall focus for Valentine’s Day is generally accepted as being about love and a little something for that someone special, but for students at Bakersfield College the meaning of the holiday tends to be as diverse as the students themselves.

A BC freshman that only gave her name as Jeni, found it unnecessary to deviate from the formula. “Valentine’s Day is meant for love, to show someone you care about how you feel.”

Jeni’s boyfriend lives in Santa Monica, but still managed to make an appearance last weekend, bearing an offering of flowers. “He did a good job,” she said.

A few students, most of them male, expressed feeling pressure to perform on the holiday and remarked upon the expectations of their significant others. But

Angel Martinez has some simple advice, “when it’s coming up, you better be ready, forget and you’ll be minus a valentine.”

While some students are caught up in the pressure and the hype of the holiday, others choose to lay low and go about everyday affairs.

Kat Cruz said that she “usually eats a lot of chocolate, but this year I’ll be working.” Stating her opinion on the amount of hype surround Valentine’s Day, she said, “America is just infatuated with the idea of infatuation.”

Others have opinions about Valentine’s Day that are less than enthusiastic. They question the legitimacy of the holiday.

“It’s a woman-made holiday invented as an excuse to make [men] buy them stuff. Mainly candy, chocolate and diamonds,” said sophomore Matt Mizell. He gestures to the smiling girl beside him. “Now, I got her some chocolate, but tonight I’ll be go-

By Keith Kaczmarek Reporter

megan luecke / The Rip

Cash Brown and Marley Ramirez share a moment together in the Bakersfield College Campus Center. ing to my martial arts class.”

“It’s the one day set aside to tell people you love them, but you should do that everyday,” said Michael Lopez.

Lopez is a sophomore and is

Find a solution to the problem

intent on keeping the chocolate theme of Valentine’s Day going strong.

“Tonight I’m going to be eating Bon-Bons and watching Days of Our Lives.”

By Samantha Garrett Production editor

General Education Development testing was eliminated from the services being offered by the Assessment Center, effective Dec. 31, 2010.

Citing budget concerns, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Amber Chiang, said “[the GED test] is easily accessible other places in town” and mentioned that it didn’t make sense that BC would also offer the service.

“We were told by the chancellor of community colleges to make cuts and justify how every program promotes our core mission. That means you don’t eliminate things that students need to transfer.”

The GED test measures basic math, writing, reading, and social science skills. The test is eight hours long.

More importantly, it serves

as an alternate requirement for those seeking to enter college when they do not possess a high school diploma.

For example, according to BC’s 2010-2011 College Catalog, a GED or high school diploma is required for admission, though “any person 18 years of age or older who is not a high school graduate may be admitted if his or her previous training or experience indicates that he or she will profit from the offerings of the college”, as decided by the director of enrollment services.

For now, BC is recommending that those wishing to take the GED should contact the GED departments of Taft College or Bakersfield Adult School.

The person formally in charge of the program, Sue Vaughn, Director of Enrollment Services, was unavailable for comment.

Hands Across California coming to Bakersfield

By Mateo M. Melero Reporter

In hopes of securing a $100 million scholarship endowment for California’s community colleges, Bakersfield College, along with other community colleges across the state, will literally join hands April 17 for the first-ever Hands Across California.

Intended as a fundraiser for community college scholarships, the event is estimated to consist of 1.5 million people and extend 1,500 miles from San Diego to Sacramento and back down the coast, in a hand held connection linking California’s Community Colleges.

The event stems from an initial donation of $25 million, made roughly two and a half years ago by The Bernard Osher Foundation. A commitment was also made, to donate up to another $25 million to California’s community colleges, if the colleges obtained their share of the match within the given three-year deadline in June 2011.

Each community college was originally charged with obtaining a specific amount for the endowment based on their enrollment size. According to a Jan. 21 listing, 13 of 110 colleges in the state have met their target goal, with BC’s amount at $567,092, which it has secured in full.

But other schools in the state have acquired little or none of their funds. In total, $32 million still remains to be raised.

Hands Across California will

attempt to close that gap and obtain those remaining funds.

Operating much like a walkathon, the fundraiser will rely on participators who will obtain pledges for their involvement.

“The idea is, each one of those people is going to get a pledge,” said BC Foundation Director Mike Stepanovich.

“If everyone of those people got $20 in pledge, we’d complete our match.”

Donations from businesses and corporations will also be relied on to help obtain the amount.The attained earnings from the event, as well as the money obtained over the past three years will serve to provide an annually recurring general scholarship fund for community college students.

“The fact of the matter is, that we are going to have 56 of these $1000 scholarships, and however many more we raise for the rest of forever,” said Katrina Oldershaw, legislative liaison for BC’s Student Government Association.

“Every year we are always going to have these scholarships that we can give out to our students, so the more we raise the more money we can give out to our students.” said Oldershaw.

As far as the logistics go for the event, they remain in the planning stages, but it is anticipated that the line will travel down California State Route 58 and then down 99, but that is subject to change.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Stepanovich, “It’s going to be historical.”

Opinions

Page 7

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Staff Editorial

Hold media accountable The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the citizens of our fair nation, using just one sentence, five basic rights. It is arguably one of the most meaningful and influential sentences ever written, and right there, nestled between the freedom of speech, and the right to peacefully assemble, is the promise that Congress will make no laws that prohibit the “free exercise thereof; or abridge the freedom of... the press.”

And while news organizations are often quick to hold the First Amendment up as a shield when their critics and detractors come to call, it is rare that you ever hear mention of the tremendous responsibilities that such freedoms demand.

Why would the industry of the press be singled out for such prominent protection in the First Amendment? Because the founding fathers understood that a well-informed population would be crucial if the Great American Experiment was to succeed. It is the job of the press to keep you informed of the world around you in the hopes that you, as well informed citizens, can effectively govern yourselves. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work.

We are not here to tell you what to think, or to tell you if what has happened was right or wrong. Our mission is just to give you accurate information in an objective manner so you can make your own informed decisions.

That is a huge responsibility, but are the major news-media organizations in America staying true to that mission?

A glance at the programming schedules of both Fox News Channel and MSNBC, the two top-rated news networks at this time, will reveal at least as many opinion and agenda-based talk or commentary programs as actual news coverage. These shows are often presented with the same look and style as news reports, as if they are actual journalism, when in fact they are the polar opposite of what the press should be doing.

Programming like Hardball on MSNBC and the O’Reilly Factor on Fox are not journalism, and they have no rightful place being aired on a network that claims to be “Fair and Balanced,” or “Leaning Forward,” whatever that might mean.

It is truly shameful how these networks attempt to push their individual agendas under the disguise of journalism, and it is even more deplorable that they would look to the First Amendment for the protection to do so.

The right of the American public to a free and unregulated press is vital to the health of our nation and an important safeguard to the rest of our personal liberties.

It is no coincidence that when the recent political turmoil in Egypt erupted, one of the first actions of the Egyptian government was to impose a media blackout. Remove the knowledge, remove the power.

It is high time that the American public starts demanding their news organizations be deserving of the rights they have.

’G ade Feedback

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Product recalls leave buyers rather hazy

By Sandra G. Ward Reporter

One fine day, I found myself given the luxury to purchase a new laptop computer after my old one had bit the dust. This was a good thing since I relied on my old laptop to regulate my entire livelihood and it had since been lost.

It was a Sony Vaio I had purchased at Best Buy. In the midst of one dreary night and after having it for only about five months, I go to fire up my Sony Vaio to see how my day went, when out of the blue it took one last short breathe before seizing into the blue screen of death.

Through all my great efforts to restore it and having enough knowledge to know that I didn’t cause the problem, my Sony Vaio never regained consciousness again.

A bad habit of mine is that I fail to

keep tabs on my receipts. Yet, I did make the purchase with a credit card and have made several purchases at Best Buy in the past as a faithful customer. This left me with confidence that there would be no problems when I took the laptop back to them for repairing or exchange.

Things were going smoothly as I explained to the service repair guy what had occurred with my computer. He made me feel at ease about not having the receipt and justified my belief that there would be record of my purchase on file in their computer system.

Due to having made the purchase less than a year ago, I am able to avoid the service charges for repairs.

Then comes the moment I take the laptop from its case and I get this strange look from the service guy, who excuses himself for a moment.

When the service guy returns, he says there is a problem and he couldn’t seem

to find the receipt of my purchase on their computer system and suggested that I get a copy from my bank statement to bring back. So I did just that.

Upon returning with my bank statement, another service guy says they still can’t find my purchase in their records and my bank statement does not include what item was actually purchased.

At that point, not only did being misled disturb me, I was also becoming very suspicious about why they could not find my purchase in their computer files. So I figured I would do some research when I found out my computer had been recalled by the manufacturer. The recall effected computers sold at Best Buy between the months of January through May of 2010.

I made my purchase in April of that year.

By that time, I’m wondering why the service guy failed to inform me that my computer was a recalled item after seeing

it was a Sony Vaio.

Thinking to myself, “what would the first thing a service technician do when an item comes in for repair?” Sense tells me that maybe he would check for some recall in effect by the manufacturer.

On my fourth and final trip back to Best Buy, I approached them with the recall issue. They were no longer interested in finding my purchase receipt and suggested I take the problem to the manufacturer, no longer bothering them with it.

It appeared that they could not find the receipt of my purchase after obviously finding out it was a recalled item the first day I brought it back.

For those of you ever thinking about making an expensive purchase, I strongly suggest researching the item you’re interested in. Make sure you look at the warranty and return policy and if that is not provided in your purchase, choose not to make that purchase.

Clock has begun ticking for progress

By Keith Kaczmarek Reporter

by samantha Garrett / The Rip

The revolution in Egypt has achieved an incredible symbolic trimpuh by forcing the removal of the aging Mubarak, but this is not the time to claim victory.

Egyptian politics has been marred by corruption for the last thirty years ranging from widespread accusations of voter fraud, embezzlement of government money by the military and the use of secret police to kill or imprison political opposition.

As of today, the mostly bloodless revolution has forced the military to remove the President, dissolve the Parliament, suspend the Constitution and promise a peaceful transition to democratically-elected representatives in six months, but this is the time to be careful.

The question is: can a nation with a history of corruption, rigged elections and the widespread use of secret police to silence political opposition actually make the transition to a democracy, or will the exact same people continue to hold power from the shadows?

President Mubarak may be on the way out, but if the rumors of the 82-year-old’s ill health and possible cancer are true, a regime change may have already been in the works. The military power players may have already decided to continue the same old dirty tricks of voter fraud and secret police crackdowns to put their own proxies into positions of power.

Certainly, with Mubarak’s

personal wealth gained from the plunder of Egypt’s coffers and estimated to be around 50 to 70 billion dollars, there is more than enough money to manipulate Egyptian politics for decades to come and he is only one of the key players in Egypt’s military who has billions to spend.

For now, hundreds of peaceful protesters have been killed, thousands more imprisoned during the protests, reporters have been attacked and news agencies censored, and secret police have sought out possible opposition leaders in their homes and businesses for arrest and imprisonment.

The international community’s support has been tepid at best out of fear of an unfriendly Muslim government arising out of the chaos and the economic troubles that caused the protests in the first place have not been addressed. That being said, this is a time for hope.

Social media has been used to shield the leaders of this revolution and keep the secret police off-balance and chasing shadows and we can only hope that these same leaders keep to the shadows and work behind the scenes to give birth to a new democracy in the face of men who have been using wealth and military power to prop up a corrupt regime.

The next six months will be a proving ground for the concessions wrested from a government under threat of revolution and we will see if a real democracy will be allowed once the protesters go home and life goes back to normal.

Loud cell phone music annoying to some

By Brian N. Willhite Reporter

The issue of what constitutes personal space and politeness varies in degrees by many students who attend Bakersfield College. Some stay quartered in their own little worlds, pardoning their every move. Meanwhile, others are blatantly obnoxious and inconsiderate of those around them, displaying

an arrogant attitude that begs for attention and acceptance.

I don’t presume to know the perfect way students should conduct themselves at BC, but I’m pretty sure that no one appreciates individuals that blast music through a cell phone as they walk through campus, interrupting conversations and invading personal space.

It’s not too hard to throw on a pair of headphones. Every other

decent and considerate person does this, that’s why everywhere you look you’re bound to see someone with wires hanging from their ears.

We all enjoy our music; we just don’t feel the need to force it on everyone else. Seriously, is it really that hard to put some earbuds in?

The issue is not the music itself and I’m not singling out any genres of music as more

acceptable than others – I may even like the music in question, I’m just asking you to keep it to yourself.

The main reason, other than it’s rude to be that annoying, is that those tiny speakers are not meant to broadcast music at high volumes. The music may sound OK to you, but to the rest of us, it’s a high-pitched, blownout screeching cat-chorus that burrows into our brains and

starts chainsawing through our thoughts.

The speakers on your phone are intended for private use, in quieter settings, and not for public performances.

So, until you transform your little speakerbox into a thumping Boombox – with proper lows, mids and highs dialed in for everyone to enjoy – just keep the party to yourself and leave the rest of us alone.

What do you think of the BC bookstore?

Editor’s note: ’Gade Feedback is a feature that asks students their opinion on various topics.

Compiled by: Rip Staff

Arturo Leor, industrial tech: “Its nice to have and they are organized”

Miranda Romero, nursing: “It is a pain because they never have the books I need and they cost too much.”

Natalie Patten, nursing: “They need to organize it better, because I get lost in there sometimes.”

The Renegade Rip Editorial Board Winner of the 2003 and 2008 JACC Pacesetter Award The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College journalism classes, printed by Bakersfield Envelope & Printing Co. Inc., and circulated on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters.

The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees, but sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors.

The Rip is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and the California Newspaper Publishers Association.

Editor in Chief..........................Michael Wafford Opinions Editor..............................Julian Moore Sports Editor..........................................Zak Cowan Copy Editor ...........................................James Licea Photo Editor....................................Nathan Wilson Features Editor............................Gregory D. Cook Online Editor................................Annie Stockman Production Editor......................Samantha Garrett

Staff Reporters: Monica Bolger, Martin Chang, Andrea Delanty, Chrystal Fortt, Breanna Gray, Kevin Foster, Tawny Jamison, Keith Kaczmarek, Tyler McGinty, Mateo M. Melero, Michael Morrow, Esteban Ramirez, Cristal Rodriguez, James Timothy, Amber T. Troupe, Brian N. Willhite, Sandra Ward, Brandon Whited Photographers: Brandon Barraza, Kayla Broadhag, Joe Cota, Ryan George, Megan Luecke

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

Teresa Catalan, veterinary tech: “Their prices are fair and it is good for the school.”

Jahaziel Contreras, paramedic: “It is good to have but the lines are pretty long at the beginning of the semester.”

Write The Rip

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. Pen names are not allowed and anonymous letters will not be published.

How to reach us

-Address: Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 -Phone: (661) 395-4324 -Web site: www.therip.com

Reviews

Page 8

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Too much juice and not enough flavor

Batman’s not so great return

Zak S. Cowan Sports Editor

By Tyler McGinty Reporter

“The Return of Bruce Wayne” is Grant Morrison’s story of a man lost in time, jumping from era to era trying to find his way home. At ook first, “Return” seems a lot like “Quantum Leap” eview with special guest star Batman.

“Return” takes place directly after the events of Morrison’s previous DC Comics event, “Final Crisis,” in which Batman and the rest of the Justice League battle against Darkseid. Of course, the Justice League wins, but Batman is lost in the battle.

All of the heroes (except for Tim Drake, the former Robin) are convinced that Batman is dead, when in actuality he is only lost in time.

Batman’s journey through time is told in six chapters: pre-history, Colonial Era, the age of pirates, the Wild West, the ‘30s, and modern times. Each issue has a different artist, many of which have worked with Morrison before on “Seven Soldiers of Victory.”

The differences in art really help to give each chapter its own distinctive flair. Making every time period have its own look helps the reader empathize with Batman. It takes each jump Bruce makes almost as jarring for the reader, as the book takes an entirely different look.

I just wish that the content of these chapters wasn’t just as jarring from book to book. For example, the chapters involving the pirates and the Wild West could easily have been taken out. I’m not sure if DC wanted a six-issue

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Positioned in the most central location in all of Bakersfield, Juicy Burger definitely lives up to its name as my burger consumed every napkin on the table, but is strongly lacking in every other area that makes a restaurant satisfying.

I heard a lot of good things about this place and excitement filled my veins when I was pulling up to the small, ood ’50s-style burger eview joint, expecting to experience what I had heard so much about.

The build-a-burger method sounded awesome when I first heard about it, but once I was at the register I had absolutely no idea where to start.

It was at this moment when I started wishing for at least a couple recommended combinations.

After several moments of staring at the menu, I started with a beef patty, a bun, and some pepper jack cheese, but then came the hard part, 14 different toppings and 11 sauces made picking what style of burger I wanted – a task I’ve never seemed to have trouble with – quite intimidating.

The possible combinations

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Courtesy of IGN.com

Bruce Wayne journeys through time in order to return to the present in DC Comics “The Return of Bruce Wayne” available in local bookstores. event or if Morrison did, but it seemed like these were fillers.

Taking them out wouldn’t hurt the story at all, which isn’t to say these chapters were bad. In fact, the Wild West chapter was one of my favorites. Those chapters were entertaining to read, but they didn’t advance the plot that much. Maybe there is something vital I’m not quite catching though, since Morrison loves to put all sorts of subtle detail in his work.

The other four chapters do an amazing job of telling the story that is surprisingly coherent for constantly jumping from era to era, and it could have a lasting impact on Batman even after Morrison stops writing Batman stories.

When taken in the context of Morrison’s other work on Batman, “Return” is definitely a vital read. However, if read by itself or without reading (or at least knowing what happened in) “Final Crisis,” “Return” is likely to leave you confused.

Morrison appears to be the kind of writer that doesn’t seem content with just telling an innovative story with a character. When Morrison works with an established character, it appears he will settle for nothing less than a total re-imagining of that character. It’s what made “Animal Man” famous, it was perfect for “All-Star Superman”, and so far his new Batman series “Batman, Inc.” is off to a great start. Unfortunately, it seems to fall a little flat with “Return.”

were limitless, but at the same time overwhelming.

So I finally decided on a notso-wild combination of guacamole, turkey bacon and grilled onions for my burger, with a side of sweet potato fries and a Coke.

The price for this combo ran nearly all the way up to $10, a hefty price for any student just trying to get a good meal after class.

The food was prepared with blazing speed, except for one of my colleagues, who ordered his burger with two patties and a grilled egg.

As I opened the wrapper to get to my burger, juice was literally leaking out of the burger and made my entire bun soggy before I had a chance to take a bite.

The burger was a major letdown throughout, and I regretted my purchase halfway through. The meat had absolutely no flavor; and the wide assortment of toppings and sauces didn’t hide it.

Some would say that because I picked a burger with such a simple combination that I shouldn’t expect anything special, but a burger joint’s most simplistic burger should be satisfying enough on its own, and to say anything different is saying that your burger has no taste by itself and needs ridiculous amounts of toppings, and that’s just self-defeating.

String theory extremely simplified in ‘The Hidden Reality’

By Samantha Garrett Production Editor

Sitting down to read a book on string theory, a scientifically unverified and even untestook ed theory of how the eview universe is composed, m i g h t seem like an overwhelming task. The theory necessarily requires common knowledge to be bent and twisted and basically ignored, but Brian Greene’s work is generally hailed as easily understood by

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the common man. “The Hidden Reality” shouldn’t intimidate the reader though, because there’s really nothing intimidating about it. Rather than being too complex to understand, it’s almost too easy.

Greene relies on analogy to get the point across to his readers. That might sound kind of nice, since analogies are often the best way to make something otherwise impossible to relate to, relatable. But when paragraph after paragraph relies solely upon analogy to explain and argue various topics, the reader is easily lost. Was chapter two about a “quilted multiverse,” as Green called it, or was it about

playing pool? Because Greene definitely mentioned cue balls about as many times as he did the idea of there being an infinite number of cosmic horizons.

The point here is not that he explains the concepts, because the concepts clearly need explanation – the criticism is instead that Greene relied on these abstract methods of clarification more than he does simply saying it how it is. Sometimes it’s very nice to explain things in the plainest terms so that no one is lost, but other times it’s truly a punishment to those with at least half a sense, because the analogies end up being more confusing than the idea they are being

used to explain.

There is a point when Greene began to explain a concept by asking the reader to imagine a ball – shortly thereafter he changed his mind and asked instead that the reader imagine the round figure of Eric Cartman.

Now, however cute it might be to make this book relatable for the youth (who apparently cannot understand anything unless it is communicated exclusively in popular culture terminology), the reader is likely going to be so caught up with imagining an infinite number of Eric Cartmans rolling up and down an infinite number of mountains that the principle is going to be com-

pletely lost. Hilarious? Sure, but utterly unnecessary.

If the reader wanted to have a more complex understanding of the subject, Greene sent the readers to the back of the book where a corresponding number would mark a more complicated explanation, generally containing equations for the math-minded. While this information was much appreciated, it was also very frustrating. Following the number to the back of the book could mean that the reader would get a few pages of complex details, or it could get a short sentence. After a few chapters of eagerly flipping to the back only to be vaguely disappointed, the

reader might just give up on it altogether.

However, there’s a lot to be said about this book. Greene managed to convey his argument in a fair and balanced way.

To the majority of the scientific community, string theory is not accepted and nothing in this book can be proven – he didn’t hide those facts. He openly discussed them. Thinking about string theory is a really good way to either induce a headache or provide a very engaging mental exercise, and Greene gave the reader all of the tools to understand the subject. He just had to sacrifice the more capable readers in the process.

Black Ops maps worth the price

By Zak S. Cowan Sports Editor

The first downloadame able content for eview Treyarch’s “Call of Duty: Black Ops” was released Feb. 1 for Xbox Live and provides top-quality content for a semi-decent price.

The package comes with four multiplayer maps, as well as a new map to take on the zombie horde.

Every map is thoroughly enjoyable; with each one having its own unique setting that sets it apart from the others.

“Kowloon”, set on the rooftops of a suburban area of Hong Kong, is a medium-sized map

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Courtesy of Treyarch

Players have a firefight in the tight corridors of “Stadium” in Call of Duty: Black Ops rotation.

Aside from the few playlist integration issues, which will no doubt be fixed over time, the multiplayer portion of the map pack was a great upgrade to an otherwise bland crop of maps.

“Ascension”, the newest addi-

tion to the zombie mode first introduced in “Call of Duty: World at War”, is a map that will take you on the ride of your life.

From the lunar landers that transport you from one area of the map to another to escape the zombie horde, to the infected

monkeys that not only attack you and your comrades, but also go after the valuable “Perk-a-cola” machines. This is by far the best zombie-killing experience I have ever been a part of.

All of this content is well worth the $15 you’ll have to pony up.

“What is Epistemology?”

Editor’s note: BC Brains is a feature that asks students a question to test their knowledge of all things trivial.

Compiled by: Rip Staff

suitable for this type of warfare.

Based on a small section of the wall that divided East and West Germany, “Berlin Wall” is a great medium-sized map that played nice on all the game-types.

It was disappointing that a match of Capture the Flag was out of the question for any of the maps because the playlists were completely void of it.

“Berlin Wall” would have been perfect for some CTF with opposing sides surrounding a no man’s land guarded by unmanned turrets.

“Stadium” is the smallest of the group, and always seemed to produce fast-paced action.

Set around a hockey rink, “Stadium” is the quintessential map for a round of Team or Free-forall death match, although Freefor-all was another game type that was left out of the playlist

Eric Lyons, Business: “The study of family heritage.”

Amanda Toscano, Biology: “A branch of psychology.”

Matt Mizell, Theater Arts: “The study of the gospels.”

Kevin Workman, Digital Arts: “The study of what you can see and feel.”

Matthew Owen, Biology: “The study of letters.”

Correct answer: The branch of philosophy that deals with the limitations and acquiring of knowledge.

BC B rains

that delivered in every facet. This was the best of the four multiplayer maps, and shined in every available playlist.

There is little that will disappoint on “Kowloon”, but the gimmicky zip-lines are definitely something.

They were never used for anything strategic, and every time they were used, half the map would rain down lead on the gamer that thought to himself, “I can make it.”

Although “Kowloon” was the crown jewel, the others did not disappoint.

“Discovery”, the biggest of the four, is set on a Nazi Antarctic outpost and is a sniper’s dream.

Most of the combat that takes place on “Discovery” is medium to long range, and often frustrates a player that has not reached a level high enough to garner arms

Spotlight

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“I heard a Coldplay song. I think it was ‘Clocks,’ and that was the song that really inspired me to play, and I was like, ‘I could play that..’”

—Salvador Vargas, BC student who plays piano in Fireside Room

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

BC professor uses art to teach math

By Ryan George Photographer

Bakersfield College math professor Rafael Espericueta teaches more than just math. He experiments with turning mathematics into an art form.

“There are techniques to literally make visible the beauty of mathematics,” Espericueta said.

Espericueta has been teaching at BC for 23 years. He graduated from UC Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Math in 1979, and later earned a master’s. He then worked at UCI after graduating, spending four years as the senior programmer in their Brain-Imaging Lab. He also practices Zen, an ancient practice of meditation and took a trip to New Zealand’s Hamilton Botanical Gardens “Zen Garden.”

Espericueta designs his own art using fractals, which he says stems from “transitioning mathematics into visual forms. [My personal interest for fractal art] came out of frustration of only talking to mathematicians about math.”

A mathematician named Benoit Mandelbrot originally conveyed fractal art. In 1979 he used pictures to illustrate complex mathematic equa-

Ryan George / The Rip

Rafael Espericueta explains an example written out on a chalkboard to one of his elementary algebra classes inside the Math and Science Building on Jan. 31. tions. The first, titled the “Mandelbrot set,” “has the remarkable property that distorted copies of the whole appear at all levels of magnification” as stated in Epericueta’s essay.

Espericueta says that he makes his fractal art by writing his own software programs using a combination of photos and Photoshop for interesting and unusual effects.

Espericueta states “the whole universe operates in much the same way [as fractals], where the ‘simple algebraic formulas’ are the laws of physics.”

Espericueta also says that the universe is never ending, “so it’s perhaps not so surprising that we find ourselves living in a giant fractal.”

Photos by Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

Bakersfield College student Salvador Vargas plays the piano inside the BC Campus Center Fireside Room on Feb. 10. Vargas learns the music he plays by ear.

Musician hopes to achieve dreams

By Brian N. Willhite Reporter

Passing through the corridor from Campus Center to the Free Speech area at Bakersfield College, you may hear someone playing a catchy, faithful rendition of a popular song on the piano in the Fireside Room. That someone is a student named Salvador Vargas, an aspiring musician looking for a way to incorporate music as the cornerstone in his life.

Growing up in a home filled with music and talent, Vargas learned early on in life that music was something he was interested in, though it wasn’t until late in his teen years that he truly grasped how important music is to him – it’s everything.

So, for the last two years, he has dedicated himself to learning how to play the piano and finding his place in the music industry.

One of the challenges Vargas faces is that he currently doesn’t read sheet music. Everything he plays he learns by ear, picking out the chord progressions and filling in the rest of the music from there based on what he hears, or wants to hear in the songs.

“I know the basics. I know chords and scales but if you put a simple, easy song in front of me to read, I probably can’t do it. The reason why, I think, is because I’m so used to playing my way – which is free – and sheet music just kind of tells you what to play,” said Vargas. He admits, however, that it would be beneficial for him to learn to sight read, even though he has a tough time doing it.

“I even took the keyboard class [at BC] but I couldn’t do it, I had to withdraw. I don’t want to say it was too easy, but for me, it was like going backward and I wasn’t learning anything new,” he said.

Part of what inspired Vargas in his youth to pursue music was his father. He was traveling musician who showed Vargas the joys of music through his own passion for it.

“I would go with him everywhere when he had

Martin Chang / The Rip

Will Yablum, a member of “The Movement” promotes his brand of “positive hip-hop” to a fellow Bakersfield College student Feb. 8.

Producer braves the music scene

By Kevin Foster Reporter

gigs – out of state – whatever – I would go with him and help him out and, little-by-little, I just started soaking up his knowledge and he would teach me a couple of things, too, but not too much.

He didn’t want to force me to play. He wanted me to do whatever I wanted,” he said, thankful of his father’s tutelage in his youth.

“I think back when I was a kid and all that time seeing my dad play, and seeing him perform, see him practice – it helped me out. I know how he plays. I didn’t have to go on YouTube or nothing like that; it was just right there in front of me.”

His father owned a music store a couple of years ago. Vargas would often go in to help out but found that he got bored standing around in the store and so, to pass the time, he would sit at the piano and try to play songs he heard playing on the radio.

“I heard a Coldplay song. I think it was ‘Clocks,’ and that was the song that really inspired me to play and I was like, ‘I could play that.’” He then went home and downloaded the song and began learning to play it by listening to it all night long, figuring out the chord structure and dynamics of the piece.

“Every song that I liked I tried to figure out or make my own stuff up and play all day basically, or whenever I could, and I’ve been playing ever since,” he said.

Though music was a big part of his father’s life, he has encouraged Vargas to pursue other career fields in order to obtain a steady job that isn’t as unpredictable as the music industry. Because of this, Vargas is currently seeking a degree in architecture since he also has a passion for drawing, but says that his main interest is still music and he would like to pursue that option if he can find the right opportunity to present itself.

“I’m going to go for music. My dad might not encourage me to do that, but I’m going to do it because that’s what I like. I can’t express it but that’s just me and I’m not going to change. If I fail, then ‘oh well,’ I guess I tried – I’m going to try and I’m not going to stop.”

Will Yablum is much more then just a Bakersfield College student.

Yablum is a promoter for a local rapper named Chris Clark, who goes by his stage name Nutzo.

Nutzo is the founder of a group called “The Movement”.

“It’s called ‘The Movement’ because we are trying to change the outlook of rap and hip-hip music.

Nutzo doesn’t rap about cars and money. Nutzo raps about his life and stuff he lives through.” Yablum explained.

“I started ‘The Movement’ instead of signing with a record label because the rap game nowadays is full of producers looking for already made products. I want to start my own company and become a ready-made product.” Nutzo said.

Yablum was going from foster home to foster home when he came across Nutzo.

“He was working at foster care and I was on probation. We became friends and now I’m his pro-

moter.” Yablum said.

Nutzo said, “Will is my promoter because I see potential in him and he has the potential to do anything he wants. He has a few career opportunities, but he needs to find them.”

Nutzo doesn’t only rap around California. He also works at Foothill High School teaching second language learners how to speak English.

“I like that job because most of the teachers won’t take time out of their day to actually teach the Hispanics and other second language learners how to speak English. Someone has to do it.”

Both Yablum and Nutzo have some pretty high hopes about themselves and “The Movement.”

“I see myself already on the top in 5-10 years from now.” Nutzo said.

Nutzo wants to be like Dr. Dre and find someone himself.

“I’m not here to sign rappers to ‘The Movement.’

I am my own person and I will find someone myself.” Nutzo said.

For people who want to find out where Nutzo is playing, contact Will Yablum.

Sports

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Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

BC women start their year strong

By Kevin Foster Reporter

There was a pitching duel on display at Bakersfield College on Feb. 12 between Jessica Simpson and Annissa Carrender.

The thing about that is they play on the same team.

Simpson started the day off with a complete game three hitter and retired 10 straight batters twice in the first game of a double header as BC (5-2) swept visiting El Camino (2-6).

Simpson allowed three of the first four batters she faced on base and after a meeting at the mound something seemed to change. “[My teammates] reminded me what happened on the road when a lot of hits were hit off me and I didn’t want a repeat of that, so I just did my best to buckle down,” Simpson said.

Simpson retired 20 of the next 21 batters.

Carrender followed that performance with a complete game three hitter of her own, and at one point retired 12 batters in a row and had five strikeouts.

“After watching Jessica throw the first game I just went out there and hoped I could be as good as her,” Carrender said. “I guess her and I were just in the zone.”

Carrender started off rocky just like Simpson. Two of the first three batters reached base and after those only two more batters from El Camino got on base for the rest of the game.

Catcher Kara Frankhouser and Centerfielder Kaitlin Toerner both had three hits in the second game for the Renegades. First baseman Brandi Church went 3-4 with two doubles with three runs-batted-in on the day.

“I think it helped us that [El Camino] threw the same pitcher to start both games so the second game we knew what she was likely to throw because we talked in the dugout.” Toerner said.

The sweep brings the Renegades home record to 4-0. The other two wins came against San Diego City College on Feb. 4 in a double header.

Brittney Messer ended both games with a walk off single and Danielle Ayler was the winning

BHS star on his way to quarterback for BC

By Zak S. Cowan Sports Editor

Bakersfield College’s football program is going through a regular transition phase, and 2011’s team will start to take its shape over the next few months.

Head coach Jeff Chudy is intrigued by the potential of the incoming class of freshman, and is working hard to make sure that the process for local athletes to register at BC goes smooth for both parties.

Brian Burrell, a senior quarterback at Bakersfield High School, is expected to be at BC next semester.

Burrell threw for over 1,500 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions, and rushed for 853 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season at BHS. Burrell and his team also defeated Centennial quarterback and USC commit Cody Kessler in the Central Section Division 1 semifinal 37-20 last December. Burrell was responsible for five total touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in that game.

“I don’t like to single anybody out … but we’re excited with the group of high school seniors right now,” said Chudy.

“We had the BHS guys up last week and we feel really good about the group of local talent.

“We’ve had quite a few schools come up and visit the campus,” said Chudy. “In the good ol’ days … the counseling department was able to go down to the campuses and dial in all the high school seniors.

So, we’re having to do a lot of that on our own.

“We’re fortunate that we’ve got somebody like [Elizabeth Ochoa, the educational adviser for the athletics department], who does a great job working with the high school senior student athletes.”

More than 60 percent of last year’s team was freshman, and that team made the playoffs on an 8-2 record only to lose to Mt. San Antonio College in the first round. “[The incoming freshman] have some big shoes to fill with the class that came in before them,” he said. “We’ve told them that ‘hey, hopefully you guys will have the same kind

of work ethic of the guys that came in last year.’

“Ninety percent of them played when those guys were seniors, so they understand that they have big shoes to fill.”

Chudy is intent on making sure that there is competition at every position, and the local athlete pool is at the center of his attention.

The other thing Chudy and his staff are focused on is the turnover from a freshmanheavy team to a sophomoredeep team, and making sure that the sophomores departing have success after BC. “In a perfect world you’d have more balance, but last year we had even more of a freshman-dominated team than most years,” Chudy said. “So we didn’t have as many sophomores leaving this year as we did the year previous.”

The national signing day, a day when student athletes sign letters of intent to various Division 1 schools, took place on Feb. 2.

Of all the sophomores parting from BC, seven players have signed with Division 1 schools since national signing day, with kicker Josh Gallington expected to become the eighth when he signs with Northern Illinois.

“We’ve got to get our guys out of here,” Chudy said of players moving up.

“It’s a work in progress, [Gallington] didn’t sign on the signing day for four-year colleges, but yet he’s going to be signing a letter of intent probably next week.

“So [the sophomores] will still be being placed throughout the spring, so our goal is to get every guy that is a sophomore that has to continue playing a spot somewhere.”

Joe cota / The Rip

Jessica Simpson, starting pitcher for the Bakersfield College softball team, throws a pitch during Saturday’s doubleheader game against El Camino College. run on both of Messer’s walk off hits.

The first walk off almost didn’t happen. In the top of the seventh inning the Knights tied it up after Ayler dropped an infield fly ball that kept the inning alive only to be the game-winning run the next inning.

Ayler jokingly said that she dropped the ball on purpose so she could turn around and be a hero at the end.

The end of the second game also included a Knights comeback in the top of the seventh.

Ashley Whitmore, who hit a home run in the first game, hit

a two run double to go up 4-3.

Only for Ayler and Messer to win the game again.

“It was like déjà vu, it was kind of weird, but if I saw my pitch I was going to swing no matter what.” Messer said about the second walk off.

It hasn’t all been great for the

Renegades in the past week.

They lost the first game of the season on Feb. 8 to Fresno City College (7-2) and two days later lost on a walk off home run to College of Sequoias.

The next home game for the Renegades will be against Oxnard on Feb. 22.

Former Renegade Banks stabbed Washington Redskins wide receiver Brandon Banks, a Bakersfield College alumnus, was stabbed during an altercation early Saturday morning.

Banks is currently in a D.C. hospital and is expected to be out soon.

“He’s recovering well, there’s no damage and no residual effects, so it looks like he’s going to make a full recovery and be just fine,” Banks’ agent James Gould said in a phone interview with the Washington Post.

Banks finished his rookie season with 1,155 reports turning yards and ound up one touchdown.

College of the Canyons 86-79, and most recently at L.A. Valley 81-67.

The Renegades 10-15 overall (4-6 in Western State Conference Southern Division) were led by Cooper Damron with 21 points.

Damron is averaging 11.7 points per game. The Renegades second leading scorer is Stevie Howard at 10.2 points per game.

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Women’s basketball Paula Dahl, the head coach of the women’s basketball team, has taken a leave of absence for the remainder of the season.

“I lost my father unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon. He was a wonderful man and I loved him very much,” Dahl said in an e-mail to her health students.

“Throughout my life I have followed in his footsteps and learned much of my teaching method from him.”

Amanda Cady, a freshman guard, is confident in her and her team to play well and win out the season.

“I think it actually makes us play harder,” Cady said. “Well, we’ve had other deaths on our team happen and it brings us more together.”

Men’s Basketball With playoffs out of the picture for the Bakersfield College men’s basketball team, the remaining five games on the schedule could be used for the experience.

The team not only is using it for the experience, but also has stretched the first three games into a three game win streak after defeating West L.A. 83-81,

TUTOR English & Accounting John: 319-9480 BC and UCLA grad

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Paula Dahl coachs her team during a game against Citrus College on Jan. 29.

Tennis In seven days, Bakersfield College’s men’s tennis team has played three games, and the season is off to a perfect start. BC remains undefeated as they started the season playing teams that Coach Rob Slaybaugh called “top ranked teams in the north.”

BC played their first game against Fresno City College on Feb. 3, and although the team lost the first three singles matches, they won their last three singles matches and two out of three doubles matches. After the rough start to the game, BC won the match 5-4.

Two days later, BC played Sierra College, and the exact same lineup brought the team another win, this time with a 6-3 victory.

Slaybaugh changed the team’s lineup on Feb 10 for the game against College of the Sequoias, a team he calls “not as talented”, and BC defeated COS 8-1.

In one week, the team goes up against Ventura, who won the state last year, and is always a “solid team” says Slaybaugh.

“I’d rather play in a tough

league and play tough teams every match, then a league with patsies,” says Slaybaugh, “because that doesn’t make the kids better.”

Track and Field The Bakersfield College men and women’s track and field team is well into its season, and has competed in three meets so far.

BC will host College of the Sequoias and College of the Canyons on Friday Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.

Head coach Dave Frickel is working on the team’s progression.

“We’re getting better, people are improving on marks, and getting in better shape,” Frickel said.

Sophomore Robby Harris likes the way him and his team has started off.

“We’re looking pretty good, we have a lot of guys that are up to par in talent.

“I expect for us to have more people in state than we did last year.”

Sports

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Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Baseball impresses after opening Keep the Column

By Julian Moore Opinions Editor

The Bakersfield College baseball team opened the season with a 4-3 record with its most recent win, coming against Golden West College, 10-4. The game was a part of the College of Sequoias tournament that began Feb. 10.

Golden West led the game early, but the Renegades got their offense going in the middle of the game as they scored seven runs throughout the rest of the game giving them a comfortable lead. Sophomore Riley Showers had three RBI in the game on just two hits. David Pennington also brought a home run for the Renegades.

“This past weekend, we had three of our sophomore players really step up and carry a big load. Riley Showers had an outstanding weekend. He’s somebody we look to. He’s been here and has some experience,” said head coach Tim Painton.

“David Pennington is playing with injuries. He’s not even playing defense right now, but offensively he’s been able to hit from the DH spot where he’s provided the offense,” Painton continued. “He has a leg problem that’s been kind of nagging.

He played through it at times opening weekend, he’s being treated for it. So what we’re able to get out of him are about three at-bats a game, then we have to pinch-run for him late in the game if it’s close.

“He’s the one player we have that played every day last year and has been through it so we’re hoping to get him healthy this week.

“But those guys got going a bit in the second week of the

season.”

Painton also spoke about freshman Philip Valos, who pitched four innings of relief in the game.

“He’s a young man that should have great command of pitches and he didn’t show that the first weekend. He walked people, got behind in counts, but against Golden West, he was able to come in and throw scoreless innings of relief and didn’t walk anybody. And that was a major step for him and us because that’s what he’s going to be expected to do.”

The Renegades previously lost two-of-three games to Marin, 6-5, and Allan Hancock 4-3, and picked up the shutout win against Hartnell, 6-0.

Before those games, BC went 2-1, losing by 13 during the opening game of their home tournament. The Renegades bounced back in the final two of the home stand against Golden West 4-2 and then held off Moorpark 12-11. Painton talked about the home tournament.

“I think we were extremely nervous opening night for whatever reason. We have a lot of new players in the program, first night out at home and we didn’t perform. We didn’t do anything well,” he said. “Your goal going into a season is to get better each time you play and we’re on that path. I think we’ve gotten better each time we’ve gone out. We are continuing to do more and more things well in each ball game. I think opening night was more about jitters and nerves than it was anything else.”

Painton mentioned how the Renegades let Moorpark back into the game.

“There were some walks in there, a couple errors. Some of

local kids

Open Mike | A column on the everyday happenings in sports.

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Bakersfield College second baseman Daniel Rueger tags out Rustler shortstop Eric Gonzalez at BC on Feb. 13. the freshmen have had good days and bad days and that’s going to happen at this level.

Moorpark swung the bat extremely well and we knew going into the game they had a pretty good offense team and again your goal is to outscore your opponent and that’s what we did so we’ll take the win and move on

from there,” Painton said. “By that game, I think fatigue had something to do with it, especially for us at home. You host a tournament; our guys are out there all day.

“You’re there 14-15 hours a day and then you get on the field to play.

“But it also has something to

do with pitching staffs just being run down by the third game in the three days.

“We were fortunate to end up on the good end of a 12-11 game.”

Up next for the Renegades is another home tournament beginning on Feb. 17 starting with Reedley.

BC students and teachers react to Packers’ Super Bowl win

By Esteban Ramirez Reporter

After every Super Bowl, people usually have different reactions to it.

This could be because they didn’t like the game, the halftime show, commercials, or their favorite team lost.

This year was no different when the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 3125.

Kylan Love, 23, a Bakersfield College student said, “it

was a bad Super Bowl, it was garbage.” He explained that he hated that the game started off slowly, but thought that the best part was when Pittsburgh started to lose.

Kylan also said he enjoyed the Doritos commercials, and was satisfied with the end result because he wanted Pittsburgh to lose.

Juliana Marin, a BC student, said, “it was a good game, the coaches and players were respectful to one another.”

Marin hated that the Steelers

lost and said her favorite part was seeing two teams with so much on the line but yet were respectful to each other.

She also said she liked the commercials, especially the Doritos and Pepsi commercials.

Marin was happy to see that both teams played well.

BC student Luke Gieser said, “it was the best Super Bowl I’ve seen in about five years.” His favorite part was that it was intense because it looked like the Steelers were going to come back and win it but at the end

they couldn’t pull it off.”

Gieser also liked the play when Aaron Rodgers threw the first touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.

“I liked the commercials but I didn’t think the halftime show was good,” Gieser said. “Even though I’m a Vikings fan I was happy with the end results because for this day I was rooting for the Packers.”

Tim Bohan has been an Academic Development professor at BC for 15 years.

Bohan’s reaction to the game

was that it was good because it lived up to his expectations. He said his favorite part was that every time the Packers tried to pull away, the Steelers answered back.

Bohan said that the halftime show and commercials were OK, but his favorite commercial was the Darth Vader car commercial. When asked if he was satisfied with the end result he said, “although I wasn’t rooting for a team, I was happy to see that it ended up being a good game.”

The Bakersfield College men’s basketball team has had an up-and-down season this year, with a lot more downs than ups.

Over the years, head coach Rich Hughes has put together five of BC’s best seasons with consecutive trips to the regional playoffs.

But those numbers and past seasons don’t mean anything this year.

Hughes and the Renegades have struggled mightily, with Michael Morrow size and lack of defensive intensity being just two of the many problems.

Along with those problems, come the recruiting issues that are unique to Bakersfield.

Whether it’s at the Division 1 level at CSUB or at the JC level here at BC, it’s hard to keep the talent in town – in town.

The players available follow a certain mold: “Player 1” is a D1 prospect player from a Kern County High School within the past couple of years. Just about all of them left town to play for “the big boys.”

Taking their talents to schools like USC and UCLA down south and other Pac-10-12 schools up north, generally.

Then you have “Player 2” whose academic records are suspect, but their athletic potential and upside is so great, that D1 schools, such as Fresno State and others – generally out of state – like Utah, Utah State, Boise State, Nevada, and the rest of the WAC and Mountain West Conferences steal away.

And last, but certainly not least, is “Player 3” who, would nicely fill out a roster spot, on a D1 school’s roster, but is usually immature, has way too many academic disturbances, and has way too many personal issues and or kids to count.

At BC, Hughes tries to get player three and turn him around and get him back on the right track as the player helps rack up the wins for the Renegades.

The problem is Hughes isn’t getting those guys anymore. For years, Hughes has made it his business to get guys to commit to his program and for years it was going a lot smoother than it has in the past two years.

I’ve been to a fair share of high school basketball games this year and have seen Hughes out on the recruiting trail several times. So it’s not a matter of hours put in.

The problem is more that local players aren’t staying home.

But why?

People throw out the fact that sometimes kids just want to get out of the town they grew up in.

Another common reason is the lack of exposure kids feel they get here.

Here’s a thought to local high school players: Maybe help build on to a team’s history and prestige. Add to the tradition of players who played two solid years at BC and transferred out to a four-year school.

As far as exposure goes, the same way you were recruited by four-year schools will be the same way you can be looked at when you transfer out or at the next level. Scouts will find you.

It’s what they’re paid to do.

Another benefit of staying home is that you get a closelyknit community behind you, and if players help build a stronger tradition with a program, the community will continue to show support.

With football, CSUB doesn’t have a program so BC maintains a level of quality players, but still I really applaud kids like Bakersfield High’s quarterback Brian Burrell for turning down several offers D1 four-year schools and deciding to come to BC and further his education and develop his talent under good coaches like Jeff Chudy and Carl Dean.

I just wish there were more athletes in sports like basketball that made a commitment to play at home.

Sports

Page 12

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, Februar y 16, 2011

Athlete, ex-marine returns to BC

By Michael Morrow Reporter

Jeremy Staat is a new volunteer coach for the Bakersfield College Renegades, but is an old face in town. At age 34, Staat has done more in his lifetime than most people could only imagine doing. A former Driller, Renegade, Sun Devil and a member of four NFL teams, Staat’s most important role in life may have come as a Marine.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, Staat went to Bakersfield High School and graduated in 1994. After BHS, Staat came to BC and starred in football and track and field, where to this day, he is a record-holder in field events.

Staat credits his time as a student-athlete at BC as one of the best times of his life because he believes you get a good education, and the experience is priceless. He also enjoyed the fact that he got the chance to play in front of friends and family at home.

“I spent two glorious years here at BC. Here in Bakersfield it’s a great big little town and your only three or four people away from somebody that knows you,” said Staat. “I’ve had a great experience here. I think Bakersfield is a great place to raise a family.”

Staat also mentioned how anywhere he went there was always a connection to Bakersfield.

After graduating from BC with an A.A. in criminal justice, Staat transferred to Arizona State University.

“I spent two years at ASU and graduated with a degree in liberal studies. I was there in ’96 and ’97 and played in the Rose Bowl and played in the Sun Bowl. That’s also where I met my good friend Pat Tillman as well,” said Staat.

Tillman was an ASU teammate of Staat’s and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. Tillman left the Cardinals at the completion of the season the year of the 9/11 in 2001 to enlist in the U.S. Army. Tillman was killed and later investigations proved friendly fire was the cause of death.

“To come into that program at the time I did, I can say it was definitely a blessing to be there at that time. To meet

Ryan George / The Rip

Jeremy Staat sits above Memorial Stadium on Feb. 10. the guys that I met because that core and that team with Pat Tillman, Jake Plummer, Juan Roque, Derek Smith, those guys were awesome individuals and to have a 12-1 season, playing in the Rose Bowl and being Pac-10 champions,” said Staat. “We played in the Rose Bowl in 1997, we played against Ohio State and we lost in the last minute and 24 seconds for a national title. It was a heartbreaker, but then the next year we played in the Sun Bowl in El Paso and beat the tar out of Iowa. That was just an amazing experience for me.”

After gaining multiple awards and accolades for the Sun Devils, Staat was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played three years at defensive tackle.

After his time with the Steelers from 1998-2000, Staat bounced around the league landing in Seattle and Oakland before eventually ending up in St. Louis where he eventually retired.

Staat mentioned how his most memorable moment came not as a professional or at ASU, but rather at his old stomping grounds at BC. “Out of the 15 years that I’ve played football, there’s one memory that really stands out. It was when I caught a touchdown pass in the Potato Bowl down here my freshman year. I forgot who we were playing against, but it was the first touchdown I ever scored,” he said.

“I just remember that because when I crossed the end zone for my route and I caught the ball, I just remember getting hit in the back so hard that I thought ‘I

don’t know how these guys do it.’

“I remember my dad picking up grass and my mom picking up grass and putting it in their pockets because they were so excited because it was my first touchdown I’d ever scored. As an offensive lineman, you really don’t get a chance to. That’s actually one of the pinnacle moments of my football career – catching a pass in the Potato Bowl.”

After retiring from the NFL, Staat went to the Arena Football League.

“I played one year in the AFL, the Arena Football League, because I figured I already had my retirement from the NFL and with another four years from the AFL, why not get two retirements?” he said. “That took a dramatic turn when Pat was killed on April 22, 2004. I said ‘I’m done.’ I hung it up and did some serious soul searching and joined the Marine Corps in December of 2005.”

Staat was with the L.A. Avengers when he got the call from his mother.

“I got a phone call from my mom and she was very hysterical, upset and crying and I asked her what’s going on and she said ‘Patty’s been killed.’ ” Staat said. “I tried to continue to hold myself together, so I went through meetings and tried to go through practice and about halfway through, one of the other players was kind of busting my chops a little bit, and I just lost it.

“I threw my helmet and just walked off the field. It was definitely a shocker, and it was the first time I’ve ever lost somebody that close to me and nobody ever wants to experience something like that.”

Staat reflected on Tillman’s life and what he meant to him as a friend.

“When you look back and you see how people have kind of glorified his life and his athletic accomplishments, it really makes me feel good inside that I was friends with him and that me and him had one of those open relationships where I could tell him exactly how I felt about where he stood and he could tell me the same,” he said. “We didn’t have any secrets and we were very straightforward with each other and it’s good to see that people are remembering him for

what he did.”

Staat looked back at how the cover up on Tillman’s death left him feeling.

“I actually just watched the Pat Tillman story, his biography, just last week for the first time. I knew the gist of the story and what had taken place, but to see it unfold in that documentary was really hard to swallow,” said Staat. “It really upset me to see how our politicians, the elected officials that we put in office, how they treated this. If they could do it to Pat Tillman, then they could do it to all of our veterans and the cover up was just a disgrace.

“When it comes to veterans, I take a lot of pride in being a veteran, but I take a lot of pride in protecting our veterans as well.”

After Tillman’s death, Staat decided to leave football and join the Marines.

“It was extremely difficult being in boot camp with kids who were 10 years younger than me because having been through some real life lessons and experienced a little bit of reality going in there and seeing these young men try to find their way was kind of difficult for me,” said Staat. “I was kind of paying the price for their mistakes and for a while there it was hard for me to relate to these 18-19 year old kids who have really never accomplished anything more than just high school and heck, some of them didn’t even accomplish that.

“To deal with them and to try and keep them motivated and tell them, this really isn’t that bad, it really took a drain on me.”

Staat left the Marine Corps in 2009 and also earned his master’s degree from ASU in liberal studies that year.

Now Staat has come full circle and is back in Bakersfield helping out with the Renegades.

“My biggest thing is just trying to show the guys that I’ve already been there, my season is already over with, what I want to instill in these young men is that education is first because no matter what, there is one thing no one can ever take away from them and that’s their education.”

Staat is also newly married. His wife, Janelle, is a current student at BC.

photos courtesy of Jeremy Staat

Jeremy Staat played football for the Renegades from 1994 - 1995.

Staat was drafted by the Steelers in 1998, playing there until 2000.

After leaving football, Staat joined the Marines in 2005.