The Renegade Rip Vol. 82 No. 12

The Renegade Rip Bakersfield College

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Vol. 82 ∙ No. 12

Thursday, November 4, 2010

‘Pride’ rally encourages ‘you to be you’

By Samantha Garrett Copy Editor

The sixth annual Bakersfield Pride Festival, “Steppin’ Out,” opened with the boom of disco music Oct. 23 at 3 p.m., and it continued well into the evening.

Entertainers and musicians performed on or in front of the stage while those attending shuffled between the tables in front, the food stands and the vendors’ booths.

Groups like Spotlight Theatre, Rainbow Flags of Bakersfield and Rainbow Voices, as well as local musicians such as Michelle Weingarden performed throughout the event, and between each performance one of the two masters of ceremonies would provide commentary and point out various objects of interest at the festival.

Despite being good humored throughout the first half of the event, Billie Joe Fox

ended his service as master of ceremonies with a few serious comments on the current issue of youths committing suicide due to being victimized by sexuality-based bullying.

That festival was held in honor for a youth from Tehachapi that took his own life.

He then went on to point out that on that evening he wasn’t in any kind of elaborate costume – he was wearing the same clothes he would any other day – to express the

acceptance of individuality within the community.

“I just want to stress,” said Fox, “that here in Bakersfield, the eighth most conservative city in the United States, that there’s nothing wrong with you being you.”

Located in the grouping of vendor booths were those representing large corporations and small social activist groups, and those coming from either camp, from Bank of America to the NOH8

campaign, were all openly supportive of the LGBTQ community.

Rick Riddick, representing PG&E, manned a booth alone and willingly chatted with anyone who stopped by to talk to him or snag a free keychain.

“PG&E is very supportive of the pride network,” he said.

They provide scholarships, work for diversity and equality in the workplace and were Please see PRIDE on Page 4

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

NOH8 Campaign volunteer Luis Guillen applies a temporary tattoo to Amber Tripp during Bakersfield Pride at Stramler Park on Oct. 23.

DECISION 2010

Local and national elections take center stage Democrats share in victories with supporters

By Michael Wafford Opinions Editor

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

Renegades defensive back Tyler Thompson reacts after tackling Pirates quarterback Antavius Sims in Memorial Stadiums on Oct. 23.

Renegades The 7-1

Extend their win streak to three with victories over

Ventura

and

El Camino See page 8 for more football action

While Democrats across the nation were saddened by the loss of their party’s majority in the House of Representatives, in Kern County democrats were celebrating on Nov. 2.

Upon seeing the polls, which showed him far ahead of his competitor, California State Sen. Michael Rubio spoke to his supporters.

“At the end of the day, we’ve always fundamentally believed that together, working as one, Republican, Democrat or independent, we are first and foremost Americans, and we’ve got to get this valley moving forward,” said Rubio.

“The Central Valley is the poorest region not only in the state of California but the entire United States of America. It has the greatest challenge with respect to young people getting education, the ability to see a doctor when they’re sick or a mother and father to get employed so they can provide for their families.

“These are the issues we must tackle in Sacramento – that’s what we want to tackle when we get to Sacramento, and so it is joining together and working as

Editor in Chief

Renegades wide receiver Brandon Hobdy reaches for a second-quarter pass despite close coverage from Pirates defensive back Kentrell Everett at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 23.

one in which we’re going to get there,” said Rubio.

While taking time to thank his wife, family and God during his speech Rubio also acknowledged the contribution of voters to his campaign.

“Let’s face it by getting the vote count – which we did – that meant that we got a few republicans to vote for us. And we did that because we showed we can work across party lines and get stuff done,” said Rubio.

“I’m energetic and eager to get to work in Sacramento,” said Rubio.

While Rubio celebrated in the Padre Hotel, other candidates waited for results in more subdued environments. Surrounded by family in a union hall, Bakersfield City Council member Rudy Salas Jr. and former State Assembly candidate Fran Florez were on hand.

“I feel great right now, I just See DEMOCRAT, Page 5

____________________

To see more on the elections and propositions, turn to page 5 ____________________

Local Republicans turn out and support their candidates at event

By Brian N. Willhite

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

State Senator-elect Michael Rubio and his wife Dora celebrate with supporters after hearing he had won his bid for the 16th District Senate seat at a post-election party at the Padre Hotel on Nov. 2.

As voters headed to the polls this election Tuesday, they held California’s future in their hands.

One filled in bubble on a ballot or check on a screen decided the outcome of billions of dollars spent to encourage those choices.

For the Republican Party, this election was especially encouraging because polling forecasts indicated that Republicans would gain the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, and they did. They also came close to taking the Senate, too.

In the race for the governor’s seat, Republican candidate Meg Whitman lost to democrat Jerry Brown. However, local politicians fared better in most of their races.

At the Kern County Republican Headquarters Tuesday evening, located in the RE/MAX

building on New Stine, local voters celebrated and cheered on their candidates as they partied together and watched early statistics from polling precincts.

The social gathering had an uplifting vibe as supporters mingled, danced and congratulated one another for every Republican victory that was announced.

Some of the supporters were looking for all of the Republican candidates to come out victorious while others still kept an objective opinion and voted for the candidate they felt would do better, regardless of party affiliation.

Rich Whipple, a former Bakersfield College student, came to support Republican candidates but didn’t vote for the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

“I’m not a ‘republican win or lose,’ I have an open mind when it comes to people running, like, for instance, even though I’m a See REPUBLICAN, Page 5

Above: Shannon Grove accepts well-wishes from supporters for her victory.

Left: GOP supporter Mylo Gorson shows her enthusiasm for the candidates.

Photos by annie stockman / The Rip

Features

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Planetarium brings astronomy to BC

By Samantha Garrett Copy Editor

Despite the highly sophisticated equipment within, the Bakersfield College planetarium doesn’t boast a very striking image when viewed from outside. It’s just another part of the Math and Sciences building. However, stepping inside reveals a 36-foot in diameter dome, where the images of the stars surrounding the Earth can be shown from any time of the year and any position on the planet.

In the fall of 2006, BC received a brand new planetarium after using the same one for decades, and the current technology used is very updated and very pricey. The SciDome projector, which is used to give viewers a tour of the solar system, galaxy and beyond, cost $195,000.

That very issue is a major concern of astronomy Professor Nick Strobel, who is responsible for working the planetarium.

“I think maybe it’s another thing BC will have to do some long-term planning for,” he said.

“Five years from now, we’ll probably have to replace it.

“I’m not sure if my higherups are aware. I have told my department chair. I’m not sure if they are planning. Some of this equipment, like the SciDome, has a limited lifetime.”

When that time comes, it will cost the school approximately $200,000.

And, since the SciDome is what Strobel jokingly pointed out as being responsible for the “cool shows,” there’s a good chance the school will want to make that investment.

The second projector within the planetarium, the Chronos, which is used for showing a view of the night sky, cost over twice as much as the SciDome projector, but Strobel expects that it will last much longer.

“As long as we keep up the preventive maintenance, that thing should last decades,” he said of the Chronos. “I expect it to be here when I retire, and my successor won’t have to worry until the middle of his or her career.”

Before the transition to the new planetarium was made, BC had to work with a very outdated system. Instead of the two projectors and the large dome, the planetarium was comprised of a 24-foot dome with centerfacing chairs, a single “1950s style” projector and no sound system. Televisions, which are still in the room, were the only way that moving images could be shared with the audiences.

Those televisions attempted to do the job that the current SciDome projector does.

“It was still good,” said Strobel. “School kids and teachers liked it. Students liked it. But it was limited.”

The current system provides a service for both the community and the campus.

Strobel uses the planetarium in his three astronomy courses that he teaches on campus.

When it’s not being used strictly for BC students, members of the com-

munity and grade school students can attend.

Shows provided for the community – there are three each semester – sell out quickly and regularly. During Tuesdays and Thursdays, grade school students can attend, and their school only has to foot a $120 charge. People can even “rent” the planetarium for an evening – private screenings are given for $360.

Despite the amount of money the planetarium brings in, all of the funds do not go into any sort of planetarium account. BC receives all of the money that the planetarium earns.

Strobel spoke on why astronomy, and therefore the planetarium, is important.

“Well, the more we learn about other things out there, it helps us understand the Earth.

It helps us get in touch with beyond. We’re all a part of a huge cosmos.” He paused to chuckle, and then he added, “That’s more of a touchy-feely thing.”

Returning the more practical issues, he explained that only through comparisons – such as comparing the Earth to worlds – could people truly understand how things actually work.

photos by nathan wilson / The Rip

Above: Cast members of The Velvet Darkness perform “Sweet Transvestite” during The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Fox Theater on Oct. 30.

Left: Riff-Raff and Magenta prepare to return to the planet of Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania.

Below: Dyamon Webster, Kevin Workman and Cassandra Harper wait in line for The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Nick Strobel stands next to the Chronos projector inside the BC planetarium, Oct. 28.

Day of the dead celebrates life

By BrendaIrene Rodriguez Reporter

Altar displays of dead relatives and friends were set up for the public to view at the Montgomery World Plaza from Oct. 23 through Nov. 4 to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead.

Dia de los Angeles is celebrated on Nov. 1, and is the same thing as Dia de los Muertos but is believed that it is the day that the children who have died come to visit.

The Dolores Huerta Foundation sponsors the event and has been going on for 18 years in Kern County and is organized by Cruz Ramos.

Celebrated by many Latinos, Dia de los Muertos is a day to celebrate and remember the life of a dead loved one.

An altar of things that their dead loved one liked or enjoyed doing is displayed, along with a picture of them, and is surrounded with calaveras, which are skulls made from sugar and flowers called Flor de Cempasúchitl, also called Flor de Muerto, which means flower of the dead.

Pan de Muertos, which means bread of the dead in spanish, is also placed on altars of dead loved ones and is eaten on the actual day of Dia de los Muertos.

The welcoming of the spirits for Dia de los Muertos consisted of a skeleton dance, ballet folklorico and drummers.

Indigenous leaders, who have been given permission to do blessings, blessed the altars with copal.

Copal is a resin made of a tree that is often used in the Catholic Church.

“Dia de los Muertos is a privilege to be celebrated in Kern

Annual Rocky Horror show draws large crowd

By Nathan Wilson Photographer

1600 people sold out the midnight showing and live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show put on by The Velvet Darkness on Oct. 30, at the Fox Theater. Many people dressed up as their favorite Rocky Horror characters such as Riff Raff, and Frank-N-Furter, while others dressed up as various other things. Once the doors opened up people began buying prop bags, which included

deedee soto / The Rip

Family altar decorated with pictures and sugar skulls at the Montgomery World Plaza on Oct. 26.

County,” said Jess Nieto, executive director of Heritage of America Educational and Cultural Foundation.

Many people are frightened

by Dia de los Muertos, said Nieto.

“It’s very misunderstood by the public in general, but I think it’s a great opportunity to

remember your passed loved ones,” said Nieto.

“People are beginning to understand that it’s not scary,” said Cruz Ramos, organizer of Dia de los Muertos.

Ramos plans on continuing the celebration of Dia de los Muertos in Bakersfield for as long as she can.

rice, playing cards, toilet paper and newspaper that were used throughout the show.

Before the show started there was a best costume contest and the “devirginizing” of people who had not seen Rocky Horror live before by having them do stuff on stage such as making noises that certain animals would make while having an orgasm and sucking water out of a baby bottle that was between someone’s legs. Prizes for the winners included dildos, anal beads and other adult items provided by

Déjà Vu. Once the show started people started singing along to the songs (“Time Warp” was the biggest hit) and throwing props (such as the toilet paper) when needed, while cast members acted out the scenes. During the show the audience made jokes (such as saying The Criminologist didn’t have a neck) and called Brad Majors and Janet Weiss certain words when their names were said. The audience and cast members seemed to enjoy the entire Rocky Horror experience.

Features

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Charity event pays in more ways than one

By Breanna Gray Reporter

Carissa Edwards / The Rip

Jenny Fishbeck looks through the toys at the Little Feet’s Repeat charity event Oct. 21.

Little Feet Repeats returned to Bakersfield for their ninth event in four years to give to charities, such as collecting donations for UNICEF, and helping families in their time of need with baby clothes, children’s items, and maternity care.

Families who have outgrown items went to littlefeetrepeats. com where they named their own prices and sold their items through consignment.

At the end of the event they get anywhere from 60 to 72 percent of their sold item’s price.

The items that did not get sold at the end of the event went to the Jameson Center, Covenant Services and Owen’s Elementary.

Mothers at the event said that it was great for their kids and the costs were really good for the low-income families in the community.

Carla McCoy is the president of Little Feet in Bakers-

field and said that the turnout was unbelievable.

McCoy decided to start locally after visiting a consignment sale in the south with lots of help from friend and family.

“Five years ago there was only four in the entire state of California. I went and worked at one and loved it.”

I didn’t quite like the way they were doing things, so I decided that I could do it better and that Bakersfield really needed one. Then it just took off,” McCoy said.

She attributed its success to today’s economy, saying that everyone has been trying to find ways to save money, and Little Feet events saves money for everyone – from sellers to buyers to local charities.

She said, “I like that everyone comes out a winner. I like that literally the local mom can come and she can furnish her child’s whole wardrobe for the whole season for less than a hundred bucks. That’s just not possible anywhere else.

“I like that the people who

Carissa Edwards / The Rip

The Little Feet’s Repeat event offered attendees the option to purchase toys to benefit children charities. really need it, who are having issues in their life and are down that have problems, that at the end of the event they get some awesome things.”

We give them toys and clothes that they wouldn’t have.”

McCoy also said that one of

Former WWE stars duel at The Dome

BC intern program expands

By BrendaIrene Rodriguez Reporter

Bakersfield College students are offered the opportunity of student internships every year.

The main goal of the BC student internship program is to expand the student’s classroom learning to on-the-job-training.

Students are able to work with businesses around the Delano, McFarland, Wasco and Bakersfield area. Internships are available in the fields of digital arts, animal science, automotive, welding and architecture.

Every year there are more majors being added into the student internship program.

Janie Budy, program manager for career development and workforce preparation, is in charge of student internships at BC. Budy has to find businesses that are willing and interested in interning students, and they also have to teach the interns the requirements of working in that particular industry.

The business has to be willing to sign a contract agreement with the qualified student and BC so that the student may be able to intern with them.

“Internships help students in their future,” said Budy.

Students are able to network and get hands-on experience in their field of choice, so that they can apply what they have learned in their classroom and use their newfound skills in a business.

“Sometimes the benefits of student internships are receiving a letter of recommendation, or letting the students know of parttime jobs available,” said Budy.

“Student internships encourage the student to come back to BC and finish the program that they are interested in,” added Budy.

In order to qualify for a student internship, students must be in good academic standing, complete a required amount of classes in field of study, and a completion of a job readiness course and enrollment in work experience once the student is selected for an internship.

“The student internship program at BC is great. It gives students the opportunity to work in the field that they are pursing,” said Opal Buchanan, former internship student at BC. Budy puts on student internship presentations to classes through out the year so that students may have the chance to apply for them.

Student internships are not advertised, but are referred and announced by faculty.

“We do what we can to get the word about student internships out on campus,” said Budy.

the most exciting parts of the event was being able to give to Owens Elementary for their give away store that will benefit low-income families.

Little Feet occurs every fall and spring and they start taking items for registration in January for their spring event.

By Ryan George Photographer

Ryan George / The Rip

Matt Carlos presses down on Scotty 2 Hotty’s chest and neck in their match at The Dome on Oct. 24.

Vendetta Pro Wrestling brought another charity event to the Bakersfield Dome on Oct. 24., with all proceeds benefiting the Bakersfield Recovery Services (Jasons Retreat).

The event held several matches in various forms. The highlight events included a sixman tag team match, with “Nightmare” Nathan Graves teamed with Su/Ka against “Big Country” Jodi Kristofferson with the Ballard Brothers, and a fight for the Vendetta Pro Championship, with Rik Luxury, the current champ, against former World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Val Venis.

Also, there were two matches featuring former WWE Superstars: Scotty 2 Hotty and Serena Deeb, former member of the Straight Edge Society.

Hotty and Serena both beat out their opponents, Hotty using his signature move “The Worm,” and Serna with a punch to the jaw.

Kristofferson did beat out Graves, who was injured with a sprained ankle after being thrown out of the ring by one of the Ballard Brothers.

That set up a pin-fall victory.

Venis lost his match against Luxury when Luxury’s road manager, Markus Mac, illegally slid his briefcase into the ring while distracting the referee. Luxury used the briefcase with a bash to Venis’ head, leading to that win.

Above: “Nightmare” Nathan Graves injures his left ankle after being thrown out the ring in a 6way tag team match at The Dome on Oct. 24.

Left: Former WWE Superstar Val Venis flies off the ropes to slam Rik Luxury’s manager Marcus Mac after losing his title match against Luxury.

Mac threw in a metal briefcase and distracted the referee while Luxury illegally used the briefcase for a knockout win.

Photos by Ryan George / The Rip

News

Page 4

News Briefs BC to host open mic night for all to participate in On Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Bakersfield College cafeteria, students can perform anything from poetry readings to singing a song; there will also be a silent auction in hopes of raising money. Admission is free.

Jazz Ensemble Concert

Student jazz musicians will be performing classic and modern jazz for their Fall Concert on Friday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. at the indoor theatre. Tickets are $8 general admission. For more information call 395-4240.

13th Annual Walk To Cure Diabetes at Yokuts Park

On Nov. 6 there is a 5k leisure walk to raise money and awareness for diabetes. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:15 a.m. For additional information call 636-1305.

Walk To Prevent Suicide at Beach Park

Register, walk and donate to help raise awareness, erase the stigma and support suicide prevention programs on Nov. 6 at 8 a.m. There is no entry fee but be sure to bring some extra cash for the raffle drawing.

National Novel Writing Month from Nov. 4-30

The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000 word) novel by midnight, November 30. You can sign up anytime and browse forums at nanowrimo.org. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by Nov. 30 at midnight.

Improv Comedy Show On Nov. 6, the Ice House hosts improv at 8 p.m. Adults are $5 and children are $1.

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Coffee spill in SGA conference room sparks argument

By James Licea Reporter

An incident that started with a coffee spill worsened when a group of students along with instructor Karen Shah from a business communication class attended the Student Government Association meeting on Oct. 22.

The class was assigned to use the Executive Board room in the Campus Center as their classroom twice a week. The room also serves as the SGA conference room.

After a supposed spill of coffee left a stain, a sign was posted that read, “No food or beverages (except water).”

Longer notes were printed out on colorful paper and posted in the room after the original notes were taken down. These notes explained that during conferences and meetings held by SGA there are no food or drinks allowed. It also stated that if a reader wished to pose concerns that they could attend the SGA meeting Oct. 22.

The class feels they are being singled out because of the posting of these signs. They also shared they never spilled coffee during their class time. A student of Shah’s, Connie Brewer stated, “It’s starting to affect my education now, and that’s my concern.”

SGA President Lisa English explained that the lengthier sign was posted only because the first sign was taken down. She said, “If the coffee stain would have been cleaned up right away, I

don’t think that this would have become the problem that it arose to.”

The panel of students left the two-hour meeting even more aggravated than when they came.

They felt they were treated rudely by SGA by not being allowed to speak. Brenda Downs stated, “This could have been addressed in 10 minutes, and they made us wait through an hour and a half of the meeting.”

During the meeting, SGA members and senators were eating and drinking various snacks and beverages.

Vice President, Brian Rathfelder explained SGA is responsible for hiring people to maintain the cleanliness of the room. Because of this, he said, “Of course it’s going to allow us opportunities that aren’t going to be afforded to classes that are making spills and not cleaning up after themselves.”

Rathfelder expressed confusion over the conflict.

“You can go to a lot of other classrooms around campus and it’ll say ‘No food or drink,’” he said. “I’m not understanding that an hour during the day is an inconvenience so much that it’s disrupting their educational experience.”

Rathfelder also apologized for the amount of time it took during the meeting to address the communication class. He explained that they had an especially packed agenda that day and said that it could have been added to the agenda if the students had contacted them prior to the meeting.

nathan wilson / The Rip

Bo-Bo the clown creates balloon animals for the children at the event Oct. 23.

Pride: Helping equality advance Continued from Page 1 “very active and very giving with the ‘No’ on Prop. 8 campaign.”

Jamie Garza, representing the Marriage Equality USA campaign’s Kern County chapter, spoke on their involvement in the pride festival.

“If Bakersfield Pride is running,” she said, “Marriage Equality will be here.”

The Democratic Party booth was filled with stickers, signs and buttons advertising the various local and national democratic candidates for the upcoming election.

Ginny Tunks shared with those curious how the Democratic Party has been involved in the various equal rights campaigns for the LGBTQ community at local, statewide and national levels.

“The democratic party supports civil rights for gays,” she said.

nathan wilson / The Rip

Christina McQuiston and BC student Mary Brooks get a domestic partnership at Bakersfield Pride on Oct. 23.

Left: Majesty Moore of the Stiletto Divas performs her Avatar act during the drag show at Bakersfield Pride on Oct. 23.

Nathan Wilson/ The Rip

Election Special

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Key election results Governor

Jerry Brown (D) 3,951.607 Meg Whitman (R) 3,029,919

U.S. Senate

Barbara Boxer (D) 3,795,243 Carly Fiorina (R) 3,094,338

20th Congressional Andy Vidak (R) 32,531 Jim Costa (D) 30,708

22nd Congressional Kevin McCarthy (R) 124,759 (unopposed)

30th Assembly District David G. Valadao (R) 30,773 Fran Florez (D) 18,864

32nd Assembly District Shannon Grove (R) 66,874 Holly Spohn-Gross 26,091

16th Senate District Michael Rubio (D) 47,365 Tim Thiesen 34,041 (R)

2nd Supervisorial District Zack Scrivner 12,456

Steve A. Perez 12,300

18th Senate District Jean Fuller ( R) 118,118 Carter N. Pope 53,939

Bakersfield City Council Rudy Salas, Ward 1 Ken Weir, Ward 3 David Couch, Ward 4 Russell Johnson, Ward 7

NO Prop. 19

Legalize marijuana

YES Prop. 20

Congressional redistricting

NO Prop. 21 State parks

YES Prop. 22

Prohibit taking local funds

NO Prop 23

Suspend air pollution law

NO Prop. 24

Business taxes

YES Prop. 25

State budget passage

YES Prop. 26 Taxes and fees

NO Prop. 27

Eliminate redistricting

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Students, faculty speak on results

By James Licea Reporter

Students and faculty gave their opinions on the outcome of California elections. While most thought the results of the election were not too surprising, some were shocked at the outcome. Certain measures that they thought would pass did not; others did.

Cameron Apple, a student at Bakersfield College, said that he was surprised by the results.

“I was actually surprised at how many Democrats actually held onto their seats, also I was surprised that

they still control the Senate,” he said.

“I was expecting the Republicans to completely wipe over the Democrats.”

Most of the measures Apple voted for passed, including Proposition 20, which was the redistricting of congressional districts and 25, the simple majority vote to pass budget.

The proposition that most people talked about in disappointment was 19, the legalization of marijuana.

Students as well as political science professor Steven Homes voted yes on the proposition.

While Holmes does not agree with the outcome, Holmes compared the

issue to gay marriage in the past decade. He said that it was expected to not pass and that it will probably be seen again. Holmes predicted, “It’ll probably take two maybe even three times before it could pass.”

Sally Clausen, the administrative assistant to the Student Government Association president, said that for the most part she was pleased with the turnout. She said the initiatives that were passed were great and that she was glad to see Jerry Brown win the race for governor.

Like other voters, she expressed her disappointment that Proposition 19 did not pass. “I really think that

we’re ready for this to happen, I just think it’s time.”

Marci Lingo, the reference librarian at BC, stated that she felt the elections were no surprise but was happy with the results, “I was pleased that Carly Fiorina did not win the seat in California.”

Lingo’s reasoning is because she does not agree with her social policies and stand against abortion.

Another positive outcome on the state level, Lingo shared, was the passing of Proposition 26, the two-thirds vote for state and local fees. Lingo said that she feels this will make an enormous difference.

Cannabis discussion lights up

By Mateo M. Melero Magazine Editor

Though Proposition 19 failed to pass Tuesday night, support and opposition for the legalization of marijuana was shown statewide as well as inside the Fireside Room at Bakersfield College on Oct. 28.

Organized by Katrina Oldershaw, legislative liaison for the Student Government Association, the discussion panel and open forum, consisting of a psychologist and two police officers, took place inside the room at 6 p.m.

“I will tell you right now that I do not support Proposition 19 because I think that there is a lot of harm that can come,” said psychologist Dean Haddock.

“I also don’t like how the law is written because it still leaves it criminalized in a way that I think is a problem for medicine.

“It’s a very strong drug, and we also know that it really affects the adolescent brain. It affects the development of the adolescent brain, and that’s where you are going to find a lot of the abuse.”

The doctor primarily warned against the dangers of the plant throughout the discussion but offered reassurance on the medicinal uses of cannabis.

“There are some excellent uses for marijuana for medicinal purposes,” said Dr. Haddock.

Speaking as a representative for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Lieutenant Curtis Cornelison provided insight on law enforcement’s concerns with the proposition and drug traffickers.

“One thing you have to realize that [was] touched on is drug trafficking organizations are just not marijuana traffickers,” he said. “They are polydrug organizations, and what that means is that they operate with whatever is in demand.

“What we’re going to create for California is a distribution hub for the other 49 states, for marijuana. Now

Annie STockman / The Rip

Proposition 19 supporters Daniel Smith and Joey Dunford enter the forum holding a sign in protest toward the panel. They were asked to leave by BC staff shortly after entering the Fireside Room. what that does is cause marijuana to be produced here, moved to other locations, and then other drugs come back in trade.”

Curtis went on to state how the law will not put the drug cartels out of business due to their adaptive nature with drug trafficking, as well as express how he felt the casual use of marijuana will increase among adults, providing a negative influence for children.

Barry Klein, supervising deputy for the district attorney’s white-collar crime unit, spoke in the forum on how the Obama Administration does not prosecute for medical marijuana, but if made legal in California then they would prosecute for the commercial selling of marijuana within the State of California.

“Marijuana, whether or not Prop 19 passes, will still be a controlled substance under the federal law and will still be subject to federal guidelines and penalties,” Klein said.

“The attorney general under the Obama Administration in March of 2009, they came out and differed to the various states medical marijuana use. They are not prosecuting for that. That is not what they have said about this.

“With everybody who wants to think that California is going to get out of their budget debt because [of Prop 19], just think about that. Would you go ahead and provide your state or your local government with your business records, which show that you’re making money off of marijuana, when it’s evidence of a federal

crime?

“Chances are there are not going to be paying those taxes that everybody is looking forward to.”

Daniel Smith, a Prop 19 supporter, entered the forum barring a sign with BC history major Joey Dunford, that stated, “Pot Laws are Illegal All Government Lies for 70 + years Free All Pot Prisoners No More Lies” and were asked to leave.

“I need a permit, an authorization beforehand,” said Smith, “I have no problem with that. It’s not keeping me from doing it downtown. I’ve been out there for three days. Telling a lie for 60 years doesn’t make it the truth, but that’s what they’re doing.

They got people convinced that it’s truth.

“How do they enforce lies and call it law. I thought that you had to have proof to do this shit.

“There is no proof to their side; it’s all on our side. They need to come up with a legitimate reason to make it illegal. There is nothing wrong with it, period.

“We need to legalize it,” said Dunford. “We need to tax it. We can make so much money and get this state out of fiduciary debt.”

Speakers ranged from those that challenged the position of the panel, to those who wanted to acquire the opinion of the two officers and the psychologist.

Speaking last, Ed Sulla of Bakersfield’s National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) chapter, took the lectern and challenged the panel’s position

on the proposition and opinion on marijuana in general.

“I just wanted to address that it is being compared to alcohol and tobacco, I think because of the taxation aspect and legalizing for adults – that is where that begins and ends.”

It was addressed by the panel and speakers earlier in the discussion that the legalization of marijuana and its regulation by the government, would be much the same as the status with tobacco and alcohol. The panel went on to comment that just because two other addictive and psychically harming drugs are legal, doesn’t justify legalizing a third.

“Up until cannabis was made illegal in the United States in 1937 it was available in various forms in pharmacies,” said Sulla. “It is welldocumented as a medicine.”

The panel also stressed its concerns for impaired driving rates and statistics if the law was passed. Sulla went on to rebuke the claims that it would pose a greater risk among traffic.

Referring to an article in the marijuana publication, The West Coast Leaf, Sulla said, “There is an article in here that says that, ‘Data shows that marijuana no big factor in highway safety,’ they did a study in the states that have medical marijuana and have had that for years now…there is really no increase in highway accidents due to cannabis in those states.”

While wrapping up the discussion Sulla stressed that marijuana affects different people in different ways and that psychological people can be addicted to everything.

Republican: Grove honored in large margin victory of 32nd state assembly seat

Democrat: Senate still in the hands of Democrats

Continued from Page 1 registered Republican, I voted for Jerry Brown and part of that is that I think he can do a better job than Meg Whitman,” Whipple said.

Jacquie Sullivan, Ward 6 City Council member, was at the party to support Republicans, too, but was particularly excited to see Zack Scrivner win because she believes in his cause to fight the unions.

“Steve [Perez] is a great guy, but we definitely need Zack’s expertise right now,” Sullivan said.

Scrivner, who won the 2nd district Supervisor seat in a tight race over opponent Steve Perez, and Shannon Grove, who won the 32nd district State Assembly seat by a large margin over opponent Holly Spohn-Gross, were both in attendance and mingled with supporters.

“I’m honored that Kern County put me in this position, and I promise to work hard and not let them down,” Grove said. Grove was a favored candidate and was named as the winner early on in the night, whereas Scrivner’s race was a lot closer to call; though early figures did have him as the leader.

She was also excited that Scrivner’s Measure D passed, which decides pension rates for public safety employees, and cheered in delight that Proposition 19, which sought to legalize marijuana, failed to win over voter approval.

Scrivner spoke about his campaign and

Continued from Page 1 hope the numbers continue to hold. We put in a lot of hard work so to actually see some of the results come in we’re very happy,” said Salas Jr. while watching results come in.

The polling forecasts that indicated that Republicans would gain a majority in the House of Representatives were discouraging to local Democrats who were relieved to find that the Democratic Party still had control of the Senate and Jerry Brown’s victory in the gubernatorial election.

“We had some good victories here,” said Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America. “I think it will be good for working people.”

While sounds of joy and grief filled the air, locals also reflected on the past two years of politics and changes to the political landscape on a national level.

“I feel like we had an opportunity with Democrats controlling both houses and President Obama getting elected to really push an agenda further than we did,” said Jeremy Wright, regional political coordinator for the United Domestic Workers of America 3930. “We got healthcare, but it wasn’t what anyone initially envisioned, but we did do something. We just had a window of time, and now it seems like it slipped away.”

While many were expressing concern over the results, Laborers Union Treasurer Manuel Monsibais said, “These guys can go out and cry if they want or be happy.

They all got out and did what they were supposed to do.

Every candidate out there has done their best to get their word out. Now that it’s over, it’s time to step back and see what happens.”

some of the hardships that he encountered on the campaign trail. His battle with Perez and the unions attempting to block Measure D created a difficult election for him.

“The government employee unions that represent county and city workers, in public safety, they spent over $200,000 against me in the race and it’s 10 times more than they’ve ever spent in a supervisor’s race than ever before,” Scrivner said.

Scrivner also had an incident concerning him and illegal marijuana usage during his time in college that came up during the campaign. He addressed how the decision was made to approach the issue with voters.

“What I did, rather than let them spring it on me in the end of the campaign, I just said ‘Look, this happened, I’m telling you now because I want you to hear it from me rather than my opponent,’” Scrivner said.

Toward the end of the evening, Grove received a call from Congressman Kevin McCarthy and connected the call over the loudspeaker.

McCarthy then congratulated all the candidates that were victorious during the night and gave a word of inspiration for supporters to take with them.

“You know, Republicans realize that only in America you’re given a second chance, and we’re not gonna screw it up this time,” McCarthy said.

Opinions

Page 6

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Homecoming: A reason to show college pride or a waste of students’ time

Staff Editorial

CSUB murder raises many local questions and anger

Editor’s Note | With the recent homecoming events and spending that coincides with them at Bakersfield College, Rip staff writers decided to sound off and represent their different views on the event.

PRO

CON

By Kimberlyn Yvonne Macias

By James Licea

Reporter

Reporter

Homecoming is filled with school pride, free stuff, a football game, In a lot of cases, homecoming week is great. There are all the crowning of the homecoming king and queen – all while bringing types of fun events and games held on campus, free food and students and staff closer together.

T-shirts are passed out, then a football game and the crowning Homecoming gives students a week to be proud of Bakersfield of the homecoming king and queen sums it all up. The purCollege, and it reminds students to appreciate its pose of all these events is to bring together student body and campus life. faculty and for us all to show our school spirit.

Students are always so busy with At BC, our homecoming weeks have usually included varischool and their personal lives that ous activities held on campus like inflatables, dunk tanks, tug they don’t take part in the opporof wars, rock walls and three-legged races. tunities on campus, but during All of these things are very cool. I’m always in favor of homecoming week students free stuff, but not one of these things gives me the least bit of cannot miss them. Activischool spirit. ties are all around campus One of the most popular things to come of this event is and students take part in the electing and crowning of the homecoming king and joining. queen. To me this is the most pathetic and trivial atThe school brings activities tempt of school spirit I can think of. Giving two to the students and everything is people plastic crowns and calling them king and paid for by student government, queen is an overhyped popularity contests that in other words, all of the activities does nothing but boost the self-esteem of the are free. winners and diminish that of the losers.

BC gives out free food several Besides a crown and a “way to go” here times that week, and this is one of the and there, the winners don’t actually few times students make time to eat achieve much else. Listing being homewith their friends and peers, and of coming king or queen probably wouldn’t course, the best part is that this is also be something striking to put on a resupplied by the student government sume. I’m sure employers wouldn’t be and catered to students by the school very impressed. cafeteria.

All these little games and memenThere is no homecoming week tos are fun, but the amount of money without the homecoming football that pays for them seems a bit exgame where lots of families, alumcessive.The Student Government ni, students and the community Association has spent $20,000 for are brought together to cheer the homecoming, which includes prize football game that is anticipatmoney, T-shirts, float decorations ed every year. and other activities.

This game is more exMaybe I’m wrong, but traordinary than any others this seems like a horin the season. rible waste of money.

The way people express Sure it’s tradition and their school spirit is fascinathomecoming is a big ing. part of our campus, Some people dress up in but most of the things it costumes while some paint pays for would go untheir face with school colors. noticed if reduced. I’m Adults, teens and even children sure the football team all over this community express wouldn’t be any their school spirit. better or worse.

During halftime they have a speWhat is school cial ceremony with floats and givespirit?

Is it aways, and then of course there is the caused by wincrowning of the homecoming king and ning football queen. games? Can Everyone on the edge of their seats wonwe get it from dering if the candidate that they voted for participating in and supported through the campaigning is a three-legged race? going to win.

If we run for homecomYou also see families of the potential ing king or queen, will king and queen nervous and proud of we get it? What about if we the candidates out in the field. wear our free homecoming T-shirt?

Some seem to be praying interIf so, why don’t I have school spirit? nally while others are just proud Because I’ve done nearly all of these they family member has gotten things except for winning a football this far in the running. game and it has left me nothing When they announce the winners of but a scarce amount of studying homecoming king and queen, the crowds gets time from procrastination due to that much more cheerful and the environment is at its distractions around campus. In peak, because even if the football team wins samantha garrett / The Rip my opinion, school spirit is achieved by or not we still have two winners – a king and excellence in multiple areas, including queen – and no one can take that away from sports, academics, and extracurricular us. activities. Not by winning a three-legged race.

If the football team does win, there is a whole new level of exciteTo really come together as a school let’s impress people by ment and happiness in the environment. showing them how intellectual we are as students by studyTogether everyone feels invincible and happy to just be a part of ing hard on our midterms and keeping our GPA high so that the game’s presence – it is a remarkable feeling. one day we might make a career for ourselves that gives back At the end of the day your biggest pride is being a Renegade – it to our community, instead of spending quality studying time doesn’t matter if you are a student, an alumnus or simply a fan. waiting in line for a hotdog or jumping on an inflatable.

’G ade Feedback

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Recently a tragedy occurred that resulted in a young woman losing her life in a shooting at a campus event held at California State University of Bakersfield.

Among the suffering the family already has to endure due to the loss of their loved one, they are also exposed to public ridicule and criticism stemming from ignorance and hate-filled comments on public forums like the one on The Bakersfield Californian’s Web site.

Following the story on bakersfield.com, anonymous comments flow with righteous remarks from people that have no idea what really happened yet feel they have the right to speculate and judge.

Their racist commenting primarily suggests that the shooting was unavoidable because that’s what happens when a lot of young blacks get together and how it’s basically her fault she died.

What has this city become for its people to think and behave

this way? Is race the only factor that comes into play when a tragedy befalls upon a group of minorities?

This display of bigotry is embarrassing to the city of Bakersfield, and what’s worse is that all of this is done under the hood of protected anonymous commenting on TBC’s Web site. We believe in free speech, we believe that everyone has the right to his or her own opinions, too, but if you feel the need to share your ignorance with the world, do so boldly and don’t bully others behind the shield anonymity.

In the end, however, it doesn’t matter what comments are made because they won’t change anything. A young woman is still dead, a daughter will still be missing, and a home will still be empty.

So be proud, Bakersfield, and treat your community as one family and do away with social bigotry. Support your city instead of tearing it down from within.

Parking an issue for some students at BC

By Sandra G. Ward Reporter

I am not usually one to complain much, but after surviving another parking lot frenzy when another student forced me to slam on my brakes, cutting right in front of me in order to snag the very last spot closest to campus; there were a number of thoughts that began to surface in my mind which I am now able to impose upon our readers regarding the parking situation at Bakersfield College.

It turned out that on that day – and what seems like every other day – I ended up having to park in the free parking area of the southwest parking lot on campus. It seems as though the parking permit I purchased for this semester has been nothing more than a complete waste of money.

I was forced to walk to class, and, by the time I reached my classroom destination after walking what felt like a mile or more from where I had to park my car, I could almost see a spark of validity in the action of that student who cut me off that day.

That might not seem such a great challenge for many young students on campus, but for one of the older adult students attending BC it can become a bit of a challenge.

I believe that BC should consider providing some kind of accommodations to make it easier for students who have a more difficult time getting around.

A shuttle service sounds like a good idea to me.

It makes me feel like my parking permit has no value. Isn’t that why we purchase a parking permit – to ensure that we are able to park where it best suits to be closest to our classes?

Shuttle service could also be

of some benefit to those who have late classes ending late in the evening when the parking lots are cleared and leaving students forced to walk a distance in darkened, desolate parking areas where there isn’t enough security.

I‘ve been there too, and it made me nervous.

Perhaps funds could be provided to develop some type of shuttle service through funds received for the parking permit purchases.

As long as there are so many students enrolled at Bakersfield College, the parking situation could never be altered to specifically accommodate those students who make the effort to purchase a parking permit. Maybe it would be fair to no longer require the purchase of parking permits and students could be reimbursed for those purchased this semester. It’s not like I get to use mine anyway.

There is something that is just not right about charging students for parking space already occupied and may never even be available to them the entire semester.

With some kind of shuttle service, at least everyone will have a chance to be provided easier access to class. Or, do we students who may be a little older, have to try and get help from the disabled students program who might just see a little irony in the request for accessibility because we are too tired to make it to class.

Instead of charging students for parking space that the school simply does not have enough of, they can charge a fee for the use of the shuttle service. Not every student will have the need for the service, but at least those who do will get a better chance of receiving it.

What did you like best about homecoming week and why?

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

Compiled by: Rip Staff

Asuncion Ornelas, Liberal Studies: “The jumpers because they were fun.”

Juan Bravo, Welding: “The free food and the jumpers because you got to mess around on them.”

Eric Garcia, Criminal Justice: “The joust because I got to hit my friend with it.”

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.

Staff

Editor in Chief..........................Brian N. Willhite Reporters: Kristen Blue, Martin Chang, Zak Cowan, Features Editor...............................Vincent Perez Chrystal Fortt, Breanna Gray, James Licea, Yvonne Sports Editor.......................................Julian Moore Macias, BrendaIrene Rodriguez, Cristal Rodriguez, Copy Editor ................................Samantha Garrett Sandra Ward Photo Editor..................................Annie Stockman Photographers: Carissa Edwards, Nicholas Flores, Opinions Editor...........................Michael Wafford Ryan George, Deedee Soto, Nathan Wilson Magazine Editor.........................Mateo M. Melero Online Editor...............................Gregory D. Cook Video Production........................Michael Morrow Adviser.......................................................Danny Edwards

David Garcia, History: “I liked the jumper course because it was cool. We got a little exercise between class.”

Lisa Hernandez, Political Science: “I liked the games a lot. They looked really fun.”

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 7

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Exercise equipment fails to deliver on claims made

By Michael Wafford Opinions Editor

The Shake Weight’s claims of being a revolutionary new way to work out the muscles are partially true – although it requires more coordination than it’s worth.

Available in two varieties; a two and a half pound version for women, for $19.95, and a five pound version for men, for $29.95, the Shake weight is a dumb bell with spring loaded roduct weights on each end.

The weight is availeview able at retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart, online and of course buyers can purchase the Shake Weight through a phone number.

You can lift the Shake Weight like an ordinary weight but to truly get the desired effect you have to shake it.

This review is based on the women’s version.

The Shake Weight comes with an instruc-

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tional DVD and a few fliers demonstrating popular exercises and claims about its effectiveness.

The flier that comes with the product claims that a user will “see results in as little as 6 minutes a day.” During my six-minute workouts I certainly felt some things, although most of the feelings were self-consciousness and pain.

The workout was fine. Making it through the six minutes was a breeze every time. I even went a little longer than the suggested time. It never felt like much of a workout, though.

Though the website claims it’s a great way to shape and tone the chest, arms and shoulders I didn’t seem to get the full effect.

Honestly it seemed like a less effective and complete workout than doing a few push-ups.

Although I could feel my biceps, triceps and shoulders during the workout, I felt nothing in my chest until I hit myself during some furious shaking.

Yes, there’s a risk of hitting oneself while shaking it. Two of the suggested exercises

led to me hitting myself. Not only did I manage to hit myself in the chest – the Shake Weight also assaulted my chin and the back of my head. Although the two and a half pound weight didn’t seem to cause any serious injury to my body, I can’t imagine that hitting yourself in the head with a weight is good for anything.

Not only did I manage to hurt my body, I also managed to hurt my pride.

I felt ridiculous using the Shake Weight.

The motions all seemed so suggestive yet familiar.

Whether I tried a popular motion suggested by the flier such as the double hand front shake or one I improved myself, I couldn’t help but feel a little gross while working out with the Shake Weight.

Overall the Shake Weight doesn’t meet its claims as far as working out the upper body goes and doesn’t seem to be any more effective than any traditional form of exercise on what it does affect.

It’s not the worst workout I’ve had but it was certainly the most painful – on both my body and my pride.

Children bring down mini golf experience

Obsidian hits the jackpot

By Chrystal Fortt Reporter

New Vegas | The newest Fallout title brings more options and freedom to the role-playing franchise.

Sports Editor

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Monster Mini Golf’s course’s setup is the only bright spot in a rowdy, kid-infested environment.

Monster Golf has musement a fun and exciting ateview mosphere to be in. They have a good in-house DJ that plays all sorts of 90s music and asks trivia questions between songs, and – if someone answers correctly – that person wins a prize.

There are also arcade games that are lit up by the black lights and people can win tickets for cool, scary prizes.

The best thing about Monster Mini Golf is the lighting and awesome artwork. The entire place was lit up by black lights that ran across the ceiling. All of the art was painted with black light paint.

The layout and the artistry are very well designed. Most of the art was painted on the wall; some were huge animated monster props where you could hit the golf ball under them or in their mouths.

Overall, Monster Golf looked great inside.

Another plus on Monster Golf was the service from the staff.

They were really friendly and didn’t keep people waiting.

Monster golf is very family-

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By Julian Moore Fallout: New Vegas is the highly anticipated follow-up to IGN Entertainment’s 2008 Game of the Year Fallout 3. And this time Obsidian Entertainment handles the game with their sights set on bringing some post-apocalyptic life into Las Vegas.

The game throws you into the role of a Courier ideo ame for the Mojave Exeview press who has been tasked with delivering a special package. But in the opening, you are shot by a man in a suit, and left for dead in a grave.

Soon you awake in the home of a local doctor with two things in mind: where is the package you were tasked with and, more importantly, revenge.

Much of the game is driven by the rival factions around the Mojave Desert.

Two of the most popular and sought after are the rivals: New California Republic and the slaver group, Ceaser’s Legion.

Annie Stockman / The Rip

BC student Michael Wafford tries his best to shake it up with the Shake Weight exercise system Oct. 27

Courtesy of bethesda software

The Courier faces off against a pair of Securitron robots in the Mojave Wastelands outside one of several destitute settlements found in “Fallout: New Vegas.”

Each group wants control of the coveted Hoover Dam, because of its clean water and generation of electricity.

New Vegas brings back the use of a buddy system and the reinstallment of the “companion wheel,” which has been M.I.A. since Fallout 2.

The combat in the game has been tweaked and glorified to a new level.

The V.A.T.S. system is brought back with a new “kill cam,” and the two go hand-inhand.

Compared to Fallout 3 the combat in New Vegas is more personalized. The amount of choices in weapon modification combined with the Fallout series always robust amount of weapons makes the combat in New Vegas less repetitive than Fallout 3’s.

The numerous amounts of gangs helps add a sea of choices

to the play itself. Each gang brings a slew of missions that give the player more options.

This is one area that the game is heavily improved on. The amount of choices the player has within the game leaves a more self-tailored feel. New Vegas doesn’t leave you at the beck and call of the Brotherhood of Steel.

The looser nature of the narrative allows for a more unique role-playing experience.

Whether helping bring peace to the Wastelands with the NCR or ravaging the land with the Legion, every option in the story feels as if it has an impact on the world that feels more satisfying than just being an errand boy with no influence for most of the experience as in Fallout 3.

Each Casino on the Strip provides a place to spend or double all those hard earned caps.

There are only a few games

in each casino with a roulette wheel and Blackjack tables, but they provide the needed touch.

Fallout brings a new Hardcore mode into the picture with New Vegas.

The mode is beyond difficult, essentially giving a more realistic feel to the game. Healing type items like Stimpaks and RadAway are effective over time unlike before, and each piece of ammo is counted in the player’s allowed weight. And if that wasn’t enough, to stay alive the player must now worry about dehydration, starvation and sleep deprivation.

While the task of keeping fed and hydrated may seem intimidating, it’s not too difficult thanks to an abundance of food and drink to be found in the dozens of locations in the Wastes.

Overall “Fallout: New Vegas” is a fine addition to the franchise

oriented; it’s a really good place to take children. The place is aimed for younger teens around the ages of 13 to 14 years old. So there are a lot of younger kids in there.

There were a few problems, however – Monster Golf has an 18-hole course that’s all inside one room. After getting a golf club and golf ball, one has to wait for the people ahead to finish golfing. This would be fine if everyone golfing were adults.

Our group of friends had a huge group of kids behind us that hit their balls when we weren’t finished with our hole. We felt rushed the entire time because of this.

Throughout the course, they have ledges that people stand on so they’re not in the way of the course.

Unfortunately, the kids didn’t stay on the ledges – they ran around in the same area as our golf ball. Not only kids, but parents as well, were always standing in the way of the golf course.

This was very irritating because our group was constantly telling people to move, we waited for people to run by, and sometimes our clear shots to the hole was knocked away by someone running by.

For the college students who would rather not deal with children, Monster Golf would be a great place to take a group of friends when there aren’t kids there. Moreover, it would be an awesome place to host a party.

Undead Nightmare brings zombie hordes into the Old West Wild wild west | Rockstar’s newest downloadable content breathes life into aging game with the help of the undead.

By Zak Cowan Reporter

As you first load up your Red Dead Redemption copy after the grueling wait it took to download Undead Nightmare, you tend to think about good ideo ame the ol’ times, hogtying eview women and throwing them on the train-tracks, or the time you took on an entire gang of United States Marshalls in a shootout.

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BC B rains

play, paired with the always spot on Rockstar voiceovers, provide for a compelling experience that is well worth the 800 Microsoft points, or $9.99.

The multiplayer section of the DLC is superb.

With game modes such as Undead Overrun, where you and three other players fend of wave after wave of zombies.

This is a game mode finding its way into so many shooters nowadays, such as Halo: Reach and the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops, the variety make this a great buy for any fan of Rockstar Games.

Red Dead Redemption already had the some of the best replayability of any game on the market, and Undead Nightmare puts it far ahead of anything in that category.

Courtesy of Rockstar games

John Marston peers into the desert while his horse rests.

“What is an amylase?”

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

cure, as well as fending off zombies in each city which provides you with a safe house, and a pillow to rest your head on – and save.

The characters are unforgettable once again, with old characters from the original campaign makings appearances, as well as new ones.

One survivor explains how clearing out the graveyards around the huge open-world map will start to get rid of the plague.

Clearing out the graveyards is no easy task.

You must burn coffins while fending off zombies that have already risen.

Each graveyard also provides a boss type zombie toward the end. This adds a little difficulty to the mission overall.

The mix of challenging game

Victor Esparza, Undecided: “Food.”

Gabriela Ornelas, Nutrition: “Some type of medicine.”

Steven Lara, Undecided: “A scientific term.”

Janet Urquhart, Nursing: “A protein in the body.”

Damaris Arango, Undecided: “Amy on a lease.”

Correct answer: An enzyme that breaks starch into sugar.

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Those were the days.

But now it’s Halloween time, and Rockstar Games has provided a whole new campaign experience, featuring none other than the brain eating zombies America has found a fascination with, including myself.

The opening sequence of the final downloadable content for Rockstar’s western third person shooter Red Dead Redemption just doesn’t give justice to the rest of the story.

Despite the quick and unemotional beginning, where your entire family turns each other into zombies one by one, the story carries along very well from there.

With the lead protagonist, John Marston, going from town to town talking to other survivors of the outbreak to try and find a

Sports

Page 8

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

Renegades tight end Jared Hood heads for the pylon and BC’s second touchdown against the El Camino Warriors on Oct. 30. Hood’s touchdown tied the game at 14 and the Renegades would eventually win 21-14.

BC wins two with two left to play

By Michael Morrow

Video Production Editor

After another slow start, the Bakersfield College defense came through late in the second half to hold onto the game against the El Camino Warriors.

BC improved their record to 7-1 after beating Ventura College 27-24 in overtime on Oct. 23 and El Camino, 21-14 on homecoming. The Renegades have extended their win streak to three games giving them a 3-0 record in the National Northern Conference.

The Renegades and the Warriors went scoreless in the first quarter, but on the first possession of the second quarter, The Warriors ground game put a cap

on the possession by punching it in for six.

BC would tie the game at seven late in the first half on a 10-play drive for 80 yards. The series developed with running back Andre Smith starting to build momentum, and ended with quarterback Lyle Negron completing passes of 14, three, nine, 40 and two yards, followed by an eight yard run for the touchdown from Negron.

Negron ended up passing for 153 yards and one touchdown on 13-of-23 attempts, while Smith rushed for 165 yards, a season high, and one touchdown on 29 carries.

In the second half, BC opened with a three-and-out and the Warriors capitalized on it. El Camino

Gregory D. Cook / The Rip

Warriors quarterback Omar Herrera gets the ball away as Renegades linebacker John Oglesby leaps up in an attempt to deflect the pass at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 30. Oglesby had seven tackles with one tackle for loss. drove down the field on eight straight rush attempts and scored on a five-yard rush attempt by Peter Walton.

The Renegades would again rally, this time late in the third.

BC drove down the field in much the same fashion the last Renegade scoring drive went. Smith for a 11, 15, five and 14 yard pickup and Negron completing the necessary passes to keep the drive alive and then completing the 16-yard pass to tight end Jared Hood for the touchdown to tie the game at 14 and end the quarter.

BC’s defense took a stance in the fourth shutting down El Camino on five plays, and the offense did their part by tacking on another touchdown.

Smith, who many fans say had his best game of the season, had several solid gains to keep the Renegades attacking and then finishing off the drive with a 2-yard rush to give the Renegades a 21-14 final score.

From there on out, BC’s defense held firm, and on two possessions, forced two threeand-outs to put the game in their offenses hands.

The Renegades offense ran the ball down to the four-yard line and decided to let the clock expire without the attempt to score.

The week before against Ventura, The Pirates controlled the game in the first half, putting up 17 points, most of which came from their starting quarterback Antavius Sims. Sims threw for 242 yards on 22-of-39 attempts while rushing for three touchdowns and 121 yards on 34 carries.

But the Renegades defense would show up when they were needed the most.

On the Pirates final possession of the fourth and on Ventura’s overtime possession, the Renegades hung tough and held the Pirates scoreless. In overtime, the Pirates had possession first

Soccer team battles back to .500

By Vincent Perez Features Editor

Injuries have been a common theme throughout Bakersfield College women’s soccer season.

“We’ve got five players out for the year, and then we have one (Jessica Hernandez) out with a concussion – we hope she will get cleared soon,” said coach Scott Dameron. Hernandez was cleared for the Oct. 26 match against Santa Monica but did not play until BC’s Oct. 29 match at L.A. Mission, according to Dameron.

Dameron added that numerous ankle injuries to mostly midfielders on the team have changed the dynamics of the team and the way that the team plays.

When asked if the injuries were due to training or circumstantial, Dameron replied, “They’re not necessarily related – usually when it’s muscle pulls and things like that you look at what you’re doing training-wise.

A lot of these have been traumatic, things that are hard to say how you control it.”

Dameron talked about the 8-0 Western State Conference South win over L.A. Mission.

“We won 8-0, so it wasn’t close. They weren’t the biggest threat that we faced all year – when you go into a game like that it can be easy to relax and maybe you don’t play your best – that’s what I was pleased with.

We were competing with ourselves, as far as how good we can play and they did a good job of that.”

BC’s Terrryn Soelberg and Stevie Lewis both scored two goals against L.A. Mission and teammates Baliegh Biter, Kristina Garcia, and Brittany Hunt each scored one goal. Hunt also had an assist.

BC lost 2-0 at home to Santa Monica (9-2-5, 8-1-1) in a WSC South match.

The Corsairs’ Sarah Barrington and Olivia Patterson each scored a goal to defeat BC. The Renegades tied with Glendale (4-12-1, 2-7-1) in a WSC South match on Oct. 22.

Amber Beckham scored the Renegades only goal in the first half with an assist by Soelberg.

Glendale scored their game-tying goal in the second goal.

BC defeated Canyons 2-1 on Oct. 19 in a WSC South match.

Canyons’ record stands at 8-6-2 and 5-5-0 in WSC South.

Dameron talked about BC’s chances for playoffs.

“It’s definitely still there for us. We’re right on the edge [of making playoffs]. We’ve got games against teams with really good records that would move us up if we defeated them – one of them, Citrus College is just ahead of us right now so when we play those matches it’s going to be a big deal.”

The top 16 teams from each

and failed to gain any yards with three plays for losses and an incomplete pass.

BC’s offense struggled throughout only picking up 36 yards on the ground and Negron struggling to find his targets, going 13-for-24 with one interception. However, he did complete one of the most crucial passes of the game to give the Renegades a chance at a comeback.

All in one series, BC started to re-assert their selves back into the game. It started with an illegal-46-yard-would-be pass that found Negron headed to the bench, replaced with backup Byron Campbell.

Two plays later, Campbell threw – his only pass of the game – a 37-yard pass to wideout Loren Kolb, but was injured on the play, bringing Negron back into the game. And on the next play, Negron dropped back to pass and threw a 55-yard touchdown to Kolb bringing the Renegades to within seven, 24-17 with just

BC hopes to make the most of WSC finals

By Zak Cowan Reporter

annie stockman / The Rip

Bakersfield College’s Kristina Garcia makes a play on the ball in a game against Santa Monica’s Bertha Salgado at home on Oct. 26. BC lost the game 2-0. region of WSC North and South qualify for playoffs. BC (7-63, 5-3-2) is in 18th in the WSC South as of Nov. 1.

Dameron added that no teams in the WSC South have seen BC’s true colors.

“There’s never been a point when we’ve been full strength.

We’ve been managing who we have and trying to figure out the most effective way we can play.”

Dameron added, “I’m impressed – they still play well with a nice style. The question is do we have the legs left to get some of these good teams at the end of the season.”

over 10 minutes to go in the fourth.

Kolb finished with seven catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns.

The Renegades, 6-1 overall, tied the game at 24 on defense with a forced fumble by linebacker Tierney Yates. The fumble was recovered and returned 53 yards for the score by linebacker John Oglesby.

After the failed possession in overtime by the Pirates, BC gained five yards on an encroachment penalty setting up place kicker Josh Gallington for a 35-yard kick for the win. Ventura had 15 penalties for a loss of 120 yards.

Gallington not only made this field goal, but also has gone 10for-10 on the season and 37-of38 on PATs. The Renegades maintain their No. 2 ranking and travel to Cerritos before returning home to play College of the Canyons in the final game of the regular season.

The wrestling team is going into the last stretch of the season and hopes to make a statement at the Western State Conference finals scheduled Nov. 13 at Bakersfield College.

Before the conference finals, the team will go to San Luis Obispo to compete in the Cuesta Tournament.

Bill Kalivas, the head coach of the team, will be using the Cuesta Tournament to determine where his team is before the finals.

“This is our last individual tournament that we’ll go to get a good view of everyone,” said Kalivas.

Kalivas said his team still has a chance to win the WSC. “Hopefully, depending on what type of performance, we have a shot at winning the conference,” he said. “Maybe we’ll be second, maybe we’ll be third, and maybe we’ll be fourth. A lot of it just depends on where [the team is] at mentally.”

Kalivas is hopeful that his team takes in the advice he and his coaches have given them throughout the season.

“I think [the coaching staff]

has tried to prepare them physically as best as we can,” Kalivas said. “But the reality and question is who is going to try and apply it.”

Kalivas said that the conference championship would be a good indication of what the team will be like at the end, so they would just have to wait and see.

The season doesn’t end after the conference finals. The team will compete in the Fullerton State Open, then head to the Southern Regional in Victor Valley before competing in the California Community College Championships on Dec. 12-13.

Kalivas said that the Fullerton State Open would help them determine the top ten wrestlers they are going to take to the Regional and Championships in December.

Kalivas thought his team could have performed better during the season if it hadn’t suffered so many injuries, but he would take what he could get.

“Other than the beginning of the year we really haven’t been able to put a full lineup out,” he said. “In certain weight classes we’re deep, in other classes we’ve having to create someone, so we’ll wait and see.”

Sports

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

‘Up-tempo’ Renegades look for stronger season

By Zak Cowan

roster.

“We don’t have many players overall, with only two returning sophomores and seven freshman,” The Bakersfield College women’s basketball she said. “But they’re working hard, and I’m conteam has been preparing for the new season, hop- fident in them.” ing to make significant improvements on their reDahl said that she isn’t worried about her team cord from last year. During the putting up points collectively.

Women’s Basketball 2009-2010 season, the team “All of my starters can put Nov. 12-13 at Hancock Tournament with 9-16 overall, with a record the ball up, so there should be Nov. 17 Moorpark of 4-8 when playing against some pretty even distribution.”

Nov. 20 at Reedley Western State Conference opDahl said that her team is an Nov. 23 at Santa Barbara ponents. “up and down” type of team Dec. 2-4 at Cuesta Tournament Paula Dahl is the head coach and expressed excitement of the team, and has high hopes about the up-tempo offense for her team going into the 2010-2011 season. they plan to execute.

“I’m really excited about my team this year,” “We’re athletic, and we’re going to run like we’ve said Dahl. “It’s going to be fun. [We are a] com- never ran before. I’ve got some great post players, pletely different team, with a completely different but we just want to run,” she said. “We don’t want game plan,” she said. “It’s a new season and I’m to have to get into a half court offensive set.” just excited to see what we are going to do.”

Dahl said that she isn’t worried if they get into Dahl isn’t worried about the small and young those situations, since her team can handle it.

Reporter

michael Morrow / The Rip

Damian Robinson hits the weights during a team session before basketball practice on Nov. 1. BC is looking to add a sixth playoff berth in coach Rich Hughes’ tenure.

Hughes aims at WSC title in sixth season

By Michael Morrow

Hughes. “When you press, sometimes you give some easy ones up, but this years team, we have to be a little bit better defensively than we have been The Bakersfield College men’s basketball team in the past, as far as allowing layups. We can’t alis set to open the season on an eight-week road low layups. trip, playing in five tournaments and three games “We’re a very small team, so rebounding is gothroughout the central and southern region of the ing to come from being fundamental and boxing state. out. We can’t give up second shot attempts,” he The Renegades first home game doesn’t come said. “We have to get the ball up the floor and until Jan. 8, when they face off against West L.A. create offense with our fast break and not necesHead coach Rich Hughes believes the road chal- sarily taking bad shots, but trying to get numbers. lenge will only make his team better down the Five-on-three instead of five-on-five, and I think stretch of the season. this team has the speed to beat people down the “The most important thing is you want to win floor.” early, yes, to gain confidence – but more imporHughes is entering his sixth season as head tantly, you want to win late, and we didn’t win coach of the Renegades, and is assisted by Aaron late last year,” said Hughes. “If we hit a few road Chavez, the associate head coach who has been at bumps early and it helps us to grow as a team, and BC since Hughes has been the head coach. that helps us grow toward the end of the year so Together, they have had five 20-win seasons, that we can make another run at a state champi- five playoff appearances and one conference title. onship, then maybe that’s what has to happen for The Renegades had a rough outing in last season’s us.” playoffs, losing to SouthThe Renegades start off the western College and Hughes season at the Ventura tour- Men’s Basketball: hopes to make a strong push nament on Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 11-13 at Ventura Tournament in conference. follow that up against rivals Nov. 19-21 at Fresno City Tournament “We’ve been at the top and Fresno City at the Fresno City Nov. 27 at Allan Hanock in first or second in confertournament on Nov. 19-21.

Dec. 3-5 at Antelope Valley Tourn. ence the last five years, with Hughes mentioned how Dec. 9 at Porterville Citrus being at the top the the team has the talent to Dec. 17-19 at COS Tournament past couple years, but I alwin both tournaments, but, in Dec. 28-30 at Allan Hancock ways think we have a chance his eyes, the Renegades lack Jan. 5 at Citrus to win it. We don’t have a lot the consistency needed to be Jan. 8 West LA of returners, but yet, a lot of victorious. A reason Hughes Jan. 12 at Canyons the other teams don’t either,” feels the team is inconsistent said Hughes. “Citrus has a is the fact that they are a young team and only re- couple returners back too, so we’re hoping to be turn three players from last year’s team. at the top again and hopefully steal a conference Guards Stevie Howard and Bart Dandridge championship out of it this year.” along with forward Cooper Damron are the reLast year the Renegades went 23-6 overall, and turners.

9-3 in the Western State Conference and Hughes “I think always every year you’re going to rely talked about the wins the team had to have to be on your sophomores. Those three guys played the team they want to be. minutes for us last year, some started off and on, “We always have our natural rivals. Fresno is in we’re going to not only need their experience, four of the tournaments we’re in, and we split with but their leadership to lead the freshman,” said them last year, went 1-1, and they’re always going Hughes. “Basketball is like life; it doesn’t always to be a rival. We both have been close to the top go the way you want it to, but it’s how you respond in state rankings. When we get into league, obvito the adversity. And they’ve been through it, so ously Citrus has had some very good luck against them leading the freshman through ‘the wall’ will us,” said Hughes. “We’ve come up on the short be really key.” end of the stick on a couple of real close games in Normally, after the first two away tournaments, the last two years, so those two teams, like us are BC hosts a Thanksgiving tournament the Friday always battling to be one of the better teams in the and Saturday following Thanksgiving, but due state, and those are the type of teams that you have to budget cuts and other lack of funding issues, to beat to prepare for playoffs.”

Hughes and staff decided to cut the tournament Of the 15 active players on the roster, six are and add another tournament at Antelope Valley from Illinois. Only five players are from the greatCollege in early December. er Bakersfield area, with three being from in town.

Hughes talked about how he feels defending, The Renegades have no listed center, and two playrebounding and creating offense will enable the ers that are six-foot-six, but the rest are all guards.

Renegades to win, not only in the early season The Renegades lost valuable players like fortournaments, but also throughout the season. ward Bobby Fisher, and guards Skyler Vaden, E.J. “We have to be able to defend. We have to stop Kirby and Ricky Wofford, but Hughes is confident people from getting easy shots against us,” said and hopeful for this season.

Video Production Editor

michael morrow / The Rip

Women’s head coach Paula Dahl gives her freshman center, Brooke Hood, some direction during practice on Nov. 1. BC opens on the road, Nov. 12-13 at Hancock.

Renegades elevate their game

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Bakersfield College setter Mary Maiocco sets a volley during a game against Glendale College on Oct. 29. BC swept the Vaqueros in three games 25-20, 25-15, and 25-20.

Campus

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Alumni return to BC for 50-year reunion tour

By James Licea Reporter

After almost 50 years, former students of Bakersfield College who lived in dorms on campus came for a reunion and tour of the current campus on Oct. 23. Exstudents came from all over the country to visit the Bakersfield campus.

The tour began in the library, moved to the farm, admissions, then the Levan Center. After that, they took them to the Humanities building, the Child Care center, the indoor/ outdoor theater, they went to the Horticulture Lab and came back around to Levinson Hall, which was the main attraction for the tour.

Levinson Hall used to be the women’s dorm, and the men’s dorm used to be where the Grace Van Dyke Library stands today.

During the tour, BC alumni reminisced about living in the dorms that used to be on campus.

They talked about squeezing three people in a room that was meant to house two, jumping locked gates to get to the pool or the cigarette machine that used to be in the Humanities quad. They also spoke of pulling all nighters and the practical jokes they played on each other.

Ben Casey, former SGA presi-

dent of the fall of 1962, reminisced about the pranks. Casey spoke of a particular prank they played on the women’s dorm where the men turned off the hot water while the women were showering.

In retaliation, the women called the men’s dorm and pretended to be part of the U.S. Army, stating that they needed every ablebodied man to get their warmest clothes on and wait out front for a bus to pick them up.

Casey explained that this was during the Cuban Missile Crisis when President Kennedy was talking about going to war. Waiting out in the cold, Casey said they noticed the curtains of the women’s dorm open up and, he said, “Every woman that was in the dorm was looking out at us, laughing.”

John Wittig talked about how back then BC was the richest community college district in the state because of the oil money, and the equipment and student body budget surpassed UCLA’s. He also talked about how the football team won the Junior Rose Bowl.

Ginevra Waterhouse and Bill Packer met while they attended BC and have been married for 48 years. About the campus, they said, “We’ve seen it grow, and it’s really amazing to see the changes.

It’s to our amazement that it really

is still here, but it’s not. Everything is kind of familiar.”

Many things about the campus are different from how it used to be, but there are many buildings that still remain, Priscilla Aquino explained.

About the old campus, Aquino said, “It was a unique situation, you don’t find dorms at community colleges at all anymore.”

The former Renegades went out to dinner after the event to further catch up on past memories.

Three former students who kept in touch over the years said they came up with the idea after meeting several years back. At first the idea was to gather together a group that would go walk around campus and see how different it is now. They ended up getting driven around by SGA in carts and getting a catered lunch, courtesy of the food department.

The alumni that organized the event were Aquino, Caroline Davis and Judy Cooke. Together they all e-mailed those they kept in touch with and contacted BC to get approval.

A letter was also sent to the Bakersfield Californian that helped get the word out. They said Patricia Rapp was especially helpful along with Amber Chiang and Becki Whitson.

SGA President Lisa English,

Brian N. Willhite / The Rip

In a symbolic gesture, former SGA president (1962) Ben Casey hands over the gavel to current president Lisa English at Bakersfield College on Oct. 23.

General Counsel Sean Hill and Ramona Benavidez, a student assistant in CC4, led the tour.

English and Hill said Chiang and Cooke asked if they would participate in giving a tour to

former students via e-mail. This idea was one they were excited to take part in, “we felt this was a great opportunity to reach out to people who have been here in the past, and we looked forward

to helping them,” Hill said.

Hill thought it was very interesting to hear the stories of the former students and listen to the similarities and differences of the campus.

Retrospective showcase brings ‘nostalgia’ to BC library art gallery

By Martin Chang Reporter

Nancy Romero has an exhibit of her art at the Bakersfield College library. She describes her work as “grounded in mythology and anthropology.”

Romero started her interest in anthropology in more traditional study. Yet she abandoned this study because of “dissatisfaction with the impersonal tools of anthropological investigation.”

She described her work as “the intersection of Nature and Man.” She also described her work as “about the rigidity of morality, the different views of what is deemed ‘good’ and ‘evil.’” She has also done work based on creation stories. Romero said she was “fascinated by the contrast between the “Before” and “After” Romero said, “’Before’ suggesting innocence, stasis, and ‘After’, movement, transformation and decay.”

Romero works in several different media in order to match her “inner vision.” She works with what she described as “old Flemish oil glazing techniques.” She has also worked in tempera, gold leaf, and dioramas.

Romero used these many media to bring “depth” to her work. She learned of these painting and media styles after she took a workshop from Syvana Barrett.

Romero called the workshop “fortuitous.”

Richard Villanueva, a student at BC, came to the exhibit and found the “three dimensional art” very “interesting” and “really cool”.

Romero’s work also gave Villanueva a feeling of nostalgia. “It gave me a flashback of my childhood of being a young kid. It almost gave me a nostalgia moment.” Villanueva was also interested by the more religiously themed work at the exhibit. He said, “I think the most captivating thing is how it has the snake coming out of the tree here, and at the same time it has a skeleton at the top. It’s kind of a symbol of death. I think it’s my most favorite one.”

Photos by Joseph cota / special to The Rip

Above: BC political science professor Steven Holmes listens in on the forum at the Levan Center on Oct. 20.

Left: Bakersfield Californian columnist Lois Henry speaks on ethics in the Levan Center at Bakersfield College on Oct. 20.

Levan Center hosts ethics debate

By Michael Wafford Opinions Editor

The subject of ethics in politics was discussed in the Norman Levan Center at Bakersfield College on Oct. 20.

BC political science professor Steven Holmes, Bakersfield Californian columnist Lois Henry and Kern Community College District board of trustees member Pauline Larwood discussed the importance of ethics in politics.

Holmes focused on the importance of voting.

“There is no doubt we are the most informed society in the world. But that doesn’t necessar-

Coffee-induced hallucinations

ily mean we are the best informed society in the world,” said Holmes. The professor said that, while Americans have easy access to information about candidates and elections, about 50 percent of people choose not to vote.

Henry also spoke on voters and information.

Henry discussed the media’s role in informing voters, using examples ranging from former president Bill Clinton’s infidelity to Zack Scrivner’s past drug arrest. The speakers discussed the issue of how a politician’s past can affect how voters view their credibility.

While Holmes and Henry focused on the importance of informed voting, Larwood focused

on the difficulty of finding truth due to mudslinging campaigns.

“We don’t know what’s true about anybody because things are slung back and forth,” said Larwood. She also said voters tend to trust their own politicians. The speakers were well received by the audience.

“I really enjoyed it. It really opened my eyes,” said David Watkins, a BC student. “We do have power to affect what the government chooses for our laws and regulations. Personally, I’m going to go back and look more in-depth into things I thought I agreed with – to make sure that I still stand with those decisions.”

By Samantha Garrett Copy Editor

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Local radio personality talks football

By Sandra G. Ward Reporter

You may have heard him on Kern Radio News Talk, AM1180 during this season as the voice from the sidelines with his reports on Renegade Radio, a live radio show on Kern Radio that reports on all the Bakersfield College Renegade football games as they are happening; he’s Matt Alvarez.

This 23-year-old student of Cal State University Bakersfield seems to be busy these days after accepting an additional position in the news department, reporting the early morning news for Kern Radio News Talk and doing it all while attempting to gain his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona.

Alvarez, who is originally from Bakersfield, has only been back for a few months as he finishes his studies at CSUB which will transfer over when he receives his degree at UA; he is also a part-time BC student.

With a knack for sports, it should come as no surprise to most that he grew up in a family influenced by sports, specifically football. Alvarez’s father, Lorenzo Alvarez, has been an assistant coach for the Renegades approximately 24 years.

Alvarez gained his sideline experience growing up in his home and on the BC football field through the guidance of his own father’s knowledge of football, which has transcended into his live reporting on the Renegade Radio show. He spoke of the times as a boy when he could hangout with the players and even became a water boy for the team.

“I think they really have a talented team. BC football is such a tradition; it’s like a brotherhood,” said Alvarez.

He first began his sports radio career at the UA five years ago reporting on the UA’s women’s softball team.

This is his first season reporting from the sidelines on the Renegade Radio show.

Having a father who coaches football, Alvarez feels lucky to be able to grow up on the sidelines.

“I have been lucky enough to see some of the best junior college football teams that have ever seen action on the field.”

As a sideline reporter, it’s more than just the football to report, he also added, “It involves getting injury updates; it involves talking to the coaches at half time during post game; it involves doing and featuring things like talking about something that don’t necessarily happen on the field; things like what’s happening with the players during the week,” said Alvarez adding that all of that adds growth to the broadcast.

While in college Alvarez not only reported on sports, but actually became an active hockey player. With such a major emphasis on football throughout his life a lot of Matt’s friends that grew up with him do not know he even has an interest in other sports like ice hockey.

He picked up on playing roller hockey while attending school in Arizona and is something he now really likes to do.

Alvarez has a lengthy academic trail behind him. It began in Louisiana on a football scholarship. While attending school there, Louisiana

Gregory d. cook / The Rip

Matt Alvarez comments on a play during a Bakersfield College football game against El Camino on Oct. 30. met with the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Still undecided about where his college path would take him, he took a trip to Tucson, Ariz. with his family and was

introduced to the UA and expressed how he fell in love with it there. He knew then that this is where he wanted to receive his education.

Though with the reality that Matt is al-

ready a working journalist, he expressed more pride in accomplishing his educational goals and is due to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from UA in December.

BC Chorale performs on campus

Martin chang / The Rip

Soloist Brady Allred, a member of the Bakersfield College Chorale, sings a solo from the song “Sing unto God” in the indoor theater Oct. 22.

By BrendaIrene Rodriguez Reporter

On Oct. 22, the indoor theater at Bakersfield College was filled with people to watch the BC Chorale and Chamber Singers perform.

Ronald Kean, director of the Choral and Chamber Singers, chose this concert theme to be centered on the idea of the healing power of music, and a lot of gospel music was performed.

The performance was dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indonesia tsunami. During the emotional song “Requiem,” a picture slide show was shown of disasters that have occurred around the world.

As the BC Chorale sang the lyrics, “Hear our mournful plea / Our world has been shaken / We wander our homelands forsaken,” they brought tears to some of the audience.

Special guests were the Centennial High School Chamber singers. “We are honored, privileged and excited to share our music with the audience and to hear the choirs at BC,” said Ray

Medina, choir director at CHS. The CHS Chamber singers sang three songs to contribute to the concert.

“The kids were awesome.

They were just great,” said Diane Sterling after listening to the CHS singers.

“And this is why we sing,” said Kean.

“The show went really well.

Great display of the talent here at BC,” said Brian Rathfelder, SGA vice president.

“It was great, very energetic, positive, and uplifting. Having a

Martin chang / The Rip

The Bakersfield College Chamber Singers perform during a fund-raising concert in the BC Indoor Theater on Oct. 22. high school here was great too,” said Richard Newton.

Kean started the concert planning with one piece of music in mind, which was “Requiem,” then continued adding more pieces.

All the funds earned from the ticket sales of the concert help each member of the BC Chorale pay for travel expenses to Hawaii in May 2011, to tour the Polynesian Cultural Center, which will enable students to see the culture of Polynesia through their song, dance, arts, crafts and food.

Eyes of the Rip

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Homecoming king and queen honored Halftime ceremony full of BC pride

By Yvonne Macias Reporter

Bakersfield College’s homecoming ceremony, which took place during the halftime show of its game against El Camino College was filled with mixed emotions by the participants.

Many were anxious to know who won the homecoming king and queen crowns, some were proud of representing their clubs and their floats, while others were just happy they were a part of it.

Opening the ceremony was a car show carrying influential people such as Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall, Bakersfield College President Greg Chamberlain and members of the Alumni Association.

This year’s float participants were from different BC clubs including the Geology, Veterans, Sports and M.E.Ch.A clubs. Additionally, this was the first time the Art Club was part of the ceremony because the club is new this year.

Chris Ballard said, “They didn’t announce us, but, yeah, this was Art Club’s first float, and hopefully with others to follow.”

Before the ceremony, candidates mentioned they received a phone call letting them know

who made the top three.

Among them were Karla Tejeda, who said she had high expectations and was very excited for making the top three. The other two candidates that made the top three for queen were Lauren Flores and Yessica Macias.

The top three candidates for king were Henry Sanchez, Edgar Gonzales and Luis Lopez.

Sanchez, who is last year’s homecoming king’s brother, said this was all thanks to his brother because he and Yessica, who are a couple, had never thought of running.

“It was Jose’s idea. We didn’t want to run at first but he started it and we followed,” said Macias.

“We had fun campaigning ,and we wanted to meet new people.

We made top three – that is more than we expected.”

“I will be happy if she makes it and I don’t make it,” said Sanchez. “We will still be each other’s king and queen.”

Janet Fuentes, a candidate, said that her goal was to just be on a ballot and, with the requirements that BC had this year for running; she knew she would have that opportunity.

“Just to know that students were able to see my name on a ballot and vote for me – that was enough for me.”

gregory d. cook / The Rip

Members of the Geology Club march beside their homecoming float during halftime.

Flores said, “I didn’t expect anything either. I was just happy I made top three and it was fun.”

The candidates stood still as they announced the second runners-up, Lauren Flores and Edgar Gonzales, and then the first runners-up, Karla Tejeda and Luis Lopez. Finally they announced this year’s homecoming king and queen – Henry Sanchez and Yessica Macias.

Macias said, “I am surprised. I didn’t expect it.”

Sanchez said, “I am so excited. I didn’t think we would win; words can’t explain.”

Flores said the experience was exciting and full of adrenaline, and Tejeda said that being in the ceremony, as top three was “fabulous.”

Sanchez later stated that this experience would strengthen their relationship and would be something they would be able to share one day with their children.

gregory d. cook / The Rip

BC’s homecoming king and queen, Henry Sanchez and Yessica Macias, pose after their coronation Oct. 30.

Students participate in royal fun during homecoming week

By Cristal Rodriguez Reporter

carissa edwards / The Rip

Bakersfield College student Brigitte Alexander finds herself in a sticky situation on the Velcro wall during homecoming activities Oct. 28.

Homecoming took over Bakersfield College for an entire week. Monday through Saturday there were events, activities, voting for homecoming royalty, free food, a dance and the big game.

“Homecoming brings excitement and energy. There is a lot going on including free giveaways,” said BC student Fred Ammerman.

The Student Government Association puts homecoming week together, and this year it included several attractions in the Free Speech area.

Also, homecoming was different in regard to king and queen nominations. In the past, in order to run for king and queen, students would need to be nominated by club advisers and fellow students.

“This year there are no nominations. Anyone can run as long as they meet the criteria,” said queen nominee Lauren Flores.

The requirements for running for king and queen are basic and were done this way so that all students could have a chance to run if they wanted.

“All we have to do to be able to run is be enrolled in six units, have a 2.0 GPA and 50 signatures from our classmates. I’m very happy because everyone, even I, can run,” said BC student Amelia Navarro.

During homecoming week there were many things going on in the quad area. Starting Monday the SGA held jousting con-

carissa edwards / The Rip

Students wait in line to test their mettle on an inflatable obstacle course, one of the inflatable play structures made available by the SGA for homecoming week Oct. 25.

carissa edwards / The Rip

Karrick Puckett (left) and Fabian Robles joust each other during homecoming week Oct. 25. tests and obstacle course races, and gave away free food and Tshirts until Thursday afternoon.

“Homecoming is always awesome because of the food and the games,” said BC student Jesus Aragon.

Some students were glad and thankful for the free food that “saved them money in their pockets,” as one BC student, Jessica Gonzales, said.

There were others who felt that the SGA should do more with informing students about homecoming week to get more involvement.

“I feel more people should participate and vote for king and queen. These things are very important when it comes to homecoming,” said BC student John Robles, who encouraged students to vote for the king and queen nominees.

There was a connection during homecoming week that many students felt with one another because they all wanted the Renegades to win the game and all were anxious to find out who would win the elections.

“I’m excited because students are very active during this week and show school spirit,” said BC student vice president Brian Rathfelder, who felt the connection and togetherness that this week brought to campus.

Homecoming was far from over Thursday afternoon – there was still a dance and the big game that everyone was looking forward to watching. On Friday at 8 p.m. there was a homecoming dance held in the BC cafeteria. This dance was free for BC students and guests were welcomed as well.

“We put this dance together all

by ourselves, and we got everything ready for everyone to enjoy with the help of some of the clubs on campus,” said Monae Morrison BC student and homecoming volunteer.

Students had a great time and enjoyed themselves while dancing and eating the snacks provided, although there weren’t many students who showed up to this dance. The ones that did made sure they had a blast during the night.

Veronica Sanders, a BC student who attended the dance, said, “There is definitely great music here that keeps me moving my feet, and the cookies are delicious.”

There is always a lot of money the SGA spends to put this week together for students. This year it was no different, but the SGA is positive that there was less money spent than last year, according to Rathfelder.

Each year the SGA always looks forward to planning homecoming for BC students even with all the work it brings.

“For people it was stressful, but with a team effort we were able to pull together and get everything ready,” said Rathfelder.

Homecoming came to a close on Saturday night after the big game, which was won by the Renegades, and the king and queen winners were announced.

For everyone who missed out on the games, nachos, baked potatoes, T-shirts and all the things this week brings to campus – don’t panic. Next fall the SGA will take over the campus with homecoming once again.

“I would like to encourage all students to keep cheering on their Renegades,” said Rathfelder.