Vol.87. No.1

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The Renegade Rip Bakersfield College

Vol. 87 ∙ No. 1

Thursday, September 10, 2015

BC president’s contract conflict solved Sonya Christian Contract Highlights TERM: The term is for three years, July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

SALARY: The salary for the 2015-16 shall be $196,060.03 ** The salary for the 2016-17 shall be $205,520.06 ** The salary for the 2017-18 fiscal year shall be increased by 2.5 percent

By Javier Valdes Copy Editor

Over the summer, Bakersfield College President Sonya Christian found herself in a tough battle against the Kern Community College District. Following a far from positive performance evaluation written by KCCD Chancellor Sandra Serrano, the KCCD board voted for the nonrenewal of Christian’s current contract, which ends Feb. 3, 2016, in a 6-1 vote during the Board of Trustees meeting on July 31.

Upon learning about the vote against Christian and her chances at a future contract renewal, much of the BC campus and the Bakersfield community came together in defense of Christian’s leadership.

After a crowd of supporters dressed in Renegade red flooded the Aug. 13 board meeting,

and countless supporting statistics and resolutions in favor of the BC president, the KCCD decided to negotiate a contract with Christian, which is recommended for approval at the Sept. 10 board meeting.

In the June 2015 employee evaluation completed by KCCD Chancellor Sandra Serrano, much came to light regarding KCCD’s dissatisfaction with Christian’s management style.

Serrano began the evaluation highlighting some of Christian’s many successes as BC president, but that quickly changed when Serrano explained how Christian’s way of management didn’t comply with KCCD policy.

Serrano stated, “Change and improvements have occurred under Dr. Christian’s presidency at Bakersfield College. However, she asserts that progress is stymied by systemic challenges

BC football struggles

such as declining facilities and infrastructure, outdated technology, structured systems that discourage innovation, and bureaucracy and a lack of clarity on responsibility and authority.”

Many of the problems that the KCCD has had with Christian date back to her 2014 evaluation where Christian “was directed to adapt her practice and performance, as well as that of her administrative team, to comply with KCCD policy and procedure.”

Because the KCCD board felt that Christian had not adapted her practice and performance as directed in her 2014 employee evaluation, the chancellor decided to recommend that Christian “seek a chief executive office in a single college district where she will have the responsibility and authority she seeks.”

Please see Sonya, Page 5

Sonya Christian speaks at the outdoor theater telling new students that when asked or given an opportunity at BC, to just say “yes!”

Christian’s contract as BC’s president is up for renewal, and the conflict of her renewal has been solved.

Mason J. Rockfellow The Rip

BCSGA has new ideas as they ready for this year

By Alex Rivera Reporter

Joe Bergman / The Rip

Bakersfield College’s quarterback Tarek Yaeggi (11) gets hit by the Riverside defenders, knocking the ball loose. BC had a rough time during their home debut as they lost to Riverside Community College 33-14. The game was held in Memorial Stadium on Sept. 5. You can check out the full story on Page 8.

The Student Government Association has many ideas they’re pushing to implement during the fall semester led by the duo of SGA President Clayton Fowler and Vice President Janell Orozco.

The items Fowler and Orozco wish to accomplish first are the transportation issues we have at Bakersfield College with the Golden Empire Transit buses.

Many students have gone to SGA to raise their concerns with GET raising prices making it harder for students to come to class.

Fowler did not hesitate to contact the GET bus representatives to offer BC students the same luxury discount that Cal-State Bakersfield students have. With a seven percent increase in students at an estimate enrollment of about 19,000 students, Fowler learned that the BC campus is not the only thing becoming crowded; the increased enrollment is also affecting the GET buses.

Students have expressed their fear of riding the buses because, with all the additional students using GET as their primary source of transportation, it’s causing the buses to lean around turns.

After contacting GET previously, Fowler reached out one more time to see if GET could offer extra buses on the routes that are needed.

Transportation is not only an

Javier Valdes / The Rip

BCSGA President Clayton Fowler hands out cotton candy at an SGA ran event where they had booths and music. issue with students on campus, but it is also affecting the students that are in SGA, as many students take night classes that end between 9-10 p.m. and SGA meetings taking place in the evenings.

The SGA is aware of the hours of operation for GET, and once Fowler solves the previous issues he is hoping to have GET extend their hours of operation for BC students.

Fowler detailed the main focus of SGA. “Building that community on campus, that is our main umbrella,” he said. “We want to connect more with the students, staff, and alumni. We really want to bring that ‘We Are BC’ motto to life and have people be proud of that.”

Orozco said, “Our goal is to

be more transparent and to build that trust with the students. We want to show that your student fees are not being spent poorly, and there is a lot of thought process on where and how the money is spent.”

Both Fowler and Orozco have planned to set up informational booths on campus this year, inviting students to come up and engage with not only Fowler and Orozco, but as well as the rest of the SGA team. They’re both hoping this is a better way to build their relationship with students, hoping they become more vocal as well as comfortable to raise their concerns.

Once the informational booths are set up, Fowler is hoping to give students information on the Kern Value Cards. Students have Please see SGA, Page 5

BC teaches at Kern Valley State Prison

By Cinthia Loera Reporter

A majority of the students attending Bakersfield College are doing so for their own personal reasons, whether it is to transfer to a fouryear university or get a two-year degree to aim for a better job.

Now, what if certain students were told they could not receive the same educational experience as the rest of those on campus due to the fact that they were living in a unique location that separated them from a majority of the average college students? This was the situation inmates at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano were in before last September, which was when the

California state governor passed a bill that allows community colleges to receive appropriations for having closed courses inside the prisons.

Once this bill was passed, BC representatives held a meeting with representatives from Sacramento and Kern Valley State Prison in which they recognized that starting a course for the spring 2015 semester was the right thing to do.

This decision made BC the first California community college to start planning face-to-face instruction with inmates that would allow them to not only take college courses while serving their time, but also receive transferable college credits for completing the courses.

This opportunity is aimed to-

ward prisoners that will be released within the next four to six years to help them work towards preparing for their plans outside of prison.

In order to be able to take the college courses, the inmates must go through a process, which involves writing letters of interest and getting screened. Once that is done, the big group of inmates that are interested are then narrowed down into a smaller group which is finally given the opportunity to take the assessment to begin the college courses.

These inmates are not the only ones that have to go through a process before beginning these courses. The professors that are Please see Prison, Page 5

Cinthia Loera / The Rip

Bakersfield College Delano Campus Center director Richard McCrow stands in front of the Kern Valley State Prison located in Delano.

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

New students welcomed

By Marcus Castro Editor in Chief With the fall semester about to begin at Bakersfield College, there was a New Student Convocation where new students and parents of new students were welcome to attend.

“The event is to acknowledge students beginning a path to education… it’s to get them engaged to how students should be,” said BC Director of Student Life Nicky Damania.

The convocation was held on Aug. 20 at BC in the outdoor theater. It was free to attend, and dinner was provided by BC Food Services. New students were also given the opportunity to take a golf cart tour around campus.

As students arrived, they were able to talk to the Office of Financial Aid, Disabled Students Programs, Students Health Center, BC Job Placement, and the Computer Science Club as they all had booths at the event.

The inaugural part of the event started at 7:13 p.m. The significance behind 7:13 p.m. is that in military time it is 19:13, and BC was founded in 1913.

The BC Drumline drew the

Mason J. Rockfellow / The Rip

New students were given the opportunity to get a golf cart tour around BC’s Campus. crowd in with an opening performance.

The BC Chamber Choir then sang the national anthem and later gave another performance that exemplified the strength a student must need to get through stressful times.

After all that excitement, BCSGA President Clayton Fowler, Dean of Precollegiate and Student Success Janet Fulks, Academic Senate President Steven

Holmes, and BC President Sonya Christian all spoke to the new students and parents.

“My single message to students is just say yes when you are invited, and you are going to get a lot of invitations here at Bakersfield College,” said Christian.

An oath was taken by the parents as they repeated after Fulks.

This oath was to have the parents of the new students promise that

they will support their children as they pursue their goals as a student.

Fowler had the new students rise and take the BC Renegade Student Oath. This is a promise that the new students make to themselves in order to be a successful student.

“At BC, you will receive a world-class education and join a community that will stretch beyond your time here. Embrace

Mason J. rockfellow / The Rip

The BC Drumline dances to the front of the stage to finish off their welcoming performance. this opportunity and all that comes with it,” said Fowler.

In Fowler’s speech, he mentions the fact that some people look at community college as a failures way to still attend college. He then admitted that he felt this way when he was a new student.

“I quickly came to find out that BC was actually a positive

step in my educational career.

Professors I have encountered showed me guidance, trust, and inspiration during my academic career,” said Fowler.

The new students are expected to know that the BC community is there to show them support whenever they need it, and that their success relies on their responsibility as a student.

Popular student Sounds buzzing around campus hangout area is now fenced off and unavailable

By Victoria Miller Opinions Editor Bakersfield College students can no longer spend time in between classes at the grass area across the parking lot from Kern Schools Federal Credit Union or park in the parking spaces surrounding the area.

Students arrived at school this fall semester to find the area fenced off with signs that say “no trespassing, private property.”

Because the area is separated

by Mount Vernon Avenue, and it is not directly connected to the campus, many students have speculated whether or not BC owns the property.

A sign on the property states vehicles that are towed can be retrieved at BC’s address and gives the college’s number for Public Safety. Some students have assumed that because the sign is posted there, that means BC owns that property leaving questions for students as to why the property is fenced off.

According to Amber Chiang, director of Marketing and Public Relations, BC does in fact own the property and it is where the Allied Health program was previously housed. She said complaints from neighbors about loitering over the summer led BC to fence the land and parking spots.

Christopher Counts, director of Public Safety, also spoke about multiple reasons for the property being fenced off.

“The area began to get a lot of trash and our neighbors in the area did complain about the trash and people in the area with loud music, things like that,” he said. “We wanted to be good neighbors and to solve the problem I asked the Maintenance & Operations Department if they could fence off the area.”

Counts then mentioned another spot nearby where students can go instead of this particular area.

“There is still a large park just a short distance away to the north of that area that students can go to and spend time between classes,” said Counts.

However, the inconvenience for some students is more than just finding a hangout area to go to in between classes.

Lamar Carlisle, an Automotive Technician major at BC who lives in the apartments behind the fenced grass area, describes the new fence as annoying. “It’s definitely an inconvenience because I used to walk through the grass to get home, now I have to walk around the fence.”

The parking spaces were also fenced off along with the grass. Students still park alongside the fence but the available space for parking is now cut in half, and the small road that separates the grass area and apartments is more narrow.

Whether or not the fence is there to stay permanently is unknown, but for now students will have to adjust.

victoria miller / The Rip

The area that previously housed the Allied Health Care program at BC is now fenced off to prevent students from spending time there. The parking spaces surrounding the area are fenced as well.

Mason J. Rockfellow / The Rip

During the first week of school, student Robbie Metcalfe, chemistry major, plays his guitar for onlooker Matthew Bray, current theater arts major, in front of the Humanities building on campus.

Construction never ends at Bakersfield College

By Marcus Castro Editor in Chief Bakersfield College isn’t done with construction yet; there is more to come this school year.

Over the past few semesters, there has been construction throughout the campus. The projects frequently move from one location to another.

The new projects will be much less in the way of students than the recent projects.

Amir Birjandi is BC’s new Interim Manager for the Facilities, Maintenance and Operations, and plays a big role in the overseeing of the construction projects around BC. According to Birjandi, there are some projects currently happening and some that are coming up, but the times they are supposed to begin and finish are tentative.

“The student services HVAC replacement is in progress on going. We have replaced one of the HVAC units on the roof top, and the rest will be removed and replaced with new by the end of November,” said Birjandi.

The elevator upgrade project has been completed as of August. This project was located in the Student Services building. It has passed inspections and has

Javier Valdes / The Rip

The old tennnis courts have been used as parking for Maintenance and Operations at BC. It is now the site for the new Maintenance and Operations building. been approved. A new Maintenance and Operations building is in DSA review currently.

“If we get the DSA approval as forecasted, we should be able to start the construction in December…that will go in the staff parking lot, where the old tennis courts used to be,” said Birjandi.

The project on the STEM Success Center Aera will begin in

November and finish in May of 2016 if all goes to plan.

There is a campus wide fire alarm repair project that is currently under DSA review. Once passed through the DSA, the project should begin in December and finish in January of 2016.

The BC gym-cooling project has been approved by DSA and

now is in bidding phase. After the bidding phase, it will go to the board for approval. If all goes to plan, this project will begin late November or early December.

The practice football field lighting project will begin in December and and is expected to be finished in January.

Again, all construction project timelines are subject to change.

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

Phoenix-based band rocks Campus Center

By Carl E. Littleberry Jr. Reporter The Bakersfield College quad is usually a spot for students to kick back and relax while enjoying down time between classes.

Early in the school year, the quad was a hotbed of student traffic and activity that generally consisted of short conversations and quick stints to the cafeteria.

Occasionally, however, the quad doubles as a stage for talented individuals to showcase their talent to the student body.

On Aug. 26, BC hosted an upand-coming band from Phoenix, Arizona known as Luxxe. The members include: lead vocalist Seth Smades, 25; bass player Tracy Haddad, 25; flute and keyboard player, Nullen Hassan, 24; and finally, drummer Devon Quartullo, 23.

According to their manager and former solo artist Gabe Kabanda, 37, Luxxe was a group he came across while looking for a fill-in for Nova and the Experience who were originally supposed to be the focal point of his tour. “Even though my plans fell through a bit, Luxxe is still a great band and our reception here proved it,” Kabanda stated.

Blending a mixture of pop and alternative styles, Luxxe drew quite a large gathering in the quad. Students who were

in attendance for the event may have noticed the familiarity to the songs chosen by Kabanda.

Drake’s “Hold On We’re Going Home” was one of the songs performed, which drew plenty of applause from the crowd because of its relevance and name value.

After a few more covers by the band, students were treated to a few original songs that in Hassan’s opinion, “Made people realize we are a band, we make music, that’s just what we do.”

Songs such as “Love Me” or “ Say That You Want Me” immediately captured the attention of the crowd and even one notable fan attempted the wave with no success.

Nearing the end of their performance, Kabanda took over lead singing duties to close out the show. He shocked the whole audience when he introduced a BC student telling him to, “come up and party with me on stage.”

The student was BC sophomore Anthony Rodriguez. Rodriguez, already known around campus for his unconventional skill to play the drums while also being legally blind, came up from his seat in the audience to join the band. Easily drawing raucous chants from the crowd, Anthony, although apprehensive at first, accepted Kabandas invitation and joined him for three songs.

BC students immediately got up

Javier Valdes / The Rip

Phoenix-native band Luxxe made their third stop at the Bakersfield College campus to kick off welcome week at the Epic Proportions event on Aug. 26. and roared at the sight of Rodriguez masterfully and elegantly hitting every note perfectly in unison with Luxxe’s bandmates.

Shortly after, Smades spoke of Anthony’s performance by saying, “This is why we do mu-

sic. It’s not for the eyes, it’s not about what you see in front of you. We love music because it’s about feelings and what’s in the heart. He is just a prime example of you see more without seeing.”

Even Kabanda had to admit An-

thony stole the show and brought an energy that was well needed to close out a great event.

Luxxe will be on tour on the West Coast until they resume their duties at Vans Warped Tour.

A detailed list of their tour sched-

ule can be found at epicproportionstour.com.

More information about the band and Kabandas non-profit work can also be found on Facebook by searching “Epic Proportions Tour.”

Several resources are available for students at BC that need help

By AK Pachla Reporter

Jacob Tovar / The Rip

Students observe the informative tents set up at the Student Involvement Festival that took place on Sept. 2.

Students are encouraged to get more involved at SGA event

By Carl E. Littleberry Jr. Reporter On Sept. 2, Bakersfield College’s SGA hosted its first student Involvement Festival during welcome week. The festival was used as an aid to help students learn about different campus clubs and community involvement programs, such as volunteering, self-help workshops, and classes.

For the event, over 60 clubs and organizations from the Bakersfield community were in attendance. They ranged from the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan) or M.E.Ch.A, an organization to

promote Chicano heritage and progress in society; to C.A.S.A or Court Appointed Special Advocate, which are individuals who volunteer their time to represent youth in legal and personal matters.

The festival itself allowed students to get a general idea of how BC helps their students, whether it is in the classroom or in the community.

“We’re trying to build a culture here at BC but change takes time,” said Nicky Damania, BC’s director of student life. “In three years, I expect the culture of BC to change dramatically for the better.”

Thanks to the crowd turnout, many clubs were given the

chance to showcase themselves to students who normally would have no interest in them.

One in particular, the Hispanic Organization Promoting Engineering and Science, or H.O.P.E.S, used the opportunity to tell people about their volunteer work in local middle schools and the internship opportunities they offer.

“This is where we open up the whole school,” said Ghillmar Mancia, a BC sophomore.

“Without this, people would never even know about us.”

Students, however, were not just limited to clubs.

Several organizations offered many volunteering opportunities in the community as well as

helpful workshops for students.

An organization, such as American Heart Association, which hosts their annual Heart Walk, offered students a chance to raise money for heart and stroke research.

“We just want to show the students here that they can help anyway they can,” said AHA employee Karla Adams. “It doesn’t have to help monetarily. Anytime an individual volunteers, you’re helping someone and that’s what matters most.”

Damania expects the festival to be a huge success with students for years to come, expecting to see an even bigger turnout next year at the Bakersfield College campus.

BC swim coach to offer free lessons to children

By Chris Miller Reporter On Sept. 19, Bakersfield College will be hosting free swim lessons for children taught

by BC’s swim coach Matt Moon.

The lessons will be first come, first serve and will last approximately 20 minutes for each participant.

The focus of each lesson will depend on the swimming capabilities of the child.

The lessons will range from basic water

safety skills to more advanced stroke techniques.

When asked why he was focusing the swim lessons primarily on children, Moon stated, “I read an article and saw some alarming statistics about drowning and swimming abilities, so I wanted to utilize my knowledge and connections to help out the community.”

Moon went on to say, “According to USA Swimming Foundation ‘Make a Splash’ statistics, 10 people drown each day in the United States, and 70 percent of African

American children, 60 percent of Latino children, and 40 percent of Caucasian children have low or no swimming ability.”

Moon has been promoting the event through BC’s email as well as working with Francis Mayer and the Bakersfield Aquatic Club to spread news of the event to as many people as possible.

If all goes well, Moon wants to make these swim lessons an annual or semi-annual event in order to get more people in the community to be water safe.

By now, some students have likely heard the news that the Brookings Institution has named Bakersfield College best community college in California for 2015, and one of the top ten two-year colleges in America. One of the reasons for BC’s success is the variety of student academic and public services offered here.

After talking to a few students, some knew how to access student services on campus and some do not. Jesus Perez says he knows about BC’s student resources, but he hasn’t used any. When asked if he would rather look online or go in person for services, he said he’d go in person.

Tiffanie Castro and Evelyn Leal agreed, both saying they would ask friends, classmates, or professors for information about available services. “It’s easier,” says Castro. “They usually know.”

By contrast, student Chris Rodriguez said he preferred to try and work it out himself using signs, maps, and announcements posted around campus before paying Student Services a visit.

In fact, BC offers students a wide variety of financial, academic, and social services, and there are multiple ways to access each. Asking around is a good first step, and it’s certainly quick, but sometimes the answers are incomplete. This can send students in a march around campus, hunting after the services they need.

Most of the information students would need is available on the Bakersfield College website at bakersfieldcollege. edu. Right on the front page, there are links to financial aid help, academic planning and career development assistance, access to library resources, and links to parking registration and job placement services.

For students seeking services in person, the Student Services (SS) building on the northwest side of the campus is the natural first stop. Housing the financial aid office, counseling, and academic planning services, as well as the Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Tutoring Center, nearly all of what a student needs for success is available at Student Services building. Job Placement,

which was in student services, has been moved to the Administration building.

In addition to the academic and financial concerns of students, BC also provides for its community and social needs.

The Student Health Center (Campus Center 4, across the courtyard from the cafeteria) is open to all enrolled students and offers a variety of triage and minor treatment services.

We have a full-time school nurse, access to referrals, and health care from local doctors.

Next door to the Health Center is the Office of Student Life.

For students looking to get involved in an organization, start a club of their own, or have their say in the administration of their college, Student Life is the place to be. In Campus Center 4, students can find out about upcoming campus events and activities, get involved with their student government, or sign up for community service programs such as the Renegade Pantry monthly food distribution.

Finally, there are the facilities services available to students, both individually and as a body. Maintenance and Operations, located in Levinson Hall, provides janitorial and clean up services. Students who see hazardous conditions are encouraged to contact Maintenance and Operations for assistance.

Also in Levinson Hall is the Department of Public Safety.

DPS provides security and safety services for the campus, as well as student escorts, car battery jumpstarts, and campus accessibility carts for students needing mobility assistance.

BC is growing fast, and sometimes notifications can’t always keep up. Students Karen West and Joe Wright shared their opinion on this.

“A lot of people have no clue where to start,” Wright says. “They just don’t know it’s there.”

Wright suggested better campus signage, larger maps, and more detailed directions and explanations in more conspicuous locations.

West agreed, adding that the commitment to clarity should extend to the online environment. “Some people don’t know how to navigate (the website),” said West. She suggests perhaps a more intuitive website design could help.

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Page 4

New alignment proposal for high-speed rail train

By Marcus Castro Editor in Chief A meeting in regards to the California High-Speed Rail was held in Bakersfield to propose and discuss the new alignment for the rail.

“We all have our own opinion on the high-speed rail and whether it should be built. Regardless of those views, we must prepare for the project and develop the best route through the city,” said Bakersfield City Manager Alan Tandy.

This meeting was the first of two, and it had an outcome of around 300 people. It was held at the downtown Marriot on Aug. 25.

The City of Bakersfield has had problems with the bullet train in the past, but Tandy put those issues aside in order to show cooperation with the CHSRA in proposing the new alignment.

“It’s straighter. It’s shorter. It is lower in terms of average profile. It allows higher speeds for the trains, thus allowing for an improved schedule… there are fewer impacts on major community assets,” said Tandy.

The new route being proposed would be around 6.5 miles shorter. It would have a station downtown at F Street and Golden State Avenue, but before that it would

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Top Ten Highest Grossing Films of the Summer 10. Straight Outta Compton Release Date: August 14 Current Gross: $147,784,545 Tickets Sold: 17,656,456 9. Mad Max: Fury Road Release Date: May 15 Current Gross: $153,036,441 Tickets Sold: 18,283,923 8. San Andreas Release Date: May 29 Current Gross: $154,294,686 Tickets Sold: 18,434,251 7. Ant-Man Release Date: September 17 Current Gross: $173,189,700 Tickets Sold: 20,691,720

California High -speed rail authority

enter the town near 7th Standard Road and Coffee Road.

“We are impacting a lot less people… there were over 500 properties that were going to be affected and now it’s around 200,” said Central Valley Regional Director, Diana Gomez.

About half of those 500-plus properties are residential.

The location for the new station is said to need economic stimulus and the idea is that the station will provide it.

The CHSRA is under new management with the new CEO

Jeff Morales.

“Since Mr. Morales has taken over as CEO of the authority, they have been cooperative partners in nature with a problem solving spirit that did not exist prior to this point,” said Tandy.

Studies, such as economic development and visual impacts, on the new alignment have begun and will continue as time goes on.

Morales spoke about the reasons why the bullet train makes sense. “We need to continue to invest in ourselves [California]

in order to stay productive. It’s about connecting the state in a way that it never has been before,” said Morales.

The second free open-house meeting will be held at the Bakersfield Downtown Marriot at the Convention Center from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Another open-house meeting for the alignment’s path through Shafter will be held in Shafter from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Shafter Veterans Hall, 309 California Ave.

Flash mob raises awareness for childhood cancer at the Marketplace

6. Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation Release Date: July 31 Current Gross: $180,386,692 Tickets Sold: 21,551,576 5. Pitch Perfect 2 Release Date: May 15 Current Gross: $183,785,415 Tickets Sold: 21,957,636 4. Minions Release Date: July 10 Current Gross: $328,588,530 Tickets Sold: 39,257,888 3. Inside Out Release Date: June 19 Current Gross: $348,219,280 Tickets Sold: 41,603,259 2. The Avengers: Age of Ultron Release Date: May 1 Current Gross: $457,815,697 Tickets Sold: 54,697,215 1. Jurassic World Release Date: June 12 Current Gross: $646,643,645 Tickets Sold: 77,257,305

MEChA prepares to celebrate Mexican Independence day

By Crystal Valdez Reporter Mason J. Rockfellow / The Rip

A group dances in support of childhood cancer awareness during the flash mob at the Marketplace on Labor Day.

By Carl E. Littleberry Jr. Reporter Local patrons of the Marketplace in southwest Bakersfield were treated to a different kind of show than their usual dinner and a movie during the Labor Day festivities.

Considering September is national Childhood Cancer Awareness month, local mother Diane Proctor, 43, felt as though the people of Bakersfield needed in her words, “A kick in the pants about the issue.”

Proctor has dealt with this issue herself since 2012, when her son Ben Proctor was diagnosed with cancer. Ben is now in his third year of treatments after a January relapse in 2015.

Proctor believed she needed people to be more aware of the trials children all around the world face dealing with this disease.

With the help of her friends, Pryscylla Russell and Kenya Davis, she set out to find a way to get her message to the people of Bakersfield. However, she knew that any traditional means wouldn’t be enough; she needed to grab people’s attention.

Proctor eventually settled on a flash mob. Russell handled gathering the volunteers using social media outlets to ask people to come out and show support.

At 6 p.m., the volunteers littered the Marketplace with a

Mason j. Rockfellow / The Rip

Caleb McDowell, 10, and mother Debbie, 49, dance around the fountain during the flash mob to support both childhood cancer awareness and Ben Proctor. group of volunteers that numbered in the high 60s all dressed in gold shirts to show their support for cancer research.

Led by Davis as their choreographer, the group of volunteers spent a total of three minutes dancing to the tunes of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and the lesser-known “We Are The World-Haiti Version,” which consists of a collaboration of artists.

“We chose ‘We Are The World’ because it moves people,” Proctor said. “It has a message that we need to help each other, and it starts with helping our children. We chose the Marketplace because of the traffic that comes through here. We knew people would be here and that they would listen.”

According to Proctor and Russell, child cancer research only accounts for about four percent

of medical research funding in America.

Russell doesn’t understand why it is so hard for people to understand that children go through the same problems adults do.

“Children are our future,” she said. “If we don’t invest in them who will.”

For more information on how to join these volunteers, contact Proctor on her Twitter page at @ Zladydi05.

Mexican Independence Day is quickly approaching, and for those of you who are not quite sure how to celebrate, MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) has got you covered.

The organization will be hosting events in honor of Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bakersfield College Campus Center. Corn on the cob and other Mexican goods will be sold at a fair price. Most importantly, MEChA will strive to educate students about the history of Mexican Independence Day through poetry and an information booth that will provide everything students need to know about the historic Sept. 16.

MEChA vice president and political science major Tania Bernal, 23, stated that “Many students have no idea what Mexican Independence Day is. They confuse it with Cinco de Mayo. That is why MEChA steps in to educate students and celebrate diversity.”

The information booth will also provide details about MEChA and what the organization stands for, as well as information about upcoming events.

“We need to fundraise in order to have our dances and cultural events,” stated MEChA president and communications psychology major, Enrique Martinez.

Martinez urges BC students to be informed and to participate in order to celebrate diversity and Mexican culture.

BC’s annual Alumni Barbecue celebrates 61st year Sept. 17

By Felicity Tomisaka Reporter Bakersfield College is celebrating its 61st annual Alumni Barbecue on Sept. 17.

“This is a time to meet and greet, get together, hear from coaches, talk some football and some red & white,” says Becki Whitson, president of BC’s Alumni Association. Whitson is also “expecting a good sized crowd this year.”

This year the barbecue will

be held in BC’s cafeteria. The doors open at 5 p.m. for social hour.

Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for adults, $7 for children, and $22 for students. Free parking will be made available to everyone.

Ben & Jerry’s, beer, wine, soft dinks, BC’s jazz band, and drumline will be in attendance.

Baby Cake’s Mini Donuts will be the newest addition to the alumni barbecue.

News

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

Prison: Inmates taking BC courses Continued from Page 1 to teach the inmates are also screened and have to go through an orientation not only with the prison, but also with BC. The training required by BC involves an eight-hour course given by criminology instructor, Patricia Smith, who has had a 20-year long career working with and rehabilitating violent offenders.

In Smith’s training course, she goes over manipulation and precautions instructors should be aware of while interacting with inmates for the first time.

“We have to understand the rules and policies of the prison to be effective in there,” Smith stated.

Smith also pointed out that Kern Valley State Prison is a level four facility, which means there are serious offenders in there that have done even more serious crimes, but the inmates that enter the courses have “done their time and they’ve really proven themselves with good behavior to be able to take that privilege to be able to go into these college courses,” according to BC’s Delano director, Richard McCrow.

Bryan Hirayama, a BC communications professor, volunteered for the experience and was the first professor chosen to begin teaching the inmates for

the spring semester.

The inmates began their college experience taking the COMM B1 Public Speaking course with Hirayama and when asked what his initial impression of the students was, he said, “I thought they were very hungry for the information and they looked like they were itching and ready to go, so we just jumped right in and made it happen.”

With these courses being a new experience for both inmates and instructors, they came with their share of obstacles.

Hirayama spoke about the lack of technology available to the classroom during the lessons due to the restrictions that came with the prison. He also pointed out that certain topics have to be reconsidered before being brought up in the lessons. Hirayama explained, “…often times we talk about the death penalty, or some topic like that, that just seems like everyday conversation as far as controversial topics, but the death penalty has a real meaning in prison right?”

Another bump on the road that has surfaced has been the demand of the courses within the prison.

According to McCrow, “We have the initial core 26 to 28 [students] that were the original

cohort going into their second course and we’ve now added 20 more unexpectedly.”

The basic problem with trying to add more courses into the prison is the fact that the instructors have other courses outside of those they’d have to teach in the prison and the prison itself has a certain schedule to follow, which includes specific amounts of time inmates are allowed outside of their cells.

So the real challenge is trying to accommodate all of the different schedules together to make the college experience as best as it can be for the students and instructors involved.

When asked what the goals of this entire experience were, McCrow, Hirayama, and Smith all answered with the same concept in mind, which is rehabilitation.

McCrow stated, “It’s all about holding students to certain standards and giving them the quality instruction they need so that they can make decisions about their own education and so when that time comes that they’re released from prison, they have a good plan in place and they know the direction that they’re going to take and they have the confidence to move onto different things, whether that be a four year school or they have the con-

Cinthia Loera / The Rip

Bakersfield College criminology professor Patricia Smith stands in front of her office located inside of the Language Arts building on BC’s main campus. fidence to try and get a job, that students come out of this with a whole different opinion about who they are as individuals and better self-awareness and I think that’s what education does for us all.”

Hirayama also stated, “I knew that this was something that I want to see through. I really believe in rehabilitation and not just incarceration so I’m excited that this is going forward and I think that were on to something really special right now.”

McCrow also emphasized how important it was to him that there at least be one BC course

each semester for the inmates to be able to take because he feels as though as a community this college has made a commitment to being there for the prisoners and he is determined to do all he can in order to keep at least one course available in the prison for the inmates to take. This fall semester Professor Douglas Grimsley is teaching a political science course.

One concern that may cross a student’s mind while hearing about this new opportunity happening for the inmates can be whether or not the prisoners are taking time away from profes-

sors being with the students on the main campus. McCrow assured that this would never be the case simply because they have made time in their schedules to volunteer and treat the inmates like the BC students they are. McCrow also added, “We’re serving students all across our area to include Kern Valley State Prison.”

After years of working with the type of prisoners that are now taking BC courses, Smith has realized that sometimes all the inmates need is someone to give them the right tools and resources to better their lives.

Mulch has been an issue

By Victoria Miller Opinions Editor During the first week of this year’s fall semester, a large pile of mulch was found taking up multiple parking spaces in the southeast lot by the football stadium making it harder for students to find parking.

Multiple students sent in complaints regarding the inconvenience of the mulch and how finding a parking spot was especially difficult during the first week of school.

Amber Chiang, director of marketing and public relations at Bakersfield College, said the mulch pile was moved early on Aug. 28 to the southwest corner of that lot, adjacent to the practice football field on University Avenue.

According to Sally Sterns, BC’s horticulture technician, the mulch will be used inside Memorial Stadium, specifically the area surrounding the “BC” logo on the east side of the stadium.

No date has been given on when the mulch will be transported to the football field.

Above: A large pile of mulch is in the parking lot on the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and University Avenue.

Right: The east end of Memorial Stadium where the BC sign lays on the hill. The mulch pile in the parking lot will be put around the BC sign.

Photos by jacob tovar The Rip

Sonya: Contract has been set for approval Continued from Page 1 Following the June 2015 evaluation, the KCCD Board of Trustees voted for non-renewal of the current contract for Christian. However, the board authorized Serrano to negotiate new contracts with all three district presidents, which apart from BC include the Cerro Coso and Porterville campuses.

Despite the vote for non-renewal of the current contract, the KCCD was still in negotiations with Christian and the chance of them offering a contract was still a possibility.

After word got out that the fate of the BC president was in jeopardy, the BC campus and the Bakersfield community rallied together to form a support system in favor of Christian that the KCCD did not expect.

In anticipation of the Aug. 13 board meeting, where many thought the decision whether to offer Christian a contract would be made, the BC faculty and BCSGA prepared to represent BC’s voice of support for

Christian.

After arriving to a full house at the Aug. 13 board meeting, the board heard Christian’s supporters during public comment before going into a closed-session meeting. The board reported that no action was taken during the lengthy closed-session meeting.

In an email to the BC faculty, BC professor Nick Strobel stated that what they knew before the closed session was that the negotiations with Christian consisted of being offered a one-year extension to her current contract, while the Cerro Coso and Porterville presidents’ proposed contracts were merely renewals of their previous three-year contracts. “President Christian did not accept that one-year extension because she rightly felt she deserved an equitable contract to the other two college presidents,” stated Strobel.

An equitable and fair contract is what Academic Senate President

Steven Holmes, alongside the Academic Senate board, aims for Christian.

“We need to ensure that she receives an equitable contract in terms of length and her duties,” said Holmes. He went on to show his support for Christian’s leadership, saying, “The college’s success speaks for itself, most successes have occurred in the last 30 months under the leadership of Sonya Christian. I’ve been at this institution for 21 years, and I cannot remember ever seeing the amount of success and recognition that we have received both in the state and nationally.”

The student support was not absent. BCSGA President Clayton Fowler showed his support for Christian and spoke on behalf of the student body.

“We support her 100 percent,” he said, “she has done nothing but bring the school positive acclaim within the community. Look at how many students are here around cam-

pus. We have gone up 7 percent (in enrollment), we have 1,300 new students, with a total of about 19,000 students this year.”

Fowler credited these successes to Sonya Christian’s leadership.

Bakersfield College has seen six different presidents, three interim, in the past ten years. Many of the faculty members and students feel that BC does not need a seventh president at this time. BCSGA vicepresident Janell Orozco felt that Christian is what BC needs right now. “It’s about having structure, changing presidents, that many in 10 years there is nothing we can really build upon in that sense. Once someone leaves, someone new takes over. They have new ideas, they have different accomplishments, so it doesn’t grow. It stops and starts all over, and once we are going in a good direction; to have it stop and start over again is harder for faculty, it’s harder for student government, it’s hard for the students.”

SGA : Changes to come this year Continued from Page 1 an opportunity to get KVC cards at registration for $15, but Fowler stated that they’re already saving $19.50 on these cards but that’s not the only savings students receive.

KVC cards also offer 10 free Scantrons, two free blue books, faxes, copies, and two free football tickets for on campus games. These discounts are not only restricted to the BC campus, but the card also offers discounts from many vendors that range from Subway all the way to discounted Disneyland tickets.

The long-term goal for SGA is to bring that community feel to the BC campus. They’re in the process of developing a student life mobile application that sends notifications to student’s phones to bring the campus together by also reminding them about activities in the quad, sporting events, and even dances.

“Once we build that communication with student government and students, and once students get the ideology that student government is here for the students, we will get that community feeling on campus,” Fowler said. “It’s the students who come up with these ideas and changes. It’s just the student government who implements them.”

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Staff Editorial

Christian’s leadership resonates Bakersfield College president Sonya Christian has been offered a three-year contract, which is what many of us had hoped for.

The last three months have shined a spotlight on Christian after enduring a fight to stay on as our BC president once the Kern Community College District decided that she might not be fit to continue running the BC campus.

The truth is that many of us students didn’t really know who Sonya Christian was, unless you worked with her or attended an event where she was introduced as the BC president.

Even though the recent troubles between the BC president and the KCCD have casted unwanted media coverage, if there is one positive thing that has come from the situation is the fact that the circumstances have highlighted Christian’s successes as BC president.

After the BC faculty and student government realized that Christian’s time at BC was in jeopardy, they began to show their support for Christian by crediting her with ensuring stable educational program development, student success, and leadership.

During the Aug. 13 board meeting, the trustees learned how strong the community felt about Christian’s leadership, having many supporters crediting her with BC’s recent successes.

With slogans such as “We are BC,” the BC leaders continued their support for Christian by creating an online petition for the community to sign. The petition surpassed their goal of 500 signatures.

The We are BC Facebook page uploaded an informative graph that credited Christian’s leadership with increasing course success and transforming 68 courses to 128 with course identifiers for transfer.

Regardless of the press that this battle between the BC president and the KCCD has received, Christian should not see this as a dent in her career.

The support that Christian has received has exposed not only to the Bakersfield community, but also most importantly to the BC student body, that we have a great president.

With a new contract agreement for Christian, we now wait for its approval at the Sept. 10 board meeting. Regardless of the board’s decision, one thing that will be sure is that the BC campus will know Sonya Christian’s name.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Caged animal debate goes on as circus comes to town PRO

CON

By Mason J. Rockfellow Photo Editor

By Giovanni Lopez Reporter

There are all types of unique things that come to town with the circus, that if it One of the biggest attractions at the circus are the animals. wasn’t for the circus, you wouldn’t get to see or experience them.

Now while most “employees” choose where to work, the animals in the circus are Exotic animals are one of the things I am talking about. You don’t usually get the forced to be there. They are kept in cages while the circus travels. While they may be chance to see a tiger, lion, or an elephant outside of a cage, man-made habitat or out out and about during the shows or around the area, the majority of their time is spent from behind glass. Getting to see those big exotic animals is kind of a big deal. If you in cages. have seen them, it was most likely at a zoo, in a book, or on TV. Getting to be in the I think people tend to forget that these are living creatures that can feel emotions. same general area or arena of some sort with them is awesome. I remember getting to No one likes to be locked up in a cage all day. ride an elephant at the circus when I was younger; I probably would’ve never got the First, they are taken away from their families, habitats and become lonely and sad chance to do that if it wasn’t for the circus. being away from surroundings. Then, they are locked up away I remember the first time I saw three motorcyclists from getting any other social skills except when they are needall get into a giant steel-ball cage and start driving ed. around in there all at the same time. I completely Let’s not forget about the abuse these creatures face everyday. thought they were all going to die in that steel-ball, They are beaten and whipped regularly. They are forced to perbut they didn’t and it was exciting to watch. I should form certain talents and skills for the entertainment. probably thank the circus for that.

A lot of the animals are not built for certain tricks that any huLets not forget the other stuntmen of the circus: man can do. Lions are naturally afraid of fire, so forcing them to acrobats. Acrobats swinging from trapezes, flying jump through fire hoops is only going to strike fear into them. and flipping through the air, then catching each othTo top it off, animals are unpredictable. They can be violent er with only a net to save them if they fall. I don’t or aggressive to those around them. Animals that are caged and care if there is a net; I don’t want to have to put my abused aren’t always the nicest. life in a net’s hands, but I will watch people do it all Can you imagine going to a circus, and then the elephants day. Once again, thanks for that one, circus. decide, “you know what, I’m tired of this,” so they cause chaos?

The circus also introduced me to clowns: the bigKnocking over scenery pieces, grabbing your child with their shoed, red-nosed, painted faced, goofballs of the trunks and throwing them to the other side of the building. circus. They always do some funny performance Then the other animals decide to join the riot. Now the bears and end up smacking each other or squeezing their can ride mini motorcycles, so they can get to you way faster. big squeaky red noses. It makes the children laugh It’ll be a sequel to the stampede scene in Jumanji. I doubt you’ll and sometimes even the adults. If it weren’t for the be able to outrun a bear on a bike, so you don’t want to be there circus, I don’t know if clowns would be around, let when the chaos happens. alone have places to learn how to become clown.

Aside from the abuse the animals face, there is the abuse that There is still one more thing I haven’t mentioned you can experience by attending the circus. Every circus must about the circus…it’s little, but awesome. The more have a clown. Let me repeat that, a clown! butter on the popcorn and the more sugar in cottonHave you ever heard of “It” the clown, John Wayne Gacy, or candy, the better. The circus seems to live up to seen American Horror Story? Clowns have to be one of freakithese yummy stereotypes. Cotton-candy was probest things I have ever seen. They have this look on their face like ably one of my top favorite things about the circus. they are out to get you, and why are they always smiling? I still It is one of those treats that you can’t just go buy at Ringling Bros. Facebook cringe when I hear Krusty the Klown’s laugh. You ever wonder the store, it usually only comes around county fair time or the circus. why you hardly ever see clowns at birthday parties? Because The circus is a really cool thing if you think about it. It’s a place where the whole they scare the kids, there are no positives. Clowns are so freaky that they can be seen family can go to enjoy exotic animals, stuntmen, acrobats, clowns, light shows and in the daytime and still cause terror. more. The circus is wonderful, and it’s just an overall entertaining performance. So So not only do you have animals that can attack you, with some human taught skills, next time the circus comes to your town, get up and go. you also have Twisty the Clown, who is ready to be in every one of your nightmares The circus will always be part of my childhood memories, and I believe everyone for the rest of your life, and you’ll probably see him in your own imagination. Just go should get to enjoy the circus just like I did and still do. see a movie. It’ll be better and cheaper.

Is desert the new normal in a drought-stricken region?

By A.K. Pachla Reporter On days when the temperature is in the hundreds, one thing I hear people ruefully reminding themselves is “at least it’s a dry heat.”

Having lived in both Bakersfield and Michigan, I know it’s true that there’s something to be said for low humidity in general.

Once the air gets warm enough, it’s the difference between opening your front door into a dry sauna and opening it into a steam room. You’ll still be checking your face for blisters.

But the thought of dry heat is losing charm after four years of drought. Rainfall in the Bakersfield area has been coming at

less-than average for quite some time. The snowpack gets lighter each year, and some of our reservoirs have evaporated right off the map.

We’re looking forward to what climate scientists are predicting will be an unusually wet El Niño this winter, but it will take more than one wet winter to smooth the ecological shock.

Not to mention that sudden, heavy rains come with their own set of issues, such as flooding and mudslides.

By far, the most concerning question on everyone’s minds right now is, “Could this be permanent? Is ‘desert’ the new normal?”. It may very well be.

The impact of human activity on the planet may be something we simply can’t take back, and

we may have to learn to live with the consequences of our own productivity. If we have jumped the shark on climate control, we may have no option other than to adapt.

Adapting to changes in the environment isn’t anything new, and it’s not even peculiarly human.

Everything that lives must adapt to the conditions it encounters if it expects to survive, and it is this adaptive process that serves as the engine of evolution.

Humans have already evolved to fit natural conditions, but we also do something unique. We alter our evolution in order to fit conditions we create.

We can generate the pressure that can change us from the in-

side out as a species.

In terms of the drought, we can see this social pressure in the phenomenon of “drought shaming.”

People all over Bakersfield are shaking their heads at the verdant patches ringing the municipal buildings and telling stories out of school about neighbors who water lawns or wash cars on days when they’re not supposed to.

On the other side of the coin, homeowners who find alternative ways to landscape, use plants that need less water, or just allow their lawns to go brown are held up in the media as examples of good neighbors and conservationists.

Over time, one can easily see this evolving into the kinds of

social and cultural changes that make “the new normal” into just normal. People will eat more of what can be grown more effectively in dry conditions. The tools and techniques people use to accomplish the tasks of everyday life will be reengineered for water efficiency. Perhaps even our bathing habits will change so that it’s seen as “lavish” to bathe every day instead of every other.

We can change the things about our lives that will change the things about ourselves that will make a “new normal” with less water not such a big problem after all... until it starts raining again and we have to start changing all over.

It’s not a perfect solution, but that’s evolution, baby.

Game Review

Pokémon trading card game captures experience

By Chris Miller Reporter The official Pokémon Trading Card Game Online card simulator captures the experience of playing with and collecting Pokémon Cards almost perfectly.

The PTCGO is a free downloadable card game simulator for PC found on the official Pokémon site.

The PTCGO is a card game simulator that allows players to battle with, collect, and trade virtual Pokémon Cards with its online community, similarly to how fans of the card game would in real life.

All that’s required to get started is to set up a free Pokémon Club Account to log into the game. Once logged in, newcomers are automatically given new starter decks to test out as well as a tutorial showing how to play the game. Even for veterans of the game, the tutorial itself is worth going through because each stage in the tutorial has rewards for completing them. The

rewards range from coins, tournament tickets, and Pokémon Card packs.

The coins act as currency for the PTCGO store. Players can buy virtual packs and other goodies with their hard earned coins, as well as spend them on coin-entry tournaments to earn tournament tickets.

Coins can be earned daily via login rewards, challenge rewards, and the random prize wheel that spins after every completed battle.

Tournament tickets are, as the name implies, entry costs to enter into online tournaments to earn card packs. Tickets can be bought from the online store off of the official Pokémon site.

Thankfully, tournament tickets can be easily earned by daily login rewards and won randomly from the prize wheel that’s spun after every completed match.

Card packs are what players will be spending most of their time earning. Virtual Pokémon card packs can be obtained numerous ways.

The first and easiest method is to buy real-life Pokémon Trading Card Game packs. Each real-life pack has 10 cards in it as well as an extra card with a redeem code to unlock a virtual card pack for the PTCGO. These redeemed packs are all tradable as well as each card found inside.

The second way is to buy packs from the online game store with earned coins. These packs, however, only have five cards in them instead of the normal 10. These packs are trade locked meaning the packs themselves, as well as the cards inside, cannot be traded at all.

The third and final way to obtain card packs is to earn them.

Players can earn packs via login rewards, battles, challenge rewards, and tournament prizes.

All earned packs are trade locked except for packs earned from tournaments.

There exists a communitydriven economy for PTCGO. This economy is driven by the value of card packs and rare cards. Cards have different

rarities and worth, as do packs.

When making public or private trade offers, it’s important to stay up to date on the ever-changing economy.

Thankfully, there are chat rooms on the PTCGO, as well as forums, that discuss this very subject so newcomers can learn quickly.

Game-play wise, the PTCGO delivers on its promise to simulate playing with real cards on a virtual platform. Cards are beautifully animated and even show off card rarity clearly.

The user interface is simple and easy to learn. There’s even an option to turn off card animations like drawing and shuffling to speed the game up if the player chooses.

While the PTCGO gets collecting, playing with, and trading virtual cards right, it does have some fatal flaws. The most notable flaws are coin flips, glitches, and scammers.

Oftentimes, players will have to flip a virtual coin to activate various effects such as attacks

and to deal with status conditions. The game will almost always land on tails. This is increasingly frustrating combined with the fact that landing on heads is crucial to getting out of annoying status effects like sleep or to even attack with some Pokémon. This RNG, or random number generator, coin flip mechanic breaks the game and often results in the tails recipient losing because coin flips rarely land on heads.

Glitches are another gamebreaking issue that often plagues the PTCGO. With every new patch to the game comes new glitches that ruin the experience.

Sometimes the glitches will hinder a player from playing all together.

The most recent patch has fixed most of these bugs, but new ones almost always appear.

The final major flaw is the oversaturation of scammers.

This isn’t so much the fault of the game or the developers, but it still ruins the experience for many new players.

The publicly posted trades are often flooded with scam trade deals that a veteran can recognize as a bad deal right away, but newcomers who are unaware of the current virtual economy often fall prey to these scams and lose good cards.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online does a fantastic job of simulating the real-life card game experience, but it does so with many flaws. The flaws, while very prominent, shouldn’t hinder new players, however.

Collecting virtual cards is surprisingly addictive and so is showing off hard-earned super rare cards.

The fact that the game can be played completely free and good cards can be earned with time and patience make the PTCGO worth the time to play.

Whether someone is a trading card game enthusiast or not, he or she can still have a blast collecting a super-rare Pikachu and destroying an opponent with it.

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Renegade Events

Movie Review

N.W.A. biopic promises not to disappoint fans

By Crystal Valdez Reporter “Straight Outta Compton” is the perfect movie to watch if you want to end your summer with a bang. Its music and its LA vibe will have you wishing you were one among the crowd at every one of N.W.A’s impressively hardcore performances.

If you haven’t watched it on the big screen yet, don’t miss your chance.

I walked into this movie a fan of hip hop with an immense appreciation for the art. I watched this movie twice (two weeks apart), and the second time was just as riveting as the last. Both times, the theater was packed with an equally diverse group of people.

Whether you go alone or with a group of friends won’t matter.

Whether you are a fan of hip-hop or not won’t matter; everything about this biopic will have you completely submerged.

Before I explain what gives this movie the hype it deserves, let me break it down for you.

“Straight Outta Compton” tells its audience about the rise and fall of arguably the most influential gangsta-rap group, N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes).

N.W.A members Eric “EazyE” Wright, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, Antoine “DJ Yella” Carraby, and Lorenzo “MC Ren” Patterson live in what was considered in the 1980s and 1990s to be the most dangerous city in the nation: Compton. Dealing with crime and police brutality was the norm, and it served as the motivation for this group of talented young men to break out and make a name for themselves.

That name being N.W.A.

News

Lap Swim at Bakersfield College Monday-Thursday 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Fridays 8 to 10:00 a.m., Saturdays 9 to 11 a.m. Free for faculty and staff, $30 for students and $60 for community members for semester.

Odella Johnson appointed as Director of the new Equity and Inclusion department at Bakersfield College. Henry Covarrubias appointed as an Interim Program Manager in Student Equity and Inclusion.

Music

Their success is unfathomable, with the music, the parties, and the groupies. However, the film does not hesitate to reveal the realities of the music business: corruption and greed, ultimately leading to the group’s demise.

That’s one of the things to love about this movie: it is brutally honest. Yes, viewers who know a bit more about N.W.A. know that some details were omitted (such as Dr. Dre’s history of violence against women). That doesn’t necessarily stop this movie from being raw. Details about how the group acquired the money to initiate Ruthless Records, as well as the ambiguity of the business side as every member who wasn’t Eazy-E witnessed it, were openly and graphically expressed. The intense violence on the streets of Compton as well as the way these young artists were brutally mistreated by the LAPD (even the FBI) leaves viewers watching in horrified awe.

It’s details such as these that make it irrelevant whether or not people know about N.W.A or hip-hop in general when watching this biopic. This film is extremely informative, and it touches on issues that are unfortunately very relevant today.

Along with the raw factor of the film, “Straight Outta Compton” does an excellent job at acknowledging the fact that this gangsta-rap group gave the people a voice.

As a press conference scene in the movie suggests, N.W.A’s music was a reflection of their reality, and their music was their means of expression. The group makes it loud and clear during the dynamically directed Detroit concert scene, in which they perform “Fuck tha Police,” that they

September 11: The Bar Room Riot! Others TBA. Sandrini’s, 9 p.m.

September 12: Village Fest 2015. Multiple bands, restaurants, breweries and wineries. Kern County Museum, 6:00 p.m.

September 18: Karaoke, dancing, live bands, and the biggest mechanical bull in Bakersfield. Trout’s, 9 p.m.

September 19-20: Le Corusse Live with Unfair Advantage including Open Mic Night. Le Corruse Rouge, 8 p.m.

Lectures/Discussions

September 15: Gadfly Café in the Levan Center “Abortion without Access: A Right or an Empty Promise?” 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

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would not be silenced despite threats from the federal government.

It’s inspirational. This biopic was selfless enough to not only focus on the history of N.W.A specifically, but also on events that were occurring at the exact same time. It demonstrates how people come together in times of need in order to fight for a greater cause. Despite a great amount of violence being portrayed through scenes that focus on the LA riots of 1992, the film subtly captures a sense of unity and brotherhood through a knot that tied two bandanas together.

As far as the more concrete aspects of this biopic, the acting in this film is phenomenal. The chemistry among the actors was evident and made the portrayal of each individual group member and their relationships with each all the more real. You feel a sense of loss when Dr. Dre discovers tragic news, you feel screwed over like Ice Cube, yet angry with him for going solo, and you

feel skeptical about trusting Jerry Heller (N.W.A manager). You feel for every member individually and as a group. There is a sense of brotherhood that grows stronger as the story develops as well as a poignancy of that bond being torn apart later in the film.

The direction of this film is done masterfully by F. Gary Gray. There is an LA and early 1990s hip-hop vibe that’s hard to shake off. Performance scenes are crisp, beautiful, and dynamic, and it captures how real and entertaining the shows really were.

“Straight Outta Compton” is entertaining from start to finish. Despite claims that it slows down toward the end, we need to understand that it is a reflection of N.W.A’s career. The group didn’t last forever. I urge you to watch this on the big screen if there’s still time. If not, watch it anyway. If there is one thing “Straight Outta Compton” won’t do, it’s disappoint.

‘Momentary Masters’ becomes instant classic Nowadays, the definition of what one constitutes to be a great album varies greatly with the multitudes of new sounds that our universal ear has been exposed to. With so many genres, the types of music that surround us all demand a listener that can reinforce the product that the artist has created.

In the music business, we see a lot of bad albums, occasionally we come across a good album, but rarely do we find a great album, a gem; the type of album that keeps you from skipping between tracks.

When you discover music so

exceptional that you find yourself connecting both emotionally and physically, and where you appreciate the songwriting, production, setting, and emotion, then you have found a classic.

Being a full-time guitarist on the garage-rock-reviving band The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr. has seen his fair share of instant-classic worthy material. While continuing to work with The Strokes, Hammond released his debut album “Yours To Keep” in 2006 and hasn’t stopped since. Hammond’s third album “Momentary Masters” marks the first full-length material he has released since 2008’s “Como Te Llama?” and contrary to The Strokes slowly diminish-

R enegade M inds

“What are your thoughts on Donald Trump running for president?”

Compiled by: Mason J. Rockfellow

Photo Editor

Antonio Flores, 21, Computer Science: “I don’t think him talking bad about the latino vote is helping.”

ing sound, Hammond’s solo career keeps booming with no peak in sight.

The 10-song album “Momentary Masters” propels Hammond to a level of artistry that is rarely seen. The exhilarating guitar-shredding track “Touché” affirms the continued growth Hammond has shown since his debut release.

The endlessly playable tune ends with a hard powered quivering guitar solo that Hammond is notably known for. The upbeat track “Drunched in Crumbs” is a three-minute, raw, effortless number that climbs into a thunderous solo with a piercing end that keeps you wanting more and makes you wonder why it’s not

Diana Miramontes, 19, Art: “If he wins, he is going to send me back to a country I’ve never been before.”

September 17: Nexus Student Alumni hosts guest speakers Jeremy Price, President of iHeart media Bakersfield, and Derek Jeffery, Vice President/General KGET TV, Telemundo & CW Bakersfield. Dessert will be provided. Fireside Room, noon to 1 p.m.

September 23: Discussion hosted by the Social justice Institute and PEAK “California is Different”. Levan Center, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

September 24: Screening of Latino Americans: 500 Years of History Episode 5:Prejudice and Pride. SPARC Indoor Theater, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

September 24: Panel Presentation and Discussion with Stephen Pitti from Yale University and Raymond Rast from Gonzaga University. Levan Center, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

September 24: To March For Others: Black Freedom Struggle and the United Farm Workers. Book Talk with Lauren Araiza from Denison University. Levan Center, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

September 25: Performance by the San Francisco Youth Theater of Gary Soto’s “In and Out of Shadows”. SPARC Indoor Theater, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Workshops/Fairs

September 14: College Transfer Fair. Talk to recruiters from universities and colleges for information and ask questions about programs. Fireside room in campus center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Album Review

By Javier Valdes Copy Editor

Thursday, September 10, 2015

a single.

Hammond slows it down with and emotionally rich cover of Bob Dylan’s timeless song “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” The overdubbed ethereal track perfectly blends the album together.

With his catchy lead track, “Born Slippy,” and his following power singles, “Losing Touch” and “Side Boob,” Hammond has created a mesmerizing, transcendent masterpiece that makes you want him to focus solely on his solo career. “Momentary Masters” is not an album you skip through; it’s one that you can replay and never get tired of. It’s one of the gems— a classic.

Mckayla Molina, 18, Digital Arts: “Eveything he says is horrible.

Does he not think about things before he says it?”

Miscellaneous

September 11: Open house supporting National Day of Service and Remembrance hosted by the Bakersfield Vet center, noon to 4 p.m. 1110 Golden State Ave September 17: 61st Alumni BBQ Cafeteria, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. $30 for adults, $5 for children 7 and younger, $20 for students.

September 19: Bakersfield College swim team and Coach Matt Moon will be giving free 20 minute swim lessons to the community of Bakersfield to promote water safety. Athletes will be participating in a 12 hour swimming relay. Tshirts, shorts and hoodies will be sold. Donations will be accepted, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September 19: Annual Bakersfield Family Picnic. Entertainment, Booths, Jumpers, and Music. First 1,000 people to visit the BETA booth get a hot dog and drink. Bring blankets, snacks, chairs and lunch, Mill Creek Park. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kenneth Mireles, 46, Criminal Justice: “Because of the racial statements...he would not be a good runner.”

The Renegade Rip Winner of the 2003 and 2008 JACC Pacesetter Award First place in 2011, third place in 2013 and 2014 for CNPA General Excellence The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College journalism classes, printed by Reed Print in Bakersfield, and circulated on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is published under the auspices of the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees, but sole responsibility for its content rests with student editors. The Rip is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and the California Newspaper Publishers Association.

Melissa Comacho, 20, Nursing: “I think it’s one of the worst things that could happen to America.”

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Editorial Board

Staff

Editor in Chief......................Marcus Castro Photo Editor................Mason J. Rockfellow Features Editor.............Rhiannon Stroberg Opinions Editor...................Victoria Miller Copy editor...............................Javier Valdes Online/sports editor.....Mohamed Bafakih

Reporters/photographers: Joe Bergman, Carissa Diaz, Carl E. Littleberry Jr., Cinthia Loera, Giovanni Lopez, Chris Miller, A.K. Pachla, Alex Rivera, Felicity Tomisaka, Jacob Tovar, Crystal Valdez

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

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

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

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

How to reach us

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

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 8

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Renegades drop to state’s No. 1 team Riverside 33, BC 14

By Mohamed Bafakih Multimedia/Sports Editor

said.

RCC capitalized on a touchdown run by Fresno State On the opening night of foot- bounce-back Dontel James, givball for Memorial Stadium’s ing the Tigers a 13-0 lead with 60-year anniversary, it was Riv- 10 of those points coming off of erside City College that spoiled BC turnovers.

James finished the night with the evening, beating Bakersfield College 33-14 in front of 5,206 two touchdowns on 18 rushes for 87 yards while his running mate fans.

Riverside, JCGridiron.com’s Christopher Anderson added 93 ninth-ranked team in the nation more yards on the ground on 22 and the Junior College Athletic carries to help the Tigers outrush Bureau’s Preseason State Poll of the Renegades, 255-78.

In his debut after missing just California Community College Football’s third-ranked team in about all of last year, BC running back Curtis McGregor the state, jumped ONLINE finished with 44 yards out to an early 3-0 lead on its 12-play, More football coverage on 11 rushes. After the and photos visit: game, McGregor was 58-yard opening www.therip.com hobbling around with drive that capped off what seemed to be with an Aidan McCarley 35-yard field goal. The slight ankle discomfort.

After one quarter of play, the Tigers found themselves driving again shortly after as they recov- Renegades finished with just 33 ered a fumble off a botched snap total yards offensively and zero first down conversions, while deep in Renegade territory.

BC, 31st in the nation accord- giving up 158 yards and 13 first ing to JCGridiron and the 13th downs to the Tigers.

Riverside’s James opened up team in the state according to the JCAB preseason state poll, did the second quarter with another manage to hold RCC to another short touchdown run in a wellfield goal at the 9:54 mark in the put- together drive by quarterfirst quarter to still make it a one- back Ian Fieber (14 plays, 90 possession game, but the offense yards) to extend the lead to 200. couldn’t get it going.

Just before the two-minute BC quarterback Tarek Yaeggi lost the ball on the ensuing drive mark in the half, however, Bato set up a short field for the Ti- kersfield finally got on board as running back Isaiah Sharp gers to work with.

“We didn’t protect the ball finished an 11-play, 67-yard early on so we got put in a hole Renegade drive with a twoagainst a very quality football yard touchdown cutting it to a team,” head coach Jeff Chudy 13-point deficit.

Mason j. rockfellow / The Rip

Defensive back Dominic Frasch (29) finished with a gamehigh 15 tackles and an interception in the loss vs. RCC.

Joe bergman / The Rip

The Renegades’ defense struggled against the Tigers’ running backs. It took multiple BC defenders to bring down RCC’s Seth Acda (8). The Tigers outrushed the Renegades 255-78 which was a large part of Riverside’s victory on Sept. 5.

RCC’s backup quarterback Kevin Olsen (formerly at University of Miami and brother of Carolina Panthers’ Greg Olsen) came in early in the second to replace Fieber. Olsen went 7-for-9 for 84 yards and despite throwing an interception to BC’s Dominic Frasch, capped off a nine-play, 83-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Durron Burton. A missed PAT by McCarley made it a 26-7 Tigers lead with 17 seconds remaining.

With those 17 seconds, RCC still made it enough time to get the ball back and on the board.

On the following return, Frasch received it back on the goal line and as he looked to cross the 20-yard line got the ball stripped

by Riverside’s Shiloh Pritchard who returned it 18 yards for eventually what would become RCC’s last scoring play.

The Tigers went into the half in complete control 33-7.

“The first half wasn’t what we wanted,” Frasch stated. “We expect more.”

In the second half, the Ren-

egades did manage to add some extra points as Yaeggi hooked up with tight end Dillen Littles on a short three-yard pass to make it 33-14 with 27 seconds to go in the third quarter.

Yaeggi finished with 142 yards, completing 18 of his 30 attempts for one touchdown to go along with one interception.

“We got a lot of growing up to do and we understand that,” Yaeggi said. “We got a lot of room for improvement…when you face a team that is that great you’re going to have miscues.”

BC (0-1) has dropped out of the Week 1 JCAB’s Top 25 state rankings while Riverside (1-0) has claimed the state’s top spot.

The Renegades will now travel to 10th-ranked Golden West (10) this week where the Rustlers are 9-1 at home over the last two seasons.

“I think the thing we can take from it is we had some guys who competed,” Chudy said. “We just weren’t very efficient at what we were doing at times but we hung in there.”

Joe bergman / The Rip

Making his return from a broken arm sustained in Week One of last year’s matchup against Riverside, BC sophomore running back Curtis McGregor struggled to get it going as he finished the night with 44 yards on 11 carries.

Volleyball’s hot start cools off as they drop two straight in own tournament

By Carl E. Littleberry Jr. Reporter The Bakersfield College volleyball team made its home debut Sept. 5 by hosting Antelope Valley, Grossmont and Santa Barbara City College in the Bakersfield Quad Tournament. The Renegades went 0-2 in the tournament.

The Renegades came into the tournament with a 3-1 record after a nice start to the season at the L.A. Pierce Tournament on Aug. 28-29 (full recap on therip.com).

Only losing two starters from last year, Tyler Herring and Kourtney Grantz, this year’s team has a strong foundation of veteran leaders and new-coming talent.

BC is returning five key players from last year’s squad and the team has no shortage of players with game experience. The returning players are: Kayla Romero (outside hitter), Lorena Ramirez (libero), Jade Delgadillo (setter), Stephanie Lugo (outside hitter), and finally Genesis Enriquez (middle blocker).

“We have a much deeper team than last year’s for sure. They are improving each week with better competition. I’m looking forward to a great season from our girls,” head coach Carl Ferreira said.

The competition was clearly a challenge this past weekend as BC lost both of its matches.

BC faced off with Santa Barbara for the first match of the day. BC sophomore and

joe bergman / The Rip

BC’s Kayla Romero (2) and Genesis Enriquez (10) block the spike attempt

by Chaffey’s Destiny Mroz (7). BC handed Chaffey their third straight loss in a 3-1 match victory. outside hitter Daryan Heathcott led the way with 22 total kills in the match and setting the pace for BC’s offense throughout the day.

Solid play from sophomore Ramirez and freshman defensive specialist Hannah Pope held SBCC hitters down with 20 and 15 digs, respectively.

With both teams coming out strong in the opening match, neither team was ever able to grab a commanding lead in the first sets splitting the first four sets, 2-2. However, BC would eventually fall to SBCC in the fifth set, losing the match with scores of 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-12 in the final set.

Facing Grossmont in their second and last match of the day, the Renegades had their hands full with their opponents who finished last season in the final four.

Starting strong after their earlier loss to SBCC, BC used strong teamwork to keep it close, rallying from six down in the first set to even the score at 19-19 in the first set.

However, the front line of Grossmont proved too strong as they defeated BC, 25-23.

Continuing her strong play from the first match, Heathcott led the team with 18 more kills in the match. Her efforts were not enough as the girls could only manage one win in the match losing to Grossmont 3-1.

“Volleyball isn’t like football or basketball where you get huge amounts of space which allows for better athletes to take over,” Ferreira said. “This is a team sport in its entirety; we play on a 30x30-sized court. We need to play better as a unit this year.”

The Renegades fell to 3-3 on the season and will resume their season at the San Diego Mesa Tournament in San Diego on Sept.1112 and will return home Sept. 22 where they’ll face Moorpark College at 6 p.m. inside the Gil Bishop Sports Center.

MASON J. ROCKFELLOW / The Rip

BC’s Daryan Heathcott spikes the ball against SBCC as her teammates look on. Heathcott leads the state in kills.

Sports

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 9

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Photos by Mason J. Rockfellow / The Rip

Left: New Associate Athletic Director Keith Ford discusses his past careers, as coach Zack Peters is demonstrating how to do a shoulder exercise to his Tuesday 3:30 p.m. class.

New additions to BC add experience

By Mohamed Bafakih Multimedia/Sports Editor The athletics department here at Bakersfield College has filled two much-needed positions.

Athletic Director Sandi Taylor will be accompanied by Associate Athletic Director Keith Ford to oversee all athletic-related duties.

Joining Ford in his first year at BC is strength and conditioning coach Zack Peters.

“The process is rigorous for anybody who gets a full-time job here,” said Taylor. “Keith [Ford] brings a lot of game management experience having been in a number of different university settings – plus Major League

Baseball – and Zack [Peters] brings great experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.”

Keith Ford: The experience that Taylor spoke of in regards to Ford doesn’t need much explanation as his track record backs it up. Born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., Ford’s 23 years of experience in athletics range from ticketing and marketing all the way to community relations and gameday management throughout many different levels. Ford had a chance to work with his hometown teams, the Buffalo Bills (gameday management) and Buffalo Sabres (ticketing), while also looking for ways to branch out.

“I learned in the business I had

to move a lot and take a lot of chances,” Ford said.

Ford has lived in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Ohio, back-and-forth to Buffalo, and now finally back in California for the second time.

For Ford, his wife, and their son Brody, who just celebrated his 10th birthday, Bakersfield is starting to feel like home.

Brody has lived in three different states over the past nine years with his parents and while the battle of having high-functioning autism has forced his mother to be a stay-at-home wife over the years doesn’t trigger the current change.

“She [Ford’s wife] loves it here, so when we had the oppor-

tunity to come back out, she was like ‘yeah, we’re going!’ Ford also added how even if he was homeless, his wife still would have been on board to relocate back to California where they lived when Ford worked with the minor league Triple-A baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies.

Ford was last with CSUB as a senior assistant athletics director for Internal Operations for four years and prior to that at the University of Akron for six years.

The tradition here at BC eased the process for Ford to take advantage of this opening as well as the vision Renegade athletics has.

“At the end of the day, really, we’re here for our students and

student-athletes and to give them the best experience they can get and hopefully help them get their Associate’s Degree and move on,” Ford added.

Zack Peters: Along with the addition of the new state-of-theart weight room – better known as the Performance Enhancement Center – comes a new strength and conditioning coach.

Zack Peters will be in control, and he’ll look to elevate both students and student-athletes to their utmost potential.

Peters, a Shafter native and Shafter High School graduate, also attended Bakersfield College before heading to Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, where he earned his bachelor’s

degree in physical education.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Peters said.

As a newlywed, Peters is enjoying his new position and is hopeful about the progress and atmosphere he can create with his knowledge, but it comes with a hefty time commitment. Peters’ schedule starts as early as 6 a.m. and ends around 8 p.m. as he gets a wide range of students.

“It’s hectic, but it’s something I enjoy,” Peters added.

The Performance Enhancement Center is open for all BC students who are enrolled in the strength and conditioning curriculum instructed by Peters while he also provides student-athletes with proper training.

Spink’s return adds spark as soccer for BC returns to Memorial Stadium

By Alex Rivera Reporter The Bakersfield College women’s soccer team is hoping to keep the momentum rolling after opening the season with a scrimmage win and a shutout victory vs. nearby College of the Sequoias despite being shutout on the road against Santa Rosa College.

The Renegades started the season playing a scrimmage against Allan Hancock on Aug. 21. After nearly two decades, this is the first season the women’s soccer team is playing at Memorial Stadium.

“The girls are very excited to be playing at Memorial Stadium this year,” said head coach Scott Dameron. “The school is definitely supporting us, and it gives us more of a professional feel when we go out and perform. It’s a step up from last year. It’s giving our program a better image.”

The scrimmage provided

Dameron an opportunity to evaluate the team.

“I like the team that we have,” he said. “We got a chance to see everybody play and try many different combinations of players on the field but there still is a lot more to work on.”

The Renegades’ first official game was against College of the Sequoias also at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 1.

Within the first 18 minutes, BC was up 2-0 with both scores coming from newcomer Sabrina Spink, a sophomore who returned to the team after a fouryear break from intercollegiate athletics.

“It is nice to have her back,” Dameron said. “She is a great athlete but also very intelligent.

She understands the game very well. It’s going to be great for the players around her.”

Ana Ortega scored the final goal in the 35th minute to seal the victory. The Renegades kept it at 3-0 giving them the shutout victory against COS.

With the team playing under the lights at Memorial Stadium, Dameron said, “Definitely exciting. I hope over time the games are in the evenings. That it will make it more of a community sport and our program will get more people behind the team.”

The Renegades also played against Santa Rosa on Sept. 5 where they lost, 6-0.

Dameron described Santa Rosa as “a strong team.” “…I’m hoping what comes from the weekend is we build our team together and we will find out more of what our team needs to do to succeed.”

After the loss, Dameron said, “The team will come together and get used to each other’s tendencies and with that more things will come together.”

BC’s women’s soccer team will be here at home for their next two matches as they’ll face Lassen on Sept. 17 and Ventura on Sept. 18.

Both games will start at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

New weight room at BC

JOe Bergman / The Rip

BC’s Sabrina Spink breaks away from the College of the Sequoias’ defender, ultimately scoring her second goal of the match. BC beat COS 3-0 at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 1.

Wrestling team sees turnaround in 2015

By Mohamed Bafakih Multimedia/Sports Editor Bakersfield College head wrestling coach Brett Clark is heading into his second season with a different modus operandi as opposed to last year.

Not necessarily for his style, but simply because of the fresh new faces on the team.

From the lowest weight division (125 pounds) all the way up to heavyweight (285 pounds), BC won’t see one active returner from last year’s team to defend their weight class – which includes three state qualifiers as they are battling

personal reasons.

“We are young,” Clark said. “You look at our roster and you got 30 guys and about half those guys are freshmen…some of those guys are redshirt freshmen who didn’t compete, but I think we’ll be OK.” With the other half, it includes experienced guys like Torrey Casper. Casper is a 133-pounder who redshirted last season, but he’s making his return to wrestling after taking four years off.

Other key wrestlers include: Josh Davis (285-pounder who took a year off after rehabbing four torn ligaments in his knee), Danny Lopez (Palomar

College transfer from Robert F. Kennedy-Delano), and Armando Saldana (sat out last year after redshirting).

“Our guys are in pretty good shape right now – that’s a plus,” Clark mentioned. “I’m eager to see what’s going to happen…it’s going to be a good group.”

The BC wrestling season opens at home where they’ll host West Hills and Victor Valley College on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., followed by a dual tournament the following morning also here at 9 a.m. inside the Gil Bishop Sports Center.

BC cross-country teams finish first on both sides

By Felicity Tomisaka Reporter

Marcus Castro / The Rip

The new Bakersfield College Performance Enhancement Center, or the weight room, is now open for both BC students and student-athletes.

The Bakersfield College cross-country team participated in the Oxnard Invitational Meet on Aug. 28.

Six Renegades were able to place in the top 10 in the women’s race, while four men were able to place in the top 10 of that race, allowing both

teams to receive a first-place plaque.

Head coach Pam Kelley, who has replaced longtime cross-country coach Dave Frickel, said that, “Both teams were given opportunity to run in the summer which helped make the team stronger because they are able to do more distance runs in practice than they were in the past.”

The coaching staff passed up on the

scheduled Ventura meet on Sept. 4.

“The race in Ventura was a tentative one because of the new freshmen that came out this year,” Kelley said. “I wanted to hold off on that race but we will run it next year.”

Kelley is unsure how the season will progress until the Fresno Invitational on Sept. 11. She believes this will give an idea on how to improve training.

Spotlight

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Page 10

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Krispy Kreme’s top doughnut prizewinner Christopher Garcia, 17, is seen showing off the new shirt he received as one of the prizes while waiting in line for the popular doughnut chain to open their doors. He won a dozen doughnuts a week for an entire year.

Giovanni Lopez / The Rip

Bakersfield residents stand in line at 5:30 a.m. on Sept 1 at the grand opening of the new Krispy Kreme doughnut shop located on Rosedale Highway.

Krispy Kreme grand opening

By Rhiannon Stroberg Features Editor

building to turn on those lights.”

Garcia’s sister Alexis Barrios, 21, stated that camping out and spending the night was very tricky After nearly a decade since Bakersfield’s original due to the fact that they had to switch on an off beKrispy Kreme doughnut shop closed their doors, tween their busy school and work schedule. the popular franchise re-opened to a new location “When my brother found out when Krispy on Sept. 1.

Kreme was opening, he said ‘I want to be the first Krispy Kreme kicked off their grand re-opening one who eats the first glazed doughnut they sell,’’’ in Bakersfield by offering the first 100 customers Barrios said, “so the decision [of camping out] was prizes. quite easy because we always like to join together However, the first customer to unite and support one another in line received a different prize with what they want to do.” than the rest of the 99 customers. “I’ve loved Krispy Kreme “We took different shifts to The first customer in line was ofavoid people cutting us in line,” fered a sweet deal of a dozen free ever since I was a kid...my Garcia stated, “but on the third doughnuts every week for one first doughnut was from day of camping out, they told us year, while the rest of the customthat they were going to fix the Krispy Kreme.” ers received a dozen free doughconcrete so workers at Krispy nuts every month for one year.

Kreme took down our names and –Christopher Garcia, BC student and devout Krispy told us to come back on Aug. 31.

BC student Kreme fan Christopher Garcia, to claim our spot as first in line.”

17, camped outside the popular “This was the first time we’ve doughnut shop with his family for done something like this,” nearly eight days so he could be the first person to claimed Barrios, “and it has been a wonderful exturn on the “Hot Now” sign. perience. The people, the workers, it’s all just been “I’ve loved Krispy Kreme ever since I was a a great experience.” kid,” Garcia proudly boasted, “My first doughnut The new Krispy Kreme is located on Rosedale was from Krispy Kreme, so when I found out that Highway in the Northwest Promenade next to they were building a new Krispy Kreme I knew Kohl’s department store. The total transactions of that I wanted to be the first customer to walk in the the day were estimated to be around 2,500.

Rhiannon Stroberg The Rip

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