Viewpoints Vol. 99 Issue 13 by RCC Viewpoints

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“Consciousness is power. Consciousness is education and knowledge. Consciousness is becoming aware.” - Yuri Kochiyama

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VOL. 99, NO. 13 MAY 13,

2021

An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922. VISIT OUR WEBSITE VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG

District elects new student trustee Says leadership too powerful, aims for accountability BY BIANCA MACIAS STAFF REPORTER

Riverside Community College District students have elected a Norco College student to represent them on the Board of Trustees during the 2021-2022 academic year. Student Trustee-elect Jack Harris, 24, a second-year philosophy major, said he was inspired to run for the position after a negative interaction at a board meeting. “I feel that the district leadership has amassed a lot

of power during online classes and (is) not doing enough to put action behind the words they say or to provide student selfempowerment,” he said. The incoming student trustee is concerned that the transition to in-person learning might be uncomfortable for students. The district is planning for instruction during the fall 2021 semester to be as it was pre-pandemic: 80% in-person and 20% online if conditions allow. Harris said the transition should be eased into and more online courses should be offered.

“The best route to go down should be determined by the students,” he said. “But regardless, more online classes and more hybrid classes should remain implemented.” Harris also aims to eliminate jargon during board meetings. He criticized the trustees, which are elected officials. “I don't see them holding up their end of the bargain,” he said. “They’re supposed to represent the people, but they’re using language and rhetoric that only academics could understand.” The use of academic and

governance jargon is inconsiderate of RCCD students, many of whom are entering college for the first time, he added. “I’d like to implement the rule that if you can’t explain it in simple terms to the average (person), then you shouldn’t be saying it,” Harris said. “We exist to serve the community and the community should be able to understand what we’re saying at the trustee meetings.” Harris referenced “The Stranger,” a novella by Albert

See TRUSTEE on page 2

WHAT’S RCC salon reopens after over a year INSIDE Aspiring cosmetologists back to hands-on learning

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS

4 Town hall discusses Johnson and Johnson vaccine

LIFE

7 Local record store offers timeless quality

SPORTS See SALON on page 7 BRIAN CALDERON | VIEWPOINTS

A Riverside City Cosmetology student works on a doll May 7. The salon has reopened to customers after over 400 days of closure.

Editorial: Our specialist anchors our program 11

Making position full-time in the best interest of Viewpoints, RCC Viewpoints is wrapping up the 2020-2021 academic year with a total of 27 regional, state and national awards. By the end of the month, we will have published 14 issues this year that provided pivotal COVID-19 coverage for the Riverside Community College District and its surrounding communities. But many may be unaware that our journalism specialist Matthew Schoenmann has been the anchor behind the awards, the momentum we built and the public service we performed in a time of uncertainty

for our program, which has been functioning without a full-time adviser since the retirement of Allan Lovelace last year. Schoenmann is a part-time classified staff member who stepped up to full-time adviser duties during the unknown. He and part-time adviser Angela Burrell ensured Viewpoints' continued excellence during the pandemic. Having observed Schoenmann's work more closely than anyone in Riverside City College academia, we believe making his part-time specialist position full-time is in the best

interest of everyone involved in our program. With a new full-time adviser, a new editor-in-chief and students who have never experienced a physical newsroom all converging on campus in the fall, our specialist will be one of the few who understands the dynamics of our team and what a successful transition will require. We have made this known to Gregory Anderson, RCC president, and Kathleen Sell, English and Media Studies Department chair. They told us our program has the department’s and administration’s

full support. The recommendation to make the journalism specialist a fulltime position has been made in our program review for several years. However, Anderson said these decisions come down to competing priorities. Granted, every program has its needs and desires. But ours is not “every program.” Since the campus closure, we have informed our community about pandemic-related developments and have been at

See EDITORIAL on page 10

Hamilton takes Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona

INDEX NEWS LIFE VIEWS EDITORIAL SPORTS

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May 13, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS Emergency Student Aid Applications The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grant application is open to Riverside Community College District students through May 14. To be eligible for the grant, students’ home colleges must have received a 20202021 FAFSA or Dream Act application by April 1. Students must have also been enrolled in the spring 2021 term as of April 15. To access the application, visit the Financial Aid section in the Webadvisor Student Menu. Equity Audit Riverside City College has entered a partnership with Hotep Consultants, an equity-advancing and strategic consulting team, to facilitate a campus-wide audit of policies, practices and assessment at RCC. RCC is offering a survey for students to express feedback and will produce a final report by summer, which will be presented students in the beginning of the fall 2021 term. If you have any questions, contact, Kristine.Dimemmo@ rcc.edu.com. To access the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/HC-RCCStudent2021 Asian Pacific Student Union The Asian Pacific Student Union, a new RCC club, is seeking new members to join. It aims to provide Asian and Pacific Islander RCC students a safe space through community events, social nights and more. The club is welcoming students of all backgrounds to join Zoom meetings held every Friday at 2:00 p.m. The Zoom ID is 781 281 0414 and the password is 202 For further questions follow APSU on Instagram at @rccapsu.

News

Incoming student trustee calls out board Plans include removing jargon from meetings, more outreach

TRUSTEE from page 1 C a m u s , a rg u i n g t h a t w h e n defending people without including them in their own defense, what ends up being defended is an abstracted caricature — the expectations of the people are defended, rather than the people themselves. “Issues that pertain to equity and anti-racism are issues that should not be talked about academically by district policymakers, but should be decided ultimately by the students as to avoid crafting policy which is drafted upon a caricature of BIPOC (and) LGBTQ+ students,” he said. “This way we can ensure that those who draft and pass policy on campus, including myself, are held accountable.” Harris also plans to voice the demand for support groups on campuses. He said he would like to see areas where students with unique struggles, such as disabled people and working parents, would have opportunities to meet with each other in groups and discuss their troubles and experiences. Students would benefit by finding others who they relate to, in effect building support systems they can lean on during their college experiences, Harris argued. He said he is also counting on RCCD to continue to make vaccinations available to students. “I would like to see the ability to be vaccinated, if one wants to be vaccinated, without possibly being seen by

anybody on campus to keep it anonymous,” Harris said. He expressed concern over negative political situations arising if students see other students being vaccinated. Aside from continued vaccination, he said he trusts that carrying forward with masks and social distancing will be campus etiquette to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Harris said his needs are to evaluate what students want and what the goals as a student body are. He shared that he plans to do so by acquiring data through student surveys and networking with professors and colleagues. “I want to hold the (Board of Trustees) accountable for the policies that ultimately affect the students that they’re implementing,” he said. Faith Wallace, runner-up in the election, said she is excited for Harris and is rooting for him to make a difference as the voice of the students. “Don’t take no for an answer,” the runner-up said to Harris. The incoming student trustee is beaming with pride from his election. “I want students to know that their voice matters on campus,” Harris said. “It’s extremely rewarding to participate at the school that you go to.” Harris will be attending Cal Poly Pomona as well as RCCD in the fall and aims to become a philosopher and professor. His term begins at the end of the spring 2021 semester. “There is a lot of work to do,” he said.

Reading Classes and Help Want to become a better reader? Then the RCC Reading Clinic is right for you. ALR-887 is a free, noncredit clinic a student can enroll in at any time. Students will be given a diagnostic test before a personalized instructional plan is created for them. Students can work at their own pace and one-onone sessions with a reading professor will provide reading skills. Email Stacey.CrewinBates@rccd.edu for more information.

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE. FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home. ENDFAMILYFIRE.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK HARRIS

Jack Harris will serve as the Riverside Community College District’s student trustee for the 2021-2022 academic year. He is a philosophy major who will be attending Cal Poly Pomona as well as RCCD in the fall. Harris said district leadership has become too powerful during the pandemic and plans to hold the trustees accountable.

News

May 13, 2021

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

The five candidates for Riverside City Council’s Ward 2 seat who participated in a live forum April 27 are up for election June 8. The election will only allow mail-in votes.

Ward 2 candidates address local concerns BY JENNIPHER VASQUEZ STAFF REPORTER

Riverside’s Ward 2 City Council candidates were cross examined by potential constituents during a live forum. The League of Women Voters hosted the virtual platform April 27, allowing five of the hopefuls an opportunity to respond to residents’ direct questions. Candidate Clarissa Cervantes, former union organizer and legislative representative for Councilman Andy Melendrez, advocated for a diversification of community involvement. She stressed that decisions about pandemic relief funding, police reform and possible housing additions should be discussed with constituents. She aims to implement regular community meetings that allow Ward 2 residents to deliberate and keep decisions from being based solely on the City Council’s judgment. “I am here to ensure, as we look to the future design of our community, that it is socially equitable, that it is inclusive and that it is diverse.” Cervantes said. “I am ultimately here to ensure that the voices of the Ward 2 residents are heard.” The state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Assessment projects that 3,700 new housing units will be built in Ward 2 by October 2029. C a n d i d a t e A r a m Ay r a , UC Riverside alumni and city commissioner, emphasized that current residents must be taken into consideration before moving forward with creating new housing. “My focus, first and foremost, is ensuring full participation

from our residents in this housing discussion, focusing on creating permanently affordable housing through community land trusts.” Ayra said. “Additionally, I want to focus on missing middle income housing.” According to Ayra, this focus entails providing secure housing for young professionals, recent graduates and renters in order to create a more diverse community. Candidate Austin Skipper, a member of the Riverside branch of the NAACP and who has served with the Black Chamber of Commerce, shared a similar stance on the proposal and said he does not want to push out any current residents for the sake of implementing new housing. “Hopefully this does not displace anyone else,” Skipper said about the assessment. “That’s what I really hope for. If there’s backlash, that means there are people that are already here that are going to leave.” Candidate Joe Paredes, commercial real estate developing executive, emphasized encouraging Riverside’s other wards to also focus on providing affordable housing, especially to improve homelessness. He claimed Ward 2 has already done so significantly in comparison to the rest of the city. “In these numbers, we should include student housing,” he said. “We want to ensure that our children are able to grow up and afford homes in the city that they lived in, went to school in, graduated from college in and work in. We need to figure out a good policy to move forward and make sure that Ward 2 isn’t the only one that’s shouldering the burden of that issue.” Candidate Anthony Tyson, Riverside real estate agent, also

discussed the importance of including the community in decision-making and working with the rest of the wards in Riverside to improve the city as a whole. He addressed a situation in which a family of tenants living downtown was displaced due to an upcoming homeless housing project. Tyson said the community is not well aware of the project yet, but certain residents received a notice stating they would need to relocate. “We need to have permanent housing solutions instead of temporary housing solutions,” Tyson said. “We have to have respect for the residents, as well as help the homeless.” Tyson said he has looked into the project to find answers about the displacements, but has been turned down for any information because the project is not being implemented in Ward 2. “I feel like I’m getting punished for asking questions about something that I need to know,” he said. “But everything that affects Riverside is part of Riverside and part of Ward 2.” Constituents also raised concerns about police reform. Paredes said the Riverside Police Department has always done a good job, but there is room to grow. “The number one reason a government exists is to protect our citizens and protect our families,” Paredes said. “We need to make sure we are embracing all of the measures cities across the nation are trying to implement and maybe look at adopting some of them. There are instances where we aren’t doing the best, but we’ve always done the right thing.” Tyson informed constituents

that he comes from a family of former Riverside law enforcement and said hiring practices and training must be updated to implement transparency. Tyson’s father previously served as a deputy in Riverside and said one of the most effective actions during his tenure was making time to go out to meet residents directly and give them his card, attempting to create trust within the community. “There’s got to be some kind of symbiotic relation,” Tyson said. “We can make it simple if everyone works together. It definitely needs transparency.” Skipper emphasized proper police apprehension and knowing how to maneuver a situation. “Knowing the difference between a taser or a handgun is very simple,” he said. “(With) mental health comprehension and understanding it is not always a gun-draw situation, they shouldn’t be fearful when they’re the ones who have the upper hand.” Ayra and Cervantes both advocated for community involvement in police reform and creating a safe, transparent line of communication and understanding between residents and police. Residents also questioned the candidates about their plans for the $79 million granted to Riverside by the COVID-19 Federal Relief Program that was recently passed. Ayra said he has experience in allocating and securing Federal CARES Act funding. He said his main priorities are COVID-19 response and recovery, and ensuring that frontline staff have access to supplies and work protections. He also plans to reach out to

residents who need help. “A large priority would be finding ways we can really bring money back into the hands of community members,” Ayra said. “If we really want it to be equitable, we need to make sure it’s not only doing it through Zoom or online, but that we’re making an effort to reach residents that may not be connected.” Residents who are less politically engaged must also have their voices represented during discussions, he added. Paredes said the funding should be used for attracting more businesses to create more jobs. “What we need to do is focus on ensuring that we don’t set up programs that are going to compete with our already existing non-profits,” he said. Paredes argued new programs should promote business interaction, help people establish businesses and create local jobs. Cervantes said the funding should be geared toward residents’ concerns. She said repairing roads and rebuilding communities are a top priority. “We have to ensure that we are protecting the communities and the neighborhoods that have been here for years,” Cervantes said. “That is what is important to me: making sure that we hear the voices of our residents in these neighborhoods and that we revitalize and provide opportunities for our residents to not only live here, work here, but for them to thrive here.”

The election will be held June 8 by mail-in ballot only.

News

May 13, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNANDO ZHIMINAICELA | PIXABAY

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommend the resumption of Johnson and Johnson vaccinations.

Local health officials address vaccination concerns NAACP forum covers Johnson and Johnson issues, skepticism BY ISABEL WHITSETT STAFF REPORTER

Riverside County medical professionals are continuing to encourage vaccinations as skepticism rises due to recent issues with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The Riverside chapter of the NAACP partnered with the UC Riverside Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on April 24, bringing health professionals together to discuss concerns with community members. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused April 13 due to blood clots resulting from the shot that killed 15 out four million women who had received it. Although the side effects were serious, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates they are a rare occurrence. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration recommended the resumption of Johnson and Johnson vaccinations for adults as of April 23. “We presume the state will soon be aligning with that decision and support the CDC with those guidelines,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside County’s recently appointed Public Health officer. Although concerns over the vaccine are high, Leung attempted to ease residents’ minds. “We believe the benefits of Johnson & Johnson and other

vaccines available far outweigh any risk associated with these rare, but serious blood clots,” he said. Dr. Patrick Hu, a Riverside Community Hospital cardiologist, added to the assurance, noting that the odds of experiencing serious side effects are low. “Looking at absolute numbers, your risk of getting a blood clot from the coronavirus itself is 39 in 1 million,” he said. “Getting a clot from the ... Moderna or Pfizer is about 5 in 1 million. With only so many blood clot cases and 8 million vaccines administered that are J&J, we will continue moving forward for now.” D r. B r y a n O s h i r o , a n obstetrician-gynecologist with the Riverside University Health System, pushed everyone to get vaccinated, even if they suffer from blood clots and are on blood thinners. “The CDC still recommends you get the vaccine,” he said. “Nonetheless, the risk of getting the virus and dying from it is much higher than if those same patients got the vaccine.”

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The chances of people with underlying conditions dying from coronavirus are higher than them dying from the vaccine, Hu added. According to the CDC, seven in 1 million women between the ages of 18 and 49 who get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are at risk for developing blood clots. Those numbers lessen and the risk becomes rarer for men and women over the age of 50. President Joe Biden announced April 27 that fullyvaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outside, with the exception of large groups. According to the CDC, fully-vaccinated people are two weeks out from their second dose of either Moderna or Pfizer and two weeks out from their single dose of Johnson & Johnson. Leung said vaccinated people can still catch COVID-19. He argued the greater risk is passing that infection on to someone else. “When we wear a mask, it not only protects us,” Leung said.

“It also protects others. Until we are well beyond herd immunity, we will likely continue to see more recommendations for mask mandates.” But most health professionals agree that herd immunity has not yet been reached, he added. According to Leung, at least 70-75% of the entire population would have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. “If we look at the 16 years or older population, we are at 42.8% immunity,” he said. “But when you add in children, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, that percentage is lower.” Although remarkable progress has been made, there is still work to be done, he added. Barbara Cole, RUHS Disease Control Branch chief, stressed the importance of continuing to use all preventative measures. “ We k n o w t h e v a c c i n e is very effective, but it isn’t 100%,” she said. The other health professionals agreed, urging residents to continue to adhere to CDC guidelines. “ We ’ r e i n s o r t o f a

We’re in a sort of transitional state. You don’t know who’s vaccinated or not. For right now, it’s best to air on the side of caution.

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-Dr. Bryan Oshiro

transitional state,” Oshiro said. “You don’t know who’s vaccinated or not. For right now, it’s best to air on the side of caution.” Regina Patton Stell, Riverside NAACP president, stressed the power of knowledge. “We know that information ca n ch a n g e b e h a v io r, ” she said. “This is such an important conversation for our community.”

Riverside County Vaccination Stats (As of May 12)

Doses Administered 1,812,122 Fully Vaccinated People 722,653 or 37.1% of population Vaccinations By Race/Ethnicity White: 49% Latinx: 33% Black: 36% Native American: 28% Pacific Islander: 73% Asian: 62% Vaccinations By Gender Female: 53.6% Male: 46.3% Other: 0.1%

May 13, 2021

News

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

The Riverside chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) holds town halls frequently to educate the community on pressing issues.

Prison reform town hall amplifies voices

Formerly incarcerated community members speak their truths BY TIMOTHY LEWIS STAFF REPORTER

People of all backgrounds have captured the narrative of police brutality on video, but what is overlooked is the mistreatment of incarcerated individuals in the criminal justice system. The Riverside chapter of the NAACP held a prison reform town hall April 21 in partnership with Riverside Justice Table and other local and state-ran activist organizations. They invited members of the public and recently incarcerated people to speak openly about their experiences in prison and what they believe needs to be done within the criminal justice system regarding prison reform. T h e p a n e l ’s s p e a k e r s varied from men and women from all walks of life. Their collective stories illustrated a picture of a complex and exploitative system that has affected countless numbers of incarcerated and detained individuals. Panelist Diane Cardea said that her time in prison made her feel “degraded as a human being.” It made her want to change her life around, which she is now doing. Cardea is

returning to school and moving to get her charges expunged from her record. She said that “people should know that even though you are in prison you are still a human being.” Te r r a n c e S t e w a r t , community engagement manager and founding member of the Riverside All of Us or None chapter, opened by educating the audience on the prison industrial complex system, which he called the new form of slavery. He then shared his own experience serving in prison. A study from Freedom United showed that the United States’ public and private prison and immigration detention industry has long benefited from exploitative and profitable forced labor programs. Initiatives like the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP) incentivize private companies

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with government contracts with an 80% pay reduction for prisoners — meaning prisoners work nearly for free. Economic gain has made prisons and detention centers maintain a high capacity of inmates and detainees. Toya Vicks spoke briefly about her time working in forced labor programs in prison, from working for 5 cents an hour in “the yard” to eventually moving up to making $100 a month working in the laundry room, cleaning fellow inmates’ soiled clothes. To get such a position was an uphill battle that once achieved “was liberating,” she said. “Even though I wasn’t getting paid, they were still taking me for child support,” Vicks said. “I worked very hard to get that point, but I got there. To be able to send anything to my children was an amazing feeling.”

Stewart spoke briefly about the long-term ramifications he still faces today despite being a free, rehabilitated and functioning member of society. A few of the obstacles he listed include finding housing and job opportunities, as well as family reunification. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime shows how life outside of prison for former detainees is often tricky, as little to no job prospects are available to convicts. Many are subjected to socio-economic exclusion, beginning the cycle of poverty and repeated offenses. Stewart noted how much of the consequences of past actions can haunt a person and their loved ones long-term. He said it is one of the main reasons he got involved in fighting for prison reform. A common theme in many speakers’ stories was the

Those closest to the issue are also those closest to the solution. -Michael

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G r i gg s , criminal justice student

idealization of how inhumane and degrading the treatment and living conditions were behind bars. All the recently incarcerated people also emphasized that they are still people — parents, children and siblings — who deserve proper treatment despite their mistakes in life. Prisoners are also subjected to unsanitary conditions. Overcrowding has made prisons vectors for disease and illness, with most inmates eventually being released back into the public, affecting the surrounding community. Many on the panel were still working to rebuild their lives years after serving their sentences. Despite setbacks and challenges, these people have come together to help themselves and help the community in which they live. Panelist Michael Griggs, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, believes it is the duty of those with first-hand experiences in unjust prison systems to speak out and mobilize others to change an outdated and discriminatory system. “Those closest to the issue are also those closest to the solution,” Griggs said.

May 13, 2021

News

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Homeless people congregate in a parking lot near the intersection of University Avenue and Lemon Street in downtown Riverside on May 6.

Mayors group calls for homelessness solutions investment BY ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A coalition of mayors of California’s 13 largest cities are asking the state’s leadership to commit $20 billion over the next five years to address homelessness. If approved in the state budget, it would be the largest monetary commitment to tackling homelessness in the country’s history. The group, Big City Mayors, urged action during a news conference April 29. “ T h i s y e a r ’s b u d g e t presents California with a once in a generation opportunity to dramatically reduce homelessness if we can muster the collective courage and will to stand up for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We need to treat homelessness like the crisis that it is.” The coalition sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state legislature April 8, asking for a $16 billion commitment over

the next four years to address the crisis. Both the State Senate and Assembly proposed this month an increased homelessness solutions fund of $20 billion over the next half decade. The money could help build over 100,000 homes for unhoused Californians, according to the group of mayors. The allocation of funds would be determined by Newsom and the state legislature. The awarding of money to combat homelessness has historically been based on the combination of counties’ populations and the number of homeless people found during their annual Point in Time counts. According to Philip Falcone, assistant to Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, an allocation strategy for the possible $20 billion has not yet been decided, so it is unknown how much funding the city might receive. This year’s Riverside County Point in Time Count was canceled due to COVID-19. But last year’s data found

2,155 unsheltered individuals in the county. There were 25 children who were unsheltered found in 2020. Homelessness has been at the top of residents’ concerns during Riverside elections in recent years, with many complaining about homeless people in city parks, outside small businesses and in the Santa Ana River bottom. The city cleared a Skid Rowlike encampment on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue last September and provided over 60 of the people living there with temporary housing. The St. Michael’s Project, a permanent supportive housing complex in Ward 5, is also set to move forward. Dawson said more work remains. “Without ongoing funding for these critical operations, our efforts, our momentum, will be stalled,” she said. “This multibillion dollar proposal will allow Riverside to support long-term solutions to homelessness.” The state foresees a budget

surplus of around $40 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, after alternating between the availability of funds and deficits over the last year. Liccardo, in response to Californians who say the mayors are asking for too large of an investment, said it will be money well spent. “When we emerge from this pandemic, this will remain our biggest problem,” he said. “The evidence is clear that we haven’t spent nearly enough addressing this crisis.” Although $20 billion is a big number, homelessness is a big issue, Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento added. The coalition is asking for flexibility in the use of funds to address homelessness, should they be allocated. Cities should be allowed to use funds to build the infrastructure that addresses their individual needs in terms of homelessness solutions, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued. The five year period of what the coalition is asking for would

allow flexibility in operations, he added. In Riverside, that would entail a focus not only on housing, but on prevention and exit services for people with addictions, mental health issues and disabilities, Dawson said. “Riverside has a proven track record of using funding from the state in an innovative and proven manner,” she said. “While we remain certain about recovering from this pandemic, we must also be equally certain and optimistic in our ability to meet the crisis of homelessness in our cities. With this funding, we can begin to move the needle.” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is planning to spend nearly $1 billion to fight the homelessness crisis in his city, noted the issue is far beyond avoidance. “This is the biggest crisis in California,” he said. “It is everywhere. People die from homelessness. It is time for California, at a moment of a historic surplus, to speak to our values.”

County awards Sheriff’s Department multi-million dollar grant, bolstered salary BY JESSICA LOPEZ STAFF REPORTER

The Riverside County Sheriff ’s Department was awarded a $3.3 million grant, despite public backlash, to assist with reentry services after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Supervisors sanctioned the department to apply for the grant in January and voted unanimously April 27 to accept the federal funding. The grant requires a portion of the dollars be allocated toward COVID-19 readiness supplies, like hand sanitizer and masks, job search assistance and skillstraining. The Sheriff’s Department aims to aid formerly incarcerated

adults, juveniles, detainees and probationers. But public commenters, as they did when the proposal appeared in January, argued the grant would not truly benefit the incarcerated community. Avalon Edwards, policy fellow for Starting Over Inc., an organization that helps incarcerated people with transitional housing and reentry services, strongly opposed the plan. “In what world is the Sheriff’s Department capable of facilitating reentry when their explicit job is the opposite: to police and incarcerate our community,” Edwards asked. They noted how a large chunk of the grant will go toward deputies’ salaries.

The standard agreement made between the Board of State and Community Corrections and Riverside County showed the grant was distributed to services and supplies, outreach programs and deputies’ salaries and benefits. According to the agreement, 47% of the grant will be used to increase deputies’ salaries and benefits. This includes 12 overtime positions and an additional $52.50 per hour on top of their regular hourly rate of $35. Private and public outreach programs, specialized in training individuals for future employment, will receive 23.6% of the grant. The remaining 28.3% is going to services and supply packets,

including masks, hand sanitizer and a disposable thermometer. Supervisor Chuck Washington supported the grant but expressed disappointment with the percentage of dollars spent on reentry organizations. “I would have liked to have seen more funding going to our community-based organizations,” he said. Wa s h i n g t o n a s k e d f o r monthly updates so the board can regulate the spending of the grant. “I’d like to ask our CEO, (Jeffrey) Van Wagenen, to ensure that the board is kept apprised of all the progress being made in this effort and monies that are being spent,” he said. “After all, it is the board’s responsibility to manage the county’s budget.” He also noted the Sheriff’s

Department was one of the only agencies to apply for the grant. Residents have questioned why no other county department attempted to apply for the grant. “We can’t blame the sheriff for applying for a grant that’s available,” he said. Another commenter, Natalia Serrano, the cousin of Ernie Serrano, 31, a man who died in deputies’ custody Dec. 15, did not support the initiative. She feared awarding the department with increased salaries and benefits would enable continuous “torture and abuse of civilians.” “It's disgusting the fact that more money is being given to them to kill more people, to torture more people, to destroy the families,” she said.

“A lway s b e yo u r s el f, ex p r e s s yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personalit y and duplicate it.” -Bruce Lee

LIFE

May 13, 2021

The Rat Hole takes you down a rabbit hole Local record shop showcases vintage vinyl, memorabilia and more BY JACOB QUEZADA ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR

Steve Jobs made history with the reveal of the iPod in 2001, and while the music industry sailed into the future, it was somehow also cast into oblivion. The days of the Walkman would be long gone, nevermind the cassette player, and you could totally forget about the vinyl record player. But for this generation, things have changed. Nostalgia is now on trend and collecting vinyl has become a sort of novelty. This community has provided Chris Smith with a clientele of record collectors and music aficionados in and around Riverside. The Rat Hole, a Riverside record store owned and operated by Smith, offers not only the nostalgic experience of browsing through records, but also a new experience for first time goers. Organized alphabetically and by genre, its curation of new and used records provides plenty of vinyl to browse through. “It feels like a treasure hunt,” said Valerie Cisneros, who was returning to The Rat Hole. “You

just really have to take the time and go one by one.” Cisneros said she only started collecting recently but has already amassed more than 100 records. “You could spend an hour just browsing, not knowing what you might find,” she said. Smith’s shop has been open for two years. He said nostalgia is not the sole reason for the revival of vinyl. He believes that what gives vinyl its longevity and what attracts people in their teens, 20s and 30s toward 12” is sound quality. “Nostalgia is only 30%,” Smith said. “The rest is in fidelity. It’s got a warmer, richer sound. It sounds better, clearer and less compressed.” The Rat Hole’s wide selection of new releases and used records offers a contemporary glimpse of what role vinyl still plays in the music industry. Smith noted the revival of vinyl is much more nuanced and subjective. He predicted vinyl will remain unsurpassed by music streaming services. “I haven’t really figured out exactly why a lot of younger people come out, but I bet it has to do with the quality,” Smith said.

JACOB QUEZADA | VIEWPOINTS

Nestled between the Tyler Mall and Cal Baptist University areas of Riverside, you will find The Rat Hole: one of the last vinyl record shops still standing in the area. As other businesses have slowed during the pandemic, this haven for music aficionados continues to thrive.

Overdue for a ‘do: Fades, highlights and braids return to RCC DANIELA RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER

After 405 days of closure, the Riverside City College Cosmetology salon is back in business. The reopening of the salon to the public has students and staff excited to finally work again. The functioning esthetics salon offers affordable services from haircuts to pedicures, all provided by students learning cosmetology. The salon’s shut down due to COVID-19 created a major setback for students’ hands-on experience. Students work on dolls provided by the college for two semesters to gain practice before working with clients. Alexis Torres, a second year cosmetology student who aims to prosper as a hair and makeup artist, was hyped with anticipation. “It was nerve-racking coming back and working on clients again,” Torres said. There were no hybrid classes available to cosmetology students during the past year, since the curriculum is hands-on. Many students, such as Unique Montiel, had to wait until the salon opened, which prolonged their stay at the college. After receiving her

BRIAN CALDERON | VIEWPOINTS

David Henderson, 42, a first-time client at the RCC Cosmetology Salon, has his hair braided May 7. Henderson only paid $10 for his hairstyle. He has paid over $100 at other salons for the same service. associate’s degree, Montiel wants to become a beautician for events like weddings, birthdays and proms. She aims to work on everyday people. Montiel said there are many things to learn in a short amount of time, but the salon has given her the knowledge she needs to continue on her journey. “The teachers here are great

and know their stuff,” she said. Due to the pandemic, the salon is only allowed six to eight clients a day. Susan Pechan, a regular client, has been coming to the salon for 10 years. “I get better treatment here than a regular salon because the students pay more attention and care,” she said. “Out of everything being shut down, this

is the place I’ve most looked forward to coming back.” The salon’s clients receive services offered anywhere else, but for a fraction of another salon’s cost. First-time client David Henderson, 42, received 25 braids for only $10. He said he has paid over $100 at another salon for the same hair style and only 12 braids.

H e n d e r s o n ’s h a i r s t y l e consisted of removing the old braids, washing, conditioning, blow drying his hair and finally receiving all 25 braids. Henderson said it was a professional job and had no complaints. He said he will definitely be coming back to the salon to spare the few dollars he can. Instructor Rochelle Smith, who has been working for the Cosmetology Department for fours years now, said she is very proud of the protocols the facility has followed to make the salon’s reopening possible. Limited classes have been offered to cosmetology students since October. Anticipation and worry has become excitement for the opportunity to work on clients. Students will be able to build those bonds with the people they work on, Smith said. “The students can continue to build those relationships,” she said. The salon is offering all services except facials and makeup until further notice. To set up an appointment, call 951-222-8182 or send an email to CosmoAppointment@rcc.edu. Current RCC students and seniors over 62 can receive 50% off.

May 13, 2021

News

MATHEW ACOSTA | VIEWPOINTS

Attendees at Riverside’s Life Arts Center Artwalk gather around a cello player May 7. It was the first time the artwalk took place in over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Art walks back to downtown streets

Vendors display handmade craftwork in Riverside historic building BY TYRESE BLUE STAFF REPORTER

Riverside’s monthly Life Arts Center Artwalk made its return to downtown after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19. The building itself was originally built in 1909 and was initially a YMCA. It was designed in the style of Italian Renaissance architecture and is now considered a historic site. Normally, there would also be booths and vendors outside the building, with many more people in attendance. It finally reopened May 7 in a downsized manner to abide by pandemic safety regulations. While the artwalk was not as packed as it might have been in the

past, vendors and artists remained open and welcoming, eager to share their work with attendees. The charm and aesthetics of the original architecture, while still having many modern updates, is enjoyable when walking through the rooms and hallways of the historic building. Artists Ghost Serrano and Sabrina Vicario had their artwork spread out on their table, most of it inducing a psychedelic experience. “I create psychedelic-inspired paintings,” Ghost said. “What I can paint on paper, I just do it. So it flows, whatever I’m doing.” Poly High School student Sophia Feinberg, 17, an intriguing teenager with the style and personality of a hippie, also displayed her hand-crafted work

at the artwalk. The multi-talented theater student creates and sells jewelry. “One-of-a-kind crystals and glass beads,” she said. “I like to spread positivity and feelings through my art.” Alex Howard, an engaging artist and musician with a cool outlook on life, said he often gives away free artwork to children to inspire them. Inspiring others is one of the reasons he became an artist. “It’s planting seeds,” he said. “You can change the flow of the river from the upstream — shift the direction.” DJ Daniel Aguayo, who goes by his stage name “Mvsagua,” played enjoyable music throughout the night. Despite not being a

visual or physical art vendor, his music added to the artistic feel of the event. “I create R&B, disco and that makes people want to move,” he said. “I mostly produce. I really like house parties like small gigs and backyard shows.” Marie Strassenurg Reeder, a professional piano teacher who performed a piece that evening, coordinated the event. She noted the changes made in order to maintain safety during the artwalk’s return. “We just have to be mindful of placement,” she said. “I hate limitations, but I think limitations are invitations to grow.” Reeder said change is on the horizon, though. “I can guarantee it,” she said.

“One thing the pandemic has done is let the public know how essential arts really are. So events like this make people crave for it more than they ever did.” Reeder described the sense of community and openness the facility provides to all artists in need of rooms to rent and start their own businesses. “They have a soft spot for upcoming career people,” she said. “I started my corporation here. I would not have my own business if not for this building because this was the only building that was willing to rent to a female start-up music teacher.” Up-and-coming artists wanting to display and sell their work at the monthly event can email lifeartscenter@gmail.com.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

- Malala Yousafzai

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May 13, 2021

RENE BERNAL | UNSPLASH

California has three of the worst cities in regard to child sex trafficking in the United States: San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

California’s dirty little secret

State officials must address rampant child sex trafficking

BY PAUL QUICK STAFF REPORTER

Homelessness, polit ical recalls, smog and traffic: These issues are well known to any Californian. A lesser-known and more insidious problem may have escaped the attention of many Angelenos: California has a huge sex trafficking problem. All the more concerning is that California is a major hub for the trafficking of adolescents. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the most significant majority of human trafficking cases reported in the U.S. each year originate in California. Californians Against Slavery

reports that San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco are three of the 10 worst child sex trafficking cities in the U.S. In San Diego, human trafficking is only second to drug trafficking among that city’s crimes. A n esti mated 300,000 adolescents every year fall victim to sex trafficking. This number includes runaways, drug addicts and children living in foster care or group homes. These children are especially vulnerable because they lack a stable home life or emotional family connection. Adolescents who are addicted to drugs often lack money to obtain drugs and resort to prostitution to feed their habits. As with most things these days, social media also plays a part. According to Thorn, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sex trafficking, more than

“

70% of sex trafficking occurs online. Children and teens are recruited and exploited right on the internet. Predators use chat rooms and gaming websites to establish rapport with potential victims. They also peruse pictures of adolescents and teens on social media, using those images to target potential victims. The average age for girls who first fall victim to trafficking is between 12 and 14, while the age for boys is typically between 11 and 13. There have been reports of children as young as nine. Children are being moved via highways such as the Interstate 5, I-99, I-80 and I-50 and trafficked in parking lots, hotels and online escort services. Helping these children is a complex and evolving effort. They have suffered emotional

and physical trauma. They have unique emotional and physical needs that are not easy to address. In 2012, California passed an initiative titled Californians Against Sexual Exploitation. It included six declarations and a three-part purpose. The six declarations identified sexual exploitation, especially of minors, as a top issue, and established human trafficking as modern-day slavery and a human rights violation. They also clarified that minors are not legally capable of consenting to sexual acts, identified the internet as a venue for trafficking and advocated tougher laws against traffickers. A n ot h e r m ajo r s t e p i n treating victims more fairly was in 2017, when California stopped arresting minors for prostitution under the “no such

”

Too often, victims were being treated as criminals, charged with prostitution and placed in juvenile detention centers.

- Paul Quick

thing as a child prostitute” law. Too often, victims were being treated as criminals, charged with prostitution and placed in juvenile detention centers. Pol ice of f ice r s m a k i ng these arrests felt that detention centers would provide the needed counseling. Unfortunately, the counseling is related to the crime and did not address the underlying factors that resulted in these adolescents’ sexual exploitation. The child welfare system in California is ill-equipped to meet these needs. Fortunately, California has recently added additional funding and training to the system to better address this issue. Social workers are receiving training specific to children who have been subjected to sexual exploitation. California must take further decisive action to address the thousands of children enslaved in sex trafficking. The children of this state deserve to be protected and California cannot continue to fall behind other states in this obligation. The time to act is now.

May 13, 2021

Editorial

Views

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Program deserves full-time specialist surrounding areas for a journalism education. And with our staff planning significant shifts into modern journalism practices that will ensure our program’s continued growth, RCC has the opportunity to attract countless more aspiring journalists in the coming years. Viewpoints intends to not only be the go-to news source for RCCD students as we attempt a return to normalcy, but also for community members looking for coverage of the streets of Riverside. All this ambition would not be here were it not for Schoenmann’s guidance. We are proud to serve RCC and will continue to do so with the new headquarters the college has provided us. But our aim is to maximize the use of our new newsroom. Our staff is interested in delving into the digital age with the various forms of multimedia that the professional realm has transitioned into and that Schoenmann excels in.

EDITORIAL from page 1 the forefront of local social and political movements. Riverside stands as a local news desert with dwindling journalistic resources, but Viewpoints continues to provide a crucial service. We have gladly put our health at risk because we are dedicated to our community’s well-being. But Anderson also said permanent classified staff positions are some of the most difficult to fund because they do not allow for backing out — the decision would entail that this position will be necessary not just in the near future, but for years to come. And yes, we believe our nearly 100-year-old program will need this position long after our current specialist retires. We believe this is in the best interest of the college. RCC already holds the Inland Empire’s premiere college journalism program and people are taking notice. Students have come to Viewpoints from

Effective use of new technology will require effective coaching. While the full-time adviser’s time may be taken up by behind-the-scenes duties, Schoenmann, the man who is setting up our new newsroom, will be the one sitting next to students on a daily basis, helping them hone their crafts. Without the support of a full-time journalism specialist, the program may experience a slip as the new adviser and students adjust to each other — which is something we are striving to avoid. Schoenmann is not simply a classified staff member. He is a mentor, coach and like a father figure to many of us. Past and present staff members can attest that his guidance has been pivotal to student’s growth during and after their time with Viewpoints. We believe what we are asking for is reasonable and would add to the prestige of our college. Viewpoints, our specialist and RCC are all deserving of more investment in journalism, which we will continue to push toward for as long as we have to.

Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.

LETTERS

STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erik Galicia (951) 222-8488 viewpoints@rcc.edu MANAGING EDITOR Leo Cabral viewpoints.managing@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com

TO THE

NEWS EDITOR Cheetara Piry viewpoints.news@gmail.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Leo Cabral viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Arsal Asif

LIFE EDITOR Alyssa Aldrete viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR viewpoints.sports@gmail.com PHOTO EDITOR Angel Peña viewpoints.photo@gmail.com ONLINE EDITOR viewpoints.online@gmail.com

JOURNALISM SPECIALIST Matt Schoenmann matthew.schoenmann@rcc.edu FACULTY ADVISERS Matt Schoenmann Angela Burrell

ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR Jacob Quezada DESIGN EDITOR viewpoints.designer@gmail.com MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Daniel Hernandez multimedia.viewpoints@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Alondra Alarcon

Stephanie Arenas Jessica Lopez Timothy Lewis Isabel Whitsett Sigifredo Macias Jonathan Ramirez Paul Quick

REPORTERS

Jennipher Vasquez Julio Rodriguez Liv Pearson Tyrese Blue Elaina Kleven Mathew Acosta Tim Nacey

Jesus Coronel Bianca Macias Daniela Ramirez Brian Calderon Kenway Collins Ashley Hayner

M E M B E R: REACH US: NEWSROOM PHONE: (951) 222-8488 E-MAIL: viewpoints@rcc.edu

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EDITOR Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less and include contact information. Deliver letters to the Viewpoints office in the room behind the Assessment Building. An electronic copy is required. Viewpoints reserves the right to edit letters for space and to reject libelous or obscene letters. Letters to the editor and columns represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Viewpoints staff, Viewpoints faculty advisers, student government, faculty, administration nor the Board of Trustees.

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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2021 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.

“Suffering produces character and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” - Jeremy Lin

SPORTS

May 13, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLICDOMAINPICTURES.NET

Lewis Hamilton races his Mercedes at the Formula One British Grand Prix. He finished in pole position for the 100th time and won the Spanish Grand Prix on May 9.

Hamilton makes history in Spanish Grand Prix Gamble on 43rd lap pays off, Verstappen trails in championship points BY JESUS CORONEL STAFF REPORTER

After increasing his championship lead in Portugal, Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton sought to extend his championship lead in the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 9. In qualifying, he made history by securing pole position for the 100th time in his career. He is the first Formula One driver in history to do so. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wasn’t too far behind him as he qualified second. Barcelona was also where Lewis made history in 2016, when he became the youngest racer ever to win a Grand Prix at

18 years old. Verstappen pulled off an early overtake on Hamilton to take the lead at the start of the Grand Prix. But misfortune would come back to bite him. An engine failure for Alphatauri’s rookie driver Yuki Tsunoda caused the safety car to be deployed after he failed to get the car off the track. That would force the gap between Verstappen and Hamilton to shorten after the Red Bull driver had gained a good lead on the Mercedes driver. But he would go on to lengthen the gap from Hamilton to around 2 seconds. Hamilton took a gamble and pit on Lap 43 to potentially catch Red Bull off guard and overtake

Verstappen near the end of the race. Red Bull then warned him that what Hamilton and Mercedes did “could be Hungary all over again.” Hamilton pulled the same move in 2019, which led to him winning the race over Verstappen that year. The gamble paid off. Hamilton’s pace quickened as he gained around 1.5 seconds on Verstappen with every passing lap, pressuring the Dutchman to hold the lead. His pace prompted Mercedes to issue team orders to Valtteri Bottas on Lap 52 to not “hold Lewis up.” But Hamilton overtook his teammate after he didn’t allow a clear pass in the third sector.

With the tire advantage and the Drag Reduction System active on Lap 60, Hamilton passed Verstappen to take the lead after trailing him since the beginning of the race. He had made up a 20-second deficit and went on to win the Spanish Grand Prix, earning his fifth consecutive win in Barcelona, 98th career victory and Driver of the Day honors. “I tried to defend but it didn’t work out,” Hamilton said in an interview. “After that, we focused on getting as close as we could. Tire management was really nice. I’m really proud of that.” Although he finished second, Verstappen finished with the fastest lap of the circuit. He earned 19 points for the day and

trails Hamilton by 14 points in the Driver’s Championship. “Once he made that second stop, I knew I could not pit again,” Verstappen said. “Then he passed me at the end of the race. It’s tough when you're up near the front and the two Mercedes cars are behind you. They can choose their strategy.”

To watch Formula one races tune in to ESPN or subscribe to F1TV