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“A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.” - Arthur Miller
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VOL. 99, NO. 2 SEPTEMBER 17,
2020
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.
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WHAT’S INSIDE SPORTS
9 RCC athetes still ambitious, staying fit through quarantine
VIEWS PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
ASRCC president resigns from position Cites personal reasons for leaving the office, vice president steps up CHLOE HUNTER STAFF REPORTER
The head of student government at Riverside City College has resigned after only a few months into her term. Samantha Coffland was elected president of the Associated Students of Riverside City College in May. She cited personal reasons for resigning. Shauna Kim, vice president of ASRCC, has taken over the executive responsibilities for the time being. “We have turned this matter over to our Supreme Court, (which) will be reviewing our ASRCC governing documents and deciding on the next steps,” Kim said about Coffland’s resignation. Former ASRCC President Angel Conteras expressed that he has known Coffland for a year and a half and that she is not one to back down from her responsibilities. He argued her resignation must have been for good reason. Conteras shared that Kim has a great opportunity to do more than he could since she is acting in the capacity of both vice president and president. “Your vice president oversees your senate,” Contreras said. “Your president oversees your executive portion. Shauna is doing both senate and executive right now.”
Conteras hopes to see student government tackle the problems that students face due to campus closure and operating completely online. He would like to see even more resources for students who now have to learn solely in an online format. “If they were to move forward with that and focus on that, I would be in a state of shock like, ‘Wow,’” Contreras said. “‘This is the team. This is the student leaders we need on this campus.’” Kim said the most important thing she is focused on at the moment is making sure the ASRCC senate elections happen smoothly and effectively. The student government is looking for senators for their legislative branch and reports seeing much interest from students. “We might actually have to push back elections because so many people are interested and we want to make sure that students get the opportunity to join,” Kim said. The vice president shared that her administration is brainstorming possible ideas for live events that would abide by COVID-19 safety guidelines. The events would be paid for by the voluntary student fees paid at registration. Those fees fund ASRCC’s budget. One idea under consideration is a moving drivein event for students where RCC merchandise could be sold to attendees. Kim said she also intends
to make RCC an easy and accessible place for students amid the pandemic. She aims to update the RCC website so that it is easier to navigate and possibly create a community Canvas page so ASRCC can answer students’ questions directly. “We are really looking forward to seeing how the budget will be spent,” Kimm said. “This time last year we didn’t have a pandemic and we had a routine. Now it is time for a new routine.” Student government is involved in conversations with the Riverside Community College District about the campus reopening, which followed a phased plan in accordance with California’s stages of reopening. The district announced Sept. 9 that classes in spring 2020 will once again be mostly online. Kimm shared that ASRCC made its way into those conversations just recently. “For right now, I think we are just finalizing into adjusting into this environment because we have a lot of new executives, a lot of new students joining us and it’s really exciting because we get to have new ideas and fresh minds,” Kim said. Conteras’ administration created an ASRCC stimulus package in May to aid students who were financially impacted by COVID-19. He shared that if the student government were to have the heart to create
another stimulus bill, it could be done. Because Kimm was involved in creating the last stimulus package, Contreras said it would not be unfamiliar. “If that’s what the students want and they have the money in their budget to do so, then by all means they have the power to do so,” Conteras said. Ivan Hess, RCCD student trustee, has suggested ASRCC aid students with a stimulus package again. Student government is reviewing the process but not making any promises. “Nothing is set in stone,” David Olukoju, ASRCC treasurer, said Contreras assured that Coffland’s resignation should not be seen as a bad omen of student government. He shared that the student government’s goal is to serve students in whatever way they need and that although education is now virtual, student government will find a way to make things fun. “Don’t lose faith in your student government,” Contreras said. “Your student government is here to help. They’re a resource that is going to help you perform better academically and in the student life perspective as well.” Students can contact Kimm at ASRCC.VP@rcc.edu or at @ shay.kimm on Instagram. Kim encouraged students to join ASRCC meetings to see how student government operates and money is spent.
11 Workers see little incentive to return to work
LIFE
7 Machine Gun Kelly wins VMA
INDEX NEWS LIFE SPORTS VIEWS EDITORIAL
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September 17, 2020
News
NEWS BRIEFS Club Rush at RCC All RCC clubs and organizations will continue to operate with a few modifications to keep everyone safe and at home. Club meet and greets will take place via Zoom at designated times from Sept. 15, 2020 to Sept. 17, 2020. More information can be found on the college website.
Library The RCC Digital Library now has outside pickup for library books. Students are able to request library books to pick up during designated times on campus. More information about these and other online resources can be found on the RCC Library website.
Campus Reopening The winter and spring 2021 terms will continue to be held mostly online. Priority registration for the winter term begins Nov. 2, with classes starting Jan. 4. Priority registration for the spring term begins Nov. 30, with classes starting Feb. 16.
DIEGO LOMELI | VIEWPOINTS
Attorney Rasheed Alexander speaks Sept. 6 on the steps of San Bernardino City Hall regarding his own experiences with racial injustice.
March for justice heats up
San Bernardino locals protest racism and police brutality in scorching heat JENNIPHER VASQUEZ STAFF REPORTER
Fall at RCC In the fall term, RCC will have eight week courses that will run during the second half of the fall semester. They are still open for registration but for a limited time. Information will be distributed via email but can also be found under the Fall 2020 Open Classes tab on the college website
Norco Grant The Federal Department of Education awarded three grants totaling $3.99 million to Norco College over the next five years. The grant will contribute to Student Support Services for low-income, disabled and first generation students, as well as the development of a new STEM program. Student Support Services at Norco College provide a variety of services and special programs including financial aid, scholarship assistance, career counseling, resume assistance, crisis counseling, university tours and transfer counseling. Study rooms and computer labs are available when the campus is open.
Public Attorneys United f o r J u s t i c e , a n o rg a n i z e d group of public defenders in San Bernardino, rallied their community to protest racism Sept. 6. Locals gathered in triple digit heat at the San Bernardino Justice Hall to discuss the injustices caused by racism in the U.S. and the ways people can advocate for change. Speakers shared stories about the effects of racism on their personal and professional lives. “Compassion, justice, equality,” attorney Rasheed Alexander said. “That is why we are here.” Alexander discussed his own views on racial injustice and the emotional difficulty of witnessing a cycle of police brutality. “If you can continue to watch, without compassion, you have no soul,” Alexander said. “This is about our souls, the soul of our country. We are here to heal our souls.” He and his colleagues also emphasized the need for nonviolent protest. “We do this peacefully,” Alexander said. “This struggle, this march, is all about bringing peace.” Protesters chanted the names of victims of state violence as they marched west from the Justice Hall toward City Hall’s statue of Martin Luther King Jr., the most visible leader of the
Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and a proponent of nonviolent resistance.. Speakers identified the significance of the march beginning at the Justice Hall and concluding at the statue. “We are here fighting for equality, which is why we stand here in the symbolic shadow of MLK.” attorney Thomas Sone, of San Bernardino, said. Kenneth McKnight, public attorney and organizer, added that as long as protests remain peaceful the people will have a voice. McKnight also argued that police sometimes write bad reports, which district attorneys do not always look at objectively and went on to explain the community’s role in public safety. “ Yo u h a v e t o g o a n d vote,” McKnight said. “Create organizations within our own communities that can help strengthen us because we have to get better first. You can’t expect someone to treat you right if you don’t treat your own self right.” McKnight suggested working alongside local groups and churches and addressed how professional athletes are inspiring resistance by boycotting games in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Aug. 23. “The athletes were the catalyst for me because they took a stand to say, ‘we aren’t playing,’” McKnight said. “If they can do it, then we can do it. You can’t go through this time not
DIEGO LOMELI | VIEWPOINTS
Local activists listen to speakers at San Bernardino City Hall. The peaceful protest dispersed before noon to avoid dangerous heat. doing anything.” Several allies, such as Robert Hansen, 34, of Burbank, came out in support of racial justice. “I can appreciate being able to come out and use my voice alongside people of our neighborhood even if it hasn’t affected me personally,” Hansen said. Some protesters said they marched to be an example to their children, some of whom brought their children along with them to the rally. “I march and I come out here because I have children that also see what’s going on and we teach
them how to use their voice for the right reasons,” Stephanie Marquez, 28, of San Bernardino said. “Even though this isn’t a huge rally like the ones you usually see, people are here for a purpose.” Public Attorneys United for Justice plans on organizing more rallies with the hope of generating change. “We need to seek justice rather than a conviction,” said San Bernardino public defender Brianna Ruiz. “Because Black lives matter.” There was no visible police presence at the march.
News
September 17, 2020
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AMAIRANI ROMERO | VIEWPOINTS
Supporters of law enforcement and President Donald Trump fly “Back the Badge” posters and flags on the 14th Street bridge overlooking the 91 Freeway in Riverside Sept. 12.
Opposing demonstrators march on Riverside Pro-police rally nearly meets Black Lives Matter downtown ANIELA RUSSO STAFF REPORTER
A crowd gathered at the steps of the Riverside Historic Courthouse for a pro-police rally Sept. 12. Masks were few and far between as everyone bowed their heads in prayer for law enforcement officers. Demonstrators marched around downtown Riverside, eventually making it to the 14th Street bridge over the 91 freeway, and then returned to the courthouse as Riverside Police Department officers cruised by and expressed appreciation.. Back at the courthouse, Mike Hestrin, Riverside C o u n t y d i s t r i c t a t t o r n e y, spoke in favor of Proposition 20, which is on the California ballot this year. If passed, Proposition 20 would restrict parole for non-violent offenders and authorize felony charges for some theft crimes currently charged as misdemeanors. “It fixes the problem of what is and what is not violent crime in California,” Hestrin said. He argued that in the present, human trafficking and abduction of minors for prostitution are not considered violent crimes in the state. Hestrin also took a shot at
Proposition 47, arguing it hurt small businesses by allowing career criminals to continue to rob them. The proposition, passed in 2014, allowed certain crimes previously charged as felonies to become chargeable as misdemeanors. The district attorney also urged students to get involved and educate themselves. “Don’t just accept what you’re getting on social media,” Hestrin said. “It’s a time for us to appreciate. We a r e l u c k y t o h a v e t h e democracy that we have. So, I urge students to get involved civically.” Black Lives Matter I.E. demonstrators were protesting nearby in memory of Massai Cole, an 18-yearold Black man who was killed in Moreno Valley in February. Cole was shot at a party by a 19-year-old white man named Darren Zesk in what jurors have ruled was a hate crime. Zesk and his nephew Jared have both been charged with murder. Avery Garvey, a Black Lives Matter I.E. representative, said their demonstration was not initially meant to counterprotest the pro-police rally, but that they decided to march towards the event when they heard Hestrin was speaking. Police dressed in riot gear blocked them off at City Hall. Cole’s stepfather Marcus Brooks, 45, of Pasadena,
stood behind the crowd with his mother. “We love and miss him dearly,” an emotional Brooks said about Cole. “He was a wonderful young kid and m a n . We w a n t j u s t i c e f o r him.” Garvey said Hestrin initially intended to let the Zesks take a plea deal that would have allowed them to walk in five years or less. “Justice for Massai means his murderers will not be freed in five or 10 years,” Av e r y s a i d . “ We w a n t h i s family to be able to rest knowing his murderers are behind bars.” Ali Mazarei, a Republican who is running for State Assembly for District 61 against incumbent Jose Medina, attended the Blue Lives Matter rally. “The best thing you can see and acknowledge is that there are no democrats here,” Mazarei said. “Support the blue.” Sonia Perez, a candidate for Temecula city council, also attended in support of police. “I’m here for freedom,” Perez said. “We are here to fight for the constitutional rights that have been taken from us. I’m here representing 1776 and to hear what the speakers have to say.” Both protests remained peaceful and dispersed without any visible incidents.
AMAIRANI ROMERO | VIEWPOINTS
Avery Garvey, a Black Lives Matter I.E. representative, walks between police and those calling for justice for Massai Cole. Cole was killed in Moreno Valley in February in what has been ruled a hate crime.
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News
September 17, 2020
Tara Jones, left, National Military Women Veterans Association cofounder speaks as Iraq War combat veteran Amy Serpa, middle, is presented the Woman Veteran of the Year award by Jessica Rogue, right.
Mia Dwyer is a U.S. Marines veteran. She shared her passion for helping women while they are transitioning out of military service.
Women veterans speak out STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOYCE NUGENT STAFF REPORTER
Jessica Rogue, Iraq War combat veteran and executive director of the National Military Women Veterans Association, calls for transparency in the treatment of women in the military and sexual assault investigations.
The death of Vanessa Guillen, U.S. Army specialist, has sparked conversations of sexual assault in the military. This prompted the National Military Women Veterans Association of America to host a protest in Temecula on Sept. 5 to demand justice.
The campaign, Women Veterans: One Voice, began at Fort Hood and has gone nationwide in just a few months. The U.S. Department of Defense reported an estimated 14,900 military personnel were sexually assaulted in 2016, of whom 6,172 made an official complaint. According to a Medscape article, up to 80% of women in the military have been sexually harassed and
25% have experienced a sexual assault. Wo m e n Ve t e r a n s : O n e Vo i c e c a l l s for transparency in investigations of sexual harassment and assault and legislation that will better protect women in the military. They argue that although progress has been made, current events and the stories shared by women veterans have shown that more work is required.
Dusty Napier, US Navy veteran and Veteran of Foreign Wars state sr. vice commander, explains that she was deployed to be a morale booster for the men rather than the trained radio operator she had become.
National Military Women Veteran’s Association members are seen moments before speaking to bring attention to the soldiers that have died while serving Fort Hood.
“When you are deciding on next steps, next jobs, next careers, further education, you should rather find purpose than a job or a career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history.” - Chadwick Boseman
LIFE
September 17, 2020
Inspirational actor dies of cancer
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Country remembers ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman JENNIFER TORRES STAFF REPORTER
The days of COVID-19 have been a roller coaster where every day we seem to lose another legend. Chadwick Boseman, the actor who played Black American icons ranging from Jackie Robinson to Marvel’s inspirational Black Panther, died Aug. 28 of colon cancer. He was 43. Boseman battled colon cancer since 2016 and died at home with his wife and family by his side, according to a statement posted on his twitter account that night. With his role as King T’Challa in the off the charts film “Black Panther,” he became a global icon and an inspiring symbol of Black power. Boseman brought the character to life, the Twitter statement said. “As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many,” Martin Luther King III tweeted Aug. 28. “Despite his 4 year long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring us. He will be missed.” Even the possible future president of the United States has joined in praising the late icon. “He inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes” , Joe Biden tweeted Aug 28. Boseman is considered a great
PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE | WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Chadwick Boseman, star of the 2018 Marvel film “Black Panther,” died of colon cancer Aug. 28. Boseman was a vocal proponent of young people exercising their voting rights and creating positive change. role model by people of color in the community. Keyana Michaels, 21, a history major at San Bernardino Valley College, said her heart was shattered when she heard the news of Boseman’s death.
“He really was such a legend and inspiration to children and adults,” Michaels said. “He really brought his character to life and motivated others to be whatever they wanted to be.” Tyler Mayberry, 25, of Upland,
described Boseman as the inspiration needed by the African American community. “When Black Panther first came out that was really great news for all of us because we (had) never seen anything like this,”
Mayberry said. “It made me feel like the media was finally catering to me and my kind of people.” Mayberry said older people were intrigued and children had a superhero to look up to. “He was for the people and our culture,” Mayberry said. “He had the kids dressing up as him for halloween in 2018. It was something that really made me happy because representation is super important to children of color and he really did something for them.” Boseman was outspoken on the importance of young people showing up during elections. “All that 70 million group of young people who will come out and vote— I believe in you,” Boseman said during a public service announcement in November 2018. “ I think you can turn our nation around. You can make it live up to what it is supposed to do.” Boseman argued that the youth are not only the future, but the present as well and that they represent what the country should be. He encouraged young people to vote for whoever they want to and for what they believe in. “I believe the majority of you can see what’s actually happening and you want things to change,” Boseman said. “So I say all that to say, you know, thank you in advance for your input and the victory that is to come.”
RCC clubs seek ways to survive, flourish Student groups meet new challenges as pandemic pushes them online ALYSSA ALDRETE STAFF REPORTER
In the old days, the start of the fall semester at Riverside City College meant Terracina Drive would be lined with white canopies, colorful posters, and pop-up tables covered in flyers and sign-up sheets. Curious mingling freshmen and returning students would surround these tables, all with one question in common: “Which club should I join?” Club Rush is a days-long event during which members of several campus clubs set up information booths and sit for a few hours, eager to talk to anyone interested about what their club has to offer. Since the fall semester brings lots of first-time college students, it is an important time for these clubs, as it can impact them for the duration of the semester. Joining a club is an integral part of the college experience for many students. If college is where students come to further their education and declare a major, joining a campus club can offer the
opportunity of community within that major, or perhaps even just an interest. “I like to think of these clubs as a community within the community,” Kwokwai Siu, applied media and digital arts instructor and advisor to the Graphix Club, said in a Zoom meeting Sept. 7. “We have the larger community of RCC, then we have the departments, and then the clubs. They give the students a sense of regularity; something to expect.” But just like so many other activities and resources on campus, both Club Rush and the club meetings that follow, have been met with the challenge of how to move forward while staying physically apart. Pre-pandemic, most clubs met in classrooms on a weekly basis. Club members also hosted guest speakers, attended workshops and planned social events that engaged the public in their goals. Some of these events can be reimagined with a virtual alternative. But for others, clubs will have to get creative. “I think every club is going to
FILE PHOTO BY TYLER REESE | VIEWPOINTS
Students and canopies line Terracina Drive for Club Rush in March 2016. Club Rush may be gone for at least another year. have to scramble,” Tim Gutierrez, sociology instructor and advisor to the Animal Alliance and Sociology clubs, said during a Zoom meeting Sept. 7. “Without those opportunities and the ability to get together, I’m not exactly sure what their projects are going
to be. They are going to have to try and hustle to find things that work for their mission that are going to be feasible under these circumstances.” Gutierrez said that as far as recruitment goes, many clubs are getting proactive via any means
they have in order to ensure that the opportunity to join their club is heard about. The social media accounts for these clubs are being encouraged to stay active and advisors are taking some time at the beginning of Zoom class meetings to inform their students about their clubs. Members of the clubs are also being encouraged to ask permission from their other instructors to try to promote their club during a brief moment of Zoom airtime. However, for some clubs this is a make-or-break moment in time, being that each club needs to have a certain number of active members in order to be recognized by the college. “I would imagine a larger number than usual will lose their official status,” Gutierrez said. Despite the inevitable challenges, both Gutierrez and Siu expressed hope for the continuation of the sense of community that these clubs will bring. “When we’re together, we should be doing great,” Siu said. “When we’re apart, we should be doing even better.”
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September 17, 2020
Life
Recreating Remy’s world famous ratatouille
Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the production of this meal STEPHANIE ARENAS STAFF REPORTER
The 2007 animation film “Ratatouille” lef t a lasting impression on my childhood. It’s story-driven, cleverly imaginative and most importantly — visually appealing. The scene that stuck with me most was when Anton Ego, a brutal food critic, tastes chef rat Remy’s ratatouille dish, which then transports Ego back to a childhood memory. I have always craved real life ratatouille since then. But I just never had the opportunity. While under quarantine, it hit me one day that I could just cook the dish myself. I took the recipe from YouTube’s “Binging with Babish.” T he recipe beg i ns w it h blanching three tomatoes for 30 seconds each, then peeling and letting them rest in some ice water. While the tomatoes rest, you roast a red pepper, yellow pepper and orange pepper over your stove until blackened (peel the black until it’s gone). Then, get your blender ready, as you are going to blend your three tomatoes, the peppers, two garlic cloves, a quarter of a white onion and some vegetable stock. Once the sauce looks smooth, you are good to go.
ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN NAVARRO | VIEWPOINTS
Ratatouille is a French dish that can be baked or stewed. It was featured in the 2007 film “Ratatouille.” Now it’s time for everyone’s favorite part. Grab one yellow squash, one green squash, one eggplant and a few tomatoes and begin slicing them into thin circles. Side note, I do not own a
mandolin so I had to cut the vegetables by hand. If you are interested in making this dish, I recommend buying a mandolin as it will give you the thinnest slices possible. Once you are all done, grab
a baking pan and pour in a thin layer of your sauce from earlier. Then begin layering the vegetable circles on top of one another, alternating between vegetables. When that’s all done, chop up
some fresh rosemary to sprinkle on top, along with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Set the oven to 225 F, top the dish with a layer of parchment paper and leave in the oven for 90 minutes. When I took the dish out of the oven, it smelled heavenly. The rosemary along with the smell of the cooked vegetables created such a cozy and warm atmosphere. The true test of this dish, however, was the flavor. Does it live up to the hype from the film? To answer that, yes. Yes it does. One may believe the dish in itself seems bland and boring because all it is is vegetables. However, when the vegetables are baked in the homemade sauce, it creates a mind-blowingly magical flavor. The sweet ness f rom the tomatoes compliment the spice from the sauce well. The eggplant and squash adds a rich taste when seasoned generously with the rosemary. The dish is a rollercoaster of emotions. You are hit with flavor after flavor — sweet, spicy, tangy, you name it. When I took my first bite, it felt as though I was actually in the movie being served by Remy himself. Although the process is long, it is totally worth the flavorful wonder in the end.
The Netflix show causing all the drama Controversial coming-of-age narrative causes alarm on social media JUSTIN YOTH LIFE ASSISTANT EDITOR
Netflix just debuted a controversial French film despite heavy public backlash and calls for the streaming service to be canceled. “Cuties,” released Sept. 9, received immense criticism from many across social media from the start. The film’s trailer features an 11-year-old Muslim girl, Amy (Fathia Youssouf, 14), who defies the wishes of her conservative family and joins a dance group that performs suggestive dance moves associated with adult entertainment. The backlash against the movie’s content and Netflix’s willingness to go through with its release came mainly from adults from a variety of backgrounds. Some perceived the film in a liberal approach, calling it “free-spirited.” But the backlash to the film’s content and Netflix’s willingness to go through with its release came mainly from adults from a variety of backgrounds. They argued the mature-rated movie directly objectifies children, specifically young girls. A coming-of-age narrative,
but directed towards mature audiences, “Cuties” caused much alarm on social media. The concerned public inferred that child exploitation and objectification are agendas that are targeting children’s innocence and allowing for pedophilia. Petitions have arisen, mostly on the fundraiser and petition website Change.org. They have received up to hundreds of thousands of signatures calling for the removal of the film entirely. While the movie’s initial motive differed from what was perceived, Netflix exacerbated its debut and continued the controversy as it has done with several films in the recent past. Netflix has since apologized for the description of the movie as well as its original provocative poster, which sexualized the main female characters. “Amy, 11, becomes fascinated with a twerking dance crew,” Netflix’s original description stated. “Hoping to join them, she starts to explore her femininity, defying her family’s traditions.” However, the posters used for the debuts of both the French and the American versions of the film have contributed to the controversy. Maïmouna Doucouré, the
ILLUSTRATION BY KYIESHA CHAVEZ | VIEWPOINTS
The poster for “Cuties,” which features young girls in provocative positions. is causing outrage and calls for Netflix to be canceled. French-Senegalese director of the film, has reportedly received death threats for releasing the movie. Although the movie was released
in French cinema weeks earlier, the American release received more critical condemnation due to the marketing poster.
The majority of critics argued that the film also promotes stereotypes about religious persons and families. “I received numerous attacks on my character from people who had not seen the film, who thought I was actually making a film that was apologetic about hyper-sexualisation of children,” Doucouré said in an interview with Deadline. In a recent interview on YouTube by the Netflix Film Club, Doucouré stated that she aimed to educate on the issue of social media and other cultural influences having a degenerating effect on children. While opposed to this, Doucoure fed into the culture that boasts freedom and liberation while at the same time blurring the line between what is and is not appropriate for children and adults alike. “Cuties” is ineffective at dealing with the problem and the way it uses children is contrary to the protection of their innocence. The objective of the movie was to enlighten us on a recurrent social issue, but the actual depiction became counterproductive to the very values it claimed to educate the public on.
September 17, 2020
Life
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Machine Gun Kelly wins his first VMA
‘Rap Devil’ in a pink suit defies the odds after over a decade in music KYIESHA CHAVEZ STAFF REPORTER
“Still in mental shock that we might get a Moon Man,” rapper and actor Colson Baker, otherwise known as Machine Gun Kelly, tweeted July 30 about MTV announcing this year’s Video Music Awards nominees. What made his nomination even more special was that it was for “Best Alternative Video,” a category that hasn’t been included in the awards show for 22 years. The nominated video, “Bloody Valentine,” is the first single off of his new album “Tickets To My Downfall,” set to release Sept. 25. The music video reached high popularity not only for its catchy theme, but for the appearance of actress Megan Fox. The video’s reminiscence of “Jennifer’s Body,” a 2009 film that Fox was the star of, creates a sense of nostalgia. It’s garnered over 37 million views and 713,000 likes in the three months since its upload on YouTube. There is no wondering why it was nominated. The Cleveland rapper’s career officially started in 2006 with the release of his first mixtape, “Stamp of Approval.” His reputation grew because of it and he began performing at local Cleveland venues. Baker was approached by Sean Combs and offered a recording contract with Bad Boy Records in 2011. He has since released seven mixtapes, two extended plays and four studio
ILLUSTRATION BY KYIESHA CHAVEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Machine Gun Kelly’s award-winning music video for “Bloody Valentine” features actress Megan Fox. The song is the first single off his upcoming album “Tickets to My Downfall,” which will be released Sept. 25. albums. Baker was one of the few artists dissed on Eminem’s
2018 album “Kamikaze” to fire back, retaliating against the selfproclaimed “Rap God” with “Rap
Devil.” Eminem then released “Killshot” in response and this set off a debate between the fan
bases. MGK fans remained hopeful. “Manifesting with everything in me that Machine Gun Kelly wins the VMA,” one fan tweeted a few days before the award show. Baker won the first Moon Man of the night Aug. 30. He later performed “Bloody Valentine” with drummer Travis Barker and his newest single “My Ex’s Best Friend” with fellow artist Blackbear. Baker showed up to the red carpet and performances dressed for success. One outfit in particular, a hot pink suit, received some homophobic backlash from outside of the fanbase. But Baker laughed off the absurdity. “You’re still scared of pink in 2020,” he asked during an Instagram video response to the criticism. “You mad? Just say it, you’re mad.” Many other celebrities, such as Jaden Smith and Nyjah Huston, backed his video with praise for the bold and stylish outfit choice. While Eminem stans claim the rapper ended Machine Gun Kelly’s career, this big win for a resurrected category proved Baker should not be underestimated any further. His staying power does not seem to be fading and, flawed as he is, he has shown he can use the hate to fuel his craft with new and exciting content. “This journey’s been so long,” he tweeted after winning the coveted award. “I’m so grateful no one let me give up.” Fans, like myself, are also grateful and excited to see where he goes next in his career.
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September 17, 2020
SPORTS
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be a bridge to the past and to unite generations. The sport of baseball does that, and I am just a part of it.” -Vin Scully
Sports Column
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
Dodgers fans line up to take pictures at the Joe Kelly mural Sept. 13 in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles. The artist, sports muralist Jonas Never, also created a famous mural of Kobe Bryant in a downtown Los Angeles alley back in 2015. Kelly’s mural can be found behind Floyd’s 99 Barbershop at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Parkman Avenue.
Artist recreates famous Joe Kelly pout Memorable moment in Dodgers history now a mural for fans to enjoy
BIANCA MACIAS STAFF REPORTER
A popular muralist brought a taunting expression between old World Series foes — the championship-deserving Los Angeles Dodgers and the cheating Houston Astros — to life on a wall behind a Silver Lake barber shop. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly gained media attention for making a pouty face at Astros shortstop Carlos Correa in a late July game at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The tension that transpired during the exchange can be directly linked to the Astros cheating during the 2017 World Series. It was found the Astros had a
habit of stealing signs, the hand signals baseball teams use to secretly communicate on the field amongst each other. Although Kelly was not a Dodger when the team was robbed of a title in 2017, that year he pitched for the Boston Red Sox, who were also eliminated by the fraudulent Astros in round one of that postseason. The villainous image acquired by the Astros is a result of the ball club’s lack of integrity. They faced a $5 million fine and lost their next two first and second round draft picks as punishment. But many, including Kelly, felt that was not enough. And where there is a villain, there is often a hero. Kelly stepped into that role and fought the evil Astros on their own turf in July. After sailing a pitch behind Astros third baseman Alex Bregman’s head, almost nailing him at 96 mph, Kelly then almost hit Correa as well. Kelly struck Correa out and then mocked him on his way back to the Dodgers’ dugout. “Nice swing b----,” Kelly was heard saying before delivering the now infamous pouty face. Players, coaches and quarantined spectators reacted emotionally. Some called it subtle retaliation for the Astros’ lack of ethics. Others, including
the league, called it poor sportsmanship, as it resulted in a suspension for Kelly. But many considered Kelly a hero. His pouty face has since become a viral meme, merchandise and now a mural in the heart of Dodgers country. Jonas Never, who is also known for his downtown Los Angeles mural of the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, completed a mural of Kelly’s pouty face on the wall behind Floyd’s 99 Barbershop at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Parkman Avenue. The mural came just in time for the Dodgers’ home game against the Astros on Sept. 12. “New wall for the legend that is Joe Kelly,” Never tweeted Sept. 8. “Wanted to make sure I got it done before the Astros come to town next week.” Fans were seen gathering around the masterpiece soon after its completion. “I think he did all of us a big favor,” said Debra Correa, 36, of Los Angeles. “We were so mad about the fact that they cheated and his response was priceless. He got suspended but I think it was worth it.” Some argue whether or not the moment was worth a mural. But Dodgers history has been made regardless. And the rivalry lives on.
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
Joe Kelly’s pouty face directed at Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa in July resulted in a suspension for the Dodgers pitcher.
September 17, 2020
Sports
RCC basketball players won’t quit
9
College athletes stay motivated on, off the court DANIELA RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER
Athletes at Riverside City College had to completely end their on-campus lives when the pandemic hit, including team practices, meetings and the bonds they had forged with their teammates. Some returned to their hometowns, which meant staying in mental and physical shape on their own. Kathon Crawford, a sophomore shooting guard on the men’s basketball team, has been training since the start of the quarantine. “The distractions and comfort that came with the returning to my hometown of Bakersfield were a challenge at first,” Crawford said. His solution was to have a set routine and keep the motivation he had as if he was still on the court in Riverside. The motivation to keep training as hard as he did at RCC, Crawford explained, has gotten stronger. The motivation to keep up with his workouts and become a better player even if no one is watching is what keeps him going, he added. Crawford’s daily workout schedule is more important than ever. He wakes up early, before the start of his Zoom classes, for weight training and a cardio workout that consists of running. In the middle of his day, he watches film and NBA games to improve his basketball IQ. A final workout toward the end of his day includes ball handling and defensive skills training to help him develop as a guard. Crawford aims to become the
strongest player he has ever been in the next few months. Although his training is benefiting him, he admitted he missed the practices and said the bond he had with his team is irreplaceable. “Basketball is a team sport,” Crawford said. “Having a stronger team makes the team.” Crawford’s teammate, Keylin Vance, also a sophomore shooting guard, is from Portland, Oregon. Vance also explained that the bond with the team and coaches made him better on and off the court. The biggest challenge for Vance is staying consistent and motivated to continue no matter the outcomes. “What motivates me is my family, first off, and believing in myself to make it out of my city,” Vance said. The California Community College Athletics Association announced a contingency plan July 9 for the 2020-21 academic year that moves all sports to the spring semester. Crawford and Vance are hopeful for the upcoming season. Crawford’s main goal is to “win games and set an example to everyone that nothing can set their team back.” Vance hopes for the team “to win the Conference Championship and hold a state title, just as the team was before the pandemic hit.” With the world being placed on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, the college athletes hope to be given the chance to show their skills for recruiters from other programs to continue their basketball careers. “I want to be able to show my game,” Vance said. Self-motivation is at an all time high for athletes in 2020.
COURTESY OF KEYLIN VANCE
Keylin Vance is a sophomore shooting guard on the Riverside City College men’s basketball team.
COURTESY OF KATHON CRAWFORD
Kathon Crawford is a sophomore shooting guard on the Riverside City College men’s basketball team. He has been training off campus in his home town of Bakersfield since face-to-face instruction was transitioned to remote education as a precaution against spreading COVID-19. He aims to become the strongest player he can during quarantine.
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September 17, 2020
Sports
Sports Column
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
The entrance to the UC Riverside Student Recreation Center remains locked and the building remains empty Sept. 15. All recreation activities are canceled due to COVID-19.
UC Riverside must save athletics
Short-term financial savings not worth long term damages
JESUS CORONEL STAFF REPORTER
UC Riverside is considering drastic measures to save money and keep their educational goals alive. However, the Budget Advisory Committee at UC Riverside is weighing a decision that would cut
all sports at the university. Many are shocked. For starters, money is the only reason the decision to cut sports at UC Riverside is even being considered. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all sports activities at the college level have been put to a halt for the athletes’ and coaches’ safety. In some cases, like the NBA and NHL, players are in a bubble and follow strict rules to ensure the safety and the progress needed to finish their respective seasons. But this is not the case in higher education institutions. Seasons were canceled, traditions like March Madness were canceled, and athletes lost out on valuable draft stock and opportunity. With that out of the way, money stands out a lot to
universities because they have to to pay coaches, professors and workers in the area. Because the pandemic shut down all sports, universities lost a lot of money that athletic activity would have allowed them to profit from. Whether it would be merchandise, tickets or even food, the pandemic resulted in a drastic decrease in revenue. This is the main reason the UC Riverside budget advisory committee has considered cutting all sports. But with that decision comes outcomes. If they do end up removing sports, yes, they will find the funds to keep up their educational goals and purposes. But then all athletes would lose incentive in wanting to attend UC Riverside in the first place. A reason why many athletes
desire scholarships at top universities is because they want to achieve a specific goal: playing in a professional league. UC Riverside offers a Division 1 Men’s Basketball team and many other notable teams. If studentathletes were to be notified that sports at UC Riverside are gone, their first choice would more than likely be to transfer. That is not a good look for the university. As high end as a university is, many athletes would be willing to transfer from the UC system in order to make it to the pros. While cutting sports would result in a short-term solution when it comes to funding other areas of education, colleges and universities will end up losing revenue, prestige and opportunities
in the long run. When an opportunity to be successful comes along in the lives of athletes, they should definitely take it. I understand how they would feel if their chances fall apart. It would be devastating if sports were gone from UC Riverside. The university should not cut its athletics programs because, even though they took a huge fall in profits from the pandemic, they can easily get it back if they can promote sports well and get as many people watching as possible. Athletes depend on colleges for scholarships and success. If they remain, dreams can be accomplished and with enough promotion, UC Riverside can get the most bang for their buck.
THIS IS AN AD THAT SAYS YOU SHOULDN’T DRIVE HIGH
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” - Cornel West
VIEWS
September 19, 2020
11
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
A server walks through the Fire Up Grill’s outdoor dining area as customers enjoy socially-distanced meals in the Main Street walkway of downtown Riverside on Sept. 16.
Restaurants, hospitality short on staff
Many workers find no incentive in returning to work after furloughs
ASHLEY HAYNER OPINIONS EDITOR
As employers gear up for the day inside eating is a thing again, they have a huge problem. The old gang just isn’t interested.
With unemployment bringing home $1,200 or more every two weeks consistently, it is no wonder so many people are not returning to work. I don’t blame them. But the lack of returning workers is affecting businesses. Ta k e t h e h o s p i t a l i t y i n d u s t r y, f o r i n s t a n c e . Open weekend and holiday availability is required of all workers in this business, whether they are hosts, servers, bartenders, bussers or cooks. Not even management is exempt from working holidays along with the rest of the staff. What about Thanksgiving and Christmas? Hospitality workers do n o t e n j o y t h o s e d a y s o ff with their families either.
Some employees work 10 and 12 hour shifts, six days a week, often eating and even working through their short breaks. COVID-19 has made yearlong and even permanent vacations possible for many who worked in the hospitality industry pre-pandemic. Employees have been furloughed, received cutbacks or even lost their jobs altogether and have had to quickly come up with a plan b. Yes, that unemployment check is nice now. But it wasn’t before, when the IRS was being bombarded with processing unemployment claims, stretching the wait for relief further and further. Meanwhile, bills poured in. Car and home lenders swore they were doing people
a favor by letting them begin paying six months worth of bills at once after six months of being jobless. Many in hospitality found out where they stood with their companies as early as March: without a job. It was a frightening time, but people were far from lazy even with so much time on their hands. Folks got creative. They created artistic face masks by hand to supplement their incomes. Some began selling insurance online, blogging, started home cleaning services, and became virtual assistants. Others began to master self-discipline, acquired healthier eating habits and lost weight. Because restaurants hate working around students’ schedules,
many took advantage of the quarantine by going back to school and getting certified in specific training. And some people are simply enjoying spending time with their family, creating memories on the weekends and holidays they have never had off. The hospitality industry needs to come up with new incentives to attract new teammates. A 20% discount on dine-in meals will no longer cut it for minimum wage employees. Even $15 per hour for part-time restaurant work hardly seems worth it anymore. Why would anyone run back to hard labor for long hours with stressful customers every single weekend without paid vacations or any benefits?
Social stigma harms interracial relationships
Family prejudices must stay out of the personal lives of couples
KEYSHONNA SIMMONS STAFF REPORTER
We are all fond of the story “Romeo And Juliet” and how they fell in love with each other
but could not be together. Their parents would never condone their marriage because of the hatred between the two rival families. Could interracial dating be the same as “Romeo and Juliet” in a sense? Many families still do not allow it. The disappointed stares from a society that says you must be with your own cause couples to hide their love from the public. As an African American female, all my life I heard that I should be with my own kind. My own family would say I need to be with a Black man and put me down for finding a man outside my race I found attractive. I have heard no one really likes Black girls except Black men.
But this is not my truth. Growing up, I had to hide who I wanted to be with and was only able to confide in two close cousins when I spoke to men of other races. This problem is prevalent in almost all communities, whether they are white, Black, Hispanic, Asian and so on. Some parents even attempt to set their children up with who they deem the best fit, all the while failing to realize their children are unhappy with the choice being forced upon them. It is an exclusionary view of love and it must be left in the past. There is nothing wrong with dating outside of your race. Your relationship should not have to abide by the requirements of
ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL REBOLLEDO
those who are outside of it. What matters is not your partner’s skin color, but that they treat you right, respect you and build
you up. As a Christian woman, I strongly believe color is irrelevant because God does not see color. I believe God does not care what color you are and neither should we. Yet, we do. Interracial dating is a beautiful thing. Skin color should not determine whether or not a person is a good enough partner. Color is not personality. Interracial couples should not have to hide their affection from their parents and families due to judgements like Romeo and Juliet. Race should never condemn a loving relationship. As long as this issue continues to evade publicity, it will continue to be swept under the rug and will be a problem forever.
Views
September 17, 2020
Editorial
12
IMAGE COURTESY OF PIXABAY
Fear clouds police funding debate
‘Defund the police’ becomes rallying cry of protestesters natiowide The phrase “defund the police” has sparked controversy all year. But is it really that controversial? We, the Viewpoints editorial board, believe it is not controversial. It is merely a misunderstanding.The suggestion to “defund” an entire public service department has generated an intense divisiveness between those who back the blue and those who believe that all lives will matter, only when Black lives matter, too. The phrase has inspired fear in proponents of status quo policing. Thoughts of resulting violence and lawlessness have shaken suburban America. But a large portion of society has become conscious of the reality that the current state of community policing has disproportionately victimized people of color for a very long time and that something needs to change. To be clear, defunding the police does not mean abruptly ridding society of all law enforcement. It means to properly fund other local resources and then allocate a more
appropriate amount of the local budget to law enforcement. When the time to decrease funding for elementary schools comes, which one would think would be the most controversial of topics, rarely is there a panic in the community. There are no nationwide rallies in support of the education of children. So how controversial is it, really, to argue that funding for services like education should cut into the frequent pay raises at police departments that simply transfer officers with ever-increasing body counts? The fact is police with minimal social training and a limited education are not necessary in many situations. “We turn to the police in situations where years of experience and common sense tell us that their involvement is unnecessary, and can make things worse,” Christy Lopez, a columnist and Georgetown University professor, wrote in the Washington Post on June 7. The function of police has expanded into areas of community care — such as mental
health emergencies, homelessness and domestic arguments — that would be better served by community programs which specialize in their respective field. Salt Lake City, Utah police shot a 13-yearold autistic boy named Linden Cameron after his mother called 911 because Cameron was having a mental health episode Sept. 4. His disorder caused him to act out and the resulting shooting left him with severe internal damage. At this point, it is illogical to continue to have police officers answer these calls. It is illogical to continue to fund the militarization of law enforcement departments while homelessness, suicide and overdose deaths skyrocket. The results sought in defunding the police, as noted, do not require outlandish reform. They are already in place in American suburbia, where schools are well-funded and competent mental health services often intervene before the formation of a crisis. The point is to extend these privileges to underserved communities before any more bodies pile up.
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.
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