Viewpoints Issue No. 6 November 13, 2020

viewpoints R

“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few.”

- John Lewis

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VOL. 99, NO. 6 NOVEMBER 13,

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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America elects Biden, Harris New leaders must unite nation, enact reforms

See EDITORIAL on page 14

INDEX NEWS LIFE 6 SPORTS 4-5 NEWS NEWS 16 VIEWS Election results, state and District looks at plan for Kellogg Fire burns in SPORTS local measures statistics the return of athletics North Palm Springs area

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November 13, 2020

News

Viewpoints victorious at conference LA Times editor addresses social media use in modern-day journalism

Staff wins 12 awards,

This story placed second in the JACC on-the-spot news writing contest

Past and present Viewpoints staff emerged from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges Fall 2020 Conference victorious in several different categories — and with a representative on the association’s board.

This fall’s conference was held in a fully online format due to COVID-19.

In attendance were 217 students, faculty and staff from 30 California Community Colleges. Activities and seminars encouraged students to converse and network, while providing an opportunity to learn from a number of experienced journalists.

Angel Peña, Viewpoints editor-in-chief from fall 2019 to spring 2020, won third place in the Photo Story category and first place in the Feature Photo category for his shot of the bioluminescent waves seen off the California coast in May. He attributed his success and foundation in photography to Viewpoints and his instructors. The former editor-in-chief aims to shoot photos for the NFL one day.

“It was a great team win,” Peña said. “I couldn’t have done it without my staff. They were there on those nights when we were up until one or two in the morning trying to get it done. This is their win as much as mine.”

Daniel Hernandez, former Viewpoints staff reporter, won fourth place in Sports Feature Photo, third place in Video Journalism and first place in Environmental Portrait for his photo of Thomas A. CruzSoto Jr., Riverside City College Student Services dean.

“When I went to interview the dean for that photo, I just saw him, I saw how messy his room looked, I saw all of the paperwork he had everywhere,” Hernandez, who is a portrait photographer, said. “I saw how much work he put into the school and I just felt that I needed to take a photo right then and there.”

Hernandez now owns his own photography business, but called the experience of winning at JACC humbling.

“It feels really good to know that I’m being awarded for something that I’m so passionate about,” he said.

Leo Cabral, managing editor, and Jonathan Ramirez, former staff reporter, both won fourth place in Online Photo Story. Julian Navarro, assistant design editor, won third and fourth place in Student Designed Advertisement. Jair Ramirez, former staff reporter, won second place for Sports Game Story.

Joyce Nugent, staff reporter, won second place in the on-the-spot photography contest for her portrait of a homeless man in Palm Springs. Erik Galicia, editor-in-chief, won second place in the on-the-spot news writing contest, which covered the conference’s keynote address by Steve Padilla, Column One editor for the Los Angeles Times.

Viewpoints was also awarded an Online General Excellence award for its website.

Cheetara Piry, assistant news editor, was elected JACC Southern California representative by participating students.

Piry will participate in organizing the spring 2021 conference.

colleges elect assistant news editor to JACC board STAFF REPORT

ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In 1988, a car sporting a “Jesse Jackson for President” bumper sticker pulled into the parking lot of a Los Angeles Times printing plant in the San Fernando Valley.

Steve Padilla, Column One editor for the Times, had been with the publication for one year. He recalled that the incident sent shock waves through the office.

“People were just horrified,” Padilla said via Zoom on Nov. 6. “They weren’t horrified because it was Jesse Jackson.

They were just horrified because it was a politician. It was an absolute scandal.”

The veteran journalist’s keynote speech during the Journalism Association of Community Colleges Fall 2020 Conference addressed expression of political opinions via social media in an age where the lines traditionally recognized by journalists have been blurred.

Padilla presented guidelines for students, many of whom are passionate about today’s social issues, to follow when deciding what is appropriate for a tweet. Students should make sure to ask themselves what the goals of their prospective posts are, he urged.

Sometimes, Padilla argued, it is best not post anything at all. Although he did not discourage students from posting, he told them to think before they post something pointed.

Padilla, an admitted liberal in politics, said he is a conservative when it comes to the ethics of reporting and does not believe reporters can be activists.

“If you want to be an activist, be an activist,” he said. “If you want to be a journalist, be a journalist.”

The editor even warned against signing certain petitions when attempting to remain objective. One day, he recalled, a woman pitched a petition about housing to him at his front door.

Much to the horror of the petitioner, Padilla said he declined to sign due to being an editor of reporters who cover housing issues.

“I could’ve signed,” he said. “No one would’ve known. But I would’ve known.”

Padilla did not encourage students to keep from signing any petitions, but urged them to recognize the conflicts of interest that raise limitations. Political donations, he said, are out of the question.

He noted that many posts nowadays are not black and white, and students must discern between what is political and what is a matter of human rights.

Still, he argued, reporters must carry themselves in an impartial manner.

“While they’re in their role of a journalist, they need to walk a very straight and narrow line,” Padilla said.

JOYCE NUGENT | VIEWPOINTS A homeless man named Charlie finds shelter from the unseasonably hot midday sun in downtown Palm Springs on Nov. 5. This photo won second place in the Fall 2020 JACC on-the-spot photo contest. It was shot from across the street in accordance with COVID-19 safety requirements.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE PADILLA Steve Padilla is currently the editor of Column One for the Los Angeles Times. He has been working for the Times since 1987 and covered the North Hollywood bank robbery and shootout in 1997.

News

Voting smooth in county

November 13, 2020

No major setbacks on Election Day, spokespeople say ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Voting center operations in Riverside County ran smoothly on Election Day, despite having less than half of the locations and workers available than in previous years, according to county officials.

Brooke Federico, Riverside County Executive Office public information officer, reported that the county offered 600 polling places and employed 3,500 poll workers in previous elections.

This year, the county offered 130 voting centers and employed 1,500 workers on Election Day. The decrease in workers and facilities is a result of the increase in mail-in ballots received. “(Voter assistance centers) were open three full days prior to Election Day,” Federico said Nov. 3. “That was to make sure we could accommodate for social distancing and people could vote early.”

Over 1.2 million ballots were issued in Riverside County. Just under 52% of those ballots were received prior to Election Day. Although there was a decrease in poll workers countywide, Federico reported there was an increase in workers at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, where the nearly 645,000 ballots received by Nov. 3 were actually being processed and counted.

During prior elections, the

ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside County residents drop their ballots off in drive-thru fashion at the Registrar of Voters on Election Day. Registrar of Voters employed 400 workers. This year, they employed almost double that amount. County headquarters hired 700 workers to assist with ballots.

According to Federico, the county did not see any suspicious activity regarding ballots up to Election Day. Duplicate ballots were provided in cases of lost or damaged ballots, but Federico assured that only one ballot could be returned by each voter and that extensive research goes into such situations.

“If more than one is passed, the system will notice right away,” she said.

Yaoska Machado, Riverside County public information specialist, reported that no such

problems had been noted as of Nov. 12.

“There are no issues or delays counting or processing ballots,” Machado said via email. “It continues to run smoothly.”

Although a majority of locals lined up at voting centers reported being satisfied with operations, some voters in the area reported experiencing long lines and wait times at Moreno Valley College and the Moreno Valley Senior Center.

James Etienne, Riverside County Election Office assistant, attributed long lines on Election Day to voters flooding the centers in their own neighborhoods, at which they felt most comfortable.

“A lot of people are just choosing to come here,” he said

about the Moreno Valley Senior Center on Nov. 3. “There are 10 voting centers in Moreno Valley that they could have gone to.

They’re just more familiar with this area.”

The Registrar of Voters offered a drive-thru ballot drop option, which ran efficiently and had voters in and out in a matter of minutes.

“In the five years that I’ve been doing this, this is the smoothest operation we’ve had,” Chuck Skaggs, Riverside County Geographic Information Services supervisor, said Nov. 3.

Skaggs reported that the highest amount of traffic at the drive-thru ballot drop was actually seen during early voting in the days prior to Election Day. Paul Burgarino, Registrar of Voters chief deputy, noted that Riverside County voters were eager to have their voices heard despite the long lines and social distancing guidelines. “ I t ’s t h e S u p e r B o w l of elections because it’s the presidential (election), so you expect a lot of people to want to come out,” he said.

“It’s been great to see so many county residents participate in democracy.”

According to Machado, approximately 63,000 mail-in ballots and 25,000 provisional ballots still awaited processing as of Nov. 12.

Updates will be posted on voteinfo.net every weekday at 6 p.m. until the elections are certified Dec. 3.

Dawson leads in mayoral race RUSD School Board member expects victory ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Over a week after Election Day, it seems Patricia Lock Dawson, Riverside Unif ied School District trustee, will be the next mayor of Riverside.

Dawson led Andy Melendrez, Ward 2 City Councilman, by a wide margin as soon as counting began. Her lead widened by Nov. 12 with 55,895 votes to Melend rez’s 38,834 votes.

Almost 65% of the vote has been processed.

“The most up-to-date count from the Registrar of Voters shows that our lead is decisive and large enough that I will be elected Riverside’s next mayor,” Dawson said in a statement Nov. 12. “I want to thank my family, friends, supporters and all of the voters of Riverside who honored me with their trust and vote.”

Dawson commended Melendrez and said she looks forward to working with him and the City Council.

Philip Falcone, a Dawson campaig n worker, repor ted t hat Dawson wa s caut iou s and refrained from declaring victory for over a week due to the number of ballots remaining to be counted.

He also said via text Nov. 9 that Melendrez contacted Dawson to concede and congratulate her, only to call back shor tly after ward and retract his concession.

Melendrez said during the week of Election Day that his campaign would wait for all votes to be counted before he makes a decision. However, the Ward 2 councilman did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Although the candidates held some similarities in their plans for the city, their views about finances and economic growth differed.

Dawson argued the city’s use of bonds to pay off looming pension obligations will not work in the long run. She proposed refinancing existing debt and

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NEWS BRIEFS Excused Withdrawals and Pass/No Pass The last day students can request Pass/No Pass grading options and excused withdrawals for issues related to COVID-19 is Dec. 21.

Students who are receiving financial aid should speak with Student Financial Services before making these choices, as their financial aid may be affected.

Selection of Pass/No Pass cannot be reversed. The University of California and California State University systems have not stated that they will be providing the same concessions for Pass/No Pass grades as they did during the spring 2020 semester.

To request a Pass/No Pass or EW, students should send a message from their student email accounts to admissionsriverside@rcc. edu. Students should specify which courses and term they are requesting a Pass/No Pass or EW for.

Admissions and Records staff will send a confirmation email once the Pass/No Pass or EW is processed.

Drive-Up Wi-Fi Drive-up Wi-Fi is now available to RCC students on all floors of the Magnolia Avenue parking structure, the Charles A. Kane parking lot and the Lovekin Complex parking lot at RCC. The service intends to offer students a reliable internet connection so they can complete online work from the safety of their cars.

To access the Wi-Fi, connect using your RCC username and password.

The service is only for RCC students and staff, and only for educational purposes. No restrooms are available.

Program Discontinuance

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA FLOWERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDYMELENDREZ.COM

balancing the budget in a manner similar to the school district, and has argued the city is facing bankruptcy in the coming years.

The school board member also plans to tap into the area’s green sector to boost Riverside’s economy and attract higherpaying jobs.

She campaigned to tackle homelessness through a regional approa ch t hat wou ld ke e p homeless people from coming

into Riverside from surrounding cities, as well as working with nonprof its on homelessness prevention and exit strategies.

“I am eager to begin working toget her for t he people of Riverside to improve our quality of life and make our city an even better place for all of us to call home,” Dawson said.

More information will follow on view pointsonline.org as election results are updated.

The Riverside Community College District is considering certain Riverside City College programs for discontinuance.

An open public comment session will be held via Zoom on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The programs being considered for discontinuance include Ford Specialty, General Motors Specialty, Business Administration: Banking and Finance Concentration, Operation and Product Management, Insurance Certificate, Victim Service Aide and Information Security.

To access the meeting, visit http://rcc.edu/about/news/ program-discontinuance.html.

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November 13, 2020

New

CREATED WITH INFOGRAM BY LEO CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Provisional ballots and mail-in ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day will continue to be counted until Nov. 20. This data is based on the Nov. 10 update of results provided at the Riverside Registrar of Voters website. Visit voteinfo.net for updates weekdays at 6 p.m.

November 13, 2020

ws

* DENOTES STATUS AS OF NOV. 12

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CREATED WITH INFOGRAM BY LEO CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

California propositions, Riverside measures JOYCE NUGENT STAFF REPORTER

Prop 14 - Passed Authorizes $5.5 billion in bonds for the California Institute of Rege ne r at ive Me d ici ne (CIRM) to educational, nonprofit and private entities for stem cell and other medical research.

Prop 15 - Failed Increases funding sources for K-12 public schools, Community Colleges and local governments by t axi ng com mercial a nd industrial properties based on market value instead of the purchase price.

Prop 16 - Failed Per mits gover n ment d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g p ol i c i e s to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in order to address diversity by repealing Proposition 209.

Proposition 209, passed by in 1996, ruled that the state cannot discriminate or grant preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education or contracting.

Prop 17 - Passed Amends the state constitution to restore voting rights to persons who have been disqualified from

voting while serving a prison term as soon as they complete their prison term — extending the right to vote to those on state parole.

Prop 18 - Failed Allows 17-year-olds who will be at least 18 years old at the time of the next general election to vote in primaries and special elections.

Prop 19 - Passing* Allows homeowners who are over 55, disabled or disaster victims to transfer their primary residence tax base to a new residence and change taxation of family property transfers. It also establishes a fire protection services fund.

Prop 20 - Failed Makes four changes to state law to increase criminal penalties for some theft-related crimes, changes how people released from state prison are supervised in the community, changes the process created by Proposition 57 (2016) for considering the release of inmates from prison, and requires state and local law enforcement to collect DNA from adults convicted of certain crimes.

Prop 21 - Failed Allows local governments to establish rent control on

residential properties over 15 years old and allows local limits on annual rent increases to differ from the current statewide limit.

It also allows rent increases in rent-controlled properties of up to 15% over three years at the start of new tenancy and exempts individuals who own up to two homes from new rent-control policies.

Prop 22 - Passed Supports classifying ride share drivers as “independent cont ractors” rather than employees unless companies set their work hours, require certain work, or restrict working with other companies. Independent contractors are not covered by employment laws that mandate overtime pay, minimum wage, unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation. Instead, they will be entitled to healthcare subsidies, minimum earnings and vehicle insurance.

Prop 23 - Failed Requires at least one licensed physician on site during treatment at outpatient kidney dialysis clinics.

Also authorizes the California Department of Public Health to exempt clinics from this requirement if there is a shortage of licensed physicians and the clinic has at least one nurse practitioner or physician

assistant on site, and requires clinics to report dialysis-related infection data to state and local governments.

Prop 24 - Passed Permits consumers to prevent businesses from sharing personal information, corrects inaccurate personal information, and limits businesses’ use of sensitive personal information. It also creates the California Privacy Protection Agency to enforce and implement consumer privacy laws and impose fines.

Prop 25 - Failed Referendum on a law that replaced money bail with a system based on public safety and flight risk.

Measure Q - Passing* Amends the Charter of the City of Riverside to require the City Council to appoint to fill a vacancy in elected office with up to one year remaining on the term. Also, it calls a special election to fill a vacancy with over one year remaining on the term. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the vacant office, a special runoff election is called. Also prohibits appointed officials from referencing “incumbent,” “member of the City Council,” or other designations indicating incumbency in a future election

for the same seat.

Measure R - Passing* Amends the Charter of the City of Riverside to consolidate mayor al a nd Cit y Cou ncil elections beginning in 2022 with the statewide primary and general election. Mayoral and City Council runoff elections will also coincide with the statewide general election to comply with state law.

Measure S - Passing* Amends the Charter of the City of Riverside to require the City Council to submit any proposed Cit y Char ter a m e n d m e nt , e xc e p t t h o s e proposed by voter initiative, to the Charter Review Committee for recommendation before the City Council places the Charter amendment proposal on a ballot.

Measure T - Failing* Amends the Charter of the City of Riverside to eliminate the requirement that the adopted budget be placed in all public libraries in the city.

It allows for digital access of the city budget rather than requiring paper copies to be made available in city offices and buildings.

Check the status of these measures at voteinfo.net

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News

November 13, 2020

Fraudulent emails scam RCCD students ERIK GALICIA EDITOR IN CHIEF

Criminals impersonating Riverside Community College District instructors scammed students through fraudulent emails throughout October.

Shauna Gates, RCCD police chief, said the emails were sent districtwide from an unknown person. The subject of the emails was usually a professor searching for a personal assistant. The emails detailed work hours and responsibilities, such as paying the instructor’s bills.

According to Gates, the suspect would mail students a $3,500 check. Students were told to cash the check, keep $400 for themselves and send the remainder to a specific address through the Zelle cash app. When students would use an ATM or banking app, they were told they would receive funds within 24 hours.

At that point, Gates said, fraud has taken place. The bank puts a hold on the check, the victim is notified and no money is received.

“We want everyone to be cautious when they see these emails,” she said. “There has always been fraud, but now that we’re online, there has been an increase.”

RCCD police reported knowing of at least 10 victims who actually cashed the checks sent to them, some of whom are Norco College students.

Police provided those victims with a case number to prove to their banks that they had been scammed.

Gates warned students to be cautious and that if they receive similar emails from someone claiming to be a specific instructor, they should contact that instructor and verify that they in fact sent those emails, whether they are familiar with the instructor or not.

“If the email sent out is not from a district account, that’s a red flag,” she said. “If (the emails) say, ‘checks to cash,’ that’s a first sign of fraud.”

Gates also stressed that students should not be ready to give out their personal information over the internet.

A collaboration between the RCCD Police and Information Technology Departments and local law enforcement attempted to trace the internet protocol addresses of the fraudulent accounts, but was unsuccessful.

Gates urged anyone victimized by these emails to contact law enforcement and visit ic3.gov to report phishing or other internet crimes.

Kellogg Fire burns 26 acres, injures two Firefighters dispatch in North Palm Springs area STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOYCE NUGENT STAFF REPORTER

A large mulch pile combusted in North Palm Springs on Nov. 8 and triggered the Kellogg Fire.

Two firefighters were injured and 26 acres were burned.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

“I believe it was arson and sparked from another fire that happened Halloween night,” Ernesto Trevino, the property owner’s husband, said. “About an acre burnt on Halloween night and the firemen were able to put it out with just a few trucks and about 20 men.”

The Kellogg Fire is on private property. Trevino said the biggest issue they currently have is people driving through the land to get to places like Whitewater

and using the land as an illegal dumping ground. This is an issue they have dealt with previously.

The fire was stoked by winds of up to 40 mph. According to the Riverside County Fire Department, the fire was reported at 8:35 a.m. at the junction of Garnett and Wilson roads.

Evacuations were ordered for residents in the immediate area.

“The fire grew rapidly,” said Cal Fire spokesperson Capt.

Fernando Herrera. “It charred

a large mulch pile, grasses and a vehicle storage area in the junkyard next door.”

The winds had died down by 9 p.m. Nov. 8 and the evacuations were lifted. Firefighters worked through the night and the fire was 50% contained as of 8 a.m.

Nov. 9.

By that evening, 75% of the fire was contained. Cal Fire announced that crews will remain on scene as long as it takes to fully contain the fire.

The Kellogg fire line burns parallel to a row of wind turbines off Garnett Road near Interstate10 in the North Palm Springs desert.

Firefighters use a bulldozer to smother the flames with dirt.

A fleet of first responders and fire engines deploy.

Firefighters survey the Kellogg Fire to determine their next steps in fighting the blaze. Gusts of wind of up to 40 mph created further complications for first responders. According to Cal Fire, two firefighters were evaluated for injuries Nov. 8.

LIFE

8 November 13, 2020 RCC Theatre performs virtually

“Try to see the brilliance of the artist, instead of making a value judgment of the person.”

- James Ijames

Students read through ‘Kill Move Paradise’ ROLINDA ESPINOZA STAFF REPORTER

Theater students at Riverside City College are continuing to showcase their art form despite COVID-19, most recently telling an eye-opening tale about the realities of being Black in America.

RCC Theatre live streamed a performance of “Kill Move Paradise” on Nov. 6.

The play follows four young African American men whose lives have just ended.

The four characters, Isa, Griff, Daz and Tiny are confronted with the harsh reality that they died as a result of social injustice and discrimination.

To transfer to the afterlife, the group must come to terms with the experiences they faced in their past life.

Isa, the group leader, first meets soon-to-be father Griff.

Shortly after, the duo becomes a trio when they meet Daz. To round out the group, Tiny, who is noticeably smaller and younger than the rest of the group, enters the picture.

Tiny is first amused by the idea of “America” until he realizes he had been shot while playing in the park with his friends.

His realization is a turning point in the play where the sweet and innocent boy becomes angry with the country that failed him.

“There are many things viewers of the show should take away,” Jessie Nganga, the actor who portrayed Tiny’s character, said. “The first being the fact that for multiple years on end, African Americans have been viewed by America as a form of entertainment, whether it is through athletes or throughout the film industry.”

The audience plays an interactive role throughout the play and represents “America.” They are made to observe and judge the four men.

“Viewers of this play should realize how horrible the perceptions of America have been toward the African American people and those of different cultures,” Nganga said.

The cast and crew faced a series of complications during production because of the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying social restrictions.

Live performance is not currently an option, so the show was adapted and presented as a read-through of the original play.

“COVID-19 has impacted many of us, both through big and small situations alike,” Nganga said. “The fact that I cannot be in-person to perform hands down one of the most powerful plays I’ve done so far hurts.”

Like many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cast battled uncertain and inconsistent Wi-Fi connections.

The full show was recorded in one take despite the chance of technical difficulties. Even without these issues, there are other anticipated challenges that accompany live performances.

“I would say that the biggest issue was being at the mercy of Zoom and people’s internet connection,” said Ali Muhammad, who portrayed Isa. The cast worked around these obstacles and the performance ran smoothly, allowing the performers to deliver an incredible show.

The actors of “Kill Move Paradise” want the audience to know that it’s okay to be uncomfortable and question authority.

“There is a line I have in the show where I say, ‘dead men don’t protest,’ and I want the audience to connect with the struggle of the characters and be inspired to do something,” Muhammad said.

RCC Theatre is offering two additional productions this month that touch on social justice on the RCC Theatre Facebook page. They will perform “A Mans world,” by Rachel Crothers, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

The show is set in the home of a New York artist based on writer Frank Ware. The play touches on double standards between men and women.

“Blood at the Root,” by Dominique Morisseau, is based on the Jena Six and will be performed Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALI MUHAMMAD

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF RCC THEATRE Khari Butler, top left, plays Grif, Ali Muhammad, top right, plays Isa, RJ Marshall, bottom left, plays Daz, and Jesse Nganga, bottom right, plays Tiny on Nov. 6.

Dark novel changes directions in film New adaptation of ’90s movie takes more realistic approach KYIESHA CHAVEZ STAFF REPORTER Roald Dahl’s 1983 children’s novel “The Witches” begins with the statements “this is not a fairy tale” and “witches are real.”

Following that is the frightening story of witches who are actually demons and share one thing in common: They all hate children.

The novel does a good job of acknowledging some of the darker parts of our childhood, portraying the characters in a brutally honest way.

People who don’t like children think they smell bad and strangers with candy have bad intentions.

The first film adaptation, released in 1990 and directed

by Nicolas Roeg, brought that terrifying imagery to life with Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch. While it performed poorly in the box office, it has been a favorite for kids and adults for the past 30 years.

The 2020 adaptation was released at the perfect time on HBO Max, just a week before Halloween.

It starts with a monologue

ILLUSTRATION BY KYIESHA CHAVEZ “The Witches,” released Oct. 22, is directed by Robert Zemeckis.

modeled after the book: the narrator speaking in a classroom full of children.

The first thing you realize about the narrator is the fact that he’s voiced by Chris Rock.

When I came to terms with that, it changed the tone of the movie. Hearing his voice was the first sign that director Robert Zemeckis decided to take this iconic film in a completely different direction.

It’s no longer the terrifying ’90s dark comedy movie that gave me nightmares as a kid, but much more colorful and with lighter intentions.

Another key difference is the updated cast. While the original film had a predominantly White cast, this new adaptation was a bit more diverse.

The main cast includes Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch, Octavia Spencer as Grandma, Stanley Tucci as hotel manager Mr. Stringer and Jahzir Kadeem Bruno as Hero Boy. We also come to find out that the narrator is the voice of Hero Boy as an elder.

This cast difference is also noticeable in that the ’90s version

was set in Norway, while this new version takes place in Alabama during the late ’60s.

Moving the story from Europe to America changes the dynamic and makes it more relatable for an American audience. This is similar to the movie adaptation of another Dahl novel, “Matilda.”

The last difference is that Roeg deviated the ’90s film ending from Dahl’s original novel — turning the mouse boy back into a human.

Zemeckis decided to keep the original ending, with Hero Boy remaining a mouse for the rest of his life.

Even with all the changes to fit Zemeckis’ directing style, I found the film to be quite enjoyable to watch with the family.

Though I do prefer the sheer nightmare-inducing horror in Roeg’s film simply due to the old CGI technology, Zemeckis’ new version appeals to the younger generation with a more realistic approach.

Instead of the witches peeling off a mask to reveal a scary face, they look just like any normal adult but twisted into something we can’t trust. What’s scarier than that?

November 13, 2020

Life

Five fall movies to watch with the family JUSTIN YOTH ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR

Nothing to watch on Netflix or any other platform?

Well, as we approach winter, there are some phenomenal family-friendly movies that provide us with the ambient, nostalgic taste of the seasons of autumn and winter.

At least one of these movies on this list brings us back in time to a moment of ease. I am sure that watching some of these can take our minds off the devastating events we have witnessed this year.

“Ghostbusters” (1984) “Ghostbusters”engages the audience with supernatural effects and a team that strives to catch ghouls with vacuum-like tools.

Along with catching the ghosts, having special tools and being an odd bunch, it is a cheesy, spooky movie to watch at night during the cooler months.

Filmed in the ’80s, it has a nostalgic feel to it, leaving viewers amused and engaged.

The stage effects used in creating the movie series were phenomenal.

The theme song rings bells of popular culture and brings back childhood memories: “Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters.”

The movie’s fan base feels a strong attachment to the identity and preservation of the valued film, as with all others which are fundamentally based on an intriguing story outline.

So don’t forget to get your Ghost Proton Robo-Buster Pack and relax with all the free spirits trekking within your homes.

“Coraline” (2009) Coraline, a young girl, moves into a mysterious mansion, encountering all the vintage styles and a mysterious “little door” that holds the basis of how the story will develop.

Within the little door comes a mirroring world with excitement and wonders for any children — and there lurks a calculating witch.

The majority of the movie revolves around this and a familybased predicament Coraline has due to her parents’ neglect and uneasiness.

This movie is perfect for family bonding and gives off

See MOVIES on page 9

British metal band drops EP

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New Bring Me the Horizon tape sounds like soundtrack to 2020 ALYSSA ALDRETE STAFF REPORTER

About 14 years ago, British metal band Bring Me The Horizon burst onto the alternative rock scene with a MySpace-era metalcore style and were met with a lot of sneers from anyone not in their target audience.

Their lyrics were vulgar, their thrash metal sound was hard for mainstream magazines to praise, and yet the emo teens of 2006 ate up their look and sound and were eager for more.

Now on their seventh studio release since the MySpace days, BMTH have surely made a name for themselves in the alt-rock world.

Truth be told, staying relevant in 2020 has been a difficult feat for those bands that were birthed alongside a once-thriving, now all but dead social site. But as a longtime fan and critic of the music in this genre, one band that has noticeably stayed in the limelight with every release is BMTH. If one thing can be credited for their relevance, it’s their ability to apply what they have learned.

Their sound has fluctuated from straight up metalcore, to synth-infused post-hardcore, to a rock-opera-esque emo, to trance metal. As they continue on this path of change, the avid listener would assume they have been gearing toward a “mainstream” radio-friendly sound in 2020.

But if their newest release comes with any sort of subhead, it would be: made you look.

Released Oct. 30, “Post Human: Survival Horror,” is a nine-track EP that may as well

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN NAVARRO | VIEWPOINTS BMTH’s “Post Human: Survival Horror,” released Oct. 30, is a nine-track EP.

be the soundtrack to this socially apocalyptic year.

The intro track “Dear Diary” instantly makes the longtime BMTH fan smile, as the first 30 seconds ensure that they have no intention of going “soft” anytime soon. Taking it back to their sophomore album’s hard and fast style, frontman Oliver Sykes intensifies the track with vocals that sound like he’s a horror character trying to sing as he runs for his life, before the song rips into the gritty, trance-metal mix listeners have come to love.

From here, the album rides a wave of songs that take us on an intense hard-rock roller coaster through the hells of the year. If any song is a clear coronavirus anthem, it’s the second track entitled “Parasite Eve.” The lyrics describe every

possible anxiety our population has had during this time, be it the virus itself, or the consequences coming from those who refuse to fear it. The chorus is bound to get stuck in your head as it embeds a real-life important question in its hook: “When we forget the infection / will we remember the lesson?”

This was the album’s second single, following “Ludens,” which was ironically written for post-apocalyptic video game “Death Stranding” in 2019. Sykes told NME that the bulk of the rest of the record was written at the beginning of quarantine season this year, making “Ludens” an eerie prelude to a fantastic tale of times to come.

BMTH also brings some friends along to tell this tale. If “Survival Horror” is the film

“Ready Player One,” then each feature track you hop into is like a different fight being fought against our apocalyptic enemies.

Think “Resident Evil” meets a metal show.

British hip-hop and punk artist Yungblud lends a verse on the resistance anthem “Obey,” kawaii-metal sensations BABYMETAL collaborate on “Kingslayer,” an instance of Japanese video-game style music made heavier, and British duo Nova Twins bring the rap-metal track “1x1” to life with their unique rapping style.

Finally, the record closes out with the solemn ballad, “One Day the Only Butterflies Left Will be in Your Chest as You March Towards Your Death.”

The lengthy-titled closing track is the breather you need after the bulk of this album, as the voice of Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee brings a welcome change of pace. Her haunting voice invites Sykes to show his softer side, as the two harmonize what Sykes described to NME as “mother nature and mankind” crying out to each other after one destroys the other.

As the album closes with a hellish uproar being silenced by one final piano key, the audience is left with another incredible release from this genre-bending band.

In theory, the mixing of so many different styles in just nine short tracks would not work for most bands — but most bands aren’t Bring Me the Horizon.

Their understanding of what they want to bring as a band is so precise, that they are on the verge of creating a genre we may not even be able to name yet, all on their own.

10

November 13, 2020

Life

Nothing knows how to soothe the soul ‘The Great Dismal’ is a therapeutic rhythmic escape for listeners STEPHANIE ARENAS STAFF REPORTER

This year has been dismal for many people across the country.

Many have gotten sick, others have lost jobs, and many feel isolated due to quarantine.

Times are tough for everyone, but some have still found ways to cope.

Fans of the Philadelphia rock band Nothing are enjoying the little things in life with the new album “The Great Dismal.”

The group was formed in 2010 and consists of lead singer and guitarist Dominic Palermo, guitarist and backup vocalist Doyle Martin, bassist Aaron Heard and drummer Kyle Kimball.

“The Great Dismal,” which is their fourth album, was released Oct. 30 and has garnered plenty of well-deserved attention from music fans in the scene.

Before you listen to this album, be sure to prepare a hot cup of tea. The tunes are warm and envelop the listener in a mental blanket on a cold winter night.

The album invites its listeners to join them on a journey to the great unknown. Their lyrics inspire existential explorations of the mind and relax the body over the 45-minute album.

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN NAVARRO | VIEWPOINTS

Nothing, formed in 2010, is a rock band from Philadelphia. “The Great Dismal” is their newly released album.

A personal favorite of mine is the song “Catch a Fade.” With references to the current state of the world, this song gives listeners hope that there will eventually be a better future for society.

“Tired / I was tired / It’s a marvel that my shell has / Kept its shape,” the lyrics read.

You may feel alone without the comfort of your friends and family around in these socially distant times. The soothing sounds of songs on “The Great Dismal,” help listeners remember that they are not alone in this world.

These are hard times for everyone and it is important to understand that we must stick together and get through it.

Music can be therapeutic and help improve the quality of mental health. It gives us the comfort we need and inspiration to appreciate what often goes unappreciated.

“The past year has been difficult, and it’s an unexpected difficulty,” Palermo said in an interview with Revolver on Sept. 26. “It’s a strange world to navigate right now, especially being a bit cynical like I am. I can find the humor in all of it, but it’s kind of hard to do in that aspect.”

“The Great Dismal” is extraordinarily produced and manages to sound simultaneously heavy and graceful.

‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ provides context Walter Rodney explains historical foundation of institutional racism BOOK REVIEW LIV DROBNY STAFF REPORTER

“Institutional racism” emerged in the American vocabulary during summer 2020 following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and an unknown number of other victims of police brutality.

According to the New York Times’ 1619 Project, Black Americans have experienced the effects of institutional racism for over 400 years.

Walter Rodney’s “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,” written in 1972, puts the American legacy of racism in historical context and reveals how racism is a cornerstone of European and American success.

It is the reason why Europe and the United States continue to be the most prosperous regions of the world today.

Rodney offers an excellent overview of the roots of institutional racism in Europe and America. It is a necessary

lesson for any person working for equality.

Rodney begins by discussing the relationship between the individual, community and state. He gives an overview of the history of emerging global economies and what constitutes a developed nation. With a focus on Africa and the Americas, Rodney highlights the development and wealth disparities between Europe and these exploited colonized territories.

A picture of a rich and advanced pre-colonial Africa emerges. Rodney describes the prominent and flourishing societies of Egypt, Ethiopia, Nubia, the Mahgreb, Western Sudan, and the East Interlacustrine Zone. It is clear that precolonial Africa was not simply a collection of unorganized tribes, but a landscape spangled with culturally advanced, militaristic societies.

In the 1400s, European ships landed in Africa and immediately began to establish African markets as an arm of a cooperative European capitalist market. High quality African artifacts and textiles were hugely popular among consumers in Europe. Meanwhile, European

goods sent to Africa were of poor quality despite high trade costs to Africans.

Slaves quickly became the most lucrative trade coming from Africa. Coastal African societies were inundated with slavers despite strong resistance.

Europeans — especially the Portuguese — first put economic and then violent pressure on African leadership who had little choice but to concede.

Rodney identifies the role of racist propaganda as the breath of life for the slave trade. The racial superiority complex of White Europeans and European colonizers in the Americas permitted racism, violence and brutalization of Africans in Africa and the diaspora.

This is where the United States doubled down on racist rhetoric to secure its economic interests. Despite the participation of enslaved and free Black Americans in the Revolutionary War, the constitution that followed American liberation authorized the continuation of slavery.

The prevailing narrative in our elementary and high schools says that the Revolutionary War was based on the unfair practice of taxation without representation.

The American colonies had no interest in forking over the gargantuan profits created by slave labor.

By the time the Civil War broke out, Americans had realized that the economy was changing and plantation slavery was no longer a viable model for industrial development. In abolishing slavery, the goal of the North was not a virtuous push for social justice, but to advance the capitalist interests of the country.

Morality was beside the point.

Before and after the Civil War, Black Americans suffered, and continue to suffer, racism in the North and South.

This legacy of discrimination continues today.

Rodney’s explanation of this history is comprehensive. His writing is sophisticated and can sometimes be difficult to understand. It requires analysis to fully appreciate. A more advanced reader might appreciate Rodney’s work, whereas an intermediate or novice reader might struggle.

Wa l t e r R o d n e y w a s a Guyanese historian, scholar and social activist who helped found the Working Peoples’ Alliance, a democratic socialist political

party that exists today. He studied in London and went on to teach at universities in Tanzania and Jamaica. He collaborated with Black leaders in the United States and was given an appointment to teach history at the University of Guyana, but was deemed a threat and his offer was rescinded.

In 1979, Rodney was framed for arson and one year later he was assassinated with a bomb. Although “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” is Rodney’s most notable work, before his death, he published extensive historical and economic literature on Africa and the African diaspora.

“If ‘underdevelopment’ were related to anything other than comparing economies, t h e n t h e m o s t u n d e rdeveloped country in the world would be the U.S.A., which practices external oppression on a massive scale, while internally there is a blend of exploitation, brutality, and psychiatric disorder.”

–Walter Rodney

11 Area church hosts food drive as COVID-19 continues November 13, 2020

Life

KEYSHONNA SIMMONS STAFF REPORTER

As COVID-19 continues to ravage communities, local churches have stepped up and are providing aid to those in need.

The Way World Outreach, a church in San Bernardino, has been conducting food drives at its downtown location Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

“During this (COVID-19) season, we’ve delivered over 10,000 bags of groceries and have given out 800 hot meals,” said Melissa Munoz, the church’s food distribution director.

The giveaway of hot meals are distributed outdoors using a grab-and-go method in order to remain aligned with COVID-19 safety.

Prior to COVID-19, the distribution of hot meals was conducted indoors. People from all over the Inland Empire would gather inside the facility for food and prayer.

“The Way World Outreach helps those who cannot make it to the church,” Annette Valdez, director of the church’s women’s home, said. “We go to the homes of seniors and at-risk people to give them food and groceries.”

The church’s success in finding the resources necessary to serve its community is an example of God’s work, Valdez said.

Through word of mouth, the church is able to help homeless people in the area.

“Some people come (in) incoherent and they come on a regular basis,” Valdez said. “(They) now have a relationship with people in the church and

PHOTOS BY JOYCE NUGENT | VIEWPOINTS

People wait in line at the Arrowhead Campus of The Way World Outreach ministry for the food pantry in San Bernardino on Nov. 6. The organization distributes food to the community every Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. at its Arrowhead Avenue location. some now have homes and live a successful life.”

Briana Shelton, 28, a Hemet resident, also provides food and prayer to those in need within her community.

Shelton is continuing the work her aunt started in 2000 by giving out food and praying for those less fortunate in the Hemet area.

Kyle, a young man who was homeless and on drugs encountered Shelton one day.

Shelton fed Kyle, prayed for him and shortly after Kyle reached out to thank her.

According to Shelton, Kyle eventually checked into a rehabilitation center and turned to religion.

The churches and the people taking action to help feed their communities are making a big impact throughout the Inland Empire.

Donations can be made to The Way World Outreach, located at 4680 Hallmark Pkwy in San Bernardino. Online donations can be made at thewayworldoutreach. org.

To find your nearest pantry visit www.foodpantries.org.

Volunteers help people select and pack groceries for an easy trip home at the Arrowhead campus of The Way World Outreach in San Bernardino on Nov. 6.

Halloween movie season doesn’t have to end in October MOVIES from page 9

to while not having to remain entirely focused.

a seasonal vibe that we all can enjoy at any time.

“The Craft” (1996)

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

Leading up to the festive season, this Disney classic is undoubtedly something for the family to enjoy.

Many of us remember the famous chorus: “This is Halloween / This is Halloween.”

Funny, yet engaging, the animation styles in this film are otherworldly and add to the Halloween spooky effect.

Filmmaker Tim Burton produces and voice-acts in many of these types of movies, which have made him a giant in the industry. His animating and voice-acting style adds to these fall animated films.

The animation styles display a stark difference between this movie and other Disney films, such as the princess classics, “The Lion King” and so on. I believe this is what makes it feel extraordinarily intriguing.

HELGI HALLDORSSON | WIKIMEDIA

“The Nightmare Before Christmas “ is a classic Disney movie and was released in 1993.

“Twitches” (2005) Witches and magic? Sounds like the perfect recipe for a fall movie.

This film stars Tia and Tamera Mowry, features cool magical effects and displays a splash of

diversity in the world of films.

The characters go through an initial encounter at a store. From there, they take on some ways of trying to really understand each other.

Their birth was of powerful parents whom they had to separate from due to an encroaching

“darkness” consuming their allpowerful dimension.

With the use of special effects, it combines the world of magic, wizardry and just two young girls: twins who accidentally find their true purpose.

It is a perfect movie to sit back, relax and eat popcorn

Yes, another witch movie.

It’s never too late to explore witchcraft and character development — even if it is November.

An unparalleled group made of four women with a crave for revenge, magic and power, this crew is the most formidable and should perhaps be the most feared.

While still in high school, feelings stir and become a developing issue throughout this film. There are no spoilers here so watch the film to find out more.

The defiance of cultural norms is what makes this movie so interesting and adrenalineinducing for some.

All of these five movies have a thought-provoking effect, especially after watching them multiple times. With their coming-of-age narratives and overall cultural experience, there is no doubt that you will like at least one of these films.

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

“A division of the republic into two great parties is to be dreaded as the great political evil.”

- John Adams

VIEWS

November 13, 2020

13

Consider a breeder when looking for a furry friend

ASHLEY HAYNER OPINIONS EDITOR

If you have a pet, you can understand why animals play such a huge role in one’s life.

Many refer to their pets as family and treat them as such. Choosing your pet can be a difficult decision. You are bringing an animal into your home that you know nothing about.

Is the dog hypoallergenic?

How large will it grow? What will its temperament be like?

Will it be a safe pet for children?

These are all questions that arise when deciding on your next best friend.

Purchasing a pet from a legitimate breeder can make your decision-making 10 times easier. While adoption can be wonderful, purchasing a pet

ILLUSTRATION BY DANI REBOLLEDO | VIEWPOINTS

should not be knocked.

Breeders take great pride in raising quality pets for buyers.

They spend time engaging with their pets, ensuring that quality care is provided and providing you with medical records of first shots and any deworming beforehand.

Knowing the health background of your future puppy is of the utmost importance. It is devastating to hear that, in some cases, puppies adopted from a pound die from underlying, unknown causes.

Purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder allows you

to meet your puppy’s parents, ensuring that you find out as much as possible before purchase about any underlying genetic diseases in the dog’s bloodline.

Many breeders provide a health guarantee, allowing you a refund if the puppy dies.

Purchasing a puppy from a breeder who has raised the dog since birth will help you find the puppy best suited for you. This is determined by your lifestyle, children and the size of your living area.

For example, if you have a German shepherd, you need a large backyard and time to walk

the dog daily. If you have a toy poodle, exercise throughout the house is OK for the pup.

Adopting a pet from the pound is a one-and-done deal.

You cannot locate the dog’s parents. The only way to get your questions answered is usually an expensive veterinarian visit, which may happen often.

Having a breeder makes for lifelong access to an expert.

Good breeders enjoy taking care of their puppies even after they have left their homes and are willing to answer any questions and concerns that you have.

Desiring a puppy and owning

a puppy are two different things.

You may realize after your purchase that you don’t have the time you thought you would for the dog and that it’s going to be neglected. A breeder will always have a home.

There is a fee for returning your pup to the animal shelter — and the dog will most likely be euthanized. Responsible breeders will always be there with welcoming arms. The last thing they want to see is another dog at the pound because you can’t take proper care of it.

For years, dog breeders have had a terrible rap sheet and have been accused of running puppy mills and being money hungry.

But that is not the case when purchasing from a reputable breeder.

Breeders like Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles located in Central Coastal California do extensive background checks for buyers to ensure the best fit possible.

President Barack Obama’s dog “Bo,” a Portuguese water dog, was also purchased from a credible breeder because he was looking for a specific type of dog.

A breeder can help narrow your search depending on your needs.

The next time you are looking for a furry addition to your household, don’t feel guilty if you go with a breeder. They are there to help you find a solution, not a problem.

American voters must demand diverse representation

OLIVIA DROBNY NEWS EDITOR

Upon leaving the office of the presidency after a single term, John Adams famously warned the American public against the two-party political system.

Officially, the Constitution of the United States supports a multi-party system. Today, Americans can register as American Independent, Green, Libertarian, and Peace and Freedom along with the larger and more influential Democratic and Republican parties. Formalities aside, the Democratic and Republican parties have wielded the overwhelming majority of political influence in American

politics since 1853, when Millard Fillmore and the Whig party fell out of favor.

We acknowledge that Ross Perot of the Independent party won just under 19% of the popular vote in 1992 and George Wallace of the Independent party won just under 14% of the popular vote.

Still, these percentages indicate that third party candidates are hardly viable.

In an October Gallup poll taken over a period of 11 days, 31% of respondents reported Republican affiliation, 31% reported Democratic affiliation and 36% reported Independent affiliation. If this is true, over one-third of voters do not agree with the two major parties that have come to dominate American politics.

The American experiment is based on democratic values and a true representation of the people under whom elected politicians govern. Today, the two major parties — Democrats and Republicans — operate as businesses rather than effective congresspeople with common people’s interests at heart.

Discourse leading up to the 2020 presidential election has exposed systemic corruption in both parties. While conservative Republicans blatantly stoke anti-

IMAGE COURTESY OF SHANNONO2014 | FLICKR

poor, anti-minority sentiments and execute their agendas in clear view, Democrats are accused of hiding behind a facade of social justice while quietly executing similar initiatives.

L u c k i l y, w e h a v e t h e opportunity to change.

Spain offers an example of how the two-party system can be

broken. Although Spain operates under a parliamentary system, the political affiliations of representatives have diversified significantly over the past 40 years.

In 2019, the People’s Party, the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party, “Unidos Podemos,” meaning “Together We Can,” and

the Party of the Citizenry carried 33%, 23%, 21%, and 13% of the vote, respectively. Government representation does not have to be a zero-sum game.

As of today, there are only two representatives in the United States senate who are not affiliated with the Democratic nor Republican parties. In the House of Representatives, there are none.

If we intend to strive toward a more perfect union, we are obligated as American citizens to choose representation that accurately reflects who we are. In a country that has been characterized as a melting pot of hundreds of nationalities and cultures, religions and creeds, we cannot settle for only two viable options on the ballot.

How do we achieve accurate r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ? We m u s t invest in changing down-ballot voting. We need to diversify our representation at the local level, at the state level, and at the federal level.

It may seem early to start thinking about the 2024 election, but developing new political parties that truly represent our interests and gaining traction in our communities takes time.

We must start working together today.

Views

November 13, 2020

Editorial

14

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRI OLINGER | FLICKR

New leaders must put country over party

Adminstration must balance opposing views, unite America Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the United States’ 46th president and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., will become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

This victory inspired a sense of progress, hope and healing for many.

But, assuming President Donald Trump’s litigation attempts fall flat, the Biden Administration will face the COVID-19 pandemic, economic depression, and a distressed and divided America come January. The lack of unity has shown itself in the streets of our nation, as well as in the stark division between blue and red states shown on the electoral map this year. Remember, at last count Trump had received 72,307,888 votes.

Although our current political situation may not be ideal for the majority of American voters — even some who voted for Biden — there is an opportunity to move past the political polarization of America in recent years.

In his victory speech, Biden said that he does not see red and blue states, but a United States. He promised to work for every American, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs. National unity has been a recurring theme in Biden's campaign.

In winning the 2020 presidential election, Biden and the Democratic Party that he leads must begin to pay attention to the nuances of belief that exist within our country.

Not all registered Democrats embrace social welfare policies and not all registered Republicans condone racism. Some registered Democrats advocate for Second Amendment gun ownership and some

registered Republicans support LGBTQ+ rights.

It is Biden’s task to represent all of these Americans, whether they voted for him or not. The president-elect must also consider the wishes of those who oppose him while maintaining the promises he made for his first 100 days in office, many of which Republican voters are against.

In our last editorial, we said every politician must be questioned, investigated and watched closely. Biden is no exception.

The president-elect has promised that the United States will rejoin the World Health Organization immediately and that his administration will begin working on its pandemic response from the start. This includes planning for effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and the cancellation of at least $10,000 in student loan debt per person to relieve financial hardship, as he tweeted in March.

Biden also promised to reverse Trump’s corporate tax cuts and environmental decisions, strengthen the Voting Rights Act and begin work on a $2 trillion climate plan that aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050. Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement is also an immediate action he has promised.

In regard to immigration, he has promised to make the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program permanent on his first day in office and hold law enforcement agencies accountable for human rights violations.

He promises much more. It may be unrealistic to expect Biden to accomplish these monumental tasks, but his administration must be held accountable for enacting reforms to properly correct detrimental policies implemented over the last 4 years.

The time to put country over party is here.

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

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November 13, 2020

SPORTS

“Time never stops for the great ones.”

-Al Davis

Sports return in the works

Administration, athletic directors examine possibilities JESUS CORONEL STAFF REPORTER

The Riverside City College Athletics Department has drafted a plan to have sports return in January, assuming the district is able to fund the testing necessary to keep student athletes safe and COVID-19 does not worsen.

Kaladon Stewart, RCC acting athletic director, was tasked with completing a cost-analysis of personal protective equipment, sanitation, disinfectant and testing for everyone involved in athletics.

“The challenge is definitely going to be the cost of testing,” Stewart said. “The nasal swab, or cheek swab, that is the gold standard for testing. That test is typically the test that is more cost prohibitive. So that will largely be one of the biggest determinants of our ability to compete.”

The Athletics Department has developed a comprehensive testing program for when students and employees return to practice.

The athletic work group of the Riverside Community College District’s Safe Return Task Force is conducting a feasibility study to determine how the costs will be covered.

“Resources already budgeted for athletics would be used and any additional sources of support, as deemed appropriate,” FeRita Carter, RCC Student Services vice president, said via email.

MATHEW ACOSTA | VIEWPOINTS

The football field remains empty at Riverside City College on Nov. 10. It has been empty since March.

“Because everything is still in flux, the cost out of the testing and protective equipment has not been determined at this time.”

The return plan is a result of a collaboration between several different colleges and guidance from the district’s Safe Return Task Force and several different higher education athletics organizations, including the NCAA and the California Community College Athletic

Association. Stewart has also been working with Mark Hartley, Norco College acting athletic director. The plan covers both colleges.

The association unveiled a contingency plan in July that allowed all college sports to return simultaneously in spring 2021. Fall sports would return during the spring as well if the plan survives COVID-19 developments.

“These are big ‘ifs,’” Hartley said. “This might not happen at all. But if the county approves and the CCCAA approves, then we would come back January to begin training.”

RCC is in the Orange Empire Athletic Conference, which is made up mostly of colleges in Orange County, and Norco College is in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference.

Orange County is currently in

the less restrictive orange tier of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, while Riverside County receded to the more restrictive purple tier in October.

Practices while in the purple tier would be restricted to groups of 10 people engaging in noncontact activities outdoors. The red tier would have allowed groups of 25.

Stewart argued being in two different conferences has allowed for thoughts to be shared more easily across conferences between athletic directors.

“It allows us to have a broader picture of what our county is facing versus what a San Bernardino County might be facing or a Los Angeles County might be facing,” he said. “It’s actually helped to thoughtpartner on some of the ideas that are coming out of those areas.”

Although the athletic directors are hopeful for sports to return in spring 2021, Hartley said it may not be the case.

“All of our plans thus far have kind of been thwarted due to just COVID-19 rearing up again,” he said. “So we might not have any athletics until probably next fall.”

Carter said it is still too early to tell and that there are too many unknown factors at play to predict when sports will return.

“But know that one of the guiding principles for when sports will return is centered on the health and safety of all involved with athletics,” Carter said.

RCC assistant football coach dies Leaves behind legacy of strong leadership ANIELA RUSSO STAFF REPORTER

A long-time Riverside City College assistant football coach, has died at the age of 60.

Mike Richey coached at RCC for 15 years and specialized in coaching linebackers and defensive backs. His leadership helped the Tigers achieve an undefeated National championship in 2019, which was RCC’s first in 30 years.

“If anyone embodied RCC more and bled orange and black, it was Richey,” associate head coach James Kuk said.

Richey remains a strong presence of leadership in RCC Athletics. According to an RCC Athletics press release, he played the role of “son, father, husband, and mentor to countless studentathletes over the course of his career.”

Richey was not only involved

in school athletics. He was active in community social justice and advocated for juvenile offenders and foster children.

“Humility, Integrity, and social servant — that is what Mike Richey embodied,” Kuk said in the press release.

Richey began his career as an assistant football coach at North High School in Riverside in 1997.

He quickly rose in the ranks and was promoted to junior varsity head coach during his second season. Richey then began coaching the varsity program’s linebackers.

In the 15 years that Richey was with the RCC Tigers, he coached Zaire Anderson, who is now a linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

“He always stayed on his players,” Anderson said. “He was brutally honest. So honest that sometimes it made us laugh.

Mike was more like a homeboy

— well respected. He would contact me, check in on me like dad, a brother.”

Zair, who now lives in Nebraska, recalled how Richey embraced him and made him feel welcome despite his homesickness. He also remembers Richey as someone who made an enormous impact on him as an athlete and a person.

Richey’s love for football began early on. He was a first team all-conference cornerback at Redlands High school. He went on to play at Chapman University for one season, where he earned first team All-American honors.

The small college standout held an associate of arts degree in accounting and a bachelor of arts in business administration from Chapman.

“Mike was an outstanding assistant and very dedicated to the players,” head coach Tom Craft said in the press release.

“It’s a huge loss for our program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RCC ATHLETICS

Mike Richey is remembered as a mentor to countless athletes.

He had coached with me for 10 years since I started at Riverside.

He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The RCC Athletics community remembers Richey for his unwavering dedication to the youth and all those he inspired.