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“Journalism allows its readers to witness history. Fiction gives its readers an opportunity to live it.” - John Hershey
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VOL. 99, NO. 7 DECEMBER 3,
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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Faculty criticize board meetings
Long reports leave stakeholders unengaged, they argue ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Riverside Community College District faculty have raised concerns that the current structure of Board of Trustees committee meetings is cutting i n t o t h e d i s t r i c t ’s s h a r e d governance processes. The board holds two meetings per month: a committee meeting on the month’s first Tuesday and
a regular meeting on the second. Committee meetings are meant for the review and discussion of items prior to them being voted on at regular meetings. But instructors say administrators’ lengthy reports on items result in an overload of information at committee meetings. They argue the reports fall on deaf ears and that the statistical bombardment makes it difficult to engage in meaningful conversation about the issues.
“It’s long-winded, somewhat endless presentations of lots and lots of information that’s impossible to digest in one sitting,” said Rhonda Taube, RCCD Faculty Association president. Faculty are recommending that committee meetings return to a more conversational style, where they receive reports in advance so they can read through the information before it is presented.
According to Dariush Haghighat, Riverside City College Faculty Association vice president, committee meetings were characterized by a productive exchange of ideas during the leadership of former district Chancellor Salvatore G. Rotella. The change in the meetings’ structure, he said, came during the tenure of Rotella’s
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS
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See BOARD on page 5
WHAT’S INSIDE: Living Desert hosts virtual summit
COVID-19 infographic details local statistics
NEWS
5 RCC Emeritus Wall honors past instructors
LIFE See ZOO on pages 6-7 JOYCE NUGENT | VIEWPOINTS
Visitors at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert eagerly pay for the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes Nov. 24.
RCC prepares for new CSU requirement Academic Senate constructs ethnic studies discipline for next fall CHEETARA PIRY ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Riverside City College is working to include an ethnic studies discipline in its course catalogue by fall 2021 despite a state-imposed time crunch. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the ethnic studies requirement for California State University graduation into law Aug. 17, making California the first
state to do so. The CSU Board of Trustees voted Nov. 18 to mandate that students set to graduate in 2024-25 and beyond complete, at minimum, one 3-unit course in ethnic studies during their lower division coursework. The requirement is set during lower division coursework so Community Colleges will have to offer ethnic studies classes by fall 2022 at the latest in order for students to successfully transfer to CSUs.
Deborah A. Brown, an RCC history instructor helping to ensure the college completes the task, said the burden on Community Colleges was exacerbated due to the time-frame allowed to meet compliance. Many colleges were unprepared to administer professors and classes in such a short time. “There are many Community Colleges that have no ethnic studies,” she said. According to Brown, there are
only four faculty in the Riverside Community College District at this time who are officially certified in ethnic studies. The specific requirements for teaching ethnic studies at Community Colleges are very limiting, Brown said. Ethnic studies is centered on the study of one of four historically defined racialized
See ETHNIC on page 3
10 August Burns Red performs virtual concert
INDEX NEWS LIFE VIEWS EDITORIAL SPORTS
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NEWS BRIEFS Important Dates The fall 2020 semester ends Dec. 16. The winter 2021 term begins Jan. 4. Registration for the winter term is still open. The spring 2021 semester begins Feb. 16. Registration for spring opens Dec. 7. For more important deadlines, visit https:// www.rcc.edu/academics or information/dates-anddeadlines.html.
Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience Members of the transgender community will host a virtual Q&A panel Dec. 4 from 2-4 p.m. They will discuss issues, life and how campuses can better serve the transgender community. To register, visit https:// bit.ly/3pyKKLH.
National Cyber League
A Riverside City College team finished in the top 7% of the National Cyber League Competition, a cybersecurity and ethical hacking contest that allows students to demonstrate their talents and prepares them for the workforce. Selim Dogan, captain of the Cyber@Riverside City College team, placed 23rd out of over 6,000 contestants in the individual competition. Dogan and his teammates, S h a u n C o l l i n s , Vi c t o r Oliveros, Jordan Sorenson and Brad Cane, all placed in the top 5% individually.
CTE Handbook
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
Construction of Norco College’s new Veterans Resource Center is underway Nov. 30 across the street from the campus, next to the STEM Center.
Norco builds new veterans center
Facility under construction will provide resources ROLINDA ESPINOZA STAFF REPORTER
Norco College’s new and expanded Veterans Resource Center will open in fall 2021. The college shared its vision for a new center Nov. 10 to promote the project. The new center will provide assistance to veteran students attending the college. This includes mental health services, degree audit assistance and college credit for previous military service. The proposed 2,000 square foot facility will consist of a welcome center, an office, a lounge and restrooms. State Sen. Rich Roth,DRiverside, a veteran, and Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, headed the project and fought to secure necessary funding.
“I have seen the impact our veterans have had on our communities and our lives,” Cervantes said during a special video presentation for the center. “This is why I want to ensure that we provide the best opportunities possible to the men and women of our military once they’ve returned home.” The state has distributed $4.3 million to Norco College for the funding of this center since 2017. According to the center’s website, all veterans, active duty members and Veterans Affairs dependents will be welcome at the new resource center. The current center serves 500 students from the armed forces. Norco College veterans are eligible for priority registration. Active duty students are allowed to drop their courses using military withdrawal status if called to duty. Military withdrawals are not counted in a student’s overall GPA on
transcripts. “(The new center) is going to make things a lot easier for us veterans to transition out of the military, become a civilian, and then be really successful in being a student,” said Ruben Aguilar, a U.S. Army veteran and Norco College student. Military Times has recognized Norco College as one of the top 20 “best for vets colleges” for five out of the last six years. “Norco College is committed to serving veterans and active service members in their transition from the classroom to career,” said Monica Green, Norco College president. “I share this excitement with our remarkable employees who work tirelessly to provide quality resources.” Norco College has a 73% veteran retention rate and 67% of those students go on to graduate. “This center and the plan to serve more veterans and to
increase the services provided is both ambitious and badly needed,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood. Director Lorenzo Harmon III, who served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a gunnery sergeant in 2006, will manage the center. While in the service, he recruited and mentored over 200 Marines during and after their conscription. He has received four Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals throughout his career. The Norco College Veterans Excellence Fund is still accepting donations through their payment site, which can be found below. Donations to the fund will go toward veteran focused initiatives at Norco College. To d o n a t e , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w. n o r c o c o l l e g e . e d u / services/enrollment/vrc/ Pages/future-vrc.aspx
The Riverside Community College District released this year‘s Career and Technical Education Handbook. The new handbook offers information on a wide variety of CTE courses, certificates and apprenticeship programs available on all three campuses. Visit https://www. rccd.edu/admin/ed_services/ Documents/handbooks/CTE_ Handbook_2020-21.pdf for the handbook.
To receive a bimonthly newsletter featuring stories chosen by our editors right in your email inbox, visit https:// viewpointsonline. org/2020/09/18/ s u b s c r i b e - t o - o u rnewsletter/.
IMAGE COURTESY OF RUHNAU CLARKE ARCHITECTS
The latest architect’s renderings depict what Norco College’s 2,000 square foot Veterans Resource Center will look like from the outside.
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College receives $1 million LIV DROBNY NEWS EDITOR
ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
Matthew Brashier, ASRCC director of the Resource Center Council, left, hands a student a Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 19.
ASRCC gives away holiday dinners
Meals offer Thanksgiving help to students in need NEYRA RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER
The Associated Students of Riverside City College hosted a free turkey dinner giveaway for RCC students who had paid their student services fees for the semester. The turkey dinner intended to provide a meal for students in need on Thanksgiving Day. Students who received the aid expressed gratitude for the help. “These days, a lot of people are going through financial hardship,” said Navae Kim, a nursing major. “Now I don’t have to worry about grocery shopping for this holiday.” Jade Roldan, a mathematics major, was also appreciative of the help during these difficult times. “The services they have at school help me a lot,” she said. “It’s very nice because for something you pay so little for, they help you with a lot.”
A sociology major, Stephanie Lopez, said she had not had groceries in a while and the food giveaway took a load off her back. The students who handled the event, which ran from Nov. 17-19 behind the Ralph’s supermarket at the intersection of Magnolia and Jurupa avenues, were passionate about helping people in need, especially during the holidays and the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew Brashier, director of the ASRCC Resource Center Council, explained that the giveaway was originally intended to be a Resource Center Council event. The council offers all RCC students food items, hygiene items and school supplies. They brought the idea to ASRCC in order to be able to give back to more students who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. “We know it’s hard,” Brashier said. “Everyone is struggling right now, so we wanted to feed about 200 students and give them
a turkey dinner that will feed four in hopes that it will help.” Tom Baugher, an ASRCC Inter-Club Council representative, said the food giveaway team has witnessed the situations of struggling students firsthand. “We have had students come up with rolling backpacks who come to fill up their bags with food,” he said. “A couple came on the bus last night and a pregnant lady was on a scooter. They came from Rialto and once they got here, they filled up a bag or two, then headed back onto the bus to go back home to Rialto. That’s how much people need this.” Brashier said he relates to his fellow students, as he too has struggled as a result of COVID-19. “I have not seen my grandmother in a year and I have not seen family in a year because I don’t want to get them sick,” he said. “I am struggling as a student leader and I am struggling in my classes. I wish we could do more, but for the time being this is all that we can do to help our fellow
students.” Guadalupe Cuadra Farfan, co-director of the ASRCC Multicultural Advisory Council, said that although keeping loved ones safe is of the utmost importance, students’ struggles have been exacerbated by the need to stay apart. “People are struggling right now because they can’t be with those people who are more vulnerable,” she said. Farfan argued that although the pandemic has extensive downsides, there are still upsides and the focus should remain on controllable factors. The three student leaders said seeing the smile on people’s faces when they receive some type of relief makes it all worthwhile. They also assured services will continue to be available to students in need through the holidays. “Personally, my family comes first,” Baugher said about giving and receiving aid. “Anything that I can do to help my family and be with them, I would definitely do.”
RCC prepares ethnic studies curriculum ETHNIC from page 1 core groups: Native Americans, Af r ica n A mer ica ns, Asia n Americans, and Latina and Latino Americans. In some ways, RCC is more prepared for the new requirement than other Community Colleges. The college began the process prior to the new law being signed and before the media focus on Black Lives Matter that took place af ter George Floyd’s murder. Brown and her colleagues had already been discussing the implementation of an ethnic
studies discipline. “This is about more than just having diverse and inclusive r e a d i ng l i st s ,” s a id Kel ly Douglass, RCC Cur riculum chair. Jessica Hamilton, an RCC history and new ethnic studies instructor, described the subject as a focus on the resilience of historically marginalized people. “Et h n ic st udies centers people of color, their knowledge, their experiences and also their engagements with the systems of oppression that they inevitably face,” she said. Hamilton is a graduate of San Francisco State University,
where the conversation for a more diverse educational system began over 50 years ago. A st r ike that led to the creation of ethnic studies started as a standoff at the university in 1968, when students and administrators clashed over eurocentrism and a lack of diversity on campus. Over 67% of Califor nia Community College students are people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. RCC’s fall 2021 catalogue ha s be e n c re at e d , but t he list of classes remains under deliberation and there will be an official board meeting to verify
the index. At this time, the district expects to offer about 23 ethnic studies sections next year to accommodate the law. New classes, such as Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Interdisciplinary Research Methods in Ethnic Studies, have been created to fit the discipline. Most of the classes in the catalogue are cross-listed or combined with existing courses. The RCC Academic Senate advised that students graduating from CSUs in or after 2024 consult their counselors about General Education Area F, which now houses ethnic studies.
Bank of America announced an award of $1 million to Riverside City College on Nov. 18 with the goal of creating a jobs initiative meant to support students of color in their career development. “Bank of America is a good friend of the college,” RCC President Gregory Anderson said. “They all have significant community engagement parts. They really do care about the community.” The Riverside Community College District has previously received grant money from Bank of America. In the summer of 2019, the bank awarded $25,000 to the district to address economic inequalities. Bank of America has also donated almost $500,000 to other Inland Empire nonprofits. According to a joint press release, this year’s grant money comes from a $25 million Bank of America national fund that “supports programming, reskilling, and up-skilling for students of color.” “(Guidelines for spending) are very much aligned with our mission to provide career opportunities in areas where they can make a living,” Anderson said. “We don’t have an interest in perpetuating poverty.” He said that Bank of America trusts RCC to use the funds for the right things and attributed that trust to a positive relationship. Anderson stressed that this grant is not just good for RCC students, but actually benefits the entire community. The grant will help students return to campus and improve their future job prospects, but will also create new local connections, he said. “(The grant) will help with funding developing partnerships with employers,” Anderson said. “It is a step toward strengthening efforts for living-wage, antipoverty education.” Al Argüello, Bank of America Inland Empire market president, called the initiative collaborative and emphasized the participatory role that Black and Latino students will play in positively affecting local communities. Rusty Bailey, Riverside’s outgoing mayor, lauded the partnership as a recognition of the important role of Community Colleges and a revitalization of economic training. The joint press release from RCC and Bank of America said the award will create programs resulting in new skill development, certificate programs and in-demand degrees, especially in the healthcare field. They hope these initiatives will move students into careers that can support families.
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CREATED WITH INFOGRAM BY LEO CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS
Data is based off the Riverside County Public Health website’s COVID-19 dashboard. The site updates numbers Monday through Friday.
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College services continue ANIELA RUSSO STAFF REPORTER
As we come to the end of another pandemic semester, Riverside City College resource availability continues to grow online and offer more help. Counseling Counseling sessions are now available on Mondays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. If you are interested in joining this group, please email Natalie. Colon@rccd.edu to have a Zoom link for the group sessions sent to you. Individual personal counseling is also available. ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS
The Emeritus Wall at Riverside City College recognizes 418 distinguished former faculty for their years of service at the college.
RCC completes honorary wall CHLOE HUNTER STAFF REPORTER
A project 10 years in the making has finally come to fruition just inside the north entrance to the Riverside City College A.G. Paul Quadrangle. In the short hallway leading to the courtyard stands the Emeritus Wall adorned with bronze plaques commemorating the service and dedication of RCC faculty. The “emeritus” status is awarded to applicants with years of outstanding service to the college. The project was initially planned as tiles on the ground rather than plaques on a wall. Lee Nelson, a nursing instructor, said the need for an alternative plan came to be due to the tiles being in various states of disrepair.
The tiles would have to be sectioned off during rainy days so people would not fall and get injured. “You would literally slip and fall,” Nelson said. “As a nurse, safety is a huge thing. It’s not a good thing to honor our emeritus with something that is going to cause harm and possible injury to our students. So it’s sending the wrong message, if you will.” The ironic and macabre nature of emeritus tiles that posed risk to students led to the push for an Emeritus Wall that would solve the issue of safety and be reflective of the respect that was meant for honored faculty. Nelson and mathematics instructor Mary Legner expressed that they look forward to the day they get their own plaque on the wall. Legner shared that the wall’s recognition plans are still in the beginning stages.
The plan was to hold an event near the end of the spring 2021 semester, but the Academic Senate decided to honor the emeriti with an in-person celebration. They will continue discussing a possible fall 2021 in-person event. “It all depends on if we’re open,” Legner said. “But we will be having teasers here getting ready for the fall probably in May. The community hasn’t formed yet, so it’s up to the work group. ” Nelson was pleased with the Emeritus Wall, calling the final product outstanding. “It really does the intention of what we wanted to do with the tiles,” Nelson said. Mark Sellick, RCC Academic Senate president, said he is looking forward to seeing the plaque for Ron Pardee due to the profound impact he had on RCC. Pardee was a business
administration and management instructor who died in September of 2019. “But I would rather not single out particular faculty because so many of my colleagues have worked in ways, large and small, noticed and not, that have contributed to our college and our community,” Sellick said. “Anyone who has served RCC with distinction should have a place of honor on the wall. We are all fortunate that they provided us with the institution that we currently enjoy.” Nelson expressed how important the Emeritus Wall is to honor people who have given a life of service in the realm of academia. Faculty members had the option to pursue their field in different ways but chose to serve students seeking to make something of themselves, Nelson said.
Instructors call for change in committee meetings BOARD from page 1 successor, Gregory Gray. Haghighat said a copy of the board’s book used to be left in each stakeholder representative’s mailbox days before committee meetings, allowing for open discussion and questioning during the actual meetings. When Gray became chancellor, he eliminated the board book and implemented a top-down style of governance, according to Haghighat. “One night, I get to the meeting and the whole meeting had changed,” Haghighat said, noting that previously, trustees would sit with the audience and participate like stakeholders during committee meetings. “Now, the board was behind
the podium. I said, ‘Is this a committee or a regular meeting?’” Haghighat said that the role of stakeholders was substantially reduced at that point and management took over. “Now they’re competing with each other,” he said. “Administrators are justifying their own existence with long reports.” The association’s RCC vice president emphasized that he is in favor of reports and knows current Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac is welcoming of open dialogue, but called for data presented during committee meetings to be more of a summary highlighting the most important aspects of reports. He added that reports should be followed by an engaging conversation with stakeholders. “We need to be able to
persuade and educate each other,” Haghighat said. “If this doesn’t happen, we’re not going anywhere.” Isaac argued the presentations are of the utmost importance because they detail the work and progress being made in the implementation of policy. “ We n e e d d a t a - d r i v e n , decision-making processes,” he said. “If we say we are going to improve student success, we need data to show where we are at. We can’t just say we are doing OK. We need to provide evidence.” Isaac also said the district is looking at rotating committee meetings between the three colleges when the campuses reopen. Because Norco and Moreno Valley Colleges are further away from the district headquarters
than the Riverside campus, holding meetings at the campuses would allow for higher attendance from Norco and Moreno Valley stakeholders. Mary Figueroa, board president, said she will likely implement a roll call for possible questions from committee members after presentations. Board vice president Bill Hedrick also said he is in favor of anything that will streamline the important aspects of reports, as faculty are recommending. The chancellor said he understands the faculty’s concerns. The membership of committees should be increased and reports must be provided in advance to enrich discussion, Isaac agreed. “Changes are on their way,” he said.
Canvas Student Support Hub The RCC Student Support Hub on Canvas now has critical online resources available to students. This new support system includes academic assistance such as tutoring, library help, counseling services, access to the engagement center, student services and COVID-19 relief services. Cashier’s Office Appointments must be made to access the Cashier’s Office in the Charles A. Kane Building. There are no walk-ins available. Doors are locked and students will not be allowed into the building without an appointment. The Cashier’s Office will be providing in-person services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To make an appointment, email studentaccounts@rcc.edu or call 951-222-8604. Admissions and Records Admissions and Records have a limited staff on campus for daily activities, but the department is not open to students. Staff are currently operating through email and by telephone. Veterans Veterans Club meetings are being held virtually on a normal schedule, the first and third Thursdays of each month from 12:50-1:50 p.m. To schedule a counseling appointment with the Veterans Resource Center counselor, visit https://esars.rccd.edu/Riverside/ VRC/esars.asp. Financial Aid Financial aid is offering individual student appointments. Virtual workshops are also available. Students can email Financial Aid outreach specialist Manny Gray at Manuel.Gray@ rcc.edu or call at 951-222-8756 to set an appointment.
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Living Desert Zoo raises conservation awareness JOYCE NUGENT STAFF REPORTER
Eleven international conservationists who partner with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens shared their wildlife conservation programs’ success at the International Desert Conservation Summit. On Nov. 14, attendees from 12 different countries celebrated each organization’s dedication to preserving the planet. “Although we had originally planned to host this event ongrounds at The Living Desert, we are thrilled to welcome even more attendees from all over the world with its new virtual format,” said Allen Monroe, president and CEO of The Living Desert. Since desert plants and animals have to survive drought, high winds and intense heat or cold, they have evolved strategies for thriving in a harsh environment. Succulents, for example, begin photosynthesis at night to avoid water loss, and desert tortoises can store enough water to go years without drinking. As the Center for Biological Diversity points out, this kind of specialization makes for extreme diversity, closely intertwining desert flora and fauna in a complex and close-knit web of survival. This web is dangerously
close to breaking. Desert animals depend on fragile ecosystems and any slight imbalance can cause entire populations to be easily wiped out. Human impacts on deserts are increasing exponentially, especially in the American Southwest, which contains some of the country's fastest-growing cities. The Center for Biological Diversity expressed that wildlife that has lived there for thousands of years is in danger of becoming extinct due to threats of urban sprawl, cattle grazing, mining, dam building and off-road vehicle use. According to The Living Desert, habitats are being ruined by the destruction of wetlands to build houses and stores. Rivers, streams and lakes are being polluted by human encroachment and invasive species. Climate change makes it too hot and too dry in many places for native species to survive. The 25 million acres of California desert may seem empty, but they host an amazing array of biological diversity. This huge area is home to numerous at-risk species, including the threatened desert tortoise, the endangered bighorn sheep, the cushenberry buckwheat, and many other rare plants and animals that have adapted to live in harsh desert environments.
According to The Living Planet Report 2020 published by the World Wildlife Fund, human activities have caused the world's wildlife populations to plummet by more than two-thirds in the last 50 years. The decline is happening at an unprecedented rate, the report warns, and it threatens human life as well. "The findings are clear," the report states. "Our relationship with nature is broken." The United Nations published a report last year stating that 1 million of the estimated 8 million plant and animal species on the planet are at risk of extinction because of human activities. "Protecting biodiversity amounts to protecting humanity," Audrey Azoulay, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization director-general, said at the time of the report's release. For 50 years, The Living Desert has concentrated on saving desert species and the ecosystems that support them locally, nationally and globally. They have partnered with 57 organizations to support 35 projects in 10 countries. Projects include efforts to protect local species such as the desert bighorn sheep and desert tortoise, as well as African species including rhino, giraffe, cheetah and African wild dogs.
“We focus on community based conservation,” James D a n o ff - B u rg , d i r e c t o r o f Conservation Engagement and Learning at The Living Desert, said. “Much of what we do is work with our partners to address the root causes of the problems in their regions by giving them the tools and expertise to change perceptions.” Concerned environmentalists listened worldwide as the summit’s presenters explained how they are making lasting, d e m o n s t r a b l e d i ff e r e n c e s and, out of gratitude, publicly recognized The Living Desert for its contribution to their success. The Black Mamba’s AntiPoaching Unit of South Africa, a group affiliated with The Living Desert, explained how they search their area for poachers and illegal hunters, eradicating traps and destroying bush-meat kitchens. Between 2013 and 2015, they identified and destroyed 12 poachers’ camps and reduced snaring and poisoning activities by 76%. They thanked the Living Desert for helping with research and the financial support to hire more personnel. “If you really want to protect the animals, you must have the people to do the hard work,” Ranger Felicia Mogakane said. Danoff-Burg said he wanted people to understand
the importance of desert conservation. “I want them to know they can make a difference by getting involved,” he said. “It is not going to get better without their help. The stories we heard presented at the summit are proof community involvement works. But you have to get off the couch.” The Living Desert offers ideas on how to get involved in the preservation of the Earth. Volunteer hours and money donations are essential in supporting education and research at organizations like The Living Desert. Learning how to take responsibility for protecting all life on the planet, as well as the reduction, reuse and recycling of products is also essential. The organization also recommends becoming aware of how the chemicals used every day affect the world’s environment. For example, consumers can switch to “green” detergents and fertilizers that don’t pollute. “Challenges lie ahead but we are up to the task at hand,” The Living Desert Annual Impact Report 2019-2020 states. “Eager, smiling faces walk through our gates daily with curiosity and wonder. Our guests are excited to learn, open to explore, and long to build a better world. The future looks bright as we step into the next 50 years.”
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RIGHT: Shellie is safe from extinction Nov. 24 at The Living Desert. But giraffe populations in Africa continue to decline due to habitat loss, poaching and disease. The Living Desert supports conservation and education programs in Tanzania and surveys of the desert-dwelling giraffe in Namibia.
LEFT: The cheetah, posing here at The Living Desert on Nov. 24, is the world’s fastest land animal and Africa’s most endangered cat. At the International Desert Conservation Summit on Nov. 14, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a partner of The Living Desert, presented the ways they fight cheetah extinction from human-wildlife conflict, loss of habitat, loss of prey, poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.
Visitors at The Living Desert eagerly pay for the opportunity to hand feed the giraffes Nov. 24 in Palm Desert. The money raised will help support giraffe conservation projects, such as the Wild Nature Institute’s environmental education programs, which works with teachers and schools to inspire the next generation of Tanzanian conservationists through educational materials, storytelling, activities and workshops.
While tortoises can completely withdraw their head and limbs into their shell, this desert tortoise lets it all hang out at The Living Desert. Desert tortoise populations are threatened by raven predation, urbanization, illegal collection for the pet trade, off-highway vehicles, and upper-respiratory tract infections. The Living Desert’s Healthy Desert Education Project features the Time to Talk Trash campaign, which educates people about how the dramatic rise in raven populations has led to a decrease in tortoise hatchling survival rates.
Shortly after breakfast, the greater kudu at The Living Desert stops to check out the visitors. In the northern region of their range in Africa, the greater kudu is threatened by over-hunting and habitat loss. The Living Desert participates in the education of Tanzanian school children in support of the conservation of the kudu and other large herbivores in Africa. Every visit to the Living Desert supports the efforts to help the kudu keep its habitat and spiraled horns that can grow up to 4 feet.
LEFT: A young visitor to The Living Desert is nose-tonose with the young giraffe, Vicki Lou, when she offers her lettuce during the zoo’s Feed A Giraffe program. Vicki Lou was born March 20, 2019 at The Living Desert. Giraffe populations have declined up to 40% over the last 30 years in the wild. The Living Desert supports conservation and education programs in Tanzania and sur veys of th e d es e r tdwelling giraffe in Namibia.
Photos by Joyce Nugent
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” -Malcolm X
Life
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Donation Drives Young Angels The Associated Students of Riverside City College is helping provide toys to children who are registered with the Salvation Army. To d o n a t e , c o n t a c t deborah.hall@rcc.edu or lisa. schwartz@rcc.edu for the sign-up spreadsheet. Once you have the gift you’ll fill out and print the ornament label and attach it to the outside of the gift and drop it off at 3695 1st St. in Riverside.
Spark of Love
AMAIRANI ROMERO | VIEWPOINTS
Community volunteers hand out bags of clothing, meals and water bottles to people in need at Fairmount Park in Riverside on Nov. 21.
Free market aids community Local organizations provide clothing, meals at park NEYRA RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER
It will be a cold Christmas for those sleeping on the streets with nothing warm to wear or even eat. Many are struggling this holiday season, but the low income and homeless populations are the ones struggling most. With government funding not providing, some local organizations are taking up the challenge of providing hot meals and some warm clothing to those who will suffer the harsh winds this winter. The Really Really Free Market aimed to help homeless individuals with essential supplies Nov. 21 at Fairmount Park in Riverside. Organizations such as the Riverside Mutual Aid Network, Communit(IE), Food Not Bombs and IE Community Fridges gave away free clothing, books, toiletries and meals. They also hosted a healing circle for anyone needing to let go of emotions, frustrations and worries. Simon Kiolo, a Food Not Bombs volunteer, said he wanted to take the initiative to help as many people as he can. “These three organizations were brought together because we want to help the community to make sure that we are all sticking together and taking care of each other,” he said. “We are in a very tumultuous time. We as community members recognize
that and we thought that if people want to come together and help, then we will provide the avenue for them to do so.” Eliana Zacharias, 28, of Riverside, drove up with a car full of clothing to donate. “I’ve been wishing to see something like this in Riverside,” she said. “I’ve wanted to see the community come together instead of individuals just looking out for themselves.” Kiolo said coming together is the only way to get through this pandemic. Communit(IE) volunteer Beverly Grace said the organization collects monetary and hygiene product donations and distributes aid to the homeless population in the Inland Empire area. “Everyone should give back to the community,” she said. “People need help now more than ever.” Grace said she believes that more people should take initiative to help others because, even though she is not getting paid, it is an experience that she will never forget. Kiara Maldonado, who runs Communit(IE) with Grace, said much of the organization’s ability to provide items such as washcloths, toothpaste and brushes, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products was made possible by donations from people who heard about their efforts through social media. According to Kiolo, the pandemic is not solely affecting homeless and low income people
The Riverside Fire Department and ABC7 are teaming up for a toy drive running through Dec. 24. To make Christmas special for a child or teenager in Riverside, donate at the Cesar Chavez Community Center at 2060 University Ave., or the Stratton Community Center at 2008 Martin Luther King Blvd. Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1-4 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call Jennifer McDowell at 951-602-0812 or email her at JMcdowell@riversideca. gov. You can also call Barbara Hunter at 951-826-5737.
AMAIRANII ROMERO | VIEWPOINTS
Communit(IE) offers canned foods and donated clothing at the Really Really Free Market as people check out the merchandise. anymore, but is also affecting people who were financially stable before COVID-19. “Our government institutions are not giving these people the help that they really need,” he said, recalling an encounter with a veteran on disability and Social Security who was struggling to pay his rent. “This is a disabled veteran, a hero, someone who is supposed to be venerated by our society. But our society and our institutions are not able to help him.”
These three volunteers dedicated their time to helping the community without getting anything in return. Grace said she simply wants to inspire others to help. “We are just normal people who took initiative to help those in need,” she said. “I hope that this inspires everyone to do this in their communities because every community nationwide needs this kind of help.” The organizations involved can be found on Instagram.
The Way World Outreach
The Way World Outreach is hosting a Christmas giveaway Dec. 20 at noon at 4680 Hallmark Parkway in San Bernardino. The giveaway consists of giving children toys for Christmas and spreading love this holiday season. You can either donate toys at the Hallmark Campus or you can volunteer to help giveaway toys to children on the The Way World Outreach app.
Adopt A Family Jurupa Valley’s Adopt a Family will run through Dec. 20 to help those in need during the holiday season. Donations can be made by check or online at jvadoptafamily.org. To donate in-person, visit Gifts-In-Kind at Jurupa Valley City Hall or Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family at 8304 Limonite Ave. Suite C in Jurupa Valley
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December 3, 2020
Life
August Burns Red in November
Rock band’s virtual concert feeds fans’ live music cravings ALYSSA ALDRETE STAFF REPORTER
A metal barricade crushing your ribs. The sweat of other people seeping into your own pores. The instant push of a crowd of people screaming alongside you: these things may not be welcome in the time of COVID-19. But even if some of you cringed reading those words, I know there are some people out there who know what I mean when I say these are the things I miss most about life before COVID-19. The live music industry is one that is suffering tremendously due to the shutdown of nearly everything that invites a crowd, in the effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. Concert venues are doing everything they can to raise funds and stay afloat, with some having already announced the shuttering of their doors. With the return of live music still nowhere in sight, bands have postponed their tours, or even canceled them altogether, as many had plans for cross-country tours that they no longer have allotted time for in 2021. To allow music fans a glimmer of hope, many smaller bands or solo acts have taken to the internet to share their music. Some perform shorter sets on Instagram Live, some have tried to turn their acts into a subscription on livestream platform Twitch. But bands like August Burns Red know that some fans’ needs won’t be met with a webcam, an acoustic guitar and a lead singer in their sweatpants. Live rock shows come with a certain ambiance
ILLUSTRATION BY DANI REBOLLEDO | VIEWPOINTS
August Burns Red is a band from Pennsylvania. The group rented out the event studio of the Hotel Rock Lititz in their hometown of Lancaster to live stream a performance Nov. 14. to look forward to, a connection with all performing members of the band, and of course, the community that comes with attending a show. August Burns Red rented out the event studio of Hotel Rock Lititz in their hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Nov. 14. The band hired six cameramen and pulled out all the stops for the stage production to give their fans what they have grown used to: a gripping, inyour-face rock show. In celebration of its 15-year anniversary, the band performed their debut album “Thrill Seeker” from start to finish, playing all 11 tracks. In 2005, most metalcore bands trying to get
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signed to a record label and be taken seriously in the metal world came in full force with several complicated guitar riffs, unrelenting drums and deep and low growling vocals. Since the band’s debut, August Burns Red has certainly stayed heavy, but has experimented enough with their sound to give fans something to mosh to, to headbang to, and even to dance to. This throwback performance to their original sound was hard and fast, and it allowed for the band to get through the set swiftly. “In ’05, we were just trying to be as fast and as heavy as we could be, so I kind of never stopped,” drummer and founding member Matthew Greiner said
backstage during the livestream. Greiner, lead vocalist Jake Luhrs, guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler and bassist Dustin Davidson were all smiles as they moved across the stage the whole night, completely in their element. Luhrs, who was not part of the band during the original release of “Thrill Seeker,” handed the mic over to Josh McManness during the song “Consumer.” McManness was the original vocalist for all the tracks on the debut album, but left the band shortly after its release and just before they made it big with the follow-up album “Messengers” in 2007. However, it was clear that there were no harsh feelings
from any party involved, as Luhrs and McManness screamed into their respective mics together for the intro of the song, before Luhrs stepped to the side-stage to allow his predecessor some time to shine. Halfway through the show, which was complete with rhythmic, flashing beams of light onstage and camera angles that focused on each member, Luhrs took a pause and shook his head somewhat sadly. “You know, it’s not easy performing music in front of nobody,” Luhrs said to one of the cameras before diving straight into the setlist once again. “It really reminds us how important our fans are to us. This one’s for you.” As the band closed out the show with some fan favorites from their sophomore album, the live chat continued to erupt with comments. Hundreds of fans who had paid the $15 for a ticket praised the band for the more than satisfactory show they had just put on. To everyone’s enjoyment, August Burns Red had one final surprise. The band announced that they would be back to hold another livestream in just a few weeks, this time moving their annual Christmas show — usually held only for a few nights in their hometown — online. August Burns Red will be back to perform a livestream of their impressive catalogue of metal Christmas covers Dec. 12. E-tickets can be purchased either with a Christmas merchandise bundle, or at a stand-alone price of $15. The link to the livestream will be emailed to the buyer once the purchase has been processed.
December 3, 2020
Life
11
‘A Teacher’ tackles sensitive topic Story of teacher-student affair doesn’t dodge dynamics of relationship SERIES REVIEW KYIESHA CHAVEZ STAFF REPORTER
In 2013, writer and director Hannah Fidell created an indie film about a lonely high school teacher who has an affair with a student. “A Teacher” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival that January and had a limited release in the U.S. later that year. The following year, it was announced that the film would be adapted for television by HBO. Fidell was set to write, executive produce and direct the series along with Danny Brocklehurst, the former showrunner for “Shameless.” Now seven years later, the new series has finally been released to the public through FX on Hulu. With this new platform comes new adjustments to fit the times. At the start of every episode, there’s a trigger warning about grooming. At the end, there is a website posted for resources if someone finds themself in an abusive situation. The series stars Kate Mara and Nick Robinson, as well Ashley Zukerman, Shane Harper, Dylan Schmid, Adam David Thompson and Jana Peck. The tagline of the show is that it explores “the complexities and consequences of a predatory relationship.” The main plot is predictable for a show about this topic. Claire Wilson (Mara) is an AP English teacher bored with her life and marriage, while her husband Matt (Zukerman) wants to start a band with friends. Eric
Walker (Robinson) is a 17-yearold, drunk on hormones and the adrenaline that comes with a “first love.” He sees his teacher and believes her to be “the one.” The first five episodes depict the development of the relationship between Claire and Eric from their meeting at a diner to a weekend getaway for his 18th birthday. While the remaining episodes have not been released yet, they consist of time jumps in their relationship depicting what’s happened after the media and the public has found out about them. “A Teacher” doesn’t dodge the contrasting ways that Claire and Eric act in their social circles. Eric’s friends and fellow seniors — between the ages of 17 and 19 — often date younger classmates and live by the idea that “age is just a number.” But Claire, her friends and coworkers are well aware that a relationship with a minor is illegal. The toxic masculinity present in Eric’s life convinces him that he’s the one in charge once he starts sleeping with Claire. “I’m the motherf------ man,” Eric often tells himself while looking in the mirror once he’s home. Mara and Robinson had strong performances throughout the show, making it bearable enough to continue watching until it ends in December. While I probably would not watch this a second time around, how they went about the topic certainly exceeded my expectations.
“A Teacher,” which debuted N ov. 1 0 , i s av a i l a b l e through FX on Hulu. The series is based on Hannah Fidell’s 2013 film of the same name.
ILLUSTRATION BY KYIESHA CHAVEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Robert Lifton’s book studies brainwashing in China
Sheds light on ‘re-education’ of Uighur Muslims’ current situation in Xinjiang BOOK REVIEW LIV DROBNY NEWS EDITOR
The first time he was brought before a judge, the Catholic missionary felt confident in his innocence. He was no spy or agitator, he never spoke against the Chinese Communist Party, nor disparaged government officials. Yet, by his third encounter with the judge, he was admitting to fabricated crimes meant to placate the court. Desperation and months of physical and mental mistreatment led him to
this moment. He simply wanted out. Robert Jay Lifton’s “Thought Reform and the Psychology o f To t a l i s m : A s t u d y o f brainwashing in China” offers a window into the process of the Chinese Communist Party’s reeducation efforts. The book is a culmination of research conducted in the mid’50s by Lifton in Hong Kong, where he interviewed victims who were formerly incarcerated in Chinese prisons — although the Chinese Communist Party would prefer the term “reeducation centers” or “schools.” When this text was written, Lifton could not have known it would remain relevant almost 70 years later.
China’s internment of its Uighur population may seem like a novel event in 2020, but re-education camps have existed for almost a century. Lifton’s research sheds light on the current situation in Xinjiang by giving historical context and including relevant political and cultural elements. He addresses the differences in treatment of mostly European Westerners and ethnically Chinese prisoners. Through careful scrutiny, Lifton identifies a pattern of procedure in the practice of thought reform. Lifton is careful to avoid inserting his personal beliefs about the theory of communism and the Chinese Communist Party. The purpose of the text is not to
analyze and criticize the CCP for its actions, however heinous they may be, but to provide a professional analysis of how the experience psychologically affected each individual. Lifton has a perceptive ability to recognize pre-detainment personality traits that influenced the effectiveness of the thought reform techniques employed by the CCP. The sole issue with this text is the heaviness of the subject matter. Each chapter offers a complex examination of the human psyche. In order to digest Lifton’s text, it is necessary for the reader to frequently pause to decompress and to create a space for secondary interpretation. This is not a light, quick read.
Lifton is an influential American psychiatrist and author. He has researched and written on the psychological effects of traumatic life events focusing on war and political persecution, including mental and physical coercion. The author has published critiques on various forms of governance, claiming there are extreme ideologies on all parts of the political spectrum. He has also reported on Holocaust survivors, specifically victims of Nazi medical experiments, the Chinese Communist Party, post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans of the Vietnam War, Hiroshima survivors and capital punishment in the United States.
12
December 3, 2020
Life
Movie Review
Film shines light on Appalachian culture KYIESHA CHAVEZ STAFF REPORTER
Glenn Close, Amy Adams and Gabriel Basso star in the film adaptation of J.D. Vance’s best selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” The film is a modern analysis of the American Dream through three generations of the Vances. It focuses more on J.D.’s (Basso) relationship with his mother and her ongoing heroin addiction, as well as the love and care of his supportive grandmother. J.D., a Yale law student, attends an important dinner with representatives from top law firms scouting for new talent. He is astonished by the silverware around his plate and sneaks off to call his girlfriend Usha (Frieda Pinto) about how to use each utensil. This scene is meant to show how J.D. is out of his element as a U.S. Marine veteran with an undergraduate degree from Ohio State and a long family history in rural Appalachia. Then comes the awkward silence as he speaks about his background and a casual arrogance emerges regarding state schools and “rednecks.” J.D. is soon called back home by his sister (Haley Bennett) after Bev (Adams) has relapsed and overdosed. The real story starts here as we go back and forth between the important events that shaped his childhood and his current situation.
ILLUSTRATION BY KYIESHA CHAVEZ | VIEWPOINTS
One of the main characters, Mamaw Vance (Glenn Close), in “Hillbilly Elegy,” is shown alongside another woman of the Vance Family , Bev Vance (Amy Adams). Ron Howard directed the film.
Glenn Close is amazing in her role as Mamaw, J.D.’s grandmother and matriarch of the family. She completely transforms for this role with elaborate prosthetics and hours in makeup and hair — the outcome being that she looks exactly like the real Mamaw Vance. She takes this role seriously and shows us the true fierceness and tough love of an Appalachian grandmother. Adams is also something t o a d m i r e a s B e v Va n c e , showcasing a real life picture of a mother who lost herself after having children young and not being able to find her way back until they’re already grown. Director Ron Howard and writer Vanessa Taylor produced an organic and natural film. It’s as if we were reading it straight from the book. The film is conscious of never looking down on the characters, making us realize that the term “hillbilly” is a term of endearment for the people who wear it with pride. We see that they are given the short-end of the stick in life and the rest of America has left them behind to fend for themselves. The movie leaves you with a feeling that reflects the title — a sense of loss and mourning as you watch tidbits of what this family has experienced through different generations. In the end, I was left in tears at an artful display of one of America’s most relatable problems.
Flakey plot, annoying characters drive ‘Freaky’ film STEPHANIE ARENAS STAFF REPORTER
Director Christopher Landon created an interesting twist inspired by the likes of “Freaky Friday” in his new film “Freaky.” The film revolves around a 17-year-old girl named Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton) who switches bodies with the town’s serial killer known as the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn). While an interesting idea, the movie has many problems throughout. In the beginning, we meet Kessler ’s best friends Nyla (Celeste O’Connor) and Josh (Misha Osherovich). Although both characters are thoroughly enjoyable, it seems the writers wanted to perpetuate major stereotypes on Josh. Josh is a flamboyant gay man who often dreams of getting together with straight
men. Despite the cast’s diversity, stereotypes such as these harm the LGBTQ+ community more than they help it. Another flaw in regard to the film involves the character switch itself. Before Kessler switches bodies with the Blissfield Butcher, she is shy and an overall depressing person to be around. However, that character trait is immediately thrown out the door once she is in the Blissfield Butcher’s body. Suddenly, she is outgoing, confident and bold — very out of character from what she was portraying before. Speaking of the body switch, the reason why Kessler switches bodies in the first place is because she is attacked by the Blissfield Butcher with a magic dagger. She finds herself in this situation when her mother forgets to pick her up from school after consuming a ton of alcohol. It seems like the movie was heading in a direction in which
ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN NAVARRO | VIEWPOINTS
“Freaky” is a comedy/slasher twist on the age-old body swap premise seen in films like “Freaky Friday” and “The Hot Chick.” the mother’s alcoholism gets in the way of everything. But this issue is never brought up again after this incident, which leads you to wonder: Why did the writers add this? The movie is marketed as a slasher/comedy film, yet the actual slasher scenes are quite
boring and predictable. The characters who are killed off are so annoying that it was actually satisfying to see them die. However, the kills in the movie do not even matter to the plot. At one point, Kessler, in the Blissfield Butcher’s body, sees one of her classmate’s corpse
and is horrified. But in the next scene, she acts as if nothing had happened at all, not even mentioning it to her friends. It seems that this film has a common theme of bringing an important issue up and then never mentioning it again. Vaughn is definitely the star of the film. His character has amazing chemistry with both Nyla and Josh, and he passionately plays the role of the Kessler after the body switch. The scenes where the trio are getting themselves into wacky hijinks are the best parts of the film, as it is fun and filled with adrenaline. Together, those three actors steal the show. Overall, if you are expecting a great horror movie with cool and thrilling murder scenes, then prepare to be disappointed. “Freaky,” as a whole, is a pretty average movie with nothing special about it. However, it is still a fun film to watch in the background with a small group of friends.
“For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate. - Margaret Heffernan
VIEWS
December 3, 2020
13
California housing overpriced
Desirability of area should not result in sleeping in streets
ASHLEY HAYNER OPINIONS EDITOR
The more popular the state, the more crowded it gets. People can’t seem to get enough of this all-around gorgeous state. I can’t blame them for it either. California is one of very few states where you can enjoy all four seasons in one day. You can literally wake up on a Wednesday afternoon, enjoy the beach on a warm November day, drive to Big Bear to enjoy the snow. After a good snowboard run, you can enjoy your hot top like it’s a spring day and later cuddle up by the fireplace on cold fall evening. Like I said, it’s no wonder everyone wants to move here. But because of the enjoyable
PHOTO COURTESY OF RESPRES | FLICKR
weather, California has become overly populated and the cost of living has skyrocketed. The Golden State is the most populated state in the nation and the third most expensive to live in. The price of living has gone so high that many Americans who would have been considered middle class 20 years ago are lucky if they are homeowners today. According to PropertyShark’s 2019 Real Estate Report, 91 of
the 100 most expensive cities in the country are in California. Once upon a time, the most expensive of homes were actually priced at under $1 million. Times have changed. As California overpopulates, living spaces are stacked on top of one another and traffic becomes more unbearable each day. Any time is a bad time to drive. Homes, apartments and spots on sidewalks or under bridges will continue to be filled,
though, regardless of how high the cost of living is. Someone will be making their way in. But when is too much too much? Most people are not born into royalty and riches. Many can no longer afford to pay the rent, keep the utilities on, make their car payment and still pay other bills on time, especially now with the pandemic. How do regular people make it? The opportunities are slimming with each passing day.
Minimum wage is $13 in our area and employers in some industries make sure to keep from giving their workers too many hours. Working 32 hours a week at $13 per hour makes it hard to afford even a 600 square foot studio apartment in a low income neighborhood. Nowadays these units start off at $1500 per month. According to the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, rent in California is 50% higher than the rest of the country. On top of that, voters in what is considered one of the most liberal states failed to approve Proposition 21 this year, which would have expanded local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential properties. Taxes are already high and the desirability of California should not be a reason to further gouge people’s pockets. The lack of affordable housing is also vastly contributing to the state’s homelessness problem, which at this point can be seen almost everywhere. The California Dream is dying. You now need more than a dream, more than the car your parents gave you after high school, and more than the $300 in your savings account to make it here. It’s starting to seem like success in this state requires $1 million in your pocket and a back-up plan.
Forgotten epidemic continues to take lives Different approach to substance abuse necessary in America
ERIK GALICIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As COVID-19 continues to ravage the entire world, another horrific deadly disease has faded into the background, where it continues to thrive. This seemingly never ending American epidemic emerged long before our current pandemic. It has taken different forms in different decades, but the result
has always been the same: jails, institutions and death. Addiction has destroyed families and taken lives for thousands of years and will likely continue to do so until the human species is no more. We are hardwired for addictive behavior. That does not mean we can continue to ignore that our approach to addiction is a failure. Drug overdose deaths have increased astronomically in the past 20 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths increased every year from 1997 to 2017, when 70,237 people died of overdoses. That number dipped in 2018 but rose again to 70,980 last year. Overall, the country has experienced an over 400% increase in overdose deaths since 1997. This is unacceptable. Society often perceives addicts as low life criminals who are undeserving of any time and effort. What society forgets is that those addicts are
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE BUISSINNE | PIXABAY
sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and parents. Addiction is a family disease. It is true that at a certain point it is up to the addict to make the moves necessary for recovery and success. But it is up to us as a society to ensure they have the resources necessary for recovery if and when these addicts decide it is time for a change. It is too late for too many.
Granted, with the rise of drugs like fentanyl and the resurgence of heroin, the opioid epidemic promises thousands of deaths in the coming years. People will die regardless of how many services are offered due to the unpredictable nature of each hit. But opioid overdoses often take place at the physical start of a relapse. A user’s tolerance drops during clean time and
attempting to return to active use with a pre-abstinence level dose is extremely dangerous. What are we doing to keep these addicts from reaching that point? Not enough. The call is not for the legalization of drugs, it is for the treatment of addiction as a medical issue rather than a criminal one. This approach has seen success. Portugal decriminalized drugs in 2001, becoming the first country in the world to do so. By 2016, its drug-induced death rate was five times lower than the rest of the European Union and was just 2% of America’s. The country also heavily invested in mental health services and drug outreach teams that work at the ground-level. As a result, Portugal has seen a decrease in overall drug use. Meanwhile, we continue to see bodies pile up in America. We must consider alternative avenues now in order to give our loved ones a fighting chance.
14
Views
December 3, 2020
The election is over
Editorial
Claims of fraud attempt to bypass democracy The United States has been lucky enough that every transition of power since the nation’s first in 1797 has been peaceful. Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the nation's 46th president on Jan. 20, 2021. President Donald Trump and the Republican party must concede their loss peacefully. Trump is attempting to bypass the voice of the nation and creating a crisis among millions of Americans who have listened to his false claims. The Trump Administration has filed dozens of lawsuits claiming fraudulence in the 2020 Election. These lawsuits must be seen for what they are: nothing more than an attempt to undermine democracy. This behavior stems from Trump’s inability to accept defeat — he did the same when he lost the 2016 Iowa Caucuses to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Trump and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani attempted to force election officials to stop counting ballots and certify election results in numerous areas of Pennsylvania. They have done the same in Michigan. In Georgia, they attempted to have 53 ballots disqualified. Fortunately for the country, over 30 of the lawsuits have been thrown out due to lack of evidence of fraud that the Trump Administration claims took place. At first, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised a “smooth transition to a second Trump Administration,” but many prominent conservatives are reluctantly realizing it’s over. Republican Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor who has staunchly supported the president, concisely summed up the situation during an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “Elections have consequences and we cannot continue to act as if something happened here that didn’t happen,” Christie said Nov. 22. The president’s unsubstantiated claims have destabilized faith in our electoral process to the point where millions of Americans are turning against the network that has provided them a safe space for decades. Fox News personality Laura Ingraham walked on eggshells when she finally vocalized reality during “The Ingraham Angle” on Nov.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE | WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona in October 2016. Arizona flipped blue during the 2020 Presidential Election for the first time since 1996. 23, assuring viewers that her take did not “constitute being a sellout to the conservative populist movement.” She chose her words carefully due to the backlash the network has received for their election coverage. Trump may have at one point symbolized a glimmer of hope for a certain demographic — the poor, White, Christian voters who before 2015 felt abandoned by two parties who shifted their pandering to the increasingly diverse sector. He reached out to dying coal mining towns in West Virginia, to religious grandmothers who simply wanted to see abortion abolished, and to all who felt they were being forgotten in a country that used to belong solely to them. He managed to attract increasingly diverse voters as his term went on. But in the end, his actions as president resulted in his rejection by the majority. That is all there is to it. Those unwilling to accept the outcome of the election should recognize that they have
been subjected to conditioning for months. Trump began preparing his voters for this tantrum as soon as talks of increasing mail-in voting began due to COVID-19 earlier this year. He influenced his supporters, many of whom disregard pandemic safety guidance, against voting by mail. Consequently, Democrats, who are more likely to abide by pandemic safety guidance, were more likely to vote by mail. Joe Biden’s surge in votes once absentee ballots were counted was not an inexplicable phenomenon. It was actually rather predictable. Even as the General Services Administration acknowledged the beginning of the formal transitioning process, the president continues to golf, skip meetings and deny his loss. In doing so, he cements his legacy. The American public must move on from the childish antics of the 2020 Election. The arguments to be had are about the policy decisions that await us in the next four years.
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.
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“Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.” -LeBron James
SPORTS
December 3, 2020
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LA championships mean more this time Dodgers celebrate drive-thru style, city looks at other possibilities LESLY GONZALEZ STAFF REPORTER
Although the year has been ripe with gloom, Southern California received some sunshine with the Dodgers and Lakers both winning a championship this fall. But COVID-19 and the regulations the pandemic requires as cases rise and fall have cast doubt on the possibility of the traditional celebratory parades seen when Los Angeles wins a title. Wi t h t h e m a j o r i t y o f California in the most-restrictive purple tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, it is unlikely a parade will happen anytime soon. But the championship wins remain especially meaningful to Southern California fans. To many fans, the Dodgers and Lakers win was emotional due to the long wait for a championship to return to L.A. Many fans have also lost loved ones who they used to watch games with — die hard fans who did not get to see their teams rise to glory once again. “I used to watch the games with my father,” said Brian Ixta, of Chino. “Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago and all I could think about after the Dodgers won was how happy and excited he would have been if he was here.” The untimely death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash Jan. 26 also added to the meaning of the teams’ championship win this year. The Lakers dedicated the win to number 24, tweeting “job’s finished” Oct. 12 in response to Bryant’s famous quote “job’s not finished” from the 2009 NBA Finals. LeBron James’ tweets have reflected the importance of these
ILLUSTRATION BY DANI REBOLLEDO | VIEWPOINTS
This is the first year since 1988 that both the Lakers and Dodgers won championships simultaneously.
wins to Los Angeles, a city dying to celebrate something despite COVID-19 safety restrictions. “Man, can we please have a parade,” James asked on Twitter, before answering his own question. “I know I know we can’t but d--- I want to celebrate with our @lakers and @dodgers fans. LA is the city of champions.” The Dodgers began conducting a drive-thru celebration at Chavez Ravine on Nov. 27. For $55 per vehicle, fans can watch a light show and displays honoring the team’s victory from the safety of their cars. The drive-thru experience will run through Dec. 24, but tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Eric Garcetti, the city’s mayor, has also proposed an event at the Griffith Park Observatory in north Los Angeles. He said on social media that he is open to suggestions. “Let’s talk,” Garcetti tweeted in response to James on Oct 27. “I’m down for anything safe. And so proud of you and the team. Thank you for ending our 32year drought. And @KingJames you and the Lakers deserve the same. Thank you both and the @Dodgers and @Lakers for the best single month in LA sports history.” Vincent Robinson, a Dodgers fan from Long Beach, is open to the idea of one celebration for both teams. “Once would be good enough,” Robinson said. “They don’t want to draw massive crowds twice. We just hope that L.A. can keep it under control.” Robinson, like many fans, remains hopeful for the future. “(COVID-19) numbers going down will get us closer and closer to what every Angelino wants: a parade,” he said.
