Aug. 27, 2012
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.
Riverside, CA | www.viewpointsonline.org
Vol. xci, No. 1
Riverside City College
Tigers ready to pounce RCC football starts a new season as one of the elite programs in the state For a
sports story
see Pages 6-7
Gerard quevedo / staff photographer
Picking up from last year: Riverside City College football starts a new season in a new conference with first-year players in starting positions. The Tigers are coming off a 11-0 season in 2011 and heads into the 2012 season as the No. 7 team in the nation for community college football teams.
Parking permits cost raise this semester page 2
RCC women’s water polo defends title page 10
Returning students prioritize page 5
2 | Aug. 27, 2012
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
News
RCC hires new athletic director After a long summer search, Derrick Johnson was chosen as the new athletic director of Riverside City College. Johnson has a bachelors degree in Journalism/Mass Communications with a concentration in public relations, has served as an assistant athletic director and sports information director, has coached baseball and has played professional baseball for the Florida Marlins. “He has come up through the ranks and knows what every position does and the importance of communication with the media,” said Cynthia Azari, president of RCC. “He’s extremely qualified and I know he’ll do a great job.”
Stay Classy receives grant to host writers The Stay Classy Creative Writing Club will continue its success and host a range of new poets this semester. This is made possible by Poets and Writers Inc. through a grant from the James Irvine Foundation. “It is an honor to know that our small club is really beginning to reach out more to the community,” said Alexandra Contreras, president of the club. “We hope that everyone has a chance to come out to RCC and experience all of our author readings.”
Bookstore offers free e-textbook for seven days The Riverside City College bookstore now allows students access to an e-textbook free for seven days. This will be especially beneficial to students who do not receive their financial aid for the first week of school as they can rely on this new option. First students must download the program nook study by Barnes and Noble and then can download the e-textbook free for seven days when placing their order online.
ASRCC implements Tiger Pride Day Associated Students of RCC is introducing a new monthly event this semester which has been dubbed Tiger Pride Day. “Tiger Pride Day is a new thing were launching this year to raise awareness about the school in general,” said Micah Carlson, marketing advertising and promotions director of ASRCC. “The school already spent a lot of time in giving itself this recognition and brand so were trying to attach to that and unify the students.” The first Tiger Pride Day is for Sept. 6. In addition students will receive ten percent off at the cafeteria and get a free gift from ASRCC if they wear school colors.
Club rush to be held in the fourth week of school Associated Students of RCC will take part in hosting club rush which will be held on Sept. 18 and 19. Club Rush is designed to get students involved on campus and to introduce the various clubs to students. “Club Rush is about promoting all of the clubs and activities we have here on campus,” said Doug Figueroa, president of ASRCC. “One of the things I ran on is about getting students involved whether in a club, organization or for the day so they can carry it on from here and plus it gives them something fun to do.”
Important information to remember • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Here are a few important dates for Fall 2012. Holiday; classes not in session: Sept. 3 Last day to add classes: Sept. 7 Last day to drop classes without a W: Sept. 7 Last day to apply for a degree or certificate for fall 2012: Oct. 15 Holiday; classes not in session: Nov. 12 Last day to drop with a W: Nov. 16 Holiday; Classes not in session: Nov. 22-25 Final Exams: Dec. 8-14 Here are the office hours for essential student services. Admissions and Records, Counseling: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bookstore: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City Grill: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Health Services: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Student Financial Services: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Luis Solis / Staff photographer
Time to pay: Students can expect to pay more for parking permits.
RCC increases parking permit fees Andrea Cabral Staff writer Students will have to dig deeper into their pockets because Riverside City College raised the cost of parking permits to $50 for the new fall semester and $25 for the summer semester. RCC was allowed to do this because of legislation which was passed that allows increases in parking fees. The legislation was permitted through an educational code that now allows the school to charge students $150 a school year for parking, but RCC was permitted to charge only $125 a school year. Faculty members are also expected to pay the parking permit fee. A parking officer said faculty members have more of an option for buying the permits. Solutions Credentials gives faculty members the opportunity to buy a permit through a private party and get it delivered during an acceptable time frame through a website equivalent to WebAdvisor for students. RCC has seen its fair share of fee increases in the last year. During the 2012 summer session the cost of units went up. “I think that the increase in parking permit prices are unnecessary and makes it harder for students to park on campus,” said RCC student Breanne Hull. “We already have had a large increase in cost of classes per unit.” Some students believe that the parking fees should be incorporated in the student service fees. “It’s bad enough our classes and books are always rising in price,” said RCC student
Jennifer Ortiz. “Now this is just another way to burn through our pockets.” Some students have even said that it’s not worth parking at the school anymore. Parking at a different location is becoming more common among students. Staff parking does take a substantial amount of parking. The staff parking near the math and sciences building takes up a good portion of the parking. A student brought up the idea that staff should have their own parking area so that all students can use the permitted parking however officers believe parking will be accessible for students. “We are not anticipating any problems this year,” Sergeant Jack Kohlmeyer said. “There is adequate parking.” Parking will also be affected by the amount of students that will enroll this year. Since the new parking structure has been built it has added 1,170 parking spaces. Brandon Gonzales says if he’s paying $50, he better get a decent enough parking spot and shouldn’t have to be looking for an hour and a half. Unfortunately, purchasing a parking permit is the more practical thing to do. It’s a $45 ticket if the parking permit is not displayed properly. Hull says she will continue to park at the school because parking is prohibited in most places surrounding the school, she doesn’t really have any other option. “As for parking permits, sadly I will cave in and buy one just for convenience,” Ortiz said.
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News
Aug. 27, 2012 | 3
Serving students since 1922
Riverside implements reforms
RCC guarantees freshman students to graduate in two years under Completion Counts Jeremy Fuerte Interim News Editor For the first time in the city’s history, instructors from Riverside Unified School District, Alvord Unified School District, Riverside City College and the UC Riverside will work together to improve the curriculum and make students better prepared for college coursework. Riverside was one of four cities chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National League of Cities to receive a $12 million grant for an innovative proposal to boost college graduation rates. “The three million over three years will go a long way towards updating the curriculum and training teachers in order to better prepare students for college level coursework,” said Lizette Navarette, youth and education coordinator for the office of the mayor. The program titled the Completion Counts Initiative is aimed towards increasing the high school graduation rate from 79 to 90 percent, increase college enrollment from 42 to 62 percent, increase the graduation rate at a two year institution from 14 to 42 percent and increase the graduation rate at four year universities from 66 to 72 percent by 2020. “These goals may seem high, but at the end of the day we wanted to pick goals that research showed would be a challenge to attain yet be attainable all the same,” said Angel Rodriguez, strategic communication specialists for the office of the mayor. As part of Completion Counts Initiative, RCC has created the two-year completion guarantee for all students graduating from RUSD and AUSD in the graduating class of 2012 or later. In order to be eligible for the program, students must test into Math 35 and English 60, meet with a counselor to establish an education plan, complete the free application for student financial aid, be enrolled in at least 15 units and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
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cope with the added demand of the students enrolled in the program, the city is using part of the grant to help fund additional classes. “$142,000 is being used to fund math, English, and reading classes in order to ensure there are enough classes for those enrolled in the program and to ensure that additional students who aren’t will still have options,” Rodriguez said. Many current students still have objections with the program at RCC. “I’m just a bit shocked at the
This program was designed really to address a national problem at the city level “We chose those benchmarks because research has shown that students who enter into college with those skills have a much higher completion rate than those who don’t,” Navarette said. Students who meet all of the requirements and are enrolled in the program are granted priority registration and a seat in the class. In all, 358 students are enrolled in the program for the fall 2012 semester. In order to help RCC
-- Angel Rodriguez
moment,” said Kemari King, a current student at RCC. “They only have to maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to sit in the valuable seats of students who have maintained GPAs well over that and yet every semester have to basically beg teachers to let them in.” In addition to the requirements, students are also questioning why only RUSD and AUSD students are allowed to be enrolled in the program. “I think it shouldn’t be limited
Jackie Trejo / Staff illustrator
road to success: Freshman students graduating from RUSD and AUSD are now being guaranteed to graduate from RCC in two years. to Riverside High Schools but should be open to all schools within Riverside County,” said Nathan Kane, a current student at RCC. “Making this opportunity specific to Riverside school districts seems unfair. High school students from across the county deserve a fair chance at this perk too.” Despite this desire, Riverside is bound within the limits of its own city and the limits set within the grant. “The grant was only established for the program to include the city of Riverside,” Rodriguez said. “We are bound within the city limits and at the end of the day we are unable to encroach upon city lines and establish protocols within those cities schools.”
The mayors office hopes that this program becomes a beacon for the education reform in ailing cities across the state and country. “Poor graduation rates aren’t a problem unique to Riverside but is one that can be seen across the
country,” Rodriguez said. “This program was designed really to address a national problem at the city level. Our hope moving forward is that this program is a success and we can build upon its success in the future.”
Viewpoints
Opinions
4 | Aug. 27, 2012
Serving students since 1922
Viewpoints Staff
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Javier Cabrera (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR Destiny Rivera 951-222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org ADVERTISING MANAGER 951-222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace James Burns INTERIM NEWS EDITOR Jeremy Fuerte news@viewpointsonline.org INTERIM OPINIONS EDITOR Dominique Smith opinions@viewpointsonline.org
Wikimedia
Jump start: Riverside City College has offered a two-year completion to seniors graduating from
Riverside and Alvord school districts after the college received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National League of Cities.
INTERIM SPORTS EDITOR James Williams sports@viewpointsonline.org
Freshmen come first
STAFF
The beginning of this new semester at RCC brings a new policy not seen before. If you have not heard about the two-year education plan through the grapevine you may hear about it soon. Students coming to RCC from the Riverside School District and Alvord School District have been given an option to sign a contract that would allow them priority registration on the condition that they take 15 units a semester and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. An estimated 4,000 to 8,000 students will not be able to take classes because of ongoing budget cuts and unavailability of classes according to an article from The Press-Enterprise. This plan also does not extend to Norco College or Moreno Valley College, and is only offered to students from the two districts. It seems for years students have fallen through the cracks at RCC and education has always been optional. This plan is geared toward finally changing that hard reality. Part time education might become a thing of the past: seats are not getting filled, the drop rates are climbing higher, it’s more beneficial to work for most students and keeping 12 units is hard enough. Perhaps an educational plan with the strict rules and guidelines could be a wave of the future at RCC, however it seems to only give Riverside School District students this option is a bit counterproductive. All college freshmen should be able to sign this contract that requires you to be in at least Math 35 and English 60 and guarantees you to finish your classes early and on time for an AA degree or transfer degree. Perhaps this might yield a higher graduation rate for students, until then it is a waiting game. The guidelines resemble that of CAP program, EOPS and Disability programs that are offered to students who
Andrea Cabral Courtney Coleman Matthew Dziak Sean Egle Devon Everett Jarred Jackson Lizbeth Landeros Conner Munson Susan Parker Stacey Patino Gerard Quevedo Luis Solis Jackie Trejo Juliana Zapata
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less. Deliver letters to the Viewpoints office in the room behind the Assessment Building. Viewpoints reserves the right to edit letters for space and to reject libelous or obscene letters. Letters to the editor and columns represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Viewpoints staff, Viewpoints faculty advisers, student government, faculty, administration nor the Board of Trustees.
want priority registration but only require you to take 12 units. These programs will still exist and are still an option for the students left out of this two year plan because of the district requirements. Getting rid of students who drop classes too frequently and do not take enough units is fine and dandy, however will the students already here at RCC have to suffer consequences like getting pushed out by the onslaught of new students? It seems like California budget cuts have caused the college system to be more insensitive as each semester and school year marches on. A long time ago at RCC the longer you were student the better your registration date would be, now students who have taken longer to get their degree are getting sorted to the bottom, or at least that is the way it has been the last three semesters here. Most students who enroll to take classes here at RCC have the same goals: to take classes and to finish their education. Students who do not show up and do what they have to do should be penalized yes, but allowing an option that only picks a small group is too little too late. It is important to say that this plan is optional and it is geared towards giving freshman a better opportunity in the future. Students already here and other freshman looking to be a tiger are going to have a tougher time. What if you simply can not take 15 units a semester, or have a job or children? Is the door going to be closed to them. These are just some questions that will get answered over time. This plan most likely will be revised and revised over the years we just have to wait and see if it’s as beneficial as the administration initially thinks. Maybe college education really is not for everyone.
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints student editorial board.
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Aug. 27, 2012
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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2012 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.
Viewpoints
Opinions
Aug. 27, 2012 | 5
Serving students since 1922
Loans are strain for retirees dominique smith Staff Writer Once upon a time we would all pile into the car on summer vacations and go to grandma’s house. We wait all year for school to be over until we reach freedom, freshly baked cookies, cable TV and whatever granny felt like spoiling us with at the time. Now we’re all grown up and trips to grandma’s house may be out of the question, because of the mountain of debt senior citizens are facing; and it may be your fault. Defaulted student loans are the reason 115,000 senior citizens receiving social security benefits have experienced a $190 dollar pay decrease. Most of returning students at Riverside City College or fresh new faces may have been asked, when trying to obtain student loans, for a Co-signer. If you asked your grandparents,
then you may have to factor in the risk of their future as well as yours. The reality is there is an 85 million dollar loan debt amongst the elderly from the age ranges of 60 and older. Continuing education has a price tag and it really will follow you to the grave. According to the Debt Act of 1996, the Government is not allowed to garnish wages on social security under $750; however that leaves retirement checks very light. It used to be: save all of your money, get a good education and get a good job. In this current economic climate, it seems nothing more than a pipe dream. Most Americans don’t start saving money for retirement until they are 48 to 64 years of age, not leaving much of a nest egg. It is a scary thought that a college career can end in a balland-chain debt situation that cannot be shed by bankruptcy. It is an even scarier thought that it can all be in vain. With the economic crisis growing bigger, $750 is just a little less than minimum wage. Student loans are a bit of a necessary evil, education is not cheap and being penalized for wanting to better yourself seems like a far reach, yet we carry on
and it just might end up that, by the time we retire, there simply just won’t be any money. There are talks about social security stretching at least 20 more years, and then only being able to make up for 75 percent of its payments, we might not even see social security at the end of our lifetime. Social security was signed into law on Aug. 14, 1934 by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the greatest economic crisis the United States had ever experienced, for the greater good of the working man to have something to look forward to. President Roosevelt got us out of one great depression, if only there was a time machine to ask the eight term president how to fix this current state of disaster. It would be wrong to discourage students from getting student loans, because they are beneficial and do help for the time being, but making sure you keep up your payments and get them taken care of is the biggest concern you will have to face. It may be a long time before this debt crisis gets fixed and adding on to it is a bad ideal. Simply not being able to afford your payment won’t fly any longer and it is a shame that, once again, the elderly have to pick up the price tag for yet another failure in the economic system.
Stacey Patino / Illustrator
Educational Debt: Senior citizens are being affected by student loans that they have taken out for their children, grandchildren or even themselves.
On going frustration comes along with registration
Devon everett Staff Writer College can be difficult, but it’s not nearly as difficult as the registration process for some students. A handful of students may have priority registration, but for a majority of students getting the classes you need to graduate seems more like a game of Russian Roulette. Several classes, especially low-tier classes, tend to fill up quickly. This creates problems for students who may need to take these classes to keep themselves on track for graduation. Registration is a troublesome process for most students. It begins with them finding out their registration date. At this point, they start wondering if they will get their classes. Then they finally get to register. Usually at this point, their first picks of classes are already taken,
so they scramble in hopes that they will get the classes they want or need and not have to take unnecessary classes. Students always wonder if all of their classes will be available when they attempt to register as a full-time student. Some students decide to take classes not on their education plan just to receive full-time financial aid; the problem here is that these students take slots in a class from students that actually need it. This usually leaves students waitlisting for classes. And waitlisting for classes is a nightmare. Different instructors have different methods of selecting students from their waitlists, so the students never really know if they’ll get into these classes. This process makes students cross their fingers and sweat in anxiety before the semester even begins, much like a skydiver with a failing parachute. Registration starts nearly six weeks before classes do, however, only a small percentage of students get to register that early. At this point, several of the majorspecific classes are nearly full or waitlisted, turning the simple act of registration into a lottery. Priority registration is available only to a limited number of students. Most students aren’t even eligible for the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, Disabled Students’
Stacey Patino / Illustrator
Being in a hole: College students like the ones at Riverside City College have to deal with the dilemma of competing to get into classes with other students during registration. Programs and Services, and Veterans Services. These are the only programs that have ways to attain priority registration. Everyone else has to go about registration the old-fashioned way. Generally, the longer you attend, the higher you get pushed up the registration list. Sylvia Thomas, chairwoman of the Riverside Community College District’s Order of Registration Task Force reported to The PressEnterprise that RCCD is making changes to enable new students to gain priority registration. This will, in turn, push higherunit students farther down the conga line.
Is it fair for new students to get priority registration when returning students aren’t getting any sort of priority? Please, RCCD, don’t play games with us. Most students don’t want to be at RCC for more than two years working on their associates’ degree. There should be another way to earn priority registration. A meritbased priority registration system could work, so that the better your grades are, the higher priority you could gain. The drawback here would be that if someone wasn’t the strongest scholastically, he or she would get penalized and potentially lose priority.
Another idea is a fixed-schedule plan. Counselors could make a rigid plan of the classes students need to take and have them take those classes at set intervals. While this would take some of the freedom out of going to college, administrators will know which classes they need to provide. Or, we could all pull straws out of a hat. Then again, most students are tired of games. So, is there a solution to this problem? It’s hard to say, but there may be a solution out there somewhere and perhaps hope. Finding a solution to this issue may be a challenge, but then again, college can be too.
Viewpoints
6 | Aug. 27, 2012
Serving students since 1922
Sports
A season full of promising success Matthew Dziak Staff Writer
Sports Column As the roar from the eager Tigers fans engulfed the sold out Wheelock Stadium, and the frigid autumn breeze swirled, Quarterback Dalton Livingston took a knee out of the victory formation sealing the win and capping off the second undefeated season in Riverside City College football history. This was the last image Tigers fans had of their football team as they waited nine long months for the glorious return of the boys of fall. With a new season, no returning starters on offense, a new transfer quarterback, and a new, more competitive conference, the same expectations still exist. As the late Hall-of-Fame Raiders owner Al Davis would put it, “Just win baby win.” Quarterback Tyler Shreve, who led the Redlands East Valley High School team to the state semifinals back in 2008, has transferred from the University of Utah and will be the new leader going forward in Tom Craft’s offense. 2011 star players such as wide receiver Sadale Foster, quarterback Dalton Livingston, linebacker
Zaire Anderson, among several others, have all transferred and are now playing at Division I NCAA teams. However the foundation has been laid after two successful seasons under Tom Craft, a twotime state champion and former Mt. San Antonio College coach, the Tigers are preparing for another repeat of last year. The 2011 undefeated season was capped off by a Golden State Bowl 31-14 victory over Saddleback College, where the Tigers’ ferocious defense was vital in forcing three interceptions and sacking the duo of Gauchos quarterbacks an astonishing nine times. Although the Tigers defeated the defending champion Mt. San Antonio Mounties in a 29-26 thriller, they did not qualify for the state playoff tournament and were robbed of their chance to compete for a state championship. Hoping to make that lucrative tournament, the Tigers, rank No. 7 by JCgridiron.com, have moved to the more competitive National Central Conference with powerhouses such as Long Beach City College, El Camino (rank No. 6) as well as the perennial champion Mt. San Antonio Mounties (rank No. 1). The expected showdown between Riverside and Mt. San Antonio will be the season finale
Gerard Quevedo / Staff Photographer
A promising road: Riverside City College football heads into a new stage in its history as it looks to climb to a new platform with a new set of players. on November 10, on an autumn afternoon at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut at 1 p.m. where the Tigers will look to steal the division title away from the Mounties in their first year in the National Central Conference.
The road matchups will be a dangerous challenge for Riverside including rematches against Saddleback College and Citrus College, as well as Long Beach City College all of which have the ability to upset the Tigers on their
road to repeating their undefeated 2011 season. The Tigers open their 2012 season on the road against Ventura College on September 1, and will have their home opener September 8, against Palomar College.
Viewpoints
Aug. 27, 2012 | 7
Serving students since 1922
Sports
Tigers seek to swipe for glory James Williams Interim Sports Editor
Gerard Quevedo / Staff Photographer
Hard contact: Riverside City College football’s defensive
lineman Wade Smith, left, tries to get passed offensive lineman Kenny Armstrong.
The Riverside City College football team looks to build off the 2011 season, in which they went 11-0 in its second season under coach Tom Craft. The team faces a number of new conference opponents, as it was placed in the National Central Conference last December. The Tigers were ineligible to play for the state championship last season because they were in the second tier of the Southern California Football Association. The Association states that the teams in the first tier are the only teams able to play for the state title. RCC was left to face Saddleback College in the Golden State Bowl game where Riverside won the game, 31-14. Riverside starts the season on Sept. 1 on the road against Ventura College, as it heads into the season with new players in starting roles on offense and defense. The Tigers will have their home opener the following week against Palomar College on Sept. 8. “We have some team tough contest early, with Ventura on the road, coming back with Palomar, and going to Saddleback,” Craft
said. “Those are three early tests.” The Tigers had 35 players from the 2011 roster that transferred on a football scholarship to four year universities. Some of the players including running back Sadale Foster, linebacker Will Smith and defensive lineman Lee Adams, who will be attending Texas Tech and linebacker Eddie Lackey, who is going to Baylor. “We look like we have not missed a beat,” said sophomore running back EJ Schexnayder. “Just like last season, everyone is
out there competing trying to earn a spot.” With no returning starters on the Tigers’ offense, the offense that will be ran by a new group of talent including a transfer University of Utah transfer Tyler Shreve to lead the huddle. Shreve said the team is coming together as a whole and the chemistry is strong. “We are trying to make improvements every day,” he said. Shreve said the team’s goal this season is get a national state championship.
Gerard Quevedo / Staff Photographer
Clashing the bags: Riverside City College football’s defensive linemen practice blocking out to protect their quarterback in the pocket.
Viewpoints
8 | Aug. 27, 2012
Serving students since 1922
Top missed summer albums Connor Munson Staff Writer
The summer is no more a season, than it is an idea. The youth are freed to wreak havoc and run rampant through the suburban sprawl, or depending on your geolocation, wallow in pools of sweat from Mars-like heat. The summer is a time for art to flourish. One must wade through the fecund swampland of popular media to find the fruits of the season. Here are this summer’s possibly undiscovered gems: DIIV is a new band fronted by Beach Fossils guitarist, Zachary Cole Smith. In their first release, Oshins, fans of indie rock, dream pop, and spacey shoe gaze will find themselves enveloped by a superbly recorded album with all of the teenage disillusionment heard in similar projects like “Wild Nothing.” Oshins is a 13 track album that draws influence from grunge acts like Nirvana or post-punk titans, Joy Division. With standouts such as, “How Long Have You Known”, Oshins will keep heads bobbing for months to come. The perfect summer band, Beach House, has released
“Bloom” this summer, the fourth studio album to be released by the Baltimore dream pop duo. Following the commercial success of the bands previous LP, Teen Dream, the lush guitar and synth melodies continue on Bloom, yet seem to be further cultivated and emotionally enticing. Blooming, just as the title suggests, Victoria Legrand, the lead singer/keyboardist and her guitarist Alex Scally, have arranged a stimulating piece that bolsters an inevitable catharsis. One for the classics, Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange is his major label debut, and is an R&B opus, rife with dazzlingly heartfelt lyrics and well produced instrumentals that harken back to Motown and early funk. Channel Orange is 17 tracks of Ocean’s raw emotion and show vs. tell approach to the portrayal of his dark world. Tracks like “Pink Matter” which feature Andre 3000 show his lyrical and compositional adeptness. The infectiously dancey electro-rock band, Hot Chip came out with “In Our Heads,” their fifth studio album. Released this June, “In Our Heads” is entirely self-produced and features what listeners love
most about the electropop/punkfunk group. Well produced drum beats, quirky bass synth lines and Alexis Taylor’s equally quirky vocals mesmerize the listener, pulling into each track to the wonderful world the band has so organically created. The first track released, “Flutes”, is a contender for dance track of the year and is just as emotive as it is able to envelop the listener in a deep trance. Twin Shadow is the moniker of Brooklynite, George Lewis Jr. In his second studio LP, he utilizes the romantic torment of a motorcycle accident to inspire the newest dissection of his heart, “Confess.” Similar to the last record, “Confess” draws from his ’80s influences. Haunting synths, funky drum beats, and the crooning of a man whose bravado is seemingly disgusting to even himself. Dance along, and get ready to feel something in your chest cavity, “Confess” is a classic. As fall creeps in, let these albums be a sonic companion. Take a bike ride with Beach House or take a swim in Oshins. Whatever you do, let your youth run free.
NBC’s newest reality show Courtney ColEman Staff Writer NBC’s latest reality show, “Stars Earn Stripes,” is described on NBC’s web site as an “action packed competition show that pays homage to the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed forces.” It has caused quite controversy amongst viewers. On the show celebrities team up with military operatives and firstresponse servicemen to complete missions inspired by real military exercises. Competitors who don’t complete the missions are eliminated until just one celebrity remains. Although some viewers have no problem with “Stars Earn Stripes”, other viewers have voiced that the show missed the mark in its attempt to honor our country’s servicemen and women. “(The show) isn’t even a good idea,” says Ariel Speilman who opposes the show, “it doesn’t compare to the real thing. Carrying heavy gear and shooting at targets isn’t what the military is even about.” NBC’s web site lacks a clear statement of how exactly “Stars earns Stripes” honors U.S. servicemen other than making it clear that the competitors will be donating to veteran and firstresponse charities with each mission they complete. The
celebrity who wins the overall competition also will be awarded $100,000 to donate to their charity of choice. For some viewers bringing awareness to the numerous charities mentioned in the show is enough to keep watching. “(The show) is well worth it to bring awareness… to military charities,” says Barbara Cropper, military wife and mother, “I’ll bet 99 percent of the general public who have not served or do not have a loved one currently serving, have ever even heard of these charities.” Donating to charity adds sentiment to the new reality show, but the debate in “Stars Earn Stripes” case is whether or not donating to charity justifies the proposed offensive nature of the show. “These guys are making a game out of what our troops are doing every day,” said United States Army veteran Rick Frederickson, “The stars are not earning stripes. They are having fun in a game. Our troops leave family and friends for long tours and are exposed to real threats of death and dismemberment. There is no honor in what these stars are doing.” The show’s intentions are implied with statements made throughout the “Stars Earn Stripes” premiere. Host Samantha Harris describes the competition’s
missions as “reminiscent of counterinsurgencies that have taken place all over the world”. One of the show’s celebrity competitors, Terry Crews, also says he gets to “see what soldier life is really like” during an interview. Crews later drops out of the mission within minutes after failing to swim a short distance after being dropped from a helicopter into a lake below. Dean Cain, another competitor, makes the comment “there’s a good chance I could die” in reference to the mission set up for the group. With help always seconds away, trained military personnel aiding the celebrities, and no real chance of danger, NBC has gone out of its way to ensure the safety of the competitors. Such assertions as made by Harris, Crews and Cain, have created an uproar that has lead to a number of boycotts and protests against “Stars Earn Stripes”. Some viewers have even blocked NBC in refusal to support the channel. “We are now okay selling the reputation of the military for a donation to charity,” said boycott participant Phil Debrier, “Does the end justify the means? If NBC is serious about helping vets, go back to the drawing board and create something where they can be proud of the efforts, instead of having to constantly explain their intentions.”
Destiny Rivera / Interim Managing Editor
Sunny tunes: Relive the summer through the music by listening to unique artists such as Beach House and DIIV.
‘Your Poem Here:’ this week’s winner The Stay Classy Creative Writing Club is holding a contest throughout the fall semester called “Your Poem Here.” Writers can submit poetry (1-25 lines) to stayclassycwc@hotmail.com, and
possibly get published in the next issue of Viewpoints. The next deadline is Sept. 11. The club meets every Tuesday 12:50-1:50 p.m. in Quadrangle 212.
“MURK” By Monica Becerra Today, it’s harder for her to find a meaning. Today, it’s harder for her to believe there’s an answer. Today, she feels fragile and weak. Today is beyond disaster. Today… She wonders if it will hurt To leave herself alone. How many will cry? How many can say they knew her? No…they never thought. She isn’t crying. She doesn’t feel sad. Happy she is not… But sometimes even she believes The smiles she laughs. Will there be a tomorrow? Will she miss another day? Sometimes she wonders, but Today… She wants to believe There is much more to see Even for those Who feel fragile and weak.
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9 | Aug. 27, 2012
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Inscape
Big names release new albums Lizbeth Landeros Staff Writer This September marks a big take off for the music industry with many popular names releasing their new albums. Such as, Green Day, Nelly Furtado, T.I., Ne-Yo, Pink, The Killers, and the list continues to go on. There are also many new up and coming artist debuting their very first CDs. One band for example, Imagine Dragons, released their EP “Continued Silence” in early February, and will release their album “Night Visions” on Sept. 4. After an 11 year hiatus, veterans in the music industry, No Doubt, releases their new album “Push and Shove”. Olly Murs made it big in the UK and is finally getting some recognition here in the states. His album “In Case You Didn’t Know” comes out Sept. 25. T.I. will be releasing his 8th studio album “Trouble Man” Sept. 4. In the indie scene, Two Door Cinema Club is releasing their second studio album “Beacon”. Their first studio album “Tourist History” was nothing short of awesome, with catchy singable lyrics and guitar riffs that made you want to get up and
Destiny Rivera / Interim Managing editor
September Music: New and veteran artist release must hear albums for the fall. dance, “Beacon” will be sure not to disappoint. With his soulful, charming voice, Ne-Yo will make you fall in love with his album “R.E.D.”.
Wiz Khalifa releasing his second studio album “O.N.I.F.C.” Featuring his hit single “Work Hard, Play Hard” “Battle Born” will be The
Killers’ fourth studio album. Their first single off the album, “Runaways” was a crowd pleaser, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Off to a great start
Killers. Green Day is releasing their album as a three part set. The first album “Uno” will be released in September, the second “Dos” will be out in November, and the third “Tre”, named after the drummer, will be released in January 2013. Releasing their fifth studio album, after ten years is Matchbox Twenty with “North”. Mumford & Sons will be releasing their second studio album “Babel”. The first single off the album, “I Will Wait,” premiered on Zane Lowe’s radio show in August. Since making it big with her catchy pop single “Call Me Maybe”, Carly Rae Jepsen is releasing her second studio album “Kiss” on Sept. 18. Her second single “Good Time” features Owl City and is quickly rising to the top of the charts. R&B princess’ P!nk and Nelly Furtado are also coming out with new discs. With such a huge music preview it might be hard to listen to all of them, but indie fans, hiphop fans, punk and pop fans all have something to cuddle up with via iTunes, their turn tables or old fashion car stereos. All these albums are sure to be great, make sure you are the last to check them out take a listen and definitely buy the albums.
America’s favorite fall shows return this season Destiny Rivera Interim Managing Editor While the students at Riverside City College probably have their September schedules full of classes, the local network channels have theirs full of America’s favorite television show premiers, along with some new shows that are set to air as well. NBC kicks off the excitement with its new reality show “Stars Earn Stripes”. Other reality competition shows include CW’s new show “The Next” with Gloria Estefan, John Rich, Nelly, and Joe Jonas, NBC’s “The Voice,” Fox’s “The X Factor,” CBS’s “Survivor: Philippines,” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” This year, “Dancing with
the Stars” is trying something a little different. Its contestants are returning members from past seasons. Each of the members, with the exception of only one, have made it to the finals before and six are former champions of the competition. These lucky second chance competitors are Drew Lachey, Tom Bergeron, Brooke Burke, Helio Castroneves, Gilles Marini, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Rycroft, and Bristol Palin New shows that were added to the fall schedule are NBC’s “Go On” starring Matthew Perry and “Guys with Kids” starring Anthony Anderson. Both are comedies that are sure to fit in with NBC’s original evening sitcoms, such as “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,”
and “Up all Night” which all premier Sept. 20. “The Office” is sadly coming to an end after its ninth season. It will definitely be the hardest goodbye since saying farewell to the “worlds greatest boss,” Michael Scott. CBS also has a few comedic releases like Season 2 of “Two Broke Girls,” Season 3 of “Mike and Molly,” Season 6 of “The Big Bang Theory,” and the long awaited Season 8 of “How I Met Your Mother.” The question behind the show is who is Ted Mosby’s wife, and when will she be revealed? Fans have been anticipating through the eight seasons to learn this answer. However, the true cliffhanger was left between Barney and Robin. This fall fans are sure to hear
the legendary love story that Season 7 failed to tell. Intertwining between the laughter are some suspenseful dramas that left their past season with very suspenseful endings, leaving their audiences anxious to see what the next season has in store. In the teen dramas, find out whom Regina is saying the big
“I Do” to on “Switched at Birth,” premiering on Labor Day. Also, do Finchel get back together? Glee comes back Sept. 13 on Fox. Although the excitement of the fall releases help with the excitement of starting the new semester, students should find a balance between studying and keeping up with their favorite television series.
Visit http://www.tvguide. com/ special/fall-preview/ and click on Premier Calendar to see this year’s full fall schedule of television shows.
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10 | Aug. 27, 2012
Journey for three peat begins Javier Cabrera Editor in Chief A new season awaits the Riverside City College women’s water polo team as it seeks to defend its two-time state championship run with returning and incoming players. Ending the 2011 season with a 31-1 record where its only loss came from the hands of its conference rival, Golden West College, the Tigers were able to win three major matches against its conference foe to clinch a second state championship. The only loss last season was just not a loss; it was the loss that snapped RCC’s 52-game winning streak that had started from the 2010 season. RCC managed to take revenge on Golden West for the loss by defeating Golden West on Nov. 5 in the Orange Empire Conference championship match, 6-5 in overtime, then on Nov. 12 in the Southern California championship match, 9-4, and then again on Nov. 19 in the state championship final match, 6-4. RCC women’s water polo coach David Almquist said after the season was over that the team practiced all season for Golden West because the team knew it was going to have to face Golden West for the championship so RCC had to be prepared for them. A key player last season was Brooke Koralewski, who had 34 goals, 28 assists and 58 steals, but according to assistant coach Doug
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
Scoring another title: Tara Scheibler, center, is one of the few returning water polo players who is being looked to by Riverside City College women’s water polo to lead it to another state title this season. Finfrock, Koralewski is not going to return to the team this season. “She had a little bit of a fall and she has being dealing with concussions,” Finfrock said. “It was a matter of the doctor clearing her and, as of now, the doctor said she would not be cleared for the season.” Finfrock said Koralewski is going to take care of her medical problems and then attempt to join the team next year.
“(Koralewski) was a key component for us last year; a great threat on offense and scored a lot of goals for us in big games,” Finfrock said. “We are really confident with the group coming back and we think we have a great freshmen class so we will miss her, but I don’t think that she would be a determining factor on how our season goes.” Caroline Teets and Ashley Fedler are two of the returning
players that the team is looking at to lead the team this year. “We need them to set an example in practice,” Finfrock said. “We need them to be vocal in practice and in games; they need step up and perform, and set the example for the freshmen that have came in this year.” With a target on the team’s back, RCC knows other teams are going to give it their best performance but Finfrock said
since he and Almquist took over the program that the goal each year has been to win a state title. “I think that it is tough early in the season because you are always trying to put the pieces together, and you are trying to get your team to function as a whole,” he said. “We are excited for the group coming back and the group coming in this year and we think we have the potential to be there at the end again.”
RCC men’s water polo hopes for an upgrade Dominique Smith Interim Opinions editor The Riverside City College men’s water polo is looking to build off of last season’s performance with a new roster. The men’s water polo coach, Nate Hass, has been working very hard to compose a solid team that will get the job done this fall. The Tigers were one game shy from making it into the playoffs last season and this year the optimism is high, but the work is cut out for them as they are training and doing workouts in such little time. The team will be looking to rectify what was taken from them last season. The first game will be the ultimate test to see how cohesive this team really is. The Tigers will be playing a scrimmage game on Sept. 1 against Claremont College and a one day tournament just one week after, at Golden West College. The team will have four returners back this season. Trent Virgil scored 51 goals for the team in 2011. Matt Hass, who led the team with 20 assists. Sean Evans scored 27 goals last season. Erick Thompson led the team with
Luis Solis / staff photographer
Practice: The men’s water polo team participated in a series of drills during a summer practice as they prepare for its first game action. 18 steals in the 2010 season. There are over 30 players who are trying to make it through the final cuts and onto the 14-man roster. The team will be squaring off in the pool against teams such as, defending state champion, Golden West College, Los Angeles Valley,
Cerritos College, and Long Beach City College, who lost to Golden West in the State Championship match. The Tigers have recruited from all over the Inland Empire; bringing in a total of five goalies among other players. The two top goalies competing
for the starting are Nicho Moribito from Chaparral High School in Temecula and Juan Varisco from Santiago High School in Corona. “I think this group is a little bit stronger than last year’s group,” Hass said. “But you never know what everybody else has.” During the offseason, a big
recruiting tool, according to Hass, was the new aquatic center that opened in 2011, showing students what RCC has to offer. With the unpredictability of any new season, Hass is optimistic, but also aware of the hard work that will be needed from the Tigers. However, with 30 players trying out, there should be no problem with showing up and performing to get the job done. With the season just days away it will not be long until everyone gets to see the hard work starting to pay off. With the Tigers’ women’s water polo team taking form right alongside them and an impressive stint by the American water polo teams at the Olympics, the sport of water polo will be gaining fans and becoming the must see sport of the fall season. “I’m looking forward to a great season and to improve from last year,” Hass said. Last season may have been disappointing for the Tigers, but good things come to those who wait. The final fourteen members that make the final cut will have a chance to build off of last season.
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Football
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Cross Country
Season Record 0-0 Conference: 0-0 Next game: Sept. 1 at Ventura 6 p.m.
Season Record 0-0 Conference: 0-0 Next game: Aug. 25 vs. Southwestern at Noon
Season Record 0-0 Conference: 0-0 Next game: Sept. 1 vs. Claremont College TBA
Season Record Conference: Next game: Palomar Invitational TBA
Women’s Water Polo Season Record 0-0 Conference: 0-0 Next game: Sept. 6-8 at American River Tournament
Aug. 27, 2012 | 11
Volleyball’s new year
james Williams Interim SPorts Editor The volleyball team for Riverside City College looks to come into the 2012 season with a new identity compared to last season. The Tigers will have only two returning players that saw time on the court last season. The rest of the roster is made up of a combination between red-shirt players from last season and incoming freshman. The Tigers did not have a natural setter last season, which led to turning outside hitter Courtney Flowers into the team’s setter. Tigers’ volleyball coach Monica Hayes-Trainer was aware of the situation and addressed the need during the offseason. “The most difficult thing about last year was the lack of a setter.” She said, “I had to take one of my starting outside hitters and train her in ‘record time’ to learn to run an offense.” During the offseason, the team recruited five potential setters to fill the void missing from last season. A loss to Irvine Valley College on Nov. 11 in straight sets officially ended any shot the Tigers had to acquire a playoff spot. The Tigers did manage to end their season winning two of their last three matches. Despite being just one game shy of qualifying for the playoffs, Hayes-Trainer was still able to take something positive away from last season’s results. “The strategic side of my coaching definitely improved with all of the adjustments we had to make,” she said.
Cross country season preview
Men’s Waterpolo
Cross Country Sept. 7
Palomar Invitational at Palomar
Aug. 25
Sept. 7-8
At Golden West Tournament TBA
Aug. 31
At. San Bernardino 5 p.m.
Sept. 12
At Santa Ana 3 p.m.
Sept. 4
Vs. Canyons 5 p.m.
Sept. 7
At. COD/Mt. Sac TBA
Sept. 14
At San Diego Mesa Tournament
UCR Invitational at UC Riverside 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14-15 At Cuesta Tournament TBA
Sept. 21
Vs. Southwestern Noon
Vs. Claremont College TBA
College TBA Sept. 15
Volleyball
Sept. 1
Golden West Invitational at At Orange Coast College 3 p.m.
Central Park, HB 10 a.m.
Sept. 26
Brubaker Invitational at Irvine
Sept. 28-29 Cal Baptist Tourney at RCC 6 p.m.
Sept.15
At San Diego Mesa Tournament
Oct. 5-6
RCC Tournament TBA
Sept. 21
Vs. Victor Valley 10 am
Leadbetter Beach 3 p.m.
Oct. 10
At Fullerton 3 p.m.
Sept. 21
Vs. Grossmont 1 p.m.
Oct. 26
OEC Finals at Irvine Park 9 a.m.
Oct. 12
RCC Mini Tournament TBA
Sept. 28
Vs. Santa Ana 6 p.m.
Nov. 3
So Cal Championships at
Oct. 17
Vs Saddleback 3 p.m.
Oct. 3
At Cypress 7 p.m.
Oct. 24
Golden West Tournament 3 p.m.
Oct. 5
At Orange Coast 6 p.m.
Oct. 5
Regional Park 9 a.m. Oct. 12
San Barbara Invitational at
Fairview Park at 10 a.m. Nov. 17
CCCAA State Championships at Woodward Park 9 a.m.
Women’s Waterpolo At American River Tournament
Oct. 10
Vs Fullerton 6 p.m.
Oct. 12
At Saddleback 6 p.m.
Sept. 12
At Santa Ana 4 p.m.
Oct. 17
Vs. Golden West 6 p.m.
Sep. 14-15
Vs Chaffey Tourney 8 p.m.
Oct. 19
Vs. Irvine Valley 6 p.m.
Sept. 26
At Orange Coast 4 p.m.
Oct. 24
At Santa Ana 7 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Foothill 3 p.m.
Oct. 26
Vs. Cypress 6 p.m.
Sept. 27-29
At Cuesta Tournament TBA
Oct. 31
Vs. Orange Coast 6 p.m.
Oct. 3
Vs Cypress 3 p.m.
Nov. 2
At Fullerton 6 p.m.
Oct. 5
At Northwood 11 a.m.
Nov. 7
Vs. Saddleback 6 p.m.
Oct. 10
Vs Fullerton 4 p.m.
Nov. 9
At Golden West 6 p.m.
Oct. 12
RCC Mini Tournament
Nov. 14
At Irvine Valley 6 p.m.
Oct. 17
Vs. Saddleback 4 p.m.
Nov. 20
So Cal Regionals (1st round)
Oct. 19-20
At Long Beach Tourney TBA
Nov. 24
So Cal Regionals (2nd round)
Sept. 6-8
Football Sept. 1
At Ventura 6 p.m.
Sept. 17 Vs. Palomar 6 p.m. Sept. 24 At Saddleback 6 p.m. Oct. 1
Vs. LA Harbor 6 p.m.
Oct. 8
At Long Beach 1 p.m.
Oct. 15
Vs Fullerton 6 p.m.
Oct. 22
Vs. El Camino 1 p.m.
Oct. 29
At Citrus 1 p.m.
Nov. 5
BYE week
Nov. 12
Vs. Desert 1 p.m.
Nov. 10
At Mt. San Antonio 1 p.m.
Sean Egle Staff Writer Riverside City College cross country is preparing for the upcoming season which begins with a meet at Palomar City College on September 7th for men’s and women’s teams. Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams took a trip to Big Bear for a four day summer camp. “The focus of the Big Bear camp was developing a team identity and getting accustomed to trial and hill running,” RCC athlete John Guzman said. Last season saw the men’s team finish a respectable second place in the Orange Empire Conference. Guzman led for most of the race and finished in second place with a time of 21 minutes, 31 seconds. RCC had three of its runners, including Guzman, who finished in the top ten overall. Orange Coast College had runners finish third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh which gave them the title win. OCC was ranked third in state at the time. RCC’s men’s cross country coach Jim McCarron felt that injuries may have weakened the team’s chances of repeating the conference win. “We had two of our top five guys with injuries who still ran but didn’t run very well,” said McCarron. The women’s cross country team likewise came up short and finished third overall in the conference meet, with OCC winning the title. RCC’s highest placed finisher, Jennifer Dixon, came in seventh place to help the Tigers secure third place. “We expect a lot from our team this year but we have a great group of hardworking girls,” RCC athlete Jessica Peraza said. “Some of our goals include getting second in conference and getting better than fifth in the state.” The first meet of this season, the Palomar Invitational, will be held at Palomar City College on September 7th. Both RCC’s men’s and women’s teams will be looking to run their best throughout the season as they look to be strong challengers for the OEC title again this year.
Tiger accepts UCLA scholarship james Williams Interim SPorts Editor
After spending most offseason getting ready for his second season with the Riverside City College Tigers football team, offensive lineman Jacob Seydel decided to accept a full ride scholarship offer to join the UCLA Bruins football team on Aug. 17. “It was really tough. I have so much love for RCC and they have done so much for me. They have a great program,” Seydel said. “I thought about it though and realized this was my dream and I had to do it.” Seydel feels that he can make a smooth transition to UCLA because of his time with the RCC football team. “The coaching staff at RCC really helped me be prepared for the next level,” Seydel said. Seydel is expected to compete for a starting spot.
12 | Aug. 27, 2012
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