Viewpoints 05-27-10 Issue

May 27, 2010

An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving students since 1922.

Riverside, CA | www.viewpointsonline.org

Vol. xxxVIII, No. 14

First Copy Free | Additional copies 25 cents

Riverside welcomes cyclists For a

Inscape story see Page 15

lauren garcia / photo editor

A Look ahead: Joe Fioretti prepares to start the 25 mile Historic Cruise Ride in the Tour de Riverside event on May 15. Fioretti has been riding for roughly 25 years and has just gotten back into it after his recent knee surgery.

2 | May 27, 2010

Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

News

Graphics instructors arraigned Two Riverside City College Applied Digital Media instructors were arraigned in Riverside County Criminal Court on 110 felonies on May 17.

Ross Clark pled not guilty to 106 felonies, and Terry Keiser pled not guilty to 4 felonies.

According to The Press-Enterprise, Clark is charged with 91 counts of conflict of interest, 12 counts of theft of public funds, two counts of grand theft and one count of identification theft.

Keiser is charged with three counts of theft of public funds and one count of grand theft.

Up next is a felony settlement conference on June 23.

A felony settlement conference is an informal meeting before the preliminary hearing between the prosecution, defense and the judge where a plea bargain is negotiated.

At the Board of Trustees meeting on May 18, Clark and Keiser were put on paid administrative leave. Chancellor Gregory Gray said that it is policy to place employees on paid administrative leave during legal issues until they are proven guilty and will no longer be employed at RCC. For continuing developments on this story check Viewpoints Online.

Man arrested on campus On May 10 at 5 p.m. Latrelle Waters was arrested behind the Martin Luther King Learning & Resource Center for a warrant for battery.

Waters and Brian Gray, both non-students, were smoking with a group of students. An officer approached the group and the students split up. Waters and Gray remained.

The officer ran a records check and found out that Waters has a misdemeanor warrant for battery. Gray was asked to leave campus.

Waters has not been scheduled for an arraignment at this time.

Football coach hosts camp Tom Craft, the RCC football coach, is hosting a four day passing camp June 16 through June 19.

The camp is open to athletes ages 12-17, and will be held at RCC. The cost of the camp is $250 which includes a T-shirt, shorts, snack pack and lunches.

All proceeds will be donated to The Living Breath Foundation.

Tony winner at RCC Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” is coming to Riverside City College.

It is the tale of Nubian princess Aida, who is captured by Egyptian captain Radames, who then falls in love with her. For them to be together he must make her a handmaiden for the princess he is supposed to marry.

This timeless story of forbidden love won four Tony awards in 2000, including Best Original Musical Score.

Show times are June 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and June 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. at the Landis Performing Arts Center.

Tickets range from $25 to $43 and can be purchased at performanceriverside.org.

Correction The cover photo of the May 13 issue of Viewpoints incorrectly identified the athlete as Don Danns.

His name is actually Tim Crawford.

Election results 2010-2011 President, Vice President and Senate are: Presidential ticket: Italia Garcia and Rikki Hix 258 Senate candidates:

Xymier Adlaun 76 Anastasia Keesling 89

Lizbeth Aguilav 83 Jessica Krajeski 77

Lias Alcantar 87 Denisse Lopez 101

Laleaka Brown 83 Darby G. Osnaya 94 Joseph Douglas 86 Nathan Perez 74 Steven Fox 122 Izaak Ramirez 117 Alissa Gatten 76 Betty Ratliff 80

Katie Gonzales 82 Armando V. Ruelas 86

Laura A. Hernandez 91 Garin Rusdi 72

Ryan Sendeias 77 Andreea Tanase 86 Maricruz Vazquez 93 Alex VillaFuerte 109 Btooke Worku 67 David Yuen 119

nita gandhi/ news Editor

Ready, set, approved: Trustee Janet Green, Trustee Jose Medina and Student Trustee Stephen Bishop prepare before the board meeting.

Reorganization plan gets approval Changes will be made with new plan for all three colleges nita gandhi news editor On May 18, The Board of Trustees approved the reorganization plan to make the Norco, Moreno Valley and Riverside campus’ three separate accredited community colleges and to reorganize administration.

In April, a draft of the administration reorganization plan was sent back because many faculty and students did not like the class cuts and part-time instructors being laid-off due to the class cuts.

At the meeting, there were graphs of how the administration will be reorganized at each college.

“We are three different colleges now, so some of the things administratively that will take place and are different,” said Chancellor Gregory Gray.

Gray explained how the new plan will effect operations at the three colleges.

“One is we are building these new buildings and we have several people who work in facilities construction. Starting July 1 we will take those individuals and change their job description somewhat and they will report to each college,” he said.

Several departments will undergo changes in order to service three separate colleges.

“We are not hiring anybody new; these are people with expertise but now we are going to have a go to guy in facilities issued to the colleges. And that will hold true for an HR (Human Resources) person and a budget analyst at each college,” Gray said.

“We are not hiring anyone new we are just asking the individuals hired in those areas to take special responsibility and focus for each of the colleges.”

Another thing that starts July 1 is

financial aid will be at all three colleges.

Now that Norco and Moreno Valley are accredited each can have financial aid personnel to give students help.

Also there will be a sergeant in charge at all three colleges. Chief Jim Miyashiro will stay at the district to coordinate officers.

At the meeting Dariush Haghighat, associate professor and president of the California Teacher’s Association thanked Gray for listening to what the faculty and students had to say to come up with a better reorganization plan.

Before Gray changed the reorganization plan he met with representatives from the CTA, Confidential Employees Association, Management Association, Civil Service of America, Academic Senate leaders, and the Student Trustee Stephen Bishop.

“We had a four-hour meeting at the CTA office. I invited all the representatives of all the stakeholders and we had a four-hour honest discussion of what our concerns were,” Haghighat said.

The chancellor listened to all their concerns and went back to the plan and reorganized the whole thing.

“The Chancellor accepted the recommendations and the chancellor went back to the drawing board and embraced our recommendations,” Haghighat said.

What it means for students is that there will be no more class cuts. Also they will be looking to hire more full-time faculty.

“Students will be able to have more counseling, students will be able to have a financial aid person there, I’d like to say they are going to feel more safe because of the security and hopefully their entire collegiate experience will improve,” Gray said. “We are not cutting any more classes.”

Viewpoints

May 27, 2010 | 3

Wheelock gym gets face lift Serving students since 1922

News

Gym construction begins in July to make upgrades Takahiro Kurosaki Staff Writer Home for Riverside City College’s Tigers for almost 100 years, the Wheelock Gymnasium is getting some tender, love and care.

A long planned renovation of the gym will begin in the middle of July and is scheduled for completion in August 2011.

The structure of the gym no longer meets seismic safety codes since it was built in 1928 and the renovation will focus on updating the gym.

Since the San Andreas Fault runs along the San Gabriel Mountains and is close to San Bernardino, this makes the gym susceptible to damage if there is an earthquake.

Steps will be taken to ensure the building is up to code for the State of California and will be closed approximately a year during construction.

The renovation is part of the Wheelock Seismic Retrofit Project, managed internally through the Facilities Planning Design & Construction Department along with the president, vice president and all stakeholders involved with the project.

“The project qualified for state funding and moved f o r w a r d with design development along with the AIA Capital participation of the various user groups who utilize the Wheelock gymnasium,” said Michael Stephens, AIA, Capital Program Administrator for the Riverside Community College District.

“The project had been identified on the Campus Facilities Master Plan for many years, and in light of the service it provides to the college and community, it was an obvious one to advance,” he said.

The primary purpose of the project is to make necessary seismic retrofit of the structure to prepare for potential earthquakes.

“It is to ensure that this historically important building is around for another 80 plus years of service to the college and community,” Stephens said.

“The seismic component brings the building into Field Act compliance mandated by the Division of the State Architect, and it will make it comparable to new buildings in terms of seismic performance,” he said.

Also,the project aims to improve the quality of the building by remodeling facilities, upgrading mechanical, electrical and data systems and enhancing the Americans with Disabilities

“

Sade Hurst / Opinions editor

New changes: The Wheellock gym basketball courts will be updated with new courts, seating, score board and other

improvements. The building will be earthquake-safe and be completed by August 2011.

Act accessibility improvements.

“It qualified in the State

“It is to ensure that this historically important building is around for another 80 plus years of service to the college and community.”

-- Michael Stephens Program Administrator

program for funding us to not only bring it up to current seismic standards, but address mechanical performance, acoustic, energy efficiency and accessibility issues at the same time,” Stephens said.

The new gym will provide new basketball courts, seating, scoreboards, coaches’ offices, locker rooms, fitness room and classroom. Students welcomed the renovation.

“Sounds pretty good,” said RCC student Michael Chang.

“Actually, I don’t use the gym so much, but I think it is very important for athletes to be able to train in a good quality” The renovation is also expected to benefit the community.

“The gym will be a modernized, equipped facility and one that the students and community can take pride in,” said Barry Meier, the Dean of the Physical Education and Athletics Department.

During the renovation, physical education and athletics will move to a temporary structure near Huntley Gym. Also, the basketball teams will play their home games at North High School for the year.

Viewpoints

Fall class schedule may be cut 4 | May 27, 2010

Serving students since 1922

News

Sections cuts may be unavoidable for 2010-2011

McKee-Leone said. “But what I’ve dean mayorga asked the chairs to do is to make Staff Writer In the 2008-2009 academic certain that it doesn’t interfere with year, students at Riverside City certification completion.”

The only group, who is College were forced to choose from expected to struggle due to the a smaller selection of classes. deficit and cuts, It is now is the part time expected faculty who are that for the the ones that teach upcoming year the 100 sections. starting this “We’re trying fall, the class to really hone in schedules will on our mission be reduced and really focus even more. in on what we can However, do to preserve as this time the much as possible,” reduction will McKee-Leone be smaller. “ We ’ v e -- Virginia McKee-Leone said.

“So that got just a very Dean of Instruction students have the few number of opportunity to sections that we need to cut for this whole year,” complete the courses and either said Dean of Instruction Virginia transfer or…get a degree,” she said.

McKee-Leone.

McKee-Leone explained that the total amount of classes being cut is equivalent to about 100, three unit sections. This balances to be about three percent of the entire schedule.

Although it is the administration that communicates how much the college should reduce, it is the department chairs and faculty who are ultimately deciding which classes to remove.

The terms that are likely to receive a reduction are either the fall, winter, or spring.

Department chairs have been communicating their possible choices. Some have been deciding to take some classes from both the fall and winter term, while trying to keep the spring intact.

Students can expect a larger number of two or three day classes, with Friday being largely utilized for lab classes.

“It’s what the departments are wanting to do to maximize the scheduling of their faculty…and to meet the needs of the students,” McKee-Leone said.

Many students, however, became upset at the very idea of losing options for classes.

“It’s already hard getting classes here. It’s making it harder for us to graduate now,” said student Marissa Partida.

“It makes it harder for people to get degrees,” said student Brian Velazquez.

“They’re taking away time that students can be learning. People are trying to get an education, and they’re not allowing that to happen,” Velazquez said.

Other students, like Thomas Do, empathize with the situation the college is in and say they understand adjustments need to be made.

Students like Andrea Tello, don’t really feel that it will make much of an impact.

“I think the only way it will affect me is if I need a certain class and it’s not available,” Tello said.

McKee-Leone upholds still that a large effort is being made to prevent the disruption of a student’s progress.

“It may be hurtful for some,”

“

“We’ve got just a few number of sections that we need to cut for this whole year”

Lauren Garcia / photo editor

scheduling woes: The fall 2010 schedule change may cause drastic changes to students’ daily lives.

Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

May 27, 2010 | 5

Taking care of student health News

ryan lynch asst. photo editor

This year ’s Health Fair hosted some of the most valuable organizations and programs in the community.

They ranged from child care to telephone typewriter phones.

The main focus was college students and health prevention of all sorts.

“I’ve attended this fair for four years and this year the weather is a big deterrent, but the students we have spoken with are very happy to know we are here,” said Cindy Cave of the Riverside City College Health Services Department.

Besides providing walkin doctor and counseling appointments on campus, the Health Services Department can also write prescriptions, send for lab work and offer dental referrals.

“RCC has a great health program that helps a lot of students who might not have help elsewhere, I love working here,” Cave said.

Among the most visited booths was the Northwest College Health Team.

The team of licensed vocational nursing students offered both blood pressure and blood sugar tests as an early detection of Diabetes and other problems.

“High blood pressure doesn’t only affect elderly people, it could be genetic,” Elizabeth Rios said.

“I check my blood pressure at least once a month,” Rios said. “I like being able to help people it’s a good career.”

“I saw them testing blood pressure and I wanted the test,” Juan Carlos Viramontes said.

Some students hesitated when wanting to get tested for something because of a certain sharp object.

Viramontes declined to take the blood sugar test.

“I’m scared of needles,” he said.

Joyce Mosley of The Southern California Witness Project provided information on cancer.

“Even men should check at least once a month, it’s not just women anymore, so many people wait too long,” Mosley said.

Besides offering information on prevention, a lot of organizations helped students find health care at student prices.

Health Works offers doctor visits for $60 without insurance and hosts clinics in almost every city across Southern California.

Babak Aminpour D.D.S INC. offers free examinations as well as oral or maxillofacial surgery with a discount over 50 percent.

The Riverside County Office of Education, Children and Family Services Unit will help you find and possibly pay for child care as well as answer any questions about children.

“We are the 411 of child care,” Marilyn Yaeger said.

The Childhood Asthma program and Tobacco Free Families displayed the effects of smoking with a black lung, bad teeth and a block of tar which proved ineffective to Jeff Ritz “Those are my lungs,” Ritz said.

Ryan lynch / Asst. Photo Editor

Taking the pressure: A RCC student smiles while getting his blood pressure taken at the Health Fair.

Another booth was the Nine Zero Project: nine months, zero alcohol.

One of the most important booths this year was the Rape Crisis center.

One out of three is affected by date rape or sexual assault.

The crisis center in Riverside offers free self defense courses as well as a new art therapy course titled the art of healing.

They are always accepting volunteers to assist with hotline calls.

Volunteers go through a four month program before starting, if interested contact the rape crisis center.

Healthy diets were also a big part of this event.

Juice Plus promoted an all natural product made by juicing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and then concentrating them into a powder.

“But it’s not all about the product,” Pam Ford said. “My thing is education.”

Juice Plus offers a 24 hour hotline, 1-800-942-1260, with the latest discussions about health and nutrition.

Herbalife is another product offered.

It offers a wide array of products to supplement meals and help users lose or gain weight.

It includes a core product for individuals who just want to regenerate their cellular structure.

The college years are a crucial time to keep up on routine check ups, exercise, and a healthy diet.

The stress of school and work make it easy to forget about a healthy lifestyle.

This summer the Health Service Department will be open MondayThursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

They are located downstairs to the right of the bookstore.

ryan lynch / Asst. Photo Editor

Smile!: This is what can happen if someone doesn’t

brush.

Viewpoints

The silent, invisible victims 6 | May 27, 2010

Serving students since 1922

News Feature

Human trafficking happens every day, but many are unaware of it Monique lewis special to viewpoints

Representative for an abolitionist campaign known as One Voice to A paroled woman approaches End Slavery.

This “Just For One” campaign the stage.

People are gathered in the works toward partnering with hundreds to hear her tell her organizations to provide everyday people with ways to make a story.

This paroled woman is 49- difference in human care.

“There are online venues, such year-old, Maria Suarez, and she is as Craigslist that list ‘prostitution a survivor of human trafficking.

Human trafficking also in Riverside,’” Carter said. “They referred to as modern day slavery, even advertise different ethnicities that can be offered to buyers.” is a global In a National phenomenon Public Radio that involves i n t e r v i e w, obtaining and Malika Saada maintaining Saar, cofounder the labor of the Rebecca or services Project for of another Human Rights, through use of said that the force, fraud, rise of Human or coercion trafficking may in direct -- Johanny Martinez be due to the violation of an individual’s RCC student Internet being a virtual network rights. to advertise According prostitution. to the Press“Part of why this is happening, Enterprise, soon after Suarez and her family settled in L.A. County, is that the Internet has really fueled she was offered a job that she an uptick in the trafficking of thought involved cleaning and children,” Saar said. “So venues, answering phones. When in fact, especially Craigslist, are evolving she really had been sold for $200 to as almost a virtual slave market in a 62-year-old man who practiced which children are being sold over the Internet.” witchcraft.

Mandy Embrey is a RCC From 1976 to 1981, Suarez was kept in captivity and repeatedly student who was as appalled as raped inside her Azusa, CA Martinez after she was introduced to the reality of Human trafficking home.

“Where could I go, or what occurring in Riverside.

“This is so scary,” Embrey could I do,” Suarez recounted to said. “I am a teacher, and this is the Press-Enterprise.

A neighbor found out that just scary. The fact that this is Suarez was being held as a sex happening right under my nose, I can’t even imagine.” slave, and he killed her captor.

Embrey wanted to know Suarez confessed to cleaning and hiding the table leg used in what she could do to spread the murder, and served 22 years awareness.

Sandi Morgan, Administrator in prison for the crime. of the Orange County Human Suarez was paroled in 2003.

When introduced to the idea Trafficking Task Force, said of Human trafficking being in that getting familiar with basic the United States, Riverside City vocabulary surrounding trafficking College student, Johanny Martinez is crucial in spreading awareness.

“Using the correct vocabulary was in shock.

“I had no idea that this kind when referring to this subject is so of thing was happening here,” important,” Morgan said. “Some Martinez said. “I always thought people liken the idea of children that it happened in Thailand, not being sexually exploited as “child in the U.S. I had no idea that girls, prostitutes,” Morgan said. “I women, and teen boys are being disagree, especially when it comes to children.” exploited like this, in this way. ” “When you use the phrase According to the Department of Justice, there are at least 200,000 “prostitution” you are suggesting slaves under the age of 18 in the that ‘I decided to sell myself.’

No child would say this. Instead, United States today.

The average age of these we say, the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As in, children is 13 years old.

Eighty percent of them are someone is taking advantage of someone else.” girls.

A way to get involved is, to The life expectancy of girls is 7-10 years from when they begin to educate oneself of the are abducted and start their indicators of a possible Human trafficking victim, and to call the enslavement.

There is even evidence to Stop Human Trafficking hotline at suggest that Human trafficking is 1-888-3737-888.

Embrey and Martinez both closer than people might expect. “ H u m a n t r a f f i c k i n g i s walked away, aware and open to happening here in Riverside,” said help raise awareness about Human Trafficking.

Riverside resident Dawn Carter.

“I want to get it out there, that Carter is a modern day abolitionist. She is working on ignorance is not bliss,” Martinez becoming the Inland Empire’s said.

“

“I want to get it out there, that ignorance is not bliss”

Image courtesy of: Arial Black (10/12)

Web sites on ending human trafficking www.humantrafficking.org humantrafficking.change.org www.polarisproject.org www.amnestyusa.org www.onevoicetoendslavery.com

Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

7 | May 27, 2010

News

Props for California elections

Chanelle williams Managing editor

In case you didn’t know the California primary elections are coming up, on June 8 to be exact and your right to vote gets the chance to be exercised.

These are the elections where you get the opportunity to vote for prominent state positions such as Governor, State Secretary, State Senators, etc.

There are also the propositions which are pieces of legislation that are made into amendments in California’s state constitution or are revisions made to current amendments.

Here is a breakdown of those propositions, unbiased and not funded by special interest groups who have spent hundreds of thousands, if not more, to promote their favorite proposition.

These are just the facts and included is a brief summary of the arguments for (pro) and against (con) the legislation.

Proposition 13

Property tax assessment If passed, Proposition 13 will ensure that improvements made to buildings for earthquake safety will not be taxed.

Proposition 13 will prohibit a reassessment of property taxes on buildings that have had construction for seismic enhancements.

Will be an incentive for property owners to make necessary changes to their buildings structure to make it safe for seismic activity says californiachoices.org.

There were no arguments found against Prop. 13.

Proposition 14 Primary Election

Proposition 14 hopes to promote increased participation in elections by making voting for candidates simpler.

It will increase options during primary elections by opening the ballot up for voters to vote for any candidate regardless of their party affiliation.

The two candidates that have the most votes from the primaries will move on to the general election and there will be no restriction on which party they are from.

Proposition 14 will affect only the elections for congressional, legislative and statewide offices.

Pro:

Claims it will get rid of partisan domination in the elections, giving independent candidates equal opportunity in the primaries.

Also, it allows voters to vote regardless of party affiliation, supported by www. yeson14openprimary.com

Con:

Partisan groups will be able to

conceal their special interests and their party association by claiming to be independent according to www.stopprop14.com.

Proposition 15 Fair Elections Act

This legislation removes the ban on public funding of political campaigns.

It allows candidates for Secretary of State to choose if they want to be considered for a public campaign grant; they would have to agree to limitations.

If they qualify for the grant there would be strict regulation of spending by making reports available to the public.

Lobbyists, their employers and lobbying firms would be taxed every two years and would be funded by donations.

Proposition 16 Fair Elections Act

The proposition will require a that local governments get a two-third vote in favor of the use of public funds to provide electricity for new customers or new territories.

Pro:

The local government can take control of private electric companies without the consent of the voters says www.taxpayersrighttovote. com without this legislation.

Con:

It hopes to eliminate the opportunity for candidates to get funding from special interest groups and makes funding public according to www.yesfairelections. org.

This would put up a “roadblock to innovation,” says www. noprop16.org by restricting expansion of private companies by making the voters two-third approval required.

Opponents also say that this legislation is solely supported by the large electric company Pacific Gas & Electric Company who is looking out for their own interests.

It will also limit the public’s choice on coverage.

Con:

Proposition 15

Pro:

It is a trick to use the taxpayer’s dollar to provide funding for candidate campaign and can lead to tax increases in order to supply those funds according to www. stopprop15.com.

Lower auto insurance Auto insurance companies will be able to decrease or increase the cost of insurance if a driver has a history of continuous coverage.

Also, drivers who have had continuous coverage with one auto insurance company will be able to keep their discount if they switch to another insurance provider.

Pro:

Drivers who have stayed with the same insurance company will be able to have a discount for their loyalty to the service.

Also, customers will be able to shop for insurance with lower costs without the worry of not being able to keep their discount says www.yesonprop17.org.

Con:

Opponents of Proposition 17, like the Consumer Federation of California, claim that major auto insurance companies, like Mercury Insurance, are using this proposition to their advantage for extra profit.

The insurance companies will be able to add a surcharge for customers who have been cancelled from coverage because of a missed payment even though they immediately got back on track with payments.

They will also be able to increase the cost for drivers who weren’t covered in the last five years because they did not drive or did not possess a vehicle.

For more information on the California 2010 primary elections visit www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov

Viewpoints

opinions Serving students since 1922

8 | May 27, 2010

Viewpoints Staff

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Holland (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org MANAGING EDITOR Chanelle Williams (951) 222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org ADVERTISING MANAGER Vanessa Soto (951) 222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Dan Evans

ONLINE EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Khai Le Lauren Garcia admin@viewpointsonline.org photo@viewpointsonline.org NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR Sade Hurst Nita Gandhi opinions@viewpointsonline.org news@viewpointsonline.org

California State System

It costs to stay: With the rise in tuition, it costs to stay at home and attend a Cal State, such as Cal State Los Angeles.

Move away, save money

INSCAPE EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR Christina Espinoza Erin Rohac inscape@viewpointsonline.org features@viewpointsonline.org SPORTS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR Javier Cabrera Shardai Perry sports@viewpointsonline.org features@viewpointsonline.org

Wanna get away? No, it is not an advertisement for Southwest Airlines.

It’s the question that is popping up in most transfer students’ minds.

What most will want to consider when choosing a college is location, educational advancement program opportunities, entertainment value, and above all, finances.

The fact is college is not cheap. It is going to cost a pretty penny to get that degree and it should be worth it.

Not only are California students going to have to pay for tuition and fees, the full cost of a college education includes textbooks and school supplies, room and board, and other living expenses.

Unless there is an incredible financial aid that requires no return, the costs of college will bring about potential problems.

According to Mark Yudof, President of the University of California, in September 2009, “the university has half as much money per student today as it did in 1990.”

What that basically means is the state must increase the costs of attending college in order to combat the current economic crisis.

The size of the increase was 32 percent, approved by the University of California Board of Regents this past year.

The standard costs of living on-campus at a California college are: community college: $12,384; Cal States: $19,576; UCs: $26,985; and private universities: $45,147.

Many public universities in California have total tuition costs of more than $20,000 for local residents.

For example, to attend UCLA, it will cost more than $12,000 for the year, which does not include the costs of living or books and school supplies.

Once added, these extra necessities, the price will be well over $20,000.

If you live on-campus and are still a California resident, it will cost more than $29,000 every year.

Even if you commute, you are still paying more than $21,000.

An undergraduate degree at USC will cost a California resident $53,618 per year.

STAFF Juan Aguilar Nishe Butler Corina Cuevas Sonja Eide Samantha Flores Ruben Gallegos Bobby Hester Ricky Holmes Miho Kaneko Takahiro Kurosaki Manuel Lopez Corinne Love Diana Ly

Ryan Lynch Kimberly Martinez Dean Mayorga Juan Mendoza Samantha Morris Candice Phalen Jared Saavedra Jasmeet Singh Nyeisha Smith Cloie Swain Daniel Torres Justin Tovar Omatseye Ugen Toni Wisner

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.

Clearly staying in the sunshine state may cost you more than what your guidance counselor might tell you.

For these prices, they should be lining the books in gold leaf and practically giving out the answers to the tests.

Schools across the country are now so eager for students they are offering waivers for those from out-of-state.

This means, the fees will be waived after a certain amount of time though you are still considered from outof-state.

For example, Eastern Oregon University does not charge out-of-state costs at all.

The entire tuition for a year, including books and travel is less than $18,000.

Even going down south is a cheaper option than staying in California.

Full-time out-of-state students at Georgia State University tuition average around $12,140.

Southern Illinois University, Washburn University in Kansas and Northern Michigan University offer in-state tuition after you have resided in the particular state for six months; however, you must register to vote in that state and pay local taxes, but the fees drop drastically.

So, does it seem worth it? Well, dependent on the program you desire and potential job offerings, California is a great place to attend college.

However, there are many options outside of California that offer ample opportunities for great educational programs, with outstanding networks, at a much cheaper price.

Obviously there are thousands of more options throughout the country, but these were just a few examples of how easy it is to find other schools outside of California.

Don’t stop looking until you find that right fit for you.

Whatever degree you are seeking, it is always in your best interest to do a little research.

There is the right program out there with the best options at a reasonable cost.

Whether you choose to stay in California or go to an out-of-state school, the best opportunities will come only when you put in the most effort.

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

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Reach us: PHONE: (951) 222-8488 E-mail: viewpoints@rcc.edu Editor in Chief PHONE: (951) 222-8495

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Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2010 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

Kiss my tiara: Miss USA stuns Corinne Love Senior Staff assistant Beauty pageants are known for a couple of things, and terrorism is not one of them.

Frankly, the new Miss USA is not a terrorist. Literally, nanoseconds after Rima Fakih (Miss Michigan) was crowned the 2010 Miss USA, the internet went a buzz with wild circulation.

From anonymous posters on Yahoo, to various blogs, netizens were calling foul that Fakih had won for reasons other than simply standing pretty.

Fakih, a Lebanese born immigrant, is perhaps the first pageant contestant of a Muslim background to win the competition.

Shortly after her win, some people unfairly claimed that her win was nothing short of a politically correct move on the behalf of Donald Trump.

That’s right, Donald Trump.

Trump owns the Miss USA pageant, and it has been jokingly referred to as his competition for his next wife. Keep in mind this is the same Donald Trump who has a

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reality show where sort of famous celebrities are fired.

In the blink of an eye, photos of Fakih surfaced showcasing her participating in what seems to be a radio sponsored “pole dancing” contest.

There are rumors spreading that she has also appeared in a sleazy type of film production.

H o w e v e r, u p o n c l o s e r investigation sources have said that Fakih has retained her modesty by being fully clothed in both “salacious” exploits. Shady pictures and girls-gone-wild behavior at this point in time is almost synonymous with beauty pageants.

Audiences know if they don’t outright admit it, secretly that behind those super white veneer teeth and placated answers are young women.

These young women are growing up in an age where beauty is commodified as well as sexuality.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise at all if some type of photo surfaces where possible Miss USA hopefuls are acting a bit “un-pageant” like.

After all, a casual visit through many a college student’s Facebook and one would be hard pressed not to find something that could be considered “incriminating.”

Prior to Fakih’s full clothed “stripper” charade, last year contestant Miss California

at the Miss USA competition is the source of internet controversy.

Carrie Prejean had her very own Middle East, Fakih’s win comes incriminatory photo scandal. at a very interesting moment in Of course, Trump came to the political history. rescue. Reaching further back than The Miss USA pageant does that, Vanessa Williams the epitome not shy away from current events, of class, lost her Miss America title so the interview portion of the due to naughty pictures resurfacing show helped. in the ‘80s. Fakih, for her part, In a question primed for deserves at least some leniency a knee-jerk reaction, Morgan for managing to escape the scandal Elizabeth Woolard (Runner up with all of her clothes on.

Miss Oklahoma) stated in response Yet stripper-lite photos aren’t to Arizona’s highly publicized the only elements that have Immigration Law that she is “a caused such an uproar over what huge believer in states’ rights,” constitutes as superficiality on further adding, “I think it’s display, Fakih’s ethnic background perfectly fine for Arizona to create has also generated buzz. that law, and I’m against illegal Amidst the current immigration immigration. But I’m also against reform pushing and pulling and racial profiling, so I see both sides United States relations with the in this issue.”

Fakih’s question was by comparison, tame, as she was asked about her stance on birth control. In perhaps one of the better facepalm moments in the pageant’s history, Fakih commented that birth control was a “controlled substance.”

The pageant is not celebrated for intellectual answers.

Conservative pundits across the nation like Michelle Malkin quickly pointed out that the contest had indeed been rigged and set up.

All of this sounds too much like the plot of “Miss Congeniality.”

Many longtime viewers of the show, clearly disturbed by Fakih’s win, attributed her success as “pandering” to some unknown shady political agenda. They even went as far as to say that they would not watch the show ever again.

Comments on Yahoo News stories picked apart Fakih and more often than not delved into straightforward racism.

What’s troubling about Fakih’s win is not that she tripped during the broadcast (hey, it happens), nor her photos, it’s that her win is going to be forever questioned with an ulterior motive.

For a show that’s supposedly based on beauty, poise, and grace, the developments following are anything but. Taken at face value, Fakih’s win might be a sign that maybe the conventional beauty standards are changing.

No controversy about that.

Some people actually try to lose weight by going to the gym and exercise but others cannot lose the weight because it is simply very difficult.

Losing weight isn’t an easy process; it takes hard work and determination if it’s medically permissible.

Most people that are overweight eventually lose the desire to lose weight because they are constantly criticized about their weight.

Even going to the doctor is difficult to do for people because the doctor will also get on their case in terms of losing those extra pounds.

Not many Americans see obesity as a disability where one can sympathize toward the one who is overweight.

Rather, they see obesity as a way to blame an individual for their excessive weight and lack of willpower.

The latter creates frustration and anger among those who try to lose weight but can’t.

People are caught in between the bias that surrounds the ones who are overweight but do not do anything about it.

Apparently, people enjoy being angry because it makes them feel powerful and more controlling.

The fact that many people are overweight makes way for transforming the obese as targets of rage that, for some, produces and ego-boost.

That is why Americans openly pick on people who are overweight because it boosts their ego and

gives them a sense of confidence that those who are overweight do not have. It is a subtle form of discrimination.

What can we change about it?

The only way Americans can change the way they view the overweight is by having an open mind.

People should take the time to understand the complications of being over weight, and not generalize it.

Sometimes, those who have a few extra pounds are actually healthier than their thin counterparts.

Medical conditions such as thyroid diseases make the body use energy more slowly or quickly than it should.

This makes the person gain weight, feel fatigued, and have difficulty dealing with cold temperature.

The person could be healthy but because they have a thyroid disease they could end up being stereotyped as overweight.

Genetics should also be taken into consideration in the war against obesity.

Picking on people who are overweight is rude and disrespectful.

Obesity must be taken seriously as a medical problem, and not as something to laugh at or ridicule.

The moment the veil of ignorance is removed from those who pick on people because they are overweight is the moment America will realize that obesity is more than a laughing matter.

stock.xchng

Crowning controversy: Rima Fakih’s 2010 win

The new bigotry: overweight, obese, ostracized Corina Cuevas Staff Writer Obesity has become America’s No. 1 enemy.

America has no shame in openly picking on people who are overweight.

Take for instance Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin.

As surgeon general she must set a good example in terms of health and wellness but by being overweight, she wipes out the portrayal of a healthy America.

Laziness and poor food choices are stereotypes that have been engraved in people who are overweight.

Even plus-size mannequins in a JC Penny cannot hide from the wave of criticism that targets overweight people in America.

The idea that being overweight is disgraceful and shameful has no difference, whether it is on the streets or online.

News articles found online about being overweight also create serious amounts of negative comments.

Comments that are posted online give people a certain sense of anonymity.

The anonymity that people acquire from the internet allows them to express what they feel

Image even though the comments are not courteous.

According to Newsweek, the rise of “fat-hatred” is often seen as the connection between the changes in the American workplace.

As the American industry began evolving with the news jobs that flourished, less people exercised and thus, the problem of the overweight began.

Since being thin became rarer, fatness has become a threat to American society. Being thin was the way of life and the overweight phenomenon came to break that mold and standard of living.

Another instance that shows that America openly picks on people who are overweight is the MeMe Roth and Jordin Sparks incident.

Roth, a health expert, publicly suggested that American Idol contestant Sparks needed to lose weight.

This action was over the top because Sparks is a singer and not

courtesy of: stock.xchng a beauty pageant contestant.

Even cartoons imply that being overweight makes a person lazy and dumb.

Take for example Peter Griffin, a character on “Family Guy.” Most of the time, Peter is portrayed as an ignorant and lazy person that just hangs around the house doing nothing and when he actually does something it is unrealistic.

Also, no matter who or what it is, the idea of plus-size models seems indignant to some.

Regardless, magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar have started to embrace the idea that being plus size is beautiful.

Some models and celebrities may weigh more than the average size zero model, but their beauty and potential is equally the same.

What does this say about our culture? It says that America is an intolerant nation.

It is difficult for Americans to understand that being overweight is much more than poor food choices.

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Proposition not-so-sweet 16 Sonja Eide AssT. Opinions Editor Proposition 16, misleadingly titled the Taxpayers Right to Vote Act, is–to put it quite frankly–a terrible initiative on California’s 2010 ballot propositions.

If the measure is passed, local governments would be required to get a two-thirds voter approval before providing electricity service to new customers using public funds.

Why shouldn’t the public have knowledge of where the money they give the government goes?

The truth of the matter is the supporters of this initiative have ulterior motives. To fully understand what kind of effects this measure would produce, one must know the background of California’s electricity providers.

Californians most likely get their electricity from one of three service providers: investor owned utilities (called an IOU) which provide electricity for profit, publicly owned electric utilities, which are based locally, or from electric service providers (ESPs), which supply to customers who choose not to get their electricity

from either of the first two options.

IOUs provide the largest amount of electricity, about 68 percent, in the state.

Their rates and how they provide service to customers must be regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, unlike public electricity utilities, which don’t need to be regulated.

Community Choice Aggregation is an option that is gaining support throughout the state.

A city and/or county can choose to provide electricity to their area by signing a contract with an electric service provider.

All customers in that area would automatically get their electricity from that provider, unless they elected otherwise.

Only one aggregation exists in the state as of now, but many communities are exploring the possibility of this option, which could pose a threat to investorowned utilities because an aggregation’s services cost the consumer considerably less.

Pacific Gas & Electric, one of the biggest investor owned utilities in the state of California, is the sole sponsor of the “yes on Prop 16” campaign.

To date they have donated $34.5 million in support of the measure. It is no wonder why: they are protecting their interests.

By forcing local governments

sade hurst / opinions editor

Glitter not Gold: Proposition 16 deceives tax payers by claiming to give them the right to vote while limiting the options to choose from. to get a majority vote in order a law, it would mean bad news for to provide electricity service to everyone. With so many financial new customers or create a choice problems already plaguing us, how program like an aggregation, it will the population of California be greatly hinders the chances of local able to afford paying an extra $400 governments being able to get on their electric bill every year? approval or even attempt to try.

Local electric utilities are less Approval of this proposition costly for their customers and run would enormously limit the more efficiently than an electric population’s choice of who they giant like Pacific Gas & Electric. would be able to get their source They even generate a profit of electricity from. while keeping the money within Proposition 16 is merely a the community. disguise, a thinly veiled way for Companies like PG&E charge PG&E to ensure their monopoly their customers more for service continues to thrive and stamp out that consistently falls short of competition. The company has the quality that a publicly owned already requested to raise rates. utility can provide.

If granted this request, by Requiring a two-thirds vote 2013, their prices will be up by means putting state projects on 30 percent. hold as well as having a special Were this proposal to become election. Both are a waste of

money and time.

In addition to the lower cost, state law also requires that utilities have at least 20 percent of energy come from renewable sources by the end of 2010.

PG&E only had 12 percent renewable energy in 2008, while Marin Energy Authority, an aggregation, is on its way to 25 percent.

Proposition 16 support might try to make you believe that you are exercising your right to choose with its tricky wording, but do not let yourself be deceived.

This initiative means less choices and more money out of your pocket, and is merely a disgusting attempt by a giant corporation to tighten its choke hold on California.

The line of separation between tolerance and equality

jared Saavedra Asst. Opinions Editor You’re next, National Chip and Dip Day. Anyone who has kept a close watch on the frequency of prayer in America would have noticed a blemish in the holiday calendar.

“Religious diversity” has probably always been around since the inception of this country, but today it’s, well, much more diverse. Actually, it has grown so diverse that controversy has settled uneasily about this year’s National Day of Prayer.

Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, has perhaps seen the worst of it.

He was asked to step down from leading prayer at the Pentagon for his divisive remarks about Islam.

To add, the National Day of Prayer was temporarily “unconstitutional” by U.S. district Judge Barbara Crabb.

Graham, also president of relief organization Samaritan’s Purse spoke of this directly to President Obama, who said he would look into it.

The Obama administration is appealing to the decision.

The schism over Graham has marked an integral moment in America’s history: when all

religions are equalized.

To say the rejection is an attempt to “separate church and state” is an oversimplification. In fact, to reject Graham in a way was to protect the integrity of Islam: not separate church and state.

Living in a federal democracy already assumes religion, for most people serving in government offices have some kind of religious background.

Nevertheless, to make room for all religions incurs to strengthen some and weakening others.

According to polls, most of America identifies with Christianity, but “most,” of course, does not quite denote a “Christian nation.”

Thus, to allow for nonChristians, Graham, with a majority of the American population, was asked to take a step down. Perhaps not all Christians would agree with Graham, but that is estimation.

For a nation to concede to other religions would have several implications.

It can mean tolerance—or equality. Tolerance and equality are not synonymous.

People might “tolerate” broccoli, but most never equate it with chocolate.

In the same way, to equalize all religions is inevitably restrictive.

Putting all religions on a bumper sticker does not empower anyone: it stifles tolerance.

Why would anyone want to believe something that is just the same as anything else?

Perhaps the same reason people

Image courtesy of: Billy Graham Evangelistic Ministry

Franklin Graham: Son of Evangelist Billy Graham. try worshipping at different places every weekend.

Are people still serious about “religion?” Or has it taken a back seat to coffee shop conversation?

“There was much pleasant conversation about the news of the day ... while religion, though indubitably the main thing at heart, was thrown tastefully into the background,” Nathaniel Hawthorne once said.

Some polls indicate that, while most Americans are professing Christians, most are uncertain of what they believe.

It may sound narrow-minded, but they will reach a deadend before too late. Doctrines eventually contradict somewhere.

Therefore, to bring up someone who is “religiously diverse” for the National Day of prayer is to have someone who really isn’t religious.

The equivocal “Big Guy Upstairs” might as well be Ronald McDonald.

People naturally contradict each other. But the conflicts are rarely brought to a head. People don’t normally carry differences on their shoulders and argue all day whether pepperoni or olive is better.

Yet who wouldn’t acknowledge the differences between given opinions? Trying to create unity of diversity negates diversity.

The division over Graham’s specific situation struggles with the audacity to label another’s belief’s as “wrong.”

Hence, the division is over the conflict of religion.

Religion is a set of beliefs, moral practices, and writings, and its endpoint is a proper way of life, and death.

And today, opinions are

perhaps more integrated than they ever were.

It is no surprise, moreover, to the American, that significantly more religions are accepted today than a century ago.

Nevertheless, with the incorporation of numerous religions, conflict is unavoidable, assuming dogmatism.

Politically, accounting for every person’s system of beliefs creates an unstable state. Now, it’s difficult for many to disassociate religion with violence.

To grant any belief a voice is to grant it power. Yet, paradoxically, equalizing it devalues it.

Tolerance of other religions accepts a certain amount of differences, but equality of all religions seems to set up opposing forces. Graham is merely doing his job.

The undertow that constant diversity could create is disastrous.

We allow religious freedom.

Religious firmness has become confined.

As for the National Day of Prayer, it shouldn’t be relinquished.

It’s not unconstitutional.

The phrase “separation of church and state” isn’t in the constitution. Actually, the state can’t prohibit it or mandate it. It’s not separate; it’s independent.

Religion and state can exist together quite peacefully, despite debate and disagreement.

Karl Marx said that religion was the opiate of the masses. Who knows what he would say if he saw equality?

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Summer entertainment preview

IN THEATERS May 28 “The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time” May 27 “Sex and the CIty 2” DVD June 1 “Alice in Wonderland” “The Wolfman” June 8 “Shutter Island” “From Paris With Love”

USA NETWORK June 3 “Burn Notice” Thursdays at 9 p.m.

“Royal Pains” Thursdays at 10 p.m.

Movies IN THEATERS June 4 “Get Him to the Greek” “Killers” “Marmaduke” “Splice”

DVD June 29 “Hot Tub Time Machine” “The Crazies” July 13 “The Bounty Hunter”

IN THEATERS June 11 “The A-Team” “The Karate Kid”

IN THEATERS June 18 “Jonah Hex” “Toy Story 3”

IN THEATERS June 30 “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” July 2 “The Last Airbender”

IN THEATERS July 9 “Predators” “Despicable Me”

IN THEATERS August 6 “The Other Guys” “Step Up 3-D”

DVD June 15 “The Book of Eli” “When in Rome” “Youth in Revolt” June 22 “Green Zone”

IN THEATERS July 16 “Inception” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”

June 8 NINTENDO WII “Super Mario Galaxy 2” PSP “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker”

July 2 ALL PLATFORMS “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11”

June 18 XBOX 360/PS3 “International Cricket 2010”

June 25 Concerts in the Park at CA Citrus State Historical Park in Riverside (Fridays through July 23) July 20 James Taylor and Carole King at Honda Center in Anaheim

July 11 PS3/XBOX 360 “NCAA Football 11”

August 10 ALL PLATFORMS “Madden NFL 11”

Television

June 5 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Bordwell Park in Riverside

IN THEATERS June 18 “Jonah Hex” “Toy Story 3”

TNT June 22 “Hawthorne” Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

“Memphis Beat” Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

ABC June 24 “Rookie Blue” Thursdays at 9 p.m.

SYFY TNT July 6 July 12 “Warehouse 13” “The Closer” Tuesdays at Mondays at 9 p.m.

9 p.m.

“Rizzoli and Isles” July 9 Mondays at “Eureka” 10 p.m.

Fridays at 9 p.m.

IN THEATERS August 13 “The Expendables” “Eat, Pray, Love” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”

TNT June 20 “Leverage” Sundays at 9 p.m.

ABC June 20 “Scoundrels” Sundays at 9 p.m.

“The Gates” Sundays at 10 p.m.

IN THEATERS July 23 “Salt” July 30 “Beastly”

Games June 4 PC “The Sims 3 Ambitions”

HBO June 13 “True Blood” Sundays at 9 p.m.

June 27 “Entourage” Sundays at 10 p.m.

FOX June 7 “Lie to Me” Mondays at 8 p.m.

USA NETWORK July 13 “White Collar” Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

“Covert Affairs” Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

June 5 Bill Cosby at Fox Performing Arts Center in Downtown Riverside

USA NETWORK July 21 “Psych” Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

BBC America July 24 “Being Human” Saturdays at 9 p.m.

June 11 “Aida” at Landis Performing Arts Center in Riverside at 8 p.m.

Also June 12, 18, 19 at 8 p.m. and June 12, 13,19, 20 at 2 p.m.

July 16 Orange County Fair at Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa (through Aug. 15)

TBS “My Boys” Sundays at 10 p.m.

June 19 Powerhouse 2010 at Honda Center in Anaheim

July 17 Vincente Fernandez at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario

August 7 and 8 The Ultimate Jazz Festival at Fairmount Park in Riverside

August 28 Professional Bull Riding at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario

August 27 PC/XBOX 360/PS3 “Mafia 2”

Local Entertainment Images courtesy of: 20th Century Fox and Games Press

Images courtesy of: Turner Press and Leo Astorga

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14 | February 12, 2007

Artists show off RCC’s creativity Juan aguilar ASST. INscape editor As they shook their cans of spray paint and added the finishing touch to their murals, graffiti artists earned the eyes of spectators who were in awe of the beautiful art created in front of them.

At the dotEDU Art and Music Festival held on May 15, hundreds of attendees got to see numerous works of art and hear a taste of music from many genres and styles presented by musicians and artists.

From graffiti and sketch artists to live bands and hip hop artists, experienced talent showed some skill that was definitely worth appreciating.

Put on by Associated Students of Riverside City College, the event took place on the RCC practice fields. Near the track was a 100 foot wide mural which featured the works of muralists like Dan Nguyen and Okeramyth.

The artists spent hours putting together their murals and created their own color palette by using crates full of spray cans assorted with beautiful colors.

When they were nearly done, photographers and spectators gathered around to take pictures of the remarkable murals that were truly background worthy.

These muralists painted images that were reminiscent of historical forms of art.

“My particular portion is focusing on basically the ancient and what’s relevant to my culture,” Okeramyth said.

His mural, along with the other murals, was a reflection of ancient art that transcends to innovative art, giving a clear picture of their influences.

But the murals were not the only pieces of stunning artwork as other artists set up their own tents to distribute their name and even put a price tag on particular pieces in demand by festival attendees.

Tables and makeshift walls were filled with the work of some very talented artists.

Using tools such as stencils, colored ink and paint to draw some unique images that looked fascinating to any spectator, anyone can appreciate the amount of detail and skill put into the art.

A contemporary visual artist, Maurice Howard, had some of the most interesting and unique drawings at his booth.

His style of art consisted of cube patterns and a variety of colors coming together to create an image of a person, particularly their face.

Surprisingly enough, with all the different colors and patterns, the images made perfect sense and were truly beautiful in their own way.

Diana Ly / staff photographer

Airbrush art: Airbrush artist Jeffrey Woodbeck shows of his artistic skills by copying the image of the wine glass onto

a T-shirt using an airbrush and spray paint.

Howard has been doing artwork for the past 40 years, but took a 20 year hiatus to support his family by working endlessly, which he felt took away from his artistic ability.

“I started working, so it sort of takes away from the creativity,” Howard said.

“So now that I’ve gotten away from the work thing, I’m going to concentrate on supporting myself through art,” he said.

Needless to say that his 20 year break did not show at all after looking at everything he put up for everyone to see.

And as the festival nearly came to an end, the stage was set and the spectators gathered around to watch the sensational hip hop artist, Cleen.

His slow beats and rhythmic flows got the crowd moving as they were dancing and bumping their heads to the music.

Many use art as a unique way to express a variety of emotions, many of which individuals can connect with.

At an exhibition like the dotEDU Art and Music Festival, you can see those connections and you can feel the artistic energy flowing from booth to booth.

Unity through art is wonderful and united the artists were as they displayed their amazing talents for everyone to see.

Diana ly / Staff photographer

the art of salsa: Miguel Limon and Rebekah McAuley perform their salsa routine at

the dotEDU Art and Music Festival.

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May 27, 2010 | 15

Serving students since 1922

Toni wisner /Inscape writer

Pedal pushers: Participants in the 45 mile Grand Prix make there way down Fairmount Avenue in the Tour de Riverside event on May 15.

Lauren garcia / Photo Editor

Scoping out: David Pallencaoe, an amateur bicyclist,

checks out the competition as he prepares for the 25 mile Historic Cruise Ride.

Lauren Garcia /Photo Editor

Above: From left to right Adelina, Lagina, China, Fernando and Fernando get ready to participate in the family fun ride around Fairmount Park.

Lauren Garcia /Photo Editor

Right: Participants in the 25 mile Historic Cruise Ride wait to begin the cruise. All

participants were able to successfully finish the ride that went throughout Riverside

Bicyclists roll out for Tour de Riverside

Toni wisner inscape writer

Wheels were spinning, tires were turning and time clocks were ticking as cyclists put the pedal to the metal.

A breeze wafting off of Fairmount Lake in Riverside seemed to propel participants of the second annual Tour de Riverside bicycle ride to gather near the starting line.

The first race went off with drums banging and horns blowing as the Riverside Poly Proud Heritage Band played them off on May 15.

Nearby wading ducks and resident song birds would not be outdone as they harmonized with the band during their performance of the upbeat tune, “Louie Louie”

by The Kingsmen.

Twnety-two racers began the 45 mile Grand Prix course under a colorful arch of balloons on

the south side of Fairmount Park shortly after 8 a.m.

The route through historic downtown Riverside to the scenic Victoria Ave. then back, was wrapped in a refreshing 60 degree climate.

Jose Jacobo, a math teacher at West Covina High School and a competitive cyclist for over 9 years, drove from Hacienda Heights to participate in the event.

“Most of the good rides in the summer are up north where the weather is cool,” Jacobo said.

“This is great weather for riding,” he said.

Half hour after the first race, more riders lined up behind the starting line for the 25 mile Historic Cruise.

The Hsitoric Cruise took riders on a route that traveled all round the city of Riverside.

Shortly after the second cruise began, families and small groups

positioned themselves at the starting line on their beach cruisers and BMX’s.

Families and friends took their wheels out for a relaxing joy ride around the tranquil lake in the Leisure Cruise.

A Bike-A-Thon was also coordinated, allowing an opportunity for organizations to raise money for their cause by exchanging certified pledges for laps completed on a bicycle.

The Kid’s Bicycle Safety Road-e-o, was an entertaining and important part of the morning’s activities.

It was a course where children and their parents were taught by a safety instructor the rules of the road and safety tips for young and old cyclists alike.

All entrants to the races, with the exception of the Leisure Cruise and the Safety Road-e-o, paid a nominal fee to participate in the

tour.

Attendants enjoyed fun games and yummy food at the various exhibit, vendor, and carnival booths lined up on the grass under the beautiful trees of Fairmount Park.

Children frolicked in the inflated jumper which seemed to be dancing to the rhythm of the music that was resonating through the DJ’s public address system.

The event was organized and operated by many volunteers from local groups.

Among those groups was the Riverside Rotary Club, the Riverside Poly High School Interact Club, and the Riverside City Share the Road and Safe Routes to School, a service provided by the County of Riverside Public Health Department and Injury Prevention.

Soon after 10 a.m, the first experienced racers from the Grand Prix spin intermittently approached the finished line to enthusiastic

onlookers who were cheering them on to victory.

The last riders finished around noon with a sense of accomplishment.

The purpose of the Tour de Riverside was to promote and raise awareness of cycling as a healthy means of transportation for people and the environment.

It is also a fun way for families and the city of Riverside to interact with their community by offering an alternative to spending Saturday at home.

Not to mention it saves gas that many people use from their cars to get around on the weekends.

It was a successful mission accomplished at the historic Fairmount Park.

Next year they are hoping that the Tour de Riverside will be a tour de force to be reckoned with.

To find out more about this family-friendly bicycling event, visit the Website at www. tourderiverside.webs.com

16 | May 27, 2010

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Making a difference one planet at a time samantha flores staff writer During times of world disasters, earthquakes, oil spills and bad economy, there may seem to be no good left in this world.

Luckily, there are organizations that strive to keep hope alive such as Greenpeace.

Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization.

They use peaceful direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems.

They want to promote solutions through research, advocacy and lobbying, to ensure a greener future.

The Greenpeace mission is to expose global environmental problems, ensure that the earth is able to nurture life in all its diversity and to create methods that will benefit future generations.

Greenpeace is an independent and non-partisan organization.

They do not solicit donations from corporations or governments.

According to Greenpeace.org, in 1971, motivated by their vision of a green and peaceful world, a small team of activists set sail from Vancouver, Canada in an old fishing boat named ‘The Phyllis Cormack.’

These activists, the founders of Greenpeace, believed just a few individuals could make a difference.

Greenpeace’s desire to “bear witness” to U.S. underground nuclear testing at Amchitka, a tiny island off the West Coast of Alaska initiated the beginning of the organization.

Amchitka was the last refuge for 3,000 endangered sea otters,

Diana Ly / Staff Photographer

Signing to save: In Newport Beach, Jayme Franco helps a current Greenpeace online member sign up to become a local active participating member for the organization. and home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other wildlife.

Even though their old boat was intercepted before it got to Amchitka, the journey sparked a flurry of public interest.

Though the nuclear bomb was still detonated the outcome of the event produced positive results.

Nuclear testing on Amchitka ended that same year, and the island was later declared a bird sanctuary.

Greenpeace had no idea how life altering the incident would later be.

It was the beginning of

an organization that works to contribute to the many issues that face the world each and every day.

The global headquarters for Greenpeace is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and has been standing strong for three centuries.

Greenpeace has 2.8 million supporters world-wide and has national locations with regional offices in 41 countries.

The organization has not only millions of supporters, but supporters that insist on making a difference by being active

participants in the cause.

Its committed activists and supporters have come together to ban commercial whaling.

They are currently attempting to convince the world’s leaders to stop nuclear testing, protect Antarctica, and much more.

Today, Greenpeace has grown from a small group of dedicated activists to an international organization with offices located all over the globe.

Everyday is another member, another activist, another friend.

Even after 30 years as an established organization the spirit

and mission remain the same.

The members’ fight to save the planet has grown more serious with the threat of global warming, destruction of ancient forests, deterioration of oceans, and fear of a nuclear disaster being a constant subject in the media.

Greenpeace is actively working to address these and many other issues.

It may be difficult for college students to participate in the Greenpeace fight with school being a top priority, but they can still make a difference.

Greenpeace wants everyone to know they can take part, whether it be something small or big.

For those students able and willing to put in their time, there are several locations within the Southern California area.

These locations dedicate a majority of their time and efforts into the global warming campaign.

Global warming may or may not be progressing as quickly as some project, but Greenpeace is trying to get people aware of the issue.

There are also many other ways in which you can support Greenpeace and continue to be an advocate for a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace encourages donations but emphasize the importance of contacting elected officials and corporate executives about environmental issues.

On the third Wednesday of every month the Southern California branch can be found at 1727 N. Vermont Ave, Suite 210 in Los Feliz.

With a few clicks of the mouse, you can be an integral part of their victories.

On your march, get set, go for the OC Marathon

brittany ritzi Special to viewpoints With the cold morning air filling the lungs of runners and the sound of the horn initiating the start, the OC Marathon held in Costa Mesa began at 6:30 a.m. on May 2.

Since the Inaugural Race in 2004, the OC Marathon and Nutrilite Health and Fitness Expo have provided the opportunity for people of all ages to get healthy and participate in either a 5K, half or full marathon.

This journey to fitness started on April 30 with the Nutrilite Health and Fitness Expo.

The Expo not only allows participants to pick up their race day information, but gives vendors the opportunity to speak to these runners about healthy food choices, specialized running gear, training techniques and much more.

“The Nutrilite Health and

Fitness Expo is important because the race participants come and pick up their bibs, timing chips, shirts and runner spectator guide which has all the specific directions in it for race day,” said Peggy Fort, president and CEO of California Marketing Concepts Inc and media director for the OC Marathon.

The expo had over 100 vendors and volunteers.

Approximately 25,000 people attended and were all excited and on the verge of impatience to get their race goodie bag and have their fitness questions answered.

“The expo is an opportunity for me to meet and support the vendors and sponsors who make the OC Marathon possible,” said seasoned marathon runner and photo journalist Dexter Emoto.

The event’s official sponsors included Nutrilite, Oakley, US Bank, Newport Beach, Massage Envy, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and

many more.

These sponsors provided products, promoted future running events and offered support to all of the runners participating in the OC Marathon.

“I came to the expo to pick up my race information and check out the sponsors and booths,” said Judi Sulty, an expo and race participant.

“My favorite part of these expos is getting the chance to see the latest fitness gear and health products.”

The Nutrilite Health and Fitness Expo and OC Marathon are not solely focused on the race but also support 21 charity partners.

These charities are selected by the board of directors and are active in recruiting volunteers and participants.

Peggy Fort expressed that in the last five years the OC Marathon events collectively have helped to generate more than $2 million for the Orange County charities.

The expo presented a Charity Heroes booth with volunteers selling raffle tickets for great prizes to support the 21 different charities.

“I came to the expo to support Team Jake,” said Brittin Englert, an expo and race participant. “It is a cause that hits personally because of a close friend. That’s why I run.”

T h e OC M a r a t h o n a l s o presented a Kids Run the OC Training Program.

This program was designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for children, and speak out against childhood obesity.

“The OC Marathon’s main mission with the Kids Run the OC Program is to provide a running and training program leading up to the Kids Run the OC presented

by Nutrilite event which took place on May 1,” Fort said.

Many marathon runners offered

advice to the children on how to stay healthy and stay active.

In fact, the three main fitness tips provided by Emoto to race participants were: exercise, eat healthy food, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains and stop watching TV. “Your body is like a car,” Emoto said. “You have to maintain it and treat it nicely.”

Participants attend in order to support one of the numerous charities, obtain race day information, or just visit and learn about how to stay healthy and fit.

In any case, the Nutrilite Health and Fitness Expo is the event that builds up excitement of race day.

“My favorite part of the whole event is seeing all the magical moments and inspirational stories unfold that an event like this creates,” Fort said. “It’s such a special weekend and can be life changing for the participants.”

Viewpoints

Surviving through genocide Serving students since 1922

18 | May 27, 2010

shardai perry features editor Just like any other child, she had dreams. Just like any other child she had limits and road blocks.

But unlike most, she did more than just succeed past those limits.

Clara Knopfler traveled the world in order to tell how she overcame those road blocks, in hopes of inspiring others.

On May 12, Knopfler joined students, staff and guests in the Digital Library Auditorium in hopes of inspiring them.

“Knowledge is power, they can take away everything but they can’t take away what’s in my head,” Holocaust survivor Knopfler said.

Imagine going through the torture of knowing 37 members of your extended family, including your father and brother, were dead.

People around you every day dying, and all you have left is your mother, who is becoming more and more of a target as days pass.

At the age of 18, the peak of your life, imagine going through this instead of studying English and algebra at some college.

Try to comprehend going through this and surviving with your sanity. Where would you be right now? Would you still be able to love, to forgive, to move on?

“It was hard, for many years I could not speak about what happened, and people did not want to know, they were in denial,” Knopfler said. “But when I did first speak I never stopped after that.”

Knopfler did not have to imagine this life, she lived it.

Barely starting her sophomore year in high school her life changed at the snap of a finger.

“Me and my family were moved to the ghetto, a brick factory with about 8,000 people and we all stayed in 12 by 12 cubicles with families sometimes the size of sixteen,” she said.

That wasn’t even the worst of it according to Knopfler.

“Eight thousand people and there were no bathrooms, the men had to dig trenches, the only food we had was what little we were allowed to take from our homes and we drank water from the river,” she said.

This was only the beginning for Knopfler.

From the ghetto, her and her families were sent to Auschwitz, where she and her mother were separated from her brother and father who were later killed.

“I was very lucky my mother was with me the whole time. She was very tall and strong looking,” Knopfler said. “I don’t think me or my mother would have survived if we weren’t with each other.”

Knopfler reminisced on the

nightmare of the soldiers. She didn’t understand how they could be so cruel.

“They feed off of tearing people down. That’s why the first thing they did when they took you was separate you from your family,” Knopfler said.

“I remember standing in line and see my mother walk toward me, so fragile, carrying something behind her back, she came to me and said Clara today you are 18. It was my 18 birthday she said. My mother handed me a three layered bread cake, with butter. She didn’t eat for three days; she saved her food to make me a cake.”

Knopfler survived off of her mother’s faith. The fact that her mother never stopped going, even when she physically was unable to, pushed Knopfler to continue fighting.

“They had boys as young as sixteen watching us as we dug in the trenches in Prussia. If we dug too slow they would beat us until we moved faster,” she said.

Knopfler was worried about her mother previously that morning.

“My mother was so tired and so cold she could barely move, she wanted to stay behind that day but I wouldn’t let her,” she said.

The next moment would be one of the greatest in Knopfler life.

“I looked over and saw the

Features

young boy beating her back, my mother was screaming in pain. I went over and yelled at him to stop,” she said.

At that moment all that Knopfler cared about was saving her mother.

“I told him she was my mother, don’t you have a mother,” she said. “He said his mother was German, I knew at that moment he didn’t care.”

But then to her surprise the German soldier stopped beating her mother, and just walked away.

He came back the next day and brought her a carrot for vitamins and half of a cigarette to numb the hunger, and after that day they never saw him again.

After the incident with the solider Knopfler quoted Anne Frank.

“Somehow somewhere every person reasonable has a heart.”

The other workers were scared they would all be punished for her act.

“I didn’t care what happened to me, as long as he stopped,” she said.

Little did Knopfler know this wouldn’t be the last time she took a stand.

Knopfler used her mother’s faith to inspire her life then and now.

“There is a possibility to coexist, if we just learn to respect

the differences amongst us,” Knopfler said. “All we need is human understanding.”

Knopfler dedicated her life to ensuring that her story will never be forgotten, that the Holocaust would never be forgotten.

“Being indifferent is almost as bad as a crime, we were ignorant, we didn’t know. I don’t want anyone to ever not be informed, it’s not an excuse,” Knopfler said.

Knopfler is now an educator and an activist.

She taught high school in the United States for 32 years and she speaks seven languages.

“I couldn’t imagine myself being anything other than a teacher,” Knopfler said. “It’s still hard, but the fact that I reach people makes it easier and I get to do something for humanity.”

When asked if Knopfler could go back and say one thing to those who abducted her and her family, she said she would tell them “they were all wrong and that you can’t take away someone’s freedom to live.”

Clara wrote a biography in dedication to her mother “I Am Still Here: My Mother’s Voice.”

“I wanted to leave something behind in writing, so people wouldn’t forget,” she said.

“The one thing my mother taught me and I will always teach, hope never dies,” Knopfler said.

Viewpoints

May 27, 2010 | 19

A look from behind the lens Serving students since 1922

Features

blaine Netzer Special to viewpoints Not many people can say that they work with zombies one day, and Marilyn Monroe the next.

For Corona resident Alyssa Alarcon the average work week includes finding such characters or simply just her friends in the viewfinder of a camera.

“Photography is basically my way of trying to show the world the way I see it,” Alarcon said, who is an avid photographer, cinematographer and video editor.

A freshman at Riverside City College, Alarcon was born and raised in California with her two younger brothers and her parents who were fellow artists themselves.

“She’s always trying to learn more about her passions and dedicates countless hours to learning her crafts,” said Alarcon’s best friend since childhood, Felicia Berger, a student at Cal State Fullerton.

Berger has been watching Alarcon’s passion for photography and cinematography grow for a countless of years.

“She’s a very visual person and has this knack for capturing the magical moments of life. She sees beauty in places that I think are trash,” Berger said.

Being raised by two artistic parents had a major play on Alarcon’s, passions.

“I’ve always seen things a bit more offbeat than most. I’ve been trained since my childhood to look at the world in my own perspective,” Alarcon said.

Home-schooled from kindergarten until her sophomore year of high school, Alarcon believes that she learned more by being home-schooled, even though she disliked it.

During the course of her freshman year, for example, she had a 12 class workload, though she could go at her own pace.

“I definitely wish I’d been exposed to people my own age younger, but at least I can speak well to adults,” Alarcon said.

But not being as exposed to kids in her own generation did not stop alarcon from being social, or

Alyssa alarcon / special to viewpoints

A Look inside: A photo by aspiring photographer and filmmaker Alyssa Alarcon of her younger brother Jared. reaching out to other kids.

Instead she just found her own way.

When she isn’t setting up spotlights or positioning her subjects into poses and looking for the right lighting during a photo shoot, Alyssa is working on a picture-a-day type project, which she calls her “Project 365.”

Drawing inspiration from other similar projects, Alarcon snaps a photo a day of something in her life and posts it to her ongoing album on her Facebook profile.

On top of doing photography, she also writes, films and directs

her own original Web show called ‘“The End.” “The End” was inspired by “The Guild,” another Web show with a gamer-based audience.

However, her web show “The End” is far from being based on a video game.

“The End,” basically got birthed through a random conversation that went something to the effect of me saying I want to make a web show. My boyfriend asked about what, and I said zombies,” Alarcon said.

“The End” is currently being filmed and produced, with

established outlines for a second season.

“A typical filming session is basically just a cluster of madness, to be honest,” she said.

Alarcon and her crew found out the hard way, filming is more than just the snap of a camera.

“We plan everything out beforehand, but no matter how much we plan, nothing ever goes as expected,” Alarcon said.

Along with the help of her production staff, the show has finished filming its fifth episode, with hopes of many more to come.

Photography and cinematography aren’t the only outlets for her creativity.

Alarcon also spends time writing scripts, outside of her Web show, and devotes a large amount of time to reading, which she says is like a breath of fresh air for her.

Much of her spare time outside of her hobbies is spent catching up on the latest televison shows such as, “Dr. Who,” “Supernatural,” “Chuck” and other shows, as well as taking a Medieval Swordsmanship class at Cal State Fullerton.

Amidst all of her work with media, Alarcon’s life took an interesting turn within the past few months.

After struggling with math and memory, Alarcon was diagnosed with two learning disabilities she has had since childhood.

The first, dyscalculia, hinders her ability to process numbers.

“I see a number as a symbol that means nothing. Thus, I have a lot of trouble with math,” Alarcon said. She explained that if a number were 3D, she’d only be able to see the 2D portion of it.

Because of this disadvantage, Alarcon has had some trouble in math classes, requiring more effort.

However, with the help of her counselor, she is finding ways to advance in college and work around her problem.

The second disability is one that has to do with her short term memory, which Alarcon said is “terrible”.

“Unless something holds prevalence over my immediate

life, I can’t remember anything.

It’s really frustrating,” she said.

She lightheartedly commented that she now uses four planners and a calendar to ease her aggravation, and help with her organization Despite being diagnosed with two disabilities, she is determined to not let them consume her life, or cease her dreams.

“Once I was diagnosed, a lot more things started to make more sense,” she said.

In Alarcon’s desired future, she sees herself traveling in Europe, or more specifically Dublin, Ireland.

“Out of 39 states and five countries, I’ve never felt more at home anywhere. Just the energy of the country, it’s incredible,” she said.

Alarcon vows to one day live in Dublin.

Aside from travels, she intends on studying film at Cal State Long Beach with hopes of becoming a film editor.

“I’m just obsessive compulsive enough that I can do the job,” she said, adding that putting the story into sequence is gratifying.

She makes it clear that film is her passion and first love.

“Photography will probably stay a hobby rather than a career path,” Alarcon said.

In addition to “The End,” Alarcon has also edited video pieces with her boyfriend, James Delhauer.

She worked on his film, “Identity,” which proceeded to win various awards in the Corona Goes Hollywood film festival for the Corona-Norco school district.

The film also won several awards in the Palm Springs Student Short Film Festival. With a win at this festival, Alarcon also earned a ticket to another festival next year, as well as an interview with a radio station.

“I see the world in colors that don’t exist,” she said.

It’s through this lens that Alarcon finds the drive to capture the world in still frame, or have her take in video.

Whether it be filming the zombie apocalypse, or finding comfort in the sound of the shutter of her camera, Alarcon finds solace in media every day.

Outwalking all the rest who choose to run ahead

brittany ritzi Special to viewpoints For most people, completing a marathon is a huge accomplishment.

For Yolanda Holder, it’s an every weekend event.

This year the Corona resident is pushing to beat the world record for most marathons ran in a single year.

The current record for the “Most Marathons Ran in a Calendar Year” is held by a woman named Angela Gargano of Italy who ran 100 marathons in 2002.

“I will break that record and walk 101 or more and bring the title home to the USA,” Holder said.

Despite the common belief

that marathons are mostly run by contestants, there are large amounts of walkers too.

“Guinness doesn’t care whether you walk or run, and I’m a power walker,” Holder said.

“I walked my first marathon in Portland, Oregon in 1998 mostly for the challenge,” Holder said.

Tw e l v e y e a r s l a t e r s h e has completed a total of 207 marathons.

Holder’s inspiration to beat the world record arose after receiving the Marathon Maniac of the Year award for the past two years.

In 2008 she walked a total of 65 marathons and in 2009 a total of 77 marathons.

After realizing the difference was only 23 marathons more than

what she accomplished last year, Holder told herself, “Go for it, break the world record.”

The OC Marathon took place in Costa Mesa on May 2. Holder competed in this marathon and it was her 38th for the year.

“The OC Marathon is quickly becoming her favorite mostly because it is well organized and they have a great medal and shirt,” she said.

Her collection of medals keeps rising with every race she participates in.

“I do the marathons for the medals first, then for my health.

I have a beautiful collection of medals,” she said.

With 52 weeks in a year, to accomplish the goal of 101

marathons in a single year breaks down to about two a week.

For Holder with marathons every weekend comes the challenge of completing two marathons.

Wi t h s o m a n y d i ff e r e n t marathons happening, every weekend means going to different locations for each race.

Over the past three years Holder has traveled all over the country and participated in marathons in 27 states.

“I belong to a running club called 50 States Club. After breaking the Guinness World Record I plan on finishing the 50 states,” Holder said.

Marathons have become a part of life for Yolanda Holder.

“They have their positives

and their negatives, but overall they are rewarding and worth the challenge,” Holder said.

The best part of the marathons for Holder “is when people catch up to me and say ‘Wow, you have a great pace and I have been trying to catch you for miles.’ I’m a power walker,” Holder said.

Holder’s one complaint about the races is not being able to place in her age group.

Women her age are no longer “sitting home baking cookies for the grandkids, they’re out running marathons,” Holder said.

You can check out her blog she keeps to update her friends called “The Road to Guinness” at myjourneytoguinness.blogspot. com.

Viewpoints

20 | May 27, 2010

Serving students since 1922

Leo Astorga / Staff Photographer

Watching and waiting: Steven Anderson lines up his final tee at the 8th hole of the course. His final total was a 162 to conclude the state finals.

Golf team finishes fourth in state Ruben gallegos Staff Writer The Riverside City College men’s golf team placed fourth at the Community Colleges Athletic Association Championship at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont on May 17.

“Going into it I was really glad,” said coach Steve Sigloch.

“Overall I was very happy at the way things played out. We had a chance, if our bottom end played a little better, we could have placed first, second or third.”

As the Tigers entered the playoffs on May 3, their 11-6 record prevented their elimination in the Orange Empire Conference tournament, and allowed them to advance to the Southern California regional finals.

T h e Ti g e r s ’ t h i r d p l a c e performance in the regional tournament advanced them to the state championships, a feat only achieved once before in the golf team’s history in 1994.

“We could have had a better performance at the regional finals especially the conference tournament,” Sigloch said. “But overall I’m very happy… we placed a very respectable fourth in the state.”

As the Tigers headed into the

final 18-holes in the afternoon they trailed by nine strokes.

“That’s a pretty big difference to try to make up, and it can add a lot of pressure,” Sigloch said.

The Tigers shot a 757 score in the 36-hole state championship, finishing 22 shots behind the new state champions, West Hills College.

Chabot College finished the tournament in second, shooting 751, and Cypress College came in third, just ahead of Riverside, with a score of 754.

“Our first and second players performed really well,” Sigloch said. “They shot 2-under for the 36-hole match. The others just didn’t play up to their potential.”

Those talented performances belong to sophomore Nick Paez, and freshman Caleb Malcolm.

Malcolm actually led the team in the morning with a low score of 70 and an even-par 72 in the afternoon.

As the Tigers’ top two golfers, Paez and Malcolm led the team with 36-hole scores of two-under, 142, which earned them a fifth place tie overall.

“Nick and Caleb did really good,” said Sigloch. “We didn’t though.”

With the season at its end, players are looking forward to

Leo Astorga / Staff Photographer

NOT ENOUGH: Justin Sandoval playing through the 8th hole of the course, but his overall

score total was a 161 for state finals. the new opportunities that their Sigloch is already gearing up success has brought them. for next season.

“Nothing is official yet, but En route recruiting he said, three guys are up for scholarships, “It’s all about the players. We’ve maybe four,” Sigloch said. “They had some progress and we’ll all deserve it, I’ve seen these hopefully bring in some new guys players make improvements next year that will continue to do throughout the season.” that.”

Team member Nick Ericson was disappointed with his performance but was satisfied with the season overall.

“It was a good season,” Ericson said. “We wanted to win but we just didn’t play as well as we wanted in the state championship;

Viewpoints

May 27, 2010 | 21

Serving students since 1922

Sports

Lauren Garcia / Photo editor

Too good to be caught: Alberto Camacho led the pack in the 800-meter race at the Orange Empire Conference finals on April 30 at Orange Coast

Back-to-back-to-back champs

College. Camacho was named track athlete of the year for the conference a week later.

javier cabrera Sports editor ricky holmes asst. Sports editor The Riverside City College track and field team traveled to Antelope Valley College on May 21 with a third straight state championship on their minds.

RCC competed with the best teams in the state and showed why they are the best team around.

Riverside scored 94 points, its score was 35 points better than their closest opponent, Sacramento City College, to easily win its third straight title.

The one team, Mt. San Antonio College, that was thought to be the toughest challenge for Riverside at the state finals, ended the day off a distant fourth with 47 points.

Going into the finals, Riverside was a predicted five point underdog

against a heavily favored Mt. San Antonio College team.

The 45 mile an hour winds that pummeled the Antelope Valley College course didn’t seem to slow the Tigers down.

“Our guys ignored the winds and focused on what they needed to do in order for the team to win,” coach Jim McCarron said during an interview with the RCC District’s athletics Web site.

At the beginning of the second day, Riverside was in second place to start but that would quickly change.

Chris Bernard started the day off by winning the long jump and triple jump competitions.

Bernard hit a personal best mark in the long jump and then set the state’s best mark of 53 feet and two inches.

These two early victories gave

Riverside the lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the finals.

“Chris felt like he needed to redeem himself after a disappointing performance at last year’s state meet. He certainly did just that,” McCarron said in the interview.

With seven qualifying athletes returning in 2011, next season should be just as exciting.

New RCC football coach hopes to begin a new era ricky holmes ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After football coach Bill Brown stepped down following eight seasons at the helm, the search was on for someone to help bring the program out of mediocrity.

Fortunately for Riverside City College, the district has found a proven winner to take over a program that hasn’t been very good in a very long time.

Tom Craft was chosen to succeed Brown on Jan. 26 and he can’t wait to get the team back to where it should be.

“I think more than anything, we really want to restructure the program from the ground up,” Craft said.

Craft has over 25 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level and some

impressive numbers to go along with it.

While at Palomar College, he amassed an overall record of 11556-1 before going on for two stints as an offensive coordinator and head coach for San Diego State University.

With such a prestigious record some may ask why he is coming to RCC. “When this opportunity came available, it got me closer to home number one, and number two, I felt like in my experience with the Mission Conference and all the different conferences that we have been in, that this has a lot of potential,” Craft said.

Craft’s most recent job was as an offensive coordinator at Mt. San Antonio College.

This past season he guided the Mounties to a state and national

championship.

“We had a great run there the three years I was there. We were in the state championship game three years in a row which I think is unprecedented,” Craft said.

The Tigers will have to face Craft’s former team on Sept. 25 but for Craft it will be just another game.

“It’s something that I’m used to. I don’t look at that game any different than any other game. It’s going to be a tough game for us,” Craft said. “It’s really about the players”.

Facing his old team is the least of his concerns.

Craft is now faced with the daunting task of making a winner out of a program that won only one game last season.

He also knows that football isn’t the only thing that a student

athlete has to worry about.

“The first order of business for me was to be to develop an academic advisor in athletics,” Craft said.

Coach Craft realizes that football may be important to an institution but to the average player education should be paramount.

“In this day and age it’s critical and it’s in need. I felt like you had to have a point person for financial aid, admissions, transcripts and DSPS. Nowadays, that’s critical for a program’s success,” Craft said.

Coaching at the community college level does have its advantages.

It helps level the playing field and gives students the opportunity to transfer out to more high profile institutions and division 1-A universities to advance player’s

careers and provide them with a quality education as well.

Coaching football has also brought new meaning for Craft as he tries to mentor his players just as he was mentored during his playing days.

“I’ve always taught the game as a means of life-long lessons for the student athletes. Growing up without a father, the coaches that I had were my role models and my father figures,” Craft said.

Craft knows that there can be a balance between sports and education and wants to bring RCC along with his vision.

This fall, RCC will learn if its new coach can bring them back to glory.

With Craft’s guidance it seems that the team is headed in the right direction on and off the playing field.

Viewpoints

22 | May 27, 2010

Serving students since 1922

Sports

NASCAR honors its first five

Lauren Garcia Photo editor

The long awaited NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on May 23 in Charlotte, NC. The first five to be inducted were Bill France Sr., Richard Petty, Bill France Jr., Junior Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. The event was covered and broadcast live by the SPEED channel and long time announcer Mike Joy served as the host for the afternoon.

The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, video footage and tributes for each of the deserving nominees.

Each inductee was given a hall of fame ring with their name engraved into the metal.

France Sr. was the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by attorney and long time friend, John Cassidy.

Jim France received the honor for his father.

Bill France Sr. is considered one of the founding fathers of the 62-year-old sport.

He built Daytona International Speedway and was the first to produce big time facilities where motor sport racing could take place.

He was one of the main contributors in helping the sport to evolve from dirt tracks to paved tracks.

Next, was the one and only Petty, the first driver to be inducted into the hall of fame and was introduced by his son, Kyle Petty. “(Petty is) possibly the best driver all of time,” Dick Berggren said.

Petty was the first and only driver to win seven titles, seven Daytona 500s and 200 races, including 27 in 1967.

France Jr. was the third to be inducted.

France Jr.’s daughter, Lesa F r a n c e K e n n e d y, a n d s o n , NASCAR’s CEO and chairman, Brian France accepted the award for their father.

F r a n c e J r. ’s p r i m a r y achievement was securing the R.J. Reynolds Winston brand as the first securing sponsor, which got the sport up and running.

France Jr. helped organize and form what is now called the Nationwide Series, along with starting what is now known as the Craftsman Truck series.

Robert Glenn Junior Johnson, particularly known as Junior Johnson, was the fourth to be inducted into the hall of fame by the Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Winston Kelley along with Johnson’s son Robert Glenn Johnson III. Johnson discovered the draft at Daytona International Speedway, which has become what the track is known for.

Johnson was both a successful driver, as well as a car owner.

He never drove as a full time driver, but still managed to attain 50 wins.

After accomplishing all he set

out to do on the track, he became a car owner.

He led driver Cale Yarborough to win three consecutive championships followed by Darrell Waltrip.

Wa l t r i p a l s o w o n t h r e e championships for Johnson as a car owner.

The fifth and final inductee for the day was Earnhardt, most popularly known as “the intimidator.”

Car owner, and past crew chief, Richard Childress, inducted Earnhardt into the Hall of Fame.

Accepting the award on behalf of Earnhardt, was his wife Teresa Earnhardt, sons Kerry and Dale Jr., and daughters Kelly and Taylor.

Earnhardt tied Richard Petty’s astounding record of seven championships.

It took Dale quite some time to win the Daytona 500, but when he finally did, every man from every crew was out there congratulating him.

These five men inducted in the Hall of Fame shaped and molded the sport into what it is today.

Fans participated in the voting process, which was conducted via NASCAR.com, by selecting up to five of the 25 nominees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the 2010 inaugural class.

From that point, the top five nominees, based on fan voting, were submitted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame voting panel where they had the final say in the nominations.

Beginning in July, the process for the 2011 class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame will commence where the next 25 nominees will be announced.

The class of 2011 is scheduled to be announced in October.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame had its grand opening on May 11 in Charlotte, NC, where the new facility honors the history and outstanding contributors to the success of the sport.

NASCar media

Mr. the king: Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Richard Petty laughs with the crowd during his acceptance speech.

Sports

Viewpoints

May 27, 2010 | 23

Serving students since 1922

FIFA brings more than soccer Sports column

Javier Cabrera Sports editor For one month every four years, the world gathers at one specific location to witness 32 national soccer teams compete in the FIFA World Cup. This year the World Cup returns and it is located in South Africa from June 11 through July 11.

The matches will be played in brand new stadiums all across South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg and Durban to other cities nearby.

For a month citizens of the participating countries will be full of patriotism, and will cheer on their country as they try to win the World Cup’s 18-karat gold trophy.

The chase for the gold trophy begins on June 11 as the host nation, South Africa, plays the first 2010 World Cup match against Mexico in Johannesburg.

After the opening match, the competition begins and the top ranked teams like Spain, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands and Italy will begin their domination against the rest of the pack.

The teams that are projected to win the World Cup this year are Spain and Brazil.

Spain is looking for its first World Cup trophy as Brazil looks to add a sixth to its collection.

Americans have proven that they do not like soccer, but if they had to watch a single soccer match this summer, it has to be the match on June 12 vs. England.

With a documented history between USA and England that resulted in America coming second to England in past soccer matches, a win against England on June 12 will be a sweet victory for the Yanks.

The Americans are expected to advance past the first round, because after England they play Slovenia on June 18 at 7 a.m. and Algeria on June 23 at 7 a.m.

Either way people view the World Cup, it is not the average soccer tournament; it is the Olympics for many countries who are grateful to compete in the

game press

The pride of a nation: Before every international soccer match, the players from both teams line up side by side and sings their respective national anthem along with their fans World Cup. serves as a symbol that their A team like Honduras, that country has met the status of the does not have a chance to advance elite countries like the United in the tournament, is excited States and England. enough to be able to play in the Despite not being one the best World Cup after squeezing in at the international soccer teams in the last minute in the qualifying. world, South Africa hopes to bring Countries that are fortunate the world together and become a to make an appearance in the rising nation that the international big tournament treat their all star community can acknowledge. players like royalty by showering The World Cup demonstrates them with super star status. more than the values of soccer;.

World famous soccer players It demonstrates values like like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne being proud of the country a Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Frank person comes from, respecting the Ribery, Arjen Robben, Michael pride of others and their country Ballack, Gianluigi Buffon, to name and bringing peace on earth for a few... are well known around the short time the exciting soccer the globe as celebrities but are match is on. unknown to Americans.

Win, lose or draw, everyone These world class soccer who is a part of the World Cup is players have proven time and a winner, because everyone goes time again that they can lead into the tournament as individuals their countries to promising but comes out as a whole. success, which is followed by the For daily coverage of super status they receive by their the 2010 FIFA World Cup, countries after performing heroic visit http://viewpointssports. plays. blogspot.com starting June 11 For an underprivileged country through July 11. like South Africa, the World Cup

game press

Every team’s dream: England demonstrates the reaction and feeling of winning the World Cup in the “FIFA 2010: South Africa” game published by EA .

2010 FIFA World Cup • June 10 - Kick-off Celebration Concert. Featuring Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Juanes and John Legend at 11 a.m.

• June 11 - Opening match is South Africa vs. Mexico on ESPN at 7 a.m.

• June 11 - Uruguay vs. France on ESPN at 11:30 a.m.

• June 12 - England vs. USA on ABC at 11:30 a.m.

• June 25 - Portugal vs. Brazil on ESPN at 7 a.m.

game press

USA rival: Wayne Rooney and the England national soccer team looks to beat USA on June 12 .

Viewpoints

Serving students since 1922

24 | May 27, 2010

Inscape

My editor made me watch this

Daniel torres ASST. sports editor True love cannot be defined, imitated or bought. It is something that is not only felt but something that entangles someone in a certain sense of augmented euphoria.

Many movies try to showcase love and all of it’s worth. Some movies succeed and give the audience a heartfelt tear jerker.

“Letters to Juliet,” on the other hand, gives us a fatuous look at the funny side of making a love movie.

Labeled a romantic comedy, the only comedy stemming from this movie is the cheesy lines it dishes out. Scanning through the crowd of about eight that paid to watch this movie, a young couple holding hands, laughing throughout the movie’s most poignant moments were the real romantics in the theater.

“Letters to Juliet” is no more than a farce that would have Shakespeare himself turning over in his grave. A semi-decent story destroyed by horrible dialogue and bad accents makes this love story a definite let down.

The story begins in New York as the leading lady, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a fact checker for the New Yorker, prepares to set out on her pre-honeymoon with her soon-to-be hubby, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). Preoccupied by the grand opening of his new Italian bistro, Victor sees this trip as less of a romantic week away with his lovely fiancé, and more of a taste test for the many delicacies he plans to offer at his restaurant.

The couple travel out to beautiful Verona, the city where Romeo and Juliet professed their love to one another. Distracted with suppliers and business deals, Victor essentially leaves Sophie to explore the quaint city on her own.

Sophie comes across the house of Juliet, where she finds a number of hopeless romantics writing the love-forsaken heroine. These lovelorn writers ask for Juliet’s advice on how to aid their broken hearts.

This part of the movie is the most baffling. The Juliet I read about is a 13 year-old girl who, in the name of love, kills herself over a boy who she knew so briefly. Seems like this isn’t the best person you’d want advice on love from.

Nevertheless, Sophie comes across a group of ladies deeming themselves Juliet’s secretaries, who respond to each letter with advice and assurance. With them, Sophie discovers, hidden behind in the wall, a letter dated 50 years earlier.

Sophie, an aspiring writer, decides to write back, hoping the letter will one day reach its author.

Surprisingly, a week later, Sophie meets Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), the elderly woman who 50 years earlier was at the very same spot writing to Juliet.

Chaperoned by her griping and skeptical grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan), Claire, rejuvenated with hope after reading Sophie’s response, sets out to find her long lost love, whom she

had left waiting 50 years before.

Sophie, eager to tell a story of true love rekindled, decides to join them and write about their scenic trip through Italy.

In search of Claire’s long lost Romeo, the trio must search through of myriad of Lorenzo Bartolini’s to find the right one.

Finding a specific Lorenzo Bartolini in Italy is like looking for a John Smith here in the States.

Claire is reunited with the right Lorenzo (Franco Nero), who bares a striking resemblance to the “most interesting man in the world” we all know and love from those hilarious beer commercials.

Through this journey, we see Sophie and Charlie ignite a spark between one another in what inevitably turns into another predictable romance.

“Letters to Juliet” is not the epic love story it aspires to be. In fact it’s not even a interesting first date. It’s more like a bad blind date.

summitt entertainment

Check yes juliet: Amanda Seyfried (left), Vanessa Redgrave (center), and Christopher

Egan star in the romantic comedy “Letters to Juliet.”