November 29, 2012
Vol. xci, No. 7
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.
Riverside, CA | www.viewpointsonline.org
Riverside City College
The faith of a landmark An organization sent Riverside a letter in August threatening to sue if the cross on Mt. Rubudoux is not removed For
news stories
see Pages 2-4
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
Pondering: Riverside is deciding what to do with the cross that stands above Mt. Rubidoux after being threatened to be sued by an organization.
RCC instructor volunteers to help others page 12
RCC football wins its bowl game page 6
Missing RCC student is found a week later page 3
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
2 | November 29, 2012
News
Photo by Albert Melendez
Viewpoints elects its next editor-in-chief Nishé Butler Staff Writer Riverside City College’s Viewpoints has selected Destiny Rivera to be its next editor-in-chief. She takes over for Javier Cabrera, who served as editor-in-chief for four semesters. Cabrera retires after serving eight semester for Viewpoints. He started in spring 2009 as the Sports editor then became the Managing editor in fall 2010 and then the editor-in-chief in spring 2011. Rivera started as the Features editor in fall 2011 then was the Managing editor for Cabrera for two semesters. “I am extremely excited and honored to lead the newspaper to success,” Rivera said. Cabrera said Rivera is the best person to replace him because she has the most experience on staff, and she is ready to take over. “Destiny has come a long way,” he said. “I saw the potential in her when she first started with Viewpoints, and I knew she could be the editor-in-chief if she kept going in the RCC journalism program.” Rivera takes over following the Nov. 29 issue of Viewpoints.
Jesus Valasquez / Staff Photographer
A new chief in charge: Destiny Rivera takes over as editor-in-chief of Riverside City College’s Viewpoints.
Alien Ant Farm is scheduled to come to RCC Riverside City College alumnus Tye Zamora brings Alien Ant Farm to Landis Performing Arts Center on Dec. 8, for a special holiday concert benefitting the RCC music programs. “Here Comes Santa” features the multi-million record selling alternative rock band, whose roots go back to Moreno Valley and the RCC Studio Orchestra. Tickets are on sale now at www.landipac.com or www.tickets.com. Tickets are $12.50 pre-order or $15 at the door concert night. Tickets are also available in person at the box office from Tuesday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Online report makes UC Riverside a dangerous campus UC Riverside is ranked No. 24 in the nation as a dangerous campus by Business Insider Nishé Butler Staff Writer In a recent report by the Business Insider, UC Riverside was ranked No. 24 on its “Most Dangerous Colleges in America” list. The list only included large public colleges with over 10,000 students, which included UCLA as No. 1 and Berkley as No. 3. The report said UC Riverside averages 11 violent crime incidents per year and 360 property crime incidents annually. “2011 was a relatively non-violent year, with only one forcible rape, four robberies and two aggravated assaults,” the report said about UC Riverside. The Business Insider said it averaged FBI crime data per capita from 2008 to 2011 for schools with enrollment over 10,000. Schools were ranked based on a combination of the violent crime rank and property crime rank (weighted 4:1). The Business Insider acknowledged that its list is controversial, but said it’s providing a useful perspective on crime on near college campuses. When UC Riverside students were asked if they had heard about the list most of them had not, while some had but said they receive emails from the UC Riverside police department informing them of any incidents that happen on campus. “I feel really safe and have never felt otherwise,” said John Jo, an UC Riverside student. Other students did not feel the report changed their opinion about the university. “I heard that on the news but I feel comfortable here,” said Christina Aragon, an UC Riverside student. “I was raised here and although we are around a rough area, I feel safe, and if it’s (late at night), I just have campus security walk me to my car.” Deaundra Battle, another UC Riverside student, said she heard about the report but she is OK with her surroundings. “I feel comfortable going to my car and I never use campus security,” she said. The UC Riverside police department sends out emails to all the students informing them of all crimes on campus. The campus also provides an escort system where students can be escorted home if they live near and feel unsafe.
“I think that this report is an inaccurate representation of our campus and the ranking is flawed because they only used public universities instead of private and only large campuses with over 10,000 students were included,” said Kris Lovekin, director of Media Relations for UC Riverside. Lovekin said the university was taken out of context with its security. “We think that the headline is unfair, the label is misleading to the general population and if there was a fair comparison we would be proven to be a very safe campus and we are proud of our safe campus,” she said. An article in the November issue of Campus Safety Magazine said the colleges may not report incidents for fear of ending up on such a list and colleges should be encouraged to report crime and it’s transparency. In the article, the writer, Robin Hattersley Gray, makes reference to the 1954 book “How to Live with Statistics”, which illustrates how common intentional and unintentional errors associated with the interpretation of statistics can lead to inaccurate conclusions. “A report on crime should not be used as negative because it is actually a really good sign of safe college that is informed and keeps their students informed as well,” Lovekin said. Lovekin told The Press-Enterprise that statistics kept by the U.S. Department of Education under a federally mandated reporting program called the Clery Act was a more realistic database for such comparisons. The act requires college and universities receiving federal financial aid to report crimes that occur on campus and other issues by Oct. 1 of each year. If a university does not comply, it can bring a $25,000 fine, and it can bring an end to federal funding for the university. The Press-Enterprise said the UC system receives $400 million annually in federal funds. UC Riverside had 66 on campus criminal offenses in 2011, according to U.S. Department of Education. The university also had 28 criminal offenses at on campus student housing facilitates, eight criminal offenses off campus and one criminal offense of public property in 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Viewpoints
November 29, 2012 | 3
Serving students since 1922
News
Relying on financial aid to survive
For one RCC student, receiving financial aid helps more than just paying for her education Manuel Gray Staff Writer Leah Baliel is a single mother raising two children and trying very hard to support both of them. She attends college as a full-time student. She is in the process on working to transfer to Cal State Fullerton in 2013. “Trying to raise two kids, one in high school and another in elementary is very difficult,” Bailey said. “But what makes it 10 times harder is being a full time student, spending majority of my weekdays at school.” Baliel had to return to college, because she wanted to earn a bachelors degree in graphic design, so she could create her own business. Because the economy is in a recession, she figured that it would be very difficult to find a decent job, so going back to school was the best option for her. Times were getting very rough for Baliel and her family. She barely could manage to pay all her bills on time and provide a roof over her kids’ head. “Times were rough, so I decided to head back to (college) and get an education to help me achieve in creating my own business,” she said. Baliel was on the verge of getting evicted from her apartment. She was two months behind in rent. She received all the financial aid possible that the Riverside City College Student Financial Services offers. Then a student told her about student loans and that she should apply for one. Baliel was informed that the last deadline for the spring semester loans had past and if she wanted to apply for a loan she would have to wait until the fall
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
A helping hand: Sharice Fox, an advisor for Riverside City College’s Financial Aid Services, helps Edward Nelson. 2013 semester. “I was freaking out, I cried, and didn’t know what to do,” she said. “Rent had to be paid, so I set up a meeting with the Student Financial Services director to explain my situation to her.” After the meeting with the Student Financial Services Director Elizabeth Hilton, she felt relieved but was still stressing over the rent. “I met with her and she seemed sympathetic about my situation,” Baliel said. “She told me she couldn’t promise me anything, but that she will try her hardest.” A couple of weeks later Baliel received a notice that she was approved for the student loan and that she will be receiving it within the next month. “I know that I will have to pay the loan back, but not until I am done with (college), and once
I have exhausted the six month grace period,” she said. The Student Financial Services main purpose is to give accurate and updated information to students regarding Financial Aid. The office offers Federal Pell Grant, the Cal Grant, Board of Governors Fee Waiver, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, CHAFEE Grant, Scholarships, Federal Work Studies and Student Loans. “The office has been nothing but kind to me, and always gives me accurate information,” Baliel said. “I am forever in the debt of that office, because of them and the services they rendered I was able to pay rent and not get evicted.” Because the financial aid funding comes from the government, the Student Financial Services office must follow all Federal and State laws and regulations.
One of the ways to determine if a student will qualify for financial assistance is by the FAFSA application. “I know that it gets very stressful for (other students), but I always seem to receive everything that I ask for,” Baliel said. “The main reason is that I go on its website, read the brochures, and ask question when I am in the office.” The Student Financial Services office is operated by 18 staff members who are either full-time or part-time. In the 2011-2012 academic year, it received 42,710 FAFSA applications. In the 2012-2013 academic year, it received 37,271 of students that list RCC on their FAFSA. “It gets very packed in there, the lines can be very long and the wait is hours on out, but when I
arrive to the front the ladies seem exhausted,” Bailey said. “I swear they probably go through 100 to 300 students a day; I feel bad for them.” The Student Financial Services awarded $35,296,533 in grants and student loans in the 2011-2012 academic year. “To help students succeed and achieve their educational goal is the forefront of our college mission, so even if students don’t qualify for financial assistance through the FASFA, we provide them with other options such as scholarship resources and the Dream Act application,” said Deanna Murrell, adviser of Student Financial Services. The Student Financial Services department’s main purpose is to provide service and give accurate information regarding financial aid to all students.
RCC student found after missing for over a week Tabitha Carranza Staff Writer Jacquelynn Storm Robinson, an Riverside City College student, suddenly disappeared on Nov. 14. According to witnesses, Robinson was last seen at the
Facebook/ Jackie robinson missing
Found: Jacquelynn Storm
Robinson was found on Nov. 26 at a friend’s house.
RCC Bookstore after attending her class, where she was talking to people and acting like her usual self. Riverside Police Chief Jim Miyashiro released a statement Nov. 26 saying Robinson had been found. “The missing RCC student, Jacquelynn Robinson has been located. Miss Robinson was voluntarily missing and has moved from the area. We have confirmed Ms. Robinson’s whereabouts and she has been removed from the national missing person’s system,” Miyashiro said. Vi e w p o i n t s c o n t a c t e d Robinson’s fiancé, Jose Chavez on Nov. 21 and he described
Robinson as “cheerful, talkative and easy to make friends with.” Chavez also said she was an undecided major at RCC. Dolores Chavez, mother of Jose, said that police found Robinson at a friend’s house on Nov. 26 and that she had not seen or spoken to Robinson yet. Vi e w p o i n t s c o n t a c t e d Robinson’s fiancé again on Nov. 27 to ask him about his reaction on Robinson being found and he had no comment. Robinson’s mother, Michelle Wickham, said her daughter called her on Nov. 24 to let her know she was fine, after finding out that Robinson was reported missing. Wickham said Robinson
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was actually trying to leave her fiancé and Chavez was not honest about the current state of the relationship. “(Chavez) lied about their ‘happy’ relationship,” Wickham said. “(Robinson) told (Chavez) that she wanted to leave him because she wasn’t happy, so she saw an opportunity to leave and did.” Wickham said Robinson is fine now and that she is currently
staying with a friend. Wi c k h a m a l s o s a i d h e r daughter is transferring to another Community College, and she knew Chavez was also an RCC student, but she does not know if he is Interested in Politics and Marijuana? Join the Brownie Mary Democratic Club. More info at www.browniemaryclub.org or call (760) 799-2055 or Robots at (951) 742-8277.
Viewpoints
4 | November 29, 2012
Local band set to perform at RCC Tabitha Carranza Staff Writer The multi-platinum, alternative rock band, Alien Ant Farm, is scheduled to perform with the Riverside City College’s Studio Orchestra on Dec. 8. The event is called “Here Comes sANTa,” and will be taking place at the Landis Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. The idea for this event was that of Alien Ant Farm’s bassist and RCC alumni, Tye Zamora, according to Jasminka Knecht, associate professor of Music Performing Arts. “(The music program) contacted (Zamora), and he came up with the idea to do a Christmas concert,” Knecht said. The concert will be recorded and made into a DVD that will come out with the band’s new album, which is scheduled to be released next spring. This will be the first album the band has made since they reformed in 2009. Alien Ant Farm—Dryden Mitchell, Terry Corso, Zamora, and Mike Cosgrove—is a Riverside based band that formed in 1995. The band has four studio music videos and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Alien Ant Farm is most known for its Michael Jackson cover of “Smooth Criminal.” Zamora attended RCC roughly 15 years ago and he was a student in the music program. Charles Richard, professor of Performing Music Arts said Zamora was a student in his music technology classes. Alien Ant Farm broke up in 2006, according to Sputnikmusic. com. According to Richard, after the band split up, Zamora came back to RCC for two years and accomplished a lot during his time. “I looked back at my records and he did quite well,” Richard said. “He competed in a competition in Reno, Nevada, and actually won first place.” Richard also said the band member changed drastically after
his first years in college. “He was a quiet guy at first,” he said. “When he came back though, he was quite a charismatic person.” RCC students, who are fans of the band, are ready for the concert. “(Alien Ant Farm’s music) is brilliant,” said Derek Sanderlin, an RCC student. “I already bought my ticket.” Devaney Pendleton, an RCC student within the music department, said she is thankful for the band’s support of the music program. “I’m a music student, so anything that goes back to the music program, I appreciate,” she said. This event is such a big deal to the college, because it is different from anything the music program has ever done, according to Knecht. “Students get to play with a popular, well-known band,” she said. “This doesn’t happen a lot.” She also said that such exposure to people who professionally play music is a great experience for the music students. Another reason Knecht believes this event is beneficial for RCC is because the concert is a fundraiser event for the music program. “100 percent of the proceeds will go to the music department,” she said. “We especially need to replace our pianos, which are about 20 years old.” Knecht said RCC students should definitely attend the concert because it will be a unique experience for them. “(Students) should come to “Here Comes sANTa” because not only will (they) enjoy the band’s music, but this concert is going to be very special and different because the band will be performing arrangements of their most popular songs with RCC students,” she said. For more information on the event visit Alien Ant Farm’s F a c e b o o k f a n p a g e : w w w. facebook.com/alienantfarm or stop at the music department at RCC to pick up a flier.
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Serving students since 1922
Local landmark is left in the cross fires Nishé Butler Staff Writer The city of Riverside received a letter in August from a separation of church and state group, that stated it would sue the city if the cross that sits above Mt. Rubidoux is not removed, according to The Press-Enterprise. The group is Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and its argument is the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which courts have interpreted as banning most religious displays on public land. The Riverside City Council voted to postpone any decision on the future of the cross until January. The decision came Nov. 13 after more than 200 residents packed the council chambers and spoke for more than two hours. The council had been considering a recommendation to sell the cross and the land under it. Mt. Roubidoux is a public park and it has had the cross on it since 1907. It is home to what locals say is
the longest-running outdoor Easter sunrise service, which began in 1909. The current 35-foot concrete and steel cross replaced a wooden cross in 1963, according to historian Glenn Wenzel. Some Riverside City College students think the cross should stay. “I think it is fine and I’m not even a religious person,” said Abby Davis, an RCC student. “Its been here for a while and really suits the environment, plus we hear the church bells and they coincide with each other.” “‘Will they want to get rid of the church bell too?’” she said. “It’s a beautiful art piece to say the least.” Some RCC students, who are natives to Riverside, want the cross to stay. “I’m pro keeping the cross, no one sees it as a religious thing. It is a just apart of Mt. Roubidoux and Riverside culture,” said Ivy Lomax, an RCC student. “I’ve lived in the city all of my life and my friends and I jog there all the time.” While the future of the cross is
still undetermined it is obvious that the city will fight for it to remain, as it is a historical landmark. “I am against the removal, I think it is a historical landmark and I’ve lived here for 10 years,” said Jose Munez, an RCC student. Riverside residents walk and jog up and down Mt. Rubidoux every day, and it is routine for many, including the RCC athletic teams such as basketball and track and field, as the coaches plan activities at the mountain for team building. “It’s tradition for the (RCC) track team to jog up to Mt. Rubidoux,” said Austin Woods, an RCC student. “We were just there two weeks ago.” “‘Why take it down?’” he said. BreAnn Robinson, an RCC student, said people who do not want the cross should not ruin it for others who do like it. “If you don’t like the cross and feel excluded, why exclude those who do like it and it’s been there for like 100 years,” she said. “If you don’t like it don’t look at it.” “‘How has it offended you anyways?” She said.
RCC students give back for the holidays Nishé Butler Staff Writer During the Thanksgiving break Riverside City College students gave back to the community in many ways. First, the International Club students collected toys and other items for the charity of the “Samaritans Purse,” where the items collected are put into over 100 decorated boxes for a boy or girl and sent around the world to impoverished countries. The International Club also holds home meetings every Friday night which provide a family atmosphere for RCC international
students during the holiday season. On Nov. 20 the Culinary Arts students fed about 600 homeless and less fortunate families. Every plate included a portion of turkey which included both white and dark meat, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and even candied yams, complete with vegetables, salad and refreshments. The bakery made rolls, pumpkin and apple pies for dessert. “It was nice to do something meaningful that you don’t do every day, it was like a regular family gathering,” Chantel Snider, an RCC Culinary Arts said. Every student helped from
decorating the conference room where the meal was served to cleaning up. “Someone said to me that it was the best Thanksgiving meal they had ever had,” Snider said. Associated Students of RCC has been collecting all types of items to donate to a shelter in San Bernardino, where it also is scheduled to be giving holiday gifts and cooking a holiday meal on Dec. 15. “Student government wanted to give back, we wanted the event to be free and we also wanted to include the greater community,” said Jay Bevans, outreach senator of Associated Students of RCC.
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Viewpoints
November 15, 2012 | 5
Serving students since 1922
Opinions
Viewpoints
EDITORIAL
In the spirit of giving
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Javier Cabrera (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org
During the holiday season it is easy to forget the to give
MANAGING EDITOR Destiny Rivera 951-222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org
It’s that time of year again and America is bustling with excitement as people prepare for the festivities to come. Houses are being strung with lights, trees are being adorned with ornaments, lines in stores are growing as shoppers check off their Christmas lists and some people are even counting down for the end of the year. This is the time of year where hearts are softened as we are reminded of what is important in life. Even though we have a nice home, or a large Christmas trees, or we stood in line to buy the biggest TV for less money this year. There are still people, with no TV, no home and no Christmas trees. There are hungry children and hungry individuals not just here but everywhere across this nation. Many people can easily forget about others during this time of the year. We worry about what to get loved ones for Christmas, but do we put much thought in to the gifts we buy? We stress about which family members to visit on Christmas and who will be hosting the best New Year’s party. Yet we forget that some people don’t even have a family or home. In A Christmas Carol, the famous Dickens Character Ebenezer Scrooge learns the importance of giving during the Christmas season. He is taken on a journey that has him patching up his selfish ways and becoming a kinder person, who learns to consider other peoples short comings. Unfortunately not all of us have those types of reminders. With an already materialistic holiday season even if the spirit of giving comes upon us; it seems to be realized only
ADVERTISING MANAGER Breanna Roybal 951-222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Jim Burns NEWS EDITOR
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STAFF Monique Berduo Shani Booker Yohonna Brewer Nishe Butler Tabitha Carranza Tim Cornell Kayla Corral Dennis Cruz Matt Dziak Sean Egle Devon Everett Jeremy Fuerte Anthony Gutierrez Manuel Gray Michelle Mathis Albert Melendez Marjean Howard
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Letter from the editor Well, my thoughts are mixed. After four semesters of serving as editor-in-chief for Riverside City College’s Viewpoints, you would think I would be emotional about leaving, but it is a relief it is coming to an end. I started at Viewpoints in spring 2009 as the Sports editor for three semesters then I became Managing editor in fall 2010 for my predecessor, Stephanie Holland, and then became editor-in-chief in spring 2011. In total I served eight semesters for Viewpoints and at the end I am a totally different person than I was when I first joined. I learned so much from my advisers Dan Evans, Allan Lovelace and Jim Burns, along with guidance from Holland and former Viewpoints’ editor-in-chief, Timothy Guy. I do not regret anything I did. Lots of staff members came and gone and friendships were made and broken but I am satisfied with how I ran Viewpoints. I had hard times and I had good times; my staffs won awards and my staffs had weaknesses. I worked hard every day, every issue and I sacrificed a lot for my staffs so they can improve their skills, and Viewpoints can produce the best issue every time. Lots of staff members do not realize the effort I did for
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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.
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them and the opportunities I offered them but I did it all because I saw the potential in them, and most of them did not appreciate it. I learned so much from this experience such as working with others, learning how to be responsible, honest and truthful, learning how to deal with unexpected issues, managing individuals’ personalities and learning how to be a journalist. I truly had the college life experience as editor-in-chief. I met lots of people at RCC and I am proud I was able to deliver the news to the students, faculty and staff. I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with me and I thank those close individuals who helped me progress and be the journalist I am today. Without any of this I would not be at The Press-Enterprise. And even though I am retiring, Viewpoints is still going and my successor, Destiny Rivera, is the best person to lead this newspaper into the future. I could not be any happier to have her as my replacement. Viewpoints is good hands. It has been a pleasure serving Viewpoints and all the memories and accomplishments I achieved here will forever be close to my heart for the rest of my life. I am Javier Cabrera, editor-in-chief of Viewpoints, for one last time.
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.
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during the holidays. When the trees are sent to the trash compactors and the wrapping paper takes up a space in the local dumps and we watch the news on our new plasma TV. There will still be homeless adults and youth living on our California streets. California alone has a poverty rate of 23.5 percent, larger than any other state is the country according to an article in the Huffington Post, San Francisco. Charities like Toys for Tots, and The Make-A-Wish foundation specialize giving children special holidays. This is a beautiful thing and not to mention the Salvation Army with its golden bells and red buckets. At some point we have to look inside of ourselves and challenge ourselves to give a little further. It’s easy to donate a dollar or two because we can’t see the people we are helping. So be sure to be exceptionally grateful this holiday season, and remember that not everyone has an Xbox 360 or LCD televisions. There are many ways to volunteer that don’t involve money. Riverside’s Habitat for humanity is an easy organization to join, Toys for Tots and Make-A-Wish foundation can be found online with volunteer opportunities on their website. Goodwill and Salvation Army’s always accept donations year-round. Simple things are what make a difference, sometimes it takes seconds to change a person’s life. In a world where material excess marks “status quo” it would do us all some good to take a step back and be thankful.
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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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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2012 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.
Viewpoints
6 | November 29, 2012
Serving students since 1922
Riverside wins first game at home Tim Cornell Staff Writer
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
Refresh: Riverside City College guard Mason Biddle lays up the ball against Miramar College on Nov. 20.
The Riverside City College Tigers opened up the new renovated Wheelock gym with a win against the Miramar College Jets 51-39. The Tigers were outscored in the first half but came out of halftime focused to quickly get rid of the Jet’s lead. The Tigers never trailed again to go on to win by 12. Of the win Smith said, “It was a good feeling being home and being able to pull out the victory.” The team’s second tournament was at the San Bernardino Valley Tournament on Nov. 16 at San Bernardino Valley College. The Tigers dominated the Victor Valley Rams with a final score of 86-31. Bernard Ireland and Anthony Rounds led the Tigers with 14 points apiece In the second game of the tournament, the Tigers lost to Mt. San Antonio College. The first half ended with a tie at 29. The second half continued to be close before the Tigers started pulling away. With a couple of minutes left in the game, the Tigers held onto a six point lead. The Mounties started gaining momentum. Down by three, the Mounties hit a highly contested three-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Mt. Sac had all the momentum going into overtime. They outscored the Tigers 16-6 to win 78-68. The Riverside City College basketball team opened up their season at the San Jose Tip Off classic on Nov. 9. The Tigers won their first game against the Stanford Club team with a final score of 74-47. Kendall Schmidt led the Tigers with 18 points. The Tigers had an offensive explosion in the second game. Five players scored over 10 points to
beat the Lassen Cougars 104-83. Dominique Lanier led the Tigers with 23 points. In the tournament championship game, the Tigers fell to the San Jose City Jaguars 75-62. Shannon Fowler had a double-double for the Tigers with 12 points and 13 rebounds With a record of 4-3, the Tigers prepare for the RCC Holiday Tournament. “We are working really well as a team right now,” said Mason Biddle, “We are going to be ready for the holiday tournament.”
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
Opener: Riverside City College guard Bernard Ireland jumps up for a slam dunk against Miramar College on Nov. 20.
RCC football wins third straight Golden State Bowl
Matt Dziak Staff Writer After losing 25-0 to Mt. San Antonio College in the regular season finale, RCC missed out on the Southern California Football playoffs, settling for a rematch with the LA Harbor Seahawks in the Golden State Bowl at Riverside’s Wheelock Stadium on Nov. 17. RCC battled against LA Harbor in a 34-23 comeback victory to win its third straight bowl game and improved their record to 30-3 overall in three years under coach Tom Craft. “It was a difficult situation to go to practice this week after being letdown and shunned by the playoffs,” Craft said. RCC defeated Harbor in week four, 31-7 with quarterback Zach Adkins coming in for Tyler Shreve in the second half to lead the Tigers to a victory. In the most recent game, the Tigers were trailing in the first half 20-17, RCC opened the second half with an interception thrown by Nick Gathrite and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown as the Tigers regained the lead at 24-20. Adkins finished atop the National Central Conference in passing and had 221 yards on 18of-27 passing and two touchdowns adding to his totals. Adkins, a
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
Champion: Riverside City College defeats L.A. Harbor Seahawks, 34-23 on Nov. 17. man who shrugs off personal achievements, was named MVP for his performance. “I didn’t even think I would get that, but it is great to be considered the MVP of our team,” Adkins said. RCC’s rushing attack continued to shine as the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and opened up gaping holes that even a big rig truck could pass through. Finishing the season as the National Central Conference’s
leading rusher, Schexnayder had 24 carries for 137 yards and a touchdown. For the first time all season, the Tigers allowed 100 yards or more to a single running back. Dewaun Wesley eluded would be tacklers on 18 rushing attempts for 111 yards and a touchdown. In the second quarter, Wesley exploded to the outside for a 42yard run in the red zone, but the Tigers’ stingy defense held their ground and Harbor settled for a
33-yard field goal. “These guys battled and I’m real proud of them,” Craft said. “We had a bend, don’t break mentality on defense and it was great today.” Harbor was much improved from the previous match up where they had 310 yards of offense and quarterback Brandon Edwards had two costly interceptions. For the Seahawks, receiver Ryan Hyman caught seven passes for 138 yards and set up two scores
with his ability to stretch the field and get behind the secondary. RCC was out gained 429-401 in yardage offensively for the second straight game, but capitalized off of four Harbor turnovers. The Seahawks utilized a duo quarterback attack, switching between Max Baiz and Edwards on each drive to keep the Tigers’ defense on their heels. Baiz however, threw three interceptions on 10-of-22 completions for 169 yards. An interception by RCC safety Chris Gonzalez with just a minute remaining that allowed the Tigers to line up in the victory formation one last time, taking a knee to run out the final seconds remaining on the clock. “We got the turnovers and it slammed the door for us,” Craft said. “The turnovers were the difference in the game.” With their friends and family gathered in the home crowd at Wheelock Stadium, the players gathered afterwards for pictures, capturing a victorious moment. “It feels really good because last week everyone was really down about not getting into the playoffs,” Adkins said. “It was great to finish on a high note and get the win.”
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November 29, 2012 | 7
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Sports
Coach behind waves of success Travis West Staff Writer
If you were to look in the office of Riverside City College women’s water polo coach, David Almquist, you would see numerous state titles and trophies in the room and on the walls. Almquist has transformed the RCC aquatics program and left a trail of success for the future to follow. During his 17 years coaching at RCC, he has brought a total of five state championships between water polo and swimming. When he took over the program, he started out with only 11 swimmers and now has turned it into a very respectable swimming program. Almquist’s aquatics career began with his very first water polo game while playing for Riverside Poly High School in 1969. “The very first water polo game I saw, I played in,” said Almquist. “My best friend and I gave it a shot, liked it and stuck it out.” Almquist has fond memories of his playing days. After graduating from Poly in 1969 he went on to play for RCC men’s water polo team. He and his best friend were playing for the Tigers and scored five goals each in a lost to the state champions at regionals, 15-10. “I still remember that until this day,” he said with a smirk. Almquist was an AllConference player at RCC before he transferred and became a starter for two years at UC Santa Barbara, where in his senior year they placed fifth in the NCAA.
Along with the success in the collegiate ranks, he still managed to find time to come back home and play with the Riverside Aquatic Water Polo senior men’s team. “It was all local guys (from) UCR and RCC,” Almquist said. “We went to the men’s outdoor nationals and got eighth, which was a huge deal.” After Almquist graduated from UCSB he returned to Riverside to coach at Poly High School. While he was the head coach at Poly, he also was the assistant coach of the United States men’s water polo team in Seoul, Korea for the 1988 Olympics, where they won the silver medal. In sports you create bonds that sometimes last a lifetime. Players bond like brothers and when one is in need they are willing to help. At the grand opening of the aquatic center there were only two shot clocks for the pools, when four were needed. “We were about $1,800 short,” Almquist explained. He called a few of his old Riverside Aquatics teammates and asked for a few hundred to help out. They sent a check for $1,800 the next week. Coaches can also be looked to for guidance and direction in life, the influence Almquist has had coaching has inspired others to follow suit. “I have about 15 or so people that played for me that are coaching,” said Almquist. Head coach of the RCC men’s swim, Doug Frinfrock, was a former player of his at RCC who then went on to get a scholarship
to UC Irvine and has been on Almquist’s coaching staff for a number of years. Almquist has helped numerous players get scholarships to schools all over the country. More importantly, he teaches his players discipline. He was reminded of a time when he was approached by a former player’s parents. He was thanked for helping their son get serious about life. The player was a disciplinary problem for the parents and Almquist just gave it to him straight. “You are going to do it this way or you are out of here,” Almquist said. Almquist is strict when it comes to problematic players. The player got the message. If he wanted to play, he had to straighten up. The player is now coaching high school swimming. To w a r d t h e e n d o f o u r conversation I asked about what the upcoming years have in store for him. During his coaching c a r e e r, A l m q u i s t h a s h a d many opportunities, receiving offers to coach at division one universities. Despite tempting offers to leave, Almquist said he always dreamt of coaching at RCC and turned down lucrative offers just to wait for the head coaching position at RCC to open up. “About six years ago, I got a call from a Pac-12 school and I wasn’t even interested,” Almquist said. “I’ve made the decision a long time ago to stay where
has really looked out for me,” Tyler said. “(Chiaverini) helped me out recruiting wise and helped me become a better player.” Tyler has found success with every football program he was a part of. Prior to attending RCC, Tyler was a kicker for the Vista Murrieta football team that went on to win the CIF title in 2011. Tyler has set numerous county and state records and has been recognized as one of the best kickers in the state. Tyler was selected to the AllSouthwestern League, All-County, All-CIF, and All-Southern Section honors as a kicker during his senior year. He was also named the Los Angeles Times California special teams MVP, All-State and MaxPreps All-American. Tyler has had the support from his family throughout his career, when he began playing football his freshman year. His brother, Stephen Rausa, was on the sidelines for his older brother’s final game at RCC when the team played against LA Harbor on Nov. 17. “It is something that people do not take advantage of,” Tyler said. “I have always been close to my brothers, so having them there is a blessing.”
Tyler’s father Steve Rausa is the Dean of Students and one of the coaches on the football staff at Vista Murrieta. “I noticed at an early age how Tyler liked to compete,” Steve said. “Being the middle of three boys, he made everything he did a competition and he wanted to be the best at whatever he did.” During high school, Tyler was a three year starter on the varsity football team and a team captain on the undefeated CIF championship team in 2011. He finished his career as the holder for all Vista Murrieta kicking records. Vista Murrieta head football coach Eric Peterson had the confidence in him when he took the field in high school. “We always knew that when we got the ball inside the 35, we had points, then a touchback,” Peterson said. “We always had the advantage when it came to field position because of what Tyler did for us.” Craft and the Tigers had the same confidence in Tyler, as the Tigers sent him to kick the game winning field goal in overtime against Citrus College on Oct. 20. “(Tyler is a) great teammate, who worked hard every day as one of the best kickers in junior
Diego Alvarez / Viewpoints archive
Ring Leader: In 17 years at RCC, David Almquist led women’s
swimming and water polo to five state championships. I’m at…I think I made the right decision.” Almquist has had chances to coach for big time schools, but his roots in the area keep him here in Riverside. After five state championships
and a silver medal, the greatest satisfaction for Almquist is the impact he has on student athletes. Almquist wants to finish his career at RCC. “I’m looking at two more years here,” Almquist said.
college,” Tigers tight end Gus Penning said. “He gave us a larger range to score points than most of the teams we played.” Tigers offensive line coach Daniel Lynds called the Tigers’
kicker an absolute difference maker on the field. “This combination of power and accuracy is not something that you find very often,” Lynds added.
Tiger sheds stripes with Boise State commitment
James Williams Sports editor
Riverside City College freshman kicker Tyler Rausa received a scholarship offer from Boise State University during the season and has already committed to attend. Tyler believes RCC head coach Tom Craft has played a role in his scholarship offer. “Coach Craft has put in good words...and has kept me in check this year and staying focused,” Tyler said. Tyler will travel to Boise State to continue his academic and athletic career on Jan. 11 following the fall semester at RCC. After graduating from Vista Murrieta High School, RCC was not the first option for Tyler to continue his academic and athletics career. “I was supposed to go to the University of Nevada-Reno, but there were problems with the school,” Tyler said. “I could not get admitted.” After not being admitted, Tyler explored his options and decided to attend RCC and join its football program. Tyler is thankful for the opportunity to join RCC after not being able to attend college in Nevada. “Coach (Darrin) Chiaverini
Luis Solis / Staff Photographer
It’s good!: Riverside City College freshman kicker Tyler Rausa about to kick the ball off to L.A. Harbor College during the Golden State Bowl to start the second half on Nov. 17.
Viewpoints
8 | November 29, 2012
Opinions
Serving students since 1922
Spiritual bullies
Dominique Smith Staff Writer If it is not politics that have people in an up roar, then it is religion. Two things seldom mentioned without some reference or link to the other. Now the issue has localized itself in the Riverside Community. The famous cross that adorns M ou nt Ru bidou x migh t b e removed due to a law suit governed by a non-profit organization called Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. This coalition has been behind tons of thwarts on matters that do not freely include the practice and welcome of other religions. Which is understandable to extent, but for the residents of Riverside and so many other visitors, it means so much more. It is evident that the city of Riverside is full of religious sites, a city that houses many religious houses of worship. So why is this coalition victimizing the Rubidoux cross of all things? How can they say that this cross breaks separation of church and state.
This city was founded on the principle of diversity and the cross is one of the many landmarks paying homage to that diversity. What’s next? Will the coalition try to demolish the multiple missions erected throughout the State because not everyone supports Catholicism? I don’t feel that just because a cross adorns a mountain top it denies others the practice of religion. There is no sign anywhere that say’s “Non-Christians may not come here.” It is a probability the land will need to be sold to someone for at least 10,000 dollars to avoid the law-suit. It’s sad to see, a tradition in a city be attacked by outsiders who have no idea what the cross means to many of Riverside’s residents. They think they are doing something good, but in reality it is just hurting all the people who have grown accustomed to seeing the cross every day. All the people who look for it as comfort, and the thousands of people every year who attend the Easter services, a tradition held on Rubidoux for decades. This is not only an attack on the city, it’s also an attack on it’s history and its founders. The cross unfortunately is on Government land, which gives the coalition a strong case. Whether the cross goes or stays it’s just a non-religious affiliate picking on the religious affiliates for forgetting to renew its lease.
dinora Arredondo / Special to viewpoints
a beautiful site: The cross atop Mt. Rubidoux adds a kind of peaceful beauty to the hill.
A historical landmark under threat
Jared Walker Staff Writer In August of this year the Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent the City of Riverside a letter saying that they would sue the city if the cross on Mount Rubidoux is not removed. The group will sue the city under the First Amendment’s “Establishment clause,” which “prohibits government bodies from promoting religion on public land.” What they seem to not care about is how much history the cross adds to Mount Rubidoux and the city in general. The cross on Mount Rubidoux was originally a wooden memorial marker and was dedicated on Apr 26, 1907 to Father Junipero Serra. It was named Serra Cross.
In 1909 composer Carrie Jacobs-Bond saw a sunset over Mount Rubidoux, which inspired her to compose her most famous song “A Perfect Day”, which for many years was played each day as the last tune on the Mission Inn Carillion. Mount Rubidoux was designated Riverside City Landmark no. 26 and has been a city park since 1955 when the land was donated to the city by the heirs of Frank Miller, the owner and chief developer of the Mission Inn. The 35 foot concrete and steel cross replaced the wooden one in 1963. Since 1909 Easter Sunday services have been held. Attendance grew every year with peak attendance in 1920’s which was said to have exceeded 30,000. Mount Rubidoux has been a national landmark for over 100 years. Whenever I see the cross I think of peace and harmony, not Christianity or religion. Why now decades later are people trying to remove a piece of history and a national landmark to so many people?
A lot of people love the cross, religious and non-religious. Why do people who are all for taking down the cross always blame Christianity? Forget about religion the cross is a sign of awe. Just because it’s a cross does not mean it has to do with religion. Every day thousands of people climb Mount Rubidoux to see the cross that has for so many years brought joy to many. On Nov. 13, more than two hundred citizens packed the City Hall chambers and spoke for over 2 hours telling their reasons why to keep the cross and pleaded with city council members to save the cross. The city council is debating on whether to sell the cross and the land below it to a private buyer, so the city will no longer be responsible for it and the government cannot touch it because it is on private property. The council has also said that it is trying to register the land itself as a historical landmark, which could be possible being that is has been here since 1907. No matter what you believe in we should all try to save this national landmark.
brenda brisco / special to viewpoints
Conquering the mountain: Hikers pose in front of the cross atop Mount Rubidoux.
Viewpoints
Opinions
November 29, 2012 | 9
Serving students since 1922
A call to go above and beyond
Reflections on the past year “This generation...is one with a capacity to do great things.” and its affect on students It goes without say that the will be providing a service to the level of comfort.
jordan ward Staff Writer
People try to help those less fortunate than themselves. While it may not be true across the board, the fact still remains that those confronted with the pain of others are moved in some form or fashion to do something about it without expecting anything in return. Or are they? In all seriousness, can one truly say that the most popular forms of charity and generosity practiced by people, specifically the American populace, warrant the belief that as a society we are doing the most to help?
liberties that this country was founded upon have provided the economic freedoms that we benefit from. Such freedoms have allowed for a higher standard of living than most of the world. Resulting from this higher standard of living, mass consumerism has become an integral part of our daily lives through the advertisements on television, the internet, billboards, etc. This has caused a new development in how charity is both practiced and enacted. It is now representative of a consumer driven economy. This commercialized charity has become a societal standard. Case in point: the marketing campaigns of companies such as Starbucks and Toms emphasize altruistic values in the purchasing of either their shoes or coffee. The focal points of both of these franchises rest on the idea that in having their customers pays more for their goods they
poor and disenfranchised in other countries. How much of a difference is being made when the suffering of others can be reduced to brand names that can be sold as easily as a mocha frappuccino latte? For the most part the progress made by companies in assisting the global community is based on people’s desire to alleviate the guilt that comes with being a consumer and simply wanting to keep up with the latest trends i.e. “I Love Boobies” breast cancer awareness bracelets and such. This is a problem. Charity in this country was once synonymous with Christian love and a genuine concern for the needy. While debates could rage on what is defined as Christian love, it is still apparent that in recent years charity has turned in to something else. To say it bluntly, people are happy in helping the needy, with the least amount of effort, as long as it doesn’t impede on their own
I firmly hold onto the belief that there are people who genuinely care for the well being of others, that go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure a higher quality of life for those in need. We are living in a time with new innovations and advancements arising every day. We can no longer be content in doing the minimal as we wait for a new phone to come out with more features. This generation has defined itself with the pursuit of knowledge and self empowerment, one with the capacity to do great things, one with the ability to make a concentrated effort in confronting the systems of oppression that cause poverty in all walks of life. I close with an old adage in the hopes of inspiring a certain level of resolve and commitment in confronting causes rather than simply their effects: “Is it better to give a man a fish, and have fed him for a day; or to teach a man to fish, and to have fed him for a lifetime?”
Black Friday taken too seriously by Americans
michelle mathis Staff Writer Ladies and gentlemen, Black Friday, a highly anticipated day that gets people to camp out in front of stores, wait in incredibly long lines, and freeze to death willingly is here again. It’s a day where being greedy is acceptable and being pushed, trampled, and even shot is a social normality. This is all a product of people desperate for extreme discounts on things such as electronics, toys, and clothes. Black Friday is always the day after Thanksgiving. Because only in America, one can celebrate a day to be thankful for everything they have and then fight to the death for the things they don’t have regardless if they need it or not. This day has gotten so out of control that several companies including Wal-Mart, Target and Toys-R-Us started their Black Friday sales early and opened doors
courtney coleman / Staff Photo
waiting in line: Shoppers begin to line up to get in to Wal-mart hours before Black Friday sales start.
as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Thursday. Welcome to Thanksgiving in 2012. It’s the holiday where we join with family and friends to eat, give gratitude and then hurry to buy big-screen TVs. Can anyone say Black Thursday? In these tough economic times, I completely understand why people are looking for bargains whether for themselves or for their loved ones’ holiday gifts, especially with the holiday season all around us. What I don’t understand is why people make Black Friday crazier and crazier every year. Not only are these obsessed, crazed people spending money they probably can’t afford to spend but they are also ruining a lot of people’s Thanksgivings. Unfortunately, because Black
Friday has become one of the most shopped days of the year, everyone seems to want to get in on the action by keeping their businesses open leading to many people having to work. You know this is sad when people can’t celebrate their Thanksgiving and have to miss out on an evening with their family because they are too busy serving and being bombarded by people who are apparently not happy with the things they already have. Oh the irony. Black Friday shopping is known for attracting aggressive crowds, with annual reports of assaults, shootings, and throngs of people trampling on other shoppers in an attempt to get the best deal. We all agree it’s absurd, yet more and more people participate every year.
All to get a few extra things we don’t need for half the normal price.It’s a sport in many ways. A few will win and many will lose. This day has become more than trying to catch a few sales for things such as TVs and appliances that one typically can’t afford to get throughout the year. There’s nothing wrong with buying nice things, but people are going way over board with all of this and need to calm it down. Now I’m not saying people shouldn’t participate in Black Friday sales because that would make me a hypocrite. All I’m saying is people need to turn the “excitement” down a couple of notches because it’s not that serious. Hopefully we don’t completely forget the reason we have a Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s about giving, not getting.
devon everett Staff Writer 2012 has been an interesting year. With the elections, Hurricane Sandy, and the Libya attacks, students have had a lot to think about this year. How have these things affected you? The 2012 elections especially have had an impact on students in general with propositions threatening to make major cuts in Californian schools, including RCC. Many students were especially concerned about their tuition costs. Prop 30 left students in anguish, due to problems already existing with federal funding. For those students that are parents, Prop 38 had a similar impact. As far as the candidacy goes, the key element was employment. There are several hundred thousand unemployed students in California alone, and the unemployment rate is at its highest yet. This is obviously the first issue that needs to be addressed. So what are we to expect of days to come? Back to the original conversation; how does all of this adversity affect the students? Well let’s start with the Libya situation. It’s clear that the government is willing to lie to protect its image. The Libya attack had its information altered. Could you imagine if the details of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were altered in such a manner? What if something that directly affected RCC came up? Would it lie to protect its image then? Then you have Hurricane Sandy’s impact. Hurricane Sandy devastated half of the eastern seaboard. The devastation left tens of thousands dead, and several million people without power. I’m certain that at least one person here at RCC has a family member or friend that was affected by Hurricane Sandy. Also, the devastation makes you wonder if a similar calamity if affect the west coast in the near future. I’ll admit, I am guilty of being naïve sometimes, but I still do my research. And that is all that it takes to be in the know. I urge you, enjoy the leisure of American life, but be aware of the world around you, and be grateful for the things you have. The past year has really challenged students on many levels, but we overcame and are now ready for 2013.
10 | November 29, 2012
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I N S C A P E Teen drama series gives hope Yohonna Brewer Staff Writer The 10 inspirational words, “Whatever it takes I know I can make it through,” have become a national anthem among “Degrassi” fans. The series originally aired in 1979, and has been televised for over 33 years. Linda Schuyler, and Yan Moore co-created the series. In the start of the series, the show was called “Kids of Degrassi,” and featured the first original characters. Since then, it has become a franchise and has four main series, “Degrassi Junior High,’’ ”Degrassi The Next Generation,” and “Degrassi”. The first series, “Kids of Degrassi,” focused on the elementary school one block over from the grocery store called ”Degrassi”. All of the children resided on the same street and attended the same school. The format for the series has remained the same, 11 characters attend a school, and viewers get a firsthand look at their daily lives. The characters started to
evolve, the location was changed from elementary school to middle school, and now high school. New characters were also added, and the title was changed from “Kids of Degrassi” to “Degrassi Junior High”. Another change to the title was made, and was called ”Degrassi the Next Generation,” following the characters transition from middle school. Now, the series is called “Degrassi,” to avoid confusion among viewers who previously h a v e n ’t w a t c h e d t h e o t h e r seasons. The 11 characters attend the fictional school Degrassi High School. Viewers get a firsthand look at many of the struggles that the teenagers are faced with, such as poor self-esteem, bullying and peer pressure. Many of the actors are fairly new to acting, and do a phenomenal job. The emotions the actors provide, and the feeling behind each and every scene, pulls the viewer in. The actors don’t just make the fans feel as though their watching a drama series; the feeling is more
personal than that. They make the audience feel as if they’re not the only ones going through the same problems in life. Another reason the show is so popular is the story line. The series is told from a teenager’s point of view, and the writer’s story line for each and every character is very relatable. Many viewers who tune in can relate to each and every character in one way or another, and are also not afraid to explore touchy subjects. Topics such as pregnancy, sex and bullying have been prominent issues on the series. Writers have even kept up with current trends, and introduced new topics into the series such as gender identity and sexting. The show also provides a positive message. It gives viewers hope about many different issues a teen might face. Whether they might be abusing drugs and alcohol to dealing with the aftermath of getting raped, the show provides options and advice for the viewer. Public service announcements are also broadcasted often, such as
degrassi.wikia.com
Ongoing Generations: “Degrassi” has been running for 33 years and still continues to entertain young teens. advocacy for anti-bullying, suicide help and getting tested for STDs. Many awards and positive reviews have been awarded to the series, for example; the teen choice award, and young artists and writers guild of America. Many critics also think very highly of the series, and have given the show nothing but positive reviews. Kevin Thompson of the Palm Beach Post said, “The series is great because it’s told from a teenage point of view, and has no interest in appealing to a
wide based demographic like its competition The O.C.” Although some people may not agree with the issues discussed on the show, I personally think it provides a positive impact on our generation. The series is teaching people of all ages to take responsibility, and to take control of their life. From a rating from A to an F this show earns a solid A. If you are into drama, teenage problems, and touchy subjects “Degrassi” is the perfect fit for you.
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Viewpoints
12 | November 29, 2012
Serving students since 1922
Features
Instructor gains a new perspective Courtney coleman opinions editor America is a crock pot full of diversity, but beyond its borders are cultures that are fading and nations that are crumbling. M i c h e l e P f e n n i n g e r, a n associate professor through Riverside City College’s English department, has travelled beyond the borders to see exactly what life is like in other countries. She jumped on an opportunity about eight or ten years ago to fly to Ecuador and join a team of volunteers in rebuilding the slums of the country. “In Ecuador we built a church,” Pfenninger said. “We actually had a little extra money left over so we graded the road.” Ecuador was only the beginning of what would become a tradition for Pfenninger of visiting third world countries at least once a year. Also on the list of countries she’s visited are Peru, multiple trips to Fiji, Mexico, and a number of other South and Central American countries. Pfenninger happened to be friends with a group of retired dentists, nurses and other health care professionals who had been putting together trips to third world countries for years. They invited her along and feeling it would be an eye opening experience, she agreed. “I didn’t know what to expect (at first); any places in South and Central America have both the wealthy and the poor and their lives are very separate,” she said. “We went to a place in Mexico where all the houses were made out of cardboard and bamboo without sanitation and it was very shocking to see that.” The shock value doesn’t stop there. Any third world country in comparison to the comforts of countries such as America would be like night and day. Pfenninger and her fellow team members have witnessed the implications of extreme poverty. “There’s no infrastructure whatsoever,” Pfenninger said. “I think there is a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor; and I think that it is horrible that the government has no means of providing for their people’s sanitation and basic health care.” Though Pfenninger’s team is limited on what they can do, the impact they have on third world countries is enormous. Providing sanitation to the towns they visit is a priority for the volunteers. The team supplies things like
michele pfenninger / Specialty to viewpoints
All in a days work: Michele Pfenninger, an associate professor of English at Riverside City College, volunteers her time in third world countries such as Ecuador, and helps build houses, schools and roads. washcloths, toothbrushes and bars of soap along with nail clippers for the locals. In places where bathrooms are simply holes dug in the ground, it’s understood that sanitation is a definite need. Pfenninger elaborated on the building opportunities that arise on their trips. Her and her team have built everything from classrooms to churches and even personalized house through a company called Maranatha Volunteers International. “(Maranatha) are now using these pre-fab buildings so you have the basic foundation,” Pfenninger said. “You basically screw everything together then you put on whatever siding the local people want, sometimes bamboo, sometimes it’s canvas cloth.” In other cases the team of volunteers will spend up to two weeks building houses and classrooms outside of the city using brick and mortar. Within the city the dangers are eminent. Pfenninger commented on a trip to Honduras where she describes massive walls lined with guard towers complete with guards donning machine guns. Nevertheless, the dangers don’t stop Pfenninger and the other volunteers from returning to these countries summer after summer.
“You make incredible friends,” she said. “Last year, in Honduras, a dangerous country and it was pretty dangerous where we were, but right across from us was an orphanage, there were all these young girls, (and) we got to know them, some of them, we are still emailing, so you meet wonderful people.” Really the only price the volunteers pay for these trips are occasional illness and a literal cost. The team tries to keep travel costs at a low by staying with locals, pre-planning meals and fundraising throughout the year. Sickness is expected, but rarely gets unbearable. Pfenninger did share of an experience where she became so sick from parasites that it was a whole year before she was completely well again. Now she’s able to laugh about it. She also laughed at some of the sleeping arrangements they have to deal with on these trips. Sometimes the team would cram 18 people in to one room, but they got used to it and in time it all became part of the adventure. “One of the reasons I go is because in this country we are so privileged, but we don’t realize it,” Pfenninger said. “For me it’s good to go every year to get a fix of seeing how the rest of the world is.”
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‘Your Poem Here’ This week’s contest winner: The Stay Classy Creative Writing Club is holding a contest throughout the fall semester called “Your Poem Here.” Writers can submit poetry (1-25 lines) to stayclassycwc@ hotmail.com and possibly get published in the next issue of
Viewpoints. The club judges the poems submitted to it and picks the winner each time. The next deadline is Feb. 8. The club meets every Tuesday 12:50-1:50 p.m. in Room 212 of the Quadrangle.
To Reach Out
Hello? Is anyone there? Can you see me? Can you hear me? Where are you? I’m here, right in front of you, But I might as well be a thou sand miles away. I call out to you, But my voice is lost amongst millions of others. I run to you, But a great chasm separates us. I am the unknown soul, The unheard voice, The unseen presence. Amidst the masses, I can neither be seen nor heard. I fight a never ending battle to make my presence felt, My voice heard, My existence realized. My only refuges are the sanctuary of the mind, And the words I place onto paper. Three things are all I have that I can truly call my own in this world: My loneliness, my mind, my words. by Joe Palmer