Viewpoints Spring 2018 issue No. 11 April 4, 2019

viewpoints An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving as the voice of the students since 1922.

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VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG

VOL. XCIX, NO. 11

WHAT’S INSIDE

SPORTS

APRIL 4, 2019

Union says struggle persists RCC’s Cesar Chavez Day event emphasizes speeches and activism

5 Riverside City College women’s tennis wraps up regular season

LIFE

DIANA CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College groundskeeper Miguel Arias holds the United Farm Workers flag as he stands next to United Farm Workers of America President Teresa Romero at RCC’s Celebrate Cesar Chavez event. Romero delivered a speech about Chavez and the rights of California farm workers on March 21 in the Bookstore Promenade.

JENNIPHER VASQUEZ

6 Children read to dogs at local library

OPINIONS

8 Editorial: Water conservation must continue

Youth involvement and activism were emphasized by Teresa Romero, President of the United Farm Workers of America, on March 28 at Riverside City College.

“We work on changing laws that would protect farmer workers not only under contract but throughout the state of California so it is important to me to get the young people involved in our struggle and our moment,” Romero said.

Romero delivered a speech that was part of the Celebrate Cesar Chavez event held at RCC. The event brought awareness to how consumers receive their food and how those that picked the food out are treated in the process. Although some of the

details highlighted negative aspects of the agriculture system, the celebration that followed brought light to how farm workers have come so far in their struggles.

Romero addressed working conditions of farm workers, her role as the first woman president of the UFW and how the younger generation can get involved in improving labor rights for farm workers.

She shared a story about a woman that nearly died after being kicked by a cow and another about a woman who had been sexually harassed in front of her husband but feared reporting the incident because she thought she’d be fired.

Romero emphasized the importance of young people and general consumers engaging themselves in the fight to help farm workers gain their rights.

She said struggles that farm workers faced fifty years ago are still prominent today.

“Young people can get involved by creating these types of events, spreading information through social media and by

signing our petitions online at our UFW website,” she said.

Romero shared that she is very proud to be a woman in her role as president and to be in the same position that Chavez once held.

Center in St. George, Utah on March 22. “ We a r e a l l i n c r e d i b l y saddened and shocked by Abraham’s passing. Our hearts are broken,” Jason Boothe, Dixie State University Director of Athletics, said in a statement.

“He always represented Dixie

State University and our football program exceptionally well, but more importantly, he was an amazing young man.”

The cause of Reinhardt’s death was not included in the release, as the university said it plans to respect the family’s privacy.

Reinhardt, 23, played two seasons at RCC where he finished with 100 tackles and two interceptions in two seasons before transferring to DSU in 2015.

“He’s leaving behind a team of equally amazing young men who are struggling with this

news as well,” Boothe said.

“We will do everything we can to support Abraham’s family and the team during this very difficult time.”

A GoFundMe page was started March 23 to assist Reinhardt’s family with medical costs.

STAFF REPORTER

DIANA CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Romero observes the Leyenda Dance Company folklorico dancers during RCC’s Celebrate Cesar Chavez event on March 21.

See CHAVEZ on page 2

Former Riverside City College linebacker dies SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW STAFF REPORTER

Former Riverside City College linebacker Abraham Reinhardt died unexpectedly at the Dixie Regional Medical

CONTACT US Newsroom: (951) 222-8488 Editor-in-Chief: (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu

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VOL. XCIX NO. 11 April 4, 2019

NEWS 1 SPORTS 4 LIFE 6 OPINIONS 7 EDITORIAL 8

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April 4, 2019

News

Former students talk transfer

Former Riverside City College Honors Program students spoke about their transfer experiences ERIK GALICIA STAFF REPORTER

For many students transferring to a university from a community college can be difficult.

Advice was given during the Honors Alumni Panel on March 28, which brought five former Riverside City College honors students back home to share their experiences about transferring to universities.

“The idea of the Honors Program is to transfer,” said Pary Townson, math major at UCLA. “I feel like the most ambitious students here at RCC are the honors students but once you transfer, you’ll be surrounded by students who are just as good.”

The alumni shared their experiences on the intensity of university studies in comparison to community colleges.

“It’s not harder, but it’s much more in depth,” Antonio Pelayo, history major at UC Riverside, said. “RCC is where you build your foundation, so work hard, just drive, drive, drive and don’t stop.”

“STEM-wise, it’s definitely harder,” Cindy Rodas, math major at UC Irvine said. “But they do that intentionally to weed people out, missing one day in a quarter system is like missing one week of class at RCC.” The alumni also spoke about what the RCC Honors Program did for them, as well as the differences between community college and university life.

One of the big differences noted by the alumni was the obvious size differences between universities and community colleges. They agreed that along with a larger student body can come a smaller sense of self.

“The Honors Program

DIANA CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Former Riverside City College students answer current RCC students’ questions about their transfer experiences at the Honors Alumni Panel in the A.G. Paul Quadrangle 208 on March 21.

here gave me community,” Pelayo said. “You have a more personal relationship with your instructors here.”

“You have to develop a sense of individuality,” Lance Santos, mass communications and media studies major at UC Berkeley said, “community is not handed to you at big universities the way the Honors Program offered it here and it’s a rare opportunity to have a one-on-one with professors.”

The speakers advised current RCC students to take advantage of the resources that will be available to them once they transfer. They encouraged the attendees to check out career

centers and seek out internships.

Cal State San Bernardino anthropology major Giovanni Gonzalez talked about the help students at his school have available to them if they do not feel confident about their writing.

“They have writing counselors that help you write for your specific major or field,” Gonzalez said. “They go over everything with you like grammar and things like that.”

“If you want help, get it. If you don’t, you’re gonna sink,” Pelayo said.

The panel also stressed the importance of networking.

“It’s not enough to just go

to a big university,” Townson said. “Make sure you are a part of something once you get there.

The degree does not mean much if you don’t have the resources, connections, experience … go to office hours with your professors, go to alumni night, take advantage of the events, the job fairs.”

Gonzalez also talked about the opportunities you can find by talking to your professors and classmates.

“Talk to all of your professors, not just the ones in your major, even your professors here at RCC,” Gonzalez said. “They might offer different projects they’re working on ... Talk to your classmates too. Some might be working on their masters or their PhD. Ask them what you have to do.”

Santos suggested joining clubs and fraternities to get yourself noticed and connected.

“Making friends is a form of networking and there’s always a professional benefit,” Santos said.

Rodas pointed out that as a math major she has experienced

frescas, churros and other treats were served to attendees.

“It’s nice to get to experience it after hearing about it and getting to hear the guest speakers and watch the dances,” RCC student Xenia Rodriguez said. “It shows diversity because we get to see multiple perspectives of their experiences, it’s interesting.

And sometimes you don’t know much information but that’s why I decided to come.”

Gabriela Pineault, director of Leyenda Dance Company, was very excited to share what her group of folklorico dancers had prepared for the event.

“This helps us understand each other and where we come from. It’s about understanding one another,” Pineault said.

“When we present a cultural event like this and we share our insides and our feelings and the feelings of our parents, our grandparents and our ancestors,

it helps to open our eyes to see ‘oh, that’s why they’re like this.’”

On stage in the cafeteria, while saying a few words before her dancers went up to perform, she shared how the Mexican folklorico dances tell stories of their ancestors and that it is important to her to take part in these events because she has relatives that were also farm workers alongside Chavez.

“Understanding is unity, right? I think it’s a very inclusive celebration because everybody is invited and at the end of the day it’s like a kumbaya moment,” Pineault said.

Miguel Arias, campus groundskeeper, was also very proud to share on stage that his granddaughter, Julisa Veron, sings a song at the event every year about a few immigrants, who were insultingly referred to as “deportees” in a news report, that died in a plane crash over

Central California.

“After the event we like to take copies of the story and take it to the fields to share with the workers, that’s why we like to do these events because I can see that people are interested,” Arias said.

He said he hopes others will hear of the conditions farm workers work through and about the fight for their rights and be encouraged to help them just as Chavez did.

The attendees all waved red UFW flags that were passed around as they enjoyed the performances. The celebration was highly informative.

Coordinators of the event were already discussing plans for a grander event next year.

“Si, se puede!” could be heard being shouted around the event from beginning to end, unifying everyone with the three famous words by Chavez himself.

RCC is where you build your foundation … so work hard, just drive, drive, drive and don’t stop.

-- former Riverside City College student Antonio Pelayo

some small class sizes where professors push internships on all their students.

“Get noticed by answering questions in class, even if your answers are wrong,” Rodas said.

Townson warned students of the imposter syndrome students may experience shortly after transferring.

“You’re not walking in with an SAT score like these high school kids who were valedictorians,” Townson said.

“We went to community college and you feel like you don’t belong. You need a support system … so don’t be afraid to use the mental health services.”

The panel concluded with an encouraging remark from the RCC Honors Program coordinator, professor Daniel Hogan.

“The Honors Program at RCC is preparing you for this,” Hogan said. “It’s gonna be hard, but it’s not gonna break you. You can do this.”

The Honors Program accepts applications year round. For more information visit the RCC school’s website.

College celebrates Cesar Chavez Day CHAVEZ from page 1

“Cesar Chavez was a civil rights leader who we still remember and honor in every contract we negotiate, every time work is done,” Romero said.

“I still pinch myself and it’s an amazing honor because a lot of lives depend on the work of the UFW.” “I’m an immigrant. I came from Mexico. I came here an adult so I understand the struggles of many of our people that we represent, our farmers and members. The fact that I’m the first woman in this position, I think it can bring awareness to how women that came as immigrants and had the same struggles can make a difference.”

The event demonstrated a diverse campus culture and many were excited to be able to attend, experience and share Latinculture. Nachos, aguas

DIANA CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College groundskeeper Miguel Arias gives his gratitude to United Farm Workers of America President Teresa Romero and everyone in attendance for making the Celebrate Cesar Chavez event possible on March 21.

April 4, 2019

News

3

NEWS BRIEFS Spring Break Riverside City College will be closed from April 8-12 for Spring Break. The Arthur N. Wheelock Field and the Landis Performing Arts Center will be open for various events.

Transfer recognition ceremony JACOB QUEZADA | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College student Ivan Zambrano speaking with a Cal Baptist University representative during the Transfer Fair in the A.G. Paul Quadrangle on March 25.

RCC hosts spring Transfer Fair

Thirty-five universities visit RCC to provide students transfer information KARINA GUTIERREZ STAFF REPORTER

Groups of students walked around the booths in the Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle basking in the midday sun. They used the opportunity at the Transfer Fair at Riverside City College on March 25 to ask representatives questions about financing, career options and admission requirements while picking up pamphlets and stickers.

Representatives were present from all over California and ranged from private universities, like the Redlands School of Business, to public institutions, like the University of Merced.

There were also booths that represented RCC programs such as the Counseling Department and the Study Abroad Program.

Representatives like Korrina Wood, an undergraduate admissions counselor at Cal Baptist University, were offering information about available scholarships for incoming students at the private institution.

“I would encourage students

to see the application through and apply,” Wood said.

The purpose of the event was to give more information to students about their options when it comes to transferring.

Some students attended the event to gain more insight about their dream schools while others sought help from counselors about admission requirements.

“I think it’s really helpful with the information that they have it because they explain how many credits you need to transfer,” Irma Hernandez, a first year RCC student who plans to transfer in 2020, said. At this event, Hernandez was able to get more information on the requirements she needs to meet in order to transfer to Cal State San Bernardino as a Liberal Arts Major.

Some students prefer the face to face interaction that the transfer fair offers as opposed to reading the information online like Paola Mendoza, an RCC student and Puente Program member who plans to transfer in the following year.

“Coming to the Transfer

Career Closet opening

JACOB QUEZADA | VIEWPOINTS

RCC student Celeste Guadiana speaking with a UCLA representative during the Transfer Fair on March 25.

Fair and being in the Puente Program has helped me learn a lot about the transfer process,” Mendoza said. “Face to face is better because you can ask them specific questions.”

According to Transfer Fair coordinator, Claudia Castor, the student participation was low in the spring semester because at this time people are waiting for a response from the universities that they applied to in the fall.

The turnout for universities was

also lower than in the fall because the institutions are busy with admissions.

“Usually in the fall semester is when everybody is thinking about transferring so that’s when there are more students,” Castor said.

For students that need more information about the transfer process, the RCC Transfer Center offers information about upcoming events and workshops on their website.

New services aim to increase safety SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW STAFF REPORTER

The Board of Trustees voted on an agreement that would create a partnership with the Riverside Community College District and the City of Riverside for dispatch services during their regular meeting March 19.

The hunt for a new dispatch service agency began in May 2018 when RCCD was notified that its original agency, Cal State San Bernardino, would be increasing their costs for the 2018-2019 fiscal year by 300%.

According to Michael Simmons, director of risk management, the district made

several attempts to negotiate with CSUSB but were unable to reach an agreement. Several of CSUSB’s clients, including Chaffey College, have been affected by the sudden and drastic price jump.

Several agencies were considered and approached by the district to provide dispatch services. According to Colleen Walker, RCCD interim chief of police, it was later determined that the services and price offered by the Riverside Police Department was the best fit for the job.

Simmons, Walker and Aaron Brown, vice chancellor of business and financial services, originally presented the new agreement to the board during a committee meeting March 5.

“This agreement will not only

The Transfer Center is hosting a ceremony for 2019 graduates at the Ralph H. Bradshaw Building Cafeteria on May 17. Students who have been admitted to their school of choice must send a copy of their acceptance letter to the Transfer Center located in the Charles A. Kane Building by May 3.

The ceremony will provide a medal for students to wear during the commencement ceremony in June.

provide RCCD with enhanced dispatch services. It will also include a new connection with the Public Safety Enterprise Communication System,” Simmons said.

PSEC is an encrypted radio system managed by Riverside County that allows police officers to communicate directly with each other rather than through a public police scanner system.

This new partnership results in a cost savings of $100,000 per year for the district. RCCD will sustain a one-time equipment cost of $175,000 to join the RPD and PSEC dispatch services.

The proposed first-year cost of $302,865 is based on the estimated number of RPD hours and other resources that will be provided to RCCD. In addition, RCCD will also agree to provide

assistance in dispatch personnel recruitment and testing locations for the dispatch hiring effort.

Both agencies will annually evaluate the workload and radio traffic to determine estimated costs for future fiscal years, but any increases will be limited to three percent.

The three present trustees, Mary Figueroa, Bill Hedrick and Jose Alcala voted unanimously to push the agreement forward.

A b s e n t t r u s t e e s , Vi rg i n i a Blumenthal and Tracey Vackar, had voiced their support for the agreement during its original presentation.

“It seems like a win-win for us,” Figueroa said. “I believe that this will increase the safety level for our students.”

The agreement is set to go into effect July 1.

The Riverside City College Career Closet will open April 22.

The Career Closet aims to be a place where students can receive proper work attire as well as additional resources such as mock interviews and resume assistance to help them secure jobs.

Donation boxes will be placed around campus in the biology faculty hallway in the Math and Science Building on the third floor, the Student Services office on the second floor of the Kane Building and in front of the Career Center on the first floor of the Kane Building.

The closet is located in portable five behind the old life science building near the Bradshaw Center.

Career workshops The Riverside City College Digital Library will hold career workshops for various fields of study including English, STEM, Career Technical Education and Nursing in April and May. Former California state university career counselor Jamie Beck will present the free workshops that focus on how to land a job in each respective field.

The first workshop will be held April 5 from 1-3 p.m. in the Digital Library and will focus on careers in English, arts and social sciences.

Correction: In the March 21 issue, “Community reacts to college admission scam,” the article incorrectly refers to universities as “for-profit.”

4

SPORTS

April 4, 2019

“There may be people that have more talent than you. But there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”

- Derek Jeter

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College shortstop Karter Williams assists with an out against Santiago Canyon College on March 27. Williams has 33 runs and a .516 batting average.

Karter Williams is after victory Star softball player leads Tigers to prominence JAIR RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER

The Riverside City College softball team has won 10 out of their last 13 games, and leading the way is sophomore sensation from Escondido, infielder Karter Williams.

The Tigers started the season slow but have been on a hot streak lately.

“We’ve come out with a lot of energy from the get go,” Williams said. “Working as a team to get runs across.”

Williams leads the Orange Empire Conference in overall batting average (.517) as well as on-base percentage at .559. She is fifth in the conference with 23 RBIs with a team leading 46 hits.

Along with being a tremendous hitter, she can run too. Williams has stolen 15 bases this season

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Williams slides into second base following a base hit against Santiago Canyon College on March 27 at home.

without being caught.

“I look at the situation on the field and do whatever I can to help my team,” Williams said.

“If there’s runners on second and third I’m usually looking for an outside pitch to drive that way to score the runners or if there’s a runner on first I’m looking to put a bunt down, so anything I can do to help my team out.”

Williams started playing softball when she was seven years old and has dedicated her life to it ever since.

She stated that family is a large part to her success on and off the field.

“They always taught me to work hard, go after what I love, so that’s what I do,” Williams said.

Williams also credits coach Michelle Daddona for her passion for the game.

“She’s amazing,” Williams said. “Since transferring here she’s been a great help in getting me back to loving softball again and pushing me on the field.”

Although Williams has a soft demeanor she brings a big presence to the team.

“She’s very mild mannered, very calm, very low key, but the presence she brings to this team is very big, very large,” Daddona said. “She doesn’t (lead) a lot necessarily vocally, but it’s more by example.”

Karter ’s teammates help motivate her as much as she motivates them, especially when she’s up to bat. The team has a little chant that helps pump up Williams when she is at the plate.

“The girls scream at me that Beyonce’ song ‘Partition’ where they say ‘Hey Ms. Carter’ in the beginning of the song, so that usually makes me smile when my teammates do that,” Williams said.

Besides being a great player she is also a great teammate.

“I think she is the most awesome teammate, she’s there when you need her,” sophomore outfielder Dani Melendez said.

“She has a great attitude on the field and makes everybody else positive as well, overall a great player and teammate.”

With her calm and cool attitude, Williams is optimistic

and relaxed about her future.

“I’m hoping to transfer to another school, a D-1 or D-2 school,” Williams said. “I’m just keeping my options open, seeing what comes my way.”

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Williams runs past third base and into home plate to score against Santiago Canyon College on March 27 at Samuel C Evans Sports Complex.

Sports

April 4, 2019

5

Women’s tennis after top spot

Tigers claim second slot in OEC Tournament bracket

ZANE MUDRON | VIEWPOINTS

Heather Graf returning a serve from Orange Coast College mid-game in a home matchup at Riverside Community College. The Tigers would take home the win, 8-1.

ASHLEY GOMEZ STAFF REPORTER

The Riverside City College women’s tennis team won its seventh game in the Orange Empire Conference play against Fullerton College on March 26 and followed up with their 14th seasonal victory against Glendale College.

The Tigers defeated the Hornets, which was the Tigers’ second win against Fullerton this season. The team came through, winning the most matches in both the singles and doubles matchups to earn the overall victory of 8-1.

RCC thrived in this matchup off strong doubles contests that was highlighted by the top freshman duo of Torrey Mateljan and Maxelle Bernie who worked towards an 8-4 victory.

Sophomore Heather Graf and freshman Yasmin Johnson earned the most dominant doubles victory an 8-1 score over their opposition.

Sophomore Emilia Lopez and freshman Hannah Stevenson follow up this fast start with an

SPORTS BRIEFS

8-2 victory.

In the singles competition, RCC went on to win five out of six matches. The Tigers picked up a notable win with freshman Miranda Cardenas who brought in the most dominant performance of all with a 6-0 victory in both matchups.

Along with Cardenas, fellow teammates Bernie, Johnson, Stevenson and Graf secured assertive wins.

This win would propel RCC up to second in the OEC standings.

The Tigers currently hold a 7-2 conference record with their only two losses against Orange Coast College in separate games.

Orange Coast currently remains undefeated and ranked first in the OEC with a perfect 9-0 record in the conference standings and a 17-0 record overall.

The Tigers would follow this victory with another as they would shut out Glendale Community College, 9-0.

Against Glendale, the three doubles matchups were won by the pairings of Mateljan and

Bernie who won 8-1, Graf and Cardenas who won 8-0 and Stevenson and Lopez who won 8-0. The team also secured all singles matchups winning a collective score of 6-0.

The team was unavailable for comment due to an extensive road schedule as of press time.

RCC will return home April 4 against Irvine Valley College for their season’s final matchup before the start of the 2019 postseason.

This upcoming postseason, the Tigers will compete in the OEC Tournament on April 11 for the ninth straight year in their aforementioned second seeded slot.

In the last seven years, the Tigers have won the OEC Conference Championship twice in 2012 and 2015. Both titles were won under head coach Nikki Bonzoumet who has held the position since 2000.

Before this however, they will compete in the first round of the Southern California Regionals on April 9 against a team and at a location that has yet to be determined.

Men’s diving/swimming

Women’s diving/swimming

Men’s tennis

Baseball

Riverside City College’s men’s diving and swimming team have maintained a perfect season so far with six straight first place wins. In their most recent competition, RCC competed at the Orange Empire Conference #2 Meet and took home the victory and earned 322 more points than the second-place finishing Golden West. RCC will next compete at home in the RCC Invitational on April 5.

Riverside City College’s women’s team is finding great success with six consecutive first place finishes in as many competitions this season. The team most recently took home another first place finish at the Orange Empire Conference #2 Meet and defeated Orange Coast College by a narrow 90 points for the victory. RCC will next compete at home in the RCC Invitational on April 5.

The men’s tennis team is currently 11-7 and most recently lost against Glendale Community College, 7-2.They will next compete against Irvine Valley College in their final game of the 2019 season in an away game on April 4. Following that game, the team will participate in the Orange Empire Conference tournament as the second seed.

The tournament will be held at Fullerton College.

The Tigers baseball team is currently running a 22-8 and ranks second in the Orange Empire Conference with a 9-4 divisional record. They rank just below Orange Coast College.

Sophomore outfielder Junior Coleman currently holds the most stolen bases at 17 in the OEC conference. The Tigers will next face Irvine Valley College on April 6 in an away in a best of three series.

ZANE MUDRON | VIEWPOINTS

Freshman Miranda Cardenas returns a serve in a singles matchup against Fullerton College. Cardenas won the only shut out for the Tigers against the Hornets on March 26 at home with a 6-0 victory.

LIFE

6 April 4, 2019

“The most important thing is to get rid of doubt. If you got doubt in what you’re doing, it’s not gonna work.”

- Nipsey Hussle

Opening ears and wagging tails

Local library encourages children to read with furry friends in order to promote literacy ADRIANA LOPEZ STAFF REPORTER

They are cute, nonjudgemental, they listen and get children eager to read. What more can you want?

Libraries throughout Riverside have partnered with Therapy Dog International to create Be A Reading Kid. Volunteers from Therapy Dog International bring certified therapy dogs to libraries for children to read to in hopes of creating a relaxing and encouraging atmosphere.

La Sierra Library has utilized the program for nearly three years and Isabel Guzman, the library supervisor, has witnessed the benefits of the program.

“There was a little girl who came in and could barely speak, she would just point at pictures, now she is about five and is starting to actually read,” Guzman said.

The success behind B.A.R.K. lies within the environment it creates. Most children are eager to approach friendly dogs and friendly dogs are happy to be approached by curious children.

Once a child chooses a book to read, the dog’s training kicks in and they are ready to be attentive listeners.

JACOB QUEZADA | VIEWPOINTS

Benjamin Schmit reads to Piper during the La Sierra Library’s monthly B.A.R.K event on March 20, 2019.

On March 20, volunteers Kay Robinson and Dawn Stallmo were accompanied by Piper, a Cairn Terrier, and Bambi, a Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound mix.

Robinson is a retired school teacher of 40 years and believes the importance of children learning that reading is enjoyable cannot be overstated.

“Any time you can turn a child onto reading and make them understand that they’re successful learners is important and these dogs build up confidence within

the children,” Robinson said.

For Stallmo, witnessing the joy the children experience has been personally rewarding.

“Seeing how the children light up when they see the dogs has been great,” she said.

Within a few minutes of the volunteers’ arrival, there was a small group of children reading to the dogs. Piper and Bambi were a hit.

One of the children, Makayla Serrano, initially read quietly but three books in and she was

all smiles.

“I was shy at first but the dog was nice so I kept reading,” Serrano said.

Parents were also excited to see their children eager to read.

Katie Schmit brought her son Benjamin to the library and he asked to take part in the reading.

“I’m hoping it helps him read, he typically doesn’t read much,” Schmit said.

A stack of books piled up as children read from them. Piper and Bambi attentively listened to “Ollie the Stomper” by Olivier Dunrea, “Can a Cat Do That?”

by Eric Carle, “A Birthday for Cow!” by Jan Thomas, among many others. For the hour that the therapy dogs were available, there was no stopping the children from reading, just as everyone would hope for.

As B.A.R.K. gains participants and earns returning guests, Guzman encourages parents to bring their children.

“Come in and observe, you don’t have to participate right away if you want to see what the program is about and ask the volunteers questions. It is a fun encounter for the children and encourages them to read,” she said.

For more information on B.A.R.K and other programs go to riversideca.gov/library.

Propelling cuisine to the future

Inland Empire Vegan Festival seeks to change the culture around food KENIA MURRUFO STAFF REPORTER

Fa lafel me at le s s t a c os , enriched spicy buffalo caulif lower wings and dairyfree treats had a surprisingly delicious taste at the first ever Inland Empire Vegan Festival.

Over 1,000 guests attended t he event at t he R a ncho Cucamonga Epicenter Stadium on March 30.

Over 40 volunteers and 100 vendors came together to show the Inland area the truth behind the progressive vegan lifestyle.

Kwani Brown first started to organize food festivals in Long Beach alongside her husband Edward to show everyone how healthy and tasty cruelty-free food actually is.

“This is our second home,” Brown said. “We’ve been seeing veganism grow here and we wanted something here as well.

It’s going to open people’s minds more and the people here who have already been curious, now they have somewhere to fuel that, learn that and cultivate it.”

Due to the massive amounts

of fast food chains around the Inland area highways, many locals haven’t had their palettes expanded. Attendees tried new varieties of food they had never experienced before.

“I think people who have more ideas of food (should) not be afraid to get the license and just pop-up and then collab with other poppers. When you pop-up the vegans come” animal-rights activist Paige Parson Roache said.

The festival also held both a fitness and activist panel to provide infor mation for the at tendees about the health benefits of having a plant-based diet and how it reduces climate change.

Many highly known vegan brands attended the event such as GT’s Kombucha, Orgain Protein and Califia Farms. Small starter pop-up vendors like Mama Chingona Vegana were there to support more animal-free restaurants to open.

“Just cut it raw, go plantbased it’s good for your health, animals and the environment.”

Amber Rose Martinez, owner of Mama Chingona said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IE VEGAN FEST

Vegan wings, baked beans, corn bread muffin and a side of vegan macaroni and cheese along with other dishes like these were enjoyed at the Inland Empire Vegan Festival.

An activist from the Animal Alliance network, Eder Lopez, 33, started his activism when he started to protest and hold pig vigils at the Farmer John’s company in Vernon and hopes others will be inspired to be as involved as he is.

“I have traveled the world doing activism. I just literally want to help change the world as fast as possible and the way I do that is by being active and doing

stuff about it.”

For many attendees this was their first vegan festival and a life changing event.

“I hope the IE brings more events like these,” first time attendee, Veronica Arriaga said.

“It helps me and my family understand more about our health in the long-run.”

For more information on future events go to ieveganfest. com.

LIFE BRIEFS “An Outopia for Pigeons” The Gestalt Theatre Project presents the west coast Premiere of “An Outopia for Pigeons.” Join Martha, the last pigeon on Earth, a sperm whale named Charles Bronson, an all-knowing glutton and many other characters.

“Outopia” is playing until April 7 at The Box Riverside.

Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com

‘Sister Act: The Musical’ Disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, assumes the life of Sister Mary Clarence, a convent nun after witnessing a murder and being placed in witness protection. The classic story comes to life on stage with powerful gospel music and outrageous dancing. Playing April 5 & 6 at 7 p.m. April 1, 6, & 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at performanceriverside.com

Riverside Art Market The sixth annual Riverside Art Market is a fundraiser that helps support the Riverside Art Museum’s mission-driven efforts to engage, inspire and build community through the arts. Free and open to the public, artist and artisan vendors are placed within and outside the Riverside Art Museum and the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, as well as on Lemon Street. Riverside Art Market will be held April 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Black Out Poetry Looking for a new hobby or an interesting creative outlet? Join others at the Arlington Library for a fun poetry activity. Take old, recycled books and by blacking out words you can create your own amazing works of poetry. Become your own wordsmith or make cool gifts for friends. Event is held on Friday April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

8

April 4, 2019

Views

California drought subsides

Editorial

How will statewide conservation efforts be effected?

PHOTO COURTESY OF CANSTOCKPHOTO

The grueling California drought is seemingly over. However, water conservation is still an important topic that should not be brushed to the side in light of this news.

The announcement came March 14 when the United States Drought Monitor released a report that declared California drought free for the first time since the drought began in 2011.

These reports have created a notion that the whole state has now recovered. The real story, however, is that only the northern part of California has recovered from the severe drought.

Southern California, although it has been experiencing a super bloom of flowers due to an abundance of rain, isn’t completely out of the drought yet. The same map from the monitor shows that parts of Riverside County, Orange County, San Diego County and Imperial County are still labeled as being “abnormally dry.”

Last year, Southern California suffered severe heat waves that only seemed to exacerbate the hopelessness brought on by the long term drought.

By 2019, the region received several rain storms

over the span of two months, causing barren land to turn into lush green landscapes in what seemed to be only days.

We, the Viewpoints Editorial Board, believe it will take a concentrated effort from state and local officials to ensure that water conservation remains a priority.

While California is no stranger to droughts, the most recent drought was especially dicey due to the rising dangers of global warming intensifying the effects of a drought. Rising temperatures dry the soil faster and cause more rapid evaporation from streams and reservoirs so they did not need any research to tell them that the drought was probably worse because of the warming trend over the past century.

The challenge has been to quantify how much worse.

A 2015 report conducted by the University of California, Davis, projected that the drought would cost the state’s economy $2.6 billion with much of that pain being suffered by the state’s farming industry.

According to a draft of Riverside City College’s financial plan, the college has done its part to

conserve water by making the campus as water efficient as possible.

For example, instead of traditional sprinklers, the college installed drip systems in the plant beds that deliver more water and minimize evaporation and runoff.

Another huge water saver is the field at Wheelock Stadium. Unlike other football fields that have traditional sod that needs to be heavily watered, Wheelock Stadium has 100 yards of artificial turf.

The college has also designed the landscape of the newly built Charles A. Kane Student Services Building with rocks and plants that don’t need as much water to survive. This is in line with the recommendations of state officials who have regularly encouraged the conversion to a desert landscape and have even issued rebates to homeowners and buisnesse who convert to these water efficient landscapes.

The effort for a drought-free California is still ongoing and will take a continued dedication on the parts of everyone in California to protect the state from another drought.

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

LETTERS

STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dominique Redfearn (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu MANAGING EDITOR Mia Magaña viewpoints.managing@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Patrick Tindall viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com JOURNALISM SPECIALIST Matt Schoenmann matthew.schoenmann@rcc.edu FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Matt Schoenmann

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ONLINE EDITOR Imari Rede viewpoints.online@gmail.com

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REACH US: Associated Collegiate Press

Journalism Association of Community Colleges

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