Viewpoints Issue 7 November 28 2019

R

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead

I

V

E

R

S

I

D

E

C

I

T

Y

C

O

L L

E

G

E

viewpoints

VOL. 97, NO. 7 NOVEMBER 28,

2019

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

Bounty hunters on campus

RCC students unexpectedly apprehended ERIK GALICIA STAFF REPORTER

The Oct. 8 in-class arrest of a Riverside City College student by unidentified bail bond agents has some worried about the safety of the institution.

The agents were able to enter a noon time fitness class in

the Wheelock Gymnasium and apprehend the student in a matter of seconds. Campus police and college officials were not made aware of the raid until after it had happened.

According to Faculty Association President Rhonda Taube, the sneak tactics employed by the agents immediately raised

concerns of on-campus ICE raids possibly being conducted in a similar manner.

ICE’s website states that the agency follows a Department of Homeland Security policy that advises against conducting operations at schools and churches. But the policy does not specifically name colleges

nor does it prohibit operations in those sensitive locations.

B e n j a m i n Va r g a s , t h e educational adviser for RCC’s La Casa Program, warned that the campus community must be mindful of the underhanded tactics that ICE is willing to use.

“ICE will lie,” Vargas said.

“They will come in claiming to be

someone else and ask, ‘Where’s this building located?’ If they do come, they’ll be on campus asking questions. I hope no one gets tricked.”

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act prohibits

See BOUNTY on page 2

RCC Puente Program turns 30 LEO CABRAL MANAGING EDITOR

Defensive linemen Jalen Bowens tackles a Mt. San Antonio College Defender. Bowens and the defense shut out the Mounties on Nov. 23 at Wheelock Stadium.

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

RCCD votes to add measure SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW NEWS EDITOR

The Board of Trustees voted to add a $715 million bond measure to the March 3 election ballot to fund facilities improvements of the Riverside Community College District colleges If 55% of voters approve, the measure would provide money to

improve classrooms and update technology at the veteran centers at the district’s three colleges.

Mary Figueroa, the board’s vice president, explained that the bond measure would provide better facilities and lead to better education outcomes such as an increase in timely completion and transfer rates.

“We need to continue to move into the next century,” Figueroa said.

Voters in the college district approved a $350 million bond measure in 2004, $33 million of which went to building the Culinary Arts Academy and stirred a conversation about whether or not Measure C funds could be used for administrative buildings.

“That money allowed nursing, student service and math buildings, cutting-edge tools for the culinary academy and

more,” Figueroa said. “When the community trusted us, we were able to do great things, and now we need them to trust us again,” she said.

Figueroa also said it was important that the district adapt to changing technologies and expectations.

See BOND on Page 3

Counselor Maria Maness had been planning and fundraising for the Puente Program’s 30th anniversary celebration for months.

When Maness asked Riverside City College President Gregory Anderson for funding, she was tasked with finding her own sponsors while Anderson went through the process of getting funding for the event and said he would match whatever she raised.

“A couple weeks later she’s doubled it,” Anderson said. “A couple months later she tripled it. She got nearly four times as much from all the sponsors by her own perseverance and all the perseverance of all the folks who helped her plan this.”

“I’ve been doing this for a year and a half and there are folks who have been doing this for 25 years, 15 years,” Maness said. “(Coming) in I felt like I really wanted to give it justice as a newbie and to really have the heart behind it to represent what the program has done for the institution and the students (who) we serve.”

See PUENTE on page 3

INDEX NEWS OPINIONS EDITORIAL SPORTS LIFE

2 4 5 7 12

2

November 28, 2019

News

Bounty hunter present

NEWS BRIEFS College community demands change WRC Reduced Hours T h e Wr i t i n g a n d Reading Center’s hours of operation will be reduced during finals week.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec.9-10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11-12 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 13.

Though the hours will be reduced, everyone is welcome to participate ASRCC Toy Drive The deadline for Riverside City College’s toy drive that benefits over 75 children registered with the Salvation Army is Dec. 9.

The names of the children are hung on the holiday tree in the Ralph H. Bradshaw Center.

Participants can select an ornament from the tree which will have the child’s gender, age and name on it. Participants can then purchase a gift for that child.

Term Ends The semester will end Dec. 14.

Campus Closed The campus will be closed Dec. 25 to Jan. 2 for winter break.

Scholarship deadline The deadline to submit and application for scholarships is Jan. 10.

To a p p l y f o r scholarships, students can go to the college website and click on ‘Financial Aid.’

To s t a y u p - t o date on upcoming campus events, visit the Viewpoints calendar listed at viewpointsonline.org.

If you have events happening on campus that you want featured on the calender, send information about the event to viewpoints. news@gmail.com.

COURTESY OF CANSTOCK PHOTO

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

IMAGE COURTESY OF CANSTOCKIMAGES

An Oct. 8 in-class arrest has led to a demand to create policies to prevent law enforcement to enter campus with college knowledge.

BOUNTY from page 1 The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act prohibits educational institutions from releasing student information even to family members. RCC faculty have been adamant about abiding by the federal act to protect students in the event of immigration enforcement operating on campus.

Vargas once had an unidentified man wearing a suit and badge enter La Casa, located in Room 202 of the Ralph H. Bradshaw Building, and ask for a student.

“I told him I couldn’t give him that information and redirected him to the (Charles A.) Kane Building,” Vargas said.

Soon after President Donald Trump took office, USA Today reported that colleges and universities across the country began preparing to protect their students from potential ICE raids.

“But it’s unclear how much power they actually have to shield their students,” the story read.

In February of 2017, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution declaring that the Riverside Community College District would not cooperate with ICE. But that resolution does not provide a policy that barrs outside agencies from the district’s open campuses.

After last month’s bond agent incident, RCCD Police Chief Shauna Gates reiterated the district’s “no cooperation”

rule. She also admitted that entry is technically not prohibited to outsiders and that her hands are tied if ICE agents show up with a warrant, which students and faculty should always ask to see if confronted by an agent.

The Immigration and Nationality Act allows immigration enforcement agents to arrest undocumented individuals with the use of administrative warrants.

These warrants are signed by ICE officials, not judges.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, neither arrest nor administrative warrants grant ICE agents permission to enter private areas. To enter and search a private area, agents must present a search warrant signed by a judge.

RCC President Gregory Anderson explained that the campus community must understand the differences between these warrants and always direct outside agencies to the Charles A.

Kane Building if approached.

The district is working on a “no trespassing” policy that would require all outside entities to check in with campus police upon arrival at RCC. According to Monica Esqueda, the district’s manager of safety and emergency preparedness, the drafting of the policy is in its very early stages. The policy would employ the use of a state penal code that authorizes a campus’s chief administrative officer to direct outsiders to leave the premises if they are interfering with the “peaceful conduct” of campus activities.

“Our legal counsel will look at it and see if any changes have to be made,” Esqueda said. “Once it’s approved by the attorney, it’ll go to shared governance and then to the Board of Trustees.”

RCC student Silvestre Tomas expressed concern over the lack of visible security on campus.

“I don’t really see security

I think it’s pretty scary that anyone can come in and do things unnoticed.

-- RCC student Selenia Serrano

around,” he said. “I think we need increased police patrols.”

Another RCC student, Selenia Serrano, recalled the February 2018 suicide of a student in the parking structure. She explained that the suicide may not have taken place if the victim would have noticed security patrols.

“The thing about this campus is that it’s not gated,” Serrano said. “I think it’s pretty scary that anyone can come in and do things unnoticed.”

Serrano also suggested that instructors should be required to lock their doors at the beginning of class in an attempt to shield students from ICE. “I can bring the issue to the other two presidents (in the district) and the student trustee,” Angel Contreras, Associated Students of Riverside City College president, said about Serrano’s suggestion.

Contreras also agreed to push for the presence of ICE on campus to be included in RCC’s emergency text message system.

“All faculty must be aware of what to do,” Contreras said.

“Out of all three campuses (in the district), RCC has the highest number of undocumented students.

We want those undocumented students to be able to participate.”

Vargas urged that allies of DREAMERS look out for their undocumented peers.

“Luckily, we haven’t had an ICE raid,” Vargas said. “We need a culture that cares and supports these students.”

November 28, 2019

News

3

Bond measure added to March 3 ballot

FILE PHOTO BY GEOVANNEY GUZMAN | VIEWPOINTS

BOND from Page 1 “Over a decade, needs change,” she said. “The governing board needs to have some leeway to say, ‘This has changed, it’s no longer needed — however, this is in the same realm.’”

A project list, Citizens’ Oversight Committee and independent audits will limit the types of projects on which board members can use the money.

According to the press release, the measure would cost each homeowner less than $50 per year until the bonds are paid off.

However, members of the Norco community, angered over the firing of Norco College President Bryan Reece last June,

have said that the district doesn’t support their preferred president, they wouldn’t support the district’s request for more money.

“So many members of the community pleaded with (the Board of Trustees) to keep him,” Norco student Rosella Gomez said. “We were disregarded. If they won’t support us and then we

won’t support them.”

Other community members are concerned about the language used in the ballot measure and question the logic behind formulating a Facilities Master Plan without planned funding.

“While I support the District and its goals, as written the bonds are ripe for abuse and I would not

Our colleges are vital community and economic resources that ensure local students have access to quality, affordable education -- Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac

support the measure,” community member Robert Klein said. “I think it’s irresponsible to spend so many resources on creating this great Master Plan without knowing whether they would have the money for it.”

Figueroa said she hopes to convince anyone opposed to the measure that the spending is in their best interest.

“We’re always going to be concerned whenever any part of the community says they’re not going to be supportive,” she said.

“I hope we’ll be able to explain to them how it’s going to benefit their families and students … I’m not seeing it as a lost cause. I’m seeing it as an opportunity to get into an engaged community to explain

where we’re going.”

According to the resolution putting the measure on the ballot, money could also be used to replace leaky roofs, rusty plumbing, outdated and faulty electrical systems, and to expand and improve security.

“Our colleges are vital community and economic resources that ensure local students have access to quality, affordable education in the District,” Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac said in the release.

“Upgrading outdated classrooms, labs and career training facilities will allow Moreno Valley College, Norco College and Riverside City College to serve our well for decades to come.”

Puente alumni, staff ring in milestone anniversary PUENTE from Page 1 Puente alumni from the last three decades returned to RCC to celebrate not only the Puente Programs 30th anniversary, but the community and success that Puente has fostered.

“Puente, as an English teacher, was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Linda Sherman, who was Puente’s English faculty from the program’s beginnings at RCC in 1989.

The Puente Program has given Latinx students at RCC the courage to find and raise their voices through its writing, counseling and mentoring system for the last three decades. It has helped students reach positions of leadership and constantly encourages Puentistas to give back to the community.

Gabriela Plascencia, Riverside City Councilmember and president of the Latino Network, attended the celebration. Plascencia graduated from North Vista High School and transferred to a university from RCC. She plans on getting involved with the program as a mentor.

“I’m a product of community college,” Plascencia said. “ I think access to these kind of programs are what’s really going to help our students exceed.

“These are our future leaders.

So partnering them up with mentors and having access to these kinds of opportunities is life changing. Whatever I can do to support it, I’m all for it.”

To this day Puente continues to be a great influence on and off campus, in and out of the classroom environment. As many emphasized throughout the event, the program is more than an English class.

Puente gives students a sense of confidence in themselves, a sense of belonging, tools for the future and a community of support. To some, it is like family.

“Anyone who is really interested in college, join. And who wants to make friends. These will forever be my friends,” second year Puentista Angel Ayala Mendez said.

“I also always plead with my students to try to see themselves in me so that they can also derive strength and inspiration (from me).” RCC Chancellor WoldeAb Isaac said during a speech.

“Because if I can do it they can do it too. And I think that Puente in some way is an expression of that type of solidarity. Of us giving to each other.”

Visit us at viewpointsonline.org

LEO CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Cesar Gomez, Senior Field Representative, Office of Assemblymember Jose Medina presents a certificate of recognition to Maria Maness on Nov. 23 at Riverside City College.

4

November 28, 2019

Campus Conversations How important is the topic of climate change to you in regards to the upcoming 2020 election?

“If the IRS can come to anyone and ask, ‘hey! I want your tax forms’ or to keep track of it to begin with. They have a say in receiving that information then there’s no excuse that the president would not have to do that just because he is the president.”

“Presidents have always released their taxes and I guess if they pass a bill then it wouldn’t be exactly wrong to do it. Since people (candidates) have done this for years, decades even. I have to release my tax information for schools and whatnot, so it’s a requirement for me. Why shouldn’t it be a requirement to be in office?”

Views

Without equality, I say, there cannot be liberty.

- HAROLD LASKI

Men’s Day goes unnoticed International Men’s Day highlights mental health seriousness

SILDA MARTINEZ STAFF REPORTER

International Men’s Day should have a lot more recognition then we are giving it.

Never heard of it? Not surprising. Most aren’t even aware the day exists.

“The day is not intended to compete with International Women’s Day, but to emphasize the importance of men’s physical and mental health and positive masculinity.

According to an article published by the HuffPost on Dec. 2017 a review of homicide data shows that where homicide rates against men are high, violence against women by male partners is also high (and female deaths by homicides more likely to happen).

Men have a bigger reputation for taking their masculinity to an abusive pattern, but that is what National Men’s Day can help end the toxic masculinity that is expected from men.

Positive masculinity refers to the expansion of what it means to

IMAGE COURTESY OF CANSTOCK

be a man, physically, emotionally and even socially.

“The need is to work with peradolescent children to promote a culture of human rights, to promote gender-equitable behaviors by developing alternative masculinities, and to teach boys and men different methods of resolving conflict that do not resort to notions of masculinity, violence and pride,” according to Daily Maverick.

International Men’s Day was founded on Nov. 19, 1999

by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. Teelucksingh believed Father’s Day was the only day men were put in the spotlight for the positive masculinity they

contribute within the community and even family life. He wanted another day to help bring to light all the good values that men have.

“Suicide has become the leading killer of men under the age of 45,” according to India Times, the topic of men’s mental health is never talked about due to the social stigma on men’s masculinity being seen as weak if talked about.

Instead of keeping up with this constant toxic masculinity stereotype that is put on men, we need to use days like International National Men’s Day to influence more posit ive t al k about masculinity. It should highlight those men who are positive role models to others and promote gender equality.

It’s a chance to start showing

the younger generation of boys that it is okay to talk about feelings and show emotions.

We need to build a space where men can talk about what issues they are struggling with, without being judged for being sensitive.

Men also constantly struggle with depression, anxiety and many other mental illnesses too. Instead of ignoring International National Men’s Day we should be spreading its importance more.

People need to be more educated about the day. More awareness needs to be put on International Men’s Day and really highlight the main goal of the day which is to end the gender stereotypes, to help men’s health and to break down toxic masculinity.

Bolivia’s former president forced to resign “Yes, because it’s just sorta of fair. I know that presidents are on a certain hierarchy, but it would be for us to be able to see what’s going on.”

-Jaden Gonzalez

JONATHAN RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER

“No, for privacy reasons. It is no one’s business what you do with your money.”

-Ana Figueroa

Interviews and photos

by Jonathan Ramirez

Campus Conversations is an open forum for Riverside City College students to voice their own opinions, views and ideas.

The pillars of Bolivia’s democracy are crumbling after former president Evo Morales was forced to resign by military forces and later exiled to Mexico. The most important question should be: what happens now?

But instead, the aftermath of what transpired has sparked a debate across mainstream media platforms and Twitter on whether a “coup” took place or not. However, this political catastrophe is not so black and white.

Morales was Bolivia’s first indigenous president. He went on to embolden the rights of the indigenous majority and sought to cut down the poverty rates significantly. He was considered a champion among

the indigenous communities. He sought out to do this early on in his 14 year rule. Throughout the course of his rule, he became more authoritative and corrupt.

As he approached the end of his last term limit, he was not allowed to run again.

This did not stop him from trying to pass a referendum in 2016 that would allow him to run for another term. The referendum was ultimately shot down by a 51.3% majority.

The Bolivian Supreme Court later deemed term limits unconstitutional and let him run anyway.

The nation has been stewing in revolt since the Oct. 20 election when the people of Bolivia started to suspect how fraudulent the win for Morales was. The voter count on live television was paused and pushed back a whole day for a recount. Morales beat his opposing candidate by just the amount that he needed when the recount was resumed the next day. After a suspicion of fraud, Morales agreed to an audit by the Organization of American States. But the general public opinion had already rightfully shifted from a new election to

cries for his resignation.

As stated in a CNN article, at least 31 people have been killed in the violent political unrest since the Oct 20. election. All of the former allies tied to Morales in anyway are now resigning in response to threats made against them or their families, allowing Jeanine Añez Chavez, a right wing fascist, to be swallowed into the power vacuum.

Chavez, of European decent, rose to power as interim president after five people above her in line for the office resigned. She has openly made racist tweets against indigenous communities. She has called them “satanists” because of their beliefs and has mocked them being barefoot, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times. Chavez is igniting flares of fascism in a dissolving democracy and represents the potential return of the oppression long suffered by indigenous communities before Morales.

“The United States applauds the Bolivian people for demanding freedom and the Bolivian military for abiding by its oath to protect not just a single person, but Bolivia’s constitution,” President Donald

Trump, said in a White House statement on Nov. 11.

The only reason the president welcomes the coup with warm open arms is to exploit the high amounts of lithium in Bolivia.

The Bolivian government claims to have 70% of the world’s lithium, the very thing necessary to power modern technology such as smartphones and laptops. People’s World has reported U.S. Embassy officials have met with diplomats about providing financing and weapon shipments to Bolivian opposition forces, and bribing coca farmers in the countryside to vote against Morales. A CIA station in La Paz has also generated over 68,000 fake antiMorales tweets.

Bernie Sanders should not be the only 2020 presidential candidate to speak out in stern opposition to the coup. A coup d’etat is one of the many of murder weapons of a dying democracy throughout human history. The U.S. should stop backing or acknowledging fascist regimes for monetary gain in Latin America unless it is an attempt to restore the lingering branches of democracy.

November 28, 2019

Editorial

Views

5

IMAGE COURTESY OF CANSTOCKPHOTOS

Privileged cheat education College scandal surprises none but must be addressed If there is one thing that these volatile times have taught us it is that the powerful will do anything to boost their own status with little regard for the people they crush below them.

And we must not stand for it anymore.

While it is true that many parents will do anything to ensure their child’s success, cheating well-deserving students out of a higher education is not the way to do it.

The college admission scandal has brought attention to some of America’s biggest flaws and exposed the underbelly of a system that poor kids always suspected. The belief that the rich and powerful can pay their way through life while the less fortunate have to fight is one that is reflected in every aspect of our society, from housing to the criminal justice system. The fact that wealthy parents who are caught cheating the system will get off with a slap on the wrist does not come as a surprise but it will embolden others. And the American education system can not go on with this level of blatant favoritism for the privileged.

“A mail and wire fraud are punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years and a fine

of not more than $250,000,” states a report by the Congressional Research Service.

Although a maximum sentence of 20 years may seem excessive to some, the sentences given in this case so far are painfully provisional. Most of the parents who pleaded guilty were given sentences ranging from a couple weeks to five months and fines ranged from $9,500 to $250,000.

Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy for paying $15,000 to William “Rick” Singer, the ringleader of the scandal, to have her daughter’s SAT scores altered. Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison, 250 hours of community service and one year of supervised release and was fined $30,000. On top of a miniscule sentence, she was released from prison after only 11 days. Huffman’s husband, actor William Macy, was not charged as an accomplice despite his evidenced knowledge of the crime.

Of the eight universities involved USC, UCLA and UCSD were included. These are universities that participate in transfer fairs at Riverside City College.

These billionaires have willfully aided in a culture that cheats students like ours out of their hard earned

spots at these universities.

Those with power must not be emboldened to influence an already flawed system to push their own child up the ladder that others struggle to climb to get half as far, often with other responsibilities tied to their backs.

It is even more appalling that the parents involved in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal “donated” to a fake charity aimed toward helping underprivileged children to give their upper class children a shortcut to prestigious universities while also getting a tax break in exchange for their atrocities.

According to an NBC Bay Area report money from federal fines tends to go to the U.S. Treasury “for general use.” Therefore, none of the money that these high profile parents are guaranteed to contribute to actual resources for students seeking an education.

The guilty should not be let off the hook until they made a demonstrated effort to create an education system that centers on student equity. Education is not a product for the privileged, it is a cornerstone for a thriving democracy and it ought to be treated as such.

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

STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Angel Peña (951) 222-8488 viewpoints@rcc.edu MANAGING EDITOR Leo Cabral viewpoints.managing@gmail.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Bartholomew viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com JOURNALISM SPECIALIST Matt Schoenmann matthew.schoenmann@rcc.edu FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Matt Schoenmann

LETTERS TO THE

NEWS EDITOR Samantha Bartholomew viewpoints.news@gmail.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Diego Lomeli viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR Angel Peña viewpoints.sports@gmail.com

LIFE EDITOR Jacob Quezada viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com

PHOTO EDITOR Diego Lomeli viewpoints.photo@gmail.com

DESIGN EDITOR Leana Padilla-Cornejo viewpoints.designer@gmail.com

ONLINE EDITOR Angel Pena/Leo Cabral viewpoints.photo@gmail.com

ILLUSTRATOR Melissa Mills

REPORTERS Clarissa Corral Jennifer Estrada Erik Galicia Monserrat Garcia Daniel Hernandez Yesenia Huby

Jonathan Ramirez Mia Magaña Silda Martinez Melissa Mills Zane Mudron Jair Ramirez

Journalism Association of Community Colleges

Copy deadline:

February

5

Photo deadline:

February

5

Ad deadline:

February

5

Next issue:

February

13

Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

REACH US: Associated Collegiate Press

Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less and include contact information. Deliver letters to the Viewpoints office in the room behind the Assessment Building. An electronic copy is required.

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.

PRINTING SCHEDULE Stephen Peltz Mac Shepherd

MEMBER: NEWSROOM PHONE: (951) 222-8488 E-MAIL: viewpoints@rcc.edu

EDITOR

California Newspaper Publishers Association

© 2019 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.

6

November 28, 2019

“Let’s just win it and go home..”

- Barry SanderS

SPORTS

November 28, 2019

7

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College’s running back Jamon McGlory jukes a Saddleback College defender on Nov. 16 at Mission Viejo Highschool’s stadium. He had 10 rushing attempts gaining 44 yards against the Saddleback defense. Mcglory shares the backfield with freshman Thomas Kinslow.

Saddleback no match for the Tigers RCC proves that they are the top seed in the south STEPHEN PELTZ STAFF REPORTER

Riverside City College defeated Saddleback College 56-25 to secure their second consecutive National Southern Division Championship.

The first few drives of the game seemed to make everyone believe they would be watching a shootout between Saddleback and RCC. Drives consisting of deep touchdown passes started the game off strong b u t t h e n R C C ’s d e f e n s e started slowing down Saddleback’s quick scoring

drives into lengthier drives that ended in punts.

“This was a great game tonight and we played well in all phases. We just had the one punt block but our defense did a good job of containing the quarterback” said head coach Tom Craft about the Tigers defense turning the tide of the game.

This kept RCC from having to combat Saddleback’s high powered long pass offense and move to focus on the run game early on. The Tigers then established “ground and pound” style offense, only throwing the ball when they had to after the first quarter.

“Coach Craft wants us to run the ball in the first half and then try and pound the ball the second half,” said running back Thomas Kinslow, scored two rushing touchdowns during the game. “But ... coming out we saw the different fronts and the stacks that they had to try and attack the ball and attack the line of scrimmage” Quarterback Jacob Barlage became the starter after Mike Irwin seemed to have suffered some kind of knee injury during the Southwestern game on Nov. 2. Since then Barlage has played nearly every minute

except during the final few drives against Saddleback and Orange Coast.

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot,” Barlage said. “I feel like coach Craft is ... coaching me up. You know, getting more reps in practice and just getting able to see it a lot better and just improving every single day.”

Barlage praised the win against Saddleback but immediately moved his mind to next week’s game.

“It’s amazing,” Barlage said. “when you get all three like that so we just gotta have a great week of practice and come and ball out next week”

Statistics

Quarterback Jacob Barlage completed 19-26 passes totaling 310 yards and four touchdowns.

Running back Thomas Kinslow ran the ball 23 times for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff had 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns

8

November 28, 2019

Spo

Lights out for th

Tigers host first shut out ANGEL PEÑA JAIR RAMIREZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STAFF REPORTER

“

When you get a shutout, that goes into that and I turnovers were a big key ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

November 28, 2019

orts

he Mounties

t of the season

, there’s a lot thought the y to that.

“

- Tom Craft

R

9

iver side Cit y College held Mt. San Antonio College to 210 ya rd s a nd on ly 15 f i r st downs the lowest of any game this season.

T he defense, led by defe n sive ba ck Shaw n Dou r seau , shut out Mt. S a n A n t o n io C ol le g e’s offense, allowing Quarterback Jacob Barlage and company to put up 48 points against the Mounties.

“W hen you get a s h u t o u t , t h e r e ’s a l o t that goes into that, and I t houg ht t he t u r novers were a big key to that,” said RCC head coach Tom Craft.

Dourseau had one RCC’s five interceptions earning him RCC player of the game.

“Coach emphasizes, stay locked in never get comfor table. Ever yone’s been locked i n a nd it shows in the game,” said Dourseau.

Aiding Dorseau in the s hu t o u t t h e r e s t of t h e defense combi ned for 47 t a c k l e s a g a i n s t t h e Mounties. “ To t h e d u d e s u p f ront. T hey caused it.

They caused them t o t h row it e a rly a nd I ended up coming up with t h e i n t e r c e p t io n ,” s a id Dourseau. Dourseau leads RCC with six interceptions RCC was 4 -5 against Mt. San Antonio College i n t h e pl a yof f s . T h o s e f ive los se s a c c ou nt for one third of head coach Tom Craft’s losses as head coach of the tigers. The victory over the Mounties s e c u r e d c o a c h C r a f t ’s 10 0 t h w i n si nce t a k i ng over the program.

“T he football st af f deserves a lot of that credit and it’s a great recognition for the coaching staff and the players,” Craft said.

“They are the ones that are doing everything.”

The Tigers won their last st ate championsh ip 3 0 y e a r s a g o i n 19 8 9.

Although Craft has proven that he can coach winning teams, the coveted state title still eludes him.

RCC faces College of t he Ca nyon s Sat u rd ay N o v. 3 0 a t W h e e l o c k Stadium. The Tigers hope t o d efe a t C a nyo n s a n d advance to the State title game that will be played in Bakersfield, Ca. T he R iver side Cit y College Tigers have created a winning culture on the gridiron, advancing to the California Football Association Souther n Regional Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

RC C w i l l f a c e t h i r d seed College of the Ca nyon s on Nov. 30 at Wheelock Stadium.

10

November 28, 2019

Sports

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

The RCC Womens volleyball team concludes their season with a record of 14-13. Aiding their head coach leave on a posotive note as she retires as the head coach of the Riverside City College Tigers. Monica Hayes-Trainer finishes her 11 year tenure on top.

Volleyball coach retires after 11 years Hayes-Trainer speaks about her hopes for the program STEPHEN PELTZ STAFF REPORTER

Women’s volleyball head coach Monica Hayes-Trainer has decided to retire after an 11 year career at Riverside City College.

“I’m old,” Hayes-Trainer said with a smile and a chuckle, “And I have a great associate head coach, I feel confident that she can take over the program and continue with its success and hopefully get more successes.” showing she trusts the kind of associate head coach she has and knows that if she is picked

to be the next head coach the program will only become better.

Hayes-Trainer expressed praise for associate head coach Elizabeth Younglove and hopes Younglove will be her successor.

“They have to open everything up,” Hayes-Trainer said. “She has proven that she can do the job. She’s a great coach. The players really respect her. They love her coaching style. And she’s a great teacher” The head coach believes the best way or the program to continue its success in the future is to get Younglove involved.“Liz loves the game,”

Haye-Trainer said. “She’s just very good at what she does.”

H a y e s - T r a i n e r ’s g o a l at RCC has been to see her players transfer out to four year universities. “Our team GPA is usually one of the top and we really hold the players accountable academically,” she said. So as long as they get to the four year college and use the junior college as a stepping stone that’s our goal. Hopefully they’ll play volleyball but a lot of them won’t play, but they’ll coach and so they stay in the game of volleyball in a lot of different ways.”

H a y e s - Tr a i n e r p l a y e d volleyball for one year at San Bernardino Valley College, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. She also played three years at San Jose State University.

After college, Hayes-Trainer played in both Switzerland and Italy, She won a championship with her team in Switzerland.

When she returned to the United States, she played volleyball for the San Bernardino Jazz and became an 11-time all star and a seven time USA Volleyball senior volleyball champion.

COURTESY OF RCC ATHLETICS

RCC head volleyball coach Monica Hayes-Trainer.

Sports

November 28, 2019

11

November S

M

T

W

28

TH

29

F

30

S

Football RCC vs Cantons SCFA Championship @ 6 p.m.

December 1

S

8

2

M

9

3

10

T

4

W

5

TH

6

F

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Cerritos College at RCC @ 7 p.m.

East Los Angeles College at RCC @ 5 p.m.

Mt. San Jacinto College at RCC @ 4 p.m.

11

12

13

14

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Solano Showdown @ TBA

Women’s Basketball

15

16

17

Women’s Basketball Solano Showdown @ TBA

22

23

24

29

30

31

All dates and times are subject to change

7

S

18

19

Los Medanos vs RCC Tournament @ Solano Community College at 3 p.m.

20

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Golden Wast vs RCC @ 5 p.m.

RCC at Santa Ana @ 5 p.m.

25

26

27

RCC at Mt. San Jacinto College @ 1 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Solano Showdown @ TBA

21

28

12

November 28, 2019

LIFE

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

-

NelsoN MaNdela

Transitioning minds at RCC Club’s cofounder helps others after incarceration ERIK GALICIA

STAFF REPORTER

As of 2016, the American system of mass incarceration was holding 2.3 million people behind bars.

Michael Saavedra, cofounder of Riverside City College’s Transitioning Minds Club, has survived that system. Saavedra was raised in the East Los Angeles area and experienced the full effect the Reagan Era had on communities of color.

“During that time, you had the war on drugs,” Saavedra said about the 1980s. “You had the influx of crack cocaine. You had the war on gangs. So it was on and popping.”

During his teen years, Saavedra became immersed in gang life. He found himself in and out of juvenile hall and was sent to prison at age 18. At 26 years old, he was released in 1996.

In 1999, Saavedra received a 21 year prison sentence. This time, his experiences sparked within him a desire for justice and knowledge.

“I was really upset with the criminal justice system,” he said.

“My whole trial I felt like I was wronged.”

Saavedra began studying the law on his own and found the errors of the judges overseeing his case. By the early 2000s, he had received his GED and was elected by his peers to the Salinas Valley State Prison Men’s Advisory Council, a lawfully established group tasked with peacebuilding and protecting the rights of the incarcerated.

Yet, Saavedra was sent to the infamous Pelican Bay State Prison, where he spent around 15 years in solitary confinement.

He began to notice that people of color were disproportionately

ERIK GALACIA | VIEWPOINTS

Michael Saavedra, Transitioning Minds Club cofounder, discusses post incarceration obstacles. held in the prison within the prison and that some had been there for over a decade.

“They would send you there for things like learning your own culture or history,” Saavedra said.

“Like learning Nahuatl, which is our native Mexica language.

Or using Aztec symbols and drawings.”

Saavedra also recounted seeing African-American inmates punished for having Black Panther tattoos and reading

the works of George Jackson, who advocated for the rights of incarcerated people during the 1960s.

Frustrations rose and the inmates began planning a protest against the inhumane conditions in the California prison system.

Saavedra and his peers studied the peaceful tactics of Mahatma Ghandi and Cesar Chavez and decided against the more extreme routes that inmates had taken in the past.

On July 1, 2011, the California prison hunger strikes began at Pelican Bay. Throughout the next few years, thousands of protesters throughout the state joined the effort. Saavedra was involved in a class action lawsuit that protesters filed against the state for constitutional violations.

The lawsuit was settled in 2015 and put an end to indeterminate solitary confinement. The ruling also opened the door for incarcerated

people to receive an education.

“That’s what led me to where I am today,” Saavedra said about his academic journey.

“I took some courses inside and immediately enrolled (at RCC) when I got out in 2017.”

Saavedra explained that his readjustment to society was difficult at first. He was not accustomed to technology and had to overcome the feeling of isolation that came with being around classmates that were half his age. Through RCC’s Community for Academic Progress Program, Saavedra met Cynthia Gonzales, a counselor who helped him get through his first math class.

“When you have to explain why you don’t know how to use a computer, people ask, ‘Why are you 20 years behind,” Saavedra said. “She was very understanding when I explained that gap.”

Saavedra co founded the Transitioning Minds Club in 2018 to offer “a welcoming space for formerly incarcerated students and those affected by mass incarceration.” Their mission is to help club members navigate their educational paths successfully. “(The club) has given me a sense of accomplishment and leadership,” Saavedra said.

“But more importantly it’s given me a sense of that stigma being removed. I’ve seen how successful we are. How we’ve become accepted by everybody.”

Saavedra is applying to UCLA and UC Berkeley as an American Indian Studies major. He plans on eventually applying to law school and working as a lawyer with a focus on social justice.

“The system tries to pigeonhole us,” Saavedra said.

“We should always strive to be bigger and better because we can. Don’t ever let people make you feel like you don’t belong.”

November 28, 2019

Life

13

Club features ‘FITE’ documentary Film highlights journeys of formerly incarcerated ERIK GALICIA STAFF REPORTER

Students directly impacted by the system of mass incarceration have brought a message of unity and social justice to Riverside City College.

A collaboration between the college’s Transitioning Minds Club and Outreach and Student Equity Services brought a panel of five formerly incarcerated students to a packed Hall of Fame room in the Bradshaw Building on Nov. 19.

The presentation included a viewing of “From Incarceration to Education,” a documentary that highlights the educational journeys of university students with rough pasts.

The film aims to reduce recidivism and change the often judgmental narrative surrounding formerly incarcerated people in the United States, the country with the most prisoners in the world.

Many formerly incarcerated students come to college feeling like they do not belong.

Transitioning Minds and their UC counterparts, the Underground Scholars Initiative, work to provide a safe and supportive community to help these students thrive.

“When I came to RCC, Transitioning Minds wasn’t around,” said Carlos Cruz, an RCC graduate who transferred to UC Riverside. “I was like an

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSANA GOMEZ

The RCC Transitioning Minds Club screened a film that aims to reduce recidivism and change the narrative surrounding formerly incarcerated students. Five formerly incarcerated students also spoke at the event. outcast here. Most of the other students would … avoid me. I felt very alone. It wasn’t until I got involved with Underground Scholars that I started feeling like I belong here.”

Abdulla Puckett, a UCLA student who spent 15 years behind bars, explained that everyone is impacted by mass incarceration.

“If you live in this country, you’ve been impacted by the system of mass incarceration … in one way or another,” Puckett said. “The tax dollars that would be going to fix your schools, your streets, your parks are actually being spent on prisons.

On locking people up in cages.”

Puckett argued the importance of supporting those who are returning to society from jails

and prisons by asking a question.

“They’re coming back to your neighborhoods,” Puckett said. “They’re gonna be your neighbors. They’re gonna be in the schools with you. They’re gonna be in the shopping malls with you.

“Would you rather have those persons learning, getting skills that are going to help them advance their lives and … communities? Or do you want them cut off from being able to return and have a place in society?”

Katherine Maldonado, a UC Riverside doctoral candidate who has testified on behalf of asylum seekers and recommended policy to international audiences, shared the struggles she faced as an

undergraduate student at UCLA. “The hardest thing that I’ve navigated was the removal of my kids and (their placement) into foster care,” she said. “It was the most traumatizing thing anyone could experience … I had fought so hard to get out of the streets.”

The experience led Maldonado to research the experiences of formerly ganginvolved Chicana mothers for her dissertation.

Richard Leon, a UC Berkeley student who was also featured in the film, recalled the difficulty of juggling his education and helping his family come to terms with his brother’s 20 year prison sentence. He also explained the intrinsic reward he felt after showing the documentary to

inmates at San Quentin State Prison.

“Even lifers would be like, ‘This gives me hope,’” Leon said.

“Seeing folks that … may never come home have that hope just blew my mind.”

The panelists all shared the need to end the stereotyping of formerly incarcerated people in order to create a more just society.

They expressed that solidarity and love from the community is essential in the fight against the system. “ We ’ r e j u s t l i k e y o u , ” said Daniel Arvizu, who also transferred to UC Riverside after graduating from RCC earlier this year. “It’s never too late. Don’t let these stereotypes get you. I’m just like you.”

Disney donates holiday magic to RCC Photo Club SAIDA MAALIN STAFF REPORTER

Disney is supporting Riverside City College’s Photo Club by donating “Toy Story 4” toys to help decorate a tree that will be on display at the Riverside Convention Center.

“The Festival of Trees Mistletoe Magic Gala kicks off the festival the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Riverside University Health System Foundation’s annual event to raise funds and bring together the community for Riverside County kids,” said Nicole Orr the Interim Executive Director of RUHS Foundation.

For the past 30 years RUHS has hosted a fundraising gala donating all proceeds to Riverside University Health Child Abuse and Neglect unit in the hospital.

“Funds go to pediatric work at Riverside University Health System Medical Center, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Child Abuse & Neglect Unit,” Orr said. This year proceeds will continue to help aid, support and raise

awareness for the pediatric units.

Nancy Gall, an advisor for RCC’s Photo Club, relayed her concern that the club may not be able to afford real “Toy Story” items to bring the clubs idea to life. A few months later one of Nancy’s relatives connected her with a Disney employee who then offered to support the photo club by donating “Toy Story 4” toys.

“Scott, who apparently is high end international Disney, contacted me via email and said ‘Disney would like to support you with the tree. So, can you meet me at my office in Burbank?’ and that’s what I did” said Gall.

She pointed to the display of toys laid out on the table as the photo club members gathered to begin creating paper parachutes that will hold small toy soldiers as part of the display.

The Photo Club’s tree will be about seven feet so that means seven feet of decorations.

“We talked about how we are going to put it on and if it is enough,” said Gall. The club submitted their bid for a Toy Story 4 theme so that they can avoid other participants having the same idea.

The theme and color scheme is chosen by the groups participating and approved by Riverside University Health Volunteers that oversee the event.

RUHS volunteers make sure that when participants place their bid in early it can help avoid having similar themed trees being near each other. This year the Photo Club’s theme will be “Toy Story 4” and will have a color scheme of turquoise and red.

The fundraising gala is sold out and those that reserved their seats early paid $150. Every volunteer group decorating a tree is provided one free admission to the fundraiser so Ally Riggs the Interclub Council representative and Secretary will be attending for the Photo Club.

“I will be doing a live stream,” said Riggs who is excited to go with her mother. During a regular Tuesday meeting the club voted and selected Riggs to be the individual that represents the group.

“I enjoy being the Interclub Council representative and Secretary because I have never been in a leadership position,” Riggs said. She has taken

multiple roles and is rewarded for her dependability.

“The trees are all sold and sponsored before the gala,” Orr said. “They go to bank lobbies, local libraries and schools, business offices and people’s homes.”

A tree has two sponsors, the first sponsor pays $1000 as a form of community service when purchasing the tree. The second sponsor is a different business that purchases the tree to be delivered and displayed at their business once the event is over.

Several awards are given out to participants in recognition of their creative efforts but since it is a fundraiser no financial incentives will be given out to winners.

“We have awards for best children’s tree, creative tree, traditional tree and Santa’s choice,” said Orr. “What we are doing is saving lives,” Gall said. “Everyone at this event is devoted to it.”

The whole community comes together for a good cause. People from all over gather to view all the beautifully decorated trees.

“RUHS Medical Center is

our region’s safety net hospital, meaning we care for everyone regardless of ability to pay,” Orr said. “We have the only PICU in Riverside County, provide forensic interviews and exams for child abuse and neglect for the County, and have the highest level trauma care. Supporting this hospital reaches so many kids in our area.”

There will be 50 trees on display and open to the public until Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Riverside Convention Center. For the past 9 years the Photo Club has been an ongoing participant in the festival and plans to be a part of the Riverside Festival of Trees for the upcoming years.

ILLUSTRATION BY MELISSA MILLS

14

November 28, 2019

Life

November 28, 2019

Life

15

Angel Baby hosted the 16th Annual Turkey Jam Food Drive on Nov.23 at Castle Park. The food drive consisted of various low rider cars on display, vendors and a live performance by “Thee Midnite Cruzzers.”

Angel Baby hosts annual food drive CLARISSA CORRAL STAFF REPORTER

Angel Baby’s 16th Annual Turkey Jam Food Drive, went beyond the average food drive by gathering the community through a small concert, food, cars, and of course donations on Nov. 23 at Castle Park in Riverside.

“It looks like a car show, it looks like a concert, but it’s a food drive,” said Angel Baby, radio station personality of 103.3 KCAA and orchestrator of the Turkey Jam. Upon entry into the parking lot at Castle Park, people were asked to bring in non perishable canned goods, frozen turkeys, or a small donation of five dollars.

Although this is the 16th year this event has taken place, this is the 15th time it has happened at Castle Park. This homegrown act of charity began at Pepitos Mexican Restaurant in Riverside, but with the growth of the food drive it moved into the Castle Park venue.

The amount of car clubs the food drive attracts, in addition to the oldies playing and the band performance by “Thee Midnite Cruzzers,” makes this food drive unique to the Riverside community.

Angel Baby has been able to create an event with a special atmosphere but also a network of

people that continue to come out and participate in putting on the event year after year.

“It’s incredible. He just had this crazy idea to do it one year and we just did it,” said annual Turkey Jam volunteer Fernando Rodriguez.

“He’s here for three days after the food drive just putting together boxes. He does it all out of the kindness of his heart.”

This annual gathering is more than a food drive to Angel Baby.

“This is not only a food drive, but we’re getting everyone together...we’re reconnecting,” said Baby.

The Turkey Jam collected about 171 frozen turkeys that will be donated to families for the Thanksgiving holiday and named its turkey giving champion, Charlie Perez.

“I was expecting a much greater challenge than I got,” teased the undisputed five year Turkey Jam champion Perez. “But evidently there were a few people that were afraid of me. I heard the talk but it never materialized.”

Perez has been attending Angel Baby’s Turkey Jam food drive for the past six years and calls himself “The Turkey Man.” “The only person that can beat me is the person I look at in the mirror,” said Perez jokingly.

“All joking aside, it’s not about the trophy, it’s about feeding the people.”

16

Life

November 28, 2019

JACOB QUEZADA | VIEWPOINTS

A Stone’s throw away Top right: Kegs of beer labeled by craft are ready to be transported to be filtrated.

Top Left: Hops organized by their selected craft from lowest to highest alcohol by volume.

Center: A glass sits on a coaster inside the Stone Brewery Bar. Center left: Evening goers watch the Nov. 24 gig by Nightmare on 80s Street.

Center right: Cans stacked on pallets ready to be shrink wraped for distribution.

Bottom: Bottles being prepped for sanitation before being filled and labeled.

JACOB QUEZADA STAFF REPORTER

Home to the 8th largest independent brewery in the nation, Escondido’s Stone Brewery has become a popular pitstop en route to San Diego.

Born inland of San Marcos, the producers of the Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone Brewery has capitalized on Southern California’s thirst for craft beer.

Contradicting it’s Spanish connotation, Escondido has become far from hidden by southbound goers.

Its prime location as a brewery and distribution plant off the I-15 has become a flagship detour for Oceanside goers. Stone’s Brewing World Bistro & Garden restaurant and tours are the ideal outing for those looking for the evening out tasting beer straight from the source.

Following the tour, guests

are invited to dine from a wide selection of kids meals, tacos, burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Accompanying the entrée are selections of bottled beer a n d w i n e . S t o n e ’s i c o n i c Indian Pale Ales have become well known with craft beer drinkers for their high alcohol by volume (ABV) and range of flavors.

Upon entering the garden, visitors can expect outdoor tables, a bar and stage for gigs.

Patio heaters scatter the garden, adding an extra sense of comfort.

The brewery’s success in Southern California has led to the expansion of a growing market with taprooms in Virginia, Berlin and Shanghai; giving just a taste of what is found in Escondido.

Stone Brewery lives up to its craft, Deliciously Arrogant. The plans are to remain independent, continue to expand and grown its loyal base.