Viewpoints Spring 2018 issue No. 10 March 22, 2018 by RCC Viewpoints

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ySPORTS

Beach volleyball spikes a win

Taxidermy challenges spectators

yOPINIONS

Editorial: newsroom diversity

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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VOL. XCIX, NO. 10

MARCH 22, 2018

Students participate in walkout Students took to the streets to protest for gun control after Parkland, Florida shooting SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW NEWS EDITOR

A small cluster of Riverside City College students gathered at the entrance of the A.G. Paul Quadrangle to raise awareness about issues of gun control. Students and teachers throughout the nation walked out of their classrooms March 14 as part of the National School Walkout to raise awareness about issues of school safety and the impact of gun violence. The walkout was to commemorate the one month anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. “Our children are being slaughtered in what should be their safest environment,” RCC student Lori Glass said. “The time for silence or thoughts and prayers are over.” The demonstration was organized by RCC student Kayla O’Connell, who said she was inspired by the students of Parkland who sprung into action in the aftermath of the Florida shooting. “This is such an important conversation that deserves to hold our attention as long as possible,” O’Connell said. The nationwide march, organized by Women’s March Youth Empower, began at 10 a.m. Many marches lasted 17 minutes, to represent each of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “We view this work as part of an ongoing and decades long movement for gun violence prevention, in honor of all victims of gun violence — from James Brady to Trayvon Martin to the 17 people killed in Parkland,” stated the Women’s March Youth Empower website. “Sometimes, history has shown us that as adults

DANIEL QUESADA | VIEWPOINTS

Students gather to demonstrate against gun control at the A.G. Paul Quadrangle on March 14. we become complacent and accepting of an unjust world,” Mary Figueroa, Board of Trustee secretary, said. “It has taken the younger generation to show us the way.” Figueroa referenced her thoughts that some of the most notable movements in history have been led and driven by students. “It happened during the civil rights movement and with the issue of gun violence it appears to be happening again,” Figueroa said. “As students, we are more open intellectually to varied points of view, regardless of the consequences. More power and support to the students. I’m very proud of their active stand on such a violent issue.” The subject was particularly personal to Wendy MillerAceves, an RCC student and a

mother of two non-school aged children. “Our children are worth 100 soldiers and 100 million of adults, but we don’t value them to the extent we should,” Miller-Aceves said. “Our children are speaking out and fighting back because our

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be just as involved as the high schoolers are.” While many praised the teenagers that participated in the walkouts, some were not so impressed. “Politicians swing wherever the money is,” RCC student Louis Calhoun said. “Unless each of these kids is sporting thousands of dollars, it’s not going to pack a big enough punch.” On the morning of the walkout, many parents posted that, instead of walking out, student students should “walk up,” the suggestion encouraged students to make more efforts to befriend students that seem isolated from their classmates. While the sentiments were appreciated by some, many were quick to point out that the idea could easily be compared with arguing that an abuse victim

“Our children are being slaughtered in what should be their safest environment.” -- Lori Glass, RCC

lawmakers won’t.” “I’m kind of disappointed in the lack of involvement from other RCC students,” RCC student Janelle Leman said. “As college students, we should

could’ve done something to stop the abuse by acting a certain way. “It shouldn’t matter what the shooter’s social status was before they murdered their classmates,” RCC student Daniella Herrera said. “Why do we constantly blame the victim for the actions of others?” According to a report put out by CNN, there has been an average of one mass shooting a week since the beginning of 2018. Starting with the shooting of Winston-Salem State University football player Najee Ali Baker on Jan. 20 and ending with the most recent school shooting March 20 at Baltimore, Maryland’s Great Mills High School that ended with the injuries of two students and the eventual killing of the unnamed shooter. On a national level, the opinions of politicians appeared unchanged. The week of the nationwide walkouts was the same week that Trump abandoned gun control proposals that the Republican-led Congress were never suspected of supporting to begin with. “They forget that we’re the ones they’re meant to serve,” Calhoun said. “Not the NRA.” The WMYE said that they believe that it is a critical time for lawmakers to pay attention because the movement will not disappear like so many have before. “We are not safe at school. We are not safe in our cities and towns,” Action Network said in a statement. “Congress must take meaningful action to keep us safe and pass federal gun reform legislation that address the public health crisis of gun violence. “We want Congress to pay attention and take note: many of us will vote this November and many others will join in 2020,” the organization said. “This generation is tired of being told to sit on their hands while our representatives make decisions that they will never have to live with,” Leman said.

March 22, 2018

News

Candidates explain campaign core values

Jose Alcala and Brian Hawley are the two final candidates running for Board Area 4 seat

MIA MAGANA | VIEWPOINTS

During a March 8 forum, Jose Alcala speaks in support of educational equity.

Brian Hawley states his support for prioritizing student success at a March 8 forum.

For Jose Alcala, the Riverside Community College District is much more than another step on the ladder. Alcala is one of two candidates competing for the Area 4 seat on the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees after current Trustee Janet Green announced that she would be retiring at the end of her term. A former Riverside City College student, Alcala has stated that he runs his campaign on his desire to pay his respects to a district that offered his family a better way of life. “This is personal to me. Riverside Community College was there for my family when my mother was looking for a change in where she was in her own personal life, the place that gave her the ability to change where she was going was RCC,” Alcala said. “This has been a family affair.” Alcala resides in Riverside with his wife and daughter. Alcala attended University of California, Santa Barbara and California State University, San Bernardino, as a history and pharmacology student before becoming teaching profession. He became a teacher to give back and help students just as his teachers had helped him. “I became a teacher to give back and help students just as my teachers had done for me,” Alcala said at a meet and greet.

Despite the several gleaming awards in his office, Brian Hawley was not the result of a high class lifestyle. A first generation college student, Hawley was raised with the knowledge that education was the only way to success. “My parents always stressed to my twin brother and I the importance of education,” Hawley said. Hawley earned his computer science bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of California, Riverside. Hawley is the founder of Luminex software, a 22-year-old Riverside-based technology company that provides data storage products to a broad range of industries. If he is elected, Hawley’s primary campaign priorities are student success, pathways to jobs and fiscal responsibility, where he plans to focus on working with local businesses to identify and increase job training programs that support 21st century workforce needs and provide well paying jobs to students and ensuring that a 2-year degree in achievable in two years. “My priorities are going to center around student outcomes and student success,” Hawley said. “You have to understand the importance of quality teachers and how they impact the success of our students.” While some see Hawley’s business background as a plus, many have expressed

“You always have to pay it forward.” Alcala has taught history for 14 years at March Mountain High School, an alternative education site in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, and has previously taught at two other schools in the district. “I didn’t expect to become a role model for the students I taught,” Alcala said. “But it’s just one of those roles you take on when you teach.” Alcala said that he considers some of his core values to be educational equity and equality for all students, regardless. “I will keep Riverside Community College District’s mission of affordable and accessible education for all of our community,” Alcala said. “We cannot consider ourselves community colleges if we do not make sure that anyone from the community can afford to enroll.” A longtime supporter of organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Alcala is pushing for all students to find a safe space in the campuses of RCCD. “So many people assume that safe space indicates a coddling environment,” Alcala said. “I don’t believe that. Students should feel safe to come into our classrooms.” “As a father, husband, son, brother and friend of women, I believe that it is my responsibility to stand up and speak out when I see discrimination or injustice towards women,” Alcala said.

concerns that this will lead to him treating the district as a business and its students as mere products. “I believe that that is an unfair statement to make,” Hawley said. Hawley said that, despite having not having a background in teaching, his advocacy efforts inhance his understanding. Hawley was chosen to continue as chairman of a UCR panel that advises top university officials on how local, state and federal initiatives affect students and the campus. His longtime service on the UC Riverside Foundation Advocacy Committee is much appreciated. Hawley has cited his work on the Monday Morning Group advocating for issues important to the region, where he was a part of the team that worked to help reinstate programs, such as year-round Pell awards. “I fully believe the sentiment from Thomas Jefferson that those who have the ability to take action, have the responsibility to take action,” Hawley said. Ben Johnson, a former candidate for the Board seat, announced his endorsement for Hawley. “I am honored to have Ben Johnson’s endorsement,” Hawley said in a statement. “Ben is a dedicated community servant and I look forward to working with him on future endeavors to make all students in our region successful.”

Candidate Ben Johnson drops out of BOT race

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN JOHNSON

Candidate Ben Johnson has dropped out of the race to represent Area 4 on the Board of Trustees. The Area 4 seat represents Perris, Mead Valley, Southern Riverside, Lake Mathews, El Cerrito and Southern Corona. The seat is currently held by Trustee Janet Green, who will be retiring once her term is completed. In light of his withdrawal, Johnson announced that he gave his endorsement for Brian Hawley in the November race. “Brian and I have similar goals and shared values. We would have been building parallel campaigns,” Johnson said in a statement. “I feel it is in the best interest of students, Riverside Community

College District and the community for us to unite in purpose – early in the process – and encourage voters to support a leader with a long record of local community service and not a ‘political’ candidate whose goals and values may differ from ours.” Johnson said that his initial plan to run for the RCCD board stemmed from his passion for education, his longtime experience on the Alvord Unified Board of Education and a deep desire to continue serving students. “My passion for service has not changed,” Johnson said. “I will continue to support education, locally as well as

through an opportunity I am pursuing at the national level.” The campaign now comes down between Hawley, who has built his campaign off of his understandings of the local job market and the value of graduating well-educated students with strong practical skills, and Jose Alcala, who seeks to expand job training programs, maintain fiscal accountability and increase education accessibility for all students in the district. STORIES BY SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW NEWS EDITOR

News

Employment is on the menu Students were served career advice and opportunities

NEWS BRIEFS Cosmetology opens applications

Applications for admittance to the Cosmetology program are open until March 23. Day classes are held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the program takes one year to complete. Night classes are held Monday through Friday, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. and the program takes two years to complete.

STEPHANIE LLAMAS STAFF REPORTER

Eager culinary students swarmed to interviewing tables at Riverside City College’s first ever Culinary Arts Job Fair on March 19 at RCC’s Culinary Arts Academy. The job fair was organized by Meriel Anderson-McDade, employment placement coordinator, as a means to provide opprotunities for students to meet employers such as Pechanga, Soboba and San Manuel Casinos who sought out to fill open positions with recently graduated and soon-to-be graduate RCC culinary students. Culinary Arts graduate Josh Johnson found the job fair to be beneficial to any aspiring culinary arts students who wants to work in the industry. “It is a way to get in touch with the students, it helps employers who are looking for somebody and want to review resumes and have one on one time with future employees,” Johnson said. Cristian Villa-Senior, a recent

March 22, 2018

Net Neutrality forum

MIA MAGANA | VIEWPOINTS

RCC student Priscilla Chan speaks with potential employers. Culinary Arts graduate, said he gained interview experience and an amazing outcome after interviewing with top companies such as La Volata Pizzeria and The Soup Shoppe. “The experience was well needed and it helps in any career that you take in the kitchen,” Villa-Senior said. “It helps you start off on a better path to understand everything and all the equipment needed.” The fair was intended to be an equal opportunity event for employers to meet, inform and

interview potential applicants who have either finished their two-year course or are in the process while job seeking students get the chance to ask questions, talk up their skills and make important connections that could possibly land them their career job. “What I would like to come out of today’s event is not only every student seeking a job to get a job, but also to have our program receive that exposure. Our students are very talented,” Anderson-McDade said.

Dynamic women take center stage

Congressman Mark Takano will be hosting a forum on net neutrality in the Digital Library Auditorium, Room 121 on March 24 from 4-5:30 p.m. The forum is the result of Takano’s office receiving more than 12,000 letters from the public expressing their concerns about the Federal Communications Commission’s plan to eliminate net neutrality protections.

March for Our Lives March For Our Lives is a student organized movement where students and allies are organizing to demand Congress to pass legislation to keep everyone safe from gun violence. The march will take place March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Riverside Historic Courthouse. The event is free.

Ana Castillo Author Ana Castillo will be visiting Riverside City College on March 28 from 12:50-3 p.m. to talk about the craft of storytelling as well as Xicana identity, equity and culture. Steeped in Chicano tradition and deeply invested in the present-day Chicano movement, Castillo’s works transcend boundaries of politics, class and gender, making her “one of a few Mexican American writers who has attracted the attention of the mainstream reading public.”

Spring Transfer Fair RCC will be holding the Spring Transfer Fair on April 2 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the A.G. Paul Quadrangle. Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from four-year institutions such as Universites of California, California State Universites and private universities. This event is free and open to the public.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEARA LY

Six women from different career fields gathered in the Charles A. Kane Building to answer questions from staff and students March 8. EMMA CARLSEN ASSISTANT EDITOR

One common theme often mentioned to students seeking career advice is the need to be adaptable. Being able to react and change to fit situations appears to be a trait that employers look for across fields. In honor of International Women’s Day, Riverside City College’s Counseling Center set out to feature a diverse group of women in the “Dynamic Women in the Workplace” career panel on March 8. Six women from different career fields gathered in the Charles A. Kane Building to answer questions from staff and students about their path to their career. “It was inspiring,” RCC

student Kapree Wiekamp said. “The panel offered a lot of information to help me make career choices.” Speakers included Deputy Sheriff Candace Sanchez, real estate broker Erika Johnson, registered nurse Jovon Ramsey, Corporal Coroner Rachel Baker, Tupac Shakur’s former lawyer La’Chelle Woodert and RCC counselor Zina Chacon. “This panel was important because it helps students with career exploration, which is important and overlooked,” Monique Greene, career center coordinator, said. “To see yourself reflected in the field is very empowering.” Providing stories and expertise, each panelist offered personal and professional advice to RCC students in regards to finding the right employer fit for students. Each woman was asked what their best advice was for preparing their career.

“Do your research,” Sanchez said. “Find an agency that fits you.” As the women speaking in the panel had unique backgrounds, their advice was helpful to students across areas of study. “The speakers provided valuable information to help me do further research,” Wiekamp said. The panel was organized to help students gain the skills and connections needed to gain a job in their desired career. “It helps students that don’t have the resources to connect with people in their fields,” Rebecca Faircloth, an EOPS/ CARE specialist, said. Speakers said they were glad to participate and offer tips to the next generation of workers. “I loved it,” Johnson said. “It was nice to see not only women, but also men in here coming to better themselves. It’s important.”

AMPUS CRIMES March 2 Arrest An adult non-student was arrested due to warrant for violation probation in the cafeteria at 8:58 a.m. March 5 Recovered stolen vehicle A golf cart was taken from facilities and later recovered at the Evans Sports Complex. The event occurred approximately at 12:42 p.m. There is no suspect information. March 5 Arrest A student was arrested in the Physical Life Sciences building for the possession of alcohol on campus at around 10:17 a.m. March 7 Arrest A female student was arrested in the Cosmetology building at 2:55 p.m. and later booked into jail for threatening to harm a group of students.

March 22, 2018

News

College responds to suit against California Attorney General Jeff Sessions is suing California over its controversial sanctuary laws PAUL VILLALOBOS STAFF REPORTER

In a bitter war-of-words, the United States Department of Justice formally filed a lawsuit against the state of California over its sanctuary laws March 6. A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l J e ff Sessions criticized California in remarks presented to local law enforcement. During a visit to Sacramento, Sessions made the promise that the “Department of Justice and President Donald Trump’s administration are going to fight these unjust, unfair and unconstitutional policies that have been imposed on (California).” “At a time of unprecedented political turmoil, Jeff Sessions has come to California to further divide and polarize America. Jeff, these political stunts may be the norm in Washington, but they don’t work here. SAD,” Gov. Jerry Brown tweeted. Among those named in the lawsuit is California’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has expressed confidence in California’s ability to win the lawsuit. Becerra issued a statement counteracting Sessions’ claims that sanctuary laws are unlawful and unconstitutional. “We are doing nothing to intrude on the work of federal

government to do immigration enforcement,” Becerra said. At the start of 2018, California was named a sanctuary state in response to Trump’s infamous campaign rhetoric in which he promised that he would dramatically increase deportations for people living in the U.S. illegally. “We’re in the business of public safety, not deportation,” Becerra said in a statement. “When people feel confident to come forward to report crimes in our communities to participate in policing efforts without fear or deportation they are more likely to cooperate with the criminal justice system altogether.” Pew Research Center estimates that an estimated 250,000 undocumented immigrants live in the Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario regions as of 2014. While California officials remain optimistic in a victory over the suit, the Los Angeles Times reports that the Trump administration could be in a stronger position to win the case. The L.A. Times further reports that in this case California is entering into “uncharted legal territory.” California’s sanctuary state status limits cooperation between California state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. That’s where things could get tricky for Sacramento. “Deportations have a negative impact. Immigration

has a net positive impact on most industrialized societies, the U.S. included,” Asatar Bair, assistant professor of economics, said. Bair said that he believes that deportations would have a negative impact on the region, particularly in the business community. “Deportation of immigrants will have a series of negative economic effects. Total spending in the region would fall, hurting local businesses,” Bair said. “Some businesses would be unable to find enough employees, lowering productivity.” If California were to lose this suit, not only would individual lives be affected, but whole families would be uprooted from their homes and communities. “Where are they going to go?” Alina Moya, a RCC political science student, said. “Most don’t have family in Mexico. A lot of people are established here.” “Some kids came here at a very young age,” RCC student Naomi Gomez said. “They pay taxes. They pay bills. It’s not right. Both students agree that the Trump administration should sympathize with those who were brought to the states at an early age. “If Trump really wants to deport people, he should look in his own circle of family and friends,” Moya said. Despite the tension between the White House and California, students at RCC remain optimistic

IMAGE COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS

Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaking about his lawsuit against California at a law enforcement officers meeting in Sacramento on March 6.

CalFresh visits, offers benefits to students MARISSA MORENO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Riverside City College received a grant from CalFresh to provide food assistance to students. The first-time food grant was established through the chancellor’s office by Cecilia Alvarado, Dean of Student Services. The grant was first discussed IMAGE COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS during the fall semester of 2017, but it became effective Feb. 12, Riverside City College partnered with CalFresh at the start of the semester. 2018, the beginning of the spring will be,” Bottoms said. after being processed people may once students are accepted by semester at RCC. The grant is due The intake interview will also start receiving benefits within CalFresh, the RCC food grant to expire June 2019. determine the resources that are three calendar days if they meet will no longer have to cover them “In the meantime, while available to students seeking food the Expedited Service criteria. since CalFresh will be providing (students) get connected assistance, such as how often In addition to the application, the on-going food support for to CalFresh, RCC fills the students are on campus, source students will need to have an them. gap,”Alvarado said. of income, family or household interview with the County Students can apply for the The CalFresh program, size and whether students have Welfare Department of their city food grant by visiting the Student federally known as the access to a full or limited kitchen to discuss the application. Services Center where they can Supplemental Nutrition or if they have access to one at all. “The main premise is to get pick up an application. Assistance Program, is a part Through the food grant, students registered to CalFresh,” After filling out the initial of the Department of Social students can receive a Megan Bottoms, Assistant application, students are required Services provided in the state combination of pantry bags Professor and Coordinator of to attend an intake interview held of California. It is a service that and meal vouchers that can be Student Activities at RCC, said. in the Student Services Center to helps low-income people who redeemed at the RCC cafeteria. Through the partnership set gauge the needs of the student. meet federal income eligibility They can also receive food gift up between the college and “The interview is meant to have access to healthy and cards that can be redeemed at CalFresh, students can meet weave out the students that need nutritious food, according to the stores like Walmart. with CalFresh representatives help with budgeting themselves California Department of Social The food gift cards can on campus to fill out their better and those that have a true Services website. supplement the pantry bags applications. food insecurity, as in they really The CalFresh application can depending on a student’s access According to Alvarado, don’t know when their next meal take up to 30 days to process and

to kitchen appliances. Gift cards would allow students to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits, while pantry bags would provide them with non-perishables like rice and spaghetti, Alvarado explained. Isaac Beebee, an RCC student, said he signed up to CalFresh mostly to have better access to healthier foods. “Not many stores have healthy, fresh foods. There is a Sprouts in Moreno Valley and that’s the closest for me,” Beebee said. While some students are signing up for the promise of bringing healthier foods to their table, others are signing up for access to food in general. “You take what you can get,” RCC student Jack Healy said. “Can’t even worry about school when you’re worrying about yourself.” Alvarado said that the RCC pantry will be able to provide for students as long as the campus is open throughout the grant’s duration. Bottoms added that even if the grant is not renewed, students can still access the Resource Center if they need food assistance because that is funded by the student government budget and will continue independently from the food grant.

LIFE

March 22, 2018

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”

Make an ‘Afters’ run for a milky bun -

Stephen Hawking

Afters ice cream has several delicious options and an ambiance that can cater to anyone

PAUL VILLALOBOS | VIEWPOINTS

Afters Ice Cream, located in University Village, provides creative options to enjoy a signature selection of flavors that will leave a lasting imprint on customers’ tastebuds. PAUL VILLALOBOS STAFF REPORTER

If you have never been to Afters Ice Cream, you are sorely missing out. Their ice cream is to die for. Thankfully one of their shops is located just four miles from Riverside City College in University Village. If you are someone who screams for all things ice cream then Afters is a must. As soon as I walked in, I was instantly greeted by an army of smiling Afters employees. The atmosphere inside the shop was electric, like you’ve been transported to a small, fun party with your friends. Instagram enthusiasts will

find themselves in hashtag heaven. This place was built for the selfie takers and social media junkies. Several spots inside the shop offer opportunities to take pictures of your ice cream. One such spot is off to the side by the cashier where a black wall with the Afters logo plastered all over is ready to greet customers who are photo inclined. This particular spot in the store feels like you’ve been transported to a red carpet in Hollywood, where the main star of the show, of course, is your delicious ice cream. Okay, enough picture talk, let’s talk about the ice cream! First of all, can we just talk about that Milky Bun! Oh my goodness, what a genius idea.

The Milky Bun is a glazed doughnut ice cream sandwich filled with your choice of ice cream and toppings, or in other words, pure sugar madness. Knowing the person that I am, I knew I just had to try one. The result was basically heaven in a doughnut. I got the Milky Bun with their Cookie Monster flavored ice cream and Fruity Pebbles. All of the flavors harmonized perfectly. The ice cream itself was smooth and creamy, it had a luscious yet airy taste that worked well with the soft and warm glazed doughnut. The Fruity Pebbles added texture and another dimension of flavor that brought me back to the time I was a kid eating cereal for breakfast.

With so many ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from, the combinations are endless, and that’s what makes Afters such a breath of fresh air compared to other ice cream establishments. “The flavors sound crazy, but they taste amazing,” Javier Santiago, an Afters enthusiast said. “The Mint Monster is the best mint chip ice cream I’ve ever tasted. It even had Oreo cookies inside. Honestly some of the best ice cream here in Riverside. It’s definitely not your typical Cold Stone, Ben & Jerry’s or local supermarket ice cream.” As far as flavors go there are plenty to choose from such as Madagascar Vanilla, Vietnamese Coffee and Jasmine Milk Tea, just

to name a few. All of their ice cream is handcrafted and comes with the option to add an array of toppings such as Fruity Pebbles, Captain Crunch cereal or mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Afters is not your typical ice cream place that you go for a good ol’ fashioned ice cream cone. It’s more than that. According to their website, “Afters is more than just ice cream, it’s a lifestyle.” While Afters may cater more towards the young, hip millennial types, if you are someone that likes to try new things, then Afters is the place to be. I was so enthralled by my visit to Afters, and I can't wait to go back for that Milky Bun to feed my sweet tooth once again.

Entertainment Briefs Cesar Chavez events Riverside City College’s La Casa is sponsoring three events celebrating activist Cesar Chavez’s life from March 27-29 at the Bradshaw Building, Hall of Fame at 12:50 p.m. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided. Event activities include a Cesar Chavez movie discussion, open mic and a guest appearance by Latina novelist Ana Castillo.

“The Little Mermaid” Performance Riverside is set to put on a production of “The Little Mermaid.” The play follows the classic tale of Ariel, a young mermaid. The production runs March 30-31 and April 6-7 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets go online to PerformanceRiverside.org or to the box office at the Landis Performing Arts Center.

Rusty Anderson in concert Rusty Anderson returns to RCC in an event organized by the RCC music department that will be held at the Coil School for the Arts Concert Hall in Riverside. The event will feature Anderson, Paul McCartney’s lead guitarist. This concert is open to the public and will be held March 24, 7-9 p.m. There is a $20 general admission fee to the public and a $10 fee for students.

Bunny Hop The Associated Students of Riverside City College has organized a bunny themed pizza party scheduled for March 23 at 4-6 p.m. located at the Quadrangle. Tickets for the event are free but $2 donations are accepted. Egg hunts, photos and crafts for children 11 and under will take place at the event. Parking for the event is free.

Marshmallow Peep show A free Marshmallow Peep Show starring bunnies and chicks will take place at the Main Downtown Riverside Library on March 24 from 12-4 p.m. Children of all ages are able to participate in anything that relates to Peeps, including Peep art and races. This kid-friendly event is sponsored by DragonMarsh and the Downtown Partnership

March 22, 2018

Life

Art exhibit challenges aesthetics ‘Nature Mortes’ uses human nature to beautify death through a taxidermic perspective

IMARI REDE | VIEWPOINTS

RCC students including Rohan Reid and Georgina Shnani view Catherine Coan’s “Prix Fixe” in the RCC Quad Art Gallery on March 20. DOREENA CARTER STAFF REPORTER

A vampire deer, an estranged boar, an overdosed bird and deers with candies spilling out of them has sparked curiosity in spectators at “Nature Mortes.” “Nature Mortes” features displays of animals, death, candy and even more death. Riverside City College students and staff take a step into the mind of local high school English teacher Catherine Coan. Her taxidermic art pieces give students a new way to appreciate art. “Nature Mortes” which translates to “Dead Nature,” is a practice of still life art that presents subject matters of anything in a painting or sculpture that is still or dead. It’s not as creepy as you

would expect once you get by that fact all the dead animals were alive at one point, starting from pieces as big as the zebra to the tiny butterflies. Possibly it is not the art itself that makes speculators uneasy, but being in the presence of death is what cause their fraught. “I like how its just so different. They made the animals look beautiful on the inside,” Georgina Shnani, an RCC student, said. The creepy music along with hybrid squirrel bats is enough to make anyone walk in and ponder what they walked into before turning back around to enjoy the live greenery right outside. “I didn’t like it, but it was interesting,” Kyndra JordanThomas, an RCC student, said. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but that does not discredit the genius of the art.

“

“People get shocked by it, but don’t get really upset. Except for one lady, maybe because of the cultural stuff because when

“People get shocked by it.”

-- Cheyenne Jordan, art gallery attendant

animals don’t get buried they can’t go back into the world. She said she was upset because now they’re trapped,” art gallery attendant Cheyenne Jordan said. Upon entering the gallery, Coan does have a disclaimer proclaiming that all animals are

real but were given as a gift and have all died of natural causes. No harm was done to the animals for art show purposes. “The zebra is the part that most people get surprised about and I tell them, because they think that they’re killed, but that zebra is actually 70 years old, it used to be at a zoo and it was given to her as a gift, a lot of these animals were actually given to her as a gift,” Jordan said. Coan’s artwork depicts somewhat of a metaphorical approach that shows the complexity of human nature through the animal’s human like qualities. Mice answering phones, racoons writing poetry and sheep wearing jewelry makes the audience experience nature in a whole new spectrum. “When (students and staff) come in here they’re like ‘wow

is this like real animals?’ I tell them yes, it’s taxidermy. They usually react really off, they get taken back by it. Then afterwards they’re like ‘oh it’s so neat how she uses the art with the crystals and stuff’ and they look deeper into it,” said Jordan. “Cornucopia” is a must see piece. Coan envelopes a transformation between a literal yet deeply allegorical visual of a deer hanging like a broken piñata bearing several items that humans see as a cornucopia of pleasures like cigarettes, condoms and liquor that spew out of its split corpse. “That deer must have had a really lit night,” Rohan Reid, an RCC student said. The exhibit will continue to present Coan’s work until April 4 in the RCC Quadrangle Art Gallery 140.

IMARI REDE | VIEWPOINTS IMARI REDE | VIEWPOINTS

A close up of “Her Question” from Catherine Coan’s exhibit features a lamb wearing jewlery including taxidermied beetles.

(Above) Catherine Coan’s “I’m Walkin Here” depicts the death of a bird. (Center) “The Narcissist” projects vanity as the taxidermy ducks stare into mirrors.

March 22, 2018

Life

VICTOR DURAN | VIEWPOINTS

Yale University virtuoso Benjamin Verdery guides the audience through his compositions at Henry W. Coil School of the Arts on March 9.

Benjamin Verdery performs at RCC Guitarist brings Ivy League sound to campus VICTOR DURAN PHOTO EDITOR

The high ceilings and suspended clouds of Henry W. Coil, Sr. & Alice Edna Coil School for the Arts showcased eclectic classical guitarist Benjamin Verdery. Such an accomplished musician and instructor has a root to initially pursuing a field so expressive yet competitive as music. Chair of the guitar department at Yale School of Music, as well as artistic director of the biannual Yale Guitar Extravaganza, Verdery’s illusive intensity was translated through this special Friday night in the concert hall. “I was a child of the ’60s … so when pop music hit and you were caught by the bug, you couldn’t resist,” Verdery said. “I heard a Beatles record and I felt this convulsion, it just took me.” The performance was organized in two parts divided by an intermission. The first half consisted of various pieces from J.S. Bach, Seymour Bernstein and Ingram Marshall. “I loved the first half of the concert a lot, which was music by J.S. Bach, and composers that wrote music inspired by Bach, which he easily serenaded and melted me personally,” RCC guitarist Eleazar Llerenas said in a statement. The second half consisted of originals

such as “Now and Never” and “Eleven Etudes” as well as “Portbou,” which was written for Verdery by his former student and founding member of The National, Bryce Dessner. His solo classical guitar was given an experimental twist with a loop station and delay effect for the piece titled “Soepa, In Three Movements” composed by Ingram Marshall. His complimentary leads were orchestrated by the slow fade in of a looped blend of chords clustered with dissonant strums. With the piece divided into three movements, the motif spanned the first and last movements, while the middle movement faded in a Baroque style theme with embellishments drifting in and out. Verdery thought performing in the concert hall was “stupendous.” “The sound person was incredible, said Verdery. “The acoustics are amazing, as good as any place … a huge positive review.” An instructor at the Yale School of Music since 1985, Verdery is also the artistic director for 92nd St. Y’s “Art of the Guitar” series and holds an annual international masterclass in Maui, Hawaii. The goal for his students is to keep the joy in playing music. “It’s largely that and finding your own voice, asking them ‘what do you want to say?’ and allowing them to experiment,” said Verdery. “It takes a while, finding the right repertoire and finding their voice.”

Verdery is the chair of the guitar department at Yale University.

SPORTS

March 22, 2018

“A successful team is a group of many hands and one mind.”

- Bill Bethel

Tigers dominate at Huntington AUSTIN TURNER STAFF REPORTER

Following a strong showing a week prior in their home opener, the Riverside City College beach volleyball team went to Huntington Beach on March 16 looking to keep their string of good performances going. The women from RCC did just that, splitting two matches against stiff competition. The Tigers swept Antelope Valley College in dominant fashion, winning by a score of 5-0, with four of those victories ending in straight sets. “Against Antelope Valley, I was very happy (with our performance),” RCC beach voleyball coach Monica HayesTrainer said. “They’re a nice, solid team, they work very hard and we really competed well.” The top pairing of the match for RCC, sophomores Brittney Diffine and Marcella Rodriguez, were able to pull off a nail-biting victory, winning the deciding third set 15-13. Rodriguez was happy with how she and Diffine played against Antelope. “We were more fluid I feel, and we were more on top of our game,” Rodriguez said. “We knew where the shots were open and what to do.” Another great performance from the Tigers came from freshmen Natalie Escher and Julia Balancier, who managed to hold Antelope Valley to only five points in the first set and held on for the win 21-5, 21-15. Unfortunately for the Tigers, their match against Santa Ana College didn’t go as planned. They were defeated 4-1, with the only win coming from sophomore Delaney Beck and freshman Lauren Dunmore. The pair were outstanding as

AUSTIN TURNER | VIEWPOINTS

Left to right, Rozarya Barrett and Patricia Brucks prepare to return serve against Antelope Valley on March 16 in Huntington Beach. they avoided disaster when their opponents nearly came back from a five point deficit. They were able to hang on, winning in straight sets 21-14, 24-22. “That was real good to have that final push,” Hayes-Trainer said. “That’s what we need to see out of them.” Though the Tigers struggled against Santa Ana, they still put up a solid showing. Freshman duo Patricia Brucks and Rozarya Barrett held strong in their game, going the distance and falling after a hard fought third set. Another freshman tandem, Madison Bogh and Roni Lopez, also pushed their opponents to their limits, falling 15-9 in the third set.

Hayes-Trainer was pleased with the fight her team put up against Santa Ana, but felt they could have finished their matches better. “Even though we won a lot of the first sets, we ended up losing the second set and letting them get the momentum, so real (disappointed) in that.” Thankfully for the Tigers, they’ll get a chance at redemption against Santa Ana on March 30 in Huntington Beach. RCC will also take on Orange Coast College, who swept the Tigers in the season opener. RCC will enter the pair of matches with a record of 4-5, and will try to keep up the improvements they’ve made as of late.

Softball takes double header LUIS QUINTERO STAFF REPORTER

Riverside City College softball team defeated Orange Coast College and Allan Hancock College on March 16. The crowd could not help but become completely engulfed in the game as runs were being scored, pop flys caught and RBI’s made. The Tigers added two more victories to their six game winning streak and are now 17-6 in conference. “I think we work harder than any other team,” right fielder Kayla Giannatasio said. “We worked really hard at practice to

get where we’re at right now.” As the first game against Orange Coast began, pitcher Riley Peckels stepped on the mound to start for the ninth time this season. In her previous outing she threw a no hitter against Golden West College. Peckels’ teammates cheered her on from the dugout with lyrics from radio hits varying from pop to rap and everything in between, she rolled over the first six batters and put the Tigers in a defensive lead. As the game unraveled, so did the runs. Catcher Aeriel Carlson hit an RBI double to left field sending shortstop Kailee Gilbert and third baseman Terri Nava home giving them the lead.

The top of the seventh inning ended the first game with a 4-2 victory for RCC. The Tigers maintained their momentum in the second game against Allan Hancock and scored 12 total runs, only allowing four. Their offense was strong, ending the game with two errors but they won’t let those slide. “Our goal is to have zero strikeouts and zero errors” said Terri Nava. “Whether were winning or not we try to figure out our weakness and work on it,” said head coach Michelle Daddona. Tigers softball is looking to continue their seven game winning streak on March 23 at Cypress College.

AUSTIN TURNER | VIEWPOINTS

Brittney Diffine serves in the deciding third set against Antelope Valley. Diffine and her partner Marcella Rodriguez won 15-13.

Upcoming Games Baseball: March 23 vs. Irvine Valley College at 2 p.m. Softball: March 23 at Cypress College at 2 p.m. Men’s Tennis: March 23 vs. Cerritos College at 2 p.m. Women’s Tennis: March 23 vs. Cerritos College at 2 p.m. Track & Field: March 23 at OCC and SC at 10 a.m. Swim & Dive: March 23 OEC Meet #2 at 10 a.m. Beach Volleyball: March 26 OEC Host Match at 11 a.m.

Sports

March 22, 2018

ELIZABETH TOVAR LLAMAS | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College sophomore Daniel Martinez pitches against Irvine Valley College on March 20 at Evans Sports Complex.

Baseball beats Saddleback, 5-3 AUSTIN TURNER STAFF REPORTER

Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Riverside City College baseball had a steep hill to climb against Saddleback College, who entered the matchup in first place in the Orange Empire Conference. After an error allowed sophomore Shane Martinez to get on base, the Tigers rallied off four consecutive base hits, including an RBI triple from sophomore Erick Rayford. After another RBI from sophomore Diego Guerrero, freshman Junior Coleman took the plate with confidence.

“I was thinking about the team and how we needed the win,” Coleman said. “It’s just how bad you want it, that’s the way I saw it.” Coleman hit a rocket over the right fielder’s head, driving in Guerrero and winning the game for the Tigers in walk-off fashion. He was then greeted by his teammates mobbing him on the basepaths celebrating a win against Saddleback, who had previously won 10 of their last 11 games. “Junior Coleman is a young man who has tremendous passion and is really trying to grasp what it takes to succeed at this difficult game. Junior will have more

opportunities and moments like that in his tenure,” said head coach Rudy Arguelles. Coleman wasn’t the only star for RCC in this matchup. Starting pitcher Daniel Martinez was masterful, throwing eight innings with eight strikeouts. “Daniel’s performance was gritty and outstanding. He made quality pitches throughout the game and executed time and time again. He’s one of the best in the state when he can command his fastball and throw his off speed pitches at any time,” Arguelles said. Martinez’s command was certainly sharp, as he flirted with a perfect game, not allowing a

baserunner until the sixth inning, and gave up only two runs off of two hits. Pitching in relief for the Tigers, sophomore Graham Kuck gave up two runs while grabbing the first two outs of the ninth inning, and freshman Michael Coppens got the win after getting the final out. RCC struggled offensively for much of the game. Saddleback’s sophomore starting pitcher, Tanner Brubaker went 8.2 innings with four strikeouts and only allowing one hit in the first six innings. However, RCC woke up in the later innings. They scored in the seventh inning to tie the game at two, and rallied from two down in

the ninth to win 5-3. “I have to give credit to our guys for continuing to compete and not caving in.” Arguelles said. “It’s tough for a pitcher to throw a complete game, and fortunately for us we were able to find some holes and cash in on our opportunities in that last inning. We never stop competing.” It was a big win for the Tigers. They moved to 16-4, and are a game off of the conference lead. Though this game was headlined by superb play from two of the Tigers’ star players, they know the importance of their teammates. “It was just a team effort,” Junior Coleman said. “No one gave up in the ninth inning.”

Tennis teams maintain rank in conference play JOSH GANDELA STAFF REPORTER

Men’s

The men's tennis team notch up a few more victories, including a win over the fourtime defending state champions Irvine Valley College Lasers, and bump their undefeated record up to 16-0. The 8-1 commanding performance against the Lasers on March 8 began with a doubles sweep which set the tone for the rest of the day. The momentum shifted over to singles, where five out of six players walked off the courts without dropping a set. Number four seeded player Sami Akouz rolled through his singles match with a score of 6-0, 6-1, while Kayne Trustfull, number one seeded, wrapped up

at 6-1, 6-1. Following this triumph, the Tigers continued to be an unstoppable force at Fullerton College on March 13. The match was going well until a postponement was called due to rainfall, with RCC ahead 3-0 after winning in doubles. Going up against Saddleback’s Gauchos later that week, the Tigers got off to a rough start, losing two out of three doubles matches. The tide would be turned, however, with their entire singles lineup pulling through with straight sets all across the scorecard. Trustfull went to work, as did Thomas Pidoux and Thierry van Os, each finishing at 6-2, 6-2. Elie-Noe Nicolay dominated his opponent with an easy 6-1, 6-1 victory, and the Tigers went home with a final score of 7-2.

The 6-3 win over the Orange Coast College Pirates concluded a stretch of six games on the road that did not slow down the Tigers’ swelling win streak. They now stand 7-0 in the Orange Empire Conference and take it back to the Riverside courts on March 23, where they will face the Cerritos Falcons.

Women’s RCC Women's Tigers remain in third place in the Orange Empire Conference, now standing at 7-5. The Tigers hosted the Irvine Valley College Lasers on March 8 and managed to take two out of the three doubles matches right out of the gate, entailing that a split in singles would secure the win. Despite number two singles Heather Graf winning 6-1, 6-1

and Emilia Lopez managing to win a tough match at 6-2, 6-7 and 13-11, the Lasers managed to prevail in singles and defeat the Tigers 5-4. Moving forward, the Tigers bounced back with two 6-3 victories over Fullerton College on March 13 and Saddleback College on March 15, whom the Tigers had both beaten in their previous match ups. The Tigers’ doubles upped their game this time around and swept the Hornets pairs, with number one team Ellia Rosado and Heather Graf getting their revenge with a score of 8-1. Autumn Keay, number three singles, got the job done finishing at 6-1, 6-1. The results following the Saddleback Gauchos match were reminiscent of their previous encounter. The Tigers were

defeated at the top singles and doubles spots, but eventually took care of business, grabbing two doubles wins and four straight set singles wins, including Jolene Beaulieu’s 6-0, 6-2 win and Autumn Keay scoring 6-2, 6-0. On March 20, the Orange Coast College Pirates, who had won the state title last year, seized a huge 8-1 win against RCC. “A highlight so far from the week would be yesterday’s doubles match at number one Rosado and Graf beat Orange Coast number one team 8 to 5. ... “Rosado and Graf are a relatively new team and they seem to be working together really well,” said head coach Nikki Bonzoumet. RCC Tigers are set to play at home against the current number one team in the state, the Cerritos Falcons, at 2 p.m. on March 23.

Views

March 22, 2018

Diversity benefits newsrooms

Editorial

National Geographic made headlines this month after publicly acknowledging that its past coverage was "racist" and for decades failed to address people of color in the United States. While it has become a common practice for news outlets to report about lack of diversity in various industries across the nation, it is rare for newsrooms to acknowledge that their own industry is not above this criticism. A 2017 study put out by the Asian American Journalists’ Association’s Voices program found that some of the biggest newsrooms in the country are still failing to fulfill a nearly 50-year-old pledge to increase the employment of people of color in top masthead positions, despite repeated reviews and greater coverage of the issue. The pledge referenced was made in 1978 by the American Society of News Editors in efforts to achieve a level of equality with the percentage of people of color in the general population by the year 2000. However, after that deadline was blown and a new one was set for 2025, data in the Voices report shows many American newsrooms are still nowhere close to achieving this goal. The new deadline was also prompted by a survey conducted by the ASNE that showed that the share of people of color working in 661 news organizations was 16.55 percent in 2017, down slightly from 16.94 percent in 2016. We, the Viewpoints Editorial Board, believe that newsrooms do a great disservice to the public by failing to build teams that truly reflect the world we are reporting on. Our newsrooms need diversity, since the entire world is not made up of white, straight and upper class men. The Viewpoints newsroom is dominantly led by a female editing team and some of the staff identifies as members of the LGBT community. Including the current editor-in-

ILLUSTRATION BY ROCIO MACIAS

chief, the previous five were people of color, and three of them were women. Shortage in diversity starts with lack of accessibility. Joining a newsroom staff should be inviting, open and transparent. Everyone should be welcomed regardless of ethnicity, race, disabilities, sexuality, religion or other identifying factors. The complexity of the world demands variety in reporting. Having diversity in a newsroom opens doors to different types of coverage that lead to communities that have a better understanding of each other. One fault that Viewpoints can admit to is described in “American journalism and the politics of diversity” a scholarly journal by Rodney Benson. The article explains that the

“diversity journalism movement has focused on two primary goals: increased employment of non-white journalists and more news attention to ‘communities of color.’” Due to the fact that RCC is a largely Black and Hispanic serving institution, the Viewpoints staff is diverse, and has plenty of access and an overwhelming duty to give communities of color the coverage they deserve. “While these goals have been partially achieved, the movement has paradoxically also contributed by providing ‘progressive’ political cover, actually reducing the diversity of ideological perspectives in the news,” Benson said. The Viewpoints news staff expresses more progressive positions. We do not have student journalists on our editorial staff that openly express conservative thoughts.

We would love to have a wider range of ideological perspectives, but consequently our recruitment does not reach them. We cover topics that highlight LGBT and thriving people of color. Our immigration coverage is always in support of the immigrants that built the foundation of this country. To some, this progressive newsroom needs to learn to leave bias behind. Removing this perspective would take the power that we give to our diverse readers away. People deserve to know the good that their communities are creating. People deserve to know when their livelihood may be at risk. People deserve to know that journalists are just like them, people serving the community, covering real life and paving way for the future.

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 Samantha Bartholomew 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

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NEWS EDITOR Samantha Bartholomew viewpoints.news@gmail.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Leslie Santibanez-Molina viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR Karissa Martinez viewpoints.sports@gmail.com

LIFE EDITOR Imari Rede viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com

PHOTO EDITOR Victor Duran viewpoints.photo@gmail.com

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Daniel Quesada viewpoints.online@gmail.com

REPORTERS Vanessa Anderson Jorge Avila Joshua Burciaga Emma Carlsen Doreena Carter Nick Escalera Josh Gandela Mariah Green Karina Gutierrez Geovanny Guzman

Kimari Hollis Lorraine Huffman Dylan King Stephanie Llamas Rocio Macias Mia Magana Richard Martinez Andrew Montes Marissa Moreno Dinah Muhammad

Nahid Ponciano Luis Quintero Jonathan Ramirez Anthony Torres Elizabeth Tovar Llamas Austin Turner Paul Villalobas Keanu Wallace

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March 22, 2018 Tell

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Money lust corrupts democracy

Super political action committees allow the use of dark money to go unchecked in politics

EMMA CARLSEN ASSISTANT EDITOR

America aspires to have a government “by the people, for the people”, yet issues of common people, those who don’t have millions of dollars to donate to campaigns, are continously underrepresented. Two cont roversial cour t cases, Citizens United v. Federal Ele c t ion C om m is sion a nd Speech Now v. Federal Election Com m ission, have created loopholes allowing the wealthy to skirt effective regulation. According to the Sunlight Foundation, the rise of super PACs has led to several issues. “Unlimited cor porate spending, lack of disclosure and the outsized influence of a small number of wealthy individuals,” Sunlight Foundation said. Using super political action

committees, corporations and unions have an undue amount of influence over the government. Un ion p owe r, howeve r, faces great risk as the Supreme Court considers restricting the ability of unions to contribute to politicians in Janus v. AFSCME. Charles Scontras, a historian at the University of Maine, suggested in a column that experts suspect that the Supreme Court may rule against unions in this case. As ruled in Buckley v. Valeo, donating money is a form of exercising freedom of speech. If the court rules against unions in this case, it will essentially be eliminating the voice of working citizens. S u p e r p ol i t i c a l a c t i o n committees raise unlimited sums of money from corporations and unions, then spend unregulated sums to advocate for or against political candidates. S u p e r p ol i t i c a l a c t i o n committees have pushed the amount of money raised for campaigns to new highs. “As of March 11, 2018, 1,822 groups organized as super PACs have reported ... total independent expenditures of $46,946,325 in the 2018 cycle,” Center for Responsive Politics said. W h ile these g roups a re

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required to report independent expenditures, most are nott k now n to t he public u nt il elections have passed. This lack of information poses a problem for regulation, because people can not monitor who is contributing to campaigns. These committees provide anonymity to wealthy donors, as funds from special interest groups are funneled through

non-profit corporations. Money from outside sources moved through these organizations is referred to as dark money. “ Re p or t e d d a r k mone y spending in the first year of the 2016 election year was 10 times more than it was at that point in 2012,” CRP said. The influence these groups hold over government increases as the unchecked flow of money

in politics grows. In 2016, Wiscosnin Gov. Scott Walker was the subject of an investigation into suspected campaign violations, for asking wealthy supporters to contribute dark money donations. His most significant donor group was Wisconsin Club for G row t h. T he case was mishandled by judges because of corruption. “This case ... was thrown out of court by Wisconsin Supreme Court justices who themselves had demonstrable conf licts of interest,” according to the Huffington Post. “For example, one judge was the recipient of $1.5 million for his own judicial race from the same Wisconsin Club for Growth.” While the Supreme Court may not agree, corruption does arise from the unchecked flow of money from outside sources into elections. Americans deserve transparency in the funding of their candidates, in order to understand whose interests they truly represent. To have a true democracy, citizens needs must be met before the desires of a wealthy few. Until campaign finance reform is passed and enforced, many politicians will remain the puppets of their donors.

America bound to repeat history with North Korea

JOSHUA BURCIAGA STAFF REPORTER

Those who fail to learn from past mistakes are doomed to repeat them in the future. This is exemplified in the relationship between the United States and North Korea. When it comes to North Korea, U.S. executive administrations have not acknowledged the past. The public remains unaware of how U.S. actions in the Korean War lead to todays tense relationship with North Korea over their nuclear arsenal. The Asian Pacific Journal records that at the start of the war South Korea executed masses of innocent people in the presence of U.S. military officers. Known as the Summer of Terror, South Korean President

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Syngman Rhee sent the military to execute over 100,000 South Koreans, fearing they would join the communists. “The declassif ied record of U.S. documents shows an ambivalent American attitude toward the killings ... Gen. Douglas MacArthur viewed the executions as a Korean internal matter, even though he controlled South Korea's military,” the AP Journal said.

According to the Washington Post, the U.S. Air Force carpetbombed factories, water dams, villages and cities filled with innocent civilians. These war crimes were not disclosed to the public. Chief Justice William O. Douglas was horrified by the destruction he witnessed visiting Korea in 1952. “I had seen the war-battered cities of Europe, but I had not seen devastation until I had seen

Korea,” Douglas said. Jour nalist Lee-Jae Bong reports the U.S. sent nuclear bombms into South Korea in 1958 to reduce U.S. military spending. Fearing nuclear warfare, North Korea asked their allies, the Soviet Union and China to deploy nuclear warheads into their country. Their requests were denied. According to the Bulletin of

the Atomic Scientists, hundreds of U.S. nukes were positioned in South Korea before the North acquired a nuclear warhead. The massacres, U.S. war crimes and fear of nuclear attack are still fresh in North Korea’s memory. It makes sense why the North wants a nuclear missile program despite ally disapproval. According to CNN poltitical reporter Stephen Collison, Kim Jong Un invited President Donald Trump to North Korea, but the current political landscape is not reassuring. “Trump is not like any of his predecessors and cares little for foreign policy orthodoxy,” Collison said. These doubts are magnified with Tr u mp’s f ir ing of his Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. The Secretary of State advises the president in foreign affairs. Without Tillerson, it is hard to not worry about negotiations with the North. Tr u m p h a s a l i m i t e d education of the Korean War. He needs someone like Tillerson to avoid a disastrous conflict. Hopefully Mike Pompeo, Tillerson’s replacement, is knowledgeable enough to lead Trump to a peaceful resolution.