Viewpoints Spring 2018 issue No. 13 May 9, 2019

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

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VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG

VOL. XCVII, NO. 13

MAY 9, 2019

Former addicts thrive after education ERIK GALICIA

STAFF REPORTER

There is a common saying in 12 step programs for those recovering from substance abuse: “You only have to change one thing, and that’s everything.”

Fear and self-doubt seem to be common sentiments among recovering addicts who decide to go back to school. Yet, there are many students at Riverside City College who have overcome the stranglehold of

active addiction and are willing to share their experience, strength and hope.

“I had been clean for about two and a half years when I decided to go back to school,” U.S. Army veteran Damon Bradley said. “I needed to further my education because I was never able to follow through with it in my addiction.”

Bradley has been in recovery for seven years and transferred to Brandman University from RCC in 2018. He is working towards a master’s degree in social work

and plans to obtain a license for clinical social work, which would allow him to open a private practice.

“I had a fear of going back to school,” Bradley said. “There was doubt. I didn’t know if I would still be able to do it but my recovery has allowed me a better perspective on how I view things. It’s allowed me to respond and process thoughts as opposed to just reacting.”

See THRIVE on page 2

ERIK GALICIA | VIEWPOINTS

Former Riverside City College student Damon Bradley speaks during a group counseling session at one of the 10 Acre Ranch’s treatment facilities in Riverside on May 7.

Board to decide on safety barriers SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW STAFF REPORTER

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

One of various signs around Riverside City College advertising transferable classes available to students starting this fall.

Changes to English, math

Beginning this fall, RCC students can bypass remedial classes ERIK GALICIA STAFF REPORTER

Beginning this fall, Riverside City College students will be able to enroll directly into transfer-level math and English courses without remedial course requirement.

The new placement system comes as a result of Assembly Bill 705. The bill requires community colleges to “maximize the probability that the student will enter and complete transferlevel coursework in English and mathematics within a one-year time frame.”

“A lot of statewide research indicates that the current instrument for placement is under-placing students,” said professor Kelly Douglass, AB705 coordinator for the English department at RCC. Under the new system, RCC students will take a survey on their high school performance instead of the AccuPlacer test to determine which classes they should enroll in. This meets the mandate of the bill that requires colleges to use a student’s high

school coursework, high school grades and high school GPA as the determining factors for math and English placement.

“The research shows that high school performance is a good predictor for up to 10 years,” Douglass said. “The idea is it’ll help students by getting them through faster, saving them time and money.”

In 2017, the California legislature found that “California’s community colleges identify more than 75% of its students as unprepared and refer this overwhelming majority … to remedial courses.”

According to the Student Success Scorecard, only 40% of students placed into remedial classes go on to transfer and complete a degree in a six-year time frame. In comparison, 70% of students allowed to enroll directly into transfer-level courses achieve those goals within that time frame.

“Under the current system, we see students of color disproportionately underplaced,” said professor Valerie Merrill, AB705 coordinator for the math department at RCC. “So we want

to give everyone the opportunity they deserve.”

According to Merrill, only 7% of students that start off three levels below pre-algebra actually go on to pass transfer-level math.

“We can do better than 7%,” Merrill said. “Studies are seeing that number hit upwards of 30% when students are put straight into college-level math.”

The new law also authorizes colleges to require students with low high school performances to enroll in concurrent courses for added support in hopes of increasing their likelihood of success in transfer-level courses.

“Anyone that needs extra help can take English 91 with English 1A,” Douglass said.

According to the Statewide Multiple Measures Assessment Project, students with high school GPAs below 1.9 that were placed directly into transferlevel English with a required concurrent support course had a 43% pass rate. In comparison, only 13% of students placed one level below transfer-level english actually ended up passing transfer-level english within a year.

“Our goal is to get you through 1A in a year,” Douglass said.

“Students should be thoughtful about the semester they are taking English and math. For example, don’t take a heavy science class alongside your first transfer-level English and math classes if you really feel like you’re going to struggle. Learn how to manage your time, talk to your professors, go to office hours and use the writing center.”

RCC will be offering concurrent support courses for liberal arts, math, statistics, trigonometry and business calculus. Math 23 will be offered as a six-unit course that combines trigonometry and precalculus, which aims to provide students with a quicker path to calculus.

“Instructors will be using affective domain in these support courses,” Merrill said. “That means helping students recognize that they can do it. We’ll be teaching students how to manage their time, how to study, how to do homework.”

See COURSES on page 3

The installation of permanent road barriers has been suspended after a meeting with Riverside City College president Gregory Anderson on April 10.

The speculation of permanent barriers began when a student collapsed Oct. 9 and it appeared the emergency services would not have been able to make it to the student in a timely fashion if not for the help of the student’s friend, who moved the 195 pound barriers to allow emergency services to enter the campus.

The permanent installation of the road barriers is part of the plan to make the area around the A.G. Paul Quadrangle into a an area of campus reserved for pedestrian-only use.

“There is a fundamental distinction between closing the central area of campus to traffic and installing permanent bollards that could possibly slow first emergency response time,” Rhonda Taube, president of the RCCD Faculty Association, said.

According to Anderson, the project will be revisited in the fall after data have been collected to provide further clarity to discussion.

Many students expressed relief that the road barriers would be suspended, but noted that students should be allowed to participate in conversations about the barriers going forward.

“I think that students need to be included in the conversation about the barriers, especially since it has become a safety issue,” RCC student Alicia Zamora said.

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May 9, 2019

News

Services focus on recovery

Statistics show college students are at a high risk for drug and alcohol abuse ERIK GALICIA STAFF REPORTER

Drugs and alcohol seem to make frequent appearances in the lives of college students, putting this demographic at a high risk for abuse and negative consequences.

According to a 2012 report by the Journal of College Student Development, a University of Michigan study entitled Monitoring the Future found that 63% of students had experienced a negative consequence in the past year as a result of their drug use. The study said that 76% of those students were interested in some form of intervention.

But with addiction still stigmatized by society, it can be difficult for some students to find the help they need.

“We can combat the stigma by understanding what addiction really is,” said Kevin Wurtz, mental health supervisor at Riverside City College.

“Addiction is a disease, not a moral problem.”

Wurtz believes that everyone comes with their own “built in image of what an addict is.”

This image typically takes on the form of someone living in the streets and talking to themselves.

“We see that and we think, ‘I’m not that,’” Wurtz said. “But when we educate people on the disease model of addiction, the willingness of the addict to admit their struggle and seek out help increases.”

Wurtz splits the addiction process into four stages. The first stage being experimental or social use, then actively seeking the high and taking on addictive traits. In the final stage, the individual has become dependent on addictive behavior to simply “feel normal.”

“Everyone starts out thinking they’ll stay in stage one forever,” Wurtz said. “Then they start finding themselves in places they wouldn’t

ELIZABETH TOVAR LLAMAS | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College’s Student Health and Psychological Services, located in the Bradshaw Building, provides services including one-on-one therapy and the Seeking Success program. normally be, doing things they wouldn’t normally do.”

RCC’s mental health services are available to all students free of charge. They provide oneon-one therapy as well as the Seeking Success program for students seeking counseling. The health services department also provides free over-the-counter medicine, low-cost prescriptions and physician diagnoses.

“Addiction is not a problem of substances,” Wurtz said. “It’s a problem of life getting in the way and not having the right tools to manage that.”

“Most college students come in with limited tools to deal with stressors like work, relationships and school,” Wurtz said.

These stressors can lead a student to “numb the problem” with drugs and alcohol but once a student crosses into abuse, they can start missing class, neglecting responsibilities and damaging relationships.

Seeking Success is RCC’s version of the Seeking Safety program, which is a highly studied treatment developed specifically for people

suffering from trauma and addiction.

“Seeking Success focuses on helping students with triggers and setting boundaries,” Wurtz said.

“We can provide accountability and give you the tools you need so that you don’t have to turn to substances.”

Wurtz feels that the mental health services at RCC can be a bridge to outside services and will refer students to higher levels of treatment if needed.

There are various options available in the city of Riverside for students who might need those higher levels of treatment.

MFI Recovery is a nonprofit accredited treatment organization that accepts MediCal and has multiple locations in the city of Riverside . They aim to transform patients into productive people by utilizing evidence-based treatment and family support.

“MFI offers medicallysupervised detoxification, residential treatment and outpatient services for men and women,” said Andrew De Leon, program outreach specialist at

My Family Inc. Recovery.

“Counseling helps people struggling with addiction understand the challenges that lay ahead and gives them the tools they’ll need to accomplish their goals,” De Leon said. “We have clinical groups that focus on relapse prevention, domestic violence, dual diagnoses and grief in recovery.”

MFI Recovery also provides free childcare for those who enroll and even has residential facilities that allow children to live with their mother while she is in treatment.

Wurtz argues that although inpatient treatment is necessary for addicts to begin abstinence in many cases, it is not the most effective approach for long-term recovery.

“You have to learn to live life on life’s terms and you don’t learn that in the safety of rehab,” Wurtz said. “Life is full of challenges and problems, so the real success comes with ongoing engagement in the recovery process. And abstinence does not equal recovery because recovery is the process of change.”

Although there are services available to students, more can be done to increase outreach on campus. Wurtz believes that having faculty add RCC’s health services on their syllabi would do just that.

“2,500 students are with some faculty in some capacity,” Wurtz said. “If every faculty pushes it or mentions it at the beginning of the semester, every student will have a little blurb that mentions our services.”

Wurtz stresses that recovery is a lifelong pursuit.

“This is a disease of the brain,” Wurtz said. “In addiction, people become skilled manipulators. But the more you learn to be honest and communicate, you become skilled at that.”

Riverside County provides substance abuse prevention services to Medi-Cal recipients through the behavioral health department of the Riverside University Health System. The county also funds the Blaine St. Clinic in Riverside, which provides mental health services and psychiatric care to Medi-Cal recipients.

days of clean time,” Bradley said.

“I do this so I can get experience working in a clinical environment because you don’t wanna have a degree with no work experience.”

Paul Leyva, an anthropology major at RCC, first decided to go back to school to appease the demands of probation and the CalFresh program after his release from incarceration. Today he is working on transferring to UC Riverside and looking to work as a mentor.

“I couldn’t go back to what I was doing before,” Leyva said.

“I went back to school and I fell in love with it. I love to learn.”

“I want to eventually be a college professor or go into a community and solve a social problem,” Leyva said.

Leyva also expressed the struggle with fear and anxiety

that comes with going back to school.

“I get mental blocks, I get scared,” Leyva said. “Cramming before a test can be a trigger to want to use.”

Leyva urges students who might be in the same situation to be persistent and “push, push, push.”

“Be on the grind and don’t give up,” Leyva said. “If you’re getting a D or an F in a class, don’t just drop it. Stay in the class till the end and your chances of passing when you take it again will really increase.”

“I’m no longer a gangster, no longer a convict,” Leyva said. “I want to help the younger homies.

I want to inspire people. Today I can take pride in ethnic studies instead of the gang culture.”

Paul Leyva’s cousin, Daniel

Leyva, was nine months clean when he decided to enroll in RCC’s automotive body repair certificate program.

“School showed me how to stay focused,” Daniel Leyva said.

“It got me to focus on my goals. I thought, ‘If I can stay clean, I can get through school.’”

Daniel Leyva said he experienced difficulties with his studies at first.

“The reading and writing and just getting back into it was kinda hard,” Daniel Leyva said. “But the more I studied, the easier it got.”

The students all shared the stress of financial hardship that many students face. “ I t ’s b e e n a h u m b l i n g experience,” Bradley said. “I’ve accrued some debt and my mind wants to make money. But my

recovery has allowed me patience with that because I know it will pay off in a few years.”

The Leyvas urge students to focus on themselves and their future, which is also an essential part of recovery.

“You have to be prepared because you’re probably not gonna be bringing in much money to provide while you’re in school,” Paul Leyva said. “This is an investment for the future.”

“You have to put yourself first,” Daniel Leyva said. “How are you gonna take care of your family without a career? Your kids will look up to you, your family will respect you. As for me, my self-esteem and selfrespect have increased since I went back to school. My family trusts me because they see me doing something positive.”

RCC students find success after addiction THRIVE from page 1

Bradley chose his field of study because he will be able to relate to clients. He believes that his experience with drugs, alcohol and child abuse will allow his clients to be more vulnerable and open with him.

“My life experience, added to my education, will help me provide clients with a better opportunity in recovery,” Bradley said. “My education will allow me to be of service to others and better their lives as well as my own.”

Bradley advises students to seek out work experience while they are working towards their educational goals.

“I volunteer twice a week at a treatment facility running a group for addicts within their first 30

News

Former Viewpoints editor dies SAMANTHA BARTHOLOMEW STAFF REPORTER

F o r m e r Vi e w p o i n t s sports editor Brian Goff died unexpectedly of a heart attack April 24.

Goff served on Viewpoints after graduating from Arlington High School in 1990 where he also worked on its school newspaper, The Mane Thing.

After graduating from Riverside City College, Goff began working for the San Bernardino Sun in 1997, where he covered everything from Little League and local high schools and colleges to minor and Major League Baseball.

“Throughout my many years in journalism, there have been a few individuals who created a lasting impression. Brian Goff was one of those. A unique man, devoted to his religious beliefs and his family,” Louis Brewster, a correspondent for the Southern California News Group, said.

“In the high stress world we often work in, Goff was a picture and study of achievement.

A former lineman for the CIF championship team at Riverside Arlington, he didn’t let the circumstances dictate how he would function. He was cool under pressure, a gift in this profession” Tom Moore worked with Goff as the news editor for the Southern California News Group.

“One of the best parts of my day the past two years was checking in with Brian at the paper and him sharing plans for the wedding, and becoming a dad, and trips he was taking with (his wife) Tonya and what the kids were doing at school,” Moore said.

“He’d show me the pictures and share all the details,” Moore added. “He was so happy and proud of his family, and it was a privilege that he shared so enthusiastically. We’ll miss him in a ton of different ways, but

I’ll miss those conversations the most.

“One of the last things he did was the kind of genuinely caring thing he did all the time - Colony High School won a section title in basketball this winter, but it was an 8:30 game and ended too late to get in the paper. On Monday, he came in early to build a full-page replica that we were able to share with the coach as a keepsake.”

Though he’s remembered as being happy in his career, the people who knew and loved him remember how much happier he became after reconnecting and marrying his high school sweetheart after 30 years.

G o ff d e t a i l e d h i s l o v e story with his wife, Tonya, in a Valentine’s Day edition of Menifee 24/7.

Goff tells the story of meeting Tonya at his church after she moved to Riverside with her mother and sister while Goff was in the eighth grade. The pair dated throughout high school before Tonya moved to Oklahoma to live with her father and go to college, where she got married and had three sons before getting a divorce in 2016.

“I miss Brian. I grieve, but not without hope. You see ...

I have Jesus in my heart and I believe Jesus is God’s only Son who came to earth and died for my sin. Brian believed as well.

And because of God’s promises I know I will see Brian in heaven when I leave this temporary place called Earth,” Tonya Goff said in a Facebook post.

Former Viewpoints student Dennis Pope is already taking steps to begin a scholarship to honor Goff’s memory and assist future sports journalists.

While the scholarship is still in the fundraising stage, Pope is optimistic.

“Brian was a talented and hard-working sports reporter who, like many of us, loved every minute he spent with RCC’s Viewpoints newspaper,” Pope said. “Brian’s work ethic led to opportunities for himself and for

others, and this is what the Brian Goff Scholarship is about – to continue to create inspiration and opportunities for the next generation of Viewpoints sports reporters – because Brian meant a great deal to many of us, and it’s my aim to have his spirit continue to live on through this scholarship.”

“I was pretty shocked when I heard about and it really hit me because Brian took a chance on me. He was my first boss,” James Williams, former Viewpoints editor-in-chief and digital producer for Southern California News Group, said.

“Without Brian, I don’t know if I would’ve had the career or the success I’ve had this early on, especially while I’m still in college chasing a degree.”

“He gave me so many opportunities, even when I probably wasn’t even ready. I was so eager and passionate to do anything and everything that I said yes to anything he said. He

would call and let me know if I did something wrong, but he was always so patient with me. He never yelled, he never got upset and he was never disrespectful,” Williams said. “He was a man of God and I think that played a lot into his values and the way he treated people. He never talked down to anybody.”

“He was passionate about his community and that’s something that I’ll always remember about him,” Williams said. “You can’t replace that wealth of knowledge.

He’s just one of those guys that’s been there and seen it all. He’s worked with everyone. And his impact was not only the loss of him, is not just in sports. He’s touched so many people.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Goff’s family with several short-term and long-term expenses after his death.

Funeral services will be held May 15 at Magnolia Church in Riverside at 10 a.m.

alongside your first transfer-level english and math classes if you really feel like you’re gonna struggle. Learn how to manage your time, talk to your professors, go to office hours and use the writing center.”

RCC will be offering concurrent support courses for liberal arts math, statistics, trigonometry and business calculus. Math 23 will be offered as a six-unit course that combines trigonometry and precalculus, aiming to provide students with a quicker path to calculus.

“Instructors will be using affective domain in these support courses,” Merrill said. “That means helping students recognize that they can do it. We’ll be teaching students how to manage their time, how to study, how to

do homework.”

Some students have expressed skepticism toward the new plan though.

Oscar Vasquez, a statistics student at RCC, believes AB705 could result in bad grades for many students.

“It’s gonna look bad on your transcript if you get a bunch of bad grades when you try to transfer,” Vasquez said. “The truth is some people cheat in high school. I think it’s better to keep placing students in the math they need to better prepare them for transfer-level classes.”

English 1a student Cameron Bust seems to be in agreement with the new placement system.

“I think it’ll make it easier for them to get out faster,” Bust said.

Another student, Briana

Garcia, has experienced the frustration of struggling to make it to transfer-level math.

“I placed in Math 53,” Garcia said. “I think it’s worth a shot.

If I go straight into trig, I know there’s tutoring and help I can get. I don’t know if I want to keep spending time and money on Math 53.”

The faculty at RCC are optimistic that the new system, although concerning to some, will help students accomplish their educational goals.

“It will give students a reason to succeed,” Merrill said. “It’ll give students the motivation to overcome that barrier.”

Visit legislature.ca.gov for more information on AB705.

More information on the new placement system can be found on RCC’s website.

“Anyone that needs extra help can take English 91 with English 1a,” Douglass said.

According to the Statewide Multiple Measures Assessment Project, students with high school GPAs below 1.9 that were placed directly into transfer-level english with a required concurrent support course had a 43% pass rate. In comparison, only 13% of students placed one level below transfer-level english actually ended up passing transfer-level english within a year.

“Our goal is to get you through 1a in a year,” Douglass said.

“Students should be thoughtful about the semester they are taking english and math. For example, don’t take a heavy science class

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NEWS BRIEFS Commencement ceremony information

PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES WILLIAMS

Brian Goff interviews Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis at the Life Gala at the University of Redlands on July 11, 2015.

Coordinators cite faith in placement studies COURSES from page 1

May 9, 2019

The Riverside City College Bookstore is now selling academic regalia for commencement.

Certificate packages (includes cap and gown) are $36 while associate degree packages (includes cap, gown, hood and tassel) are $58.

Students who order before May 17 will receive a 10% discount.

The bookstore will have a list of students who are eligible to participate in the ceremony, students looking to purchase their regalia will need to show a photo ID. Commencement is June 7.

Transfer Center appointments The Riverside City College Transfer Center has one-onone appointments available for students to discuss transferring with a college representative. For more information on appointments and the universities that are visiting RCC, students can contact the RCC Transfer Center for an appointment at (951) 222-8446 or email transfercenter@rcc.edu.

Pathway to Law Open House Riverside City College’s Law Society Club is hosting a Pathways to Law Open House on May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Dr. Charles A. Kane Building, Room 140.

Continental breakfast will be served during check in from 9:30-10 a.m. with the program beginning promptly at 10 a.m. until the networking lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Information and applications for RCC’s Pathway to Law School Program will be available.

This event is aimed at those who have interest in earning or working in the field of law, the courts, attorneys and more. Attendees are requested to register for Riverside City College Pathways to Law Open House on Eventbrite.

Foster Care Awareness Event Guardian Scholars will host former foster youth, Solomon O.B., to speak on May 14 from 1-2 p.m. in the Riverside City College Auditorium. He will also be recognized for being his powerful TED Talks and motivational speaking work.

The California Youth Connection will also be at the event discussing legislature, policy and their work to improve the foster care system in California.

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SPORTS

May 9, 2019

“Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.”

- Babe Ruth

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Angel Mendoza hits a home run against Cuesta College in a home game at the Samuel C. Evans Sports Complex in the first round of the postseason on May 3.

Tigers shutout Cuesta College RCC’s baseball moves to the next Regional round JAIR RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER

Dominance on the mound has propelled the Riverside City College Tigers baseball team to the next round of the California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regional playoffs.

“Pitching, pitching, pitching, you know that’s what you ask for when you get down at this point,” said head coach Rudy Arguelles.

“It’s going to come down to pitching, play solid defense, make the routine plays, don’t give extra outs, create extra pitches for your guy.”

RCC swept the Cuesta College Cougars in a best of

three series in the first round of the SoCal Regionals.

Both games took place May 4 and 5 at home.

Sophomore and Orange Empire Conference Pitcher of the Year Garrett Irvin had a complete game shutout in the first game victory, 5-0.

“Honestly I didn’t have my best stuff today, but the defense was really working behind me, so I threw strikes the best I could and let the defense do its thing,” Irvin said. “It was nice getting five runs early to support the defense behind me.”

Infielders Matthew Happ and Mathew Ivancich both landed two hits and one RBI in the game.

The team closed out the series in the second game with another

YESENIA HUBY | VIEWPOINTS

Angel Mendoza running past third base for a homerun against Cuesta College at Samuel C. Evans Sports Complex on May 3.

shutout, this time by sophomore pitcher Alexander Salazar, 3-0.

Freshman catcher Angel Mendoza added some support with a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning.

“The work ethic and chemistry, it all flows in one, like a well oiled machine,” said sophomore outfielder Brandon Galindo. “Work et hic and

chemistry has been key for the Tigers success. It’s come a long way and we knew this team was special from the start, we just needed a few minor adjustments.”

Up next for the Tigers is the Super Regional round of the CCCAA SoCal Regionals on May 10. RCC will play against Mt. San Antonio College in a best of three series at a loction that has yet be

determined as of press time.

“Everything is going to be built around pitching and defense and if we do the same thing like we did, I like our chances,” Arguelles said. “We will go as far as our pitching allows us to. We’ve been consistent with the routine plays and we’ll take anything beyond routine as icing on the cake, so to speak.”

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Mathew Ivancich throws the game winning out to first baseman Andrew Talkington to score a first round postseason victory against Cuesta College at the Samuel C. Evans Sports Complex on May 3.

Sports

May 9, 2019

5

Softball edges out Bakersfield

Tigers progress to the next round of playoffs JAIR RAMIREZ STAFF REPORTER

After a four hours and multiple chances for both teams to end the game, an infield single in the bottom of the 13th by Dani Melendez gave RCC the win.

RCC trailed Bakersfield College after the Renegades took a three run lead in the top of the ninth inning.

The team came back after Bakersfield’s defense was unable to hold the lead after several errors in the bottom of the inning.

“Staying together as a team and as a unit is crucial,” said freshman catcher Alicia Rivera.

“We felt the tension but didn’t let that scare us.”

Riverside went on to win the first game of the SoCal Regional preliminary series 7-6 on May 3.

“We knew we could get it back, if they can do it we can can do it,” said freshman outfielder Loreal Fuerte.

Fuerte finished the game with four hits, one run batted in and accounted for two outs on defense.

Sophomore infielder Breanna Ceballos finished with a game high five hits after seven at-bats.

The team took the best of three series against the Bakersfield College Renegades on May 4.

They entered the series winning seven out of their last eight games.

“Never give up and work for one another and if we believe in each other then anything is possible,” said sophomore infielder Jocelyn Ontiveros.

Ontiveros herself had one hit with two runs batted in.

The Tigers will next face Cypress College in a possible three-game series in the second round of the California Community College Athletic Association SoCal Regional playoffs. The series will begin on May 10.

All games will take place at Cypress College starting May 10.

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Samantha Peluffo hits a foul ball against Fullerton College early in the season at Sherbeck Field on March 13.

During conference play, the Tigers went 1-2 against Cypress College.

In their first two matchups, the Tigers lost to Cypress on Feb. 27, 6-4, and were shutout March 22, 0-5.

RCC won their most recent game against Cypress at home April 17, edging them out 5-4.

AT A GLANCE Game 2 Renegaes 5-4 Game 3 Tigers 5-3 Next game vs. Cypress May 10 @ Cypress College

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Karter Williams throws the ball to her teammate Brianna Arroyo. The Tigers beat Santiago Canyon, 9-3, at the Samuel C. Evans Sports Park on April 22.

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Brianna Arroyo pitches against Santiago Canyon College at the Samuel C. Evans Sports Park on April

6

May 9, 2019

Sports

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Riverside City College track and field have placed first in every meet this season, with Alec Jones earning top marks in the hammer throw.

The Gold Standard NICK PERALTA SPORTS EDITOR

Riverside City College men’s track and field earned top marks and qualified numerous athletes after hosting the California Community College Athletic Association Southern Regional preliminaries May 4.

The Tigers sit in first place after all events were scored final with 31 points, nearly resulting in a clean sweep for the team at the podiums.

RCC performed well in the throwing events highlighted by sophomore Marcos Gonzalez’s first place finish in the javelin toss with a 182 foot throw.

Freshman Patrick Maria followed with a second place finish with a 173 foot throw.

Sophomore Alec Jones placed third overall in the shot put toss with 49 feet.

RCC also excelled in the racing competitions.

Freshman Garret Smith mirrored his second place finish in the 3,000 meter race walk

finishing with a time of 22 minutes, 10.06 seconds.

Freshman Mohamed Mohammed placed first in the 800 meter with a final time of 1:55.85, while sophomore Enrique Villa placed second overall in the 1,500 meter.

Sophomore Dillon Lay crossed the finish line in third place in the 400 meter hurdles at 55.07.

The Tigers advance to the CCCAA State Finals next which will take place at Modesto Junior College on May 10.

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Returning senior Christian Fonseca refines his throwing form before the May 17 track meet.

JEROME WONG | VIEWPOINTS

Several athletes prepare for the next round of the Southern California Regionals as they run sprints at the Arthur Wheelock Field on May 7.

Sports

May 9, 2019

7

BOBBY HESTER | RCCATHLETICS

Freshman Celina Melgoza placed eighth in the three meter dive with 153.59 points at the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships which was hosted at De Anza College on May 4.

RCC swimming season closes

Men and women’s teams compete well at State ASHLEY GOMEZ SPORTS REPORTER

The Riverside City College swimming and diving men’s team finish fourth place and the women’s team finished eighth in the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship meet.

The Tigers took their last swim of the 2019 season on May 4.

The men’s team finished with a total of 247 points, which saw them place fourth.

Freshman Erick Fathoni earned the most points from the men’s team in solo competition, totaling 47 points. He stood on the podium twice after also placing in the 200 yard freestyle with the time of one minute,

SPORTS BRIEFS

38.21 seconds.

In the men’s 200 yard butterfly, sophomore Javier Bernal finished second with the time of 1:52.32. He placed sixth in both the 200 yard with the total time of 1:53.59 and the 400 yard individual medley. The men’s team also finished first place in the 400 yard freestyle relay.

The women’s team finished with a total of 172 points.

This season also marks the third straight year that the women’s team has competed in the CCCAA State Championship.

Freshman Hannah Cain led the team with 19 points. She placed fifth in the 200 yard backstroke with the total time of 2:12.29 and finished 12th place in the 100 yard backstroke with the total time of 1:02.73.

BOBBY HESTER | RCCATHLETICS

Freshman Erick Fathoni garnered the most points for the men with 47 total at the California College Athletic Association State Championship at De Anza College on May 4.

Beach volleyball

Men’s tennis

Women’s track and field

Women’s tennis

Riverside City College’s beach volleyball team will close the season with a 6-10 record overall following the teams disqualification from the season due to their three-loss streak in the qualifying rounds.

However, sophomore Natalie Escher and freshman Vashti Elias-Romero will advance into the pairs championship for the teams second-consecutive season into the California Community College Athletic Association.

RCC’s men’s tennis closes the season with an overall 11-9 record. The team finishes in the Orange Empire Conference with a 4-4 record. RCC scored a record six ties at the 119th annual Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament which took place April 27, following the OEC tournament.

RCC places 13th overall in the state after Miles Clark fell to Lirone Abecassis of Grossmount College in the quarterfinals April 27.

Riverside City College’s women’s track and field team most recently earned first place at the Southern California Regional preliminary round. Savannah Dinco placed second in the 3,000 meter race walk while Sujey Esteva placed third the 10,000 meter run.This advances the Tigers to the SoCal Finals for the second consecutive season. The SoCal Finals will take place on May 11 at RCC in the Samuel C. Evans Sports Complex.

Riverside City College’s women’s tennis team finishes the 2019 campaign as freshmen Torrey Mateljan and Maxelle Bernie placed sixth in the 119th annual Ojai Tennis Tournament which took place in Ojai, CA and began April 27. Mateljan and Bernie defeated doubles teams from Foothill College and Sierra College before losing in the 16th round against El Camino College, 6-2 and 6-0, in two matchups April 28.

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us what you think, in a letter to the editor, in an email or use #RCCnow.

Stop buying into the hype The power of influence and the fear of missing out during music events clout student income

DARRISHA DANIEL STAFF REPORTER

As the chimes of Coachella ring in the festival season, F.O.M.O. is bound to set in for many of us.

Fea r of m issi ng out on the latest events leads many students to miss class time and overspend. For those who purchased tickets for coveted events such as Coachella far in advance, nothing can stop the call of the festival.

Fear not, there’s nothing to be missed worth the expense of your education. Many of these artists can still be seen more conveniently and more intimately at their own concerts.

“I had to miss out on a test to leave on time with my carpool.

I purposefully sacrificed my academic achievement, but I get to drop one at the end of the semester so I’m okay with the zero,” Eyona Zimmerman said The dual weekend event brings out some of the biggest stars in pop culture such as Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Childish

DOMINIQUE REDFEARN | VIEWPOINTS

Gambino and more. These names would be enough for me, but the venue also hosts side events and activities to keep attendees endlessly entertained. Much of the focus is on pop culture and pushing fashion trends unlike earlier days when the musical performers were center stage.

Starting in January, right after the holidays end, promotions for festival fashion hit the billboards.

Trends including hairstyles, clothing and even behaviors are marketed using phrases like “turn up” or “get lit” to sell products. These colorful ads are hard to miss through physical and digital platforms where festival gear is blasted all over

until the next season hits.

The need for strong social media presence and creating picturesque post has contributed to marketing goals and have become major reasons to attend festivals such as Coachella.

It’s found that about 75% of millennials are there engaging in social media amidst all the fun and entertainment.

We live in an age where the phrase “pictures or it didn’t happen” has taken on an extreme.

With crowds reaching over 100,000 at a time, many are there only to collect proof of going.

W het he r we k now i ngly feed into or not, constant peerpressure through social media

encourages everyone not to miss out and creates an intensified year ning to join the crowd.

With so much anticipation and incentives to attend, the only thing left to do is purchase tickets and make your way to be seen.

Let’s not forget the highly anticipated Fyre Festival that turned out to be a major scam.

People spent thousands of dollars on travel and tickets to the exclusive venue where they were promised a luxury experience and the celebrity treatment. A couple of documentaries have since been made about its failure to deliver on those promises.

The event was endorsed by models and celebrities on a

beautiful island having fun and inviting everyone to join in except when the time came nothing was as promised and the island was still in production of the festival.

“Fyre had such a high profile that I don’t think anyone could have assumed that it wouldn’t work out,” Director of the Fyre documentary, Chris Smith said.

All in all, it’s best to decide for ou rselves what reasons we choose to attend or not attend certain hyped up events to prevent disappointments and squander i ng academ ic achievements just for pictures on social media.

“I think they will be affected because the people that don’t have transport and go to school, their only transportation is the bus and now they may have to pay for that and school? It makes it harder for them paying for school and paying for a school bus.”

- Alex Chavarin

“It would be ver y inconvenient for those students taking the bus to have to pay with their own money when it should be covered by the school. So we can focus more on our classes versus worrying about whether we have a ride to campus or not.”

“I think you should check statistics on people who own cars. Riverside doesn’t seem to be a very highly financially standing place to begin with so I feel like it gonna be a lot harder for students to come and complete their education.”

“It’s a lot easier to take the bus than to pay for gas and it’s even a lot easier to take the bus to where you need to go. If I had to pay for it(bus rides) individually, I think I would have to stop taking the bus and start walking or find some other way.”

- Leo Padilla

- Aylin Moreno

- Paris Hernandez

“I think it would be a burden, since this is how most kids get to school everyday, and they would have to pay the fare. It would impact them financially.”

“I do hear a lot of people that live a lot farther or they don’t have cars. It could be a lot harder for people to go to school or even go at all. I think I live close enough so that a walk isn’t too bad, but I would be worried for other students who don’t have the privilege of owning a car.”

- Kieren Douglass

“It’s going to be affecting them because most people don’t have transportation. They rely on the RTA for that so it wouldn’t be fair if they take it away because it’s already covered in the student fees.”

“It’s going to be hard for students to come to class. Even if they don’t have a car, the parking structure is always packed and some park farther and take the RTA to get here. Some people park at the hospital even though you’re not supposed to because there is no parking here.”

Campus Conversations How would Riverside Community College students be effected if they have to pay for individual bus rides instead of it being covered in

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.

- Jazmarian Press

- Kimberly Valencia

- Patricia Martinez

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May 9, 2019

Views

Financial stability for all

Editorial

SEED program provides additional financial funds

IMAGE COURTESY OF CANSTOCK PHOTOS

Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and the city are testing an initiative to provide guaranteed income to residents. Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration, or SEED, will make monthly $500 payments to 130 people in Stockton throughout the course of 18 months.

We, the Viewpoints Editorial Board, believe that ensuring financial equality of our nation should be an effort supported by all as it allows for a brighter future for the country as a whole.

The project is funded by a grant from The Economic Security Project in an effort to ensure opportunity and economic security.

Organizers and city leaders will use the program to explore how people will respond to an influx of cash with options ranging from going back to school, taking a break from work to pursue other responsibilities and interests, or simply paying bills.

“Over the past year Stockton has become the center of not only the state, but the center of the nation for its initiative to discuss how to help working class families and families that are

struggling financially,” Tubbs said in a statement.

“This brings us one step closer to providing a little bit of help they may need.”

Universal basic income — also called guaranteed income — has become an unexpectedly hot topic among presidential candidates, as economic anxiety and income inequality continue to plague voters on both sides of the political spectrum.

The pilot program could also create a road map for implementing future basic income policies in other cities or on a national scale.

This could make a major difference in Riverside, where income inequality has been growing steadily over the last decade.

Those at the bottom 10% of incomes in the Inland Empire have seen their income drop by 35% since 2007, causing the region to suffer a 40% widening of the gap between rich and poor. As of 2017, 12.9% of Riverside County residents live below the poverty line and while that may seem like a low percentage, it still represents roughly 316,147 struggling residents.

Riverside County has an income inequality rate of 0.497, as measured using the Gini index, which is higher than the national average of 0.415.

The Stockton project is motivated by the belief that an unconditional basic income is “one of the most effective tools” to reduce poverty and mitigate economic insecurity. SEED states, “We are motivated to test a guaranteed income in Stockton because we believe it is to combat poverty.

Unconditional cash can supplement and enhance the current social safety net.”

Despite the project still being in its infancy, it has already inspired a similar project proposal in Chicago to study economic inequality by providing 1,000 selected participants a monthly $1,000 payment. Like Stockton, the project will also be funded by philanthropists.

While there are still many unanswered questions, many of which will not be answered until a larger scale project takes places, Stockton will be at the forefront of steering the direction of a national political conversation.

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

LETTERS

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

TO THE

NEWS EDITOR Dominique Redfearn viewpoints.news@gmail.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Diego Lomeli viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR Nick Peralta viewpoints.sports@gmail.com

LIFE EDITOR Patrick Tindall viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com

PHOTO EDITOR Angel Peña viewpoints.photo@gmail.com

ONLINE EDITOR Imari Rede viewpoints.online@gmail.com

REPORTERS Samantha Bartholomew Diana Cabral Clarissa Corral Darrisha Daniel Benjamin De Leon Erik Galicia Sayeda Ghazanfar Ashley Gomez

Karina Gutierrez Yesenia huby Timothy Lewis Robert Johnson Adriana Lopez Kenia Marrufo Zane Mudron Angel Peña

Jacob Quezada Jair Ramirez Jonathon Ramirez Corey Robinson Keanu Wallace Jerome Wong

REACH US: Associated Collegiate Press

Journalism Association of Community Colleges

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.

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© 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.

LIFE Couches to commissions

May 9, 2019

11

“If you don’t have any shadows, you’re not in the light.”

RCC alumna Arlene Tomista Antonio is a ray of hope for young artists BENJAMIN DE LEON STAFF REPORTER

From being homeless to attending one of the best schools for visual and performing arts, Arlene Tomista Antonio makes her second debut in this year’s honor student exhibit.

This year’s exhibit put on by the Honors Program, was filled with mesmerizing pieces that the professors from the art department deemed unique and refined.

An artist that exemplified creativity and exhibited her talent through a self portrait was Antonio.

The amount of detail in the shading and use of contrasting patterns makes the portrait seem likes its coming right at you.

Antonio had recently graduated from Riverside City College and is now working alongside professor Leslie Brown in the Art Exhibit as a gallery attendant located in the Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle on campus.

This was her second time having a piece selected to be put in the gallery. Last year she had pieces that consisted of mixed media painting and design painting.

This year the piece that was featured was a self portrait done with conte crayons on wax paper.

“I was not supposed to have mixed the two medias but did it otherwise because I liked how it was coming out,” Antonio said.

It truly did work in her favor with the amount of detail that can

ANGEL PEÑA | VIEWPOINTS

Self-portrait of Arlene Tomista Antonio that is being displayed at the RCC art show in the quad, room 140, May 2 to May 30. be seen at first glance.

When asked about her past, Antonio confessed that she was homeless for two years and in between couch surfing and sleeping in her car, she had to drop out of college in order to make money.

Fortunately, a friend she knew for a decade reached out and welcomed her into a room in Riverside. It was from here she would meet professor and life

long friend Brown.

In addition, she became friends with former Art Club Vice President Ricardo Corona, who got her involved with Art Club.

Over the following two semesters she would be elected Inter Club Counsel representative and treasurer and would later become the president.

“This had brought so many opportunities I never thought I would receive the privilege

of having so early on in my art career,” Antonio said.

A few of the accomplishments Antonio has achieved consists of making an artist catalogue for print maker John Greco and being commissioned by RCC to make a painting for, now retired, Vice President on the RCC Board of Trustees, Janet Green.

“It’s definitely hard work and to see how much you’ve grown with it, that’s what makes it worth it,” Antonio said.

It was clear why Brown is so fond of Antonio because of her grip on art and how she stands apart from the rest.

“I’m looking for something you haven’t seen before, but with technical skill,” Brown said.

“First a craftsman, then an artist.”

Antonio’s artistry has taken her beyond RCC and she is now attending Art Center College of Design located in Pasadena. This is quite a big deal considering it is ranked in the top 5% when it comes to visual and performing arts schools.

In addition, Antonio is also minoring in social innovation because she would like to give back to communities that are underprivileged because of her past experiences living in an art neglected community.

A few of Antonio’s end goals consist of pursuing editorial illustration and to participate in more galleries.

“I want to be a positive influence for my little brother and for others who have struggled as I have,” she said.

Artist lectures on creative hope

“

Norco College associate professor speaks on hope in a changing world COREY ROBINSON STAFF REPORTER

A r t is a way to escape the mundane realities or the overloaded work schedules in our daily lives.

Quinton P. Bemiller is a professor of arts and the creative director at Norco College. On April 16 and 18, Bemiller gave his lecture “Art is Hope,” at the Coil School of Arts at Riverside City College and again at Norco College.

He told stories of artists that embody their reality with their art during their lifespan.

Within the lecture, Bemiller made it a point to inform students of his concept of art.

“Art is the highest form of hope,” Bemiller said, which reflects of his views on art within the era of tragedies and times of struggle.

During the speech, Bemiller int roduced atendees to his daughters, who are all also young artists, who use their art as an

“Art helps us to pause and take stock of our values. It’s a realization of accepting who you are.”

outlet for a variety of different emotions.

Jade was diagnosed with cancer and has experienced many challenges at such a young age. At the age of 4, she was able to bring her real feelings to life through art. As she grows up and looks back at the art she made, she would be able to see how strong she was during her fight against cancer.

“Ar t helps us to pause and take stock of our values,” Bemiller said. “It’s a realization of accepting who you are.”

Along with Jade there are two

-- Quinton P. Bemiller other daughters, Lillie and Violet Bemiller, who use art as a life healing process as well.

“Children create art when they need hope the most,” Bemiller said.

The many art pieces the girls create will help them remember who they were to others in the future.

The artists he mentioned made a physical timestamp with their art, such as deceased artist Paula Modersohn-Becker, which gives hope to others.

Ac c or d i ng t o Q u i nt on , Modersohn-Becker exemplifies

hope by being female and still finding it in her spirit to make art during the time when sexism was a social nor m and ar t wasn’t considered a promising occupation.

The most powerful quality that Modersohn-Becker had was knowing herself. She used her art to create her voice and style to become the person she knew she wanted to be.

This is one of the many qualities that were identified in the artists that were presented

by Bemiller in which their art gave hope to the world, even after death.

Unfortunately, ModersohnBecker did not live to see her impact, but left with an insight of her mindset.

“I know I shall not live very long,” Bemiller said, reciting a quote by Modersohn-Becker.

“But if I painted three good pictures, I know I shall leave gladly with flowers in my hair.”

As human beings we must find hope in a world of disease, violence and heartbreak.

-

Lady Gaga

LIFE BRIEFS ‘The Vivian Maier Project’ Riverside City College’s theater, dance and music departments converge for a special collaborative performance May 16, 17 and 18 at the Landis Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available online for $15 or at the Landis box office for $10 for students.

Inviting butterflies into your garden The Western Municipal Water District will be hosting a master gardener workshop that will teach attendees how to attract butterflies to their garden. Attendees will learn how to create shelters and care for flowers that are butterfly friendly. The master class will be held May 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. Entry is free.

‘Voices and Visions’ The Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts will be hosting “Voices and Visions,” a visual and performance art event that aims to celebrate and bring awareness to the lives of people who have grown up in foster care. Cosponsored by the Guardian Scholars Program at Riverside City College, the event will be a blend of spoken word poetry, photography and mixed media art. The event will be held May 16 from 6-9 p.m. Entry is free.

Riverside Greek Fest Express Greek Fest brings the culture of Greek food, wine, pastries, dancing and more to Riverside. The event is family friendly and includes a KidZone. Greek Fest will be held at the Saint Andrew Orthodox Christian Church on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is free.

Movies at the Library The Marcy Library in Riverside will be hosting a viewing of Mary Poppins Returns. The movie showing will begin May 11 at 2:30 p.m. Entry is free.

12

May 9, 2019

‘Avengers: Endgame’ destroys

Dominating box offices all over the globe, the newest Avengers film delivers NICK PERALTA SPORTS EDITOR

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Hollywood and cinema have embraced the inclusion of comic book films amongst their blockbuster ranks.

While many superhero or comic book films have come and gone, one project has stood out amongst them all: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The MCU is a shared universe centered on a series of superhero films and tv shows independently produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The “universe” began with the film “Iron Man” which was released in May 2008. The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. who impeccably performs the role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man. This character would be the catalyst for a cinematic adventure brimming with comic book lore and expansive wonder.

Many films that have shared in this universe have since followed, 22 now to be exact. all leading up to a finale that is truly a sight to behold.

“Endgame” is hugely ambitious, ridiculous, over-thetop superhero filmmaking and fans have unanimously loved it. The film follows the events of last year’s blockbuster event “Avengers: Infinity War,” a film that turned the genre on its head by showing that even superhero movies can take dark turns and

that even heroes fall.

Expertly played by Josh Brolin, the villain Thanos became a household name after securing an unlikely victory against a group of heroes that had been established over the last decade.

Not completely different, of course, it picks up more or less where “Infinity War” left off, features a considerable number of the same actors and has a few key scenes that echo those from the earlier film.

“Endgame” is a more elaborate and complicated concluding event to the earlier films.

It achieves this separation partly by refocusing on characters who were either entirely absent or underserved in “Infinity War.” This is partly thanks to its more episodic storyline, beginning w i t h t h e Av e n g e r s ’ attempts to undo the actions of Thanos but then veering off in very strange directions, before tailing together again for one final, CGI budget-stretching clash.

And it’s here that we hit some trouble. As ever, it’s

difficult to discuss this film without discussing plot elements some might consider offlimits, and this is definitely a movie best enjoyed without too

much prior knowledge.

However, I think it’s fair to say that an encyclopedic knowledge of Marvel movies will be helpful, if not absolutely essential, when watching “Endgame.”

At the very least, you’ll

definitely need to

have seen “Infinity War.” The first “Avengers” movie, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and even “Thor” have considerable influence on the challenges faced by the heroes as well.

Also, the emotional beats of the final 45 minutes or so definitely hit harder if you’re familiar with the 11 year, 20 film franchise build-up.

S o m e t i m e s , “Endgame” hits you over the head with this unique multi-film legacy, stuffing its cast with surprise cameos, callbacks, new takes on old scenes and reminders of what came before, but ultimately it’s hard to begrudge its tapestry of influence.

What other movie franchise has achieved this TV-like buildup of storytelling, c h a r a c t e r s and ongoing conflicts?

W h y shouldn’t they show that off S after so many LLE MILL : MICHE IT D

other extended E R C PHOTO universe franchises have crashed and burned, especially when it’s

so entertaining.

Somehow, some way, Marvel did what nobody else could and successfully adapted the sprawling, overlapping world of comic-book superheroes to screen.

To be a comic book fan growing up as well and to see this world put from pages to the big screen is truly a sight to behold for the diehards that read the books before ever witnessing their heroes in theaters.

“Endgame” delivers quite the toast to those fans as well with its dozens of Easter eggs and signifying moments straight from the comic series itself.

“Endgame” is the culmination of a decade of blockbuster filmmaking and the result of years of work from thousands of people. It is designed to be the most blockbuster of all the blockbusters, a movie with a dozen subplots colliding and familiar faces from over 20 other movies.

It’s really like nothing that Hollywood has produced before, existing not just to acknowledge or exploit the fans of this series, but to reward their love, patience and undying adoration.

It’s a satisfying end to a chapter of movie-making history that will be hard to top for pure spectacle.

In terms of sheer entertainment value, it’s on the higher end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a film that elevates its most iconic heroes to the legendary status they deserve and provides a few legitimate thrills along the way.

Campus Style Interviews by Sayeda Ghazanfar Photos by Jerome Wong “What are three things that define your aesthetic?”

“Punk. Brandy Melville. Femme.”

-Gillian Scott, laid back punk girl

“ Fa s h i o n . M o d e l status. Awesome.”

-Julius Baker, dashing and fly

“Comfortable. Warm.

Matching.”

-Rachel Williams, comfy and cute

“Bohemian. Flowy.

Natural.”

-Celeste Martinez, photo shoot realness

“My style varies on whatever’s clean and what weather it is.”

-Trevor Pope, ASRCC presidential candidate

“ I we a r a l o t of flannels.”

-Gavin Martin, flannel, day to day

“I mostly wear black all t he t i me. It’s my comfort zone.”

-Maria Cabrera, tartan tartlet

“Expressing yourself.

I’ve a lw ay s d r e s s e d differently. I’ve always worn heels.”

-Kezia Purba, alternative, casual

Campus Styles is a new platform for RCC students to show off their style and engage with their school.

“How do you describe your style?”