Vol. 101, Issue 5 October 27, 2022

Leyenda blends tradition with flair

When you step inside Leyenda Dance Co. you are greeted with kind and warm smiles from everyone, especially from instructor and owner Gabriela Pineault. Whether you’re there to dance or sit and observe, you can’t help but catch the energy from everyone in there.

Pineault was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico and has been dancing for 47 years. When she immigrated here to the United States she searched for a dance studio that provided classes for ballet folklorico which led her to discover that classes in the U.S. don’t offer the same teachings as the ones back home.

During her search she attended Riverside City College where she joined the college’s dance group. Her husband suggested that she start her own dance company. She said she wasn’t on board with the idea at first but with a little encouragement from him, Pineault decided to move forward with establishing Leyenda Ballet Folklorico in 2006.

Compared to other ridgid instructors, Pineault prides herself in providing a kind and nurturing environment for her dancers. She leads each practice

with words of affirmation and encouragement, to group speeches that empower them to do better with continual practice.

The dance company has performed all around the world, including Hong Kong. Shortly before the trip to Hong Kong in 2008 Pineault was presented with her first obstacle, she was diagnosed with cancer. Her doctor advised to take a break for six months, but “I couldn’t let them down,” Pineault said, and went on to dance with her team in Hong Kong despite having surgery a month before the trip.

Building the company to the status it has reached came with lots of challenges. Due to being a solo entrepreneur Pineault was not able to qualify for any financial help.

“Being a solopreneur and starting with a zero or minus budget and doing pretty much everything on your own,’’ Pineault said.

With the help from donations, conferences and performances she is able to keep up with the daily financial cost that it takes to keep the business operating.

When the pandemic hit she kept teaching through

News Briefs

NSA and National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

Riverside City College is the first to establish an NSA validated program of study in the RCCD. RCC was also designated NCAE for cyber defense by the NSA on Oct. 3

RCC Employee of the Month Journalism specialist Matthew Schoenmann won the David Dant Employee of the Month award for October.

CORRECTION

Financial aid workshops available year round

Financial Services encourage students to apply whether they qualify or not

LIV PEARSON STAFF REPORTER

In our previous issue

Grossmont College was misidentified as Palomar College on the men’s water polo photo.

Campus Crime Report

Vandalism

Date: 10/03/2022

Location: Math & Science Building

Trespassing

Date: 10/04/2022

Location: Cosmetology Building

Vandalism

Date: 10/06/2022

Location: Life & Physical Sciences

Disturbing Peace, Trespassing

Date: 10/10/2022

Location: Parking Structure, 3801 Market Str.

Vandalism

Date: 10/11/2022

Location: Unisex Bathroom

Attempted Stolen Vehicle Date: 10/12/2022

Location: Parking Lot “E”

Grand Theft, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle Date: 10/15/2022

Location: Parking Lot “P”

Trespassing Date: 10/17/2022

Location: Cosmetology Building

If you feel you or others’ safety is at risk, please contact the RCCD Police Department at 951-222-8171 for nonemergency calls, and in case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

To stay up to date on upcoming campus events, visit the Viewpoints calendar listed at viewpointsonline.org

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

Green for greater good

Collective measures toward sustainability begin at home

JOHN MICHAEL GUERRERO MANAGING & MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

The Student Sustainability Collective at Riverside City College aims to lead the community in a more green direction in order to combat rising pollution worldwide.

Through advocating, educating and individually recording trees for inventory, this club has continued to go above and beyond to combat decades of radioactive wastes, plastics and carbon that litter the planet’s surface and atmosphere.

The Earth has become polluted and destroyed by humans over the years. The Sustainability Club hopes to educate students, faculty and the community about more environmentally friendly ways of life.

“(The club’s main goal) is to bring awareness of sustainability to students on campus and bring knowledge about recycling, caring for natural wildlife and how to do trash clean ups,” Crystal

McCreary, current club president, said. “Overall the main goal is to prevent (more damage to Earth) and the atmosphere.”

Tonya Huff, one of the coadvisers for the club, said one of the driving factors for students is the desire to care for the planet. This sentiment is further echoed by board members of the club like Joseph Bedolla, vice president of the club, and Miles Wentworth, the Inter-Council Club (ICC) representative.

“(How the environment is kept) is a representation of the people who are there and us as a society,” Bedolla said.

Much of the work the club has done around the community has greatly impacted both the college and Riverside County through participating in local cleanups and most recently, a tree inventory on campus.

One of their target audiences at the college is the Associated Students of Riverside City College (ASRCC).

“We are trying to educate the student body about things they can do in their daily life that can

From local to global

be more sustainable, as well as offering volunteer opportunities so that people can have a direct impact (on the environment),” Wentworth said.

The club educates ASRCC and RCC’s Teacher Board about ongoing pollution issues threatening Earth, reaching a broader audience by not only educating students but also faculty about more sustainable lifestyles.

Dr. Huff said members of the student body have not only begun spreading news about club events, but also participating in them too. Similarly, the student-faculty interrelations between the Sustainability Club and the Faculty Sustainability branch have continued to grow.

The club has continued to push for climate action in Riverside through a combination of willpower and motivation.

“I really love what I do right now, it’s been really amazing and a great learning experience. I have also gained a lot of friends through this club,” McCreary said. “It’s amazing the newspaper and the college is (recognizing the club’s work).”

Club strives to raise awareness, humanitarian issues at forefront

JOHN MICHAEL GUERRERO MANAGING & MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Riverside City College’s Students Orchestrating Change Club (SOC) is a strong-willed community striving to raise awareness, provide aid and service to the community.

The club is focused on studying current issues within select communities and helping raise awareness about them, both domestic and internationally. Many of the core values revolve around ideas taught to sociology majors.

President of SOC, Madi, who wished to be referenced by first name only, intends to promote a sense of pride for members of

the club through tackling local community issues.

“There is a general interest (at Riverside City College) to improve the community and better the world,” Madi said.

The name of the club serves not just as a name but also as a mantra reflective of a collective initiative its members and student board aim to achieve.

“The idea of SOC Club - SOC is a play on words and is short for sociology, but is also an acronym for Student Orchestrating Changeand we go in both directions, where we will do some sociology oriented things,” Tim Gutierrez, club adviser and sociology professor at RCC, said. “But we also work on social justice-oriented things.”

Madi and Sonia Rana, the

current vice president, chose to focus on international issues and humanitarian crises this fall semester. The club has set up a fundraiser to help Pakistan rebuild following recent floods. The fight for women’s autonomy from the Iranian government is another topic the board members aim to educate and spread awareness about.

Riverside City College Student Financial Services held a workshop encouraging students to apply for financial aid Oct. 25.

Their intent is to spread awareness to students about the different financial aid programs they may not know they qualify for. Students who attended the workshop were given free pizza and refreshments after completing the steps required.

Financial services holds events and workshops throughout the year providing students with information and spreading awareness on how and where they can apply for financial aid.

During the workshop students were shown how to start the application process and were offered step by step guidance.

Although the application cycle for the California Grant is October through March, anyone can apply anytime throughout the year for most types of financial aid.

For students seeking individual meetings with Financial Services or are looking for more information about financial aid, the student services office also offers assistance via Zoom and in person.

“We hope to bring awareness and encourage more students to apply for the resources we have to offer,” Manny Gray, a financial services member, said.

They encourage all students to apply for all opportunities even if they have doubts about qualifying for financial aid.

“We have informational workshops on various topics both in person and virtual as well as FAFSA/ California Dream Application/ Scholarship Application workshops in the computer labs to help students complete and submit their applications,” Elizbeth Hilton, Director of Student Financial Services, said. “New programs are developed all the time and having the FAFSA/Dream Application on file can open doors for students to qualify for programs that they wouldn’t if they do not complete the application.”

More information on the financial aid application process as well as upcoming workshops and events can be found online at rcc.edu

City targets unhoused community

Riverside votes to ban encampments along Santa Ana riverbed

ZACH REYNOSA STAFF REPORTER

Homelessness is in fact a crime but not one committed by human beings trying to survive, it’s a crime of violence committed by the state which the city is not even trying to remotely hide.

The war on homelessness rages on in Riverside.

On Oct 4. Riverside City Council had voted 6-1 to ban camping at the Santa Ana River bottom.

With more than 3,000 people currently residing at the river, 60% of them unsheltered, the city’s decision shows they deem being homeless a crime.

The goal of the ban is at least admirable in its moral goals, to decrease the amount of wildfires near the river to protect the homeless and anybody living nearby.

Yet the first to be removed from the area are ones that live next to houses along the river. The city prioritizes property above human beings whose needs are not being dealt with.

The ban also brings up concerns about whether or not Riverside has enough resources to house those taking up shelter near the river. At least Ward 2 City Council Member Clarissa Cervantes was able to detect this issue and stood as the lone vote

Despite temperatures in the

set

against the ban.

The city stated that those who are affected by the ban could enroll in the Riverside County Partnership for the Homeless Outreach Meditation and Education Program.

However, for those who have a criminal record, the court will determine eligibility. Only those with non-violent, low level crimes will be

admitted.

This eliminates any hope of rehabilitation for anyone else even after being arrested for trying to survive.

The city uses this program as a safeguard for those wrongfully discriminating the homeless rather than providing aid.

This ban is a prime example of

the city enforcing its “homelessness is a crime” stance while actively disregarding ways that could prevent homlessness in the first place.

With an economic crash growing closer and closer the prevention of homelessness must be a major priority.

We as a community have seen what COVID-19 has done to the

economic standing of millions of people throughout the country and even in our own home. COVID was a clear indication that when the system is put under pressure only the 99% experience the true force of economic downturn while the 1% takes advantage of our desperation and aggressively continues to make profits no matter the cost.

This dangerous mindset puts more and more people out of their homes and out on the streets where they are deemed as “invaluable” to society and looked upon as a parasite.

These people choose to set up near the river so they can be out of sight and have the choice to sleep somewhere other than some park bench or some bus stop. This is a space where they can settle down and not be constantly harassed by ignorant bystanders or, even worse, the police.

The ban will only provide a new influx of people finding new places to set up their temporary shelters where they will surely face more discrimination for years to come.

The next city council meeting discussing housing and homelessness is on Nov. 28 at 3:30 p.m., in the Virtual Meeting/ Art Pick Council Chamber.

Body positivity movement outdated, inclusionary

Social media, outlet for negative reinforcements

JULIA GOLDMAN STAFF REPORTER

Social media has brought on psychological consequences for young women.

It not only causes women to experience body dissatisfaction, it causes self objectification and impacts their self worth. The introduction of social media and its massive growth has changed the meaning of the “idealized female body type” within the United States.

This standard for women was challenged in 2012 by The Body Positivity Movement— the first massively popular online movement that challenged the influential culture of unobtainable and toxic standards that represent women.

Despite this, The Body Positivity Movement ultimately failed and was simply a passing trend in the rapid changing social perception of the idealized female body type. The movement caused psychological

consequences on young women.

The Body Positivity Movement began and reached popularity from plus size model Tess Holiday on Instagram using the hashtag #Effyourbeautystandards. The movement had a lot of success, with countless posts using multiple body positive hashtags- the result however, was disheartening.

Despite the movement representing a demand for change in societal standards, the reality of The Body Positivity Movement failed in its representation. The very unrecognized body types that the movement sought to depict, as well as people of colour, disabled and transgender individuals were not displayed nor promoted by Instagrams algorithm. Instead, the movement brought more light to the idealized body type, as the featured posts on Instagram overwhelmingly included thin, white women.

Lauren Miller, a nursing major at RCC, is a young woman who has grown up with society’s

hegemonic structure regarding women and their bodies, and the existence of it online.

Miller recognizes the importance The Body Positivity Movement stood for, however, claims she did not feel the positive effects.

“I did see more varieties of bodies online, but honestly, they were always being shamed. Through comments and posts, seeing the hate, it really affected

me,” Miller said.

This negative reinforcement, through the appearance of hatred and retaliation in these comments and posts, was more impactful than the movement to Miller.

Young women, observing these posts of unconventional body types, also observed the pure hatred alongside it, inherently harming their perception of acceptable bodies.

It’s unfortunate The Body Positivity Movement suffers due to outside afflictions, however, with the nature of consuming media, it comes with consequences. The real issue with the kickback of the movement, is that the young women of the current and future generations pay the price.

Young girls that grow up with these contradicting social media movements are learning to see the hateful parts of their bodies rather than seeing the importance of them.

The issue itself is within the social media platforms. The movement suffers due to the representation and unrestricted negative comments. In this technology dependent world, young women need to be reminded of their self worth without backlash from the internet. The psychological effects are transparent on these young women, and in this increasingly technology dependent world, these young women need to be monitored within their usage, for their protection.

STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

passing trains, unhoused Riverside

Tyler Street and Indiana Ave.

STEPHEN

Health care, stigma adds to pain of casualty Sometimes loss breeds strength

JENNIPHER VASQUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I can now say I was failed by my doctors and I’m not OK with it.

My heart breaks everytime I read about a mother who died during or after labor, when I see another grieving couple post about their miscarriage and every single time I think about how I suffered through my own pregnancy loss.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Loss.

I’m tired of hearing that word but I understand why it’s used so often in this light.

Why is loss the focus?

Because there isn’t a solution to that kind of loss.

I lost my trust in emergency rooms, or rather gained a fear of needing to go there.

It is gut wrenching and absolutely infuriating to think about how each person there ignored me.

What hurts more is knowing that my miscarriage story is very minimal compared to the stories other expecting mothers have shared of incompetent and careless healthcare workers.

What I really lost was my baby, but I still had me.

It wasn’t fair to me or anyone else who was pregnant during the peak of the pandemic in 2020 and forced to sit in ER’s alone.

I expected to be taken care of, I was naive, but even the bare minimum of reading my ultrasound correctly wasn’t done.

My loved ones rallied around to support me in the months that followed the miscarriage, but ultimately I was the only one who could pull myself out of my funk.

I sat in the hospital alone after rushing in to find out why I had begun bleeding early on into my pregnancy.

My mom and the baby’s father waited outside for hours while I was wheeled around by nurses and begged them to put me in a bed because I was in so much pain.

Nothing was done besides having my blood drawn and being given a Zofran to ease the nausea. Super helpful.

I had yet to make it to my first ultrasound, also due to the pandemic.

I hadn’t actually seen my baby through a screen yet or heard the heartbeat, but several pregnancy tests and my primary care physician had already confirmed I was nine weeks pregnant.

The ER doctor’s diagnosis was:“it’s probably just implantation bleeding or early signs of a miscarriage.”

That didn’t seem right.

Thinking back, this is likely why I push so hard now to be heard at any capacity.

It was the first time in my life I felt like I wasn’t being understood when I really needed to be.

They weren’t in the restroom with me when I was screaming and crying, gripping the railings in the stall as I watched below what was likely the placenta drop into the toilet.

I had used the restroom once before while in the ER that night, immediately after my emergency

ultrasound and in the same room it was conducted.

That restroom had a “press for HELP,” button that I paid close attention to and thought to myself, “Oh, good. That’s there if I need it.”

I spent the evening avoiding a trip to the restroom because I had been spotting blood and was afraid for what I already knew might happen.

There wasn’t one of those very necessary buttons in the ER patient waiting room restroom stalls where I really did need it.

The doctors and nurses weren’t there when I gained the strength to jump off of the toilet and quickly turned around to attempt grabbing the bloody glob.

I had hoped to hold my baby just once before having to say goodbye, only to have that hope ripped away by the automatic toilet that flushed before I could reach down into the bowl.

I needed a doctor, I needed my mom and I needed to have been listened to and taken care of from the moment I arrived.

I left the hospital after being ignored by doctors and nurses for almost eleven hours.

I told them I was in pain several times and that I had likely just had the miscarriage in the restroom.

I had been alone all night with no help despite being in a wheelchair because I could barely stand on my own, but I shouldn’t have had to.

Sure, I owe my ever growing independence to it. I talked myself through it because I had to but I didn’t want to.

I’ll never forget the face of the doctor who sent me home with

the hope that I was still pregnant.

When I asked, “is my baby OK?” I expected to be told the correct answer, not to be sent home with the false hope that I was still pregnant even after telling them what I suffered in the restroom.

How did the pain and trauma shape me? It taught me to fight for myself, dig deeper into everything and to always be adaptable in any circumstance.

Why? Because after being told, “your baby is ok, really tiny, but still there,” I was greeted just days later with a somber, “I’m so sorry,” by my OBGYN.

She explained to me that the ER doctor was wrong and my hospital ultrasound showed I had in fact already had a miscarriage.

This should have been the answer I was sent home with days prior.

Sure it was easy to be angry at the ER doctor who gave me false hope, but I often think about how I’m not the only one that this has happened to.

I don’t know what to do to prevent this from happening, but maybe sharing my experiences will add to the conversation that every pregnant person must be listened to just as much as the screaming child sitting in the same ER.

Every campaign for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month is centered around how to prevent miscarriages, stillbirths and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

The conversation is never focused on bringing awareness for the losses that were a result of inadequate medical care.

The true “loss” for me was the timid, soft spoken girl who

accepted the first answer I was given by a careless physician.

I had to find a way to not let that be the driving force in my next steps.

What was my driving force? The desire to make my baby proud.

I hate what I went through. I hate how I went through it.

But what I hate more is being seen as almost a victim of miscarriage rather than a force to be reckoned with because I came out of it so much stronger.

I slowly gained my confidence back, an altered sense of awareness of the world and — more than anything— an angel to watch over me as I overcome every new obstacle.

That’s my driving force. That’s my defining factor.

I didn’t let the stigma of “loss” in miscarriages be the only thing that came from it.

Flashbacks of the “I’m so sorry,” from my OBGYN, the dagger that hits my heart when my hands unintentionally reach down to feel for my non-existent baby belly and the echo of my screams from the ER restroom will always be weakening.

However, overcoming emotional agony I thought I’d never surpass, and did, is a testament to how much I’ve gained since then.

I hope that every person who has experienced any form of pregnancy loss gains from their said “loss,” in any capacity. But, I also hope that the stigma surrounding miscarriages starts to shift into a focus of what there is to gain following that incurable loss and how to improve our healthcare system.

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL GUERRERO I VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoints’

Kanye West goes south

Kayne West was dropped from his partnerships with Adidas, Balenciaga and GAP on Oct. 25 due to his antisemetic comments.

His tweet included threats to the jewish people using the term “death con 3,” which is a reference to United States national state alert system, Defcon.

At the beginning of the month of October, West held a private fashion show with models wearing “White Lives Matter” shirts.

“Everyone here knows that I am the leader,” the rapper said before the show.

Candance Owens, right-wing commentator, posed with the rapper on her Instagram demonstrating clear support toward the former billionaire.

West has repeatedly expressed his egoistic attitude on several platforms, including most recently in the podcast, “Drink Champs,” saying Adidas can’t fire him even if he says antisemetic comments.

These actions have also led to athletes like three-time NFL defensive player of the year Aaron Donald and NBA all-star Jaylen Brown dropping from his sports Agency “Donda Sports.”

He also thought that these comments wouldn’t affect his ability to get deals with other brands. It was reported that he showed up to the Sketchers office in Los Angeles, uninvited, hoping to strike a deal then and there.

West’s ignorance, narcissism and hate speech displayed throughout the past few years are not protected by The First Amendment and is finally getting the backlash it deserves.

We don’t need another celebrity wrongfully using their platform to spew hate and bigotry, nor do his business partners and endorsers.

Adidas and the other companies had every right to drop him to protect their face of the brand.

Kayne West’s on and off growing relationships with right-wingers is a repeatedly threatening issue. His relationship with Owens is a prime example of the rapper getting back into the politics world.

We don’t need another celebrity to hold office in our government.

It’s obvious he’s attempting to gain relationships with well known controversy stirrers, that’s his prerogative, creating ruckus.

Ye, who legally changed his name in 2021, plans on buying a conservative network, Parler, whose CEO is Candance Owens’ husband.

Back in 2018, West stated through a tweet, “I’ve been used to spreading messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics…”

His clearcut support toward the right wing ideology is a show to gain solemnity, when his actions have demonstrated nothing but hypocrisy.

The Grammy Award winner feels that he needs to claim such bigotry and stay involved in politics in order to keep his relevance. While this has kept his name in the latest headlines, he is losing his fanbase because of the comments. His former fans are left pondering how they can defend a man who makes such uneducated and offensive claims.

Most of us grew up knowing artists as singers and actors, politicians as senators and governors and medical professionals as such. Who we knew as “Kanye,” no longer exists.

He needs to stay out of politics. A hip hop artist turned politician? Unacceptable. A hip hop artist who wants to be falsely involved in different political campaigns just so people have a reason to talk about him. He has previously run as a presidential candidate, not because he wants to make changes to our government and serve the people, but because he wants to stay on TMZ.

His mental health issues are not an excuse for his derogatory actions and claims. The VMA award winner uses his mental health as a scapegoat in situations, where there is no room for justification.

It’s unfortunate that he’s falling into the group of celebrities who start the downfall of their career experiencing mental health issues, especially noting the level of success he once attained.

STAFF LIST

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennipher Vasquez viewpointseic@gmail.com

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Hayden Kulick John Michael Guerrero viewpoints.managing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com

NEWS EDITOR

Alondra Montes viewpoints.news@gmail.com

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS

Laura Bautista, Jair Ramirez

LIFE EDITOR

Angie Escalante viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail. com

ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR Julia Goldman

OPINIONS EDITOR

Maria Odenbaugh viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com

ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR Darlene Dukelow-Burton

SPORTS EDITOR

Hayden Kulick viewpoints.sports@gmail.com

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Peter Gibbs

PHOTO EDITOR Stephen Day viewpoints.photo@gmail.com

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

John Michael Guerrero multimedia.viewpoints@gmail.com

ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Peter Gibbs

SOCIAL MEDIA

MANAGER

John Michael Guerrero viewpoints.socialmedia@gmail.com

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Sports Briefs

Football

The Riverside City College football team defeated Mt. San Antonio College 3533 in triple overtime. The Tigers converted on a two point conversion to take the victory and remain undefeated at 7-0. RCC next faces El Camino College on Oct. 29 at Ramona High School.

Cross Country

RCC’s cross country teams competed in the John Elders Titan Invitational at Cal State Fullerton on Oct. 21.

The men’s team placed fourth in competition while the women’s team finished in 15th place. Up next for both teams are the Orange Empire Conference Finals on Oct. 28 at Central Park in Huntington Beach.

Women’s water polo

After winning their first two matches in the Long Beach Tournament RCC lost their final two matches. Freshman Jessie Nelson finished the tournament with 11 goals. The Tigers will next compete in the Orange Empire Conference Championships on Nov. 3.

Men’s water polo

The Tigers lost three out of their four matches in the Golden West Tournament. RCC is 9-19 in the season with a 1-3 conference record. RCC will compete in the Orange Empire Conference Championships on Nov. 4.

Volleyball

RCC won in their last match 3-0 against Fullerton College bringing them to 5-13 on the season. Their next match will be on Oct. 28 against Santiago Canyon.

Scan the QR code below & follow our social media where you can find live game updates and more information this fall!

Fast finishes in Fullerton Cross country improves on last year’s times

PETER GIBBS STAFF REPORTER

It was a day full of personal bests for both Riverside City College cross country teams.

Both the men’s and women’s teams competed on Oct. 21 at the John Elders Titan Invitational at Cal State Fullerton. The women ran a 5K and the men ran an 8K.

There was a new course compared to last year. “At first there was a little concern,” women’s cross country head coach Damien Smith said. “But the team became comfortable after their warmup.”

The women were once again led by sophomore Elani Huntley, who finished in 37th place out of 173 runners with a personal best time of 18 minutes and 52 seconds. Her result was higher than racers from Biola University, UC Irvine and the host school Cal State Fullerton.

“This is a race I was looking forward to after last year,” Huntley said. “I’m really proud of my performance today.”

As a team, the women placed 15th out of the 17 that qualified. However, the field consisted of

multiple division one schools as well as track clubs that had racers who varied in age.

“Every one of our runners ran a personal best today,” Smith said. “We try to teach our team to close the gaps and be as close to a fellow teammate as possible. We have a young team that’s doing a good job learning.”

On the other side, the men’s race had an issue with the start when multiple racers fell including sophomore Tiger David Rush.

“When I fell, I thought ‘I’m going to miss this race.’ and out of anger and willpower I pulled through,” Rush said. “Coach told me I ended as the seventh man and so the rest of the season I’ll be all in.”

Rush rebounded in the race and finished 57th with a time of 26 minutes and 13 seconds.

Sophomore Gavyn Condit, the top finisher for the men, had mixed emotions with the reset of the race.

“The false start really got me mad,” Condit said. “I almost got 250 meters in and I was affected mentally.”

However, Condit ran a

personal best as he finished 7th overall out of 201 runners with a time of 24 minutes and 22 seconds.

“I beat my personal record by a minute,” Condit said. “Seeing the timer at the finish line made me super happy.”

One of the competitors that Condit beat was Brint Laubach from The Master’s University. Laubach currently has the second fastest time in the nation at the 8K distance. Condit also beat out other top runners from The Master’s University as well as highly ranked Westmont College.

As for the rest of the men, the team finished fourth place out of 16 qualified teams. That result was higher than rival Orange Coast College.

The playoffs are next up on the schedule for the Tigers.

“We have a great leader,” Smith said. “This race will give us lots of confidence and experience going into next week.”

On Oct. 28 both the men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete in the Orange Empire Conference finals in Huntington Beach.

To stay up to date on upcoming campus events, visit the Viewpoints calendar listed at viewpointsonline.org.

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

Editor: Hayden Kulick

Sophomore runner David Rush

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN KULICK | VIEWPOINTS

TOP Sophomore Kyle Reden sprints to cross the finish line.

RIGHT Sophomore David Rush

finish

stretch.

1 vs. 3 goes triple OT

HAYDEN KULICK MANAGING & SPORTS EDITOR

A game winning interception in triple overtime kept Riverside City College’s undefeated streak alive.

In a game that had the number one and number three teams in the state facing off, RCC was able to maintain its number one ranking with its win against Mt. San Antonio College on Oct. 22.

The Tigers played well in the first quarter, ending that period up by nine. However, that two score lead wouldn’t last long as two dropped balls turned into interceptions that set up Mt. SAC for two field goals.

“The two interceptions came on balls that were catchable,” head coach Tom Craft said. “Overall it’s about execution. Catching balls that are thrown to you and not getting penalties.”

After two big rushing touchdowns by RCC and a few more scores by the Mounties, the Tigers found themselves down by a field goal in the fourth quarter with three and a half minutes on the clock.

On that final drive of regulation, quarterback Jake Retzlaff connected with his brother, wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff, on a 29-yard catch that set up the game-

tying field goal.

“Every time I get press man, I know I’m going to get a look,” Reggie Retzlaff said. “All I was thinking about was ‘catch the ball’ At that point it was just me and the ball.”

After the catch, kicker Jacob Marroquin sent a 36-yard field goal through the uprights to send the Tigers to overtime.

The Junior College overtime rules were something that nobody on the Tigers roster had ever experienced before.

“We just treated it like a normal play,” Jake Retzlaff said. “We rep this kind of scenario in practice so that really helped us.”

On the first play of overtime, Retzlaff handed the ball off to running back Bryce Strong who broke a few tackles on his way to the endzone. This score put RCC up by seven in overtime.

“I just want to give a big shoutout to my [offensive] line,” Strong said. “We’re just going to practice hard and we’ll get this same outcome again.”

The glory of scoring the potentially game-winning touchdown wouldn’t last long for the team. On the very next play, Mt. SAC drew up a double pass trick play that resulted in a 25-yard passing touchdown that sent the

game to a second overtime.

Both teams then got another shot at scoring from the 25 yard line, but neither team was able to capitalize.

The kickers for both teams missed chip shot field goals to seal the win, sending the game to a third overtime.

In the third overtime, both teams were given one chance to put the ball in the endzone from the three yard line. Strong easily waltzed his way across the goal line for the Tigers.

In what might be a preview of the southern California conference championships, linebacker Kenton Allen was subbed in for one play and made the game winning interception for RCC.

“To make the game-winning play for the number one team in the state, it’s something I can’t even fathom,” Allen said. “I sat back and waited. I knew he was going to throw it, so I just waited for it.”

Despite his play in the clutch, Allen is still focused on the games in the future.

“We got a new game next week,” Allen said. “We won, but it’s time for the next team.”

The Tigers will be looking to push their win streak to eight games as they play El Camino College at home on Oct. 29.

LEFT Despite close coverage from Mt. Sac’s Mason White, Reggie Retzlaff leaps into the air and gets the completion for a first down.

BOTTOM Multiple Tigers celebrate a 25-yard touchdown by running back Bryce Strong

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

Reggie Retzlaff continues to struggle for the completion while being tackled. This kind of effort got the Tigers to triple overtime.

Jacquez Jones breaks loose of the tackle to continue for a few more yards gained.

Museum cements city as cultural hub

Civil Rights Institute raises social justice awareness

“Still I Rise” greets you as you walk into the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California. The title of a poem from the late great Maya Angelou, sets the tone of the new museum in downtown Riverside which opened to the public on Oct. 22.

The opening exhibit, Still I Rise – the Black IE fight for justice, includes works of art, and historical memorabilia that speak of the struggle and victories of the Black community in the Inland Empire, curated by Dr. Vince Moses Ph.D.

There are exhibits that honor Black entertainers, politicians and a large wall that honors the memory of Tyisha Miller, who was shot and killed by Riverside Police in December 1998.

Other exhibits teach about the history of racism in employment and features the Stater Bros. Case of 1999. The exhibit demonstrates how despite publicly stating a no tolerance policy regarding racism on the job, Stater Bros. was allowing rampant bigotry toward their Black employees. With the help of Riverside civil rights attorney Diane Roth, 12 Black men were successfully able to get the company to settle for a significant sum.

Finally, after walking through the history, presented in pictures, interactive screens, video and even scannable QR codes to online content, visitors are presented with a final mostly blank wall, which asks “How will you fight for justice in the IE?” and post-it notes and pencils are there for all to express how they will aid the cause.

On Oct. 20, a thank you

reception was held to honor the contributors and sponsors of the event. Prominent members of the Riverside community such as Assemblymember Jose Medina, Congressman Mark Takano, UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox and many others who contributed monetarily, provided artwork and or photography for the museum.

Medina was honored with an atrium in his name for his efforts to secure a 3 million dollar grant toward the completion of the museum. Takano also took the stage to talk about the struggles for civil rights, stating that “the stakes are just as high today as they were in the 60’s.”

The institute shares the 92,000 square feet of space with the offices of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and 72 units of affordable apartments that homeless veterans in the Riverside

area can move into as soon as Nov. 1, according to Rebecca Louie, President/CEO of Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation.

Dr. Lalit Acharya, who is responsible for the installation of many of the civil rights monuments throughout downtown Riverside, was joined on stage with community activist Rose Mayes, both of whom serve on the Board of Director for the institute. They talked about their work and experiences leading up to the opening.

The public opening of the museum was described by Sabrina Gonzalez, Executive Director of the institute as “an amazing block party right here in downtown.” The event featured a keynote address by Olympic gold medalist and civil rights activist Dr. Tommie Smith. Smith was also on hand to sign copies of his book “Stand. Victory!”

RIGHT “How will you fight for justice in the IE?” asks the final exhibit in the Civil Rights Institute.

BOTTOM Throughout the institute viewers are treated to artwork created by Black artists that bring life to the varied successes and struggles in the fight for civil rights.

STEPHEN DAY

PHOTO EDITOR

STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

Congressman Mark Takano was one of many prominent Riversidians who came out to show their support for the opening of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California.

TOP A wall size exhibit tells the story of Tyisha Miller, killed by Riverside Police, reminding viewers of the struggle the Black community continues to face in the fight for justice.

Invited guests arrive to the thank you reception at the newly opened Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California on Oct 21, 2022.

Ghostly tales spook RCC staff and students

A gust of wind on a windless morning distracts you from the man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase walking toward you in the Quad. As you look back to the man, he’s gone.

Walking toward your car on the first level of the nearly empty parking garage a whirlwind of voices surrounds you that seemingly come from nowhere.

Stories like these have long been told around the Riverside City College campus, a destination for paranormal investigators and home to many supposed ghosts who endlessly wander the inbetween of the mortal and spiritual planes.

Many stories you’ll hear center around the on-campus murder of Cheri Jo Bates on Oct. 30, 1966. Almost sixty years ago.

While never definitively connected, many believe that she was the first victim of the infamous Zodiac killer.

Bates was killed in a parking lot where the Digital Library now stands, and many around campus have claimed to see Bates or feel her presence around them.

Another famous ghost around campus is Ira Landis, the namesake of our Landis Performing Arts Center.

Jodi Julian, theater director, recounts the story of a 9-year-old girl who came with her family to watch her sister perform in the production of “Les Miserables.”

After the show Julian says she asked the young girl how she liked the show, she was shocked when

the girl talked about a man in a suit who was on the stage that ruined the show for her. The little girl pointed out a picture of Ira Landis in the lobby and said he was the man she saw.

“That freaked me out!” Julian said through a chuckle.

Dorie Couture, audio engineer and auditorium specialist, laughs and says, “Everyone sees Ira, he’s everywhere, but he don’t hurt nothing.”

Couture also recalled the paranormal investigators who came to the theater to try and interact

with the ghosts.

In the upper levels of the theater, they encountered a ghost who prevented them from entering the two rooms Couture had told them they couldn’t have access to.

“That’s when I realized that (the) ghost is a protector ghost, so I am not afraid of him anymore,” she said.

Ashly Calia, photography major at RCC, said she has had “spooky encounters,” in the women’s bathroom in the art building.

“When I open the door it always

sounds like there is someone on the toilet, but no one is,” she said.

Sergio Ballon, groundskeeper, laughed when asked if he’s ever seen a ghost on campus, but then turned serious as he recounted the time he was landscaping near the Math and Science Building in the early morning hours.

“I am running my blower and I have my headphones on so I can’t hear anything, but all of a sudden there is a man walking next to me.”

Ballon said.

Then, after a brief pause he admits: “I think it was just some

guy sleeping here.”

Whether it’s doors opening on their own, lights turning on and off, or ghostly figures and voices wisping through the campus, RCC has no lack of spooky tales and goings on.

On Oct. 28, the campus will be even more spooky as Halloweentown once again takes over the Quad, and this year, the theater is putting on a haunted maze.

Maybe you’ll get a guided tour from our very own ghost host, Ira Landis.

REVIEW: Actors thrill in ‘The Watcher’

Netflix’s latest mystery is undeniably captivating

VIANNEY MORALES STAFF REPORTER

Netflix’s latest hit series, “The Watcher,” generated considerable anticipation before its recent release Oct. 13. However, many viewers are split about the mystery’s ending.

“The Watcher” is a limited drama series, co-created by producer Ryan Murphy, very loosely based on the true story of a family who was harassed by threatening, anonymous letters after purchasing their dream home.

Murphy has a track record of deeply dramatizing and completely losing sight of the actual events when adapting a true story into a series. “The Watcher” is by no means an exception to this.

Like numerous other adaptations that are proclaimed as “based on true events,” the writers take many creative liberties with the story. I was slightly familiar with the true story and was surprised by the direction the series takes, yet I couldn’t help but go along with it.

It has an undeniably captivating story. It was completely compelling in terms of the plot, writing, and performances.

It’s almost like a whodunnit, except there isn’t an unsolved murder. Rather, there’s a seemingly endless stream of strange, nerve-wracking events that demand answers that no one could quite answer. The mystery strangely reminded me of “The Haunting of Hill House.”

It checks off nearly every box for a binge-worthy watch. It has seven episodes, with each episode ranging from about 40 minutes to an hour.

Just when you think you can get a grasp of what’s happening and who’s terrorizing the family, the story takes an entirely new

direction.

It has an exceptional cast with familiar faces like Naomi Watts and Jennifer Coolidge. Bobby Cannavale plays the protective

as impactful.

It has some of the best writing I’ve seen in a series all year. It’s pretty bizarre but also wildly entertaining.

Going in, I knew that the real mystery it was based on was never solved. However, with the many added details of the adaptation, I didn’t necessarily expect the writers to stay faithful to this.

the audience; even if there was a definitive answer of who or why, people would still complain.

I should admit that, in hindsight, the series is fairly ridiculous. Somehow, the writing just made me lose sight of my instinctive guesses and I believed every detail that was shown. I never once questioned that someone might be lying about a story or memory because their retelling was supported by a reenactment of their version of events.

It felt like you were going on this journey with this family who are desperate to uncover a mystery that can’t stop growing.

husband and father, Dean, who gets lost in the mystery as he unrelentingly seeks to find the person responsible for tormenting his family. Cannavale and Watts both deliver notable performances as the leads of the series but the supporting performances are just

Needless to say, I was slightly disheartened by the ending. Though other viewers are extremely disappointed and even angry with the ending, I can appreciate a mystery that lingers with the viewers.

After all, it’s a powerful thing–leaving an audience to ponder and make their own conclusions. It’s kind of like a big joke played on

It made me reflect on the art of storytelling, which is often overlooked and not truly appreciated. The utter detail that went into the series makes all of the other shows I’ve watched recently dull in comparison.

The series certainly isn’t for everyone, especially those who just want to skip to the end and figure out the who and why. However, it makes for an extremely entertaining watch.

PHOTO COURTSEY OF NETFLIX

STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

PHOTO EDITOR

37.5 gallon drums of water line the fallout shelter, aka ‘The Dungeon’, in the basement of the Landis Performing Arts Center. This is one of several spots in the theater that people have reported spooky occurances

Greenhouse blooms once again

RCC welcomes an improved plant laboratory

ALYSSA VELASQUEZ STAFF REPORTER

The grand opening of Riverside City College’s Greenhouse ceremony was held at the Outdoor Plant Laboratory next to the Math and Science Building Oct. 25.

Frita Carter, Interim President of RCC, welcomed students and staff who attended a “historymaking moment for the college.”

Carter acknowledged botany and life sciences biology professor, Virginia White, for all her planning and hard work in developing the greenhouse.

“(Virginia White) planted the seed, watered it, nurtured it, tended to it on this plot of land. (And) you see what dedication developed (into),” Carter said.

She ended her speech by congratulating White and asked Dean of STEM-K, Scott Blair to speak.

Blair explained this plan for opening a new greenhouse has been in the works for many years and mentions there had been countless meetings discussing the future of expanding the Outdoor Plant Laboratory to include one.

Blaire compares the proximity of this greenhouse and the previous one that had been on campus years prior.

“The old greenhouse was about 80 square feet the last time I checked. Now, we are just under 1,000 square feet.” Blair said.

He thinks this new addition will benefit the life sciences and botany programs on campus.

During their speeches, RCC Academic Senate President, Mark

Sellick and White both spoke on their yearly conversations they appointed about building a greenhouse along with the newest Math and Science Building that was established on campus in 2013.

“Dr. White expressed her frustration directly to the board about the greenhouse,” Sellick said.

He further complemented Dr. Whites persistence, patience and determination to keep pushing this project to the Riverside City College District Board to come to life.

White took to the podium and thanked everyone who has been an advocate to support this project that took more than a decade to finalize.

“I failed at this for 15 years before I got it right. Sometimes it takes 15 years to get to this point.

But it’s worth it,” White said.

She ended her speech with inviting everyone who attended the ceremony to take a step into the Plant Laboratory and cut the

ribbon with some of her colleagues to finalize the new extension being open to all students and staff to walk in and take a look inside the new and improved greenhouse.

Diagnoses should not dictate your life

Breast cancer survivor sheds new light on disease

CARLOS AYALA SANTA ANA STAFF REPORTER

A breast cancer diagnosis does not indicate the beginning of the end of life, survivor Roseanne Madrid’s experience with the disease proves just that.

Her daughter received a phone call in December of 2017 from the doctor’s office informing her of her mother’s diagnosis.

Naturally, Madrid experienced waves of emotions.

“I felt very scared because I felt that it meant the end of my life, like

I was going to die,” she said.

She began treatment for breast cancer in April 2018.

Having cancer changed the way Madrid lived her life, including her diet.

“I changed all my eating habits,” she said. “I don’t eat dairy anymore and I don’t eat red meat, I only eat chicken and it’s organic.”

She explained the reason for these changes is the type of cancer she had.

“(It) was hormone driven, which means my own hormones fed the cancer which allowed it to grow,” Madrid said.

By taking care of the nutrients that went into her body, she was

able to put up an effective fight.

The journey through chemotherapy was difficult but one that Madrid learned to adapt to.

She describes the first few sessions and how she was able to get used to the process.

“The first (round of chemotherapy) was eight hours, it’s on a drip,” the Grand Terrace High School employee, 50, said. “The second time it was seven hours and then as time went by I was able to get it done in five and a half hours.”

Madrid’s co-workers at the high school provided her with much needed support to aid in the fight. Not only did all of the staff

often wear pink ribbons to show their support, they also took meals to work for her every day.

Madrid looks back at that time.

“I never had to cook,” she said.

After a nearly two-year battle, Madrid was cleared of the disease that had changed her life. She still gets scanned every year to make sure nothing comes back again as a precaution.

Madrid offers her advice to those battling cancer.

“Be headstrong, always know that you’re going to get through it.”

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

Chancellor Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac (left), Dr. Mark Sellick, Mary Figueroa, Dr. Virginia White, and Dr. Ferita Carter (right) cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Greenhouse at the outdoor plant lab on Oct. 25.

Students and Faculty tour the new greenhouse at the grand opening of the greenhouse at the outdoor plant lab on Oct 25.

RIGHT Roseanne Madrid on

Dancers represent their culture with grace

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Zoom, which was a very difficult process but she continued and pushed through.

When restrictions and bans were lowered she noticed a sudden increase in depression, especially among older generations, she came up with the idea to teach Mexican Zumba classes in the morning.

This led to teaching ballet folklorico to older women. That class has shown enough growth to begin performing all around the world just like her original performing class.

Connie Garcia, Leyenda’s oldest member, dreamed of performing since she was younger, unfortunately her parents couldn’t afford it. Now at the age of 67 she is finally out living her dreams.

“I came and joined and began practicing everyday just to keep up with everyone, age is not an issue if you have a passion for something, go and do it,” Garcia said.

Compared to other folklorico companies, Leyenda is known for their enthusiastic performances as well as their exaggerated movements and expressions. Their techniques and dances have paved the way

for others to be inspired further.

The company is sought out to do many important performances.

From movies in Hollywood to performing at concerts alongside Mexican artists such as Los Tigres Del Norte and Angela and Pepe Aguilar.

The beauty of Leyenda Dance Co. doesn’t stem from ridgid military style teachings, but it comes from teaching from the heart.

Showing honor and pride for what you do and who you are, not only representing Mexico but more importantly–yourself.

Alejandra Alvarez said it best, “It’s an experience where you learn many aspects from it not only from posture and exercise but this for my body, mind and soul.”

Everyone steps in with a grand smile and a drive to learn and perform.

Their comrade inspires and empowers not only the dancers but the ones that have the opportunity to witness their performances.

ABOVE Cynthia Vasquez puts into practice the steps and movements learned at the Leyenda Dance Studio on Oct. 23.

LEFT Folklorico dancers practice using the traditional Folklorico dress skirts which allows the dancer to create flowing patterns as they move

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY | VIEWPOINTS

Instructor Gabriela Pineault walks through the dance line and spaces them properly at the Leyenda Dance Co. on Oct. 23.