MAY 5,
2022
VOL. 100, NO. 12
VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG
in this issue NEWS
District outlines ‘Pathways’ changes JENNIPHER VASQUEZ NEWS EDITOR
2 April RCC campus crime report LIFE
Riverside Community College District’s Guided Pathways plans have undergone changes to cohere with the district’s Student Equity Plan and improve communication with students. The three district campuses are part of the California Guided Pathways project which aims to facilitate student success.
A presentation was given by guided pathways representatives at the RCCD Board of Trustees meeting May 3 to provide an update on where each campus stands with the project. RCC’s dean of institutional effectiveness, Wendy McKeen, said the project is centered around their engagement centers and student success teams that are made up of peer mentors, counselors, educational advisers, and academic support. “We have continued professional
development on how to effectively utilize guided pathways data,” McKeen said. “(We) have developed communities of practice for creating a stronger sense of belonging for students.” The implementations are said to align with the ten-point plan drafted by San Diego State University to combat anti-Black and racist practices following the killing of George Floyd and was originally introduced to RCC by Guided Pathways coordinator Monique Green.
McKeen said student ambassadors have been hired as part of the Student Voice Project to improve engagement with students. The Student Voice Project was funded by the Student Engagement Innovation grant and institutional funds. The Guided Pathways Student (GPS) Ambassadors interactively partake in community and leadership meetings. They also developed a project called, “Start
See RCCD on page 2
RCC instructor pays it forward
3 Best of 2022 Coachella celebrity and influencer fashion OPINIONS
ELAINA KLEVEN ASST. LIFE EDITOR
6
“Right now, we have 65 students for spring,” Anne Lenox, RCC’s CalWORKs counselor and coordinator, said. “Prior to COVID, we would have 200 students in our spring term.” But using CalWORKs as a barometer to gauge student parent enrollment cannot reflect the total population of student parents at the college because the program is only offered to those who qualify for and receive welfare. According to a March 2021 UC Davis study titled “A Portrait of Student Parents in the California Community Colleges,” one in 10 students who enroll for financial aid within California are student parents and about 13.4% of total students within the college and university system have children. That study also showed that 72% decided to enroll within a California
Jeff Soto found his inspirations in his early life through many niche interests. His earliest inspirations started with being fascinated by the covers of ’80s science fiction novels his parents religiously read, the alternative music curated from the MTV era but especially in politics of that time. The alternative culture of the time was centered around anarchy and the anti-government criticisms were spread across multiple genres. This movement also inspired Soto to start creating art. “I was painting and drawing what made me angry and what I felt wasn’t fair,” Soto said. After graduating high school, he attended Riverside City College, and then transferred to CSU Fullerton. Soto then spent years traveling the world selling his artwork in galleries and doing plenty of commission work. Not drifting too far from his original muses, he continued making politically charged pieces during this time. His daughter had just been born while there were devastating events happening in America such as living in a post 9/11 world, the Iranian war and the recession. Soto played with childlike symbols and made them into a dystopian art piece. Toys, stuffed animals, smiley faces and other innocent objects were often reconstructed to have a grungy meaning. With age and time, Soto’s art still carries the same emotionally charged meanings he started his career with.
See CLUB on page 2
See SOTO on page 4
Editorial: Food industry workers are treated poorly SPORTS
8 Riverside City College’s softball season ends in a brutal loss
follow our social media @rccviewpoints @rccviewpoints
PHOTO COURTESY OF RCC PHOTO CLUB Tables full of Easter eggs and treats, and face-painting were all fun activities that students and their families partook in during the “Hanging with Your Peeps” event held at Riverside City College on April 7.
Student parents feel unseen
@rccviewpoints @viewpointsofrcc
INDEX NEWS LIFE OPINIONS EDITORIAL SPORTS
2 3 5 6 7
DANIEL HERNANDEZ MANAGING EDITOR
There is one word that clearly resonates through the student parents at Riverside City College. Invisible. The student parent demographic, like every student group within RCC, has experienced a decrease in enrollment due to the pandemic. However, unlike other demographics that have approximate percentage points or bar graphs to illustrate the decrease, the college does not have data for student parents. Without official numbers, one has to look at the numbers provided by a college counselor. The CalWORKs program — which provides assistance to individuals who have a child under the age of 18 — has seen a significant decline in its enrollment.
2
May 5, 2022
News Briefs Title 42 Riverside County is planning changes amid uncertainty over Title 42. Since March 2020, anyone who sought asylum was rejected and deported at the border mostly to Mexico under this policy. The County is actively pursuing any funding to aid the predicted increase of asylum seekers coming to the county once and if the title gets lifted. The incoming funding goes to program costs for sponsors and centers such as the Galilee Center in Mecca. Four-day work week The Riverside Chambers of Commerce opposes a 32-hour work week legislation. AB 2932 would require that 32 hours in a work week would be compensated at the same amount as a 40-hour work week, and employers would not be able to lower the pay rate. The commerce believes it would cause an unnecessary cost for employers who would then have to hire more employees and maintain additional pay for existing employees. As a result of that, this would cause employers to relocate outside of the Riverside region. Mother’s Day food drive Feeding America Riverside is holding a mother’s day drivethru food drive that is free to the public. Online registration is required in order to receive a food kit that will be available for pickup May 6 from 1-3 p.m. at 2950 Jefferson St. in Riverside. Summer & Fall registration Riverside City College students are now able to check their summer and fall semester registration appointment date on MyPortal/WebAdvisor. RCC admissions and records is advising students to make an appointment with a counselor if you are unsure of what classes to enroll in. Scan the QR code below to make an appointment.
All of these dates are subjected to change due to possible regulations to come involving the containment of the coronavirus. 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
Editor: Jennipher Vasquez | viewpoints.news@gmail.com
Club provides resources to underserved students person event named Hanging With Your Peeps and, most recently, hosted a virtual event with former Community College rather than a student parent speakers. The club four-year institution. also spread awareness to the staff It’s a statistic that Araceli and faculty across the college about Calderon, Spanish instructor at how to work with student parents RCC and former student parent, in order to alleviate some of the was well aware of. struggles the demographic feels. “One in five college students are H o w e v e r, a c c o r d i n g t o parenting, so (it’s) about 20% of the Calderon, the club has bigger goals student population,” Calderon said. in mind than just hosting events and “And the majority of those students are spreading awareness. going to be students of color, Latino, “We want to have a support Hispanic (and) in low income.” center for student parents,” Calderon, who has a doctorate Calderon said. “I think that is our in Spanish from UC Irvine, is long-term goal.” not shy discussing the struggles She continued to describe a she faced while juggling being a family-friendly area where parents student in higher education and could drop off their children and a mother for her son. It is her study for an hour, pick up essentials experience that also motivated her like infant meals or provide afterto create a space for other parents hours student services for parents entering postsecondary education. who work nine-to-five jobs. “I know the struggles that However, according to the student parents go through, and the club’s vice president Maria lack of cohesive support for student Ramirez, the members will not be parents,” Calderon said. “So when able to advocate for any substantial I got to RCC … I wanted to build changes at RCC until they are able something, like a little support to present accurate data. network for student parents.” “Once we have that data, and In the 2021 fall semester, we see that it’s a number that is Calderon teamed up with Lenox important and actually needs to be to create the Student-Parent Club paid attention to, we can start creating as a way to fill the gap in support change within RCC,” Ramirez said. for student parents at the college. “(It’ll) help those parenting students The club, which is less than a year achieve their goals.” old, has already seen success within The lack of data does not only its small membership. The members affect their ability to advocate have already created a website for change at the college. They that provides links to resources have found it is also necessary specifically for student parents. to have data when applying for So far, they have participated grants. The members and advisers in RCC’s club rush, hosted an in- of the club have been educating
CLUB from page 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF RCC STUDENT PARENT CLUB
themselves about the best route to begin collecting data and have even considered surveying individuals on campus. One option has been presented to them but does not provide an accurate count of students enrolled. “It’s recommended that we (collect data) by using the (Free Application for Federal Student Aid),” Lenox said. “At least we can have that. But I guess (it’s) not accurate because the FAFSA may not (show) actual students attending RCC. It’s somebody who’s applied to get financial aid, but that doesn’t mean they’re
enrolled at the college.” Despite the setbacks, it is the club members’ struggles and ambitions that drive them to continue pushing for resources that students require. “I was stuck somewhere I (didn’t) want to be,” said Ramirez, who was audibly choked up over the phone. “I didn’t feel like I was motivated (and) I didn’t feel inspired. How am I supposed to raise my daughter to dream when it didn’t feel like I had? And that’s what education gave (me). It helped me see so many more possibilities in life. And that’s what I think it would do (for) the IE.”
CAMPUS CRIME REPORT April 7 Crime: Possession of Stolen Vehicle Location: Riverside Community College District Facilities Status: Perpetrator was placed in booking following arrest on April 7. Summary: An individual was booked April 7 following an arrest for possessing a stolen vehicle in the RCCD Facilities location. The Facilities, Maintenance and Operations location of RCC features services in safety and emergency planning and facility rentals. April 11 Crime: Trespassing Location: Lot B Status: There is no current status available or arrest made at this time Summary: The RCCD Police Department reported a crime April 11 surrounding an individual who was found trespassing on RCC’s lot B. No further information surrounding potential arrests of the perpetrator was listed on the RCCD Police Department’s crime log.
April 11 Crime: Burglary- unlawful entry Location: Math and Science & Life Sciences Building Status: There is no current status available or arrest made at this time Summary: The RCCD Police Department reported an unlawful entry into the Life Sciences Building on April 11. No further information surrounding potential arrests of the perpetrator was listed on the RCCD Police Department’s crime log. The four-story Math and Science Building features disciplines relating to mathematics and life and physical sciences. April 19 Crime: Theft of an automotive part Location: RCC Parking Structure Status: There is no current status available or arrest made at this time Summary: An incident surrounding the theft of automotive parts in RCC’s parking structure was reported April 19. No further information surrounding potential arrests of the perpetrator was
listed on the RCCD Police Department’s crime log. April 22 Crime: Vandalism Location: North Hall Status: There is no current status available or arrest made at this time Summary: Acts of vandalism were reported in RCC’s North Hall. However, no updates surrounding the potential arrest of the perpetrator were listed on the RCCD Police Department’s crime log. April 25 Crime: Trespassing Location: Quadrangle Status: Perpetrator was placed in booking following an arrest April 25. Summary: RCCD’s Police Department arrested, booked an individual who was found trespassing in RCC’s Quad on April 25. The Quadrangle of RCC features a plethora of courses for RCC students, and it facilitates services in the Honors Program and Model United Nations Center.
Project aims to boost enrollment RCCD from page 1 Strong, Finish Strong: GRIT campaign,” aiming to keep students motivated whether they take in-person or online classes to stay on track with their educational goals. McKeen said Guided Pathways has restructured their engagement centers to establish clear career paths and create an ‘inescapable’ student support plan that will lead
students to reach their end goal. “For that initial focus we are working with AB705 and dual enrollment outcomes early on in their pathway to make sure that they are set up for success early on,” she said. “We’re doing a lot of really good work and are excited about this next year.” Board President Bill Hedrick commended the Guided Pathways coordinators for their efforts to keep students involved and motivated to
continue pursuing their education. “I would like to commend all three colleges for your wonderful efforts,” Hedrick said. “I know we’ve had a challenging time through the pandemic but I have no doubt that with the efforts that you all are putting forth that you will lead the recovery of not only our enrollment but the success of our students.” Trustee Figueroa said she is particularly excited about the
representation of the various interests each college has to offer and the active effort to keep students engaged. “We just have amazing and creative people that I know are going to come up with a campaign with just the right wording,” said Figueroa. “(That) will really engage our population of students to know that there is someone there to support them along that journey.”
Editor: William L.G. Stephens viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com
LIFE
May 5 ,2022
3
Are you still watching? Best binges on each streaming platform VIANNEY MORALES STAFF REPORTER
Canada in the 1990s. Most of the girls survive and they’re left to fend for themselves. The series rotates back and forth to the girls from 2021 and 1996. I would describe it as an edgy crossover between “Lord of the Flies” and “Pretty Little Liars.” The underlying theme is what the girls had to do in order to survive in the isolation of the woods and the trauma they endured afterwards. There’s a lot of mystery regarding who actually survived the woods and who didn’t. Beware: the plane crash scene is graphic but it really cements how traumatic the event was for the survivors.
Over the span of a few years, many streaming services have appeared. The variety can be overwhelming to pick from so I chose my top picks from (almost) every streaming service.
HBO Max: “The King of Staten Island” (Movie)
This semi-autobiographical film based on and starring Pete Davidson, directed by Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin”), is a comedydrama about what Davidson has described his life would be like if he hadn’t become successful with comedy. Davidson plays Scott, an unemployed 20-something who lives with his mom (Marisa Tomei). After his younger sister (Maude Apatow) moves away for college and his mom starts dating, Scott is left to decide what he wants and who he wants to be. Despite it being a comedy, there’s something so comforting and honest about Scott’s struggles with mental health, grief and a d u l t h o o d . O d d l y, t h e r e ’s something about this film that instills hope that everything will be okay. Hulu: “Fresh” (Movie) If you find that the modern horror genre is underwhelming, “Fresh” is the exception. Starring Daisy Edgar Jones (“Normal People”) and Sebastian Stan (“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Pam & Tommy”), the
Disney+: “WandaVision” (TV Series)
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
film makes for a solid movie night. Jones plays Gen-Z’er Noa, who is simply trying to conquer the unpleasant dating scene. After the film opens with Noa’s distasteful date, she has a “meet cute” with Steve (Stan) at the grocery store. Witty and alluring, Steve charms Noa. After getting to know each other more, the pair end up going to Steve’s remote cabin where gruesome chaos ensues. Noa’s friend Mollie (Jonica T. Gibbs), suspects Steve wasn’t
out what really happened to the late famous crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. Some notable names in the cast include Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig and Chris Prime Video: “Knives Out” Evans. This movie has social (Movie) commentary, suspense, comedy, Although this film was released and above all, a magnetic plot. in 2019, I will recommend it to Showtime: “Yellowjackets” everyone I know. (TV Series) The star-studded cast in the It only has one season but it’s whodunnit film, directed by Rian worth a watch. The series centers Johnson (“Star Wars: Episode around a New Jersey girls soccer VIII - The Last Jedi”), seek to find team that gets in a plane crash in as Noa believed him to be when Noa disappears. What Mollie and Noa find out about Steve and his career as a so-called surgeon is beyond what they could have ever imagined.
Even those that aren’t huge Marvel fans can enjoy “WandaVision.” Although it’s set in fantasy and superhero lore, there’s a realness to the portrayal of Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) grief that the series explores throughout the season. There’s many references to iconic sitcoms like “I Love Lucy,” “The Brady Bunch” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” Initially set in the format of nostalgic sitcoms and seemingly focusing on the normal domestic life between two Avengers, everything is not as it seems in Westview, New Jersey. It’s a great watch if you plan on watching the upcoming “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” film.
Best Coachella festival ‘fits ALYSSA CADENA STAFF REPORTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Influencers and celebrities celebrated the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s return after a two-year pandemic hiatus with their best festival looks yet. This year’s Coachella proved basic and comfortable outfits are perfect for standing in the crowds. The three-day festival also proved the more grandiose outfits, though iconic, make attendees want to get a detox once the weekend is over. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber started controversy for attending Coachella in a chilled combination of Y2K fashion, a tight crop top and loosely fitted cargo pants. Even with their simple looks they still remain fashionable and comfortable with their small shoulder bags and beach waves with small braids scattered around. The “Queen of Coachella” Vanessa Hudgens, previously
known for her indie outfits, wore a bold matching pink set with a halter top and flowy pants by Triangl. It was the perfect outfit for dancing and staying free within the big crowds. Harry Styles' stage outfit was dashing but reminded me of the children’s book “The Rainbow Fish.” Styles wore a sequined rainbow top and trousers set designed by Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele. It was a phenomenal performance and overall great outfit that added to his incredible stage presence. When she wasn’t making several costume changes on stage, Doja Cat wore a sculpted and fashionably tattered black top that resembled Marvel’s favorite symbiote Venom as her casual outfit. The shiny crop top was paired with tight ombre pants in brown, yellow and orange. Doja Cat completed the look with a pair
of black platform boots and bold sunglasses, a common trend at this year’s Coachella. Conan Gray was a pink storm during his performance with his hot pink platform heels, elegant gloves and long sheer garment. The look was an homage to Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino fall 2022 collection. Influencer Emma Chamberlain once again never disappoints in showcasing her vintage fashion. Styled in a gold bodysuit by Knorts Knit Denim and added with a black and red crossover belt by Smoking Vintage, she showed off her short hair and antique glasses ready to take on the festival. Crochet was one of the biggest themes of Coachella, with it being easily worn and its diversity pairing well with any top or bottom. Halle Bailey dressed in a crochet dress, styled in a breathable outfit that left room for roaming around to different concerts.
4
May 5, 2022
Editor: William L.G. Stephens | viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com
Jeff Soto:
Life Briefs
A man and his can
Los Lobos benefit concert Los Lobos is holding a benefit concert May 7 at the Riverside Municpal Auditorium. Proceeds will go to the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m.
SOTO page 1
SOTO from page 1 “I’m still painting about the same angst I have and how unjust the world is,” Soto said. “But it’s more subtle in how it manifests into my art visually.” He came back to RCC to teach art classes and help students start their art career just like he did years ago. Teaching led Soto to meet artists who are in all walks of their career.
In class he greatly encourages a comfortable environment with self expression by letting students play their own music and to exchange mediums. “He is very understanding and very chill, and I feel like that combination is very helpful in the art class setting,” Agatha McIntyre, an art student at RCC said. The meaningful connections he makes with his students gives him and
his students knowledge and experience that could not be learned through years of being an artist. “I’m working with these wonderful young artists that are following different artists than me,” Soto said.“I’m 46 and I follow a different artist than an 18-year-old follows.” The way he teaches has impacted all walks of students, not just those planning to make a career in art.
Mastadon and Opeth in Riverside Mastadon and Opeth will be performing May 11, in the Riverside Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. Celtic Woman performance Celtic Woman, an allwomen group dedicated to performing Irish style music and traditional Irish songs is holding a concert at the Fox performing Arts Center on May 7. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. ‘Flee’ animated documentary “Flee” is the animated documentary of a man retelling his escape from Afghanistan and about the second life he kept secret from those closest to him. The documentary will take place at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts on May 6. The movie will start at 7 p.m. Join the RFD family The City of Riverside Fire Department is accepting job applications May 9-16. Positions include firefighter and firefighter/paramedic. For more information visit www.joinrfd.org Riverside Public Storytelling The Riverside Library is holding virtual storytime for kids May 3-7. w w w. r i v e r s i d e c a . g o v / library/kids.asp Local Farmers’ Market in Riverside The Riverside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday on Market Street in downtown Riverside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit to buy locally grown food as well as to support small business vendors. To stay up to date on upcoming events on campus, visit the viewpoints calendar listed at viewpointsonline. org If you have an event happening on campus that you want to be featured o n t h e c a l e n d a r, s e n d information about the event to viewpoints.managing@ gmail.com
Editor: Darlene Dukelow-Burton
viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com
OpiniOns series
OPINIONS
American dream restrictive Traditional maintenance limits self-expression
JOHN MICHAEL GUERRERO SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
The weight of family expectations to uphold old and outdated cultural beliefs overwhelms our current generations. Those who uphold traditional cultural beliefs and standards in the age of social change should learn to adjust to accept new social norms rather than suppress others for challenging tradition. Overwhelming pressures to uphold one’s familial culture can lead to unnecessary stress and toxic ideologies. Conserving tradition rather than evolving
cultural practices is one of the most significant issues in many households, especially ones where the value of tradition is placed above everything else. American and Canadian societies have continued to push for equal acceptance of gender fluidity. These movements aim to break the conservative ideology that men have to be masculine and women have to be feminine. The same movements also aimed to raise awareness about the LGBTQIA2+ community. While social standards continue to evolve to accept people, various cultural values continue to promote putting both family and loved ones down for not being the “ideal” human. Coming from a very conservative family with old-fashioned ideals and traditions, I know the personal struggles of trying to please one’s family while trying to express oneself authentically at the same time. These conflicts can lead to increased stress and anxiety, rifts between family members and decreased motivation for education or work. A correlation was found between increased suicide, depression
May 5, 2022
5
Campus Conversations TOPIC: How we can help slow down climate change? Interviews and photos by Daisy Olivo
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
and anxiety among young adults and teens and restrictive family traditions, especially among cultures with old, ethical beliefs. Many immigrant families strive to fulfill the American dream, yet they fail to realize the stress of cultural conservation, and the struggle to be part of this dream, can lead to internal moral conflicts. Current and future generations should not be hyper focused on pleasing family traditions but should instead be allowed to do things how they want while educating older generations.
Having an open line to communicate the stress of not being masculine, feminine or normal enough in family members’ eyes is a step in the right direction. No individual should feel ashamed, embarrassed or depressed about who they are, whether it be within or outside our families. It’s natural to feel pride in our traditions, culture and heritage, but when these practices lead to unhealthy struggles, we should be able to challenge these beliefs and build foundations for more accepting traditions.
Was freedom of speech curtailed?
“I participated in a few of the Earth Day events, but I feel like that’s all I hear about bettering the planet at RCC. We should be reducing our food waste, increasing public transportation, and creating a bet ter for m of recycling plastics. Only about 17% of plastics get accurately recycled.” - Jade Brown Major: Animation Time at RCC: 3 Years
High school teacher gets no say in controversy
DARLENE DUKELOWBURTON OPINIONS EDITOR
Many times, the public will hear unpleasant stories in the news about a person’s actions or a contentious speech they made. Even if we think we hear all the details of the incident by seeing the story’s bare bones, we may still only have part of the story. How many people will read the whole news article or read the detailed follow-up stories? Some people get fired because of public opinion. One such case was a story that broke in October 2021. Candice Reed, a John W. North High School math teacher, performed a version of Native American-style dance and chant for her students in class. Rene Hill, a Riverside Unified
School District (RUSD) board member, called Reed’s behavior “insulting and marginalizing to Native Americans.” The math STEM teacher donned a construction paper headdress and started war whoops and chanting. She enacted some kind of dance up and down the classroom while doing a tomahawk chop to emphasize each sound of a mathematical formula. A startled Native American student in that class session recorded a video of Reed’s dance. He showed his father, a local Tribal council member, who uploaded it to the internet, and the act went viral. The public reaction was not good. Reed was not crazy and did have a reason to perform this way. She told her principal and the RUSD she was acting out the “SOH-CAH-TOA,” an acronym for the three basic trigonometric functions. She allegedly performed this dance and chant to imprint the formula into the students’ heads. She was put on leave for several months and was officially fired in a 4-1 vote by the district board. What is a STEM teacher, and how readily does everyone know what a STEM subject taught in school is? STEM refers to the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
These are the fundamental subjects taught in schools and are challenging to teach, and it is a lot harder to find good teachers trained in these subjects. The video was cringeworthy, but I didn’t get the impression that she did it for any other reason. I do not believe Reed intended any prejudice despite her odd performance. I think she genuinely did this to help her students and had success with it, which is why she repeated it over the years. The students remembered the formula on their tests because of her technique. So, why did she choose a Native American approach? Perhaps she did it out of social ignorance and thought that the formula sounded like some Native dialect. After the video hit social media, no one publicly heard from Reed. She had no chance to vocally defend herself from the school district after the first massive surge of public outcry. She was also criticized by many who assumed she had not apologized. She did apologize, but the school district legally bound her to stay out of sight and remain silent in public. Her silencing also made her look bad. Looking at this story from another perspective, you could
come to believe that Reed’s rights to freedom of speech have been drastically curtailed. Perhaps, years down the road, she might be able to appeal this decision by the school district through the teacher’s union — that is if she still wants to be a teacher, an often stressful and thankless job, as she well knows. We should ask ourselves, would the story have blown up so big, or would she have been fired if she could have made herself heard? Would the insult have been so harsh if she had been able to speak out? It was suggested that all school districts add ethnic sensitivity training for their faculty to take. California Assemblymember James Ramos, D-Highland, former San Manuel Indian Reservation chairman, also promoted an ethnic studies program as a graduation requirement in all school curriculums. “We can’t reverse 171 years of falsehood and mythology overnight, but we can start,” Ramos affirmed. Perhaps these classes are the single silver lining to come out of the cloud hanging over the incident. There will be some needed sensitivity training for teachers and school districts and an ethnic studies course teaching the truth for the betterment of the students.
“We should mainly focus our attention on holding big companies accountable for their contribution to climate change. I feel like we continue to make it seem like it’s an everyday person’s fault.” -Ruby Castillo Major: Business Management Time at RCC: 1 Year
SCAN QR CODE TO READ MORE
6
May 5, 2022
Editor: Darlene Dukelow-Burton | viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com
STAFF LIST
Editorial
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leo Cabral viewpointseic@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Daniel E. Hernandez viewpoints.managing@gmail.com
Viewpoints’ editorials represent the majority opinion of and are written by the Viewpoints’ student editorial board.
ADVERTISING MANAGER viewpoints.advertising@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Jennipher Vasquez viewpoints.news@gmail.com ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Daesha Gear SPORTS EDITOR Hayden Kulick viewpoints.sports@gmail.com ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS Jesus Coronel, Jair Ramirez OPINIONS EDITOR Darlene Dukelow-Burton viewpoints.opinions@gmail.com LIFE EDITOR William L.G. Stephens viewpoints.artsentertainment@ gmail.com ASSISTANT LIFE EDITORS Elaina Kleven, Sean Ryan PHOTO EDITOR viewpoints.photo@gmail.com DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Patrons eat at a restaurant in downtown Riverside after being closed for months due to the pandemic April 5, 2021.
They’re servers, not servants You don’t need to show superiority to receive your order We’ve all heard stories about altercations involving food service employees and customers, some of which even have resulted in deaths. A restaurant job isn’t the only part of these people’s lives, but no, the customer isn’t always right. Nonetheless, workers try. Unfortunately, as students, that’s only the end of some of our days. Many of us either start or end our days as restaurant or fast food workers. It’s understood the employee’s job is to provide each customer with three key things: satisfactory service, a good meal and your money’s worth. As difficult as it may be to juggle work, life and school schedules, part of the job is leaving personal problems at the door and putting a happy smile on for the customers. But how long can they keep that smile while being belittled by a customer whose crispy chicken sandwich wasn’t to their liking? Yes, that is directed at the hungry man who yelled at the new hostess during the 10th hour of her double shift. And to the biker who threw a plate full of food back at his server because it wasn’t hot enough.
Again, it’s understood food service workers are there to provide customers with exceptional service. Still, nothing warrants mistreatment to the extent that they endure. If you’ve worked in the industry long enough, you know that sometimes going above and beyond for customers is the only way for someone’s shift to run smoothly. Even the most ridiculous requests are met with a positive attitude. But, is it really necessary to handsqueeze four limes into someone’s margarita by demand when there’s a squeezer at hand? Aside from customer ordeals, being overworked and underpaid doesn’t fall short on the list of things workers must face. Any restaurant employee can tell you that getting a weekend off is nearly impossible unless they’re fortunate enough to work for an employer who is flexible to their needs. Also nearly impossible. Some go directly to work from campus for a closing shift until nearly midnight and either open the restaurant the following morning, or head to class bright and early. Homework and rest can be an afterthought. Workers miss out on countless birthdays,
LETTERS
TO THE
Letters to the editor should be kept to 250 words or less and include contact information. Email letters to viewpointseic@ gmail.com. 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 faculty, administration or the Board of Trustees.
holidays and just about every significant holiday with loved ones because those are the busiest days for the industry. Sure, knowing that the money earned on those days makes it easier to justify walking into work with the mindset that all those missed memories will be worth it in the long run, but that’s not the case when we pick up the signed check with a giant ‘0’ on the tip line. That’s not to say a tip is mandatory when dining out but after excessive drink refills, eye-rolls and the occasional unwarranted sexual remark, a couple bucks shouldn’t hurt. Humility and entitlement are two words anyone in customer service knows better than anyone. They master the concepts from the never-ending cycle of an angry, entitled customer that humbles them into realizing “I need my job,” before reacting to the mistreatment. With graduation, weddings and a few national holidays approaching, we ask as underpaid, overworked and mentally strained working students — have compassion and be kind.
EDITOR PRINTING SCHEDULE
Copy deadline:
May
11
Photo deadline:
May
11
Ad deadline:
May
11
Next issue:
May
19
Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2022 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.
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Tim Nacey multimedia.viewpoints@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER John Michael Guerrero viewpoints.socialmedia@gmail.com REPORTERS:
Samantha Ashley Laura Bautista Alyssa Cadena Mya Castro Xavier Constantino Stephen Day Angie Escalante Alexandra Ugale Filarca Julia Goldman Bryan Huerta Vianney Morales Ausja Nolan Daisy Olivo Leroy Orozco Hannah Padilla-Estrella Kristyna Ramirez Dammian Saldana
JOURNALISM SPECIALIST Matt Schoenmann matthew.schoenmann@rcc.edu FACULTY ADVISERS Matt Schoenmann Angela Burrell
REACH US: NEWSROOM PHONE: (951) 222-8488 EMAIL: viewpointseic@gmail.com MEMBER:
Editor: Hayden Kulick viewpoints.sports@gmail.com
SPORTS
May 5, 2022
7
Sports Briefs Baseball regional playoffs The Tigers have entered the Southern Regional playoffs as the third seed after placing second overall in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC). They are going to host the Grossmont College Griffins, who are the 14th seed, May 6 at 2 p.m. The Tigers beat the Griffins twice earlier in the season.
DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS
RCC coaches and players take a breather on the sideline as other players practice for the upcoming season, April 21.
Successors become starters Spring training renews championships hopes LEROY OROZCO STAFF REPORTER
After overcoming a great deal of adversity this past season, the Tigers’ football team fought their way to the state championship game. However, their dream to repeat as state champions came 20 yards short of becoming reality. It was not the ending the Tigers desired, but with a burning passion, they have attacked this spring with everything they have. As spring football has gone underway, the football team gathered for the start of their redemption journey. One of the main features of this spring is the competition for the starting quarterback role. Currently, there are three quarterbacks fighting
to succeed last year’s Jordan Barton to lead the offense. Of the three quarterbacks, Jake Retzlaff arrived at Riverside City College from Golden West and aims to be the one to take the starting spot this fall. “They’re all kind of different, but I think the main thing is competitiveness and they’re all pretty good at that,” quarterbacks coach Ian Fieber said. “No matter who is chosen to be the starting quarterback, they’ll do everything they can to ensure success.” On the other side of the ball, there are several defensive sophomore players who are eager to compete. Defensive end Talib Salahuddin is one of many sophomore players
DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS
JESUS CORONEL ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Freshman third baseman Ignacio Alvarez has been a big reason why the Riverside City College baseball team has been performing well this year His determination and work ethic has helped the team push forward and contend for a playoff spot. “I’m just a grinder,” he said. “I’m one of the first people to arrive on the field and I’m one of the last
ones to leave. People see the hard work I put out and the grind hasn’t stopped.” His love for the game has shown on the field, especially in practice. “He’s diligent with his work and he loves to have fun,” right fielder Matthew Bardowell said. “During games, he is one of the most serious people out there.” Since he started playing for the Tigers this season he has formed a great bond with Bardowell and his teammates. Their chemistry helps
The men’s track and field team placed first in the OEC finals with a score of 434 April 29. It was also 247.5 points ahead of second place. Collin Orlando, RCC pole vaulter, has once again broken his personal record (PR) with a height of 15-1. The women’s team also placed first with a score of 226. The team’s next competition will be the Southern California Prelims at Moorpark College on May 6.
Beach volleyball DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Jake Retzlaff (right) hands the ball off to Cameron Leofa (left) during a rep in practice.
who expects more out of himself and his teammates. “Looking at last season, we need to come together more,” Salahuddin said. “The more we play together, the easier it’ll be to win games.” Salahuddin aspires to achieve
All-State honors and record doubledigit sacks all while working to acquire a division one scholarship. The expectation is set, and has been for multiple decades. All that’s left for the team now is to fulfill that expectation and win the state championship.
Dual threat leads Tigers’ playoff push
Freshan third baseman Ignacio Alvarez (left) congratulates freshman pitcher Jon Mocherman (right) in between innings.
Track and field
them perform better on the field. “Me and Nacho don’t live far from each other,” Bardowell said. “We practice in a batting cage in my backyard, so we practice every day.” The extra practice has paid off significantly this season, with the team being in contention for a conference title. “What makes him special is that he doesn’t understand that he is,” head coach Rudy Arguelles said. “His passion and love for baseball are always displayed on the field. He is a hard worker, relentless, and talented.” For Alvarez, he feels that his bond with his teammates has played a big role in the team’s success this season. “It’s special,” he said. “The way we clicked since day one, we have great chemistry, the team pushes me to great limits and I love these guys. I feel I’ve bonded really well with my teammates.” Alvarez is currently batting .328 with 27 RBIs. His defense has been a focal point throughout the season, with 26 putouts, 77 assists, and a .963 fielding percentage. “The things that he does on defense and on the plate are
incredible,” Arguelles said. “He has a chance to make an impact for the team and the college as a whole.” Bardowell praises Alvarez for the impact that he has had on the season. “Without a doubt, he has had a big impact on the season,” Bardowell said. “Having a good third baseman has kept us in a lot of games and the team sees him fight for wins.” As to whether or not he will be transferring soon, Arguelles is certain that he can succeed no matter where his journey takes him. “He still has a lot to learn, but he will go as far as his ceiling will go,” he said. “I can see him doing well at the collegiate level. He has a good chance to play at a high level and the only person that can stop that is himself.” Alvarez is looking into the transfer portal but has not yet made a decision on whether or not he will be transferring. “It’s up in the air,” he said. “I’m still thinking about it.” The Tigers are in second place in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) with a 29-11 record and 15-6 in conference play.
The beach volleyball team lost in the OEC Pairs Play-ins on April 27. The volleyball team went 1-16 overall.
Baseball honors Matthew Bardowell and David Butler have been named OEC Players of the Year. Ignacio Alvarez earned first-team all-conference and Julian Alvarez earned second team all-conference.
Head coach Coach Nikki Bonzoumet has been named OEC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. Bonzoumet led her team to a co-conference title with an overall record of 11-3.
Swimming and diving The women’s swim and dive team placed second place overall at the OEC Swim Championships with a score of 657. The Orange Coast College Pirates men and women’s team placed first in the event.
All of these dates are subject to change due to possible regulations to come involving the containment of the coronavirus. To stay up to date on upcoming campus events, v i s i t t h e Vi e w p o i n t s 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.
8
May 5, 2022
Editor: Hayden Kulick | viewpoints.sports@gmail.com
PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY
Freshman outfielder Lea Aldana waits for the game to get resume while the team doctor tends to an injured player on April 20 against Orange Coast College.
Errors end softball season Mistakes lead to seventh inning collapse RIGHT: Riverside City College pitcher, Jazmine Lara, winds up and pitches the ball during the April 20 game against Orange Coast college Pirates.
BOTTOM: Riverside City College outfielder, Sophia Franco-Colis, hits the ball in the third inning leading to the Tigers scoring a run during the April 20 game against the Orange Coast Pirates.
XAVIER CONSTANTINO STAFF REPORTER
Despite a rough season for Riverside City College’s softball team, the Tigers took to the field for the final regular game of the season in a match-up against the Orange Coast College Pirates. Both pitchers were dealing early on in the game, only giving up one run each through three innings. In the fourth inning, Orange Coast scored another point on an RBI single after a triple to left field. RCC then responded by scoring on a single from Sara Franco-Colis that scored catcher Juliana Garcia. The top of the lineup for the Tigers were due up after the defense took care of the top of the fifth inning. Freshman Alicia Fitzgerald took to the plate and smashed a fastball over the right field fence. The Tigers took a 3-2 lead with Fitzgerald’s go-ahead home run. “I knew I could do that,” Fitzgerald said. “With all the work I’ve done this season, I knew I could do that.” The Tigers were now nearing the end of the game only needing to get six more outs to claim victory. After a pop-up to second, freshman Alexis Pelayo bobbled a ball in right field, putting the tying run on base. Another error by the Tigers’ shortstop led to runners on the corners with only one out. The next Orange Coast batter hit a hard line drive to right that was caught
by Pelayo to prevent the runners from advancing. “Of course I panicked,” Pelayo stated. “But I just quickly shook it off and made up for the error.” With a line out to short and three quick outs in the bottom of the sixth, the seventh inning had started. The Tigers were now in a position to put the game away only needing three outs to seal the victory and end the regular season with a win. After two singles and a player getting hit by a pitch, Orange Coast had the bases loaded with only one out. Orange coast then scored five straight runs on an error at short. An error at short scored the first run, then a single up the middle scored two and a single to short scored another two. After a line out at second and a single that put a runner on third, orange coast got another RBI single that moved the score to 8-3 to end the inning. The Tigers were not able to score in the seventh and only managed to put up one hit to end the game. The final score was 8-3 with Orange Coast taking home the win. “We made too many mistakes,’’ head coach Michelle Dadonna said. “They were really aggressive so they did not hesitate to take advantage.” With that loss, the 2022 softball season for the Tigers has come to an end.