Viewpoints fall 2021 vol. 100 issue no. 5, Nov. 4, 2021

Between 1964-1972, there were four publications on campus. They were called the Tiger Times, Tequesquite, Tiger Tales and Nightimes. However,

VOL. 100, NO. 5

by the end of 1972, only the Tiger

NOVEMBER 4,

Times survived and changed its

2021

name to Viewpoints.

VIEWPOINTSONLINE.ORG

Tribe council members protest teacher

Drought results in water scarcity JOYCE NUGENT STAFF REPORTER

This article is part two of the series about California’s growing water crisis. Read part one at viewpointsonline.org.

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) estimates that 2,700 wells will go dry in

JENNIPHER VASQUEZ NEWS EDITOR

the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys this year. It is not a question of if, but when Southern California will face a similar fate.

California as a whole is experiencing drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a map released every Thursday by the National Oceanic

See WATER on page 4

JOYCE NUGENT | VIEWPOINTS

The 135-acre Lake Cahuilla at Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta stores Colorado River water to recharge the groundwater in the Coachella Valley.

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NEWS

SPORTS

Study abroad

French water

program to be

polo player Louis

reimagined

11

Grandi shines

Protesters gathered in front of the Riverside Unified School District office in downtown Riverside Oct. 28 after a video of a teacher from John W. North High School was released showing her dancing around the classroom wearing a fake Native American headdress.

The video of the trigonometry teacher, Candice Reed, surfaced after one of her students recorded her imitating tomahawk chops and Native American chants as part of a lesson.

Among the protesters were Shiishonga Tribe Council members who were given an opportunity to meet with RUSD Superintendent Renee Hill to discuss the video, Reed’s employment status and the implementation of indigenous education.

“Fire Candice Reed,” protesters chanted outside the district office while tribe council members met with the superintendent.

Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra, director of the American Indian Movement of Southern California, was among the group of protesters that met with Hill.

“I wish there was some good news I could give you,” Ybarra said to the rest of the protesters after exiting the RUSD building. “They insisted that they are following a process with the school district as far as the students go and their ethnic studies as far as supporting the students and their racial teachings and racial acceptance in the schools.”

Ybarra said it was part of a policy that was in effect and being worked on prior to the video but they have not fired Reed from RUSD. “As much as we asked for it,”

See PROTEST on page 3

INDEX NEWS FEATURES A&E OPINIONS EDITORIAL SPORTS

2 5 8 9 10 11

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November 4, 2021

News the history of viewpoints

NEWS BRIEFS

The beginning of the sole surviving publication

UC and CSU Application Workshops and Q&A For workshop dates and times refer to https:// rcc.edu/student-support/ transfer-center.html.

UC Link: https://bit.ly/ UCAppWk Password: Transfer

DANIEL HERNANDEZ MANAGING EDITOR

CSU Link: https://bit.ly/ CSUAppWks Password: Transfer Application Deadlines The UC Fall 2022 application deadline is Nov. 30.

Some CSU campuses have extended their priority application period past Nov. 30.

For extended deadlines check the Priority Deadline Application page at www. calstate.edu/apply/transfer.

Winter Registration 2022 Winter classes begin Jan. 6 through Feb. 10.

Registration period begins Nov. 8, 2021.

RCCD Foundation Scholarship Application Scholarships are available to returning students at RCC or students that are transferring to a university.

Scholarships for nursing students, re-entry students, Veterans and vocational students are also available, as well as scholarships that do not require a specific major or GPA. Application workshop dates and the application can be found at https://www. rcc.edu/become-a-student/ how-to-pay-for-school/ scholarships.html.

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.

LEO CABRAL | VIEWPOINTS

Debra Mustain, interim executive director of Workforce and Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, gives a presentation to the Riverside City College Academic Senate Oct. 25 on the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center.

District to receive new center Career and Technical Education programs coming soon LEO CABRAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Plans are underway to create a technical trade training program center for Riverside Community College District.

The center is still in the planning stage, but the Board of Trustees envision the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center (IETTC) will address poverty, equity and access by providing a way for underserved populations within the district to gain valuable skills directly applicable to the workforce.

“Some time back, I had mentioned to (the) Senate that we were exploring the concept of expanding the apprenticeship of ‘learning while earning,’ proposing a trade tech center for the Inland Empire,” Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac said at the Riverside City College Academic Senate meeting Oct. 25. “And we have had a discussion with the constituencies with political representation in Sacramento and in Washington.”

R e p . M a r k Ta k a n o , D-Riverside, requested $1.5 million from the House Appropriations Committee for the center April 28, among other funding requests, stating the “funding would be used to develop the comprehensive educational and facilities master plans and to develop the project’s infrastructure plan.”

Debra Mustain, interim executive director of workforce and economic development and entrepreneurship for Norco College, has been involved in outlining the center since late 2020 and led the IETTC presentation at the Academic Senate meeting.

“What you’re learning in class is reinforced by what you’re doing on the job,” Mustain said in an interview Oct. 28. “I think for most students, it makes learning

so much better when they can contextualize what they’re learning.”

Mustain said the new center is expected to increase attendance and enrollment, helping to offset district recent challenges.

It will also work complementary to existing career education programs throughout the district.

According to Isaac, the district’s overall full-time enrollment rate is 55.7%. Moreno Valley’s full-time instruction rate stands at 59.46%, Norco College’s stands at 48.6% and RCC’s stands at 57.34%.

Mustain said Jurupa Valley is considered a possible location for the IETTC due to its proximity to the district’s service region and the notable inequities in the area. She said in her presentation that the region has a low rate of bachelor’s degree attainment among residents and a high poverty rate.

According to census data, Jurupa Valley has a bachelor’s degree attainment rate for people over 25 of 9.7%, while Riverside and Moreno Valley have a rate of 12.6% and 10.8%, respectively.

“It’s being set up to serve people who haven’t thought about going to college,” Mustain said. “... This is to serve a population that is out there that’s not making enough money to survive, or that can’t get to one of our existing campuses or that is maybe worried that they aren’t going to be successful in college.”

A couple Academic Senate representatives addressed that they wish to be present at the conceptualization phase and all phases of projects like the IETTC. “This is instruction that’s going to be done in our district, which will be done by our faculty,” Mark Sellick, RCC and RCCD Academic Senate

president, said. “Faculty are not just the instructors in this equation. But you know, those of us who are in this Academic Senate, are charged with overall strategic planning for the colleges in the district. I find it troubling that we’re getting this roll at this point.”

He opened discussions about how the chancellor, the Board and the Academic Senate can collectively collaborate on how to make the center work.

Isaac mentioned that all t h e C a r e e r a n d Te c h n i c a l Education deans were involved in discussions about the IETTC. “I do want to stress that I agree with Mark Sellick’s concern about faculty not being involved in the early stages,” Jennifer Floerke, Moreno Valley College Senate president, said.

“For example, I understand the CTE deans were invited to these conversations. Our CTE dean retired. And now all that is maybe lost ... but in fact it’d be really helpful if faculty were brought on board to that conversation ...

This way our faculty are aware of the plans and can contribute early on.”

Isaac said that the IETTC is a “much bigger program that will require much larger development.”

“I believe that the district recognizes that faculty are essential in moving good ideas to solid plans for execution,” Mustain said. “Their perspectives, expertise, and experience have collectively shaped RCCD. I’m confident that the organization will continue to rely on them as leaders and experts in bringing this (IETTC) idea to life in a way that addresses important questions of equity, access, and economic success for residents in Jurupa Valley and across our region.”

The IETTC is an ongoing project that the district hopes to make a reality in the near future.

After a decade of excellence, the student-run publications at Riverside City College would see yet another era of turmoil and caused significant changes to the programs between 1964-1972.

During this decade, the Associated Student Body saw a substantial decrease in funds.

This led to budget reduction in programs and clubs across the campus, and the journalism program was not spared.

The publications’ budget fell from $12,000 to $3,925, leading to the end of two of six publications, leaving only The Tiger Times, Tequesquite, Tiger Tales, and Nightimes to produce news for the campus. By 1972, three more publications would fall, leaving only the biweekly paper, The Tiger Times.

Before the publications’ inevitable demise, the four papers worked hard to produce content for the college. The student handbook, Tiger Tales, would continue to produce 38-40 pages of information used by freshmen as a run-down to the college’s clubs, traditions, activities and general information.

Nightimes, a publication for the Extended Day newspaper class, produced four to six issues each semester until it met the same demise as the other papers in 1968.

The most controversial end to a publication was the student yearbook, the Tequesquite. It ended due to decreased interest in purchasing the yearbook and because magazine design was more relevant by the mid-’60s.

The college created a magazine named The Spectator to replace the yearbook, which only lasted until 1972.

The Tiger Times would continue its trend toward creating more political content during the ’60s. Unlike Patton and Knopf’s eras, where advisers stayed for long periods, the paper saw four advisors come and go until settling down with a fifth. The paper would also go through changes in editor positions where some didn’t even last an entire year. Sports editors, such as Jim Alexander, would be the only position that remained stable.

The final and biggest change of this era would be the decision to change the biweekly paper ’s name to Viewpoints in 1973, a name that stayed to this day.

November 4, 2021

News

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JENNIPHER VASQUEZ | VIEWPOINTS

From left: Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra, Herón Carillo, Michael Negrete, Misty Morning Dunn Rojo Alvarez, Judy Rojo and Ivette Xochiyotl protest in front of the Riverside Unified School District offices Oct. 28.

Protesters demand indigenous education PROTEST from page 1

she said. “We even said, ‘well, isn’t this considered a hate crime, is it not a form of child abuse, isn’t that a cause for immediate termination?’ We cannot control what’s going to happen now, it’s up to the people out there to stand together and fight this until that teacher is gone.”

They asked the superintendent why Reed was allowed to continue teaching for so long based on yearbook photos of the 2012 school year, which revealed that Reed has been using this teaching method for nearly a decade.

Shiishonga Tribe Chief and chairman Michael Negrete

said he hopes a solution will arise through peaceful unity, despite the meeting with the superintendent not resulting as they wished.

“We do exist and we’re here,” Negrete said. “I’m sick to my stomach ... and we’re going to continue doing this until our voice is heard.”

Many of the protesters voiced their concerns over the cultural insensitivity within the educational system. They said they would return to protest until they are met with a suitable resolution.

Among the protesters was a man who said he traveled from Sacramento to be there and will continue to be present in any activism towards a change in historical teachings.

Another tribe chairman, Judy Rojos, said that she believes

that what they were told in the meeting was said in order to pacify the protesters and calm down the scene.

“I think it is a form of abuse to our children,” Rojos said.

“It was just unbelievable ... I don’t think we should be calm about this.”

Some shared their concerns about people in authority being held accountable for what students are being taught.

“This is a call for people all across the country and the world to pay attention to their communities, their schools, their systems,” said Ivette Xochiyotl, who was among the group of protestors. “We are here to make sure we are the change that we want to see.

We’re here out of love for our people and we do what we do because of love.”

JENNIPHER VASQUEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Tribe council members walk up the stairs in the RUSD office to meet with superintendent Renee Hill.

District discusses reimagining the study abroad program curriculum JENNIPHER VASQUEZ NEWS EDITOR

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

A cardboard display located within the Salvatore Rotella Digital Library advertises the study abroad program.

Riverside Community College District’s Riverside City College Academic Senate discussed reinstating the study abroad program at a meeting Sept. 27, which resulted in the senate voting against reinstating the program.

The senate decided against reinstatement until communication improved between the Academic Senate and the study abroad committee to further discuss plans for reinstating the program.

Academic Senate members Mark Sellick and Virgil Lee motioned to discuss reinstating the study abroad program in a Senate meeting Oct. 25.

Chancellor Wolde-ab Isaac

said the program may need to be reenvisioned.

He also raised concerns about the curriculum and if it meets the necessary learning outcomes and financial equity of the program.

“If I look at general education learning outcomes,” Isaac said.

“One of those outcomes is to increase global awareness in our students, to create global citizens, to have a cultural dimension expanded in our students.”

The senate appointed Jeff Rhyne, English instructor at Moreno Valley College, and Fibian Biancardi, political science instructor at Moreno Valley College and RCC, to represent the program.

“One of the primary qualifications that faculty have to demonstrate when applying is how they’re adapting the course

to the location that the program is going,” Rhyne said. “In other words, what content is being changed to make sure that the course is being taught in a way that helps students understand something about the local culture and the history of the area where we’re going.”

He said that it is not accurate to say that there is no evidence that the courses do not help students increase their global awareness.

“There’s a lot of money that’s raised, these students overwhelmingly couldn’t afford to go to Florence,” Biancardi said. “None of them are self financed, they’re all jacked up with financial aid and if there’s one aspect of it that we need to strengthen immediately going forward, it is the financial aid component.”

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November 4, 2021

News

JOYCE NUGENT | VIEWPOINTS

Farmers in Mecca pump groundwater into storage ponds used for irrigation Oct. 14. These ponds allow them to apply more water than the established well can sustain.

California water levels decrease WATER from page 1 and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In a report published in September, NOAA concluded the drought in California will continue to worsen and threaten the public health and safety of residents and affect the economy and environment of the entire state.

The atmospheric river that drenched Northern California last week is not expected to improve the statewide drought crisis.

“Even with five inches of rain in Sacramento, our deficits are immense,” said Jeffrey Mount, a geologist and water expert at the PPIC. “We’re basically missing two years of ‘precip’ in this basin.

It’s not a drought buster.”

According to a poll released in July by the PPIC, a nonpartisan research organization in San Francisco, one in four Californians named water supply and drought as the state’s top environmental issue.

Many Californians resisted the voluntary water restrictions r e q u e s t e d b y G o v. G a v i n Newsom. As the state loses time and water, residents have reduced water use by 1.8%. This is far less than the 15% recommended by the state.

A 2007 EnviroMedia survey showed that only 32% of Americans say they “definitely know” the natural source of their drinking water.

“Our research suggests Americans would do their part to save hundreds of millions of gallons of water a day if they were reminded that their drinking water originates from a natural source, such as a lake or river, before it gets to their taps,” EnviroMedia President Kevin Tuerff told WaterWorld.

According to scientists, to survive this and future droughts, we need to change how we

perceive, plan and use water.

They also suggest we stay informed about our water ’s source, condition and availability.

California receives 75% of its rain and snow in the watersheds north of Sacramento. However, 80% of California’s water demand comes from the southern two-thirds of the state.

The California-funded State Water Project (SWP) transports water from Northern California to Southern California through 705 miles of reservoirs and canals.

The Edmonston Pumping Plant, the biggest lift of water in the world, boosts the water nearly 2,000 feet over the Tehachapi Mountains, where it splits into the east and west branches of the California Aqueduct and enters the Municipal Water District of Southern California (MWD).

Water from the west branch is stored in Pyramid Lake and Castaic Lake for distribution to Los Angeles and surrounding cities.

The east branch of the California Aqueduct delivers water to Western Riverside County. The county also extracts water from three groundwater basins: the Bunker Hill Basin in San Bernardino, the Rialto Colton Basin in Colton and the Riverside Basin.

Eastern Riverside County receives its water supplies from a mix of local groundwater and imported water purchased through the MWD, the SWP and the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA). The CRA carries Colorado River water from Lake Havasu on the CaliforniaArizona border to San Diego County by way of the Mojave Desert, the Coachella Valley and through the San Gorgonio Pass.

The water currently stored in the state’s reservoirs is far below normal. Lake Oroville, which holds water for municipalities as far away as San Diego, has

dropped to just under half of its historical average for this time of year.

Joe Gonzalez, who lives on a beautiful two-acre parcel in Perris, is already experiencing a water shortage. He stores groundwater from a well on his property in two 2,500 gallon tanks to irrigate his citrus and magnolia trees. His well, which produced seven to eight gallons of water a minute, is now producing only four to five gallons a minute. It takes all night to refill a storage tank from the well after irrigating.

“Sometimes the tank still isn’t full in the morning,” Gonzalez said. “I have already decreased the irrigation times on my fruit trees. I am very concerned. If the drought continues, my trees will die.”

California has built the world’s most extensive interconnected water system to move water from its source in the north through the farmlands of the Central Valley to its users south of the Tehachapi Mountains.

But if not enough rain falls, or if mountain snowmelt is reduced to a dribble, the water supply to Southern California will be significantly diminished. Like the crisis in the northern part of the state, wells will go dry.

COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

The state Department of Water Resources, as of midnight Oct. 27, compares the amount of water in select reservoirs to the capacity of each reservoir and to historical levels for the same date.

Where does freshwater come from?

The source of virtually all freshwater is precipitation from the atmosphere, in the form of mist, rain and snow. It is stored as either groundwater or surface water after it hits the earth.

Groundwater is the largest source of usable, fresh water in the world. It is stored in aquifers below the earth’s surface and is extracted using wells equipped with pumps. Pumping groundwater faster than it can be replaced leads to dry wells.

“Parts of California have already depleted their primary reserves of groundwater and are now drilling deeper – tapping into prehistoric reserves that cannot be readily replaced,” Jay Famiglietti, a water scientist from NASA, told the LA Times.

Groundwater can be artificially recharged by redirecting water through canals, infiltration basins, ponds or injecting water directly into the subsurface through injection wells.

Surface water is any body of water above ground, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks.

Since surface water is easier to access than groundwater, it is relied on for many human uses. It is an essential source of drinking water and is used for the irrigation of farmland.

Most surface water is not drinkable without treatment.

Tiger Tales was a student handbook, used mainly by freshmen, that contained information about the semester’s events, traditions, clubs and awards.

FEATURES

November 4, 2021

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IMAGE COURTESY OF MORENO VALLEY COLLEGE

A rendering of Moreno Valley College’s new Welcome Center depicts the building’s entrance.

Moreno Valley College welcomes new center This article is in collaboration with the Moreno Valley College Herald DAESHA GEAR OPINIONS EDITOR

The Welcome Center for Moreno Valley College opened fall semester to provide firsttime and returning students with services to ensure academic success.

Previous student service locations created challenges for faculty when offering their assistance to MVC students as spaces were limited.

“We were in a smaller office in Student Activity Building 105,” Cynthia Ramirez, Puente coordinator, said. “But it was a much smaller area as we had a maximum of two to three students with a mentor, counselor or English instructor there at the time.”

The Welcome Center is an upgrade in location for Student Services due to the help of Measure C. Measure C, a $350 million bond approved by voters residing within Riverside Community College’s District in March 2004, helped modernize classroom buildings and facilities at Riverside Community College District’s campuses like MVC’s Welcome Center.

After years of construction and with a cost of $14 million, the Welcome Center provides comfortable spaces in Student Services like counseling, FirstYear Experience, Puente and more.

Va r i o u s s t a ff m e m b e r s and peer leaders from diverse Student Services have helpful rationales on why MVC Lions s h o u l d v i s i t t h e We l c o m e Center.

For some, visiting the building for the first time instills a feeling of openness.

“I felt like it was modern — even to this day, it means a lot to me, and it has a new feel to it,” Edward F. Alvarez, director of First-Year Experience, said.

“The second reaction was openness, and I feel that when things feel open, it just allows people to feel comfortable.”

The Welcome Center has not only created a cheerful ambiance for its visitors, but it has also relieved the stress from MVC students at the beginning of the fall term.

“Everybody was moving in, so there was a rush of students at the beginning,” Darlene Hernandez, student worker of Outreach, said. “I think it was easier for them to see the Welcome Center and not have to visit different departments and buildings and just be directed here.”

The Welcome Center is a one-stop shop that provides multiple services like assistance with the CLEARED4 System to help MVC students attend their classes.

“So students who come in, and if they need assistance with the CLEARED4 System, they’re not turned away,” Michael Paul Wong, dean of Student Services Counseling, said.

The services offered by the Welcome Center accommodate the needs of students like Hernandez.

“Since I work at the front desk, if I have any questions for Admissions and Records, Financial Aid or need to make a counseling appointment, I can just walk a few feet and get those services conveniently,”

Hernandez said.

Due to Student Services being near each other, the Welcome Center has created opportunities to bring unity.

“We’re really excited about the opportunities that are coming forward with the opening of the Welcome Center,” Emma Pacheco, Puente coordinator, said. “I’m just excited that there’s space for Puente and students from other programs to collaborate in these spaces like this one to allow for growth and build a community.”

Services are still offered to MVC students who are not members of the various student programs offered inside the Welcome Center.

“What really is important about this center is that it’s not just for First-Year Experience

O R A N G E A comic by Julianna Hernandez

students, but it’s also (available) for any other student who wants to use our space,” Alvarez said.

“They’re (students) are more than welcome to come in and use our resources.”

The Welcome Center aims to promote awareness about the services available for MVC students.

“That is the main mission of the Welcome Center — being able to highlight programs like Puente,” Ramirez said. “Due to the pandemic, and with some things being online, students are just learning about us being in the Welcome Center.”

Awareness of the assistance that MVC students could gain from visiting Student Services is another goal for the Welcome Center.

“I think it’s crucial that

people see that visibility of the programs that are there and see the support services that we could provide,” Pacheco said.

Each program has different specialties, but they all have one goal: providing a smooth college experience for MVC students.

T h e We l c o m e C e n t e r strives to create a prosperous impression toward faculty and MVC students.

“We think that this (Welcome Center) is going to allow us to have a nice, first-time experience for many students,” Wong said. “You never get more than one chance to make a first impression, and we hope that this Welcome Center is going to allow us to make a difference to the new students that come to our college.”

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November 4, 2021

Features

The Everyman’s Rapper DIEGO LOMELI PHOTO EDITOR

Growing up, Elijah Perkins’ childhood home was always filled with the sound of music. His father’s passion and craft, coupled with a childhood friend’s influence, introduced him to streetwear culture and art, and they became harbingers for his musical career.

In 2007, a young middle school Perkins, now better known as Elijvh, became involved with the underground culture scene. All the while, his father’s eclectic music taste began to embed itself into Perkins’ head, which later stemmed into an obsession.

Perkins found himself listening to tunes by The Isley Brothers, Tower Power, Santana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as R&B-esque artists like Tony!

Toni! Toné!

Hip-hop, however, was far out of the question.

“I actually wasn’t even allowed to listen to hiphop,” Perkins said. He spoke not with resentment of the fact but with a deeper sense of understanding.

“My dad, he’s one of the old school cats who didn’t really like when hip-hop became a thing — it was the gangster rap stuff.”

Regardless, Perkin’s father was not behind hand on hip-hop artists and their musical prowess. He owned a copy of Kanye West’s “Late Registration” and introduced the album to his son. Perkins would continue to listen to West later into high school, during which West released “Graduation.”

“At that time, he put out ‘Graduation,’ when I really started to pay attention to him,” Perkins said.

“That’s when I really started to get obsessed with the music and hypebeast culture.”

Naturally, Perkins surrounded himself with others who shared his music tastes.

“I started going out to Hollywood and meeting all these people, and that led to me meeting a guy named Luke.” Perkins said. “He was a cool kid, the celebrities used to buy clothes off of him. He was the one rocking all the Supreme, he had all of the Japanese collaborations — he was kind of like a rich kid. He really educated me on the culture as well, so at the time I was making beats, but Luke really gassed me up. I would freestyle with him in high school, and he started pushing me to make mix tapes.”

Although he was rarely in need of inspiration, Perkins still lacked the confidence to release the music he was creating. It wasn’t until 2013 that he decided to pursue music seriously.

“I was in college, and every time I would be around these rap circles I was getting reactions out of people,” he said.

Perkins calls 2013 through 2015 the “dark period,” when he was constantly making music but lacked any sort of guidance. At the time, Kanye West’s influence on him morphed into a substitute for personal style. Perkins also adopted the technique of sampling from other genres of music.

“On some of my oldest songs, you can hear the Kanye influence,” Perkins said. “I tried to become like him. I would look for obscure samples, rap over them and then never put it out.”

As Perkins was still in the midst of narrowing down his personal style, his DJ at the time recommended he listen to Donald Glover’s “Because the Internet.” Perkins was hesitant, as he didn’t enjoy Glover’s first album, “Camp,” released two years prior.

“I didn’t really like the punchline raps, didn’t really like the instrumentals,” Perkins said. “(Because the Internet) was it. It was indie, it had a funky feel to it — the synthesizers were really weird — his singing fit it perfectly. It was so strange, it was like a whole universe that he made. I was so influenced by it.”

From the day “Because the Internet” was released, Perkins listened to the album practically nonstop and studied Glover’s music intently. This led to him eventually emulating the concept that Glover had implemented into his album.

At the same time, he attended local concerts on his own and studied the performer’s mannerisms, the crowd’s reactions and how much the performer could remain in control of the atmosphere. This led to him eventually emulating the concept that Glover had implemented into his album.

“I started to realize that more emotional music fit me well,” Perkins said. “I was going to shows — Donald Glover’s album comes out and I was really influenced by it. I started to build my whole style off of that. Near the end of 2014, I started to think: I have an idea of what my brand is, and I just need to come up with some sort of ... mission, I guess. What are people going to feel like they’re connected to and why?”

Perkins focused on two aspects: the Inland Empire and his ethnicity — his roots.

“The IE is comprised of a lot of small cities,” Perkins said. “Do we have a Jay-Z? Do we have a Drake? Do we have somebody who is the face of it all? We’ve had amazing, talented artists that came out of here, but I never really saw that kind of artist come out of here. So I decided I wanted to be the hometown hero for these people. I want to make it my mission to uplift our community. As for the second thing, I want to embrace my roots. My dad is African American and my mom is from the Philippines. I want to invest money to go out there and start making them aware of who I am and make

them feel proud too.”

Perkins’ journey so far has been a long one. His influence and inspiration revolve around a plethora of different music genres, concepts and convictions.

Listeners who don’t tune in frequently are often confused as to why he veers off from his signature sound from time to time.

In his words, he believes he has “struck gold” when it comes to his music, not just in reference to the sound, but more importantly, his experiences to which he believes listeners can relate.

“I’ve created a sound and really tapped into things in my life even deeper that I feel people can relate to, the struggle. That’s kind of what I want to be: the everyman’s rapper. The guy who talks about life in my own perspective. Just a guy in the suburbs trying to make sense of his life and trying to reflect on family ties, relationships and friends.

It’s all evolved into where I’m at now.”

DIEGO LOMELI | VIEWPOINTS

Elijah Perkins, better known as Elijvh, in his home recording studio which he has named “Sanctuary.”

Several art pieces by Andy Warhol and Patrick Nagel hang on the makeshift studio’s wall.

Features

November 4, 2021

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“The IE is comprised of a lot of small cities. Do we have a Jay-Z? Do we have a Drake?

Do we have somebody who is the face of it all?

We’ve had amazing, talented artists that came out of here, but I never really saw that kind of artist come out of here.

So I decided I wanted to be the hometown hero for these people. I want to make it my mission to uplift our community.”

- Elijvh

DIEGO LOMELI | VIEWPOINTS

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November 4, 2021

A&E

After the Tequesquite ended in 1966, the college created The Spectator. It was a student-run magazine that ran from 1967 to 1972.

‘Night Teeth’ digs its fangs in Campy violence, use of setting make for an enjoyable ride TIM NACEY MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

I’ve never worked as a chauffeur, but I have to imagine that one of my worst nightmares as one would be getting wrapped up with criminals and dragged across the city as they embark on a campaign of mayhem and violence.

That’s the exact situation that Benny Perez (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) finds himself in. What makes it even worse is that these particular criminals happen to be vampires.

In “Night Teeth” director Adam Randall imagines a world where vampires have lived among humans for centuries by toeing the line, feeding only on volunteers, and amassing huge amounts of wealth throughout their endless lives. Everything’s great until one of the leaders, Victor (Alfie Allen), decides to make a power grab, attempting to kill off the other leaders and creating a new world order for vampire-kind. This is the situation poor Benny — who only wanted to earn some extra money by covering his brother’s limo for the night — finds himself trapped in.

This particular take on the vampire myth isn’t particularly inspired, but it’s anchored by really fun performances from Debby Ryan, who plays a vampire named Blair and, in particular, Lucy Fry, who, in a Margo Robbie-less world, would

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIQUE FEATURES

Zoe (Lucy Fry) threatens Benny Perez (Jorge Lendeborg), a college student who accidentally stumbles into L.A.’s underground. have made a fantastic Harley Quinn. The glee with which her character Zoe inflicts acts of campy violence on unsuspecting victims is truly a joy to watch and keeps this movie from being the boring young adult novel slog that it could have been.

The best thing in this movie, though, is the way it uses its setting. The nightlife in Los

Angeles, while not totally nonexistent, is not as pronounced as you find in, say, New York.

Aside from the isolated parties and clouds that Benny, Blair and Zoe visit, everything takes on an eerie quiet and is bathed in flashy pinks and yellows, lending the city streets an otherworldly quality that keeps things feeling just the tiniest bit creepy while

still maintaining the campy tone that this movie revels in.

Overall, I don’t think I’d call “Night Teeth” a must-watch movie, but with its goofy style — over the top violence and corny one-liners run rampant — as well as a fun take on the Los Angeles party scene as well as the city’s wealthy class, you could definitely do worse if you’re

looking for a break from the standard horror fare.

‘Director Adam Randall imagines a world where vampires have lived among humans for centuries by toeing the line.’

‘Dune’ remake brings spice to big screen Visuals are breathtaking, builds hype for second movie WILLIAM L.G. STEPHENS A&E EDITOR

“Dreams are messages from the deep” reads the black screen in the opening seconds of “Dune.” From this point on, every arresting visual demands our attention.

It’s only appropriate to mention that I haven’t read Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel “Dune”, of which this film is adapted from.

However, I’ve seen my fair share of big budget science fiction movies come and go.

Whereas many filmmakers have failed before him, director Denis Villeneuve is able to bring a complex world alive through both story-telling and visual pieces.

“Dune” unloads a bananas amount of world building to us

all at once. Depending on which aspects attract you the most, the film deserves multiple viewings, certainly once for the visuals and once for the characters.

In a nutshell, “Dune” is about House Atreides, who are thrown into a war over planet Arrakis, between its native Fremen people and the evil invaders House Harkonnen.

Luckily for us, we are tentatively promised a sequel, by the addition of “Part One” in the film’s title credits. This provides Villeneuve a larger canvas to paint the story instead of cramming it all into one movie.

The expectant sequel allows Villeneuve the opportunity to build character development for “Dune’s” main protagonist, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) by telling us his story through the characters around him, a formula that is often misused in cinema,

if it is even used at all.

The most valuable tool in any great filmmaker’s toolbox, is the one that allows them to pull us into another universe and not let us out until the end. On that note, “Dune” has established itself among the very best of doing so.

My only criticism of the movie lies within the casting of Chalamet in the role of Paul Atreides. It is difficult to shine bright when you are in the company of Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem. Though, it may very well be that part two will change my mind.

As Chani played by Zendaya, (who I have a feeling will play a much larger role in the next chapter) tells Paul Atreides, “This is only the beginning.”

In other words, there is still much to be unveiled and “Dune” is a science fiction masterpiece.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUNE.COM

Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) holds two knives in his hands.

The Tiger Times continued to produce increasingly political content as it had the previous decade. Columnists would write their opinions on the Vietnam War, drugs and other off-campus activities.

OPINIONS

November 4, 2021

9

Campus Conversations

What university or college do you plan to transfer to, and why do you want to attend this institution?

Interviews by Kelsey Olarte Photos by Daniel Hernandez

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

Who’s next?

Country needs gun reform

DAESHA GEAR OPINIONS EDITOR

The gunman responsible for the Parkland shooting pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to killing 14 students and three staff members for his 2018 attack, bringing the conversation of gun regulation to the forefront of Americans’ minds once again.

After three years, the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting has reminded me that my life is never guaranteed when attending familiar places, like school.

The lack of gun control on irresponsible and nefarious gun owners makes it impossible to live without fear as a student, journalist and citizen of the United States. Their irresponsibility has led to reoccurring family fires, mass shootings and mostly, school shootings, which have increased significantly due to the return of in-person learning.

School shootings, personally, have always filled me with anxiety while trying to learn.

On that same day of the Parkland shooting, I always asked myself, “Could I, my sister or friends be a victim of a shooting like this if it occurred?”

But what really bothered me, at the time, was if I could consider myself safe.

The lockdown drills, for example, constantly challenged that belief as its purpose was to prepare other students and me on what to do if an armed intruder entered the campus.

We were always taught how to barricade the doors, know which areas are the best to hide and, unfortunately, know to fight for our lives if we ever encountered the shooter.

Hearing that at such a young age — to prepare for a possible encounter of an active shooter on campus — informed me that school shootings have become more prevalent throughout the years and that schools themselves are not necessarily safe anymore.

One hundred and five school shootings occurred nationally, according to a 2018 report

by Everytown, a nonprofit organization advocating for gun safety. Sixty-one students, staff members or security guards died, and 90 were injured due to the lack of gun control.

2018 was one of the deadliest years for US school shootings.

However, in 2019 that number surpassed 105 incidents of gunfire at schools to 130.

However, the number of gun-related incidents in school decreased in 2020, due to the pandemic, at 96 with 23 deaths and 43 injured.

Gun activity in schools in 2021, though, has skyrocketed since the return of in-person learning.

So far, there have been 134 school shootings nationally, and the number continues to grow each day.

The rapid increase of gunfire at school needs to be addressed with stricter regulations on assault weapons and proper storage of firearms from parents as more children are experiencing gun violence at their schools.

According to the Washington Post, “more than 256,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine.” With the frequent school shootings occurring in this nation, it is ridiculous that there has not been gun control legislation that restricts and regulates firearms from being easily accessible to anyone by unlicensed sellers,

like gun shows or illegal black markets.

Only 21 states and Washington, D.C. enforce stricter background checks, while the other 29 states are negligent toward gun purchases.

The lack of regulation and background checks required from unlicensed sellers creates the accessibility for firearms to be obtained by careless and immoral owners who could harm others easily — this needs to change as this makes an uncertain atmosphere to be safe in a public place.

It’s not about removing guns permanently or using victims’ unfortunate experiences as an opportunity to pass gun legislation: it’s about providing a safe environment for students while they rightfully earn their education. But it’s challenging to give that pedagogy with the frequent school shootings happening and lackadaisical gun regulations.

With 114 gunfire incidents occurring at schools nationwide, it is complicated to consider school as one of the safest places to be when it’s genuinely not. The lack of security surrounding guns destroys this comfortability with worries of being gunned down while learning.

“Thoughts and prayers” are not going to alleviate the pain families are experiencing to cope with the death of their loved ones to gun violence, and it’s not going to prevent school shootings from occurring again.

Actions speak louder than words, and the lack of action to enforce gun regulations continues this entire epidemic of gun violence on school premises, with nothing being done.

We , a s a n a t i o n , a r e consistently failing to protect children in every school shooting that occurs in this country.

With the lack of protection and reassurance, we leave students feeling fearful that their life is never guaranteed when attending school.

“I have two options: UCR (University of Califor nia, Riverside) or Cal Baptist. They are close to home, and I was recommended Cal Baptist for my major by a teacher I had in elementary school.”

-Victoria Franco Major: business

“I already got accepted into UCR for winter 2022. I wanted to attend there because I heard they have a good English and Dance department. The thing I like about UCR is that it’s a research-based school system.”

-Andy Garcia M ajor: En g l i sh a nd dance “My dream school is UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). It’s mainly because I really want to be in the film industry, but I feel that being an English major will help me work up to that eventually.”

-Jillian Cantu Major: English, focus in creative writing

“I plan on transfer ring t o UCSD ( Un ive r sit y of California, San Diego) to finish my bachelor’s and then UCLA for medical school. I heard UCSD has a good psychology program, and UCLA is one of the top med schools.”

-Chimdaalu Ezeunala Major: psychology

“Cal State Long Beach — when I was looking for universities, I was looking whether they have a good Chicano st udies program, African studies program and Nat ive A mer ica n st ud ies program. Some universities only have one good program and are bad for the other programs. Long Beach is good for all three.”

-Oscar Tovar M ajor: Ch i c a no a nd African studies, minor in Native American studies

Campus Conversations is an open forum for Riverside City College students to voice opinions and share ideas.

10

Opinions

November 4, 2021

Editorial

Gruden shows NFL hasn’t changed The NFL seems to have a problem dealing with social issues from racism, sexual and domestic abuse and homophobia.

These social issues range from Ray Rice and Chad Johnson’s domestic assaults, Deshaun Watson’s sexual assault allegations and even blackballing Colin Kaepernick for standing up for civil liberties.

Former Las Vegas Raiders football coach Jon Gruden’s emails from 2010 through 2018 in which he used sexist, homophobic and transphobic language were leaked amid the NFL’s investigation of the Washington Football Team’s sexual harassment allegations.

It was revealed that he had made comments to former team president Bruce Allen about the NFL Player’s Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith, referring to Smith saying, “Dumborris Smith has lips the size of Michelin tires.”

Gruden also made comments about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that the Rams shouldn’t have been pressured to draft Michael Sam in 2014, who was the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL. We believe that there is no room for people who feel and talk like that anywhere, especially in mainstream media.

Gruden has a massive responsibility as coach of one of the country’s most popular sports teams. His comments hurt many and reinforce the stereotypes people have about the football culture.

Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib, the league’s first openly gay active player, took a personal day following Gruden’s resignation.

It is understandable that he grew up and learned about the game when this way of thinking was acceptable, but as time progresses, so should we as human beings.

As a football coach, how could you expect men to follow and believe in you when you could have offended family or friends of players on your team, especially since most of the players in the league are Black.

The Raiders should have beaten Gruden to the punch and should have fired him before he resigned.

It made it seem like Raiders management would’ve kept him until the league forced their hand.

Gruden’s comments only amplify the problematic culture of the league. Management — from owners to GMs to coaches — needs to be held accountable.

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

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

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Jim Alexander, sports editor for the Tiger Times, would go on to work as a professional journalist for The Press-Enterprise.

SPORTS

November 4, 2021

11

SPORTS BRIEFS Women’s Volleyball RCC lost to Fullerton College 3-2, dropping their record to 6-13 and 2-10 in conference play. Their next home game will be against Santiago Canyon on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

Men’s Water Polo DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Louis Grandi (left) pulls back his arm ready to throw the ball toward Matty Roebuck (2) on Oct. 15.

From across the pond Louis Grandi, a French water polo player, left his hometown for an opportunity to play his favorite sport at Riverside City College MYA CASTRO STAFF REPORTER

After transferring to Riverside City College from Marseille, France, Louis Grandi’s impact on the men’s water polo team has not gone unnoticed.

With a college career total of 76 goals and 46 steals, Grandi has helped his team secure nine wins so far this season. Grandi believes a strong mental game is important in improving the team’s play from here on.

“Being more focused until the end of the game will allow us to win against stronger teams,” Grandi said.

As a swimmer at a young age, Grandi was always fascinated by water polo and thought about giving it a try. Ten years later, Grandi’s love for water polo has

remained unwavering.

“I was a swimmer at the beginning and when I saw the practice I said I wanted to try,” Grandi said.

When deciding on what his future would look like outside of France, Grandi believed that coming to the U.S. was the best option. Through connections from his old teammate from their club, Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille, Grandi learned more about playing in the U.S. and attending school.

“I wanted to continue playing water polo and do a good study so the best option to do both was to go to the U.S.A,” Grandi said.

“I knew RCC because Leonardo, a former RCC player, came here before and advised me.”

Once Grandi decided to travel abroad to continue playing and learning, he became nervous about his relationship with his team and his host family. After he got here, though, he felt very welcomed by everyone.

“My teammates were very cool with me,” Grandi said. “I was afraid for the place where I would live but it’s very nice, the family is very good so I was happy.”

After adjusting to his new surroundings and way of living,

Grandi noticed many differences between water polo in France versus in the U.S. He said practices are faster and more intense here. In contrast, the defense is harder in France, and they don’t have as many practices. Though, one thing stood out more than the rest to Grandi.

“Water polo in the United States considers you a true athlete,” Grandi said. “So we train like real athletes and we have a team following us to help us whether it’s for the doctors (athletic trainers) or the school counselor.”

Grandi is happy to be on a new team and feels that they have positively impacted his experience in the U.S. His teammates have also expressed how Grandi has positively affected the team and described him as a key playmaker.

“Louis is one of our main scorers and playmakers on our team,” Tommy Dempsey, a teammate of Grandi, said. “He is one of our smartest players.”

Seth Zarn, another player on the RCC water polo team, believes Grandi is a fantastic player.

“When he’s in the water he’s

a monster,” Zarn said. “And as a player he’s different from the rest because of his love for the game. Even though he’s hard to understand sometimes his drive to win is very clear.”

Outside of training, Grandi’s teammates see him as funny and always eager to learn about anything. When asked about any culture shocks he experienced when he came to the U.S., Grandi couldn’t get over the ambiance.

“I think the grandness of the places and buildings surprised me when I arrived,” Grandi said. “I still enjoy everything I’ve seen like the beaches in Laguna, sunrise and sunset.

School campuses and sports are well represented here.”

As Grandi continues to excel in water polo, he is also working hard in academics. Grandi is majoring in administrations and information systems and hopes to transfer to a four year and continue to play at a division one school.

“I learn more and more in America so for the moment I think I want to stay here and maybe go to a university,” Grandi said. “I would like to try to go to a university that plays division one to continue to play in good conditions.”

Women’s volleyball team falls to Saddleback JESUS CORONEL ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS

Jessica Lepe, (9) RCC outside hitter, smacks the ball toward two defenders.

It was a challenging game, but the Riverside City College women’s volleyball team lost to Saddleback College in straight sets Oct. 22.

The Tigers kept it close, going against the Bobcats throughout most of the game, but the team struggled to close out sets.

Coach Clara Lowden expressed the team’s struggles.

“It was just unfortunate errors at the wrong time,” she said. “We have to keep the ball in play.”

The first set was an extremely back-and-forth game. The Bobcats would win it 28-26.

The Tigers had a four-point

lead in the middle of the second set. But the Bobcats went on to score nine out of the last 10 points to win the set 25-20.

Momentum would carry to the third set for Saddleback as they would go on to a 16-8 lead.

Then came a nine-to-two run by the Tigers that propelled them back within two points to Saddleback’s lead at 18-16.

It came down to the final moments of the game but the Bobcats were victorious after the Tigers lost two consecutive points off errors. They won the final set 28-26.

Nonetheless, Lowden was happy with the effort given by the team.

“We were very even with the team by the scores we had,”

Lowden said. “It was whoever made less errors that would win.”

The loss drops their record to 6-11 in the season and 2-8 in conference play.

Libero Ashley Elias-Romero expressed that the team needs to work on consistency and maintain momentum.

“We definitely have a lot of space to grow,” Elias-Romero said. “We’re hanging up there with all the teams in the league so we have to finish it.”

Outside Hitter Maggie Aburto had an impressive game with 19 kills but knew that the team could do better to win.

“We were stuck in certain rotations,” Aburto said. “A lot of it is inner mistakes that we do on ourselves.”

The men’s water polo team lost to Saddleback College 16-9 Oct. 27. The team’s record is 9-13 overall and 2-3 in the conference. RCC faces Cypress College on Nov. 4 at Orange Coast College.

Women’s Water Polo RCC women’s water polo’s last match against Santa Ana College on Oct. 13 was canceled. Next up for RCC is the Long Beach Tournament on Oct. 22 where they will face Cerritos College at Long Beach College campus.

Tigers Football The RCC football team beat the El Camino Warriors 3427 Oct. 30. The Tigers are on a three-game winstreak after losing two games earlier in the season. RCC wil play against Cerritos College at home Nov. 6.

Women’s Basketball RCC’s women’s basketball team dominated Chaffey College, winning 8453 Nov. 1. The team’s next opponent will be Antelope Valley College at the Bakersfield Crossover Tournament on Nov. 4.

All of these dates are subject to change due to possible regulations to come involving the co n t a in m en t o f t h e coronavirus.

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12

Sports

November 4, 2021

PHOTOS BY DANIEL HERNANDEZ

Juwan Tucker (4) avoids being tackled by Tyrin Brooks (5) and Inoke Katoa (92) on Oct. 23. Tucker would break out of five tackle attempts and gain 18 yards.

A rivalry renewed JAIR RAMIREZ ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

The Tigers won at Mt. San Antonio College for the first time under Tom Craft as the Riverside City College coach.

Craft has been the RCC football coach for 11 years.

“It’s tough to win here, they got a good program, they’re well coached, they got a great facility,” Craft said. “This is definitely a good win for us.”

RCC defeated its strongest conference rival 28-25 to improve its record to 6-2.

RCC dominated the first half behind freshman quarterback Jordan Barton’s passing and running attack.

Barton was 17/20 for 197 yards and three touchdowns.

He also ran for 51 yards in the first half.

“The first half we came out really really strong, we came out fast,” Barton said.

Barton has started the last two games after being the third-string quarterback.

“It was definitely hard in the beginning,” Barton said. “I’ve just been listening to Craft and everything he’s been saying. He gave me my opportunity. I’m just trying to run with it and win the state championship again.”

Barton completed six passes

to sophomore wide receiver Jammal Houston for 70 yards and a touchdown.

R C C ’s d e f e n s e a l s o contributed to the strong opening half only allowing 112 yards of total offense.

The Tigers took a 28-7 lead into halftime and looked like they were on their way to an easy victory.

Then Mt. SAC came out halftime a different team scoring a touchdown on its opening drive.

The Mounties’ defense came out just as rejuvenated and picked off Barton the very next series, leading to a field goal and momentum swing.

“We came out slow, we didn’t match their energy,” sophomore linebacker Noa Purcell said about RCC’s second half. “But then we started to pick it up, getting stops.”

It was 28-17 heading into the fourth quarter as the RCC offense couldn’t get anything going.

RCC did allow a touchdown in the final seconds but was able to recover the Mounties’ onsides kick and win the game 28-25.

“Our defense did a good job of hanging on here at the end,” Craft said. “That’s the mark of a good team, we did what we had to do to win.”

The Tigers next games will be at home against Cerritos College on Nov. 6.

Jordan Barton (15) brushes off Aaron Smith’s (21) attempted tackle Oct. 23.