Rampage

Rampage

Fresno City College Volume CXXI, Edition 5

FCC Bookstore Now Offers Textbook Rentals

November16, 2011

Occupy Protesters Sue Fresno County

By Kaitlin Regan Rampage Reporter

See Bookstore on page 2

Since Oct. 9, “Occupy Fresno”

has attempted to continuously encamp Courthouse Park in Downtown Fresno to protest greed, inequality, and injustice in America’s economic and political systems.

However, on Nov. 1, their permit expired, leaving them subject to arrest if found occupying the park between 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

In the early morning of Nov. 6, that’s exactly what happened.

Since then, sheriffs armed in riot gear, have made then more than 60 arrests in Courthouse Park.

However, Occupy Fresno says that

they still plan to stay indefinitely as volunteers have come forward willing to be arrested in what they say is the defense of their First Amendment right to peacefully assemble.

On Nov. 14, Occupy Fresno’s volunteer attorneys filed a law suit in Federal court claiming that the protesters have a right to continue with their encampment.

The lawyers have also filed for a restraining order against Fresno County, until their case is ruled on.

Find daily updates about Occupy Fresno at therampageonline. com.

ASG Discusses Student Issues in Town Hall

By Jordan Russell Rampage Reporter

Fresno City College’s Associated Student Government held its first ever Town Hall meeting yesterday in the auditorium of the Old Administration Building.

The event was designed to inform students about campus-wide issues as well as to give them the opportunity to address their representatives with questions, comments, and concerns.

Senator Kristie Andersen informed students of upcoming fee increases and said that the purpose of the meeting was to allow ASG to reach out to students.

Andersen said, “It’s a chance for our students to connect with us

Drunken City

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photos by Jesse

Franz

T

he Fresno City College bookstore is now giving students more options in how they acquire their textbooks. In addition to the traditional ways – buying new or used textbooks – FCC students can now rent their textbooks instead of buying them. The bookstore is making textbooks available for rent in order to help students afford a necessary material for their education.

“Books are extremely expensive, so there needs to be a way for someone to go to school, afford the books and the tuition, so this helps,” Mary-Beth Wynn, bookstore manager for State Center Community College District, said.

Wynn said that there has always been a rental program, though limited and not widely known, in the college district bookstores.

Now, the program is expanded to include more books and options.

Wynn also says that students who prefer to conduct their businesses online can arrange their rentals online. If a book can be purchased through the bookstore online, it can be rented online as well.

The process for renting textbooks is similar to buying.

For instance, in the same way that a textbook can be bought new or used, rentals work the same way.

A copy of “Current Issues and Enduring Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument, with Readings” by Sylvan Barnet and Hugo Bedau costs $73.35 to purchase if brand new and $55.00 if used. On the other hand, renting this book new would cost $44.60 and $26.25 if used. Students can save as much as 50 percent by renting.

Currently, approximately 30 percent of textbooks in the bookstore are available for rent. This will change at the end of the fall semester when only the spring books are taking into account.

Lower costs are not the only benefit of renting though, according to Wynn. She said the rental program encourages more students to obtain their books through the

and for us to be able to connect with our students – to have that dialogue between both groups.”

The meeting began at 11 a.m., drawing a sizeable crowd of students. Senators Rachel McKinley and Nathan Alonzo explained what ASG is all about, outlining its composition, goals, and role in campus affairs.

After the introductory portion, ASG president Cindy Quiralte addressed the audience. “I would really like to hear how you would like us to work for you. Help me work for you, help the team work for you – give us some suggestions, give us some direction,” she said. “We know that we have a lot of questions, and we encourage you to ask them.”

Healthy Holidays!

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This began the “open forum” section of the meeting, during which students were free to ask questions, make comments, or give suggestions to ASG members. The first question was asked by student Peter Vu. Vu asked if a replacement for former Legislative Vice President Karlton Brown has been appointed, to which President Quiralte responded “We do have it on the agenda for interim vice president…but we’re making do, and that’s exactly why we’re here today – to show you that we are still here, very strong and united as ASG.” Throughout the open forum, many students took the opportunity to voice their questions.

A few students raised concerns

Veteran Runner

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about counseling – from long lines to faulty information given by counselors. President Quiralte addressed their concerns. “If you want something done about counseling, yes, we’re here to help you with that…this is a joint, effort, and we’re here to work for you,” she said. “If you’re concerned about counseling…we can work together. I can and will take that to administration.”

After the open forum, Trustee Christopher Coronado presented the results of a student survey sent to the student body via district email. According to Coronado’s report, more than 800 students completed the survey, 59 percent

SeeTown Hall on page 2

News

November 16, 2011

2

ASG Hosts Town Hall Continued from page 1

photo by

Paul Schlesinger

of which identified themselves as full time students. The results showed that the majority of students who took the survey would like to see a greater campus police presence on campus and an expanded concession area near the main fountain. Students also sought more participation in the discussions of the college’s budget and an on-campus farmer’s market. Trustee Coronado said that the survey would remain open.

Another area that was addressed in the meeting was the Student Success Task Force, which is responsible for drafting a plan for improving student success at California community colleges. The recommendations of the Task Force were presented to the audience in a condensed Brittany Hieng addresses a question to ASG during their town hall meeting format designed to be clear and yesterday in the Old Administration Auditorium. expected in the upcoming spring creased and by how much. Sena- The meeting ended with ancomprehensive.

Senator Kristie Anderson ex- semester. She outlined exactly tor Andersen also informed stu- other open forum, during which plained the fee increases to be which fees will or may be in- dents what the fees help pay for. several more students addressed

ASG. Trustee Coronado said that he felt the meeting was successful. “We expressed what we wanted to the student body, and…I was trying to make sure that they were understanding, which they did.” He added that the primary goal was “to have students come and voice their concerns, questions, opinions, comments – that’s what town hall is about, and we got a lot of that today.”

Some students came away from the meeting feeling more informed than others. Amber Pacheco said that she felt the meeting was informative. “I did not know about a lot of that stuff,” she said. Another student, Brittany Hieng, who had asked why enrollment is capped so strictly said her question was not answered satisfactorily.

Trustee Coronado said ASG has already started planning another town hall meeting for the spring semester.

The reporter can be reached at jrussell@therampageonline.com

FCC Bookstore Offers Rentals Continued from page 1

FCC bookstore which guarantees that the book that the student needs is in stock and is also the correct edition of the book.

“There are a lot of benefits of coming into this store. The book that the instructor has requested is here. There is no doubt about it.

When they [students] return the book, they can bring it right back here so that the student doesn’t have to mail it. We have it in stock, you don’t have to worry about it not being in stock,” said Wynn.

Additionally, the process saves time and the aggravation of standing in long lines.

Students who choose to rent

Fresno City College

will have to sign a contract which details the rental process and due dates. The contract will be between the FCC bookstore and the student.

Wynn describes this system as similar to checking a book out, “but you’re paying for it.”

Additionally, students who

rent a textbook from the bookstore need to have a valid FCC ID, email address and a credit card that is valid throughout the semester. A student may pay cash for textbook rentals but must keep a valid credit card on file in case the book is damaged or not returned.

A student’s credit card will be charged if a rented book is not returned or is damaged in a way that it cannot be sold or rented.

The card will be charged for the full amount plus tax if the book is new, and the student would then keep it. In order to encourage students to return their books on time, the bookstore will send reminders of the due date for the book to the email address listed.

Wynn says that though the book needs to be brought back in a sellable condition, students can use it like they would any other textbook. They may highlight it and take notes just as they would for a book that they had actually purchased.

Cindy Quiralte, ASG president, said she thinks the student body will respond positively to the rental option. She explained

that she understands how important books are to student success and she believes that the book rental program will help.

“I am optimistic about the response from the student body.

ASG is committed to providing options to students who may be under financial constraints,” Quiralte said. “We understand that books are a critical component to a student’s success in the classroom, and the book rental program would be an option to alleviate financial burdens.”

The ASG office plans to start promoting the rental program on Nov. 15. This will continue through the end of the semester.

Quiralte said the promotion will be done via speaking tours and

Rampage

The reporter can be reached at kregan@therampageonline.com

About Us

The Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 programs and is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.

Reporters

Editors Managing Editor: Sydney Excinia News Editor: Jesse Franz Views Editor: Dylan Domingos Entertainment: Laura Bradley Online/Production: Ramiro Gudino Photo Editor: Paul Schlesinger Art Director: Austin Verburg Business Manager: Sydney Excinia Copy Editor: Tomas Kassahun Faculty Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Alexis Abrahmson Nathan A. Alonzo Elizabeth Amaral Sasha Bell Laura Bradley Tutmosis Brown Annette De Dios Marcel Dilworth Dylan Domingos Daniel Engelhaupt Sydney Excinia Jesse Franz Kristoffer Goka Emillio Gutierrez Maddie Hagobian Moriah Jones

Tomas Kassahun Frank Lopez Pabel Lopez Paulo Nino Karina Ornelas Brendan Raley Dylan Picazo Nicole Randazzo Kaitlin Regan Philip Romar Mia Barraza Martinez Jordan Russell Paul Schlesinger Joshua Sheppard David Thammavongsa Austin Verburg

through student email accounts.

Though the promotion has not officially started on campus, many students have already heard about it and are eager for it to start. Felix Figueroa, a 20-year-old English Literature major, said he would have benefited from this program a long time ago.

“It would benefit everyone because you can give it back.

Renting seems like a really good idea,” Figueroa said.

Alexis Acosta, an 18-yearold Cinema Arts major, shares Figueroa’s view on the rental program. Acosta said that renting would save students money in the long run.

“We can save money by renting,” she said. “You don’t have to pay the full amount. It’s a smaller fee right from the beginning.”

Contacts Rampage Office rampage-business@fresnocitycollege.edu Adviser dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu

Fresno City College 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741 Office: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783

Visit our web site for updates www.therampageonline.com

Find Us Online At

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News

November 16, 2011

3

Instructors concerned about poor maintenance in classrooms

By Tomas Kassahun Rampage Reporter

get to the problem pretty quickly. maintenance office. Then, Carroll Janine Christl, Theater Arts in Carroll worries that the received word that the college’s structor, said that last semester, the Language Arts building may not maintenance department is short bathrooms near the Theater Arts be as prioritized like other buildbuildings actually got pretty bad hen Jean Carroll walks into staffed and is doing its best. ings on campus.

Carroll says the reason the but were taken care of. And recenther English as a Second Language “The showcases classes in the (ESL) class, she is greeted by maintenance office is short staffed ly, a table near the box office had pieces of chalk and chalk dust is because the disthroughout the classroom. At the trict had to fire same time, her students walk in some maintenance to a room that is littered with staff due to the 50 food remnants-- coffee and soda percent law, which containers from previous classes. requires that 50 per“The maintenance in our build- cent of all funds be ing is shocking. They expect us to spent on instruction. teach in classrooms that are not “The district cleaned,” said Carroll who teaches runs close to the her ESL classes in the Language 50 percent margin but they can’t Arts building.

Carroll is concerned about the replace mainteatmosphere of her classroom, but nance personal she is mostly worried about the because they will technology equipment which is not hire full-time exposed to the dust in the room. faculty,” Carroll “The worst part is that the dust said. “I lay this has accumulated near the smart at the door of the boxes. There are holes around district, and their where the wire goes in, and the adherence to the Chairs in the Language Arts Building Room 103 covered in gum. dust is around those holes, which 50 percent law.” means the technology is going to Outside of the Lanbe affected,” said Carroll. “There guage Arts building, other instruc- a lot of very offensive and vulgar OAB [Old Administration Buildis nothing to call the tech people tors say they have faced some graffiti on it. It was cleaned up, but ing] are not showing marker dust about because nothing has hap- issues with maintenance, but that has now been tagged once again. that thick. There are no chalkpened to it yet, but it’s only a the issues were addressed quickly. Biology instructor, Scott Porteboards there,” said Carroll. matter of time, and the worst part “Whenever I’ve complained ous, said the on-going mainteEven in certain language arts is that there will not be any money about something, it gets tak- nance is good enough. The few classrooms which have whiteen care of within a reasonable times he’s ever had any problems, to replace it.” boards, Carroll finds it hard to put Carroll reported the issue to her amount of time,” said social sci- he found the maintenance staff a marker on the ledge because her dean, who then reported it to the ence instructor, Allen Carden. easy to work around and usually hands end up black when she pick up the marker.

According to Brian Speece, Associate Vice Chancellor of Business and Operations for State Center Community College District, replacing equipments such as blackboards is funded through mean you have to be.

“If you know to beat the depression, is to help

By Dylan Picazo what is called the Decision Packsomeone who is depressed, it afsomeone else conquer their holiRampage Reporter fects you too” -NIMH Although day blues. In most cities there are age, which requires each campus to allocate a portion of its lottery he holiday season is a season it may seem difficult at times, just plenty of charity and volunteer revenue to instructional materials. because some one you know is work for you to be a part of, and of many things; a season of hope Speece says the remodeldepressed doesn’t mean you have these events and organizations and goodwill, a season of giving. ing project hasn’t been as good in to be depressed with them, enjoy can be found by keeping up with But for many, the holiday season is recent years because the state has a season of struggles and personal the holiday festivities. Be a friend your local newspaper or by surfing not provided money for scheduled to that person you know, and the internet (using keywords like trial. Fighting depression during maintenance. “We have been doadvise them to seek help, but be “volunteer” and “charities”). the holiday season is something ing as much as we can with our cautious to the slippery slope that that numerous people struggle local money, but it’s less than a depressed loved one can bring with. According to Mental Health what we used to get,” he said. you down to.

America (formally known as the Seek help before it gets Now Speece said he hopes National Mental Health Associasevere. The best way to deal with for another Measure E bond which tion) there are a plethora of things depression is to catch it before it had in 2002 provided money that can cause the “holiday blues”, Your age does not need becomes severe. Even if its only for remodeling. “We remodeled ranging from finances to unrealis- to determine your happiness. minor depression, it could bethe Student Services building; tic expectations. Furthermore, it “Although they comprise only 12 come severe over time or it may we remodeled all the technical, is not unheard of to develop post- percent of the U.S. population, be linked to a larger personality industrial service buildings, but holiday letdown preceding January people age 65 and older accounted disorder. If you are in a critically there are still a lot of classes that 1. For those of us who battle with for 16 percent of suicide deaths depressed or in crisis, call a friend can use remodeling,” said Speece. depression in and out of the holi- in 2004.” -NIMH If you are older or a loved one to be around im Janell Mendoza, Acting day season, here are some tips to and struggle with depression try mediately and or call 911 and seek Vice President of Administrative help you cope and maybe conquer and remember that you are in emergency assistance.

Services, says most classrooms your struggle. your golden years, this is where are maintained equally. However, you can begin to enjoy life, if you certain areas of instruction such are younger keep in mind that Depression isn’t something new, as science labs, child developDo not feel alone, because you’ve got your life ahead of you. its been around as long as humans ment lab school, art and home you are not. According to the Regardless of age, you determine have. Don’t let yourself become economics require a higher degree World Health Organization, 121 your happiness. a victim to depression, especially of maintenance due to the type of million people worldwide suffer during the beautiful holiday sea- instruction that takes place in the from depression. And according son. For further information on room. to the National Institute of Mental depression and how to handle it go Speece explained that the mainThe holiday season is a time Health 18 million of these cases to; www.nih.gov search keyword tenance department receives refor joy and festivities.

Remember are happening in the United States. “depression”, www.twloha.com, quests for issues that need to be that although the holiday season or contact your doctor or a medi- addressed through a system known may be hard for you, Its genercal expert. as maintenance service request.

Just because a family mem- ally a time of good will, peace, The reporter can be reached at The office then prioritizes the and charity.

One of the best ways ber or friend is depressed, doesn’t dpicazo@therampageonline.com photo by

David Thammavongsa

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It’s also the season for depressionhow to guard against it T

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issues depending on the severity of the health and safety concerns.

“Student health and safety is the No.1 priority,” said Speece. «If it›s long term things that aren›t safety related, they fill out a maintenance service request and we prioritize them based on health and safety. If it›s something that creates an unsafe condition, we don›t even ask for paperwork.

We immediately follow up on the request.”

Darren Cousineau, director of Environmental Health and Safety, says there are less maintenance workers on campus than a year ago because of the tight budget but that all the high priority items are addressed.

“In particular, items that are deemed a health and safety issue receive top priority,” said Cousineau. “Some items that are desired by the campus are funded through the decision package, meaning there is a certain amount of money each campus gets to do projects based on how they prioritize the need for those projects.”

He adds that often times the reason some classrooms seem better equipped than others is because a particular division has made it a priority to make certain classes have certain features.

As for the chalk dust, Cousineau says it is not an occupational health and safety issue for employees.

“Chalk dust is calcium carbonated. It comes from limestone.

The levels at which the dust is generated in the classroom due to chalkboard use doesn’t pose a significant safety hazard,” said Cousineau. “It’s a nuisance, but dry eraser boards create dust as well. But I can understand from a teacher’s perspective why they might want a white board.”

Speece said the district is currently working on a facilities master plan. “We are working on each campus to prioritize projects,” he said.

According to the Fresno City College Accreditation Self Study, the planning and prioritization of new facilities are handled through the college’s Facilities Committee with direction from the Strategic Planning Council and the college president. The facilities committee recommendations are then forwarded to the SPC and submitted to the president for approval.

The accreditation self study adds that while this has happened with certain projects, the implementation needs to be more consistent.

“Due to the budget crisis, the district is not filling classified positions that were recently vacated due to retirement,” said Janell Mendoza. “However, we are able to submit documentation for justifying vacancies that are critical to the operation of the college.”

The reporter can be reached at tkassahun@therampageonline.com

4

November 16, 2011

News

Amber Olmo wants people to smile getting the help they need. “I love when I get to tutor someone that brings in an essay because I can “I love this school.” said Amhelp them,” said Olmo. ber Olmo. “Because it means Even though Olmo is confident so much for me to be here.” with her writing, she has an urge During the Fresno City College acto become a strong speaker. She creditation meeting, she heard a lot admits she isn’t a very good of negative things about the college’s t a l k e r, b u t budget and programs. As she sat in the wants to get meeting, contemplating what accrediher voice “I always feel like I have something to say” tation meant, a question arose within out there. “I her. “What do we do when we come to always feel -amber olmo like I have school?” She feels that the reason students go to class is to communicate with something teachers and students. She stood to make t o s a y, ” her voice heard at the meeting. “I’ve said Olmo, learned so much here,” said Olmo, “I with her grandmother she was writing began at a very young “But it’s hard for me to say it in just felt like they [the accreditation well provided for. However, while age. Throughout her life, Olmo words. When I write it I could just board] needed to hear something good.” with her father many nights, she has been an avid reader. This trig- go on and on.” Public speaking Amber Olmo, also known as Am- wasn’t sure where she was going gered her love of stories. “I picked is difficult for Olmo because it is ber Lynette, is a 19-year-old spunky to sleep. “Some nights where we up writing when I started reading,” “nerve wracking.” Her inspiration Fresno City College creative writ- stayed was cockroach motels,” said Olmo. She loves plotting are those people who can make a ing major who has an optimis- she said. “I couldn’t sleep at night plots and developing characters confident sounding speech without tic outlook on life. “Everybody because there were bugs every- for thriller stories. Olmo uses thinks I’m on drugs,” said Olmo, where.” her writing skills for creating “But I’m not. I’m just happy.”

Although she had an unstable stories, and is also an EngOlmo feels this way because she childhood, she still has hope and lish tutor at Roosevelt High is tired of all the negativity in the inspiration. She connects with the School. Olmo said that she world. “Everybody just dance!” strong women characters in the loves the way helping others she said. She hopes that her posi- books she reads and television makes her feel because they are

By Sasha Bell Rampage Reporter

tive ray of sunshine will brighten someone’s day.

Olmo has had her share of hardships throughout her life. She had an unstable childhood, switching guardianship between her grandmother and father. She acknowledges that while living

shows she watches. Many of her female characters in her creative fiction writing express the same strength. “I envision myself as being the strong warrior woman,” said Olmo. “Just hopefully with some better attributes.”

Her passion for creative

any script or any help. “I envy that.

I want to be that,” she said.

Olmo has big dreams for herself.

She believes nothing is going to get in her way. She plans to transfer to either University of California Berkeley, Santa Cruz or Los Angeles. Within the next few years she sees herself working towards her doctorate in either creative writing, English, arts or film. “Anything creative,” she said. Olmo also envisions herself living in a castle on the beach. She hopes to be working in a job where she gets along with her colleagues and working with students. “ I’m a dreamer,” says Olmo.

“In the end, I’m here. I’m going somewhere. I want to be somebody that encourages people that have a bad day to smile.”

The reporter can be reached at sbell@therampageonline.com

Tips For Finishing the Semester Strong

By Sasha Bell Rampage Reporter

I t’s crunch time again. Five more weeks of the fall semester remain. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Here are some tips to help you make it through the final weeks.

Rekindle your inspiration.

Find that sole motivator that sparked your interest and let it light a fire within you. Let it remind and drive you to do your best in your classes.

Ask for help.

If you feel like you are behind in your classes, do not hesitate to visit your teacher during his/her office hours. It is better to seek help earlier, rather than later. Teachers are more willing to help you while you still have time to make up the work.

Take advantage of on campus help.

The tutorial center (located next to the library) offers assistance in many subjects. It is free to enrolled students. It is on a drop-in basis with convenient hours. Tutors model how to become a successful student in college.

Form a study group.

Grab a couple classmates and form a study group. Studies have shown that being able to teach/ explain a subject shows that you fully understand it. By forming a group you can quiz each other. Also you get the chance to help someone grasp a concept they may be lost on. If you can’t get a group together, join up with one other to form a study buddy. Two minds are better than one.

Get a good night sleep.

It is very important to your health to get a solid eight hours worth of sleep a night. When you get the proper amount of sleep your brain Reminding yourself of why is able to function better, you feel you applied to college and are rested and have better chance of not spending your time taking classes getting sick. may motivate you. Pursing a college degree can be daunting, but if you Take some time to take it day-by-day, step-by-step, you relax. will be rewarded.

Find a few minutes every day to sit, close your eyes and take a few Don’t deep breaths. This will help you Procrastinate! de-stress and to re-center your body If you procrastinate on completed mentally and physically. your work, the more you get stressed. To prevent stress, make Limit the partying a schedule of what needs to get until after finals. done and make sure you stick to Try to focus all your energy on that schedule. “Don’t put off to these final few weeks. After you’ve tomorrow what you can do today”. completed your finals, go celebrate Stay healthy. The flu and cold and party (as long as you do it season is here. Many students have responsibly). already been affected by sickness Hopefully with these tips you this semester. Be sure to wash your will breeze through the rest of the hands, eat a balanced diet and,in exsemester. treme cases, wipe down your desks with a bacteria fighting solution.

photo by

Paul Schlesinger

Reflect on your short and long term goals.

Registration has returned to Fresno City College and brings characteristically long lines. Priority registration dates were Nov. 3-4 with continuing student registration from Nov. 7 to 21. New, returning and transfer student registration begins on Nov. 28.

The reporter can be reached at sbell@therampageonline.com

News

November 16, 2011

5

kirk takes charge of African American studies A

fter 40 years as African American Studies instructor at Fresno City College, Kehinde Solwazi was close to retirement.

At the same time, 20-year-old Karla Kirk was a returning student at FCC majoring in business. But Karla would soon take a class with Solwazi and her dream would be altered.

To this day, Kirk is not sure what exactly Solwazi saw in her, but he was convinced she was the best person to take up his position.

Somehow he knew business was the wrong path for her.

Kirk accepted Solwazi’s advice. Now here she is, half way through her first semester of teaching at FCC. But it was a path Kirk could have never imagined. Though her mother was a teacher, she fought the urge to go into teaching herself. She worried that her impatient nature would not allow her to be a good teacher.

Now, Kirk says the most difficult thing she has learned as a teacher so far hasn’t been in the teaching itself.

“The challenge is fulfilling all the other duties. This school promotes a high level of involvement with the faculty, which I love because I really want to be involved. Time management has been the biggest

challenge. I love teaching, that’s what I love to do,” said Kirk.

As an adjunct instructor at FCC, she had begun to hear about the challenge of looming budget cuts. “Because this is

karla kirk replaced kehinde solwazi who retired in may

my first year teaching, I don’t really have anything to compare it to. But I hear how the changes have been affecting my fellow

Veterans day Celebration Continued from page 16 memorial and make sure it looked nice and good,” said Roman. “We got a great staff of people that put a lot of time and effort into it, and it shows.”

Veteran Attendee Agustin Cano of the Army said, “I love it. I’ve been here for the last five years in a row. Every year is pretty good.” Cano went into service in 1967.

The ceremony site displayed a model of the Sea Wolf, a submarine with only three of its kind. They were built in 1989 and were expensive to build due to their combination of both stealth and combat capabilities. Every year, this model is brought by the submarine veterans.

Jim Van Vranken, one of the submarine veterans, served in the US Navy for eight years on four different submarines as an electrician. He has also attended every FCC Veterans Day ceremony for the past five years. “I make a special point to come here,” said Vranken.

The first time Van Vranken attended, the Submarine Veterans were being honored. At the time, he was commander and got to be the speaker.

As a part of the chaplain corps, the duties of this year’s speaker include providing religious services to people within his faith group, facilitating religious services for people of dif-

faculty members,” said Kirk.

“The caps on our classes are a constant source of frustration for the faculty. We really want to fill up our classes but that’s just not an option right now.”

ferent faith groups, providing care for those of all or no faith backgrounds, and advising the chain of command on the impact of religion on operations.

“Our main goal is to take care of the service members through spiritual and emotional support and to advise the military on how religion and religious activity effects what they do,” said DiPinto.

Lt. DiPinto, currently serving on the U.S.S. BonHomme Richard which is scheduled for a hull-swap to Japan, emphasized that his attendance as the speaker was not for himself or the ceremony, but for those who have served and continue to serve.

“Veterans day celebrations are probably one of the most important things that our country can do, because whether service members are actively engaged in the military, or whether they’re retired former service members, their experiences define who they are,” said Lt. DiPinto, “With all the different things going on in our country, with economic challenges and political challenges, if we don’t take time and remember what they’ve done and honor what they’ve done, those types of things can easily slip into the background.”

The reporter can be reached at averburg@therampageonline.com

2011.

photo by paul schlesinger

By Mia Barazza Martinez Rampage Reporter

Apart from that, Kirk is fully aware of the struggles Kehinde Solwazi and Chicano Latino Studies professor Arturo Am-

aro faced in the early years of their disciplines. Both Amaro and Solwazi faced hostility from fellow faculty members who felt that Ethnic Studies were not valid academic fields.

In 1969, Trustee Lynn B. Ford was quoted in the Rampage in response to the creation of the first African-American studies class as saying, “I don’t feel this type of thing is educational. The few that want this course can get it some place other than this institution.”

“I really have no experience with that kind of hostility. I’ve had nothing but tremendous support, from the department, from the dean, from the faculty,” said Kirk. “I came into a 40-year program. I feel like education as a whole has advanced a lot. Even with the budget cuts I feel that the program is safe because it is so popular with students.”

And in a time where states such as Arizona want to eliminate the study of ethnic studies, Kirk believes she has a responsibility to carry the program into the future.

“It is disheartening, this push to go back to the exclusion of everyone’s historical and social education. It is a blatant display of white supremacy. What I mean by white supremacy is the belief that European ideals are set as the best and preferable. All of our histories are essential because we have

all contributed to what really makes up America,” said Kirk.

Though California has made its reputation thanks to its diversity, Kirk says a lot of the issues that exist in Arizona exist in California because both states border Mexico.

“It is really an attack on the foundations of education. How can you be a proponent of education with this kind of legislation?” said Kirk. “It brings up the question of what is an immigrant and who is considered as having already been here.

And maybe people forget that this used to be part of Mexico.”

Even with all these issues however, Kirk still has a burning desire to teach.

She loves watching people learn and seeing that click going on in their heads. She doesn’t teach students what to think, but how to think.

“Even if African American Studies isn’t every student’s area of interest, what’s important is their interest in the learning process. That they enjoy interacting with the material,” said Kirk. “I am excited to be doing something positive for the community. I am from Fresno.

I grew up here. Now this is my adult effort to give back to my community. I’m happy to help educate.”

The reporter can be reached at mbarrazamartinez@therampageonline.com

Sleep can save your life

By Paulo Nino Rampage Reporter

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leep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Millions of people complain of not getting enough sleep and some even promote refraining from it as a means of having more time leftover to work.

In a society that promotes the consumption of coffee and energy drinks as a way to stay awake, it’s easy to lose focus on the importance of sleep. According to the NSF, adults need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep a night. The amount of sleep a person needs also increases if he or she has been deprived of it in previous days. Not getting enough sleep creates a “sleep debt,” which is similar to being overdrawn at a bank. Eventually, your body will demand that the debt be repaid.

The saying, “Sleep is the cousin of death” couldn’t be more wrong or detrimental to your health and mood. Lack of sleep can lead to memory problems, depression, a weakening of your immune system, increase your chance of becoming sick, and an increase in the perception of pain.

Chronic sleep loss can also put you at the risk of a stroke, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Here are five ways you can get more sleep and live a healthier life.

Turn Off Your Cell phone

There is nothing worse than lying in bed, trying to sleep, and receiving an interrupting phone call or text message. Even having your phone on vibrate can still be distracting. Save yourself the interruptions and turn off your phone.

Get Your Homework Finished Earlier

Everyone has those nights where they are forced to stay up really late to finish a homework assignment. However, procrastinating and putting off your homework until the wee hours can usually be avoided. Prioritize your work over hanging out with your friends and spending all day on social networks.

Refrain From Eating/Drinking Before Bedtime Since food usually gives you more energy, it’s common sense to not eat food right before sleep.

If you must eat, keep it small, and avoid high-fat foods, which take longer to digest. Also say no to stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, which can raise blood pressure and energy levels.

Take a Powernap If you are trying to catch up on sleep or are feeling extremely tired during the day, take a quick nap. 60 to 90 minutes of napping can play a key role in making new connections in the brain and solving creative problems. However, studies show that a nap as short as 20 minutes can be the difference needed to get through the day.

Get Yourself on a Schedule Humans are creatures of habit.

Changes in your sleep schedule will not only mess with your body’s sleeping patterns, but can also affect your personality and health. Try to decrease your brain activity before bed by writing down your thoughts in a journal or reading a book.

The reporter can be reached at pnino@therampageonline.com

November 16, 2011

6

News

mendoza loves working with people

By Pabel Lopez Rampage Reporter

photo by

David Thammavongsa

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s a 38-year-old re-entry student at Reedley College, Janell Mendoza struggled to adapt to being a student. Many nights she juggled homework and parenting.

With her responsibilities so overwhelming, Mendoza doubted if she would ever make it. Through sheer determination, however, Mendoza would persevere and graduate at the top of her class.

Now Mendoza is the acting Vice President of Administrative Services at Fresno City College, taking over for Michael Guerra who resigned in October. She comes with the experience of administration from her previous job at the Madera Center.

“In my position at the North Center, I addressed the same issues on a smaller scope, so I had a pretty good idea what the job entailed,” Mendoza says. “It has been a learning experience coming from the smaller campus to the larger campus.”

Since she was a little girl, Mendoza always knew she wanted to work in a position

Janell Mendoza, interim V.P of admin services, has been with SCCCD for 23 years, serving mostly at the north centers.

where she helps people. “I always wanted to work with others but didn’t necessarily want to be a teacher,” she said.

Born in the Belmont and Chestnut area of Southeast Fresno, Mendoza is the

daughter of first-generation Czech immigrants. She is part of a blended family with eight siblings in all. “My childhood was very stable. My father was a very hard worker and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. That

and re-entry student,” said Mendoza. “One of the lessons I learned during college was that hard work pays off and not to give up. There were many times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it through.”

morning.

In her new job, she noticed the contrast to her old campus immediately. She says, “It’s been a learning experience and very interesting to see the differences between working

“I always wanted to work with others but didn’t necessarily want to be a teacher.”

was traditional then,” she said.

She attended St. Helen’s elementary School and San Joaquin Memorial also in southeast Fresno.

“After I graduated high school, I got a job, and my father’s advice was to find a nice guy and get married,” said Mendoza.

In 1988, she enrolled at Reedley College as a liberal studies major while raising a family.

“I have a lot of empathy and understandings with what many students go through because I was a single parent

A semester after she began attending college at Reedley, she was hired full time at the Madera Center as a full time employee. She learned a lot about the State Center Community College District itself, student services, and in general how to help students.

Mendoza had to learn a variety of skills to accommodate the different subjects students would ask her about. Students would ultimately see a counselor, but Mendoza would help in any way she could.

During her time at Reedley, she worked with many other students mostly in study groups. “I was definitely a fish out of water surrounded by all these really young people,” she says. “When you are wearing your work clothes and all of the students are in their jeans and T-shirts; you definitely stand out.” One of the reasons Mendoza initially chose to work with the district was that the schedule would allow her to work and go to school. In her job at the North Centers, she was able to attend school in the afternoon and work in the

on a smaller campus and a larger campus.” She has also noticed how busy this campus is. “This campus is very busy.

The pace is very fast,” she says.

Mendoza has also noticed that her job has become more challenging with budget cuts.

“We’re trying to provide the services for students and maintain what they need to succeed in all aspects of their education and it is a challenge with this reduced funding,” she said. During these hard times, Mendoza stays optimistic about the financial situation. “My glass is always half full; I tend to be positive about things,” she says. “I love working with people. I like being around them. I’m kind of shy, but I enjoy working with people.”

Aside from meetings and committees, Mendoza doesn’t usually get to interact with as many students like when she worked at the North Center, but she still likes being around them when she can. She said, “I take the time to say hello and how is it going when I can.”

The reporter can be reached at plopez@therampageonline.com

Entertainment

Phillip’s Korner How to not win a Darwin Award

By Phillip Romar

Rampage Reporter Guys please keep in mind that your life is very important, not only to yourself but us too. But if you want to throw it away, go ahead and do that. But if you love your life, THEN THREAT YOURSELF LIKE YOU DO LOVE YOUR LIFE!!! Every day I see people doing things that can easily get them killed and most people don’t even know it. Not too recently, I lost a few loved ones because of most of these things.

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STOP TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, GOD-DANGGIT!!! If your friend is driving and texting and if you’re in the car with them you immediately have the right according to the fake Bill-Of-Rights, to legally break their fingers off!! It’s either their fingers, or both of your lives, take your pick. (But if you break their fingers, how are they going to drive?)

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7 2 9

If you’re a drinker BE CAREJaywalking is the fastest FUL!!! Hangover 1 and 2 is way to get across the street funny but that stuff exactly but 7use the cross walk. does happen in reality. You You’d be surprised how honestly want to be chased down many people get killed from not

by Mike Tyson, or find a tiger in using the crosswalk. your bathroom?

If you’re taking pills and If you can’t sleep, go see if the bottle reads “Take a doctor. Don’t just take 46 pills” READ IT AGAIN!!! sleeping pills without askIt’s more than likely that ing your doctor. Someit says four to six pills. times it’ll work, but you won’t Don’t bring your radio to always wake up. the bathroom. As a matter of fact keep your radio a I understand, everybody million miles away from loves food, BUT DO NOT STUFF YOURSELF!!! Not only your bathroom. My friend, whose will you get fat or fatter, name is Don’t Trip, needs to listen you can die by over eating!!! to music whenever he’s taking a Keep this in mind when your bath and he always brings the momma puts a plate of Jambalaya, radio with him in the bathtub.

Cornbread, Red Beans and Rice, Just because water can contain Ribs, Ham, Turkey, Green Beans, electricity, doesn’t mean you Shrimp, and stuff in front of you want to be in between that combination. on Thanksgiving.

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Sometimes disagreeing with a girl can get you killed.

There are some girls out there that bend reality. If they say 2 + 2 = 73, just go with it.

PUT ON YOUR FREAKIN SEATBELT!!!

If the floor is slippery, then don’t walk on it. Go around. Even if your class is just right there. Go around or you’ll be in for the fastest slip-in-slide ever.

The reporter can be reached at promar@therampageonline.com

The D-pad November 16, 2011

By Austin Verburg Rampage Reporter November 11 was a day of many wishes, especially at 11:11 a.m., making it 10 ones in a row.

But if there were any wishes that were granted that day, I’m positive they all had to do with the release of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”.

Skyrim was announced last year at the Spike TV 2010 Video Game Awards, and the Internet exploded! And since then, the anticipation only built up until its release last Friday.

Personally, I’ve always had this rule with Bethesda games. I always like to wait a year, because they usually do a re-release with all the extra content. I did this with both “Elder Scrolls 4” and “Fallout 3”, and plan to do it with “Fallout: New Vegas” (though technically, New Vegas was a game created by Obsidian Entertainment, using assets created by Bethesda to create the game). It was only natural that I’d plan to do that with Skyrim!

However, I couldn’t help but visit with a close friend who bought it on Friday just to see what Skyrim was all about. That was all I needed to change my mind.

Like the other Elder Scrolls games, you start off in custody.

You and other criminals, all cap-

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tured rebels fighting against the empire, are being taken to be executed. Your character’s back story is that he was caught illegally crossing the border into the kingdom of Skyrim. Just as you’re character is about to be executed, a dragon attacks, turning everything around you into mayhem.

At this point, as everyone is attempting to survive the attack, you get to choose: hide with the rebels or hide with the empire.

Either decision obviously decides what kind of quests you can get, and might not be able to do. If you hang out with rebels, obviously the imperials might not take too kindly to you.

But that’s only the beginning.

We never even got around to going any further with the main quest.

Epic side quests ended up taking our attention, meeting new characters and engaging in new situations of the Elder Scrolls universe.

This game is what roll playing gamers have truly been waiting on.

If you love to immerse yourself with the fictional world that video games can offer, then this is the one to do it.

The reporter can be reached at averburg@therampageonline.com

Clone Wars: Movie Remakes Vs OrigiNals

By Daniel Engelhaupt Rampage Reporter It seems as though in recent years the movie industry has been taking films of old and giving them an update. Last month there was a remake of the 1984 classic “Footloose” and the 1982 John Carpenter film “The Thing.” Last year a remake of the Coen Brothers released their remake of the John Wayne classic “True Grit” and in the next few years there will be a remake of “Dirty Dancing.”

One thing about remakes is that you need to take the original mate-

rial and spin it in a way to make it completely different. Take for example the 1986 remake of the 50s horror movie classic “The Fly”, starring Jeff Goldblum. Both movies are completely different from each other. In the original version of “The Fly”, the scientist is trying to find a way to reverse the process of how he became part fly. In the remake, the scientist first finds a way to try and reverse it, but then embraces his “gift.”

Even how the scientists look are

completely different. The only similarities are the main character names and the reason why the scientist was changed into a fly.

The rest is completely different.

The same goes for other remakes like the Eddie Murphy remake of “The Nutty Professor.” The only thing that is even remotely similar is that the professors in each film create a formula to change their appearance.

Even to a certain extent, the 2010 remake of “The Karate Kid”

has differences, being it’s set in China as opposed to California.

Also, The “kid” is actually a kid, as opposed to being a teenager, and the wise old Martial arts master has an even darker secret than Mr. Myagi in the original. Everything else is quite similar but with a different spin on the original story.

The point is that despite our love of movies that we have grown up with, a good majority will end up being remade. It’s inevitable but it’s up to viewers to decide whether

to pay the extra money to see a film that is basically the same thing as the original, just with different actors, like Footloose. Or see an excellent movie that resembles the original from a distance but is completely different up close.

The reporter can be reached at dengelhaupt@therampageonline.com

November 16, 2011

8

Entertainment

By Kaitlin Regan Rampage Reporter ans may rejoice as the world of Alagaësia erupts in the final installment of Christopher Paolini’s “Inheritance” series.

The fourth and final chapter of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales’ journey flows across the pages of “Inheritance” in an enchantingly seductive lure to fantasy lovers of all backgrounds.

Paolini’s apt imagination becomes a conduit of otherworldly fantasy to fans and readers across the world. The way his characters mature into their own while remaining true to their own constitutions will leave readers inspired to take on a fantasy world of their own.

Eragon’s journey to conquering the Empire with the Varden has become even less predictable

Random House, Inc

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and even more trying than his adventures in “Brisngr”, “Eldest” and the first book, “Eragon”. He and Saphira have fought numerous battles since the infancy of their partnership in “Eragon” and “Inheritance” proves to be a true test of their power, skill and sheer will to succeed.

“Inheritance” begins with a recap of its predecessors and reminds readers of what trials and tribulations the saviors of Alagaësia have had to endure. The book begins with a somewhat rocky start as it seems that Paolini is eager to bombard the reader with the story. Though it was rushed, the desired effect was achieved. I could not put the book down.

My eyes swept over the lines of each page as if I were in the book myself. The story reached into my mind and grabbed a firm hold before there was anything to be done about it. With Paolini’s brisk

writing style, my memories, interpretations and very understanding of the lives of Eragon, Saphira and their friends, were assaulted with a new desire for the triumph of good over tyranny.

In “Inheritance” the readers travel closer to the keep of the wretched Galbatorix while the heroes become weary of their journey. Wills begin to break and strengths are tested in the cruelest manners imaginable to bring Eragon, Saphira and the Varden to the very brink of annihilation. The words cannot register fast enough for my literary appetite to be sated.

Paolini has delivered another literary triumph for his readers to celebrate. With an enchanting storyline, relatable characters and a unique zest for fantasy, he brings his readers to the edge of their seats. Readers will be zealously flipping each page with the aim of getting closer to the reveal of the fate of Alagaësia and its mesmerThe reporter can be reached at kregan@therampageonline.com

By Nathan Alonzo Rampage Reporter

L eonar-

do DiCaprio returns to the big screen in yet another role that is getting him closer to Hollywood sanctity. It was apparent that he never shies away from a challenge when he played Howard Hughes in “The Aviator”, and Frank Abagnale Jr. in “Catch Me if you Can.” This time he takes on another challenge as he plays the iconic former director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover.

The movie centers around Hoover’s life from the time right before he was appointed as head of the FBI in his twenties, through his death as the long-time leader of what beBy Pabel Lopez Rampage Reporter .E.M., the Georgia band who were a main part of the 80s and 90s college rock movement with their jangly guitar rock announced their break up on Sept. 21 2011.

After more than 22 years of making music the band quietly announced that they would be breaking up.

“Part lies, Part He a rt, Part Tr u t h , Part Garbage” is a career spanning compilation of their songs. It shows how with time and age the music kept similar dynamics with a few significant Warner Bro. Records

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came one of the most feared departments in all of government.

Sometimes hidden beneath the obvious layers of makeup and latex, DiCaprio still manages to portray the man he is playing as one that presidents and many other people feared.

The supporting cast and main characters in the film are Hoover’s autocratic and high-class mother Mrs. Anne Hoover (Judi Dench), Hoover’s secretary Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts), and FBI Associate Director Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer).

The film touches on the events that happened during changes. Beginning with the first song, the band recorded “Gardening at night”, the basic template of their music is established. Some major parts that have always been present include acoustic guitars, steady bass lines, understated drumming and singer Michael

the time that Hoover was the director of the FBI and how his personality helped shape the way in which the agency conducted its business. Details are shown as to how it was Hoover’s influence that helped inspire the creation of forensic files which are now in use in departments all over the country.

The overall setting and screenplay were of exceptional quality, which is no surprise whenever a film is directed by Clint Eastwood.

Overall Grade: A The reporter can be reached at nalonzo@therampageonline.com

most recognizable songs such as “Stand“, “Losing My Religion” “The One That I Love“, and “It’s the End of the Wo r l d as We

Stipe’s graceful melodies.

This set covers the band’s Know It.” In this way, it is exactly like the other greatest hits compilations the band has released. The quality song writing is useful to demonstrate

why this band has stood the test of time but you could easily get the same from a single CD version.

What sets this set apart from the other compilations is the inclusion of unreleased songs and songs from their newer discs such as “Accelerate” and “Collapse into Now”, which didn’t receive a s much r a dio play as the band’s mid-nineties records.

The tracks chosen reflect the band’s growth from 1982 to 2011.

The band experiments with different sounds without abandoning their basic rock ‘n’ roll. Tempos vary throughout the set and different instruments are used such as the mandolin on “Losing My Religion“, the piano on “Night

Swimming”, and the synthesizer on “Uberlin.” Bassist Mike Mills’ background vocals have always been mentioned as a unique part of the R.E.M. sound and they are showcased on this compilation especially on songs such as “Man on the Moon“, “Bad Day” and “Whats the frequency Kenneth?”.

The unreleased tracks don’t veer far from the basic template that the band used their whole career. “A Month of Saturdays” sounds like a robotic version of the rest of the songs on the set. While “We Go Back to Where We Belong” adds soft horns to the R.E.M. sound making a nice jangly bossa nova sound.

This set seems to work best for a fan who already knows the bands radio hits and is interested in finding deeper cuts from the band. It is a good set to hold people over as most bands from the era seem to do.

The reporter can be reached at plopez@therampageonline.com

Entertainment

November 16, 2011

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By Alexis Abrahamson Rampage Reporter For most of us that live in Fresno, when asked the question “What do you want to do tonight?” The answers are usually limited to going to the mall, movies, or maybe Boomers if there are kids in the picture.

Thankfully for us, Fresno now has a brand new form of entertainment known as Skywalk.

This trampoline arena sets the bar high for having an entertaining day. Instead of sitting on your butt at the movies, or spending your paycheck on things you bought when you were bored, come to skywalk and get your heart racing with excitement.

Tom Scott, a business major at Fresno State said “This place is a lot of fun, you don’t even realize you are exercising since you’re having such a good time, so much better that just going out to eat or watching T.V.” Skywalk in an innovative arena, that is surrounded wall to wall in large trampolines as well as cushions in between so you can’t hurt yourself. The arena itself is probably the size of a large house with vaulted ceilings that will make sure you don’t bump your head into the roof. There looks like at least 20 trampolines back to back when you first

walk into the jumping area. It is intimidating at first because there is so much space to jump. Once you get the hang of it, all you want to do is try and get higher or jump across each trampoline as fast as you can. Above the wall there is a basketball hoop that has trampolines going up the wall, letting you make a slam dunk while jumping with the ball. The hoop makes a fun game with people you meet there, or with the friends that you bring.

Towards the very back of the arena you are able to see three lighter colored trampolines that lead you to a vast oasis of black squared foam. This is what you may call, “The foam pit.” But don’t let that cushiony fall deceive you. This pit reminds you of quick sand if anything. You are supposed to start at the end of the trampoline and jump as high as you can into the foam. It is a soft landing, but the getting out part is the trouble. Don’t even bother wearing socks because on the way out you will be sockless.

Swimming through the huge foam is a lot harder than it looks.

Totally worth it though once you finally find a way out.

To the left of the foam pit is the “Dodge Ball” area, which has nets surrounding the section off so that the balls don’t get loose through the rest of

the arena. This section is pretty decently sized allowing you to freely jump around and practice your dodging skills. If you are a parent that worries about older kids jumping around the little ones, there are always employees walking around watching everyone in action.

This place will make you have so much fun that you don’t e v e n realize t h a t y o u have been

jumping for the past hour. There is music that plays non-stop, which allows you to dance and jump along to the music. If you look above, there are multiple colored lights above everyone for when the lights get turned off. The minute that the switch gets flipped, the

lights s w i r l co l o r s all around you causing everyone to cheer and jump their hearts out.

It seems to be a lot more fun w i t h the lights off, since it adds a surreal feel to the ambiance of the arena.

All in all Skywalk is definitely one of the most fun and affordable places to go in Fresno. Once you go, there is no doubt you will be there again. It’s one of the

few places where kids and adults can equally enjoy themselves. They are able to provide areas for Birthday parties or even just a big group of people.

If you aren’t worried about a bedtime, Skywalk is open late too.

It’s open Monday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

So the next time you and some friends are contemplating what there is to do, make sure Skywalk comes to mind. It is an amazing place that makes sure that you are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face, along with some sweat.

Skywalk is less than 10 minutes away from Riverpark too!

They provide easy directions once you call them at 559-3262022<tel:559-326-2022>. If you are an adult wanting to jump with some friends, make sure to give them a call so that you can make sure they don’t have a party booked for the younger crowed. It is always better to jump with people your own size.

There address is 10432 Highway 41, Fresno/Madera 93636.

The reporter can be reached at aabrahamson@therampageonline.com

Photo by Paul Schelsinger

Getting high at Skywalk Trampoline Arena

November 16, 2011

10

Entertainment

Make the best of the “Happy Hour” in Fresno

By Alexis Abrahamson Rampage Reporter

The holidays are almost here. It’s a season for parties, reunions or just to catch up with your friends attending out-of-town colleges.

Below are some “happy Hour” places that you might want to get together with friends.

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The Landmark If you are a Tower local that loves jazz, you may have heard of the bar and restaurant called The Landmark. It has a very eclectic feel to it, with dark rooms and elongated bar, The Landmark makes you feel as if you’re back back in the 50s. The food is amazing, ranging from shrimp linguini to escargot.

At The Landmark you are guaranteed to find something that will make your stomach happy. The drink specials are perfect; the most popular beer seems to be Stella. Most locals are seen ordering this

classic beer, but if you like well drinks better they have a special for $3.50 as well as domestic beers for the same price. What sets this place apart from anywhere else is the music. Every Tuesday through Saturday they have Jazz bands such as “Espacio,” and “Three bags full,” who will provide your ears with some Jazz goodness. On Tuesdays they have “open mic night,” so you can show off your singing skills for the Tower scene.

There is also the “Fresno pub quiz” every Wednesday at 7 p.m. where you can meet some locals, make new friends, and laugh the night away. The next time you are trying to find a place that is different, try the Landmark.

644 E. Olive Ave (Tower District) 559-233-6505 Happy Hour Mon-Friday 4:30-6:30

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Sequoia Brewing Company Sequoia Brewing Co. is the central valley’s number one Micro Brewery. With two locations in Fresno, Sequoia Brewing is the supreme location for a locally brewed beer. During happy hour every beer on tap is only $3, and it is served in a tall 16-ounce glass. If you get hungry their appetizers will do just the trick; choices include their famous sweet potato fries, but if you’re looking for something spicy, you can order chips and salsa for a mere $2. Sequoia Brewing is a great place to take your family and friends.

The cabin-like appeal creates a very comfortable atmosphere, a nice spot to watch a sports game or chat with family over dinner. Live music is performed at both locations every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Everything from Jazz to your favorite classic and alternative rock tunes are featured.

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter, come into Sequoia where every body knows your name and you will be glad you came.

Tower District 777 E. Olive Ave. a North Fresno 1188 E. Champlain.

Happy hour is Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Casa Corona This Mexican restaurant not only has mouth-watering food, but an amazing happy hour.

Casa Corona has a very laid back atmosphere included with a medium-sized bar

tucked in the corner of the restaurant, a great place to sit and gossip with friends.

What sets this bar and restaurant apart from any other place is that the food and drinks are equally affordable. You are able to get $2 off any appetizer, such as their amazing nachos, shrimp and black bean flautas! If you are in a drinking mood, they have $3 margaritas, which are the best in town. However, the beer specials are the best priced with domestic beer for only $2. So if you’re the type that loves spicy food and well priced drinks, Casa Corona is always the best choice.

7044 N Cedar Ave 559-323-7409 Happy Hour: Mon-Friday 3:00 -6:00 p.m.

8:00 -10:30 p.m.

Sat-Sunday 2:00-5:00 p.m.

“Drunken City” to Debut in FCC Theater “The Drunken City,” directed by theater instructor Chuck Erven, will open in the Fresno City College Theatre from Dec, 1 to 19. Written by Canadian playwright, Adam Bock, the play was first produced in New York City in 2008.

The student actors include: Jochebed “Jo” Smith as Linda; Benjamin McNamara as Eddie; Bridget Manders as Marnie; Giovanni Navarro as Bob; Jono Cota as Frank; and Lena Aguilan as Melissa. Andrea Reyes is an understudy for the character of Melissa.

Of his cast members, Erven said, “I love working with these students.

They’re wonderful actors and we’re fortunate to have them here.”

Photo by Paul Schelsinger

Clockwise from Top right: Jochebed “Jo” Smith (Linda) watches in disgust while Lena Aguilan (Melissa) is held onto by Benjamin McNamara (Eddie) while practicing scene 3. (Bottom Right) Aguilan (Melissa) prepares for a scene by jumping onto Jono Cota’s (Frank) back. (Bottom Left) Bridget Manders (center) plays the main character called Marnie while Aguilan (left) and (right) Smith are co-stars. Smith (Linda) channels her inner drunkiness during practice.

Views

November 16, 2011

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Is Black Friday Worth participating in?

By Jesse Franz Rampage Reporter

Pro

Thanksgiving has become a cultural

landmark in this country, one of the few truly American holidays. Subsequently, we spend this day in appreciation of everything that makes us American: foot-

other about who gets to use the bathroom first, but by 6 a.m. at the mall, Starbucks in hand, laughing with each other. I try to think back to the times that my family and I had those bonding moments, and I can tell you right now that they never happened over Thanksgiving, or any other “normal” holiday. They happened when were doing something completely and undoubtedly irrational with each other, like going to Target before the sun came out to get a Panini press for $3.99. And in the end isn’t that what the holidays are suppose to be about, growing closer with your family?

Black Friday has accrued a stigma that it’s people spending money they don’t have for things they don’t need. And in a way that’s right. That’s not to say that it’s a waste of money though. No more than

H

ere we go again. It’s that time of the year where we engulf grandma’s mash potatoes as quickly as possible before a camping trip to the mall. God forbid, one arrives a minute after 11 p.m. and the deal of the century will be handed to a loyal shopper who was willing to skip the turkey to arrive on time.

Sure New Year’s Eve is still more than a month away, but this particular day may be even bigger than that. Because this is Black Friday Eve. On this night, there is no half naked Jennifer Lopez to help us count down.

By Tomas Kassahun Rampage Reporter

Con

When that issue is resolved, the tummy

“Ultimately, it’s about the amount of money we spend on each other and not about the time we spend together.”

- Tomas Kassahun

“Black Friday is a bonding event like any other, and to say differently is to be blinded by your own traditional views and pomposity.”

ball, obesity, and wondering why contact with your family can’t be relegated to the Christmas cards which are surely going to flood your mailbox during the next month.

In recent years, another tradition has come to play a part in our national celebration: Black Friday. Whether you see it as a corporate created, profit driven celebration of everything wrong with modern America, or as the perfect time to get that new computer you’ve been wanting for $14, the truth is that Black Friday has become an American hallmark, and something that’s here to stay.

We can’t simply demonize it or call it frivolity, nor chastise it for interfering with one’s turkey dinner, because to some, it’s become just as much of a holiday and family event than sitting around trying to eat your grandmother’s fruit cake as Aaron Rodgers throws another touchdown pass.

How can we say that those who choose to celebrate Black Friday are wrong simply because they choose to celebrate their four day weekend in a way that hasn’t socially become accepted yet?

In truth, are the other holidays we celebrate as a nation any less peculiar? Easter is a day celebrating what most sci-fi fans today would call a zombie apocalypse, and a rabbit laying multi-color eggs saying, “Hey kids, come eat this.” Halloween is a day where people take on dual identities, and ask strangers for candy. And last, but

Illustrations by Austin Verburg

- Jesse Franz

spending a grand on Disney Land tickets,

“We can’t simply demonize it calling frivolity, nor chastize it for interfering with one’s turkey dinner, because to some, it’s become just as much of a holiday and family event as sitting around trying to eat your grandmother’s fruit cake...”

- Jesse Franz by far, not the least, Christmas, the most sacred American holiday, celebrates greedy children, deforestation, and feeding into a kind old man’s obesity.

However, ignoring the irrationality of their own accepted holidays, people are quick to refute Black Friday as a corporate gimmick. Needless to say, I see it differently. I see a father and son sitting in front of Best Buy waiting for the doors to open for 12 hours and I wonder about all the stories that that kid was told and how much closer his father now feels to him. I see a family of four getting up at 5 a.m. yelling at each

Nevertheless, the countdown is on. When the clock strikes midnight, the rampage officially begins. Soon the doors part and these desperate souls go flying in. Delusion

has them convinced they are stretching their hard earned dollar. Yet their wallets cry for mercy. Like a hungry lion, the cash registers gladly open up and take all they can get.

As dawn arrives, the madness has yet to reach its peak.

grumbles. Conveniently, a food court just happens to be nearby. More importantly, those $10 dad just saved on his brand new coat, really come in handy at this junction.

And in case $10 isn’t enough for dad and the family, why not add a few more dollars and satisfy the whole family. Hopefully whatever is left will be enough for gas since there are still many stores in town that have yet to be visited.

As lunch comes to a conclusion, it turns out that still not all problems have been solved. At this point, there is a clear demand to visit jolly old St. Nick. Dad being the good father he is doesn’t want to disappoint his children or Santa, who has made the long trip from the North Pole.

In fact dad is so kind, he stands in line for hours with a painted smile, just so his children can sit on the lap of a man who is only trying to make a living.

But as it turns out, dad isn’t the only poor soul during this so called greatest day of shopping. Teenagers too are troubled on this day as they fight through the chaos of the mall and often cross paths with their ex-sweetheart or worse their teacher, who is all of a sudden wearing a muscle T-shirt with beach shorts.

In this age of the internet, it seems logically for people to avoid all this chaos and shop from their recliner. Yet people insist on taking part in the madness. Of course some call it a tradition. But if this is what we call a tradition, maybe we have some explaining to do.

At some point in history, I’m sure it was a privilege to give and receive a gift. Today it’s an obligation. It’s as if the constitution requires Americans to participate in the lunacy of Black Friday. And people who are not willing to sacrifice their time or dignity are deemed a Scrooge.

We can no longer turn on the TV with out

“Like a hungry lion, the cash registers open up and take all they can get.”

- Tomas Kassahun

or a Broadway play, or a baseball game.

Black Friday is a bonding event like any other, and to say differently is to be blinded by your own traditional views and pomposity. Although I no longer live with my parents, and my childhood is but pictures in a scrapbook, I’ll always have those memories of groggy Friday mornings with a bad turkey hangover, sipping on coffee with the ones I love most.

The reporter can be reached at JFranz@therampageonline.com

Still the dazed look on the faces of innocent children is quite evident. Many of them hold on to their mothers like a monkey holding on to its banana. Some are even trampled as the race for the Toshiba heats up. Before long, the weeping begins and the toilet calls. Now it’s a mad scramble through the crowd before an accident occurs and the pants become drenched.

being reminded that kiss is spelled with a “k.” After watching these advertisements a few thousand times, we’re supposed to rush outside and join the crowd. Otherwise, our duties as a loyal partner are unfulfilled.

Ultimately, it’s about the amount of money we spend on each other and not about the time we spend together.

The reporter can be reached at TKassahun@therampageonline.com

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Views

November 16, 2011

Students Must Take Charge of Their Own Future

By Mia Barraza Martinez Rampage Reporter

T

oday’s student is facing desperate times.

Class offerings are cut down drastically; part-time professors are being laid off; fees are rising and counselors’ hours are shortening.

Many students depend on the night classes offered, but the library closes at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is closed on weekends.

Our full-time professors are asked to bear the weight of overcrowded classrooms while simultaneously turning away hundreds of students due to strict caps.

Students cannot sit and wait for their rights to be handed to them.

Like students in past generations, we must let those in charge know what we can and cannot tolerate.

It was the G.I. Bill of the late 1940s and the Master Plan of California in 1960 that really brought forth the public funding for higher education. Veterans were coming home to high unemployment, and the society needed to find a place to put them.

So what did the state decide to do? Pay for their education, housing, and books. The restructuring of the UC, CSU, and community college systems meant that men largely from working-class families, including men of color (and mostly men), who may not have had the opportunity to access these educational institutions, began to move up in academia.

In the 1960s, nontraditional students, including women, gained access to institutions of higher learning through the free tuition of community colleges and began to make demands that were not unheard of but not popular with the older, repressed, and conservative generations that were accustomed to an institutionally racist and sexist system of education.

It was this new college population that helped fuel the social movements that have become immortalized in the collective memory of this country: the Free Speech Movement, the anti-war movement, women’s and gay rights movements, the civil rights movement, and the fight for Ethnic Studies and a call for a more equal representation of minorities and

their history in higher education.

All the while, the rest of the world was up in arms against the powers of imperialism through independent, democratic revolutions and uprisings. The same global movements can be seen today in the Arab Spring, the anti-austerity movements in Europe, and Chile’s student movement for a fullyfunded public education system.

Despite the gains made 50 years ago, so many of the same struggles are still present today. The priorities of today’s society seem, at the moment, to be either one of two things: basic survival on one hand and massive private profits of impossibly powerful corporations on the other. Students fall under the first distinction. Close to 70 percent of FCC students are eligible for financial aid. Despite this monetary award to help with the expenses of being a student, most students have more than one job or are struggling to find a job in a jobless economy.

Even the rhetoric is beginning to change. Last semester, at a Board of Trustee meeting attended by two dozen FCC students and faculty, Trustee Patrick Paterson

clearly stated, “Open access is out the door.” Paterson was the only member of the Board willing to be honest about the fact that the community college was no longer going to serve the community and put students first.

The community college was, for the first time, going to begin closing its doors to many students as fees increase and class offerings become less and less. Remember that line of students standing against the wall of your English class trying desperately to add it?

Those lines are only going to get longer.

The State Center Community College District is holding on to $41 million in reserves, up from $34 million last year. The CSU Board of Trustees voted to raise the salary cap of CSU executives to $350,000 at the same meeting they voted to increase student tuition by 12 percent. In a few years, the UC undergraduate tuition could jump 16 percent annually, to more than $22,000 if state funding does not increase. This year, UC tuition is up to $12,182, not including housing or campus fees.

Public education is now drasti-

The reporter can be reached at MBarrazaMartinez@therampageonline.com

time frame.

This leaves the already homeless without anywhere else to go.

Their possessions were ransacked as they watched their homes being destroyed. It is times like these where the public loses faith in the system.

Those shelters were the last places available for homeless

people and now they really are left on the street. The City of Fresno is supposedly giving them time to “move out” but where exactly can they go?

There are no options being given and no outside resources being pulled to help them find new places to live. These are human beings that we are talking

about. They deserve to have a safe, warm and sheltered place to lay their heads at night no matter their circumstances.

The fact that they are homeless inspires a sense superiority in those with homes. What needs to be realized is the sobering fact that we are all just one paycheck away from being in that same position.

All it takes is one disaster or one slight mistake and all of the comforts and amenities that we have will be torn from underneath us.

There are veterans that are homeless. This is deeply troubling. Those who fought for our country are not taken care of. The thanks that they receive for their sacrifice is a few coins handed to them at an intersection. At what point does a society need to say that enough is enough?

Everyone has a story and everyone has a reason for where they are at in their life. There was a man on a street corner a few years ago that I sat down and

life throws them is more than the comfortable people of this society can possibly understand.

Having the last shreds of their dignity stripped from them by having their shelters destroyed for aesthetic purposes are not only wrong but also it is a gross violation of basic humanity. The cruelty and apathy generated towards the homeless population is a disgusting display of an unimaginable superiority complex.

Not only should the homeless be given a place to go but they should also get a public apology from the City of Fresno for the tribulations that they have endured. I would like to ask members of the City of Fresno to imagine their homes being destroyed and the effect leaving them on the street. It would then be a priority to find them a new place to live or compensate them for their troubles.

The homeless population does not have that option. They do not

cally standardized and professors are dealing with incoming students that have not been asked to be critical, creative, or analytical in their K-12 education. But they can fill in bubbles on a test marvelously.

The student is understandably left with a “get in, get out” mentality. This makes it nearly impossible to create an atmosphere on the campus of intellectual activity. Few are the lectures, cultural, and other intellectually enriching activities traditionally associated with a California college campus.

The difference between students today and the students of the 1950s to early 70s is that they made demands of their society. No matter how outlandish, radical, or “un-American” they sounded to conservative ears, they made themselves heard.

There are big questions about the role that we as students have to play in all of this. It is time these questions are asked. As students we must think critically of the answers we are given, and we must begin to get together to discuss what our own answers will be.

Homeless Are Forced Out of Their Shelters

I

By Kaitlin Regan Rampage Reporter

n a proposed two-week campaign, the City of Fresno is destroying all of the homeless encampments in Fresno. The destruction of the shelters on G Street took place during the first week of the proposed two-week

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“The cruelty and apathy generated towards the homesless population is a disgusting display of an unimaginable superiority complex.”

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talked to. This man was a college graduate and he was living on the street. His wife had died in a car accident with his son and he could not go on.

This man was just that a man.

Society deems the homeless to be lesser mammals because of their unfortunate stations in life.

A shocking aspect though, is the notion that they may be superior to society. Having the strength to soldier on through the curves that

have family that they can stay with nor do they have the ability to just go and find an apartment. The City needs to realize that what they have taken every last thing away from the homeless community.

They have nothing left to give yet they stay humble and resigned.

How much more of them can be eroded away before action is taken to stand up for humanity?

The reporter can be reached at KRegan@therampageonline.com

Views

By Kaitlin Regan Rampage Reporter

November 16, 2011

Campus Voices

13

By David Thammavongsa Rampage Photographer

What is Your Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition?

Demiree Garcia, Pre-Physical Therapy “Eating, reminiscing on past Thanksgivings, watching football and then playing football afterwards.”

Kaylup Johnson, Computer Technology “It would have to be getting stuffed and then watching the football game.”

Tanya Moazamipour, Engineering “We just try to get whatever family is in town together for some dinner and just cook together the night before, so we can do fun stuff the next day.”

Claudia Carbajol, Creative Writing “To have my mom cook tamales and have the whole family come over.”

Wallace Whipps, Counseling “Family, it’s all about family.”

Gary Barrett, Kinesiology “Well,because of our new arrival in the family, my nephew, we like to just get together and cook and just wtch him enjoy his first Thanksgiving.”

The reporter can be reached at KRegan@therampageonline.com

How You Can Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season W

By Maddie Hagobian Rampage Reporter

ith the holidays come snow, family gatherings, and that whole healthy mentality you had over summer, flying right out the festively decorated window. With the most anticipated and essentially fattening holidays right around the corner, it’s a little harder keep your cravings at bay. Here are a few tips on how to keep your body as far from resembling ol’ Father Christmas as possible. (not only will these tips keep your ugly sweaters fitting like perfection, they will keep your immunity up when the temps are down.)

4. Eat when you’re hungry, but stop when you’re full. Grandma will forgive you for not stuffing yourself full of her stuffing, when she sees how sleek you look in your Christmas pictures. Slow down, it isn’t a pie eating contest.

5. If you slip up, and say, “accidentally” enjoy 7 sugar cookies with your venti Pumpkin Spice latte, get back on track. Don’t think “your diet is blown” and continue to indulge. Thoroughly enjoy every bite and frothy sip of

2. Just because bathing suit season is over, doesn’t mean your workouts should diminish.

Granted, jeans are forgiving, but not if they will no longer button.

If you don’t have the time or want to shell out your holiday cash on a gym membership, take a few jogs around the block, or even around campus. Plus, winter workout clothes are universally flattering, (hello, black yoga pants). Exercise will also get your endorphins flowing, making the dreary winter days a bit more cheery.

3. Experts say to drink less alcohol, as many drinks are extremely high in calories. It’s also tough to turn down seconds on sweet potatoes when you have a buzz, am I right? If there is no way you’re giving up alcohol on your beloved break, try something a little lighter. Swap the eggnog for a martini. Cheers!

Illustrations by Austin Verburg

1. It is important to eat regularly. Most experts say a healthy snack every few hours is best.

We all know how hard it is to turn down bad food choices when you’re starving. If you’re going to a party, eat a light meal before.

This will keep you from binging on pumpkin pie.

that sinful breakfast, then wipe the crumbs off your face and consider a salad for lunch. Your calories intake should be like a bank account, if you spend too much at one meal, even it out on the next.

Resume your healthy eating, your body will thank you.

6. Stay warm! People tend to want hearty, comfort food when they are chilly. While I enjoy a chicken pot pie as much as the next person, you have to limit yourself. While refreshing salads

and fresh veggies don’t hold the same allure as they do during the summer months, you still need them, Try steamed and sautéed veggies, throw those greens over some whole grain pasta. It’s warm and hearty and leaves you feeling far less guilty than casserole.

According to a 2010 study ,weight gained over the winter holidays often isn’t lost during the rest of the year. A new study suggests that Americans probably gain about a pound during

the winter holiday season-but this extra weight accumulates through the years and may be a major contributor to obesity later in life. According to The National Institute of Health.

If you would like more information on healthy eating and weight management you can make a free appointment with a Registered Dietitian on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fresno City College Student Health Services.

The reporter can be reached at MHagobian@therampageonline.com

Sports keysaw credits students for great season November 16, 2011

14

“Targets on their Backs”

photo by

Brendan Raley

T

By Sasha Bell Rampage Reporter

F

resno City College wrestling coach, Paul Keysaw, is in the midst of another title hunt. In his tenure at FCC, Keysaw has led the Rams to two state championships.

“It’s all about the coaching,” Keysaw said jokingly. In actuality, he admits that the winning streak is due to having great players. The wrestling Rams have four returning state champions and six returning finalists this season, said Keysaw. The team also has nine sophomores and one freshman, which means there is potential for growth.

Keysaw says “winning is a byproduct of our preparation” and that being prepared is everything for this team. He said it is very important for the players to be in great physical condition, so he puts them through a series of both physical and mental conditioning each practice.

Each practice they do approxi-

mately 40 minutes of warm-up consisting of running, push-ups, motion drills and running up and down the stadium stairs. This warm up is something “most normal people” could not do, Keysaw said.

Mental conditioning, he said, comes through physical conditioning. He wants to get his plyers fatigued through physical activity, then pushes them to think under pressure.

“This is what typically happens at a match,” said Keysaw. “You have to crack a few times before you learn not to crack.” It is all a learning process, which is why Coach Keysaw and his assistant coaches are there – to help the players prepare.

Before Coach Keysaw was head coach of wrestling at FCC, he was head coach at Moorpark College. He stayed with Moorpark for 10 years and was awarded several coaching awards as well as three state championships with his team.

As a wrestling competitor,

Keysaw was a Pennsylvania State High School Champion in 1986 and runner-up in 1985. He was a two-time NCAA Division I AllAmerican, placing 8th in 1990 and winning a national title in 1991 at 190 pounds.

He received his BA in Liberal Studies from CSU Bakersfield in 1991 and his MA in Curriculum/Instruction from C S U B a k e r s f i e l d i n 1 9 9 5 .

Keysaw began wrestling at the ripe age of eight. His elementary school had announced they were looking for wrestlers; he went home that evening and asked his parents if he could sign up. “That was the end of that. I’ve been wrestling ever since,” said Keysaw.

He continued with it because he “was good at it.” He has been surrounded by wonderful people in the sport. “They have inspired me to do better,” Keysaw said. Wrestling has shaped not only his career, but his character, family, life and

kids. “I graduated from college.

I credit that to my wrestling,” said Keysaw, even though he admits he was never the college type of guy.

Keysaw said he doesn’t know if he could do anything other than coaching. “I fell into coaching 20 years ago, and here I am,” he said. He enjoys being with his “kids”, trying to make a difference in their lives and to be part of their dreams. “I had my own dreams [as a wrestler], that’s why I enjoy theirs,” said Keysaw.

Coach Keysaw says his loyalty to his players is his greatest strength as well as weakness.

He will fight for his players and protect them as long as they are doing the right thing. Being on the team means living by Keysaw’s rules: go to class, be a good person, no lying or stealing, show up to practice, and work hard. “If my kids do that for me,” Keysaw said, “then I will go up to bat for them.”

The reporter can be reached at sbell@therampageonline.com

By Sasha Bell Rampage Reporter

he Fresno City College wrestling Ram’s are gearing up for the California State Championship. A lot of pressure falls on the players this season with their desire to be undefeated for three times in a row.

The players are very dedicated this season because they have had a “target on their back all year long”, according to Coach Paul Keysaw. They practice hard and play harder. Each practice they go through an intense 40 minute conditioning, then the practice drills and positions. This prepares them both physically and mentally says Coach Keysaw.

They continually improve as individuals each practice. However, Coach Keysaw admits that their positions could be stronger as a team.

This season’s team is very strong. They have four returning state champion players and six returning finalists which are salivating for another win at state championships. This year there are nine sophomores and one freshmen, which means the team has room to grow. “We’ve had the stars aligned for us with really good players.,” said Coach Keysaw.

The team has two more competitions before the Wrestling State Championships, one on Nov. 19 and the other on Dec. 3, 2011.

Coach Keysaw is very proud of the team this season and how they have handled the pressure of being defending state champions.

Wrestlers are competitive in nature according to Coach Keysaw.

However, this team has “strong personalities and driven kids” said Coach Keysaw.

“We’ve been fortunate to win championships,” said Coach Keysaw, “But we really want our kids to be successful after they leave here.”

The reporter can be reached at sbell@therampageonline.com

Football team finishes undefeated season

By Marcell Dilworth Rampage Reporter

The Fresno City College Rams football team wrapped up their undefeated season with a 31-0 victory against their arch rival, Reedley College in the “The Battle of the Pump.”

In the process, the Rams also took the conference title. Head coach, Tony Caviglia convinced his team that Reedley had nothing to lose, so the Rams were ready to deal with whatever the Tigers were planning to do.

“Our defense played real good.

They kept us in the game,” said Caviglia. “We scored in the kicking game and on defense.”

The Rams went into the game without quarterback Lance Orender who had suffered a sprained clavicle during the game against

San Joaquin Delta, a week earlier. Orender is expected to play in the championship game against City College of San Francisco on Dec. 26.

First year player Jacob Salas took the place of Orender and completed 9 of 16 passes and threw for one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Caviglia said the Manteca native “did a great job managing the game.”

The Rams’ first score came after defensive back Travis Quarless intercepted a pass and returned it to Reedley’s 13 yard line. The Rams scored three plays later when running back Kevin Williams rushed the ball into the end zone from six yards out.

The grudge match game for the pump stayed close until special team’s player Dasheo Fri-

erson returned Reedley’s failed field goal attempt for 109 yards to put the Rams up 21-0 with no time left before half time.

Caviglia’s scouting report showed that Reedley has a tendency to fake field goals and punt the ball, so the Rams were prepared to respond by putting Frierson in a position to receive the ball.

“He [Caviglia] told me during practice that their field goal kicker couldn’t kick that far. He kicked it right to me, and I saw nothing but the end zone and said I have to score,” said Frierson who said he believes that the Rams are undefeated because of the hard work in practice.

“Every player takes it upon themselves to work hard, even when the coaches are not around,” said Frierson. This

is the third undefeated FCC football team under Caviglia’s leadership. Caviglia expects “to compete, play and win every game” he plays.

“Sometime, it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but we prepare to win, and this year it happened,” Caviglia said. “We have a lot of heroes, a lot of great stories.” He also added that his players operate with great character.

Offensive lineman Josiah St. John is one of those heroes.

“We work hard to do what we are taught and told to do,” said John. The Rams are ranked high in many categories. They are ranked No.1 in passing, passing efficiency, and sacks allowed. They are also ranked No. 2 in total offense and No. 3 in rushing.

Their defense has many similar honors as well. They are No.1 in the fewest points allowed as they have allowed just 163 points. They also recorded the most interceptions with 25 including two returned for a touchdown.

Many of the players have also put up strong numbers. The Rams have the No. 1 passer in Lance Orender, and several top receivers including Leroy Travis who is ranked No. 2 in receiving and Trent Hicks who is No. 7. The defense has been led by Dashoen Frierson who is No. 10 in tackles, as well as Corey Childs and Caleb Justice who are both No. 7 in sacks.

The reporter can be reached at mdilworth@therampageonline.com

Sports

November 16, 2011

15

N

ovember is here. Along with the change in foliage and anticipation of the holiday season comes another wonderful event, the Fresno City College basketball season.

The FCC Men’s Basketball team returns to the court following a 31-3 overall finish in the 2010-11 season and a ninth consecutive Central Valley Conference title.

After reaching the final four of the state tournament last season, the Rams hope to go even further.

Coming into this season the Rams are ranked No.2 in the state according to pre-season polls, only behind No.1 Diablo Valley. Also at the top of the polls is No.3 City College of San Francisco, who for years occupied the top spot in the rankings.

Assistant Head Coach Lucas Gabriel, said the goal of the team this season remains the same. “We expect to win a state championship,” Gabriel says. “Over the past 10 years, FCC has had the highest

Klundt

After all he has seen during his time in the Air force, Klundt says he has a different perspective in life. “I don’t take anything for granted. I wake up in the morning and I make sure I tell my family I love them. I spend time with as many friends as I can,” he said.

Having witnessed a fallen brother in his unit, Klundt now says he now knows how valuable life is and how every second matters.

As for the adjustment to civilian life, Klundt says it’s still ongoing.

“Some days, it’s good, and some days, it’s bad, but it’s nice to able to just drive across town and spend some time with friends,” said Klundt. “There are still some things I have to cope with, but running has always been a great escape for me.”

But what matters even more for Klundt is the satisfaction he gets from helping others with running.

“When I was in service, there

winning percentage in the country.”

In the past decade, the Rams have appeared in the state’s final eight seven times, and have won two state championships.

This season, the Rams will have to overcome the loss of experienced players who have now gone on to play in the NCAA or International Collegiate programs.

Last season’s electrifying superstar, Quinton Watkins, is now playing at California State University, Los Angeles, along with FCC teammates Cheyane Alcala, Percy Lemle, and Jibreel Nasir. Alex Fletcher, the vocal team leader last season is now competing for Lethbridge College in Canada, and Earl Jefferson now plays for Texas Pan-American University.

With the majority of the playmakers from last season’s 3-3 team playing elsewhere, the Rams will have to rely on the leadership and playmaking abilities of Rodney Webster and Tomas Sanchez, the only two returning players.

The Rams will be welcoming 13

new freshmen who will be expected to contribute and make a major impact right away according to the coaching staff.

“This is potentially the most talented group of freshmen that FCC has had in a long time. It will be interesting to see if we as a coaching staff can get the most out of them,” says Gabriel.

The talent that the Central Valley has produced has translated into great players on the roster for the Rams this upcoming season. Joining the Rams are local talented players DeAndre Medlock (Clovis West), Junior Morgan (Liberty), Marcus Hall (Bakersfield), and Randall Jackson (Garces.)The rest of the roster is composed of talented players from around the state and from across the country.

The Rams will be challenged with a daunting and by some opinions intimidating schedule.

The schedule will have the Rams taking on tough competition from the get-go. Already the Rams have

Continued from page 16 were a lot of people who came to me and asked me for help to reduce their mile time,” said Klundt.

“Being able to help others is a really good feeling.”

Today Klundt is one of the elder statesmen on the cross country team at FCC. Although he jokingly describes himself as the old guy, he doesn’t take his leadership responsibility lightly.

“I have gotten many tips here and there from the all the years that I have been running, so I try to incorporate that and give that to the other guys,” said Klundt. “A lot of people run because they are fast, but to run because you enjoy it is another deal.”

Klundt says the goal is to go as far as possible with running.

“I joke around about crossing the finish line and letting that be my last breath,” said Klundt.

“I know my body is getting old because I have been running for

so long, but as long as nothing happens to my legs, I’m going to keep running.”

Klundt is now on a complete civilian status. He says It is nice not having to shave everyday.

“I can grow facial hair and have my hair grow longer than half an inch,” he said.

While he enjoys the comforts of home, Klundt makes it his mission to remember his brothers and sisters still at war.

“I have a lot of respect for the flag. I still have a brother who is in the Army. I keep in touch with a lot of friends I served with. They are stationed all over the world,” said Klundt. “Any time I see a service member in uniform, I make sure I say thank you because I know it’s far and between that they get the recognition they deserve.”

The reporter can be reached at tkassahun@therampageonline.com

Tuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life. By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!

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the fcc men’s basketball team prepares for their tournament against la trade tech this

faced No.3 City College of San Francisco in the preseason. They will also take on Southern California powerhouse Los Angeles Trade Tech and No.1 Diablo Valley College before the preseason culminates. Head Coach Ed Madec describes the schedule as, “The hardest schedule in the state.”

The Rams find themselves in a tough division as they will face teams such as College of the Sequoias, who the Rams believe will be their biggest competition this season. Last season, the Rams defeated COS on COS’

Friday.

home court by a very thin margin.

Even with the potential and recent success however, the coaching staff still sees many areas in which the team needs to improve in order to be successful this season. “The greatest challenge for this year’s team will be to overcome our own youth and lack of maturity,” said Gabriel. “If we are able to tap into our potential, we have a chance to be better than last season’s final four team. However, that’s a big if.”

The reporter can be reached at nalonzo@therampageonline.com

Soccer Stars Motivate Teams

By Kaitlin Regan Rampage Reporter Soccer is not just a sport for Paige Mason. It’s a lifestyle. Mason who is a center midfielder for the Fresno City College women’s soccer team, has been a starter for two years.

Head coach, Oliver Germond says he wishes he had a whole team like Mason. She impacts the team with her leadership skills and determination.

“She’s one of our team captains so she’s a great leader. She’s not so much a vocal leader but she leads by example,” said Germond.

Germond also says that Mason is a larger impact on the team due to her position. She is at the center of the field, so she has an impact on both offense and defense. Her statistics include four goals and seven assists for a total of 15

Tyler Schoenfeld, a two year sophomore defender and first team all-league player, is one of the team captains for FCC men’s soccer.

Head coach, Eric Solberg, described Schoenfeld as a team player with a keen understanding of the elements of the game.

“He understands the game really well and he understands his role as a defender,” said Solberg. “He’s a team guy, and he has played every minute of every game unless we were beating somebody bad.”

Schoenfeld attends classes at the Willow campus and has not decided on a major. In addition to his classes and his pivotal role on the FCC men’s soccer team, Schoenfeld also coaches.

Every weekday afternoon, Schoenfeld coaches girls’ soccer at

photos by fresno city college public information

By Nathan Alonzo Rampage Reporter

photo by paul schlesinger

basketball RAms Hope to go all the way

paige mason, fcc women’s soccer center midfielder.

points thus far.

Outside of soccer, Mason works at Victoria’s Secret and enjoys drawing. She is currently in the honors program at FCC and plans to major in Graphic Design when she transfers at the end of the spring semester.

tyler

Schoenfeld, FCC men’s soccer defender.

Kastner Intermediate School. He believes coaching makes him a better player and sees himself coaching soccer in the future.

Schoenfeld said, “It’s fun because I get to do the drills and play with the kids,”

16

Featured

November 16, 2011

FCC honors Veterans

photos by

Lee Xiong

Above: American Legion Post 147 Honor Guard performs a salute.

Below: Community members from all branches were invited.

The Peace Memorial Monument’s star represents the five major conflicts the US had been involved in prior to the 1993 dedication of the memorial

A

By Austin Verburg Rampage Reporter

Veterans Day ceremony, held at the Veteran’s Peace Memorial in the Free Speech area of Fresno City College on Nov. 4, honored all military men and women, paying a special tribute to the military support services personnel of the armed forces.

Lt. Jason DiPinto, son of FCC’s Student Activities office assistant, Valerie DiPinto, gave the keynote speech. DiPinto is a member of the Chaplain Corps of the U.S. Navy and is currently serving on the USS BonHomme Richard in San Diego.

He said he arrived a day before the ceremony and was happy to come home for the event.

“I like it here. This is where I grew up; this is my home town.

There’s always a level of comfort being here that you don’t get anywhere else,” DiPinto said. “It’s a real honor to be here, both for

the Veterans Day celebration and just to spend time with family and friends.”

The ceremony began with bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” followed by raising of the colors by the Fresno Police Department Color Guard. The Fresno FCC City Singers then sang the national anthem.

“We’d been working on this piece and [we were] excited to sing it for everyone,” said Marci Maxwell, one of the City Singers.

Maxwell said the group has been working on the national anthem since September.

Each year, the Veteran’s Day ceremony honors a particular group within the military. The honored group this year is the military support services, said Mary Alfieris, chair of the FCC Veterans Memorial Committee.

This is including, but not limited to, technicians, auto-mechanics,

office personnel, the chaplains, medics and nurses.

In his speech, DiPinto mentioned that the most decorated members of the military are the

the ceremony is “an honor for any officer enlisted personnel in the service.”

Valerie DiPinto, who was a part of the committee that put the event

“Whether service members are actively engaged in the military, or whether they’re retired former service members, their experiences define who they are” Lt. Jason DiPinto Navy Chaplain Corps hospital corpsmen. He paid a special tribute to the veterans who are a part of support services, as well as all veterans of all branches and careers within the military. He said, “The men and women who serve our nation need our support.”

DiPinto said that speaking in

on, said she was very proud of her son. “I was very proud of what he had to say,” she said. “I think the ceremony went fabulous.”

Towards the end of the ceremony, Valerie Salcedo, Miss Fresno County 2011, sang “God Bless America.”

“It went well. I’m very honored to be a part of it,” said Salcedo, who said she feels strongly about honoring veterans because her cousin is currently serving in Afghanistan. “Being a part of stuff like this is such an honor.”

Refreshments were served by the FCC café after the ceremony.

“Our dedication to the veterans is very strong,” said Alfieris. “The importance of the veterans and their service to our country cannot be undervalued.” Alfieris also runs the veterans office on campus.

“We feel that it’s our responsibility to make the community and the campus aware of the service and the sacrifice that our veterans have made for us.”

FCC Army ROTC Military Science Instructor, Michael Roman, was a part of the crew that helped set the event up. “Our main goal out here was to clean the

See VETS on page 5

klundt--running through time zones together five different national Air Forces. “It was unique to experience all the difference cultures,” said Klundt.

He remembers a not-so-pleasant race in South Korea where the air was so bad one could almost taste it. Conversely, Klundt has also seen the greatest sights in Alaska where he was surrounded by mountains and vegetation. He was also stationed in Guam where he ran in the constant humidity.

But one of his most memorable races came during his time in Iraq in the “Fallen Soldiers Half Marathon,” a race held annually to honor fallen soldiers.

The conditions were atrocious as it had rained two days before the race. But it was decided that no amount of mud would stop the soldiers from honoring their fallen brothers and sisters.

“The mud was so bad, it was as thick as milkshake, and the road was slick; there were people losing their shoes. It was the worst condition I have ever run in, but I ran my best half marathon time,” said Klundt.

In 2010, Klundt completed four years of service and returned home.

See RUNNER on page 16

Gudino

M

att Klundt has bounced around like a pinball. At 25 years old, he has covered almost every corner of the globe and has seen just about every culture, temperature, and time zone there is to see.

But no matter where he was, the one constant in his life has been his love of running.

Though Klundt grew up playing many sports, nothing came close to running. At Hoover High School, his coach saw the potential in the young man and pushed him to his limit. Klundt never looked back.

From Hoover, he came to Fresno City College where he continued to build on his love of running.

At FCC, Klundt proved himself as a strong long distance and steeple chase runner. But after a year at FCC, injuries mounted grinding his academic goals to a standstill.

It was then that Klundt turned to the Air Force. He took basic job training at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio before landing in Turkey for a 15 month tour. There, Klundt pursued his passion of running and even competed in races.

“My job was very physically

demanding so I ran when I got the chance to keep in shape,” he said.

He worked as part of the security forces.

When Klundt moved on to Iraq, he continued to make time for running, no matter the circumstances.

“If I had a mission during the day, I would run at night,” said Klundt. “No matter how tired I was, no matter what went on during the day, I always made sure I made time for running. It was also an outlet for any kind of stress relief or to get away from people I was around every day.”

And the conditions were far from pleasant. But neither the vast amount of sand, nor the freezing winter or the blazing sun would stop Klundt from running.

In a span of eight months in Iraq, Klundt logged over 1,000 miles. “It was physically the best I have ever left. I was on a constant schedule. I was eating right. I was just doing everything the right way,” said Klundt.

During his time around the world, Klundt has experienced many races which are hard to forget.

While he was stationed in Turkey, Klundt traveled to Belgium and took part in a race that brought

photo by ramiro

By Tomas Kassahun Rampage Reporter

FCC Student Matt Klundt.