Rampage
Fresno City College Volume CXXII, Edition 5
March 28, 2012
photo by jesse
Franz
FCC Celebrates Native-American Culture
Aztec group performs ritual dances during NAISA’s Native-American Celebration in the Free Speech Area on March 22. By Matthew Elliott Rampage Reporter The North American Indigenous Student’s Association celebrated Native American cultures and histories in the free speech area of Fresno City College last Thursday. Numerous components of Native American culture were represented during Thursday’s celebrations. Students and faculty members in the area took in the aroma of sage which enriched the surrounding air,
not to mention the smell of Aunt Nancy’s famously delectable fry bread tacos. Merchant booths featured handmade weavings, indigenous art and information about varying cultures and traditions. The Native American Veteran’s Association was on hand to provide information to FCC veterans about what services may be available to them. Performances included professionally executed traditional dances, songs from the Four Directions drumming group, and duets and dances which had nearly every
participant swaying to the beat. The co-founder of NAISA was also on hand to witness and embrace the continued progress of the organization. With the support and guidance of the late Madelyn Grey Eyes, a former FCC counselor, Richard Verdugo formed what is now known as NAISA back in 1976. That same year, Verdugo helped usher in what would be the first indigenous cultural events at FCC. Richard Verdugo’s life began in a gang-saturated Fresno neighborhood. As a teenager, he pursued
a life of deviance until receiving guidance and inspiration from a sheriff’s deputy assigned to his neighborhood. His mentor, alongside the guidance of elders, persuaded Richard to pursue a life in law enforcement through the FCC’s police academy program. While attending the college, Verdugo was a celebrated athlete. “I still have the Rampage article from 1975-1976 picturing me in the 400-meter hurdles,” Verdugo recalled. “My hurdling abilities were directly attributed to running from the police as a child.”
Upon completing his sheriff’s deputy training, Verdugo specialized in gang mediation. He served as a deputy for 31 years. Through the willingness of others, Richard came full circle by utilizing his life experience to help preserve human dignity. Thursday’s event also produced tragic and sobering stories of distant and living histories. Former FCC professor Michael Black Bull recounted many brutal and tragic stories that are absent or nearly lost in
See NAISA on page 2
College addresses safety concerns By alex tavlian Rampage Reporter Two incidents that occurred within a week of each other have sparked a discussion over the safety of Fresno City College’s open campus.
NEWS
Study Abroad
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On March 5, an FCC student made a threat on Facebook. One week later, three burglars stole $180,000 worth of equipment. The proximity of the two events led the college administration to hold an open forum to discuss campus security.
Before the forum was held, another burglary occurred on campus over the weekend.
FACEBOOK THREAT Last week, campus police identified the FCC student who was suspended because of a threat made
over Facebook as Daniel Watkins. The threat by Watkins was posted on Facebook as a status update on March 5, State Center Community College Police Chief Joe Callahan said. “Life’s dreams bring about the apocalypse/kill everyone. Backup
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ENTERTAINMENT
Local Author : Peggy Lara
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VIEWS
Zen Guide: What to call her?
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plan become king of California, other backup plan, buy a sniper rifle and sit somewhere with a clear view and keep shooting until I either run out of ammo or until someone stops me,” Watkins posted.
See Campus Safety on page 4
SPORTS
Chewy Telasco
See Page 12