Since 1949
Volume CXIV, edition 1
August 29. 2007
Students struggle to juggle their responsibilities Working beyond your physical capacity is damaging.” FCC Student Mai Her, said that she couldn’t enjoy the summer because all she did was work. She worked full-time at McDonalds to save for college and get a car. Too quickly, the summer was gone, and Her said college already started. Her added, “My summer was a drag, but I had my three friends with me at work.” Another FCC student Zeb
by Jeannie Batey
Rampage Reporter Fresno City College students are finding they have fewer and fewer hours of leisure both during the summers and during the school year. According to Fresno City College Psychological Services Coordinator, Dr. Brian Olowude, “Many students on campus are working too hard and rarely rest.
White, a sociology major in his third semester, said he tried to make as much money as he could, but “spent it as it came.” White is the on Rams football team and has plans to transfer to a four-year college. White said he hopes his journey to the NFL will start. According to Dr. Olowude, “People tend to put themselves last and all their responsibilities first. You don’t want your schooling to cost you your mental health.”
Olowude said students should know that getting some rest is good, “The more vacation time people have, and the more capable they are to complete tasks.” Brian Bravo, another FCC student, said he didn’t have much of a summer either. Bravo spent his summer taking English classes at FCC, and working. Bravo is an English major and in his third
year. He’s a delivery truck driver for a local business, which help him pay for college. Bravo said he takes care of his responsibilities, but splurges when he has the extra money. For single mother of five children and FCC student Khetam Musleh, life is busy around the year, and summers are no exception. She juggles between school See “Student Stress” on Page 3
By Eddie Ortiz
ently, the parking situation isn’t really a problem. According to Cummings, parking is a hassle during the first four weeks, but then, so are the lines in the bookstore and in the business office when students purchase their parking permits and student IDs; however, no one pays attention to those situations. According to Admissions records for fall 2007, 20,947 students are currently enrolled at Fresno City College this semester. 6,180 students are new. The fall 2003 Parking Stall count, provided by the Fresno City College Police Department, estimated that the college currently has 3,371 parking stalls. This fall, a few dozen parking spaces were added to offset those lost to the underpass. Is there no solution to this crisis? And why do students continue to spend their money on parking permits, when they can’t find parking. “Spending 30 to 45 minutes looking for a parking spot is very frustrating. Along with that, if I paid for a parking permit, I should be able to park on campus. I shouldn’t have to walk several blocks to get on campus,” said a student who prefers that his name not be used. According to Leslie Mabray, Clerk 3 in the Business Office, this fall, the department started off with 10,400 parking permits; so far, 8,900 passes have been sold, and 1,500 still remain. Dr. Cummings stated that as the District grows, so will FCC. Many things will need to be reviewed and addressed, including food, lighting around campus, security, and the size of the See “Parking” on page 5
Perpetual parking problem persists Rampage Reporter
13th grade Photo By Joseph Rios
Freshmen Once Again: (from left) Jennifer Mares, Christa Fries, Mark Streoup, Kimberlie Fuentes hang out during their second week of college.
Surviving the
By Marc Anthony Belanon Rampage Reporter It used to be that getting ready for another exciting school year meant getting to know new people, new friends, and new best friends. For some freshmen, college is looking and feeling a lot like high school because they weren’t expecting that majority of their senior class will attend the same college they are. College is a big step for freshmen and when a question like “What is your major?” is posed, a number of freshmen will give an undecided answer. College is a
new beginning and steps in what Many freshmen are already we call “The Real World,” for living on their own or with roomrecent high school graduate. mates. “ I am excited to be in For some, college seems college because this year, I got complicated, but for others, it’s my own apartment with two other freedom -- freedom from parents friends living on our own, without and guardians. parents watching us. But it’s a lot Being in college has a lot of responsibility and I know I can of advantages for students. “I have handle it because I’m grown up,” time to do anything I want; being in said Edward Fritcher, a graduate college is fun; I can wear anything from Sunnyside High School. I want and I have more freedom, The transition from high and I am more independent,” said school to college is one of the Greg Sermeno, a graduate from biggest transitions that a student Parlier High School. Some fresh- will face. Transition is simply the men are excited to attend college change from one form to another. because it is time to be independent Freshmen transition is sometimes and understand the meaning of See “Fresh Freshmen” responsibility. on Page 3
A new semester at Fresno City College can only mean one thing -- parking headaches. Bumper to bumper cars line up as far as the eye can see, and hot headed, short-tempered drivers prowl for open parking spaces. Returning students know this is not new, but for those incoming freshmen, the adventure has just begun. “The parking situation here on campus is very bad. The morning hours are the worst. Afternoon hours between 3:00 and 4:00 aren’t as bad,” said an angry sophomore, who chose to stay anonymous. Janet Calandra, English Instructor has no problem with parking. “As a part-time instructor, I usually come on campus in the late afternoon or early evening. Over the last couple of years, I have had some difficulty trying to find a good parking spot, especially in the “staff parking” area. This semester has been a pleasant surprise, with many parking spots available around 4:00 to 4:45. I have heard that after 5:00, the situation changes ,and parking becomes a nightmare. I think I may have the right schedule this semester,” Said Calandra. The parking problem is perennial. Dr. John Cummings, Director of Admissions and Records for state Center Community College District, said that parking has always been a problem in the 11 years he has been at Fresno City College. But Cummings said that when examined differ-
INSIDE
Service With a Smile: Page 2
People Do Change: Page 4
Channeling Beyonce: Page 6
Vans Warped Tour: Page 7
Back from Basic: Page 12
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2 Rampage
August 29, 2007
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Rampage Reporter As school, work and hectic schedules overwhelm students, they find themselves pressed for time and in need of some good ole’ fashioned home cooked meals. Luckily, Fresno City College has a top notch cafeteria that fits the bill. Many students who frequent the cafeteria have noticed Willy Aquino. His gift for gab and his friendly nature have made him a favorite of many a student. And Willie’s Famous Philly (Philly cheese steak for the unfortunates who have yet to taste) has been described as, “Something to die for.” English Instructor and regular customer, Kenneth Chacon said, “I think Willie is great. He is always upbeat and friendly. I love the meatloaf and cheeseburgers. Willie says this will be good and I trust him.” “For me, having a good attitude and integrity is important. You need to be professional,” said Willie. Willie said his love for
cooking began early. His father cooked and taught Willie the textures and tastes that have been the foundation for his culinary talents. He prides his mother, Nadine Ochakal (An instructor at Fresno City College who has worked with independent living for the mentally disabled for over thirty years) with teaching him how to carry himself and truly care for other people. Willie said he loves his job, “One of my favorite dishes to cook for the Fresno City residents is my International Stir Fry. I get to do my thing with different types of flavors.” Before coming to Fresno City, Willie worked for several years at Scripps College, LaVerne College, and Warner Bros. where he cooked for many happy executives. He enjoyed these experiences but said, “ I love working at Fresno City College. I have great bosses like Anita Foust and John Cunningham, and my co-workers are like family.” One of the highlights of his position, Wille said, is “sharing experience and dishes with
Photo By Joseph Rios
Rudy. It is this mixture of collaboration and taste that makes my job rewarding.” Rudy Rangel, a coworker of Willie agreed, “I think working at Fresno City College is pretty great. I’ve been here for four years and everyday is something new. It keeps me on my toes, but I love it.” Working at Fresno City College gives these chefs the opportunity to try new dishes, as well as participate in catering events outside the college. Rudy recommends the Tilapia Fish Special served with Wild Rice and Asparagus. “It’s my favorite dish to cook,” he says. No matter what you try at Fresno City College’s cafeteria, you will be pleased with the quality of the food and even more with the service. And for those interested in following Willie and Rudy in their profession, Willie recommends the Fresno City College Culinary class. “We have an excellent program here on campus, which can teach you what you need to know.” And Willie; he knows his stuff.
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About Us 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. Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in person 12 noon - 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to a maximum of 500 words along with contact information.
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Fresh freshmen faced with all new challenges Continued from Page 1
hard because some of them are not used to being alone in a big campus and some of them are not used to living without parents. One of the challenges in college is being an independent student. Majority of the freshmen college are 18 years of age or what they called “grown up.” Being independent comes
with responsibility. Students are now responsible on all their actions that they do. No more parents to back them off. No more sister or brother to blame, it’s all to them. When students took the steps in college, they have some kind of expectations that they are looking forward. Expectations like they are going to need a lot of time to do their homework, and a lot of time studying for their exams.
Zhor Pogosyan, a graduate from Sunnyside High School commented, “I expect a lot of learning and challenges, and I can’t wait to face them.” A student like Pogosyan who recently graduated from high school, he started thinking ahead of his future and expected that college will have a lot of hard work that is waiting for him. College isn’t really that hard because if a student
knows how to manage their time, all the work will be ok. Managing their own time for school works and sometimes, their job, freshmen will survive their first year in college. Some students think that college is all about having fun and freedom, but not exactly. College is all about responsibility and actually doing all the work that is required. Students can-
not procrastinate because all the grades that a student will get are depending from all the work that is finished and turned in on time. “I can’t believe that college is going to be hard, there’s a lot of work that requires a lot of time to do it. Before school starts, I already expect that their will be a lot of work that is waiting for me,” commented Isabel Lopez, a graduate from Bullard High School.
How we segregate ourselves By Deshad Cato Rampage Reporter A visitor coming to Fresno City College would notice that wgite students stand together, black students sit together, Hispanics huddle in their own groups, and so do Asian Americans. Fresno City College is not alone by any means; this phenomenon, known as self-segregation, has resurrected debates about race, segregation, and desegegation. major news organizations such as CNN and Fox News have done features on this new concept, questioning why individuals wold choose to sit with others who look like them in large public settings such as school. According to FCC Sociology Professor Gerald Bill, selfsegregation boils down to what is called “The Push Factor.” “The Push Factor” according to Bill, is a gut feeling one has that can be linked to a negative experience from that person’s past. “Say there’s a dog, who in the past had been abused by a male owner. Later on that dog might feel more comfortable around a female owner rather than a male because of the trauma it recieved when it was a puppy. The dog can’t comprehend that just because one male hurt it that other males won’t. It has come to the conclusion that when one male hurts, that means that all males are bad. it’s the same way with people,” explained Bill. But self-segregation isn’t harmless. An incident in Jena Louisiana illustrates what can happen when it goes oo far. According to the website, colorofchange.org. during a school assembly on Aug. 31, 2006, a black student at Jena High School, jokingly asked the principal if he could sit underneath the “white tree” underneath the shade. The “white tree” that he was referring to was a tree located in the center of the school courtyard that only the white students sat under. Also according to the website, all the black students would in-turn sit on the bleachers near the auditorium. No incidents between the two groups had ever been recorded up until that point. The principal, sensing that the student was joking, answered, “You can sit anywhere you want.” The next morning as students arrived at school, they discovered three nooses hanging from
the “white tree”. This was an obvious reference to the nooses used to hang Black people during slave times and the Civil Rights Era. When the principal discovered that three white students where behind the hanging of the nooses, he recommended that they be expelled. The board of education for Jena High, however, overruled his recommendation. The superintendent, Roy Breithaupt, said, “Adolescents play pranks. I don’t think it [the nooses] was a threat to anybody.” Instead of expulsion, the three students were suspended for three days. Then, according to the site, a number of Black students organized and implemented a peaceful sit-in underneath the tree which the local police peacefully ended. The principal of Jena High called an assembly during which Black and White students sat apart from each another. At that point, Superintendent Roy Breithaupt, who had been asked by the principal to speak, allegedly threatened the protesters by saying, “See this pen? I can end your lives with the stroke of a pen.” Black students who attended the assembly said that Walters looked specifically at Black members of the audience as he said this. During the late 1950’s and throughout the 1960’s, America
Photo By Amber Donavidian
An exception to the rule: two musicians break racial lines with the help of their accoustic guitars. underwent a number of racially opposition to ending segregation Largely looked at as a myth, selfcharged incidents during the Civil had been silenced. segregation has become a much Rights Movement. Now, almost forty years lat- discussed subject, explored by Leaders like Malcolm X er, a number of incidents, including news organizations like CNN and and Martin Luther King Jr. led the Jena, Louisiana event, have Fox News. organized protests to bring about sparked a nation wide debate. Unlike racial segregation, equality for African Americans and Many would dismiss the which forces people to keep within other minorities. Jena incident as isolated and very their own ethnicity and not mingle Things like segregation distant from California, espe- with others, self-segregation is were hot topics back then, openly cially in a school like Fresno City when a person willingly or withdebated and fought all over the College. After all, Jena is in the out thought separates themselves country. South where race tension is still from people of another ethnicity , In 1968, all forms of seg- prevalent. purely out of choice, on their own regation had been declared to be But one needs to look free will. They’re not trying to be unconstitutional by the Supreme again. What happened at Jena High See “Segregation” Court, and by the 1970’s, most started because of self-segregation. on Page 13
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August 29, 2007
Malcom Ridge proves people can change by Adrine Avanesyan Rampage Reporter Malcolm Ridge has spent almost two-thirds of his life in either the California Youth Authority or in prison. However, during the last three years Ridge has undergone a complete transformation and now leads an entirely different life. “I have lived more in these three years than I have in the other 33 years of my life,” said Ridge, a 36-year old physical therapy major at Fresno City College. A native of Madera County, Ridge was raised by a single mother, in Pasadena, CA. The neighborhood he grew up in exposed him to gangs and drugs. Ridge was allowed to do things that normal kids were not allowed to do. At age seven, he started smoking marijuana, and by the age of 14, he was experimenting with other illegal drugs. He soon found himself out of high school and struggling to survive. In 1987, Ridge and his mother moved back to Madera. Two years later at the age of 19, Ridge was arrested for drug possession. He was sent to Karl Holton, a California Youth Authority (CYA) in Stockton. Holton placed a lot of demands on the youths that were there. Ridge said he was not good at taking orders. Unable to confine to the rigid rules of Karl Holton, he got into a lot of confrontations with the staff. After four months he was
moved to Preston, another California Youth Authority in Ione, CA. Ridge said that Preston was a tougher place to be. It was someplace that he did not want to be but he had no choice. He spent his days there attending classes and working as a prep cook in the kitchen. His grandfather’s visit was the only good thing that happened at Preston, he said. Ridge was released from the CYA in 1990. He moved back to Madera, where he spent the next five years going in and out of The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC). CRC is an adult correctional facility. During his time there, Ridge was able to complete his GED. After leaving the CRC in 1996, Ridge’s life took yet another ugly turn. He was given a state number and went in and out of Wasco and Delano state prisons. In 2000, he got off on parole. Thanks to the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000, Ridge was ordered to receive drug treatment instead of being sent back to jail. This gave him a chance to start over and he held on tight with two hands. It was at this point in his life that Ridge started seeing things differently. He said that he put his trust in Jesus Christ. Ridge made a promise to himself that he was going to do what was right. He added that Christ delivered him from drugs. “Jesus Christ is
the one who saved me, he was the one who gave me the strength to be the person I am today,” said Ridge. He said that the Holy Spirit guided him to the path of college. He started attending Fresno City College in 2005. Ridge has been clean for three years now. College has been a whole new experience for him. He said that unlike before, he now has responsibilities. He Photo By Joseph Rios has places to go Malcolm Ridge made a 180-degree change and now has a new lease on life. and a time frame to do things in. others in his situation to see him as in clinical psychology and is cur Ridge’s goal in life is to a living example. He advises any rently completing his dissertation become a physical therapist. He of his fellow students who might at Fresno City College said, “We currently holds a 3.3 cumulative be facing the same obstacles that all have the ability to evolve and G.P.A. He is also a part of the he faced, to be willing to change. change in a positive direction.” Americorps program, where he is He wants those who think that Malcolm Ridge has done just that. a mentor to foster and group home marijuana is not a drug, to recon- He said that he wants to show up, kids. He regrets that he has wasted sider. Ridge said, “If it prevents he wants to be on time, and he time. He is determined to make you from doing what you are wants to learn. every day count. Ridge said, “No suppose to do, then it is a drug.” Moreover, he is not man, no past can stop me from be- He wants people who might be ashamed of his past. He wants ing what God wants me to be.” involved in drugs to know that others to learn from his mistakes. Ridge strives to become eventually, it all comes to an He does not worry that others will a better father to his three children. end. For some, that means hitting judge him. He adds, “If anything He said that he missed out on a lot rock bottom. However, there are they should look at me and give of years with his kids. He added second chances, you just have to God the glory and say, hey if he that he had to become the man he have faith. can change with the strength that was meant to be so that he could Many do not believe that God gave him, then I can change be the father that they deserved. people can truly change. However, too.” Furthermore, he wants Victor Cattolico, who has a M.A.
Rampage 5
August 29, 2007
Wireless internet on campus; get connected for free By Carey Gunter
Rampage Reporter Free wireless network is available to students on campus, and the hookup is easy. “It’s alive and well,” stated network coordinator, Harold Zahlis. During the spring semester, 400 concurrent users could log on at the same time. In the
fall semester with an increased enrollment, the wireless system can handle an additional five to six thousand users. Zahlis said he would like seeing the number of users increase. The system can support up to 1,200 users (AT THE SAME TIME?). The wireless network is open to all registered students,
faculty and staff on campus. Instructions on how to log in to the network and where the hotspots are can be found on the campus blackboard site. The wireless internet system has numerous benefits, including: easy access to campus information, access to Blackboard, and research during classes. “Use it as a tool for educa-
tion,” stated Zahlis. “That is what it is there for.” “No limits at this point,” Zahlis added. Zahlis also said that the system is safe, and users must have student identification numbers. He warned students not to give out personal information or use charge cards on the wireless system. “We can’t build up fences,” Zahlis stated. Inappropriate
surfing could cause individuals to lose wireless privileges. Zahlis said the network will expand east of Blackstone. The Police Department is already hooked up. According to Zahlis, the free wireless access has cost the college an estimated $40,000 already, plus an additional 20,000 over the next six months.
Old Administration Building will alleviate the situation. “It’s going to be a few years,” he adds. “It’s getting harder and harder because they’re adding more and more,” John Morrice, strings instructor, explains of a situation where increasing amounts of groups are competing for time in a near-booked theatre. The orchestra will be holding its first two performances two weeks apart because the theatre was unable to schedule other-
wise.
recognizes the potential the Old Administration Building has to decongest scheduling at the theatre. “I’m beyond thrilled that it’s going to happen,” he says. He organized “Friday Night Jazz” last year to help raise funds for the project. Mr. Dana has attempted to alleviate the situation by scheduling more off-campus perfor-
mances. He points out the choirs scheduled performance at the St. Therese church this fall. He adds how the dimensions of the stage in the OAB are smaller than that of the theatre, making it more practical for guest speakers, concerts, and film showings as compared to theatrical events, which require a deeper stage.
Fresno City College Theatre faces booking issues By Joseph Boone
Rampage Reporter The Music Department is having difficulties scheduling performances at the FCC theatre. With most dates reserved by earlysummer, newer and smaller groups are finding there is a shortage of open dates to book a performance. Larry Honda, woodwinds instructor and professor of music theory, says the re-opening of the
Larry Dickson, theatre manager, explains how the chairs of the departments collaborate over summer and do their best to divide time in the theatre. Groups that wish to schedule an event undiscussed early in the process must work with what is left. Head of the Music Department, Mike Dana, has also
Student stress: there’s help
work or skipping a class. Instead, it means spending some time to and housework while majoring as focus on oneself. Olowude said, a medical assistant. “Getting much needed rest means “It would be very hard to one’s creativity and energy will pay for school without financial be higher, and you can achieve aid,” said Musleh. She added that your goals.” financial aid provides her a muchDr. Olowude encourages needed support. students who are overwhelmed FCC student David Vue did by their various responsibilities not qualify for financial aid. He to visit his office for counseling. said he couldn’t receive money His services are offered free of Photo By Amber Donavidian for school because he had trouble charge to any registered FCC registering for it. Vue said he’s is student for up to eight sessions. A line of cars forms in an aisle of the south parking lot during the middle of lunch hour. stuck paying for full time courses The Psychological service office is while only being able to manage located right above the bookstore. a minimum wage job. “I always Office Hours are between 8 a.m. to manage in some way, but it’s 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday hard.” His goal for this semester but with limited service on Friday. Continued from Page 1 Cummins encouraged stu- cliffe Stadium. A bus ride costs is to have a more of a determined The office can be reached by phone dents and others to seek other $1.00, and a monthly pass costs mindset, really try and become a at extension 8749. bookstore; so will class schedules ways, such as mass transit. Many $35.00. Carpooling with friends counselor. He urges students to take and other areas that will make buses run through the Fresno City can also prove to be helpful. Dr. Olowude cautions stuadvantage of this opportunity and the educational experiences more College area. Buses 28 and 45 run Dr. Cummings said that uldents that taking time to relax does enjoy some rest. favorable. through Maroa and Wishon Bus 30 timately, dealing with the parking not mean requesting time off from Regarding ways to resolve stops on Blackstone by the Rat- problem will require “an adjustthe parking problems, Cummings ment of attitude.” said, “A really good solution is unaffordable.” Purchasing land or adding another layer to the parking lot, according to Dr. Cummings, is too costly. Thousands of students and facility/staff members have paid their $17.00 dollars for a parking permit, yet many seem to found it hard to find a parking spot in the same vicinity of the campus. Dr. Cummings continued, “We’re lucky to have parking lots around us.” Cummings also said that ultimately, the solution to the parking problem may be alternative parking lots, busing, and the Photo Special to the Rampage expansion of the shuttle system if need be. Presently, the shuttle only lasts for the first two weeks of the semester with drivers parking Fresno City College joined with the victims and shared in their cars by Ratcliffe Stadium and their sorrow a mere three and a half months ago. Together shuttled to campus. with Ray Thomas of the Hanford Sentinel, they began a “Maybe a two story parking by the railroad tracks; I do know campaign to memorialize the victims of Virginia Tech with that something should be done,” a the construction of 33,000 origami cranes; 1000 for each student suggested, adding that the shuttle should remain a permanent victim including the shooter. part of the parking situation.
Continued from Page 1
Parking: no solution in sight
Cranes for the mourning
News
Rampage 6
August 29, 2007
Photos By Joseph Rios
Wes Maldonado exhibits his immense talent on stage during a recent Beyonce immpersonation contest. Maldonado won first place and two ticket to the Beyonce concern.
Flashy moves translate into a pair of tickets by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter In the hot scorching heat, six Fresno City College students battled each other by performing a two – minute rendition of a Beyonce song. The winner, Wes Maldonado, gave a high octane
performance of “Déjà vu” and won two tickets to the Beyonce concert on August 28, 2007 at the Save Mart Center. The runner up, Brianna Wingfield, won Beyonce’s newest CD, “B’day”. According to Paul Torres who emceed the event, the College Activities office received
two tickets to the singer’s concert and decided that having students impersonate Beyonce would be a creative. Competitors sang songs such as; “Irreplaceable,” “Déjà Vu,” “Crazy in Love,” “Say my Name,” and “Get me bodied.” The audience was energetic and ready
to be entertained. “I was nervous, especially performing in front of all these people,” Said FCC student Evelyn Parker who closed the show with “Get me bodied.” Parker said she did not yet have tickets to Tuesday’s concert, but planned to be at the Save Mart Center anyways.
The winner of the contest, Maldonado, said he was “nervous and felt like puking” just minutes after his performance. A huge Beyonce fan, Maldonado said he planned on taking a friend. “I’m a Beyonce fan, especially in Dreamgirls, she was beautiful,” said Maldonado
While you were out: a quick wrapup of recent events Rampage 13
August 29, 2007
By Cynthia Moreno Accreditation The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges released its Accreditation Progress Report for June 2007. Last year, Fresno City College was placed on ‘warning’ meaning that the school did not meet or exceed established standards that its objectives stated. However; the commission recently removed Fresno City College from ‘warning’ with the condition that it complete a progress report by October of 2007. What does this mean? Fresno City College has met its educational objectives, but will
still undergo measures to make sure the concerns of the board have been addressed and fixed. Parking As many of you might know, the increase in enrollment at Fresno City College has also added to the increase in traffic around campus. Unfortunately, there is not enough parking on the Fresno City campus to accommodate everyone, so initiative was taken this summer to build new parking lots. Parking lots E and F were reconstructed to provide 70 additional parking stalls for FCC students. Train Derailment causes
a stir at FCC On June 19, 2007, the derailment of a train located on McKinley and Blackstone Avenues caused a commotion at Fresno City College causing campus authorities to shut down the campus for fear of highly flammable spillage occurring near the campus. Classes resumed after a day of being shut down, but parking was a mess making students take alternate routes to get to campus. Old Administration Building Most know it as a symbol of history and pride on the Fresno City College campus, and through
the years has sought out much needed funding for full restoration. This summer, the committee embarked upon a campaign to receive sufficient endorsements to add classrooms, offices, recital halls, and performance spaces to the Old Administration Building. Thus far, the campaign has raised a total of $1,650, 526.87 in funds with a goal of $4 million. Businesses and members of the community are welcomed and encouraged to support the campaign. Top donations have been received from The Fresno Bee for $50,000.00 and Educational Employees Credit Union for $100,000.00.
Willow International Joining the State Center Community College District this fall of 2007 was the Willow International Center located on Willow and International Avenues in Clovis, California. The creation of the center was due to the overwhelming numbers of enrollees at the Clovis Center. It is equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs, classrooms, and amenities. Although the center has been opened for the fall, it is expected to undergo more construction as new facilities will be made to accommodate the necessities of all students.
Continued from Page 3
we come to school, we hang out in different places.” Julio, a student of Latino heritage, said the same, “I hang with my friends, and we all hang where our friends are. We’re not trying to distance ourselves from anybody else or anything but I guess it just happens.” James, a former student of FCC, felt differently. “I know when I went to FCCC, I would hang out with other black people to feel comfortable. “When I hung out with my white friends, I would feel stupid because I was usually the only black guy standing there,” James continued, adding that he didn’t
know why. Julia, an Asian student who is just starting her first Semester at FCC said, “ I t ’s j u s t e a s i e r t o h a n g with people who look like you…there’s no drama.” Some students still question the whole self-segregation. “Do we hang out with our own ethnicity to stifle the drama that’s hang ing around other ethnicities will bring?” The Civil Rights Movement gave people the choice to integrate, but it never said anyone had to. “Maybe that’s it; maybe we wanted integration not because we really wanted to integrate, but just because
w e c o u l d n ’t , ” c o m m e n t e d another FCC student who wishes to stay anonymous. “Is it better to have the choice and not use it rather that not having the choice at all? It would seem like that’s the way it is.” In the end, the “white tree” was cut down and one of the Jena High students who hung the noose, was found guilty of a reduced c h a rg e o f a g g r a v a t e d s e c ond-degree battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated second-degree battery, according to colorofchange.org. If convicted, he will face up to 22 years in prison. The other five students’
trial dates have not been set. The Jena event of has opened many people’s eyes of the fact that segregation still exist. Instead of being forced to be apart, people choose to and avoid trying t o c o m e t o g e t h e r. A s J e n a High shows, it is better to cut down the “white tree” than have students try and get along and use the tree together. Although, maybe this is the only way for now. The consensus seems to show that if people avoid this p r o b l e m o r t a k e i t a w a y, it cannot cause any more problems.
Free to integrate, but not mandated to
M a n y s t u d e n t s i n t e rviewed for this story preferred that their last names be withheld. A common response to the phenomenon is, “That’s just how it is.” “I never really thought about it before,” said Jennifer, an FCC student in her third semester. “I just kind of go where my friends are. I t ’s c o m f o r t a b l e o v e r h e r e a n d I d o n ’t h a v e t o w o r r y about anybody bothering me.” Jennifer is white, but told me she has numerous friends who are Black and Latino. “I still hang with them too; it’s just that when
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Sports
14 Rampage
August 29, 2007
Keysaw’s inferno
Coach Keysaw delivers instructions for the trecherous stair drills during “Hell Friday.”
Continued from page 16 In preparation for this article, this reporter followed the Rams wrestling team to two consecutive practices. My presence was not entirely welcomed. “Now we’ve got the press following us around,” Nick Bardsley said while wading in the pool. That didn’t happen last year, he said, “nobody cared.” There is no denying that although two teams won the state championship last year, one team got more publicity than the other. I’ll give you one guess – if you said the wrestling team, you’d be wrong. The wrestlers have every right to feel bitter. They beat out every junior college in the state of California and they went undefeated all season, but did anyone really notice? Some people did, but did they get their pictures splashed across the front page of the Fresno Bee or even The Rampage? No. We can tug at our collars all night on this one, but that fact of the matter is: we let these young
men down. Everyone who ignored each of their dual and tournament wins, their individual crowns and top rankings is guilty – we let them down. With nobody watching, they accomplished the improbable. And for that, they’ve more than earned just a little recognition. It’s the least any of us can do.
Getting to the Top One more Time
The road to a state title win is not without its bumps and hills to climb, and unfortunately, there are no express lanes. “If it was easy to become a champion, everyone would do it!” Keysaw yelled from the top step of Ratcliffe Stadium during a recent practice. His team was busy running drills up and down the stadium steps during what he calls, “Hell Friday.” Young men, often shirtless, baked under the summer sun while they struggled to complete the drills. Their hardened bodies glistened and their sweat-drenched hair swung wildly about their
Photo By Joseph Rios
faces.
Keysaw dubbed the first drill, “The Buddy-Carry.” Like a Vietnamese woman carries her child, they labored up every step with a man of similar size on their backs. While the carrier bore the weight, the carried whispered words of encouragement into their ear.“Come on man, almost there. Just a few more steps,” the teammate said. When the carrier tripped, he’d catch himself on all fours in an inclined pushup position with his cargo still latched on his back. “Get up, you can do it,” his teammate would say. When they finished buddycarry set, they moved on to wheelbarrow carries. One man grabbed the ankles of the other and, much like the name suggests, pushed them up the steps like one would push a wheelbarrow. The manturned-wheelbarrow crawled up each step on his hands with his feet in the hands of his teammate. The deltoid and tricep muscles in their arms swelled and
convulsed with each connection of hand to concrete step. Their shoulder bones rocked up and down in their sockets while beads of sweat dripped from the tips of their noses. Men cried out and screamed through the last steps, often resting on their elbows to catch their breath. This was no cakewalk. Keysaw called on his wrestlers by name and dished out bits of encouragement to bolster their confidence. “Get your [butt] up here Jose!” Keysaw yelled. Then, when Jose made it to the top, Keysaw said, “Great job, now get down there and do it again.” Keysaw shouted over the moans, the groans, and the pants of his men as he paced from one side of the upper deck to the other. “Nobody is as strong as the Rams. Nobody!” he yelled. As the young men trotted down the steps to prepare for another drudge up the summit, they passed morsels of assurance to each other. “How many more sets do you have...Alright. Let’s go. We’re almost done.” “I bet you’re thinking, ‘What did I get myself into?’” Keysaw shouted from the south side of the bleachers. “Nobody said this was going to be easy men.”
Heavyweights: A Different Species All Their Own
Along one side of the upper deck and beneath the shade of a tree’s hanging limbs, the team’s heavyweights panted and labored
up and down their secluded staircase. Hidden there, the wrestlers who weighed more than two hundred pounds endured Keysaw’s inferno. These select few, without a doubt, made up the most vocal group in the stadium that day. “Let’s go fat boys,” Tyler Blair said, setting himself to carry Jason Fonzi up the flight of stairs. Blair’s eyelids slid back and his eyes widened. The corners of his mouth lifted at their edges, forming an almost psychotic smirk. Fonzi’s gorilla-like arms draped over Blair’s shoulders and loosely around his neck. Blair was the slimmest of the group, weighing slightly under two hundred pounds. He competed at 197 in last year’s state tournament and at 6-1, he’s one of the tallest on the team. With Fonzi riding his back, it looked like something out of The Great Panda Adventure. Blair drove each foot into the concrete like the tip of a jackhammer. He muscled up the steps gripping onto Fonzi’s hamstrings. The rest of the heavyweights cheered him on until he reached the top. “Don’t stop until we get another ring,” Victor Leyva said between his gasps for air. “I already got one ring, but I want another one so I can flip you off with two hands,” Blair said to no one in particular. They lined up single file and took on the stairs over and over, pausing momentarily at the bottom See: “Heavy burden page 15
Photo By Joseph Rios
Kevin Miller gags over the railing at Ratcliffe Stadium. Coach Keysaw pushed each wrestler to their limit during “Hell Friday.”
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE TRANSFER CENTER
TRANSFER DAY Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free Speech Area (between the Bookstore & Cafeteria)
Representatives from CSU, UC and independent colleges and universities will provide transfer information and materials. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20th at 6:30PM
R O O S E V E LT H I G H S C H O O L , F R E S N O
www.brownpapertickets.com 1-800-8 3 8 - 3 0 0 6 www.peacefresno.org 276-2592
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING DAY! HOSTED BY THE FCC TRANSFER/COUNSELING CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (559) 442-8290
Sports
August 29, 2007
Rampage 15
AROUND THE HORNS Cross Country: Sat Sept 8 - ARC Beaver Invitational Sat Sept 15 - Fresno Invitational (Fresno) Sat Sep 22 - Jim Hunt Invitational Women’s Water Polo: Fri-Sat Sept 8/9- Cuesta College Tourney Thur-Sat Sept 14/16Chaffey College Tourney
Women’s Soccer Sat Sept 1/2- Oxnard Tourney Wed Sept 5- Canyons Football Sat Sep 1 - Feather River Sat Sep 8 - Marin College Sat Sep 15 - SF City
Mens Soccer: Fri-Sun Aug 31-Sep 2 Hartnell College Tourney Tue Sep 4- Contra Costa Colllege Women’s Golf: Thu Aug 30 - Sac City Tourney Fri-Sat Sep 7/8 Pre-Season Tourney Tue Sep 11- Conference Match (Hanford)
White hit opponents with a onetwo punch. The Rams one-two punch is anchored by the freshman Raymond Neil. Neil will mainly be used to run outside of the tackles followed by Kenny Hendrington (Bullard). Hendrington will be featured more as the power running back for the rams. The key to the Rams’ wide receiver bench is their depth. Caviglia will be using four and five wide receivers sets more often this year than he has in the past. Sherman Lang will lead a crowd of wide-outs. Freshmen Ronnie Hattin (Edison), Jon Blea (Yosemite High), Marcus Russell (Buchanan High), Erin Banks (Clovis East), and Dontrell Lee (Riverview Garden Mo.) will be spreading out the Ram offense all year. The Ram defense, in many ways, is ahead of the offense,
Caviglia said. The defensive line is locked down two-deep with potential Division I prospects. According to the FCC football web site Caviglia said “Defensively, we are an attacking gap control defense. We are a zone team 65% of the time and the other 35% is some form of man-to-man defense.” He added, “We like to attack offenses using a variety of alignments and we want to pressure them into bad plays. We like to play 8 or 9 defensive linemen during the game, and at times 5 or 6 defensive backs. Depth on defense is a primary goal so we can stay fresh for 4 quarters.” Utilizing depth won’t be difficult for the Rams on defense. However, Caviglia considers this season’s road schedule to be one of the toughest that he has seen in a while. If his team is to be successful this season they are going to have to win on the road.
Moniz takes the helm; defense stacked By Marcell Dilworth
Heavy burden Photo By Joseph Rios
Tyler Blair carries Jason Fonzi up a flight of stadium steps.
privilege yet. “Wrestlers are different, but as the snake curved around and up heavyweights are a different anithe steps once more. mal all their own,” Keysaw said. Their heavy-burdened feet The team rounded out their smacked against the concrete with sets on the stairs with two 100 yard assurance and lifted like piston dashes and one for 50 yards. When caps, propelling them to the next that was through, they finished step. with 25 pushups and sit-ups. With their fingers stretched The team huddled to conout flat, they chopped at the air in clude practice. With patches of front of them as if they were cut- grass on their sweat-soaked backs ting a stock of celery. Watching and their hands stretched towards these men pump their knees up the nucleus where Keysaw stood, and down beneath their bulged the team let out one loud, “Rams!” out frames was a sight to be seen. and walked off the field. “No water, we haven’t “Why do you put these guys earned it,” Leyva said. Under through such hell?” I asked during the most dire circumstances they last Thusday’s practice. settled for a washout, but they “Because our season is hell, didn’t drink. It was as if water Joe” Keysaw said. “Our season AMS-27_3.88x5_20k_L6.qxd 8/8/07 2:57 PM Page 1 was a luxury saved for the most is hell.” worthy and they hadn’t earned the
Continued from page 14
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Rampage Reporter Head coach Tony Caviglia of the Fresno City College football team is expecting his team to continue the winning tradition that he has brought to the squad since he became head coach back in 1999. This season’s crop of guys will have some new starting faces. Freshman Bryant Moniz will be replacing last year’s starting quarterback Derrick Shaw who has been suspended indefinitely for personal reasons. When Moniz was asked if he was ready to lead the team by Caviglia via text message, he responded by sending a message back to the coach that said, “Guaranteed coach, I was born to do this.” The Rams running philosophy mirrors University of Southern California’s during the 2005 season. Reggie Bush and LenDale
August 29, 2007 Commentary
Vick blows it
Sports
R-E-S-P-E-C-T:
16
Damn, we’ll we lost another athlete guys. On the 27th of August, 2007 star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Vick, pleaded guilty to dog fighting charges stemming from an earlier investigation surrounding illegal dog fighting. According to news outlets like CNN and CBS beginning on July 17, 2007, Michael Vick and three other men were indicted by a grand jury for felony and misdemeanor charges surDeshad Cato Rampage Reporter rounding a fighting company called “Bad Newz Kennels.” The charges against Vick carried a maximum penalty of up to six years in prison. After his arraignment, his sponsors including Nike, Reebok, NFL Shops and trading card companies withdrew almost all Vick-related products from the shelves. Then on August 20, after Photo By Joseph Rios weeks of stating his innocence, Vick pleaded guilty to a federal Wheel-Barrow Run: Nick Alvarado crawls up the upper-deck of Ratcliffe Stadium while Gaylen Williams holds tight to his ankles. dog fighting conspiracy charge. That very same day, not soon after his guilty plea, the NFL suspended Vick indefinitely without pay. As it stands, Vick may have to spend up to a year in jail. His future in the NFL is still unknown. Now, seeing as how I got all the facts out of the way I guess I can talk to you for real for a minute. I’m usually impartial in stories like this but COME ON! How are you going to lose out on 130 million dollars over something as stupid as dog-fighting…DOG FIGHTING!!! by Joseph Rios How dumb do you have to Editor-in-Chief be to blow your whole career on something your cousin wanted to do? I can just imagine the conversation they had. I think it went like this “Hey Vick want to do illegal dog fights in your back yard and jeopardize your career and possibly go to jail? It’ll be fun!” Then Vick goes “Hey, why not I’m a Black athlete after all and no one EVER goes after us for nuthin!” I’m sorry but all this just sounds like a bad Chapelle Show skit, like one of “lost” episodes. All that’s left is for him to say he found Jesus, like Jesus was the one who was lost - and he’ll be set. Wait, he already said it? HAHA! Seriously though, all kidding aside this was a bad move. Not a good look for Michael Vick at all. He can add his name to the long list of athletes who screwed up big time I guess. Hope he rebounds though, it’s always nice to see a comeback. See “Keysaw’s Inferno”, Page 14
They’ve earned it Wrestlers return to the grind after last season’s title victory went nearly unnoticed
would eventually go undefeated and win the state championship. During the weeks and months ords like pride, hard work, and team might be alien to some. For that followed, their state crown flutothers, they are just lofty rhetoric used tered into obscurity. The public continued to ignore their win until Coach to sell Gatorade. For Coach Paul Keysaw, though, Ed Madec (another freshman coach) and his team won the state championand the fifty guys vying for a spot ship in basketball. It suddenly became on the Fresno City College wrestling necessary to acknowledge the wresteam, these words are essential comtling team’s great accomplishment. ponents of their state-title producing During what became nothing machine. Last Monday marked the begin- more than hand-me-down festivities for the group of grapplers, the team ning of the fall season. Like many of his wrestlers, Keysaw is in his sopho- carried scowling faces and fake, worn-out smiles; they’d won the title more season at FCC. Just one year ago, the new head coach was staring at months before. Where was their party a similar-looking group of Rams that then?
W