Rampage Fall '12 - Issue 3

October 3, 2012

AMPAGE Volume CXXIII Issue 3

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The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College

Prop 30 failure could spell doom

SENATOR REMOVED FROM OFFICE

BY KAITLIN REGAN

kregan@therampageonline.com

California Community colleges, including Fresno City College, will be severely impacted if Proposition 30, the Sales and Income Tax Increase Initiative on the Nov. 6, 2012 ballot fails to pass.

Failure will have “a very significant and devastating effect on the services that community colleges can provide to students,” said Dan Troy, vice chancellor for College Finance and Facilities Planning at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office.

“We’ll be hit with a mid-year trigger cut that will be about $338 million in addition to losing the $210 million that we would get in new money,” Troy added.

Troy made these pronouncements on Wednesday during a teleconference with community college media outlets. Troy joined Erik Skinner, who then was acting chancellor of the California Community Colleges and Rich Copenhagen, president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges to discuss the impact of state budget cuts, drop in enrollment and the implications of passage or failure of Proposition 30 and Proposition 38 and how those implications could result in a direct hit on community colleges.

“The 2012 to 2013 budget assumes the passage of the governor’s ballot initiative, Proposition 30. Essentially what proposition 30 does is that it rakes income taxes on high income earners who earn a minimum of $250,000 or more for about seven years,” Troy said. “It would also raise the statewide sales tax for four years by one quarter of one percent.”

Troy added that the revenue from the Proposition would help prop up the budget for education in California. That would allocate $250 million each for the UC and CSU systems, leaving $5.4 billion for K-14 education. That allocation, according to Troy, holds great significance to the community college system and its budget.

“To be specific, if prop 30 passes, in the 2012 to 2013 year community colleges will receive $210 million in new money in addition to what was received in 2011 to 2012,” said Troy. “So we would be going in the right direction fiscally after all these years of cuts.”

Passage of Proposition 30 would also make room for about 20,000 new students in comparison to last year. However, if the initiative fails, the community college system will be hit with devastating cuts.

The California Community College system will see a loss of 180,000 students plus an additional 20,000 that could be gained by the initiative’s passage. “If Proposition 30 fails, 200,000 students will be denied a higher education,” Troy said.

“The total loss that would be attributed to the failure of the governor’s initiative would be $548 million and 200,000 students.” l SEE PROP ON PAGE 2

Photo by Abel Cortez Senator James Demaree responds to votes ousting him from ASG on Sept. 25

BY TROY POPE

tpope@therampageonline.com

Senator James Demaree was officially removed from the Associated Student Government during its meeting on Sept. 25. The vote count was 14 for removal, two against and three abstaining.

“I am absolutely stunned that people that acted like they were my friends, or people that had said in previous meetings to give me a chance, voted to have me removed,” Demaree said.

A list of charges against Demaree,

including behavior “unbecoming of an elected student representative” was read on Sept. 4. Demaree was also charged with failing to fulfill his required office hours and committee meetings, as well as failing to attend the ASG sponsored event “Welcome Week.”

ASG Sen. Nathan Squire addressed the senate to make sure they knew what they were supposed to be discussing, “Does everybody remember what the charges were specifically?” He continued, “If you guys have [the charges] set or are unsure of anything, now is the time to ask; now is the time to clarify.”

No member of ASG asked for a re-reading of the charges. Instead they continued to speak solely about their personal interactions and their opinions of Demaree’s YouTube videos.

Most people that chose to speak, talked about the image of ASG and how students, faculty members and other people statewide have been asking about the Demaree controversy.

“When I went to my committee, that was, like, all they wanted to talk about,” said ASG President Pro-Tempore Rene Villa. “This is coming from faculty and l SEE ASG ON PAGE 3

ASG Launches “Rock the Vote”

BY MATTHEW ELLIOTT

melliott@therampageonline.com

With one month remaining before the 2012 elections, the Associated Student Government’s “Rock the Vote” campaign has officially started.

“We wanted to make civic consciousness and student involvement in the November election a front and foremost issue,” said ASG President Nathan Alonzo.

During each club rush leading up to the election, ASG representatives will be registering students to vote. At the first club rush, ASG was able to register 25 students, said Alonzo.

To get campus clubs interested, ASG senators recently established a voter drive competition involving various campus clubs competing to generate the most registrations.

The top three clubs on campus to register voters will receive a prize of $300, $200 and $100 respectively. Clubs can register students and non-students alike, and it

is “anybody’s game,” said Alonzo.

In addition to registration drives, members of ASG are pushing to educate student voters. Scott Lay, president of the California Community College League will give a presentation in the Old Administration Building on Oct. 15.

“He’s going to be talking about the importance of the November election and providing information that he feels community college students, staff and the administration should know,” said Alonzo.

With regard to the election itself, students are encouraged to discover the privileges they hold as registered voters. There are alternatives to waiting in line at a designated polling station on Election Day. Students can vote by mail well in advance of the election by submitting an absentee ballot. Postage fees for absentee ballot envelopes are pre-paid. To qualify, voters must have their absentee ballots

postmarked no later than Nov. 6.

Another option is to exercise the convenience of the early voting system.

FCC students and faculty members can cast their ballots in advance of the election at the downtown county elections ofl SEE VOTER ON PAGE 2

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NEWS

Rampage Staff

10.03.2012

Prop 30 may decide college future l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Editor-in-Chief Jesse Franz News Editor Kaitlin Regan Opinion Editor Troy Pope Arts & Entertainment Editor Matthew Elliott Sports Editor Tomas Kassahun Production Managers Troy Pope Ramiro Gudino Print Photo Editor Abel Cortez Online Photo Editor Paul Schlesinger Graphics Editor Jesse Franz Online Editors Troy Pope Jesse Franz Social Media Director Olga Verkhotina Illustrator Dale Holcomb Copy Chief Tomas Kassahun Copy Editors Sasha Bell Pabel Lopez David Thammavongsa Olga Verkhotina Business Manager Sydney Excinia Sales Director Annette De Dios-Kassahun Reporters Chad Armbruster Marcell Dilworth Melissa Dyer Patrick Forrest Dale Holcomb Jere Kirkland Mai Lee Frank Lopez Daisy Martinez Cox Odia Montana Paxton August Promnitz Brendan Raley Akeem Spearman Carl Turpin Kayla Valenzuela Faculty Adviser Dr. Dympna Ugwu-Oju dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu

Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Fax: 559.265.5783 Twitter.com/FCCRampage Facebook.com/FCCRampage YouTube.com/rampagenews Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to:

editorial@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College C/O The Rampage 1101 E. University Ave Fresno, CA 93741

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Skinner started the conference by enumerating the erosion of funding and severe decrease in the service provided to the state’s community college students.

Over the past three years, he explained, the funding for community colleges has been cut by $809 million. This translates to a 12 percent cut over three years. Skinner said that the cuts have come at the worst possible time.

“This is a significant cut that has come at a very difficult time, given the soaring demand for higher education in California,” Skinner said.

These cuts have resulted in denial of enrollment for students hoping to get a higher education. From 2008 to 2009, Skinner explained, California Community Colleges served 2.9 million students.

The system now serves 2.4 million, a half-million reduction in students that is directly related to state funding levels, “a 17 percent reduction in enrollments.”

Cuts mean fewer courses or sections open to students.

“The $809 million in cuts that the colleges have endured has largely translated into pure course sections being offered,” said Skinner. Cutting classes is the only mechanism colleges have to directly control expenditures, “so when their funding is cut, they have to reduce their number of course sections,” Skinner said.

Skinner also stated that even with these cuts, the demand for a community college education has increased. This increase is due to several factors, including the highest rate of graduating high school classes in the state’s history, the influx of workers needing to gain new skills to get back into the workforce and the return of soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq.

“All of these forces are coming together at the same time to drive up the demand for a community college education,” said Skinner, “but unfortunately, the cuts have undermined the ability of the colleges to provide those services.”

After Skinner put current matters

into perspective, Troy, broke down the Proposition 30 initiative piece by piece.

“After all these hits we’ve taken in recent years, the state simply can’t afford that kind of devastation,” said Troy.

Troy reported that his office has also surveyed leaders of college campuses to see how they would deal with the failure of Proposition 30. He said that some colleges have enough in reserves to survive the year without making further reductions in services but the brunt of the failure would be felt in subsequent years. Some will have to reduce services to students, make cuts in staffing and reduce furloughed staff

“Since 08-09, there have been approximately 3,600 fewer students,” said Cantu.

FCC’s current budget projection is at $66.6 million, a $2.7 million reduction since the 2011-2012 year. This budget is a reflection of the possible outcome of the vote on Proposition 30. This budget has also affected the staffing of FCC as the cuts continue to devastate the community college system.

“We have had positions—faculty, classified professionals, and administrative--that have not been filled,” said Cantu.

While proposition 30 has the ability to help the community college system if it passes, Proposition 38, the Munger initiative, will not contribute any funds to the community college system. According to Troy, the revenue generated from the Munger initiative would go only to K-12 and early childhood development education.

This means that if proposition 38 passes but Proposition 30 does not, community colleges will be hit by the devastating trigger cuts that would be coming in January.

Also, the state cannot pass both initiatives.

If Propositions 30 and 38 both poll more than 50 percent, the initiative that receives more votes will pass.

Photo Illustration by Jesse Franz The monetary loss is difficult enough to deal with but according to Rich Copenhagen, students will lose more than money. Copenhagen said that salaries. Most of the impact, however, will reducing the number of part-time faculty head toward class offerings. results in reduced innovation as well. He “In fact 91 percent of colleges who said the cuts in services would be devastatresponded to our survey said that they ing from a student’s perspective -- whether would be reducing the number of course it is financial aid, DSP&S or EOPS -- stuofferings for the 12-13 year if this proposi- dents are experiencing the cuts first hand. tion fails,” said Troy.

These students, which the community colFresno City College has not escaped lege system aims to help, are being pushed these cuts and losses to enrollment. Ac- out due to the budget cuts. cording to Tony Cantu, FCC president, the “Our students, who we should be budget that the college is working under helping most as a community college syswas built to reflect the worst case scenar- tem,” Copenhagen said, “are being pushed io. That would be the failure of Proposi- out by these draconian cuts.” tion 30. As for the reduction in enrollment, FCC has been reduced significantly. l TWITTER.COM/K_C_REGAN

Cash Flow For SCCCD relative to the fate of prop 30

Passes $25,000,000

Voter Registration fice. The office is located at 2221 Kern St. Citizens can cast their ballots at this location from Oct. 8 through Nov. 6. To avoid difficulties, voters should bring a state or government issued identification card.

Several parking spaces are reserved for the voting public and are free of charge.

During this voting period, the county elections office will be open on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Saturday prior to Election Day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nationally, approximately one-third of voters cast their ballot prior to the day of the election. Doing so not only eliminates the burdensome time constraints attributed to voting on Election Day but also eases the strain for those who choose to wait in line to cast their ballot the traditional way.

In order to have an opportunity to vote during the upcoming presidential election, students must have their voter

Fails

$2,000,000

l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

registration forms completed and postmarked by Oct. 22, two weeks prior to Election Day. In California, registration is as simple as ever. For the first time, California is allowing voters to register online at the Secretary of State’s website.

The conditions for registering to vote include the requirement that students are citizens of the United States, residents of California, reach the age of 18 by Nov. 6, are not on probation for a felony and are not determined to be mentally incompetent.

To expand voter rolls, last week, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the right to register to vote on the day of an election. The rule goes into effect in 2014.

Those looking to register should know that the conditions for registering to vote, including that the person is a citizen of the U.S., a resident of California and is at least

18 years old by Nov. 6. The person should not be on probation or determined to be mentally incompetent.

With respect to voters with disabilities, the California Secretary of State website provides answers for information regarding their voting rights, an audio version of the voter information guide (available Oct. 8) and a video guide to voting that is described in American or Spanish sign languages.

By law, assigned polling stations are made to be excusable. Volunteers at polling stations are required to assist disabled voters to the fullest extent necessary.

For more information regarding online voter registration, voting policies, ballot initiatives and disabled services, visit the California Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.ca.gov/elections or call the county elections office at 559-488-3246. l TWITTER.COM/PATH_OF_LOTUS

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 10.03.2012

NEWS

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TRANSFER CENTER HELPS STUDENTS ADVANCE

BY OLGA VERKHOTINA

overkhotina@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College transfer center has entered its busiest time of the year.

California State University’s application season runs from Oct.1 to Nov. 30 and the University of California system allows students to apply throughout the month of November.

Transfer Center Coordinator Leticia Canales said that approximately 1,200 FCC students move on to four-year universities every year to continue their studies.

The transfer center helps them to verify that they are eligible to transfer and assists with the application process. Canales suggests that students begin planning their education process as early as their freshman year. That way, they don’t have to waste time taking classes that they don’t need and meet the requirements sooner.

“We would like to see students be more assertive in understanding their major,” said Canales. “In other words, do they know what their major is and what system they want to apply whether it’s CSUs or UCs because that helps us to determine what application period and cycle they should be considering.”

Canales also said that many universities prefer students with high-impacted science-related majors like biology, computer science and engineering to have their major preparatory courses completed first instead of intersegmental general education transfer curriculum (IGETC).

“All of these majors are heavier in math, chemistry and physics sequence,” she said. “And all of those classes you have to take one class at a time because they are

ASG

l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 staff, and they really wanted to know what was going on. Because they saw the big page on Rampage about it. They wanted more info about what was going on, which is embarrassing.”

ASG’s charges of Demaree failed to coincide with the organization’s own Constitution as stated as, “Any member of the ASG may be removed from office after four (4) unexcused absences from Student Senate Meetings and/or incompetence in the performance of duties set forth in the Constitution, By-Laws, and other related codes.”

ASG Sen. Monique Reyna spoke about the work ASG is doing and how it is being overshadowed by the Demaree controversy, “It’s kind of discouraging when all that work is kind of not being seen because the only thing that students have

the university that they are interested in. Transfer center will fax them all the necessary documents such as an academic transcript and the student can ask them questions. Right now the virtual advising program is possible with UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara and CSU Fresno.

“It’s allowing students to learn what they need,” said Canales. “Not just hearing from us but hearing from the adviser.”

For students who have been attending FCC for several semesters, know their major and what school they are going to transfer to, one of the most popular options is the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program introduced by University of California.

According to the UC website, TAG will allow Photo by Paul Schlesinger A student consults with students to apply early and a representative from the transfer center in the student receive a guaranteed admisservices building on Monday. sion notification if they mainvery sequential. So, when you look at the tain the required level of GPA and have core, it takes almost six to seven semesters completed the specific amount of units just to get through that sequence. And the for the particular campus. TAG applicacompleted IGETC might not be what’s go- tions are generally submitted a year prior ing to get them in.” to admission during the month of SeptemSince the beginning of the spring ber. However, students can only choose 2012 semester, FCC students also have an one university campus, not UCLA or UC opportunity to use virtual advising. Ac- Berkeley, as their TAG. cording to Canales, students can make a “A lot of our students use TAG Skype appointment with an adviser from as their primary choice or some of them

would use it as a backup,” said Canales.

Another option that will guarantee students the transfer admission is getting an associate degree for transfer introduced by the Senate Bill 1440 (SB 1440).

According to the bill, students in community colleges who complete 60 transferable semester units that include general education, major preparation and elective courses, will receive an associate of arts or science degree and get a priority admission to one the California State University campuses depending on their location and field of study. The associate degree generally follows the CSU general education pattern as well as the major courses but without the physical education and computer requirements.

“It’s a win-win,” said Canales. “You leave here with an associate degree, and you also have a spot waiting for you at CSU.” Besides verifying that students are eligible for admission, FCC transfer center also assists students applying to out-ofstate universities. The center holds CSU and UC application process workshops every day during the months of October and November to guide students through writing a personal statement essay and filling out the application form.

Canales suggests that students fill out general information such as name and address first but when it comes to the academics section, they should come in and see a counselor to avoid making mistakes.

She said, “We want to make sure that a student is entering the correct information on the transcript and where it needs to go.”

been focusing on and been having questions on, is the issue with Sen. Demaree.”

Some say that ASG’s removal of Demaree is a clear violation of his First Amendment rights.

Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate at the Student Press Law Center, said, “Somebody speaks out against the leader of the government and then is voted out on trumped up charges... If you had to guess where this was happening, you’d probably guess Cuba.”

Another question arose with the way ASG handled the vote. There were 14 that voted for removal, 2 against it and 3 abstaining. A total of 19 voting members.

After the votes were tallied, ASG Faculty Advisor Sean Henderson asked whether or not the abstentions would count as votes, if they would shrink quorum to be 16 instead of 19, “There are 19 voting members, is that correct?”, he asked. “And are abstentions counted in quorum?”

After Henderson asked the question, the decision was immediately made by ASG President Nathan Alonzo that the

removed from office.

Demaree says he has plans to appeal his removal, and is also seeking legal action to protect his rights if his appeal fails. He has been in contact with the ACLU among other non-profit civil rights agencies.

In the court case Flaherty v. Keystone Oaks School District, a high school student was kicked off the volleyball team for posting negative comments about a teacher online. The court ruled in favor of the student on the grounds that his punishment was a violation of his First Amendment rights.

When that verdict came down, Witold Walczak, the Pittsburgh ACLU legal director, said, “The court has sent a clear message that the First Amendment limits school officials’ authority to punish students who post non-threatening, but offensive or critical statements on the Internet from their home computers.”

The deadline for Demaree to submit his appeal is Oct. 16. To stay up-to-date with this issue, visit therampageonline. com. l TWITTER.COM/DARKTROY

Dr. Brice Harris, a former FCC President, was appointed chancellor of the California Community Colleges on Thursday.

Photo by Paul Schlesinger

The Academic Senate voted to support the follow-up report to the accreditation body after initial hesitation.

What is the status of FCC’s accreditation?

BY JESSE FRANZ

jfranz@therampageonline.com

abstentions would not count.

No attempt was made to clarify.

A vote of 14-2 is more than 87 percent.

However, a vote of 14 out of 19 members, is only 73 percent. According to the ASG Constitution, they need 75 percent to remove someone. Alonzo, who would benefit from a “yes” vote, declared that an abstention would not count, which brought a 73 percent vote to an 87 percent vote.

Dr. Leonard M. Young, executive director of the National Association of Parliamentarians, said that ASG’s removal process is poorly worded. He suggested a better way of writing it, “Any member of the Associated Student Government may be removed from office by the Student Senate by a three-fourths vote of those members of the Senate present and voting.”

Young said that rewording the ASG Constitution, Article 3, Section 5 would clear up any confusion about abstentions.

Nevertheless, the question was never raised, and the President who had been personally attacked by Demaree decided the votes didn’t count, and Demaree was

l TWITTER.COM/VERKHOTINA

BY KAITLIN REGAN

kregan@therampageonline.com

How to have succuessful love life and college career.

BY DAISY MARTINEZ

dmartinez@therampageonline.com

BEYOND THE PRINT THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

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10.03.2012

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

ACADEMIC SENATE PRESIDENT STRIVES TO GIVE BACK Claudia Habib shares her story of triumph over adversity

BY TOMAS KASSAHUN

tkassahun@therampageonline.com

Cal Poly, Habib returned to Fresno. She attended CSU Fresno and changed her major to interior design. Her personal life also saw some changes. She met and married a second generation Lebanese man, who was raised in the Ivory Coast. Before long she welcomed her first child. As life became more hectic, Habib struggled to find balance between life as a student, a wife and a mother. Still she remembered what she has

Throughout her youth Claudia Habib had witnessed injustice and inequity in Cali, Colombia. She had seen people desperately seeking shelter and she had desperately wanted to do something about it.

She knew the answer to her problems was education. But to find education she would have to flee her home at the age of 23 and land in the United States.

At first glance, she noticed it wasn’t exactly “Baywatch.”

The transition would be a challenge thanks in large part to the language barrier. Nevertheless it was what she had dreamed of. The possibilities were finally within reach.

She would spend the first six months of her journey in the United States at Fresno Adult School. There she would work on her English and soon move on to Fresno City College. At FCC, Habib decided to chase the dream she had since she was a 14-yearold girl in Colombia.

She decided to major in architecture hoping to someday provide space for the homeless people she had seen in her country. Still Claudia Habib as an FCC student during the 1980s. struggling with EngPhoto courtesy of Claudia Habib lish, Habib would spend countless hours with her books. With the little time remaining, always been told.

“My dad always said I must get an Habib had to work and pay off her education. She would clean offices and houses or education. Like many immigrants, I saw education as way out of poverty, a way deliver pizza and newspapers.

As she cleaned, she did what she al- to obtain that American dream. I didn’t ways does. She studied the architecture of want to stop. I had to get that degree,” said Habib. buildings.

Habib would take 18-24 units a seDespite the struggles, Habib found a home at FCC. She made friends and her mester. She was finally rewarded in 1995 instructors loved her. But after two years as she graduated with a bachelor’s degree at FCC, it was time for Habib to move on. in interior design from CSU Fresno. She This time she would find herself at CSU graduated as student of the year and in the Cal Poly. The transition proved to be even process established a strong portfolio.

Her success however, didn’t come more difficult than before.

“Being at Cal Poly was a great expe- without a heavy price.

“My baby didn’t know me. He didn’t rience but I felt like outsider. There were very few minorities. I didn’t have the sup- call me mom. He didn’t even extend his port system I had at FCC,” said Habib. hand to me. I was so busy studying,” said “There were very few Latinos and women Habib.

Immediately after graduating, Habib in the architecture department. There was no money and working in the cafeteria was found a job working for a design firm. not enough. My Family didn’t see me. It There she worked for seven years. When wasn’t possible for them to travel from FCC offered architects a job, she took advantage.

Fresno.”

“It was heart-warming to come back Unable to sustain her stay at CSU to (FCC) after 10 years and work as a professional. I reconnected with people who made a difference in my life,” said Habib.

F o r two years H a b i b worked as an architect

in the college. But when a teaching opportunity opened up in the architecture department, she was encouraged by a friend to go for it. Fearing her accent would be a barrier, Habib was reluctant at first. In the end however, Habib knew she was exactly what they were looking for.

“They needed somebody with experience of board drafting and computer drafting. All my training in Columbia was in board drafting. My training in the (United States) was in computer drafting,” said Habib, who became the first full time woman employed in the

cook Mediterranean food,” said Habib.

Despite a busy family life, Habib is always looking for a challenge. In addition to her teaching career, Habib is now the Academic Senate President at FCC. “I became involved with the Academic Senate because I wanted a different perspective from the classroom. I figured I could see more of what is happening at the college and the district level. It’s also a way to understand the voices of the campus, a way to work with students, faculty, administrators,” said Habib. “I have learned to lead them, and also to respect others opinions. We all have one goal and that’s to help students. We just have differ-

Photo by Paul Schlesinger Habib in her office in the Applied Technology Building yesterday. architecture division.

As Habib continued with her teaching career, she found it rewarding. She met students facing the struggles she experienced and she was thrilled to help them.

The desire to learn was also very much within Habib. And so she returned to school and pursued a master’s degree from CSU Fresno. This time she obtained a degree in Instructional Technology from National University and decided to stop studying for good.

That plan however, was quickly demolished. She returned to school once more and obtained a doctorate in Education and Leadership from CSU Fresno.

By now Habib had become a mother of two boys. In a household where Columbian, Ivorian, and Lebanese culture mingled, the boys gained a rare insight. By the age of five, they spoke French, Spanish, and English. They traveled to the Ivory Coast, Lebanon, and France.

Adam, the oldest of the two boys, is now a sophomore at FCC, while Alex is a sophomore in high school.

Habib’s marriage has also been enriched by the mix of cultures. She is Catholic. Her husband is Muslim. But their values have brought them close together. They even share a passion for cooking.

“I love his cooking. And I love to

ent opinions on how to do that. Just being to talk about the issues is great.”

Particularly in a time of financial crisis, Habib is focused on working with legislations to bring change.

“There are a lot of things that are working but we may need to adjust a little bit. We need to focus on helping students get in, get out. It (the budget crisis) also has given us a chance to speak more about the community college. I don’t think we have done a good job of telling our story,” said Habib.

Her advice to young people is to persevere, to have a goal, to not give up and to get help.

“Life has its up and downs. We all have circumstances. You have to develop a support system,” said Habib. “I believe my family has made it here because we supported each other in our journey. We cannot do it by ourselves.”

Though she is not sure how long she will continue her career, Habib believes she will always be learning and teaching.

“I’m committed to community college at this point. I don’t see myself anywhere else,” said Habib. “We are teaching and learning every day. That’s a constant in my life.” l TWITTER.COM/THERAMPAGEGUY

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 10.03.2012

Audiences thrown for a ‘Loop’

BY PATRICK FORREST

pforrest@therampageonline.com

The story, “Looper” takes place in the year 2042 when time travel has not been invented, but in the year 2072, not only has time travel been invented it has also already been outlawed and is only used on the black market by large criminal organizations. When those organizations want someone dead they send them back in time to special assassin called loopers where they kill and collect their pay.

All the way until the loops must be closed by sending the future older looper back through time to be killed by the younger counterpart, therefore “closing the loop”. But in the future a mysterious character called the rainmaker takes over and attempts to close all the loops. Joe

(Gordon-Levitt) is having his looped close he lets the older Joe (Willis) escape in an attempt to find the child version of the rainmaker and change the future.

The organization of loopers is then looking for both of them to make sure that they can bring in them both to put an end to the broken loop in the time cycle, this leaves Levitt with the choice of a lifetime between risking his present and saving his future, or ending his future and saving his present in this explosive action thriller.

It tries telling a very difficult story that can go wrong in so many different ways such as the realism issue in a time traveling movie. Although director Rian Johnson succeeds in an attempt to bring that science fiction theme to the big screen in a way that can be seen and understood

The Black Keys thrill Fresno

BY KAITLIN REGAN

kregan@therampageonline.com

Picture a Monday night in Fresno. It most likely does not involve a screaming crowd, loud music and energy for miles.

However, that is exactly what happened this Monday night when the Black Keys packed the Save Mart Center.

The crowd roared at the appearance of the opening act, “Teegan and Sara”. The Canadian twins left a lasting impression with songs such as “Walking With a Ghost” off their 2004 album entitled “So Jealous” and “Nineteen” off of their 2007 album, “The Con”. With an explosive power of guitars and vocals, Teegan and Sara set the bar in the rafters.

The music could be felt in the chest of any audience member as the vibrations of the music moved people to dance.

The beat stayed above steady throughout the concert as Teegan and Sara made way for The Black Keys. With a lengthy intermission, the crew of the Save Mart Center set the stage, literally, for The Black Keys.

Both acts had different light shows and sent out a different vibe to the audience. With Teegan and Sara, the lights went along with their instrumentals. Whenever there would be a powerful note, the lights would strobe and cause the crowd to scream their praise. With The Black Keys the lighting was consistent throughout their performance with few power strobe instances.

The music itself was more than enough to satiate a lyrically hungry audience. The Black Keys played hits such as “Howlin’ For You” of their album “Brothers” and “Little Black Submarines” off of their album “El Camino”.

While the setlist was explosive and had the crowd on its feet from start to finish, any song that The Black Keys could have played would have received the same praise. The fans refused to stop dancing in blatant reverence of the band.

Patrick Carney, drummer for The Black Keys, never lost his momentum throughout the performance. With all of the songs requiring a heavy percussive influence, Carney was able to keep the speed going and even floor it into the next gear. His skill on the drums is one rarely seen in up and coming bands.

Bandmate and guitarist Dan Auerbach demonstrated an impressive repertoire as he switched back and forth easily between electric, bass and acoustic guitaring. These all provided another layer of enthusiasm for the audience to experience as the show went on.

The energy in the Save Mart Center could be cut with a knife. Between the fans, the music and the light shows it was impossible to not have a good time. Fans from all walks of life came out to support The Black Keys and Teegan and Sara.

There were families there with their children, teenagers, college students and middle aged couples.

This just goes to show the good music brings people from all around together without judgment or thought. If Teegan and Sara set the bar in the rafters, The Black Keys leaped beyond it in the best concert that has come to Fresno. With any luck at all, they will return someday with their dance inducing music. l TWITTER.COM/K_C_REGAN

in a way that doesn’t leave to many gaps or conflicts.

Also the acting jobs put forth by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Jeff Daniels, Pierce Gagnon, and Paul Dano are all worthy of recognition, as this movie lives up to the hype placed on it and will no doubt go down as one of the top movies in 2012.

“Looper” grabs an “A” and is great watch for Sci-Fi fans and those who just like blood spilling everywhere. But be warned the movie has workings similar to such movies as inception with the way layers of story are worked and pulled back.

A&E

5

Photo by TriStar Pictures and Alliance Films

l TWITTER.COM/FORRESTP8

Famous “Grove” returns to terrify

BY KAYLA VALENZUELA

kvalenzuela@therampageonline.com

The Grove Haunt returns with their 13th year of terror and screams of guests daring to enter.

It was rated number nine of 25 must-see haunts in the U.S. listed in “Haunted Attraction Magazine.”

This terrifying haunt offers three attractions: the haunted hayride, the haunted forest, and the haunted house. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, food and pumpkins from the gift shop.

“It’s hard to say which attraction is the scariest, but if I had to choose, it would have to be the house because you never know what’s around the next corner,” said grove haunt actor David Cruz.

The Mofo Party will perform live at the Grove on Oct. 28.

Admission is free, excluding at-

tractions.

Group rates are also available.

Many characters are created Red slasher combo ticket is every year for each attraction such $24.50 for adults and $21 for kids. as: hippies, creepy clowns, living This combo ticket can be used on dead, enchanted witches and other Oct. 5-6 and 10-11. unusual characters.

Purple decay combo tickets “My favorite part of work- are $28.50 for adults and $23 for ing at The Grove is scaring people kids. This ticket can be used on senseless,” said actor Maverick Oct. 12-14, 17-18, 21, 24-25 as Cadaverick. well as 28 and 31.

The Grove has bonfires, a Black death combo tickets lit dance floor, and blasts music; are $32.50 for adults and $25 for making line-waiting entertain- kids. The dates for this ticket are ing. It’s open Oct. 5-31, while the Oct. 19-20, 26-27. ticket booth and parking open at Tickets are available at the 5:30 p.m. ticket booth, online at www.theOnly children 10 and grovehaunt.com, Sierra Vista Mall younger are allowed to dress up, and Roller Towne in Visalia. while the haunted house and forest The Grove Haunt is located are open for visitors 8 and older. on 14265 E. Goodfellow Ave in Tickets for the house and Sanger, Calif. For more informaforest are $13 each for adults and tion call 559-396-3598 or email $10 for children. The hayride costs thegrovehaunt@gmail.com. $10 for adults and $6 for children. l TWITTER.COM/KORRUPTEDKITTY

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6

A&E

10.03.2012

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Students bond through theater experience ‘Mauritius’ opens Friday under award-winning instructor’s direction

Photo by Brendan Raley. Dennis (Mohammad Shehata, right) tries to persuade the sisters Mary (Bridget Manders, left) and Jackie (Olivia Stemler, center) to sell the “Blue Mauritius” stamp. “Mauritius” runs from Friday through Oct. 13. at the Main Stage Theatre.

BY AUGUST PROMNITZ

dpromitz@therampageonline.com

For those who love the theater, Fresno City College’s latest production, “Mauritius”; a play written by the Pulitzer Prize nominated dramatist Theresa Rebeck and directed by theater instructor Charles Erven, is set to open this Friday at the FCC Main Stage Theatre.

“Mauritius” tells the story of two sisters operating the stamp shop they’ve inherited. While stamps may seem like a simple subject, it’s the value of one stamp in particular that comes into focus. The rare and coveted, “Blue Mauritius” stamp sets the plot in motion.

To collect this stamp, the main characters and nearly everyone else in the story begin a dirty and underhanded campaign to out-con each other. Over the course of the play, the audience is shown that anything, even a tiny square of paper, can corrupt women and men alike.

“This is one of the greatest plays I’ve ever been involved with,” says student actor, John Hansen. “I think this is a great piece of art.”

Hansen, a theater major, is getting ready to leave next July for New York.

Since this is perhaps his last performance in Fresno, he is especially enthusiastic about this upcoming play.

“Everyone’s really excited,” said

production stage manager, Mary Romero.

“I enjoy watching the relationships grow, seeing how things come together from being a rambling mess into a really concise product.”

Anyone who has ever been in theater can relate to the feeling. From the chaos of auditions, callbacks and opening rehearsals comes a molding phase of cast and crew members.

Familiarity spreads to create a perfect team. Although “Mauritius” showcases 90 minutes of entertainment for the audience, those in attendance are watching the fruit of months of frustrating setbacks that have transformed into incredible theater and camaraderie.

This bond appears to be at the very heart of the theater team. If this is an indicator of the play’s final outcome, students can expect “Mauritius” to be one of Fresno City College’s best productions of the year.

General admission costs $14 and $12 for students, staff and seniors.

Upcoming performances are to be held on Oct. 5, 6, 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct 7 and 13 at 2 p.m.

For more information, contact the FCC Theatre Box Office at 559-442-8221.

Tickets to “Mauritius” are available at the box office and www.fresnocitycollege.edu/boxofficetickets. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE

Fulton 55 features local and outside talent

BY FRANK LOPEZ

flopez@therampageonline.com

Photo by Abel Cortez. Fierce Creatures took the stage at Fulton 55 on Sept. 21.

Fulton 55 hosts various talented locals, as well as distant performers and Sept. 21 is no exception.

Performers included Canadian band Royal Canoe, Oakland’s Coast Jumper, Chicago hip-hop performer, Ssssnake and Fresno band, Fierce Creatures.

Nearly 100 audience members huddled close to the stage for a decent vantage point.

Tables filled up immediately after doors opened, and people kept filing throughout the night.

Coast Jumper from Oakland took the stage first, bringing an indie sound bordering on pop, relying heavily on guitar work reminiscent of Pink Floyd and vocal harmonies resembling the Beach Boys.

Coast Jumper brings an indie pop sound layered with harmony and atmosphere. They featured songs that transition into a heavier, more experimental sound.

Following a brief intermission, Chicago performer Ssssnake, took the stage.

Sssnake is the stage name of soul performer, Noah Tabakin.

Ssssnake produces his music using recording software. He raps, rhymes, and sings over his tracks on stage.

He was certainly the most exciting and eye catching performer of the night, due to his frantic dancing, rapping, and singing. He has an upbeat hip-hop sound that fuses rock, soul and gospel. Ssssnake has fun while performing and even pulls people onto stage. At the same time his songs seem inspirational with his full smooth voice.

The third act of the night, one that appeared to be a crowd favorite was Royal Canoe.

The band hails from Canada and got the crowd rocking and dancing with its Indie rock that features catchy vocal melodies and harmonies, chant choruses and garage instrumentation that experiments with orchestration

and electronic music. One could say that they are a dancing version of “My Morning Jacket”, but they do bring a fresh sound that is both earthy and ethereal.

Always a crowd favorite, Fresno’s own Fierce Creatures headlined the show.

Fierce Creatures has a deeply layered sound that features ringing and vibrant guitars, haunting and echoed harmonies, wailing vocals, steady and developmental percussion and an atmospheric keyboard.

Their sound paints pictures of nature with calm and earthy sounds, a sound that seems almost tribal but still modern. The band features a lead female vocalist and they enjoy dancing on the stage.

Fierce Creatures layers sonic experimentation with a natural Indie rock sound that is familiar yet unique.

They all know how to put on a great show and are worth listening to. Nothing is better than seeing them live. l TWITTER.COM/VIVAFRANKIE

A&E

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 10.03.2012

7

STUDENTS SET TO PERFORM AT CARNEGIE HALL

Photo by Abel Cortez. FCC Wind Ensemble rehearses with instructor Dale Engstrom on Monday in the MS-135 room.

BY OLGA VERKHOTINA

overkhotina@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College Wind Ensemble is living every musician’s dream of playing on a big stage.

Sixty FCC students performing ensemble for instrumentalists will be featured as a showcase ensemble at the New York International Music Festival on April 7-11, 2013, at Carnegie Hall, the ultimate big stage.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Fresno City College to showcase its stellar Wind Ensemble, to help further our goal

of supporting the importance of music education and to inspire young musicians to continue their practice,” Deborah Gibbs, the CEO of World Projects, wrote in her invitation.

Dale Engstrom, brass and concert band instructor at FCC, said most of the bands attending the festival will get an opportunity to play a 20-minute slot.

However, the college’s Wind Ensemble will be the final performance for one of the two evening concerts and will play a 45-minute program on stage in the Isaac Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall.

“I know it would be the pinnacle of what I’m doing as a band director. To get to wave your arms on the stage of Carnegie Hall would be once in a lifetime thing,” said Engstrom. “Not only for me but for the students, it would be magical.”

Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, the Wind Ensemble was also selected as one of the bands to play at Central Park as a part of the music festival.

“This is a really unique opportunity. Not a lot of people that are outside in kind of professional world get to perform at such wellknown and respected venue,” said

The Big Fresno Fair returns

BY PABEL LOPEZ

plopez@therampageonline.com

With the beginning of autumn comes The Fresno Fair bringing rides, deep-fried food and entertainment, marking this year its 129th anniversary.

For years, the fair has served county residents with several traditions. Attractions this year include horse racing, exhibits and musical entertainment.

In these tough economic times special offers will be available to fairgoers.

Lauri King, deputy manager of the fair says, “We understand that times are hard so we try to make the fair an affordable place for people to take their families.”

Offers include the new $1 Wednesday Mania which offers an opportunity to get into the fair for $1. On Oct. 10, active and retired military get into the fair for free with a valid military I.D. “The fair is also offering a coupon book this year.” King says, “This book costs $7 and features 41 different coupons for food offers.”

She continued, “The Fresno Fair is truly a community fair and we try to be a reflection of our community.”

Like previous years, the fair will have ex-

hibits of agriculture and art. “You’ll find only the best craftsmen, cooks, artists, photographers and so much more from Fresno County,” said King.

The fair concert series begins with reunited comics, Cheech and Chong along with funk band, War. The fair hosts a diverse group of acts including classic rockers, rappers and a regional Mexican singer.

Local performers will also have a chance to showcase their music. Musicians such as King Sugar and Poor Man’s Poison will perform on the Pavilion stage.

“The fair is one of our favorite gigs to play,” said Danielle Rondero of King Sugar. “We look forward to it every year. We love that we get to play to such a diverse crowd.”

Besides music is the “Lucha Xtreme” wrestling show on Sunday, Oct. 14. Deputy manager king says of the show, “This is a one of a kind show that we haven’t had in years’ past so we’re very excited to see what they will bring.”

The fair kicks off on Oct. 3 with opening ceremonies 11:00 a.m. and continues through Oct. 14. l TWITTER.COM/PABELLOPEZ

FCC music student and Wind Ensemble member Jason Cruz. “And for a fact, Fresno City College to have this opportunity, it’s really kind of a remarkable event.”

The New York International Music Festival will also feature FCC Music Department Chair and Woodwinds instructor Larry Honda. He will perform a solo Serenade for alto saxophone and band by Frank Bencriscutto.

“I would’ve never imagined myself performing in a situation like that. That’s why I say it’s like a dream,” said Honda. “You almost don’t even bother to think about it. Yet, here it is happening

and under these circumstances with my students.”

Wind Ensemble will hold a fundraising concert to help pay the trip expenses on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the FCC Theatre.

They will play standard band literature and the audience will have an opportunity drawing with prizes of $300, $200 and $100.

Admissions are $8 general and $6 for students and seniors.

Tickets to enter the opportunity drawing cost $10 each. Call FCC box office at 559-442-8221 for more information. l TWITTER.COM/VERKHOTINA

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8

OPINION

10.03.2012

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

ASG:

DISCLAIMER: Opinion Editor, Troy Pope, recused himself from this editorial and the layout of this page to remain objective in his other reportings.

Campus Voices

“What is your opinion of Fresno City College’s student government?”

Isamar miguel Criminology

“If they could be a little more involved sanitation-wise and improve the appearance of the campus that would help a lot.”

Annette Trejo Social Work

“I think they need to advertise more who they are and what they do in their classrooms.”

BY RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD editorial@therampageonline.com

Is the Associated Student Government malicious or just incompetent?

This is the question that many are now asking about the ASG, the voice of Fresno City College students.

This question follows the questionable removal of Sen. James Demaree after comments on his personal social media pages were deemed “unbecoming conduct.” His removal is an unapologetic violation of the first amendment right to free speech.

When faced with this reality, it is difficult to look fondly upon the performance of ASG so far. We are eight weeks into the semester, and the time for adjusting the learning curve is over. It is time for the ASG to regain control and return to the mission of student advocacy.

In these eight weeks, what has been accomplished by our student government other than the removal of Demaree?

Nothing.

This is a problem for every FCC student. Eight whole weeks dominated by nothing more than a power struggle while the urgent business of promoting student welfare is neglected.

That time also could have been spent reaching out to students, especially freshmen, to help them navigate the college in times of scarce resources.

It sometimes appears that the ASG officers fail to understand exactly what they were elected or appointed to achieve.

The whole point of a student government is for students to have someone to advocate for them when they cannot do so themselves. Another purpose would be to provide experiences for students planning a future in politics.

Students look to their student government for guidance and example. If this body of officials is preoccupied with the removal of one of its members, the student body can only assume that they have been put on the back burner. That certainly is not the impression we want of our student government. We would rather see a strong student government, modeling an example of order and organization for the rest of us?

One would rather believe that the mistakes of the ASG result from incompetence rather than malice. But the very vote that resulted in Demaree’s removal challenges that belief. It was a manipulation of power to ensure that Demaree who had become a “torn in the fless” was removed.

According to ASG’s Constitution, 75 percent of the present voting body had

INCOMPETENT OR

MALICIOUS?

to vote yes in order for a removal to be ap- know what they were doing? If they did, proved. However, the vote was 14 in fa- why would they continue with their course vor of removal, two against removal and of action while knowing the possible outthree abstentions. If only 14 of the 19 were come? counted, Demaree would have kept his Since these events cannot be undone, senatorial seat. the only course of action is to correct this The voting ended and the math behavior for the future. Our student govstarted because there were obviously not ernment needs to pay closer attention to enough votes to remove Demaree. In order detail while promoting equality, advocacy to create the scenario in which this sena- and ethical behavior. As we move forward, tor would be removed, the ASG leadership our student government needs to be held made the decision to not count the absten- to higher standards. They must exemplify tions as votes. This resulted in Demaree’s conduct becoming of student government removal.

In this process, the votes and voices of three senators became null and void. This is not democracy.

This is not an example of effective leadership. Changing the rules halfway through the game does not create leadership. It only accomplishes a temporary agenda.

The student government also answers to the Fresno City College’s standards of operation and behavior as detailed in the catalog. The catalog promotes the respect of the majority as well as the minority no matter their opinPhoto by Abel Cortez. Senator James Demaree (left) deions. fends himself prior to the vote to begin his removal process According on Sept. 4. Demaree was removed from office, on Sept. 25. to standards, “The President Nathan Alonzo looks on (right). students, faculty, and administration of the community college district are officials. expected to respect the rights of the miAt the end of the day, they are stunority just as much as they respect those dents first as are we all. Unlike the student of the majority. Every individual, operat- population, however, the ASG is given the ing within the law, is guaranteed the basic keys to power and money. When dealing freedoms.” with those two components, our elected If our student government, the stu- representatives need to remember their dent voice of our college, blatantly ignores mission at all times. this principle, what does that say of our Fresno City College students decollege? This is where the question of in- serve leaders who are fully committed to competence versus malicious intent comes advancing their welfare. into play. Did our student government l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE

Smoking On Campus Circa 2013 Lindsey Ray History

“I haven’t heard much about them, last I heard was just the voting so I don’t really know much and because I don’t know much I can’t have a personal opinion at this point in time.”

WRITTEN BY PABEL LOPEZ PHOTOS BY ABEL CORTEZ

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 10.03.2012

OPINION

9

Can free speech go too far?

PRO

BY KAITLIN REGAN

kregan@therampageonline.com

Free speech is one of the principles that our nation is founded upon. While freedom is the reason many have come to America, it is restricted in a variety of ways. There has always been a line to be drawn but the question is, where is that line for free speech?

When it comes to provocation, there is the issue of fighting words. Under U.S. Constitutional law,specifically the fighting words doctrine, fighting words are words that can be either written or said to provoke a physical or verbal reaction from the opposing party. This is an instance where free speech can go too far and is one of the most common ways that it does. There is a lack of clarity in where the line is drawn here. A simple comment can go from being merely insulting to provocative and inflammatory.

As in the case of Chaplinksy v.

New Hampshire, Chaplinsky vehemently accused a person in the city of Rochester of being a racketeer and fascist and the Rochester government of being fascists and agents of fascists. In the opinion of this case, the court defines clearly how the line should be drawn.

“There are certain well-defined and narrowly limited classes of speech, the prevention and punishment of which have never been thought to raise any constitutional problem. These include the lewd and obscene, the profane, the libelous, and the insulting or “fighting words” those that by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace. It has been well observed that such utterances are no essential part of any exposition of ideas, and are of such slight social value as a step to truth that any benefit that may be derived from them is clearly outweighed by the social interest in order and morality,” said justice Murphy.

Following the issue of fighting words would be defamation of character. It is not legal to ruin a person’s name due to personal opinion or history with that person. These instances can also occur in simple situations that escalate and become visible on a grand scale. Usually they are involved with slander and libel.

One cannot print or say something that is not true of another party in order to make that party seem less favorable.

Symbolic free speech is another issue to be contested because it can cause the most mayhem. Back in 2007 a Massachusetts Institute of Technology student entered an airport in Boston wearing

what appeared to be a bomb strapped to her hoodie. However, it ended up being a fake circuit board with Play-Doh and wires. The phrase “Socket to me” was written on her sweatshirt to symbolize her major at MIT and the course she was taking.

The student had said that it was a work of art that she was proud to display no matter the opinion of the authorities.

However, her art caused the people inside that airport to experience a setting of mass panic.

In this instance, the student was surrounded by authorities and arrested at gunpoint. This is clearly an instance where free speech, symbolic or otherwise, went too far.

When considering symbolic speech, there have been cases in the past where symbolic speech has actually resulted in rioting and other forms of violence. Symbolic speech can also stray into the illegal atmosphere. During the Vietnam War, protesters burned their draft cards to oppose the war effort. In 1965, the U.S. Congress enacted a law that prohibited any destruction or mutilation of draft cards.

In the case of Schenck v. United States (1919), Charles Schenck attempted to establish his freedom by circulating leaflets encouraging soldiers to resist the draft.

This form of opposition to the war effort encouraged insubordination in soldiers and caused interference with the war effort.

This case involved the congressional draft policy, not the first amendment. A nation at war has the ability to take measures to insure the success of its war effort. It is just another instance in where free speech can go too far and can be restricted.

It then becomes a case of judgment. While one might wish to send a clear message regarding current events and their opinion, there are other ways to do so. For instance, shouting “fire” in the middle of a crowded theater just for kicks would be against any better judgment. Walking into an airport with a toy gun as a form of protest would not be wise either.

It ends up being a question of one’s methods of spreading a message.

Is there a reason to cause panic over a personal belief? Is there a reason to ruin some one’s image just because you disagree with their policies? When does free speech become a danger to other citizens? It becomes a danger when assumptions are made about what is and is not acceptable among the law and society. l TWITTER.COM/K_C_REGAN

CON

BY SYDNEY EXCINIA

sxcinia@therampageonline.com

When presented with the idea of free speech, such inspirational movements channeled throughout history provide the presence of law, justice, society, equality, peace, love and discrimination.

Prominent social leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. have demonstrated their American right and fought to protect future generations. Other social movements like the Occupy movement protests and March for Education demonstrations share a consistent underlying value of the American foundation, the value of free speech and expression.

T h e First Amendment of the Constitution was established to allow the right of expression but also enacted with limitations to prevent violence and danger of public safety.

It is one of the many constitutional rights that inspire people to exercise their freedom and voice their opinions.

Freedom of speech serves as a sacred barrier from the federal government allowing people to voice and challenge opposing viewpoints faced in society.

As Americans, we value freedom of speech above all else, that is why it is one of the 10 Bill of Rights and The First Amendment of the U.S Constitution. As stated in the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

However, despite such expressive rights, limitations are warranted to protect the safety of the public.

Limitations on freedom and expression can be restricted when it creates a clear and present danger, incites immi-

nent lawless action, consists of fighting words, includes libel or slander, consists of obscenity and occurs on private property.

Such limitations were enacted to prevent such havoc among societies; however, some individuals choose to ignore and disrespect such limitations, further creating a deceitful gap among societies.

Granted, the First Amendment protects a great deal of offensive, obnoxious and repugnant speech, society left to turn the other way and the government at liberty to decide who presents unlawful action.

In the 2011 U.S. Supreme Court case Snyder v. Phelps, the family of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, killed in Iraq in 2006, sued against the Phelps family, including Fred Phelps and against the Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church, for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The Westboro Baptist Church had come to national prominence, picketing U.S. military funerals in protest of what they considered America’s increasing tolerance of homosexuality.

Picketers displayed placards such as “Fag Troops”, “God Hates You”, and “Thank god for dead soldiers”.

In a 8-1 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Westboro’s right to picket. The Supreme Court’s main ruling upheld their speech related to a public issue disseminated on a public sidewalk.

Despite such practices during a moment of grievance and despair, the picketers had every right to be where they were. This type of speech is outrageous and hurtful but is also protected under the first amendment.

Beside such court cases, instances where people are protesting outside of abortion clinics or walking down the street dressed in Klu Klux Klan so called “glory suits” both have the right to practice the expression of freedom of speech.

Despite the opposition of their conformity we must respect the opinions and ideals of others, regardless.

In other such cases where the people ignore lawful limitations under the first amendment and despite the principles of others, situations like fighting words occur. Words spoken with such intent and cruelty can result in violence.

It is rare for words alone to incite others to engage in unlawful action but statements like “I am going to beat the s--- out of you,” are considered fighting words, which by their very utterance can inflict injury or tend to incite violence.

Again, despite the morals, ideals and opinions of others it is stated under the U.S. Constitution that every American has the right to freedom of speech and expression. Included in the amendment are clear limitations that serve to exercise our freedom but also seek to prevent violence.

Above all, our foundation is based on the value and expression of freedom and independence. Instead, we as individuals must respect the right with which we practice and adapt to presence of the diverse culture that bounds our nation. l TWITTER.COM/SYDNEYEXCINIA

10

OPINION

10.03.2012

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Let there be water

BY AUGUST PROMNITZ

dpromnitz@therampageonline.com

The signs can be found on dirt fields across the San Joaquin Valley, where crops once grew in abundance. Agriculture is at the heart of the valley’s economy, but since 2007, there has been a shortage of water, bringing jeopardy to the farms and sending unemployment on the fields of the San Joaquin Valley to a staggering 14 percent.

The solution to this crisis is a simple one: turn the pumps back on.

So why won’t Congress allow such a simple but Photo by Peter Johnsen/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Peter Johnsen holds a threatened delta precious supply to flow once more, saving the farms and smelt after capturing it while on a boat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, in 2010. the economy?

The problem is that the pumping stations responsible for the delivery of the water have a tendency to suck survive. So, nature (if man is included in it) has selected again. The fish should be safeguarded and protected, but in and kill the San Joaquin Delta Smelt. They are tiny fish the smelt for extinction. It may sound cruel to allow the not if it means taking priority over the well-being of the whose main purpose is to serve as bait to catch bigger fish. smelt to die off, but this is simply natural selection in ac- very people that the government was created to protect.

In recognition of this, Representative Nancy Pelosi has tion.

If nothing else and if the Delta smelt truly must be opted to shut off the water to save the smelt, even at the Why then won’t Congress let nature run its course? saved, then it should be the government’s job remove the cost of the farmers and the valley’s well-being.

The reason is that the smelt is an endangered spe- smelt from the water. It’s completely possible to take them Envioronmental zealots at the Friends of the River, cies. As such, it’s protected by the Endangered Species Act from the San Joaquin Delta to put them in specialized fish the Department of the Interior and the US Fish and Wild- and is entitled to federal protection. To save the smelt, the farms, then reintroduce them when their population is relife Service claim that the Delta smelt is critical to San Federal Government is thus stamping its foot down on the vived. In the meantime, a similar and common species of Joaquin Delta’s ecosystem. It is the proverbial “canary in heads of the farmers, putting the smelt’s needs over the fish, like the minnow, could be introduced to the Delta. the coal mine”, an integral indicator of the health of the cotton, corn and grapes, and every other type of produce They’re similar to the smelt and the salmon would likely river, as it’s closely tied to the salmon, the smelt’s main in the valley. have no trouble in adjusting to eating them while waiting predator. Gordy Slack of the Los Angeles Times even goes Now comes the time for Congress to search for al- for the repopulated smelts to return. as far as to say that, “Removing the delta smelt would be ternatives to the death of the farms. This is a clear warning Either way, the life of the San Joaquin Valley is at like pulling the ghost from ‘Macbeth’.” that the Endangered Species Act needs to be reformed. If it stake and action needs to be taken.

But the ugly truth of the matter is that this species means the destruction of the agriculture of the San Joaquin l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE of fish has developed and evolved no traits by which it can Valley, then steps must be taken to allow water to flow

SPORTS

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 10.03.2012

11

SANTA ROSA STRUGGLES TO KEEP PACE WITH RAMS

By Cox Odia

codia@therampageonline.com

Photo by Abel Cortez Anthony Yancy (No. 17) receives a 34-yard pass from quarterback Michael Baker for the Ram’s first touchdown against Santa Rosa City College on Sept. 29.

Oct. 3 vs. Santa Rosa @ Delta Women’s Waterpolo Oct. 10 vs. American River College @Fresno

Women’s Soccer

Oct. 6 vs. Ventura Oct. 12 vs. West Hills

Women’s Volleyball

Oct 3 vs. Columbia College Oct. 5 vs. College of Sequoias

Women’s Oct.4 CVC Match @Lemoore Oct. 9 CVC Match Golf @ Kingsburg

Cross Country

Oct. 5 Toro Park Invitational @Salinas Oct. 12 Santa Barabara Invitational @ Ledbetter Park

Wrestling

Oct. 6 Santa Ana Tourney Oct. 10 Skyline Dual @San Bruno

Men’s Soccer

Oct. 5 vs. Taft @Fresno Oct. 9 Modesto @Modesto

Football

Oct. 13 vs. Sierra College @Rocklin Oct. 20 vs. American River College

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UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE

The Fresno City College Rams football team played a hardfought game against the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs on Saturday night and wowed the fans with plenty of marvelous defensive plays in their second consecutive home game at Ratcliffe Stadium.

With FCC kicking off to begin the game, Santa Rosa put up the first points of the game with about 9 minutes left in the first quarter when the Bear Cubs quarterback Christian McAlvain launched a deep pass to receiver Logan Valencia.

FCC quickly responded with a quick touchdown of their own when quarterback Michael Baker found receiver Anthony Yancy for a 34-yard strike to give the Rams the lead at 7-6.

In the second quarter, both quarterbacks began to struggle mightily. FCC leaned more on their balanced running attack powered by both James Powell who rushed for 93 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown, and Oliver Cyprian who carried the ball for 113 yards and a touchdown of his own.

“I think we had a good effort.

We could have played a lot better, the running game, could have been better also, it was kind of average,” said Cyprian.

The Rams rushed for a combined 227 rushing yards.

Running back James Holland capped off a 90-yard drive in the second quarter by scoring a touchdown on a 15-yard run. The touchdown gave the Rams a 14-6 lead with 8:13 left in the second quarter.

Coming out of halftime, the Rams displayed speed on all aspects of the ball and disrupted the Santa Rosa offense with three interceptions, two fumbles and six sacks. The Rams held Santa Rosa to one third down conversion and 26 yards rushing the whole game.

With 2:27 left in the third quarter, the Rams pushed Santa Rosa all the way to their own 1-yard line and forced a safety two plays later to push the score to 16-6.

FCC delivered the last blow with a 23 yard scamper to the end zone by Cyprian to put the score at 22-6. The defense sealed the deal with a sack by Josh Gibbs and an interception by defensive back Donnell Vercher at the FCC 22 yard line.

The Rams went into the game minus a couple of their key players, but head coach Tony Caviglia said he is proud of the players that stepped in and made plays.

“Our defense played great.

(Santa Rosa’s offense) is a tough offense to defend and it’s a vertical passing game,” said Caviglia. “Our front four did a tremendous job putting pressure on the quarterback and we got some big plays all night.”

12

SPORTS

10.03.2012

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

THOMASON THRIVING AS SOCCER STAR

BY CARL TURPIN

cturpin@therampageonline.com

Jenna Thomason’s athletic reputation is soaring after scoring eight goals in the first ten games of the 2012 soccer season.

Although she entered this year’s team as a midfielder, coach Germond saw an opportunity to utilize the 19-yearold’s talents elsewhere on the field. During the team’s first game Germond decided to put the 6 feet 1 inch freshman in the position of forward.

This surprised Thomason, who preferred her role in center midfield. “I went in (the game) as a midfielder, but when I went in the second time I went in as a forward, which was kind of weird,” she said. “I’ve played there before but I wasn’t used to it. I was like ‘Why is he putting, me here? I haven’t been practicing here’.”

While Thomason prefers playing the game center midfield she is becoming accustomed to her new position.

“My preferred position is center-mid,” she said. “But I’ve started to like it (playing forward). It’s growing on me.”

No doubt, Germond is happy with his decision to change Thomason’s position and is pleased with her athletic skill. “Her size is very helpful, but also her work rate has been really good,” he said.

Thomason was introduced to soccer at an early age and began playing alongside her brothers at the age of four. “My brothers had all played it before, “Thomason explained. “So I just kind of did what they did.”

Thomason realized her athletic potential during her sophomore year playing on the varsity soccer team at Bullard High School. “I remember I didn’t start my first game,” she said. “When I went in I ended up playing really well.

Then after that I ended up starting the rest of my high school season.”

Thomason has many memories playing for the Bullard varsity team. Her favorite memory was from her junior year. “My team won Valley,” she said, “Then we went to state finals my junior year.” Thomason says the following year on the team proved more difficult, as they were knocked out during the semi-finals. “We lost against Bu-

channan, who we beat the year before in Valley,” she said. “That was kind disappointing.”

After graduating from Bullard, Thomason wanted to stay “close to home” and decided to attend Fresno City College. “I wanted to continue playing soccer, for sure,” she said.

“And I knew their (FCC) soccer program was really good, so I figured it would be the perfect school for me.”

Thomason admits that college soccer is more demanding than she anticipated. “It’s a lot more fast-paced,” she said. “And it definitely requires more fitness.”

Thomason said she and the team are on a strict diet. “We can’t have any desserts at all,” she said. “We are constantly drinking and eating right.” Even when traveling, Thomason says the team is required to make healthy choices. “When we go on trips we only get Chipoltle or something like that. They make sure we stop at good places,” she said.

Photo by Paul Schlesinger. Jenna Thomason fights with a Diablo Thomason is fond of Germond and as- Valley College defender for possession of the ball on Sept. 18. sistant coach Drew Mattos.

“I’ve learned a lot from them. They are will make these improvements. both really good coaches. There’s nothing bad to say about “I think we have really good potential,” she said. “We them at all,” she said. are a great team. We’ve gotten a lot better and I think we Thomason, also, enjoys her teammates and is looking will just keep getting better.” forward to a time when the entire team has an opportunity Thomason is the first member of her immediate family to enjoy a leisure activity off the soccer field. to participate in college sports. “They are proud of me that I “We’ve been wanting to all get together to do some- have been doing well and scoring goals,” she said. She is also thing fun,” she said. “It just hasn’t happened yet.” encouraged by her three older brothers “They have always Thomason credits her team for her success this sea- told me to do my best,” she said. “When they hear about the son. “Our defense is really good. I feel really confident with results of the games they seem really happy and proud of me.” all of them back there.” she said. “It is a reassuring thing.”

Currently, Thomason is taking 16 units at FCC. “It’s a little While Thomason is content with the team’s perfor- challenging with soccer,” she said. “But I am trying to push mance so far, she believes there is room for improvement. through it.”

“I think we need to score more and finish more opportuniStill undecided in regards to her major and future ties,” she said. “We’ll play against teams that I feel we are academic plans, Thomason is certain that her love for socway better than. We’ll control the game, but we just don’t cer will remain for a long time to come. “I feel like I will seem to score as much.” still want to play soccer (after her time at FCC is finished).

Nevertheless, she hasT:10” full confidence that the team I know if I were to stop I’d miss it.” l TWITTER.COM/UKCARL54

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