APRIL 10, 2013
Volume CXXIV Issue 5
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RAMPAGE
THE AWARD-WINNING, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER PROUDLY SERVING FRESNO CITY COLLEGE AND ITS COMMUNITY SINCE 1949.
CALHOUN FACES LAWSUIT
New priority registration rules to start in 2014 BY KAITLIN REGAN
kregan@therampageonline.com
Sweeping changes are coming to California’s community colleges starting in the fall semester of 2014. These changes affect priority registration -who is ahead of the line and who isn’t. Linda Michalowski, Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Special Programs at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office, advises students to begin preparing for the changes while it is still a year away. “Those students who face being put in the back of the line will now have plenty of time to make adjustments to their educational plan and experience a successful outcome in their academic pursuits,” Michalowski said. The new changes follow “tiers of priority established in Education Code” and Board of Governors’ mandates, said Daniel Clark, Region 5 senator for the Student Senate of California Community Colleges. “State law states that Veterans and Foster Students get priority registration due to their status,” Clark said. “The second tier of students is Disabled Students Program and Services and Extended Opportunity Program and Services. The Board of Governors mandates their priority status. The next tier is governed within each of the 72 districts and this privilege is extended to athletes, note takers or those in student government.” Such changes are a result to a vote to change certain language within Title 5, the California Code of Regulations. The vote and approval was made by the California Community Colleges board of governors, according to Fresno City College Vice President of Student Services, Chris Villa. “The board of governors, after significant consultation with multiple constituent groups statewide decided to vote and approve changes to title five that have to do with enrollment priorities,” said Villa. These changes are not entirely new to FCC. President Tony Cantu said that the college has been implementing some of these policies already and is not affected by some of the changes. “The military and the foster, that’s in there,” said Cantu. “The DSPS and EOPS have always had priority registration, so those are not that new for us.” New changes will be coming to FCC, though. Unit accumulation will no longer be grounds for priority regl SEE REGISTRATION ON PAGE 3
Professor Brian Calhoun cleans out his office in FO-18 on April 1. He is on paid administrative leave while charges of battery against student Kevynn Gomez are investigated. Photos/Karen West.
RAMPAGE EXCLUSIVE BY TROY POPE
tpope@therampageonline.com
The student involved in the altercation with education instructor Brian Calhoun is filing a lawsuit against him. Kevynn Gomez, 19, said she is suing Calhoun for damages as a result of the assault and battery he’s alleged to have committed against her. It is unknown if her lawyer will pursue a case against Fresno City College at this time. “Although I did say something to him,” Gomez said, “he had no right to touch me.”
Calhoun was arrested and cited on March 22 with California Penal Code 242, a misdemeanor battery; he has not been charged yet. Gomez’s attorney, Catherine Campbell, said that the district attorney will “file charges by the time he goes to his arraignment,” on June 19. The crime comes with a list of possible penalties including probation, six months in a county jail, a $2,000 fine, community service and/or entry into a batterer’s program. If the alleged battery had included the use of a deadly weapon or resulted in a serious injury to Gomez, Calhoun would be facing a felony charge. Calhoun cleaned out his office on April 1 after being put on administrative leave by the college. He declined to be interviewed. The SCCCD police report is
somewhat unclear regarding the whereabouts of Michael Medrano who was a substitute for Gomez’s Chicano-Latino Studies class taught by Matthew Espinoza-Watson on the day of the incident. The police report noted that Officer Chris Caldwell could not “locate the substitute instructor to get his statement because he had already left the area.” Medrano declined to be interviewed, but the police report tells his story as he told it over the phone to Officer Caldwell. “Medrano said Calhoun came in and was angry, saying he wanted the classroom,” Caldwell states in the police report. “Medrano said he heard a commotion outside and a student came in and said there was a fight l SEE CALHOUN ON PAGE 3
Financial aid awards now tied to academic performance BY KEVYNN GOMEZ
kgomez@therampageonline.com
The recent changes made to Fresno City College’s financial aid system will continue next year due to regulations instituted by the Department of Education and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Changes will affect the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver, FAFSA verification codes and internal processing changes that will not affect students. Adjustments made in previous years or during the current year affected Pell Grant, Cal Grant and Satisfactory Academic Policy requirements. A 2.0 GPA requirement will be necessary for students to be eligible to receive the BOG fee waiver beginning in the fall semester of 2014 or 2015. Although the legislation for this change has been signed, the specific date has yet to be confirmed. Undocumented students who qualify for AB-540 status will be eligible for Cal Grant awards along with the BOG fee waiver in the 2013-2014 year. This means AB-540 students will be able to receive financial aid at both California community colleges, where the BOG fee waiver is only offered, and
at four-year institutions that offer Cal Grant awards. Dr. Chris Villa, vice president of student services, said that these changes, along with previous modifications, are beneficial to both students and Fresno City College alike. “Students are expected to be more accountable... and partially it’s also about being more efficient with our resources,” he stated. Another financial aid change involves FAFSA “verification codes” that may be required of students who are selected to verify their status in order to be approved for financial aid eligibility. These financial aid verification codes will be coded as V-1, V-2, V-3, V-4 and V-5. They should not negatively impact students and were established to create an organized process of verifying students’ status. Many of these changes, along with former financial aid requirement changes, are due to California bill SB 1456 , or the Seymour-Campbell Student Success Act of 2012, which is a revised form of an older 1986 law. The Student Success Act’s purpose is to incentivize financial aid programs to urge students to reach their educational goals more quickly and with
better results. One of the changes that will directly impact students is the adjustment made to the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, also known as SAP. The changes to SAP first went into effect in the spring semester of 2013 and will stay the same for the following 2013-2014 year. This policy affects a student’s eligibility to receive financial aid. Inability to meet the academic requirements, first instituted in the 2012-2013 year, will directly curtail financial aid. SAP now requires students to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The “Pace of Progression,” aspect of SAP states that students must also complete (receive credit for) at least two-thirds or 67 percent of units attempted. This refers to the amount of classes a student successfully completes with a passing grade, with Withdrawal, Failing, Incomplete, Report Delay and No Credit grades counting towards these units. Transferrable units from other colleges will also be included in attempted units. Included in the new SAP policy is completion of one’s academic program
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NEWS s
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APRIL 10 2013
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Rampage Staff
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Editor-in-Chief Troy Pope Managing Editor Sydney Excinia Production Manager News Editor Kaitlin Regan Opinion Editor Olga Verkhotina Arts & Entertainment Editor Matthew Elliott Sports Editor Tomas Kassahun Layout Editors Troy Pope David Thammavongsa Graphics Manager Troy Pope Photo Editor Karen West Art Director Lauren Baker
Copy Editors Pabel Lopez Heather Jamieson-Brown Kevynn Gomez Akeem Spearman Business Manager Sydney Excinia Reporters Victor Aparicio Keaundrey Clark Alyce Diaz Patrick Forrest Daisy Martinez Danielle Mehas August Promnitz Colby Tibbet Photojournalists Joshua Blocher Michael Monroy Taze Raney Taylor Rodriguez Felisha Sanchez Darlene Wendels Faculty Adviser Dr. Dympna Ugwu-Oju Tip Line: 559.442.8263 Twitter.com/FCCRampage Facebook.com/FCCRampage Instagram.com/FCCRampage YouTube.com/RampageNewsroom Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to:
editorial@therampageonline.com
The Rampage 1101 E. University Ave Fresno, CA 93741
Journalism Association of Community Colleges
Fresno City College
ASG: Actions of both parties in Calhoun incident ‘unacceptable’
Dear Fellow Students, On Friday, March 22, 2013 an altercation between an FCC student and an instructor occurred. The accounts of this incident have been reported by the Rampage, The Fresno Bee, as well as other local news outlets. As your student representatives, we are concerned with the actions of both parties involved. We are in support of our student body; however, we want to remind our campus community that hostile behavior of any form, whether verbal or physical, is unacceptable. We have been in communication with the Vice President of Student Services and the Chief of District Police. The Instructor involved was arrested, cited at the scene and later released. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the ongoing investigation remains. The
case has moved forward quickly due to the consistent witness statements from students present at the time of the incident. In closing, we would like to thank the students for their cooperation as witnesses and for defusing the situation. In addition, we extend our thanks to the campus police for their quick response as well as other members of our campus community for their supporting actions. We believe in Fresno City College and would like to accentuate the active role that all of us must fulfill to ensure our campus remains a safe learning environment in which we are all able to succeed. Respectfully, The Associated Student Government of Fresno City College
Be heard! Submit a letter to the editor today! 300 words or less. editorial@therampageonline.com Views expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the those of the Rampage or its staff.
VETERAN’S RESOURCE CENTER TO OPEN IN FALL 2013 BY MATTHEW ELLIOTT
C.G. Editor Adan De la Cerda Copy Chief Jordan Russell
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
melliott@therampageonline.com
After years of advocacy, Fresno City College administrators are set to develop a veteran’s resource center in the old business office. Sometime during the fall 2013 semester, former and active military personnel will have the opportunity to access school and community resources. Through the expanded budgets made available by the recent passage of Proposition 30, community colleges throughout the state have accelerated their efforts to provide adequate resources for student veterans. “We’re turning [the location] into a place where veterans can go get some academic advising, get some services that the community provides and get some counseling,” said FCC President Tony Cantu. “We foresee it as a resource center enhancing what we currently have now. The way we have the space set up now, it does have individual offices where we can provide services long-term. It could also be a space where community agencies may be able to come.” Now that state funding for community colleges has stabilized, veteran’s resource centers have become a top priority throughout California. “This has also become a priority for the state chancellor’s office,” said Cantu. “There have been some workshops and conferences specifically dealing with the issues and needs that veteran students have and that we need to be made aware of.” With the influx of veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the need to provide adequate resources has become increasingly important. “I think a lot of them, depending of what their background is and what they’ve experienced, may come with issues that we need to deal with, and we need to be cognizant of those,” said Cantu. “You should know when you come to Fresno City College as a veteran: here’s what you do and here’s what we can provide to you.”
Administrators, including Cantu and Vice President of Student Services Dr. Chris Villa, have been working diligently throughout the past year to provide services that meet the unique needs of veterans. “Last summer, or even last spring semester, there was a taskforce that was formed to take a look at the types of services that we could enhance for veteran students,” said Cantu. “In the meantime, there’ll be some folks visiting about four other colleges. [We’ll] take a look at how they organize it, what they include, what they don’t include and what it is that we can adopt.” With four brothers who are veterans, including two who served during the Vietnam War, Cantu said he recognizes the needs of veterans looking to re-acclimate to civilian life. “I think we knew we had to do it and that we’ve got a very active and very vocal veteran’s association now. A lot of it is advocacy,” said Cantu. “And not only that, but I think it’s also recognizing the need. I think we’ve always had support services for veterans. However, now with the current engagements that we’re in, and then the needs that we’re seeing, it’s become a top priority for all of us.” Veteran’s counselor Mario Repozo understands firsthand the variety of specific needs returning veterans have. “When I came out [of the military], I had short-term memory problems, depression, sleep problems, all these other things,” said Repozo. “You know, some of these guys have been through wars, PTSD and all these other kinds of issues.” According to Repozo, veterans are commonly overwhelmed by the process of suddenly adjusting to academic life. “When they first come here on the first day, a lot of them don’t stay because it’s overwhelming,” he said. “You know, the crowds, sending them
from one office to the next, telling them this and the other one tells them that. They get frustrated and they disappear.” Only a fraction of student veterans, approximately 650, currently take advantage of the benefits that are made available to them. “The problem is that veterans have a lot of resources,” said Repozo. “But if they don’t know about them, they don’t exist. So you have to empower them.” The counselor sees the development of a resource center as an opportunity to increase the school’s veteran student body and their retention rates. “We’ve lost some, you know, to schools where they do have these services and these cushions,” said Repozo. “If the process is easier, they’re going to follow the easier process.” The counselor said he appreciates the college administrators for having secured adequate resources as quickly as possible. “Space here is at a premium. People are fighting for every square foot of space. So this is huge for [Cantu] to take the initiative to do something like this,” said Repozo. “He takes this in a very serious vein, and so does Dr. Chris Villa. They’ve definitely tried to make a difference.” Repozo says he is optimistic that the veteran’s resource center can be the difference between success and failure. “Veterans will get the support and the encouragement to stay. Because if a veteran stays in school, it’s just a win-win situation,” he said. “First, you have to find a guy or woman stability. Then from there, they’ll be successful. They’re our best students because they’re older, they’re more focused and they’re mission-driven. Once they find their purpose, they go for it.” l TWITTER.COM/PATH_OF_LOTUS
NEWS
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.10.2013
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Graphic by Adan De la Cerda
Kevynn Gomez, Rampage staff profile photo. Photo/Ramiro Gudino
going in the hallway. Another student came into the classroom and said Calhoun pinned a student to the floor.” The police reported that Medrano said that Calhoun apparently came back into the classroom and “said a student was rude to him, hit him in the face and he went after the student.” Calhoun’s attorney, Roger Nuttal, told Calhoun’s version of events to ABC30. “So he’s waiting outside, and this female student comes out and proceeds to call him an ‘a--hole mother f---er,’” Nuttal said. “And then he gets slugged in the nose by her,” causing Calhoun’s nose to bleed. “That’s not his style [attacking students]. He’s too smart for that. You don’t attack people; he’s not a violent person,” Nuttal said. “I question the veracity of that young woman, particularly in light of the manner in which she conducted herself.” Nuttal would not do an interview with the Rampage until he “had a chance to read the investigation report,” according to his secretary. The police report and several other witnesses have told a different story, one that refutes Calhoun’s
The California Education system puts too many unedcated graduates into the workforce. Whose fault is it?
BY HEATHER JAMIESON-BROWN
hjamieson-brown@therampageonline.com
l TWITTER.COM/K_C_REGAN
Financial Aid l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 before reaching 150 percent of attempted units required. For an Associate of Arts degree, 60 units are usually required to fulfill one’s program. The 150 percent mark, or “cut-off” mark, for an AA or AS degree would then be 90 units before becoming disqualified from SAP eligibility. The changes made to the Student Success Act have already been implemented, yet its immediate effect on students is not very obvious yet, probably because the students with poor academic status are still able to obtain financial aid. Both past, present and future changes by the Board of Education and the Chancellor’s Office will nudge students to either make better educational choices regarding the classes they take, the GPA they retain, and the time it takes them to finish their education, or risk losing financial aid eligibility. “The state is really pushing success because there are all of these dollars being paid to schools and to students and the success rates and measurements just aren’t what they should be,” said Kira Tippens, financial aid director at FCC.
version. Several witnesses say that Calhoun repeatedly entered the class and told everyone to “get out,” which forced students to hand in their unfinished midterms and leave. Gomez said that as she walked out of the classroom and passed Calhoun, she said, “Piss off, a--hole,” and walked into the hallway. Calhoun followed her. Cori Murphey, 19, said she was waiting in the hallway that day for her 11 a.m. class with Calhoun to begin. “[Calhoun] kept asking for her name and then he grabbed [Gomez] by the wrist and tried to pull her inside the classroom,” Murphey said. “[Gomez] kept telling [Calhoun] to let go and to stop touching her, and he didn’t [stop].” That’s when Murphey said Gomez “started swinging” at Calhoun. Then Calhoun “picked [Gomez] up and threw her on the floor.” “He tried to get on top of me,” Gomez said. Other students then intervened. “It looked like he was going to start smashing her on the ground, like physically beating her,” said Jacob
An update on Frenso City College’s designated smoking areas.
Photo by Darlene Wendels
Calhoun
those recommendations are on hold,” Villa said. These recommendations can only be put into place after a district wide meeting to discuss the potential changes, according to Villa. “We need to have a district wide conversation and an entity to determine who or how we will pursue this issue of providing priority enrollment opportunity to students,” Villa said. Michalowski states that these changes are being put in place to ensure that there is room in the community college system for all who wish to obtain an education, advance in their careers, prepare to transfer and obtain basic job skills. Identifying educational goals ahead of time and beginning with a plan is a sure way to succeed. “We know that students are more likely to be successful if they get off to a good start by receiving orientation to the college, assessment to get them into the right classes, and if they have an education plan,” said Michalowski. “We want to make sure that students have good advice and support services from the beginning of their college experience. In turn, we want students to succeed in their classes and progress toward their goals.”
BY PABEL LOPEZ
plopez@therampageonline.com
Tippens and Dr.Villa said students should be aware of these changes, especially those to the SAP policy, which will directly affect students and their ability to receive aid and finish their education at the SCCCD campuses or four-year colleges. FCC will host a Financial Aid Awareness Week on April 22-25 to inform students of the upcoming changes to financial aid at all SCCCD campus sites. They will be discussing changes to the SAP policy as well as Cal Grants and other financial aid programs available to students. For FCC student Maria Vargas, a business major, these changes mean more personal challenges for college students dependent of financial aid. “I think other students who do get financial aid, it’s very frustrating because they depend on financial aid for their studies,” Vargas said. “People who don’t get financial aid don’t necessarily have money out of their pocket to put in, so they have to be forced to take fewer classes and units, thus extending their time here.” l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
Martinez, a 21-year-old liberal arts major and baseball player. That was when he and several others pulled Calhoun away from Gomez while others helped Gomez to her feet. The police report has an additional six eyewitness accounts that confirm that version of the story. Nathan Alonzo, former Associated Student Government president, sat on committees with Calhoun during his time in ASG. “This is unfortunate for the college because it gives an image that our college is not a safe place,” Alonzo said. “It’s also unfortunate for Brian because being an instructor meant a lot to him... this is a really sad way to end his stint here at Fresno City College.” FCC President Tony Cantu declined to comment on the matter, saying that, it is “a personnel issue” and that an investigation is underway. “It would be an understatement to say [Calhoun] overreacted,” Campbell said. “What [Calhoun] did was outrageous; almost unbelievable. It makes one question his mental health.”
Photo credit: Lvova Anastasiya
Registration
are they to completing their stated goal or to transfer?” said Cantu. An issue that came to l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 light during the changes was a istration. There will be a 100- lack of legislation supporting unit cap that students must priority registration for DSPS heed. Students who meet that and EOPS students. However, number of units will lose their AB 595, a new bill sponsored priority registration. by Assemblyman Gomez, man“Just because you have dates that EOPS students will accumulated units doesn’t get the same benefits. mean that you will have priHowever, Cantu states ority,” said Cantu. that while these groups are Alongside the unit cap not at the top of the priority, will be a mandate of good aca- they are included in the landemic standing. The goal is to guage of the education code. have students on track instead “In the language that I of taking excess units. have seen, DSPS and EOPS are “You have to be in good always included, just not at the standing. You can’t be on aca- top,” said Cantu. demic probation more than Priority registration has two semesters,” said Cantu. also been used as an incentive “Now there are some things for students to take notes for put into place so that you’re other students involved in the not automatically register- DSPS program as well as being ing and taking classes, taking given to athletes. There has classes and taking classes.” been a recommendation to reStudents may not be on move the opportunity for note “progress probation” for more takers. However, Villa said that than two consecutive terms as whatever recommendations well, said Michalowski. Prog- have been made are only recress probation occurs when ommendations at this point. a student reaches a point of “We do have a task force stagnation in the progress to- that is addressing that issue. ward their stated degree or The task force has come up transfer program. with some recommendations As students register for but those recommendations classes, their academic prog- cannot be implemented ress will be taken into ac- without consultation with count. Students will be looked the district because we are a at more closely as they reg- multi-college district. Reedley ister for classes. “How close and Willow are included. So,
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Pro/Con: “Do young adults depend on alcohol to have a good time?”
BY COLBY TIBBET & DARRYL JONES
BEYOND THE PRINT THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
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NEWS
04.10.2013
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
SEQUESTRATION CUTS IMPACT TITLE V AND FWS PROGRAMS BY TOMAS KASSAHUN
tkassahun@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College is anticipating a 5 percent reduction in federal funds as a result of the mandatory budget cuts resulting from the sequestration, said Tony Cantu, president of the college. Sequestration, the federal government’s effort to reduce the national debt, has caused a cut back on programs, and educational institutions are bracing themselves for the potential changes that could follow in the coming months as they anticipate a reduction in federally funded programs. Cantu said that the college will review the affected programs and shift resources. The mandatory budget cut took effect on March 1. ”Like we do every year, it’s a matter of budget management and making sure you leverage your resources,” said Cantu. “It’s a matter of looking at what we have.” In addition, FCC leaders will create priorities in dealing with the sequestration challenge. “What are the basic requirements? What do we absolutely have to do?” Cantu said. “And then, what are some of the things we would like to have but will not be able to do next year?” Cantu explained that most pro-
grams at FCC, including federal financial aid, will not be affected by sequestration. However, funds for federally funded student service programs and the Title V program, which is designed to assist minority students in particular, is expected to be reduced. “Title V is a major grant for us. We’re looking at infrastructure to do some other things with our Title V money,” said Cheryl Sullivan, vice president of Administrative Services. FCC History Instructor Paul Gilmore said that reduced support for the Title V program will impact the beneficiaries significantly “You want to help those folks pass the hurdle and get into the stream of college. A lot of students have basic skills needs,” Gilmore said. “If they don’t get the courses they need right away, it gets more and more difficult. They might drop out at a higher rate than other folks.” In addition to the cuts, Gilmore is concerned about the mood of austerity that comes along with sequestration. He fears that as long as there is a mood of austerity, people will be less willing to support public education. “Both democrats and republicans seem to believe austerity is the cure to what ails us, austerity meaning cut backs of some kind. That can be very dangerous for public education,” said Gilmore. “The state produces
Bike theft decreases BY PABEL LOPEZ
plopez@therampageonline.com
The number of reported bike thefts at Fresno City College has decreased by half since the beginning of the semester. The first weeks of the spring semester saw six reported thefts, while the months of February and March saw three reported thefts. Even with this drop in the number of bike thefts, several groups on the FCC campus are working on a longterm solution to the problem. On March 13, the FCC bike theft committee met in the Associated Student Government office to discuss designs for new bike racks and ideas for
placement of a bike corral on campus. The two-member group consisted of Associated Student Government senator Emily Rivera and FCC student Felix Figueroa. Rivera showed the committee work she had been doing on the website Dero.com, which lets people design bike corrals and gives them price quotes. Rivera’s plans included placing the bike corral near the Applied Technology buildings on the FCC campus. The bike theft committee has been in talks with the facilities committee at FCC. Tabitha Villalba, a member of the Facilities Committee on the FCC campus, stated that these projects are largely student-driven. “We are letting students take the lead and trying to get the contacts and maybe help them develop a plan for putting in more bike racks or different ways of keeping students and staff members bikes safe.” Jospeh Diebert, Occupational Health
more wealth than it ever has. The question is, are we willing to support an institution like public education?” Gilmore adds that the mood of austerity also feeds into the idea that the public sector can do no good. “There’s this assumption that the private sector will Fresno City College President Tony Cantu. do it better and Photo/Karen West. cheaper. If austerity continues even more, the services higher than credit card debt. He also said that the lack of rewill get poor,” said Gilmore. According to the White House sources at the community colleges report released on March 1, the se- may drive students to expensive, forquestration cuts will result in an 8.2 profit institutions. People say we compete with percent across-the-board program cut for many college funding programs Phoenix University or National Unisuch as federal work-study and the versity, not really,” said Gilmore. “We supplemental Education Opportunity provide much better stuff than they Grant, which provides need-based aid do, at a tiny fraction of the price. The to lower-income students pursuing reason they go to National or Phoenix postsecondary degrees. Experts esti- is because they offer them courses mate that as many as 70,000 students which we can’t offer them because could lose access to work study op- we have been cut.” He added, “If we had more reportunities. Gilmore said he is concerned sources, we could take more students. that less funding for students could It’s not like there aren’t any students lead to more student debt – “anoth- out there.” er generation with massive student loans” with interest rates that are l TWITTER.COM/THERAMPAGEGUY and Safety officer and chairman of the Facilities Committee has also been working with the bike theft committee. Diebert is wary of many factors involved with installing the bike corral. “That is still in the planning stages. There’s not total agreement yet on whether that would be a good use of funds on whether that is going to serve a good purpose,” Diebert said, “I wouldn’t want to take a gamble on using lot of funds on that and have it be a complete bust.” Diebert also expressed concern with the emphasis that the ASG places on the bike theft problem. Many student senators finish their terms and projects are left uncompleted, especially with long projects. “ These continued projects, whether it be the smoking areas or anything else they want, is a long drawn out process they need to instill something within their club to make sure that it’s a priority for someone to continue,” Diebert said State Center Community College District police Officer Chris Caldwell said he is aware of the bike theft committee and that the department would be open to working with them on a solution to the bike theft problem. Caldwell also reiterated the idea that preventing bike theft is a major concern and that registering bikes to databases would be the best way to do that. “If the bike is stolen we can use
descriptions and serial numbers [to track it],” he said. Caldwell added that students can take steps to prevent bike theft. “We want to be able to inform students what they can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim. Number one: get a better lock,” he said. Caldwell said he is also aware of the bike corral idea and he says “it would be easier to watch the bikes in one location.” FCC music professor Kevin Cooper lives in the FCC area and has had a bike a stolen from his front yard. He now rides his wife’s bike to work. He also has had a bicycle seat stolen at FCC. “It was right after my big culminating concert, the Rams Jam. So after I was elated after a big success, I came to pedal home and then I had no bicycle seat. It was a real drag,” Cooper said. Cooper says he is aware of the Bike Club on campus and he wouldn’t mind connecting with other riders. “I never self-identified as a biker,” Cooper said, “but it’s cool now that I do it all the time I would want to support them.” Cooper also says that if more people rode bikes to school, then awareness of the issue would grow and help to bring about a change. l TWITTER.COM/PABELLOPEZ
A&E
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.10.2013
City jazz thrills
BY JERE KIRKLAND
jkirkland@therampageonline.com
Tom Scott, a veteran composer, arranger, producer, musical director, saxophoist & three time Grammy Award winner, was one of the guest artists at the 23rd Annual City Jazz Festival, April 4. Photo Credit/Abel Cortez.
Fresno City College’s 23rd annual City Jazz Festival was headlined by three-time Grammy award-winning jazz musician Tom Scott. The final show showcased Fresno State students as well as Fresno City College jazz musicians. “Tom has been a star on the jazz, pop, film music etc. scene for a really long time,” said FCC instructor of jazz studies Mike Dana. “I had some of his records on vinyl.” Scott’s show opened with a 19-piece Jazz Ensemble made up of Central Valley student musicians with Mike Dana conducting. The band worked on Scott’s music for three weeks and had their only rehearsal with Scott the night before the performance. The band played songs that showcased individual musicians in solos. “Playing with Tom Scott was a huge honor. It was great hearing his stories behind
stage during rehearsal,” said Fresno State jazz band trumpet player Jeff LaRose. After Scott performed his part in each song he would turn around and watch the band while grooving to the music. Then he gave each clinician a gesture of satisfaction after their solos. “Mike has done an incredible job with this group of musicians,” said Scott. For the second half of the show, the Jazz Ensemble left the stage while the muscians set up to play with Scott as a small band. The small band consisted of Fresno State instructor Brian Hamada on the drums, Clackamas Community College’s Tom Wakeling on bass, San Jose State University’s coordinator of Jazz Studies Aaron Lington on the baritone saxophone and Mike Dana on bass guitar. “It was a pleasure to hear master musicians play,” said LaRose.
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Once Dana handed the microphone to Scott, he came alive. The show seemed to turn from a jazz residual to a jam session with a group of expert musicians. The small band talked to each other and joked with the audience. “Want to tune up?” said Scott. “I don’t tune,” answered Dana. They also cheered each other on and let the music take their grooving into dancing. “Playing with Tom was really great, he is a beast,” said Dana. Throughout the show, Scott literally shared his microphone and moved off to the side in order to not block the view of the soloist, causing Dana to call him a “congenial cat” between songs. The band received a standing ovation at the end of the show. “They did a fantastic job,” said Scott. l TWITTER.COM/JEREKIRKLAND
Gaming goes mainstream BY VICTOR APARICIO
vaparicio@therampageonline.com
Graphic by Adan De la Cerda. In today’s mainstream society, we look to media as a distraction from the real world, whether for fun, stress relief or pure escapism. We connect to these creative expressions on levels of personality and self-worth. We easily see movies, music, shows and books as part of our lives. But the comparatively young medium of videogames is always an afterthought category to society. Video games are stuck on these dynamically changing rules of appropriate status. In one case, video games are an art form while, in other cases, they encourage violence and antisocial behavior. In the next, they are downplayed as a children’s toys. Regardless of this evergrowing tech generation, the notion of gaming as being something lonely men and children do still occurs in the unacquainted minds expressed on TV and in movies. These assumptions of mindlessly consuming digital
explosions and killings should now be put to rest. In 2012, the Entertainment Software Association conducted a survey and found that the average age of gamers is 30, 47 percent of all gamers are female and the average buyer of videogames is 35. People who are against games or don’t understand them don’t realize how quickly and naturally the industry has molded into people’s everyday life. The ESA survey also showed that the average U.S. household owns at least one dedicated gaming console, PC or smartphone. Forty-nine percent of households that own a dedicated console also own a second console. That is very impressive and also unsurprising, as any current smart device has gaming applications that are easily accessed and downloaded in seconds. The games are so effortlessly played that many do not consider themselves gaming, but rather more along the
lines of “killing time.” The growth of video games is not limited to just social means. Financially, games are creating jobs and generating million of dollars. The industry’s annual growth rate exceeded 10 percent from 2005 to 2009. Over the same period, the U.S. economy grew at a rate less than two percent, the ESA data continues.
In the same years, the rate of direct employment from the gaming industry grew 8.6 percent annually. The financial growth of video games is even becoming comparable with the sales revenue of movies. “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” earned $500 million globally within 24 hours of its launch, whilst the highly anticipated movie “Avatar” had a worldwide gross of just
$241.6 million after five days. Still, none of these stats cross the minds of the credulous. Gaming is a monumental staple of society, generating billions and spreading into every device with a screen. Without taking the time to understand why you are against them, you end up looking foolish. l TWITTER.COM/VICTORKID
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A&E
04.10.2013
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Fresno City College heads to Carnegie Hall Wind Ensemble to play at historic venue and in Central Park in NYC BY OLGA VERKHOTINA
overkhotina@therampageonline.com
According to Engstrom, 54 students will be featured as a showcase band at the festival on April 7-11. The Wind Ensemble, featuring Honda who will play a solo serenade, will be part of the festival’s finale and will play a 45-minute program, compared to 20 minute program that most of the other bands are scheduled to perform. In order to participate in the festival, bands have to submit video and audio audition tapes, but the Wind EnDale Engstrom, Brass & Concert Band Director, conducts the 55 band memesemble was personally invited to play bers during April 6, 2013 Carnegie Hall Send-off performance. on the Isaac Stern Auditorium Stage Photo Credit/ Abel Cortez. of Carnegie Hall by the NYIMF artistic director Dr. Lawrence Sutherland. The Fresno City College music formed six songs at the Old Adminis“That hall has so much history department held a Carnegie Send Off tration Building Auditorium. that I think it’s like in the f loors, in Concert on April 6 before the Wind “Not everybody can come to New the walls and everything,” said HonEnsemble left to participate in the New York to hear us, so we wanted to play da. “And for myself, I’ve never played York International Music Festival at our set that we’re performing there, there, and for students, who’ve cerCarnegie Hall. for the people here, that are support- tainly never played there, it’s going to The Wind Ensemble, along with ing us,” said Engstrom. “And it was be really special, spiritual and mystical band director Dale Engstrom and FCC another way of getting everybody to- experience.” music department chair Larry Honda, gether to make sure we are all packedT:10” Along with playing at Carnegie who is always featured at NYIMF, per- and ready to go.” Hall, the Wind Ensemble will also play
an outdoor concert in New York’s Central Park. “I think it will be like a really good opportunity to see how professional groups tour and how they get to travel, and basically how they adapt to different surroundings when they are performing,” said FCC alumni and Wind Ensemble f lute player Colleen Carlson. “So, going to the East Coast, it’s completely different weather, completely different hall, so we’ll have to adjust to all these things.” According to Honda, the Wind Ensemble had been rehearsing for the festival since the end of the fall semester of 2012. They also held fundraising concerts and a silent auction to raise more than $100,000 so that every student was able to go. “It’s a great thing for the band, for the music department and for the community,” said Engstrom. “It really puts a good spotlight on Fresno, I think.” l TWITTER.COM/VERKHOTINA
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A&E
7
BETA STATE SEEKS #FRIENDSHIP
Beta State exhibits levels of camaraderie, talent and passion that few other bands equal. Since 2009, the Bay Area band has steadily strengthened in popularity while their music continues to receive considerable play on television stations including E! and MTV. Expanding on the success of their 2010 album “Stars,” Beta State recently completed work on their second full length album, “#Friendship,” which is scheduled for release on May 21. “‘#Friendship’ was originally an EP with only six songs on it,” said Beta State vocalist Matt McDonald. “So we took that and made it a full length album. And then in addition to that full length, we’re adding like six remixes. So we’re going to pack it to the brim of what it can hold.” Along with McDonald, guitarist and co-founder Ryan Hernandez, drummer and co-founder Adrian Robison, and bassist and backup vocalist Justin Kastner have found a unique strength and connection through their differentiating experiences and tastes. “It helps that all four of us are completely different from each other. We really don’t share a whole lot in common other than that we love music,” said McDonald. “We even love different music styles. Adrian loves rap, Ryan loves grunge and I listen to metal sometimes.” They also have a healthy process
for resolving differences of opinion. “We’re completely different personality wise, too,” said McDonald. “But that balance is actually really refreshing because when we do have arguments, somebody else steps in and says, ‘Hey, I’m the voice of reason right now.’ It’s not always easy, but it’s nice to have that underlying difference and to find a way to connect that.” Recognizing the value of their material, television networks have incorporated Beta State’s music into various television programs. “We did ‘[Keeping up with the] Kardashians,’ ‘The Real World’ and ‘Road Rules Challenge,’” said McDonald. “On each of those shows, we were on multiple episodes. And so we had a good chunk of songs that made the cut.” Hernandez expanded on the point. “We know with the Kardashians, they played us during the proposal scene,” said Hernandez. “It’s a blanket deal. So basically we give them the right to use our music and play it whenever they want.” In selecting a name, the band found inspiration from conscious brain waves. “Basically the name behind Beta State is like being in the moment. It was like the alpha, beta and theta states,” said McDonald. “And this one was kind of being in the moment and being
aware of everything BY MATTHEW ELLIOTT going on. So it kind of melliott@therampageonline.com has a nice meaning for everyone.” In 2009, cofounders Hernandez and Robison were looking to start fresh from their previous project. “ We basically had a thing on MySpace. A sing-along to try out singers that way,” said Hernandez. “We had a bunch of people try out and got like 200 singers. And then we heard Matt and were like, ‘Wow, this guy is awesome.’” With his considerable range, vocal work came naturally to McDonald. Justin Kastner, bassist of Beta State performing on “I was obsessed stage at Victory Church on March 28. with music when I Photo/Michael Monroy. grew up, but I never For more information on Beta played and never sang. I didn’t start singing until I was like 19 or 20,” said State and to listen to a sample of McDonald. “And then one day I was their new album including their first just driving around in my car and real- “#Friendship” single, “Start a Clean ized that I could sing whatever was on Slate,” visit www.facebook.com/betathe radio. Then from there, I thought state. Their back catalog is also availI would try to sing in a band. So I just able on iTunes. decided to go for it and, you know, learn as I go.” l TWITTER.COM/PATH_OF_LOTUS
8
OPINION
04.10.2013
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Campus PRIORITY REGISTRATION CHANGES Voices AIMS TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS
“Who should receive priority registration?”
Axel Nino Psychology “Students that are freshmen, that are new to the system.”
Daniel Flores Information Technology “Besides DSP&S and veterans students, students who deserve priority are the ones in good academic standing, who have a good GPA, who get their work done.”
Thany Nauk Writing “People who are in the different committees and get opportunities to take an extra mile.”
BY RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD editorial@therampageonline.com
Budget cuts in recent years have created huge obstacles to California community college students who must contend with higher tuition and a reduced financial aid pool. The students are navigating their way through diminished course offerings, making it impossible to attain success or graduate in a reasonable time frame. A c c o r d i n g to C a l i f o r n i a Community Colleges Vice Chancellor for Student Services & Special Programs Linda Michalowski, since the 2008-2009 academic year, approximately 500,000 students were “shut” out of community colleges, and the number of courses offered decreased by 24 percent. Some hard working students are locked out of classes and give up on their dreams. Help is on the way. The CCC Board of Governors is instituting a process that recognizes the incredible odds some students deal with on a daily basis and rewards students who are serious with their education and career. This plan is a step in the right direction, but it must go further than is proposed at the moment. It must rely on results of students’ work -- their GPA -- in determining who gets the priority registration and who does not. In September 2012, the body approved the plan to grant priority registration to those students who attain a degree, seek job training, plan to transfer to a university or are in good academic standing. This privilege is extended to veterans and active duty students, foster and former foster youth as well as students with disabilities, who already received priority class registration. The plan is creating incentives for students to seek the academic counseling that is crucial to their
success. Students who have completed college orientation, taken assessment tests and developed an education plan will have a priority to register for classes early, according to information from the California Community College Chancellor’s office.. However, students who have shown past failure and those on academic or progress probation for at least two consecutive terms, as well as those who have taken more
be favored, and for those without a clear path, the rule creates the incentive to get serious. It is entirely up to students to chart their own path. Simply attending an orientation and meeting with the counselor guarantees students an earlier registration date. Why would anyone not grab the opportunity to be close to first in line? Besides, common sense steps like attending orientation and meeting a counselor translate to bigger successes. Additionally, students who have been on probation will have more reasons to improve their academic status. They know that the longer they stay on probation, the harder it will be to get into their desired classes, which delays completion of their programs, graduation, transfer or employment. What better incentive to get serious with college? The CCC Board of Governors should also include a minimum GPA requirement for students to qualify for priority registration based on academic standing. That way, students can get motivated after meeting with a counselor to map an educational plan. But more importantly, they will feel responsible to make efforts to follow that plan so they can a d Cer keep receiving the registration a l e nD a benefits. d by A If students have a good hic p a Gr understanding of their academic goals, it shouldn’t be too hard for them to than 100 units, will maintain a decent GPA. Instituting a lose their priority registration by the GPA rule will mean that the criteria fall of 2014. are based on tangible, measurable It may seem that many students data and eliminate accusations of could be left without a chance to unfairness. register on time, but in the long run, Overall, the new regulation it should be a great change. should be a positive change both for The plan may seem harsh to some achievers and non-achievers. It gives students, but it promises to promote everyone a choice to write their own that students take responsibility in history. It will not only help students their own education. It is simple -- to survive through tough times and hard-working students who have a smaller class offerings, but guide them clear understanding of where they to success in their careers. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE want to go in their college career, will
I would like to thank everyone who supported me during the process of my reinstatement. Thomas Muffit-Stage Computer Information “Students that are 3.5 and above, they’re the ones working harder than other students.”
WRITTEN BY ALYCE DIAZ, PHOTOS BY TAYLOR RODRIGUEZ
Now I would like to announce my resignation...
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.10.2013
OPINION
SEXPLORATION WITH TROY AND MATTHEW “Does size really matter?”
9
FEATU LAURERING N
THE STRAIGHT WOMAN PERSPECTIVE BY LAUREN BAKER
lbaker@therampageonline.com
In the bigger, better, society we live in, can we really apply the question of “does size really matter?” to human anatomy? We shouldn’t, but more often than not, we do. Especially when it comes down to “peen”. Most women will never insult the integrity of a man’s genitals; unless she’s catty and you give her reason to. It’s understood that the general population of men would associate their special size with their level of masculinity and “talent,” and therefore, would prefer to be larger than smaller. It’s also a common fallacy that being “small” must inherently mean that the man can’t get the job done -- well. Even women face size scrutiny when it comes to their chest. It’s much easier to tell how well-endowed a woman is than it a man. Unless the woman is “flat chested,” there really isn’t much she can do to hide it. Even more annoying is the, “the bigger the boobs, the smaller the brain” myth. So, does size really matter? Yes and no,and here’s why. The average length of a penis is 6 inches, whereas the average “depth” of a vagina is four inches; seven inches at most, when the woman is aroused. Generally speaking, and leaving girth and all that aside, the average man will not find a ton of success in completely “filling the void” with the average woman. If you are larger than average, you will probably face even more difficulty in accomplishing this, and your lady may have a less than pleasant experience. On the other side of the spectrum are the “little league” guys. You’d be surprised at how many women you’d find that actually prefer men with less to offer than those with blush-worthy endowment. For obvious reasons, it’s less painful. Even for women who have “been around the block,” it can still be a pain when you’re getting more than you’re made to handle. And in many cases, smaller men tend to try harder. More effort is put in, and from what I’ve come to understand, they “get the job done” much more often than “stallions” do. Similar to men that find it sexy when women are confident between the sheets, women are also attracted to men who display confidence in what that have. This doesn’t include a display of arrogance and borderline narcissism, or making yourself out to be something you are not. If you are happy with what you were born with downstairs, it shows. Whether you’re a man or woman, being insecure with your body is normal, but how you go about dealing with it is all on you. Rather than psyching yourself out and worrying that you don’t have enough junk to put in the trunk, utilize what you are good at and hone in on those talents. Size does not define a person, whether it be someone’s weight, height, peen size or breast size. The size of a
man’s penis will not be an indicator of how good or bad he is in bed, nor is a woman’s chest size a measure of intelligence. When you hear a woman, or even a man, say “it’s not the size that counts, it’s what you do with it,” trust that they mean what they say. It’s a cliche for a reason.
doesn’t matter how big he is. If you’re simply interested in sex and not a relationship, then more power to you. Do what you have to do to get off. Just keep those requirements out of a relationship.
l TWITTER.COM/ELBTHEHERO
THE STRAIGHT PERSPECTIVE
l TWITTER.COM/DARKTROY
BY MATTHEW ELLIOTT
melliott@therampageonline.com
THE GAY PERSPECTIVE BY TROY POPE
tpope@therampageonline.com
Whether you’re packing or lacking, size doesn’t matter. However, before getting caught up in the notion that it’s not the size of the boat, but the motion of the ocean, remember that you’re probably indicating to women that you’re coping with lackluster loins by memorizing a series of small-penis proverbs. Besides, who’s to say that well-endowed alpha males aren’t also exceptional performers? It’s becoming increasingly clear that the only acceptable measurement is displacement by volume. If ancient history serves, Archimedes’ eureka
Yes, if you’re a jerk. Penis size does not matter. Guys, your prostate is simply not that far into your body from the entry point. Having a required penis size for your partner devalues your feelings for him, and in turn, it devalues him and your level of maturity in general. If you absolutely need someone with a incredibly large penis, then you should reevaluate your life. Dwelling on how much a guy is packin’ means you’re losing sight of what is really important. Focus more on A Panel Discussion of the things that are less aesthetic. If all you care about is the size of a guy’s junk, then you’re not in the mindset for finding love anyway, and you will probably never find it as a result. Do you enjoy There will be a moderated his company? Do you have common inter- discussion among our ests? Does looking at panelists and then questions him make you smile? Do you laugh at his from the audience. dumb jokes? These are ALL are invited to attend. the things that matter, not the size of his Flex Credit Available manhood. It’s not as if penis size is the only thing Wendell Stephenson that makes you a man Philosophy Instructor, FCC or the person you are. If you find a guy Mark Coleman you really like and Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney could picture yourself Captain Neil Dadian falling in love with, it
moment occurred when he dipped his erect penis into a bathtub and observed the rising water level. Some say it was his entire body, but the facts remain unclear. Still, most modern assessments involve a measuring tape. There are claims that the average erection measures approximately 5.5 inches in length and 5 inches in girth. This is a generous statistic that not only demonstrates what it takes for a woman to feel satisfied, but also allows men to feel exceptional about themselves. With regard to the opposite end of the spectrum, realize that a gigantic penis is not only a novelty, but a disability. To a certain extent—no pun intended—they deserve our pity and support, as do their victims. In all seriousness though, regardless of your size, if a woman is bothered by that sort of thing, then she is unsuited for healthy and lasting relationships. Would you tell a woman that she’s not cutting it for you because her breasts are too small or too large? Your answer should put you at ease.
Guns, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness:
Moderator
Discussants:
Fresno County Sheriff ’s Office
William Bertolani
Criminology Instructor, FCC
l TWITTER.COM/PATH_OF_LOTUS
2nd Amendment in Fresno 7:00-9:00 pm Thursday, April 18th Skylight Room FCC OAB 251
10
OPINION
A balancing act: Parenting and college
BY DAISY MARTINEZ
dmartinez@therampageonline.com
Everyone wants a better future and many say that the only method for attaining a better future is through a college education. But how do you succeed in college if you are a parent? College itself requires a lot of time and dedication. Not only do you have to attend classes, but you also have to work outside the class period to maintain a decent grade. Being a parent requires a lot of time and dedication as well. Finding the best way to balance both can become a challenge. Travis Morris is a Special Education teacher for Fresno Unified School District. Before he became a teacher, he worked and was a full-time student with three young children. “Being a college student with children was an extremely busy time in my life,” Morris
said. “There were times that I did not leave work until one in the morning because after my children’s events I had to go back and complete my shift for as many hours as I was gone,” he added. Balancing these things can be easier on parents who work only part-time and whose children are in school while they attend their own classes. Parents who have children age 5 or younger can find balancing both a bit more difficult due to the fact that children do not attend school. The best way to balance both is to make a schedule. Now that you’re a student, you have to keep in mind that you will be busy during the semester. This means that you will have to budget your time wisely. Going out or attending events will have to be put aside, because you need to use that time for completing homework. One way to decrease stress is to balance your course load. Try taking some easy classes along with other more difficult ones. By doing that, you’re only getting pressure from half of your classes. The most important thing for parents to keep in mind, though, is that a college education can always wait; watching your children grow cannot. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
04.10.2013
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Veganism in America BY KEVYNN GOMEZ
kgomez@therampageonline.com
Vegans get a bad rap. While vegans may face stereotypes that they are pretentious, dogmatic, zealous or even unhealthy, they are a minority that truly care about their bodies, the planet, and the creatures we coexist with while living within a meatloving culture. For those aware of the atrocities occurring in factory farms, a strict diet is a simple, easy and ethical sacrifice that advocates a lifestyle beneficial for both humans and animals alike. It is also a frank way to protest an industry built on exploitation and pain, and for this reason, veganism can be a very emotional experience. Many organizations exist to promote a healthy diet free of animal products as well as animal rights advocacy. Groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Animal Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Brigade are well-known for their use of controversial tactics to gain public and political attention. While certain vegananimal rights groups have good intentions, they unfortunately risk silencing the educated and beneficial message that many meat-eaters
should be aware of. One may question whether their tactics go too far in their opposition of the food animal industries. Some find their edgy stunts counterintuitive to their goal of animal equality and humane treatment by ultimately alienating their largely meat-eating audience. PETA has risen to infamy with ad campaigns displaying nude women and cheeky quotes such as “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” to emphasize their goals in an eye-catching yet sexual way. Their public protests in which they have stormed fashion catwalks or thrown paint on fur-wearers to draw attention to their cause have also drawn criticism for being too extreme. The radical agenda of Animal Liberation Front has also fought to muddle the success of supposed inhumane organizations such as clothing shops and animal shelters. Wearing ski masks, carrying bolt cutters and black spray paint, ALF is considered a domestic terrorist group by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The devotion these organizations display, while well-intentioned, is misplaced
and only destroys the progress the vegan movement has gained in recent years. While these actions may be effective as unique marketing, the impression this extremism portrays is not of education and peace, but anger and violence. As someone who loves animals, I can understand how painful it can be to acknowledge the tortures animals must go through. However, when animal rights organizations act with violence instead of compassion and tolerance, attention is ultimately drawn to their actions instead of the core beliefs central to their lifestyle and the benefits veganism and animal rights give to all. Although many social movements have militant and moderate edges, it is ultimately the moderate end of the spectrum that truly affects social change. While extreme actions - to some degree - may be helpful in alerting the public to problems misunderstood or ignored on a large scale, these same actions can become polarizing and regressive when they become too extreme. Yet whenever these actions threaten others’ safety in any way, they abandon their original intent in exchange for violence. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.10.2013
OPINION
11
Should prostitution be legalized? PRO
BY KEVYNN GOMEZ
kgomez@therampageonline.com
Women should have full autonomy over their own bodies- even as a marketable product in exchange for money. Yes, I think prostitution should be legalized. The female body is undoubtedly America’s hottest commodity. Sex sells, and yet the majority who profit from it are power-wielding men unconcerned with women’s rights or their financial security. Legalized prostitution would serve two crucial purposes. Most important, it would curb human sex trafficking by allowing women to use entrepreneurial abilities to support themselves financially. In conjunction with increased crackdowns by federal and nongovernmental organizations that combat human trafficking, the sale of sex can be passed into the hands of those consenting and in need of autonomy. The CIA, the FBI, the Polaris Project and Children of the Night are government and non-governmental organizations that fight local, national and international sex trafficking crimes. These groups work to ensure a future where young girls and women will never be forced into a life of slavery, poverty and violence. The legalization of this age-old trade would also serve as a powerful message to American society and the rest of the world that women’s rights and choices are valued regardless of moral stances. Legalizing prostitution would be as symbolic as it would be pragmatic. While women such as supermodels, actresses and porn stars are able to use their sex appeal to their advantage, they still do so under the critical and unrealistic eyes of the patriarchy that has constructed our standards. Even strippers appeal to the demanding expectations of physical beauty, even though, ultimately, they will be ridiculed by society for displaying and profiting from their bodies. If women (and men) are legally allowed to display their bodies and use them as marketable products, why should this right be limited to voyeuristic activities? Similar to strip clubs, if one does not agree with the
existence of legal prostitution, one can easily stay away from it. The sex industry has found success, despite criticism, in places such as Pahrump County in Nevada and throughout the Netherlands, where their famous “red light district” brings in millions in revenue from a growing sex tourism industry. Dutch prostitutes conduct their business much like any other employee. Legalized prostitution’s greatest enemy is the conservative American moral structure that preaches virginity, morality, purity and weakness as women’s ultimate values. Despite being contradictory to a culture focused on sex, beauty and power, these patriarchal moralists brainwash the public into believing that women must not engage in any sexual activity, especially if this activity can gain them power, wealth or success, unless the male authority has deemed it acceptable. Society may not like the idea of nude women dancing in stilettos while raking in cash. But if strippers are legally allowed to use their bodies to their benefit, women should be able to take this body-asa-commodity belief a step further and gain entire control of any decision they make regarding their physical abilities. Sex is a natural part of life. Oppression of women is an unfortunate and perpetuated result of this. Denying women the ability to profit from the use of their bodies is simply another way to stif le their growth and success, especially those who may be in need of financial security. We must set aside personal beliefs so that men and women can have full autonomy for their bodies, even when others do not agree. Women who choose to consensually engage in sex for remuneration are not harming anyone. Until women are allowed control of their bodies, from the choice to use contraceptives, to abortions, to same sex marriages, or to even engage in paid sexual activities, they are still being denied their full rights. There are complex socioeconomic factors involved in making sure that women do not rely on prostitution out of desperation or financial need. If progressive action was made to curb forced prostitution or sex slavery while promoting the sex industry as an acceptable, consenting opportunity for women who are financially secure, there should be no qualms about letting women make such a choice. So, if sex sells, shouldn’t women be the ones profiting from it? l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
CON
BY AUGUST PROMNITZ
dpromnitz@therampageonline.com
There has been some considerable noise made in regards to the legalization of prostitution. After all, it’s seen as a “victimless crime” and the oldest profession in the world. But it remains illegal today for good reason. Though a woman shouldn’t have to be thrown in jail for making a choice by her own free will as to what to do with her body, there are a great many women and young girls who don’t have the choice--their lives as prostitutes were forced upon them by pimps, traders or even their parents. Legalized prostitution makes it easier for human trafficking to take place. With prostitution legal, it becomes harder to tell whether or not they are working on their own or if they are actually being forced into the life. There would be little in these situations that law can do to help, unlike now, where laws against prostitution lead to more effective tracking against pimps and traffickers. The most prominent example of this is in Amsterdam where districts have been set up for legalized prostitution. According to research gathered by Dutch economist Helen Mees, it is estimated that 50 to 90 percent of the women selling their bodies in the “red light” districts are doing so against their own will. Worse yet, because of the uncertainty, police are forced to stand down as women are raped. Experts have been keen to call human trafficking the fastest growing criminal enterprise of the 21st century. And in the United States, the problem is only growing. Those who think that legalizing prostitution will reduce human trafficking need look only in a state where it’s
already legal: Nevada. In a testament to the growing problem of human trafficking in Nevada is the arrest of 58-year-old Kemp Shiffer, a former professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and a former employee for the Internal Revenue Service. He has been formally charged with bringing a woman to Nevada from California with the intent to prostitute her, according to a record by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He now faces a trial for human trafficking. The young woman from California, meanwhile, will have to face the ordeal of Shiffer’s efforts to profit off of the sexual use of her body. In an article for “The Examiner” by Youngbee Dale, the average age for trafficking victims is between 12 and 14. Half of the victims are under 18. In Las Vegas, these girls are taken from Southeast Asia to work in “happy ending” massage parlors. This activity takes place not just in the red light neighborhoods, but also in shopping malls. The disgusting truth is that many a young girl is raped while unknowing patrons get an Orange Julius and a corndog across the way. In a study conducted by Shared Hope International, a major nonprofit group dedicated to fighting human trafficking, it was shown that more than 400 child prostitutes were identified on the streets in one month in 2007. An additional 1,496 domestic cases of trafficking minors from 40 states were reported in Las Vegas. It’s safe to say that contrary to popular belief, the trafficking problem will not be lessened, but rather dramatically aided if the rest of the United States follows Nevada’s example. Furthermore, while prostitution may be referred to as the “oldest profession in the world,” it’s also the deadliest. According to a study released by the American Journal of Epidemiology, the average lifespan of a prostitute is only 34. The rate at which American prostitutes are killed on the job is 51 times the rate of the second spot on the list of dangerous jobs; working in a liquor store. Everything from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, to deals with clients gone tragically wrong must be counted among the risk. To encourage women into this line of work is not only a risk, it borders on the inhumane. Sex in itself is a wonderful thing when it’s between two consenting adults. Prostitution, however, makes way for rape and trafficking, something which puts a disgusting stain on the very word “sex.” It makes it easier for men to sell young women and girls and it makes it more difficult for the people whose duty it is to protect them to do their jobs. Only pain and crushed lives can follow the legalization of prostitution, which is why it must be prevented. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
12
SPORTS
04.10.2013
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
COACH WILLIAMS HITS 500 WINS BY PABEL LOPEZ
plopez@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College softball team split a doubleheader with San Jose City College to give coach Rhonda Williams her 500th win on Saturday. FCC lost the first game by the score of 5-6 and won the second 7-1. “We’ve had a lot of good players in our program,” said Williams who is in her 19th season as coach. “That’s what it speaks to. It speaks to the amount of talent that we have here in the Valley, the talent we have had play here at Fresno City, the support of the administration and I’ve had some great assistant coaches. It’s not me. It’s all of that.” The Jaguars started the first game of the doubleheader with four runs in the first inning including the first of two home runs by SJCC first baseman Miriah Chavez. Chavez now leads the South Coast Conference with 13 home runs. “They felt sweet coming off the bat,” said Chavez about the two home runs. The Rams Kyla Cisneros blasted a 2-run-shot in the third to put the Rams on the board. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rams were able to gain on the Jaguars’ lead by scoring two more runs. In the bottom of the fifth, Jaguars’ pitcher Giana Cavallero allowed the Rams
to load the bases with a walk. FCC’s Courtney Rodgers scored the only run that came in and the Jaguars were able to close out the game with the score of 6-5. In the second game, the Rams were the ones who got off to a hot start with a threerun homerun by p i tc h e r G r a c e Combs in the bottom of the first. Inf ielder Kassie Sierras also scored a run to make the score 4-0. In the bottom of the second, SJCC pitcher Giana Cavallero, Head coach of the Fresno City College women’s softball team Rhonda Williams (Right) and her assistant who finished game coach Haley Perkins discuss their team’s progress while the women warm up Monday afternoon practice. one and started Photo/Kevynn Gomez game two for the Jaguars, allowed the Rams to outs and added five more in “I feel like we competed The start of the second load the bases and the Rams the game. She also added a well and our team worked to- game was the highlight of capitalized by scoring three home run to her season total gether very good,” said Thies- the series for the Rams who runs to make the score 7-0. of four. sen. struggled to get going in the In the top of the fifth in“We were more pumped The split brings the first game. ning, SJCC outfielder Klarke after losing the first game be- Rams overall record to 22- 7. “It was a good day for Lister homered for the Jag- cause it was so close that we These games also brought the us. We battled back in that uars’ only run of the game. wanted to come out in the Jaguars to a 25-8 record. first game after giving up the Pitcher Grace Combs second game and shut them SJCC coach Debbie Hun- runs in the first couple of inimproved her record to 16-3 down,” said Combs. tze-Rooney said “They played nings,” Williams said. “I was with a win. Combs had a monFCC inf ielder Rainie better that second game.” real proud of the way the girls ster game on both sides of the Thiessen leads the CVC with Rooney added “I think for us, came out and took it right to ball in the second game of the a .512 batting average and coming out and hitting some them in the first innings of afternoon. Combs came in to added to her batting average shots helped us. They battled the second game.” the game with a Central Valley by going 3 for 4 in the second to come back but fortunately l TWITTER.COM/PABELLOPEZ Conference leading 91 strike- game. we held them off.”
FSU PROFESSOR PLAYS FOR FCC
BY KEAUNDREY CLARK
kclark@therampageonline.com
Candace Egen, 54-year-old Fresno State professor plays tennis for Fresno City College. Photo/Kevynn Gomez After three years of playing tennis at Fresno High School, Candace Egan planned to go to college and play tennis. She struggled to make time for tennis as she got married and became occupied
with other aspects of life. Today 54-year-old Egan is playing for the Fresno City College tennis team despite also being a full-time multimedia professor at California State University, Fresno. Egan finished the 2013
season undefeated in conference play. When she started working at Fresno State, she tried to get back into tennis recreationally but was not in shape physically or mentally. “One of my colleagues
had an interest in tennis, so we got back into shape together and would go play matches at Roeding Park,” said Egan. She enrolled at FCC this year and registered for the tennis class taught by assistant coach Roni Monreal. Surprised by Egan’s performance, Monreal asked Egan to come to fall practice. Since joining the team, Egan has bonded with her teammates and it has made the team chemistry strong throughout the season. “They were cool about me playing on the team. My age wasn’t an issue at all. They would come to me asking about tips on serving and etc,” said Egan. She has had support of her family and friends throughout the process. Even some of her colleagues have come to see her play and she is always the topic of conversation with other professors. “Her tennis background helps her in matches. She is able to give advice to other players and be helpful in key situations for the team,” said Monreal. Egan looks at her teammates as daughters. Her positivity and advice always kept
things calm when things got tough during the season. With the team having no players who have played junior college tennis, Egan’s undefeated season helped the lady Rams finish third in the league, a feat which Monreal did not expect at the beginning of the season. Egan loves the demand and physical and mental aspect of tennis. She compares it to a physical chess match. “It’s about analyzing and problem solving and combining that with the physical. That’s what makes tennis a great sport,” said Egan. Along with many of her teammates, Egan will be back next year to bring more success for the Rams. Egan won the Big 8 Conference singles and doubles championship on April 5, and has now qualified for The Ojai state tournament. “It would be lovely to win a match there,” said Egan. “There are some outstanding people there. I know there is no way I’m going to beat any of those supreme players but the experience will be great.”
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