Spring09issue1(jan 28)

Since 1949

Volume CXVII, edition 1

January 28, 2009

Q&A

With President Cynthia Azari

DeKruif begins term as Academic Senate president

by Mark Smith Rampage Reporter Born in Capetown, South Africa, Linda De Kruif, new president of the Academic Senate of Fresno City College, has an easy going and inviting personality.

After many years of membership as a senator, De Kruif was elected last year to take the reins of leadership in the fall semester of 2009, She, however, assumed leadership a semester early because of the sudden departure of past president Rick Santos. Even though she’s only presided over one senate meeting so far, De Kruif, an instructor in women’s studies, seems poised to take the Academic Senate to new heights, with compliments already coming in.

See ‘DeKruif takes charge,’ Page 3

In an interview with the Rampage staff, FCC President Cynthia Azari discussed the budget shortfalls, her background and the pleasures of leading this college.

Q: Would you like to talk about budget cuts, regarding instructor support and counselor support?

A: Yes, we still don’t have a budget from the state and that’s really what we are waiting for. We know we are going to have a cut as much or anywhere from $2 to $4 million. That’s a lot of money. However, all that could change because the governor comes out with proposal after proposal. The Democrats have a proposal, the Republicans have a proposal. Until they come together, we really don’t know. But we know we’re going to experience some cuts. Here’s my philosophy: Why are we here?

We are here to provide a quality education for students; that’s the core of why photos by Nikole Schroeder

we’re here. Then you start going out and the further you are out from that the more cuts we are going to take. I really don’t want to look at cutting anything that’s important--any instructional programs.

Now are we going to have to cut? Yes, but we have to be very careful about where we are spending our money. If we have some grant funds, we can certainly use those, but even state grants are going to be cut. So we need to look at our core functions which is to provide a quality education and go out, you know like a tree, with concentric circles [from there], so that you begin to look at what is truly necessary just like in your own lives. If you have to look at cutting your budget, you look at your needs- rent, gas for the car and make sure the car has insurance and so on. And then you start building out, so vacations, luxury retail for the holidays was off 34 percent, compared to last year because people are just saying, “I can’t but it.”

Q: What do you consider some of the luxuries of Fresno City College?

A: Not many. But you know sometimes, I ask people to look more at expenditures. If we normally provide a lot of food for meetings, then we can cut back to cookies and punch. You know, can we get a local supplier instead of buying things from an outside area so we can save on shipping. Wherever you can cut, anything that’s going to be saved, for every dollar that we save, we’re able to save a job.

Q: What about cuts in tuition allowance?

A: That’s a legislative decision.

I know that there has been a proposal for that, but I don’t know where it’s going to go. You guys know that tuition in California is the lowest in country.

The tuition at the school I left was $93 a credit, here it’s $20.

See ‘Azari Interview’ page 6

ASG looks forward

by Mark Smith

Rampage Reporter Do you have a concern about safety on campus? Do you have a question and don’t know where to take it? Are you curious about events taking place around Fresno City? Then you need to contact the Associated Student Government, or ASG. ASG acts as the representative body for all students on campus. They plan events, listen to student concerns, and generally handle all student issues. These representatives are elected by students, with the next election coming in late April, and extending into early May of this year. Positions up for election are: President, Vice President, Executive Vice President, Legislative Vice President, President Pro-tem, See ‘ASG plans’, page 3

Inside:

Art Space Gallery Page 5

Extreme Home Makeover Page 8-9

A Presidency Debated Page 12

Lady Rams Page 15

News

Ram page

2 Rampage

Rampage Fresno City College 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741

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

Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in person 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore.

Please keep all letters to a maximum of 500 words along with contact information.

Contact Office: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783

Editor-in-chief: Ivette Lopez News Editor: Ivette Lopez Views Editor: Brendon Entertainment Editor: John Esquivel On-Line Editor: Jeannie Batey Photo Editor: Ramiro Gudino Business Manager: Leah Edwards Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju E-mail: Editor In Chief: rampage-editor@fresnocitycollege.edu Rampage business Office: rampage-business@fresnocitycollege.edu Advisor: dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege. edu

Reporters Brendon Mustaciola, Ivette Lopez, Jeannie Batey, John Esquivel, Patrick Harris, David Malagon, Tim Limbrick, Melanie Ayala, Red Wilson, Matt Alter, Whitney Lafon Urien, Kyle Calvert, Melissa Ramirez, Mark Smith, Ramiro Gudino, Andrew Colburn, Chay Cooke, Bianca Betancourt, Dave DeLeon, Shirah Hopper, Hector Ramos, Jemima Romero, Daneila Cortez, Gabriel Bautista, Marcell Dilworth, Nikole Schroeder, Patrick Willey

www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com

January 28, 2009

January 28, 2009

News

Rampage 3

DeKruif takes charge of Academic Senate

Continued from page one

President Linda DeKruif

“Linda’s a great colleague and I’m sure she’ll make an excellent President of the Senate,” said Paul Gilmore, history instructor at Fresno City.

S h e didn’t see herself in this position as a child. “ I t was actually kind of interesting,” she said. “Once I started going to high school [at Clovis high], I knew I liked psychology, but I loved little kids so I thought I was going to be a child psychologist. I finished my bachelor’s with the idea that I would be a child psychologist. “ I t photo by Ramiro Gudino wasn’t until I actually started my graduate

program that I took some clinical psychology, some intense classes that I thought ‘I can’t do that.’ I get way too attached to those kids or to anybody, so I wouldn’t say ‘gosh that’s a horrible situation you’re in, but your hour is up so I’ll see you next week for another hour.’ So I knew that wasn’t going to work for me because I’d bring my home work home with me all the time.”

De Kruif eventually changed the emphasis of her major and began teaching at FCC as an adjunct professor in 1994. She has since become a full-time professor and earned her tenure position.

She’s been an officer at large and the chair of different committees, and as senate president, De Kruif looks to make a few changes but keep the legacy that Rick Santos has left.

“I do think one thing that I would like to stress more is that faculty gets more involved with what’s happening on campus.

More open ways of communication between faculty members,” she said.

De Kruif said she believes that students should follow what happens in the senate, either by attending the meetings which take place every other Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by talking with their respective ASG (associated student government) representatives. She said, “I think it is important, just like I think it’s important for all constituent groups to follow what happens in other groups. I don’t

think they know that we have ASG reps to represent them either.”

So would De Kruif be opposed to students bringing concerns to her?

“The best way for students to be better served is to go to one of their ASG reps, not just Brandon, but any of the ASG reps on campus…It’s the same thing I tell faculty. I don’t tell faculty ‘just come to me directly’, because otherwise I get individual concerns, which is fine as well, but it’s more efficient and works a lot better if faculty goes to their senate reps or students go to their ASG reps. Then that person can bring it up in the senate.”

At home, Linda enjoys the company of her loving niece and border collie.

“My family thinks my dog is my kid,” she laughs, her good nature coming through in a warm smile. With her spare time, “I love going to the beach. I love to travel, visiting the bay area or the mountains…people ask me all the time, ‘well you come all the way from South Africa and you guys move to California, so why do you live in Fresno?’ and that’s part of my answer. I can live in different places but the thing I like about Fresno, my family’s here and I spend a lot of time with my family, so I like Fresno for that component but I really like it that I’m not that far from the beach, I’m not that far from the mountains…I can get to different places and it doesn’t take me that long. I like the centrality of it.”

will be a large-scale gathering of community college students organized by the Student Senate of California Community Colleges from across the entire state to march to the capitol building to protest proposed budget cuts to education. If you wish to make an impact on the state government and don’t want cuts in education, be sure to attend.

Februrary is Black History Month.

The ASG has already financed $1000 for events taking place on campus during this month. For a detailed calendar of events, visit the ASG office.

On April 22, the ASG will be hosting a “Ram Doggie” day, where any Fresno City student with an ASB card can receive a free hot dog, chips, dessert, and drink (while supplies last).

ASG also has both Myspace and Facebook pages, with events, member information, and links to important documents such as the ASG constitution. Go to the Fresno City College webpage, where there are links for both pages under ASG in the “Student Life” category. Or go to www. myspace.com/fccasg, where there is a

link to the Facebook page as well.

The ASG is always open and would love student involvement and participation, as well as handling any questions or concerns you may have. Their office is located in SC-205, above the bookstore, open from eight to five Monday through Thursday and eight to three on Friday. ASG meetings are on Tuesdays from three to five in the Senate Chambers, located in the Student Lounge (by the cafeteria and recreation room). For phone inquiries, dial (559) 442-8275.

ASG plans future events for students on campus Continued from page one

Student Trustee, and 16 senate positions. Be sure not to miss this important election that will determine who represents your voice.

Here is a list of other events that ASG is planning or partaking in for the coming months.

On March 3, Kid’s Day will be taking place. This is the annual fundraiser sponsored by the Fresno Bee where volunteers sell newspapers around town to benefit Valley Children’s Hospital.

On March 16, the “March in March” will take place in Sacramento. This

Volunteering abroad allows for fun, generosity

by Kyle Calvert Rampage Reporter

Though the energetic presentation

by Elliot Tyson, the Central Valley area representative of nonprofit organization International Student Volunteers, Inc., went by quickly in the opening minutes of some morning classrooms was Wednesday, the message came across clear enough: that students have an opportunity to travel the world, help communities worldwide, and encounter more thrills than most people usually experience all their lives.

Since 1983, Tyson and his employers at ISV have provided the opportunity for students and graduates from over 800 colleges worldwide to get a shot at conservational and volunteer work in 10 countries to date, including Ecuador, South Africa, Costa Rica, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia. The program has made great progress in ecological relief efforts worldwide, donating to and working alongside the local charities and organizations in the countries its representatives visit. Each year, thousands of students that sign up for

the program take trips ranging from two weeks to three months in length to various corners of the globe.

“It’s really a great opportunity to get out into the world and make a difference,” Tyson said in an interview Thursday. “The volunteer work is great and really makes you feel good doing it; just knowing that you got out into the world and made a difference. It can be tough, and it’s really fast-paced, but it’s definitely rewarding.”

The program offers the trips in twoweek pieces, divided into two groups. The first is what ISV calls “Volunteer Work Projects.” They range from environmental relief efforts such as rainforest preservation and wildlife conservation to community service such as building homes and schools for underprivileged families and neighborhoods.

The second is the “Adventure Tours”, combining the rewarding experience of the trip with an amount of leisure time during which the company engages its volunteers with activities such as canyon climbing/rappelling, yacht cruises, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

2009 is the first year that ISV is offering the program to local and junior colleges

such as Fresno City College, which will hopefully expand the effort to give these communities some well-deserved aid as well as the desire to participate in such an exciting opportunity.

One aspect of being a volunteer in the process is that one has to pay the fees.

The deposit fee for a trip is $500, and while most things such as lodging and food are covered by the full fee, some parts of the trip end up being a bit pricier than the average student’s wallet can spare. S=ome prices (such as air faire) are discounted for volunteers due to the sheer amount of applicants through ISV. While the experience altogether can be a bit pricey, sometimes ranging from $1,900-$3,500 per person depending on how long one’s stay and where they go, it does not disappoint students with the drive and the desire to volunteer in one of ISV’s countries that may not be able to afford it.

“The company is completely nonprofit,” Tyson said, “And while the price is a bit steep, we encourage our volunteers to set up and participate in fundraisers and such so that they can go. It is for a good cause, and you’d be surprised how many people support the students that volunteer, since so few

people in the average community nowadays get a chance to do this kind of work.”

Especially with the state of the current economy, ISV is proud of its applicants for being able to raise as much funding as they do in order to, for instance, travel to the Dominican Republic and teach English to children.

Aside from the more apparent reasons to apply, ISV’s program has even more benefits for its volunteers. At some colleges, the experience qualifies for academic credit, and the volunteer effort is a spectacular item to list on any résumé.

“I can’t imagine an employer or a college admissions board who would turn down someone that would go halfway around the world to help these communities,” said Tyson.

For more information on International Student Volunteers, Inc., they can be reached by mail at their office (4848 Lakeview Ave. Suite 100A, Yorba Linda CA 92886), by phone [area code (714) 779-7392] or through their website, www. isvonline.org. They will also send an information packet if requested by emailing info@isvonline.org.

News

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January 28, 2009

Witnessing history in the making

O

n a day that has changed history and promises hope for the future, January 20, 2009, FCC journalism instructor was there.

“There were so many people you couldn’t see, they had these big jumbotrons, and we were just standing there and laughing and having fun. I missed what was going on, on the screen totally,” Dympna Ugwu-Oju bubbled with excitement as she spoke of her “once in a lifetime” experience.

Dympna Ugwu-Oju, journalism instructor at Fresno City College and advisor for The Rampage, the college newspaper, was a witness to history on January 20, 2009.

Ugwu-Oju was one of the millions in the Capitol during the swearing in of President Barack Obama.

“Sunday, we went to the concert; again the same kind of thing.

It was at the Lincoln Memorial; we were dancing and saw all the big stars singing.” Thousands were gathered for the free concert where President Obama delivered one of his memorable speeches.

The celebration lasted several days and Ugwu-Oju brought back many cherished memories, “Some people had camped out for days… just celebrating and dancing. There was a group of choir boys that came from Kenya; all of a sudden, they started singing, and they had their own crowd. Then you’d see another group performing, and I thought I’m in a dancing group; I should have brought my group from Fresno to Washington D.C.!”

“Most people were strangers [but] all of sudden we were talking like best friends; that is because of Obama, bringing together people of different nationalities and ages,” said Ugwu-Oju of President Obamas’ unifying presence. “People of all ages were acting like kids…it was amazing and I just felt like we were one.”

“We got there at about 7:30 a.m. [on Tuesday] and the line was, I’m not kidding, five miles long . . .

We had silver tickets … they must have given out at least 500,000 of those, and we thought we were special!” she said with a laugh. Just when Ugwu-Oju was about to give up, an event coordinator called to her and a group of people she was standing in the front of, to follow him. “He marched us straight into the arena.

We went through the search, and people who carried big bags couldn’t bring them in, and guess what, nobody asked for the tickets!”

Ugwu-Oju said that she and her husband were separated trying

to get home. She was actually forced onto the subway by the crowd. “I don’t know how we made it back to the airport, but here we are.”

Despite the overwhelming emotion of it all, Ugwu-Oju felt it was most important to take time to reflect on the experience and what it meant to her, her children, and the nation.

“Like many Americans, I’ve been inspired by Obama. But as a person who is African … I feel like he is our child [because] he is a child of one African,” she said.

“For my children, who are African Americans, he is their story. They too, with names that are hard to pronounce, could be president if they choose.”

“What does it mean to African Americans? This, in fact, could be the beginning of the end of America’s ugliest legacy, the legacy of slavery. We can no longer use race as an excuse for failure,” said Ugwu-Oju. But the beginning of the end is just that, she continued, “The basic issues in society are still there.”

Regarding the importance of the Obama presidency to African-American men, Ugwu-Oju said, “He is showing and modeling what it means to be a man…you can stand by your women and raise your children…if it is in the area of education you can do it. He has done it, with success, with humility, in all the different areas.”

Ugwu-Oju summarized, “We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, if Obama will turn out to be a “Bush” but so far, he represents all Americans in general, but for an African American, “It is more than words can describe.” by

Inauguration at FCC

Daneila Cortez

photos by Nikole Schroeder, Ramiro Gudino, Red Wilson and Charles Ugwu-Oju

by Red Wilson Rampage Reporter An early morning FCC campus was crawling with individuals ready to file in to the college activities center and cafeteria for a showing of the transition of Barack Obama from president-elect to the 44th President of the United States.

By 8:30am, the official start time of the ceremony, almost every seat and sideline standing space was filled.

In describing the scene in the cafeteria, Kathy Bonilla, FCC’s public information officer, “never seen it like this. Not in seventeen years.” Bonilla estimates around 600 people piled into the cafeteria, with many seated at the round tables, a few on the floor in front nearest to the huge screen, and most standing behind and beside the tables.

Looking for good spot, Josefina Ortega welcomes the challenge. “It’s awesome to see so many people here,” recalling her surprise, “It was already full by nine!” Not only was the room packed with layers of faces, but it seemed like all of those faces were focused on the screen, waiting with a collective anticipation for the moment of the swearing-in and the following speech. The cafeteria looked dark without lights, but bright with eager faces directing their attention to the South wall’s screen display.

Cedric Shelton noticed the atmosphere of intense focus, remarking that “it was all quiet in here with everyone paying attention.” Rather than watch Obama as he began to address the audience of more than a million people on the mall in Washington DC, I watched their counterparts gathered in the FCC cafeteria.

Struck by the tears of some and other visible emotional reactions of many, I remembered Shelton’s observation that “People see him like a real life superhero, trying to rescue our country, rebuild, change things.”

Sean Henderson, the director of College Activities that put on the event, was struck at how “the whole nation stopped what we’re doing to watch something historical that’s not a catastrophe.” Unfortunately for FCC, who was streaming the live feed from CNN.com, the whole nation, or at least those also streaming from CNN.com, stopped what we were doing in the cafeteria because the bandwidth couldn’t support so many users. The live showing all but died when interrupted sentences became frozen screenshots, soundless but for occasional crackling. What became audible before Obama’s stream of articulated hope and change was the changing atmosphere in the cafeteria as people flowed out much more boisterously than they had filed in. Henderson offers that the technical interruption was frustrating but did not reverse the event’s contribution to FCC camaraderie and involvement and said “Outside of our technical glitches, it was great!”

News

January 28, 2009

Student Exhibitions Opening night of the Art Space Gallery, Student Exhibition 2009, on Thursday, according to spectators, was a huge success.

The gallery was humming with Arties chatting away over the variety of work and talent on display with an average of 75 to 100 people streaming in and out over the course of the evening.

The crowd consisted mostly of art students of varying skill level, instructors, the gallery artists and their family and friends.

Even FCC President, Dr. Cynthia Azari was there to commemorate the first exhibit of the year.

Spectators had an abundance of good things to say from being pleasantly surprised that the gallery existed to being very impressed with the works submitted as well as the overall presentation being very impacting.

“Asher,” an FCC student of art observed that “It takes a lot of energy to gather the courage to enter a piece for a gallery project.

It’s a very critical process, what the judges look for in a piece; it doesn’t necessarily have to be the best looking piece in the world.”

Asher said that for him, art served as a pressure release; much needed in the day and age in which we live.

“It started out with just the house and the tree,” said Daniel Richards of his linocut reduction portrait of his home here in Fresno titled “My Home in a Mirror (in blue).”

It was clearly a crowd favorite and won the prestigious presidents award. Dr. Azari introduced Richards as the winner.

Richards explained that he enjoyed printmaking because, he said, “I will always have something of mine and still be able to give it away.”

Two of the 50 gallery submissions that made the student exhibit cut were created by Craig Calderwood; one entitled “F**k” and the other “Untitled.” “F**k” is Calderwoods’ personal favorite and by far among the most thought provoking works on display.

Calderwood said the piece was inspired by the personal experience of a friend and it depicts the roots of religious condemnation of the human homosexual experience.

“It’s basically about the assumption that homosexuality is a choice. But it’s not,” Calderwood said of the piece. “Where these male goats are driven by their urges, humans on the other hand, are driven by their status at birth” he explained. Calderwood said he chose the material because he felt it would best show the dark meaning that he wanted to convey. He aspires to become an art instructor.

Calderwood was also a recipient of the Faculty Award for his piece, “Untitled.”

“Asking a Lot,” a portrait

by Monica Potter, drew a lot of praise for being “inspirational.” “I drew what was in my heart. It was my final from my first beginner class,” said Potter.

“Asking a Lot” is a tribute to her children who, by virtue of their resilience, are able to “keep her lifted up.” She wanted to acknowledge to them that she

Rampage 5

Art

Experiencing At the Art Space Gallery

Photos by Nikole Schroeder

by Daneila Cortez Beginning from top going clockwise:

- Edward Lund, Curator for the FCC Art Space Gallery standing next to Erik Beltran’s “Untitled”

- Allison Liles’ “Untitled”, winner of Allard’s Award - ”Brothers and Sisters” by Thomas Trempel, winner of Friends of the Arts Award - Daniel Richards showcases his piece titled “My Home in a MIrror” (in Blue).

For Full list of winners, visit fresnocitycollegerampage.com.

knows that she is often asking a lot of them as she balances the challenges of student and mother.

“Asking a Lot” was also a personal favorite of Dr. Azari, she felt it spoke of the condition of the world today. Potter was also a recipient

of the Allard’s Award for her piece titled “The Catch.”

Karen Davis’ piece is a very moving depiction of a very difficult time in her life as a young woman having experience a hysterectomy. The acorns, she says,

represent life. “I called her my girl for a long time,” said Davis.

She says sculpture is her personal favorite form of art.

The Art Gallery Experience

“It’s always amazing to me when art students do not know we

even have a gallery,” says Edward Lund, the curator for the Art Space Gallery at Fresno City College.

Lund says that it is rather special for a community college to have its own gallery and that FCC students should be proud of the Art Space Gallery (located in the Art/ Home Economics building, across from the main fountain); that it is not some ramshackle art room with chalk boards and pedestals.

In fact, the gallery is quite prestigious and is included in the famous Fresno city art tour known as ArtHop (fresnoarthop.org). The gallery attracts an exciting variety of local as well as international talent such as Dennis Gallagher, a well known sculptor, who said one of his pieces “had never looked so good.”

“We can get really killer shows here; we try to highlight the students every year, the faculty every other year,” says Lund.

Art Space Gallery is a great way to spend some time between classes. The gallery hours are Tuesday 10 am – 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am – 8 pm, and Friday 10 am – 2 pm. The Art Space Gallery is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. These hours are subject to change and are always posted on the gallery door.

Looking for a fun and exceptional way to enlighten an evening? The FCC Art Space Gallery invites folks to come by and enjoy the Student Exhibition 2009.

The show features all FCC students’ work, and for almost a full month, the public will have an opportunity to delight in the veritable wonderland of exhibits that range from painting and photographs to sculptures and metalsmithing.

The show begins January 22 and runs through February 20.

Works available for purchase will be listed as such. Stop by the gallery to pick up a flyer that doubles as a parking permit.

From helping to create and contribute to Corridor 2122 for the past four years to working as a preparer at the Fresno Art Museum Lund has years of experience working in and developing the Fresno art scene.

In addition to working as curator for the FCC Art Space Gallery, Lund also teaches Art History and Ceramics at West Hills Community College in Coalinga and says he never tires of talking about art.

When it comes to being a gallery curator, Lund is very hands on. He says lighting is his thing; “working with shadows, making sure they don’t interfere with the work or even cross on the floor.”

“Lighting,” he says, is important to the gallery because it “directs the eyes and reveals the form and texture [of the art].”

When it comes to his own art work, Lund refers to himself, with a laugh, as a “post studio artist.” His favorite medium is installation because, he says, he likes to build things and enjoys transforming a space.

It doesn’t bother him that this work is not permanent; “the experience of the viewer” is his motivation. With installation, Lund says, your can “create a work, document it, take it apart and if you need it, do it again.”

6 Rampage

Azari interview

Continued from page one Q: Also about the BOGG Fee Waiver, is that going to be affected?

A: Again, I don’t know.

There was one proposal I read to Cal-grants, but I don’t know. And we won’t know until the legislature takes action.

Q: you’ve stated that one of the core goals was to provide a quality education, so what other school goals do you have?

A: well there are a couple of things. One fun thing, we will celebrate our centennial in 2110.

Fresno City is the oldest, the first City College in California. The Second in the country; we’re a hundred year old. Joliet Community College in Joliet, Illinois was the first. So we’re going to make a big deal of it. Now, with the budget cuts we’re really have to look at how we can raise money to do that. Because I want it to not only be a college celebration but a community. And not just for one day, I want it to be through out the year. How do we recognize the accomplishments of our students and our graduates, and our faculty? We have many many thousands of people who have come through Fresno City, what are they doing now? So I want to finds ways to recognize the contributions and the accomplishments; so that with the centennial we’re letting the community know we’ve been here a hundred years.

Anywhere I go I meet people

who either been to Fresno City or their parents came to Fresno City or their kids or their grand kids, so everywhere we have really made an impact on this community. And so that’s one thing.

News

January 28, 2009

Memo to the president: Dear President Azari,

Q: so were up fro accreditation when?

A: we are up for accreditation in 2011, October of 2011. It’s a two year process through the accrediting agency. The Western Association of School and Colleges, I believe; WAS. As I understand, and I wasn’t here either, the warning had to with governance. So several things that we have established, one of them is a Strategic Planning Council, we have a budget advisory committee. The Strategic Planning Council, the umbrella entity over all of the organizations that we offer at the college. People from various constituents within the college sit on it including me, [comprised of] faculty, administration and students that sit on this board and they met yesterday [1/14/09]. So the various recommendations that come from the various committees come to the SPC and that is part of our governance. So that is one of the major things that we have done.

(Inaudible), and one of the requirements of accreditation is to show your budgeting process in relation to your strategic planning. So that’s what I’m working on.

For the complete interview go to www.fresnocityrampage.com

Chris Robinson

Celeste Ramirez Can you offer more financial support?

“Offer more help for those that don’t qualify for regular financial programs.”

Can you train staff?

“People in the financial aid office need to know what they are talking about.”

Dwayne Rogers “How long did it take you to finish your education and what were some of the setback that you had?”

Nao Thao “Can [you] have them add a big [parking] structure?”

Jasmin Ayala Submit your own question to “Why aren’t the [dance] President Azari by emailing classes worth more than us at rampage-business@ one credit… especially for fresnocitycollege.edu those majoring in dance?” photos by Shirah Hopper, Brendon Mustaciola and John Esquivel

Save Money January 28, 2009

In Hard Times

by Whitney Urien

Rampage Reporter With the economy in the state that it is in, people can’t help but wonder what they can do to improve their financial standing. You might be setting goals for yourself; you might be making New Years resolutions that you aren’t planning to keep.

Why don’t you set one that you can keep? This year make it your goal to be smart financially. The unemployment lines are getting longer, and America is facing the deepest economic crisis since the great depression. 2009 is the year of hope and the year of change.

Make the change, make this the year that you have extra money.

There are two important things you can do for yourself this year: first get rid of credit card debt second save money.

Getting rid of debt is probably the best thing that you could ever do for yourself. Your credit affects everything. What kind of car you can buy, whether you get approved for that apartment you want, a perspective employer will always check your credit before they decide to hire you.

There are several ways to get out of debt. The easiest and fastest is to talk to those annoying money collectors that call you 24-7. The next time they call, answer the phone. Tell them your situation, be honest, even ask if you can have your interest rate lowered, or the amount that you owe cut. If you are polite, persistent, and persuasive, it will pay off and will save you hundreds of dollars. Remember that they want to help you, you have their money and they want it back! Always pay at least the minimum due, on time every month, and if possible pay a little extra. It is always best to. The best way to maximize your buck is to start with the card with the highest, pay it off and then move on to the next one. Also stop spending money you don’t have; you need to be able to tell the difference

between what you want and what you need. You want to go out to dinner with your friends you need to pay PG&E bill.

Saving money is a lot easier than you think it is. The website www.feedthepig.com has some great ideas. These include, trying to save at least $10 a month, or deciding on a certain percent of your income to try to save. For example if my husband and I want to save 5% a month we will sit down and figure out exactly much that is. If we have $1,500 a month we know that no matter what we do we need to save at least $300. If you were to save $300 a month after one year you would have $3,600 just think of what you could do with that.

Last but not least know your FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation Score.) With today’s credit crunch a score of 700 or above is acceptable. To check your credit score for free go to MyFico.com.

Mayra Cervantes

The trio composed by the voices of Kathy Barba, Julie Dana, and Rebecca Sarkisian performed “The Magic Flute” by W. A. Mozart. They were accompanied by Matthew Horton on the piano.

Instruments were an essential element of the concert; the trumpet was played by Dale Engstrom, the clarinet was played

by Lorence Honda, and the guitar was played by Steve Delgado.

Delgado interpreted two songs “La Golondrina” and “La Llorona” that made everyone reminisce.

The president of Fresno City College Dr. Cynthia Azari attended the concert. One of her favorite melodies was “La Llorona.”

“It was beautiful and they were really talented.” Azari said.

The concert gave end with a melody by H Warren/M. Gorden, “There Will Never be Another

“Saving money is a lot easier than you think it is.

The website feedthepig.com has some great ideas.”

Always remember that the best way to raise your credit score is to pay your bills on time and try to reduce your debt.

Finally remember there are two kinds of debt. Good debt, which is something that will help you, and bad debt, which is something that will hurt you. Good debt is things like, student loans, mortgage payment, and a car payment. Bad debt us excess credit card debt, outstanding medical bills, and a flat screen TV that you just “had” to have, Try to get rid of that bad debt first. Keep things in mind and your year will be a lot brighter.

7 News How to navigate WebAdvisor Rampage

by Matt Alter Rampage Reporter The Fresno City College spring semester is underway and lines at student services are out the door. Waiting rooms are full, students sit for hours, and counselor’s schedules are booked solid. Student enrollment is up about 15 percent and they’re all being unloaded on the same number of counselors as last semester.

And with the budget the way it is, there won’t be any new counselors hired anytime soon.

What brings so many students to the counselors? Mostly class registration, changing their majors, and acquiring their grades and/or transcripts. What’s surprising is that all the aforementioned services, and several others, that students are seeking help with any computer with an internet connection.

The majority of students, new and returning, don’t know this.

They have never been introduced to WebAdvisor, an online system powered by Datatel designed to help students of California community colleges. With WebAdvisor, students can search for and register for classes, drop classes, make payments, view grades and transcripts, and change their majors all online by themselves.

This is a major concern for Honors Counselor Jill Harmon.

“Students will sit and wait for two hours to change their major,” Harmon says. “We need to teach students how to help themselves.”

Part of the problem, she says, is that most of the students are of an “auditory generation” and are used to having things done for them or at least being told exactly what to do. Students straight out of high school, where class registration is virtually done for them, find themselves in college and have no idea where to start. “But we don’t have time to baby them,” Harmon explains.

That’s where WedAdvisor comes in. Students can register themselves for classes at their own convenience, so the counselors can focus on helping the students who

Professors perform to raise funds Rampage Reporter

Last Saturday, “The Echoes from the Theatre II” was performed in the theatre by most of professors of the music department at Fresno City College.

Hoping to fundraise for the new auditorium, the concert proceeds were given to help fund the construction. Over 150 people assisted the classical concert, in which excellent music was enjoyed and performed by various professors. The concert initiated with the song “William Tell Overture” by G. Rossini/arr. Gottschalk. It was performed by Clifford Badgley on vocals and Marcia Klinder Badgle on the piano.

You.” The song was performed

by Mike Dana on the guitar, Dale Engstrom on the trumpet, and Nye Morton on the bass.

This is the second time that all faculty members presented a concert. The last concert was played two years ago, and it may be possible to enjoy this production this upcoming winter.

All faculty members were able to select their own music and work together to present a night filled with melody. Unfortunately Olga Quercia was unable to present her melody “Two Tangos” by A. Piazzolla, due to health conditions.

Hord felt overjoyed with the outcome of this concert. “I encourage students to come to the events presented at FCC and enjoy the music that is being presented,” Hord said.

really require one-on-one time to discuss serious issues. But there is a large number of students of all generations who don’t know how to use WebAdvisor, or even know that exists. Some students have said that they can’t because they don’t know how to use WebAdvisor and they don’t know where to go to learn.

Harmon hopes to help remedy this situation by banding together with her colleagues to es-

tablish a booth where teachers and counselors could give a brief crash course in WebAdvisor. Another idea of Harmon’s is to have a “web day” where teachers take a few minutes out of their class time to explain the system. Unfortunately, with larger classes, not too many teachers are immediately willing to stray too far from their lesson plans.

Read the rest of the story online at fresnocitycollegerampage.com

Senate Notes

by Mark Smith

Rampage Reporter On January 14, 2009, the Academic Senate met for its first biweekly meeting of the year. Here are a few of the key issues discussed: • A discussion on daily attendance records in classes took place. After multiple views being expressed on whether or not it’s an important issue, it was stated that the board of directors decided that it was necessary every day. A member of the instruction committee was delegated the problem to investigate and bring information back to the Senate.

• A leak in the women’s bathroom in the Social Science building was brought up. Apparently the leak hasn’t been fixed in over eight months. It was discussed as an environmental concern and something will be done.

• Some problems that instructors had been experiencing with electronic grade submission were discussed at length. Look for smoother grade submissions in the future.

• A contest for students with the topic of saving energy around campus was brought up and discussed. No details of the contest or prizes to be awarded were mentioned but further details will come from future Senate meetings.

• ASG will be part of a large protest in Sacramento on March 16 at the capitol building about the various budget cuts to education.

They are looking to make a big impact as multiple community colleges will be attending. If you wish to join, talk to ASG in their office above the Bookstore in SC-205.

• Due to an increase in crime and rumored crime, the Senate drafted a letter that will eventually be sent to the board of trustees about receiving information on crimes and better handling of them.

This will positively impact student as well as instructor and staff safety.

Black History Month Calendar

by Red Wilson Rampage Reporter Fresno City College has a lineup of activities to celebrate Black History Month.

Opening up with spoken word, song, dance, and drumming— FCC’s ceremonies officially unfold on the second, as an invitation to celebrate “The Past, the Present, the Future…Yes We Can, We Are the Change.” The African American Faculty and Staff hope the diverse offering of events attract a diverse array of FCC community members.

Dr. Jean Kennedy, event organizer for the AAF&S, emphasizes that “we thrive on a multi-cultural audience…This is always a good time for faculty and students to hear the real facts directly from the African American community.”

Events to Check (from the 2nd to the 11th): Feb. 2nd Opening Ceremony: Celebrating President Barack Obama (In the Theatre @ 11am) Feb. 5th Black AIDS Awareness Day: Get tested AND enjoy a BBQ! (Around the Fountain @ 9-4pm) Feb. 5th Speaking Engagement: Eugene Robinson, Washington Post Assistant Editor (CSUF Satellite Student Union @ 7pm) Feb. 8th FCC Gospel Celebration: “Keep On Praisin’” (In the Theatre @ 3pm) Feb. 9th Black Media Symposium: Local Icons Answer “What Does it Take to be in Media?”

(In AH-106 @ 12pm) Feb. 11th Private Rites of Passage Ceremony (In the Staff Dining Room @ 9:30-2:30pm) Contact Dr. Jean Kennedy for more information at (559) 270-1023.

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Entertainment

January 28, 2009

Extreme Living

Fresno Gets A Lesson In...

The camera crew takes their post moments after the home is unveiled.

Photo by John Esquivel

Local citizens watch closely as one Fresno family receives the experience of a lifetime

By John Esquivel Rampage Reporter For one short and exciting week, the Fresno City College community received a visit from ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” In true Fresno fashion, thousands of local citizens flocked to the site, whether they be spectators or volunteers.

Part of the fascination behind this story was the mystery behind it all. Many questions were raised as production and coverage of the story began. Who is the Riojas family? What was it about their story that caught the eye of ABC producers? The citizens of Fresno (and soon the entire nation) were about to find out.

The Riojas family lives only a few blocks away from the FCC campus. Their house was just like most others in the neighborhood. The problem with this is the fact that the mother, Mary Ann Riojas, is disabled. She was born with only one full arm and another that extended to her elbow.

Members of her family saw the risks and troubles that came with living in a home that did not meet her special needs. One family member submitted their story to ABC. The rest is now history.

Slowly, the community started hearing about the possibility of the show hitting Fresno. The neighbors were told only a few

weeks before the crew arrived to their neighborhood. They were sent letters stating that ABC may be coming to the area. Maryanne Celis, a neighbor of the Riojas, said that she received a letter and a parking pass. Once she received tips on who the lucky family was, she became excited for them.

“She made something of herself,” said Celis, regarding Ms. Riojas’ past and how she overcame her disabilities.

The surrounding neighbors were not sure what to expect.

It was reported that the family knew at least two weeks in advance in order for Mary Anne Riojas to make accommodations with work. She was also given time to choose where she would like to go during her time away.

Usually, families choose to go to such places like Disneyland. In this case, the Riojas family chose to go to Denver in order for Mary Ann to visit a rehabilitation center for the disabled. By the time the bus came rolling through the neighborhood, a lot of planning had already gone into effect.

Brooke, a neighbor who lives across the street from the Riojas family, was excited about all of the events taking place.

“It’s amazing! I’m so excited for them!” she said. “We felt like Christmas morning when we woke up that Thursday.” She knew that the crew was on their way to her neighborhood when the city came

by and started to trim all of the trees in the area. Brooke allowed the production crew to set up a VIP tent on her front lawn. She was not worried about the fate of her property. She was told that once filming was over, her lawn would be replaced and everything would be as good as new.

An interesting aspect of the show is that the crew relies on locals to make the show happen.

Over 3,800 local volunteers signed up to build the house, serve food, and act as staff. It was evident that everyone knew someone who was involved with the creation of the Fresno episode. Everyone in the spectator section had some gossip to add to the ever-growing story of the Riojas family’s life and new home.

Wilda Ross of Kingsburg knew she had to come out to the site to see things for herself. A self-proclaimed hard-core fan, Ross was full of joy to see all of the work that the volunteers were putting into the project. “In today’s economy and everything, it’s nice to know that we can still pull together as a people,” she said.

Many people were anxious to see how the house will accommodate the family. However, most of the changes are inside the house. The general public will not be able to see what is actually inside until the show hits the air on March 8. It is known that everything in the house will be lower

to accommodate Mary Anne.

Many people wondered why the crew would plan on building the family a two-story house, but it should be known that once the family settles in an elevator will be constructed.

Once the unveiling day arrived, many came out to witness the family see their new home for the first time. Gates for the event opened at 8:00 a.m. while the family did not arrive till roughly 4:00 p.m. The production crew used this time to film some takes of the highly anticipated moment of the show. The crew shot a few takes of limo driving up to the house.

The crowd was asked to cheer as the empty limo drove past them.

Many people thought that these scenes were the real deal.

In order to keep the crowd happy and excited, CVS, which will be opening pharmacies in Fresno, gave out gift cards and letters expressing their joy over the Riojas family’s new home. They also provided water to the crowd.

At about 4:00 p.m., news of the family’s arrival was spreading. Suddenly, host Tye Pennington made an appearance, sparking cheers from the crowds begging for autographs and pictures. Unfortunately, it was time for Pennington to get to work. The crowd began to cheer anxiously as the limo carrying the family began to pull up and Pennington took his place in front of the bus.

The minute the limo door opened, cheers and screams could be heard throughout the neighborhood.

This was the moment that everyone was waiting for.

As the family stood in front of the screaming crowd, they could barely hold back the tears. Once the crowd yelled out the trademark phrase “Move that bus!,” the crew waved to the family with eager anticipation.

In usual TV fashion, viewers get to see the unveiling condensed in roughly ten minutes.

For the shoot, the crew had to capture the family’s reaction, the unveiling, and the family entering the house multiple times. The spectators did not mind, however, because repeated takes meant a better chance to actually make it on television. Once the family entered the home, it was time for the crew to shoot the interior shots.

This was a cue for the spectators to go home if they wished. The long, exhausting day had come to an end for those wishing to be on the show.

The selection of the Riojas family obviously marked a special event for Fresno. Many people wanted to show their support and donate to the cause. The show acted more than just a television show; rather it was a way for the community to help a family. It was evident from all the tears and cheers that this mission was truly accomplished.

January 28, 2009

Entertainment Taking It One Day At A Time

A photographic look at how the show “Extreme Makeover� is made

(clockwise from left to right) The crew working on the home; An Extreme Makeover shirt at the merchandise table.; A bulldozer carries dirt away from the house; The limo escorting the family towards the house; Eager fans wait to catch a glimpse of the action.

All photos by John Esquivel

(clockwise from left to right) The crowd gathers on the unveiling day; Designer Didiaya Snyder makes an appearance; Tye Pennington and the family about to enter the new home; The crowd gets excited as the cameras roll; The framework of the house the day after the demolition; The family, moments after seeing their new home.

Rampage 9

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Entertainment

January 28, 2009

Coming Out A(Hed) Of The Game

By Melanie Ayala & Matt Alter

Rampage Reporters On January 13, American hardcore band (Hed) P.E. launched their seventh studio album, New World Orphans. This is the band’s fourth release on their current semi-underground label Suburban Noize, recognized by the flagship band, Kottonmouth Kings. From Jive to Koch to Suburban Noize, (Hed) P.E. has made an undeniable journey of self-discovery as well as development in sound and style, and this has never been more apparent than with New World Orphans.

The band has gone from being a gang of punk/rap rockers, led by front man/singer/producer Jahred, to being the self-appointed leaders of what they call the “truth movement”. This means the band’s political revolutionary drive has gone from being the occasional song or lyric about overthrowing the “shadow government” and resisting arrest to being one solid album aimed to inspire the masses to speak and act out against the lies of the powers that be. .

But of course, it wouldn’t be (Hed) P.E. if it wasn’t topped with Jahred’s own home made glaze of sex, weed, and “I don’t give a f**k!.”

Even with the evolution and growth of style (Hed) P.E. has managed to keep their signature Riphop style that has fans coming back for more with each new album.

The album seems to have everything the typical hardcore fan loves; driving beats and great guitar will make you want to get up and throw yourself into a pit.

Songs like “Ordo (Ab Chao)” and “ Live Or Die Free” will inspire you to question the government.

Even would be creepy songs about violent sex like “Everything All The Time” and “Stepping Stone” seem amazing done in the (Hed style).

New World Orphans features a great variety of styles and topics, without straying too far from the beloved (Hed) sound, as well as a handful of interludes featuring quotes from liberals, conspiracy theorists, a U.S. soldier deployed in Iraq, and surprisingly enough, newly elected president Barack Obama. The album also boasts vocal appearances from fellow SubNoize artists Potluck, Kottonmouth Kings, and The Dirtball.

Not to mention longtime friend of the family Tech N9ne. What makes New World Orphans stand out musically from the past (Hed) releases is the obvious effort and research into staying true to their core message. The government is corrupt, and it is the duty of the people to unite and deal with it.

(Hed) addresses everything that has gone horribly wrong with the current system, the mortgage crisis, the system’s choice not to hear the voice of the youth, the war in Iraq and we can’t forget the Bush administration. What really makes NWO stand out visually is the fact that it was released in

Photo Courtesy of Suburban Noize

three versions, each with its own slightly unique cover art and different bonus tracks at the end. All in all, New World Orphans will be a definite crowd pleaser for die-hard (Hed) fans, and will leave

listeners questioning everything around them including whether or not this is the best (Hed) P.E. album to date.

The album has already reached number four on the inde-

pendent charts, #73 on billboard and the top ten on itunes. So if you like your music full of controversy, sex, violence, rap, punk and politics , you should defiantly go out and purchase NWO.

Expanding Your Cultural Palette Acclaimed Chefs Are Making A Stir In Fresno

By Andrew Colburn Rampage Reporter Fresno is often seen as that small farming community with nothing to offer but fresh produce, livestock, and the air pollution inherited from the “big cities” that are often so quick to cast judgment. Fresno has constantly lived in the shadow of its neighbors to the north and south.

Because of its rich farming industry, Fresno has always attracted the new Americans searching for a start to begin their chance at the American dream. These citizens not only bring much needed labor and industry to the community, they also bring their rich traditions and cultures with them. This unique blending of cultures has led to the vibrant and often overlooked exciting restaurant scene.

Just around the Fresno City College campus, is a place where students can escape for a meal and enjoy everything from comfortable micro brewery to Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, and other endless choices. These places are by no means that of a fine dining establishment, and

may seem insignificant to the magnificence of a five star restaurant headed by a celebrity chef.

Being a self-proclaimed “foodie”, I wondered how long it would be before Fresno would be able to attract young, talented, and ambitious chefs to our town.

He headed the XYZ restaurant in the W hotel of San Francisco and the same year earned the honor of being named one of San Francisco Chronicle’s “Up and Coming Chef’s”. Though “The Chef’s Table” may be out of the budget of most Fresno City College students,

unique cuisine of Peruvian food to Fresno, bringing another unique and exciting cuisine to Fresno.

Castillo emigrated from Lima, Peru to the US in 1988. He spoke almost no English but was able to find a job bussing tables in San Francisco, he later convinced his

Photo by John Esquivel

It started in 2005 when Malachi Harland, the son of local chef Roy Harland, made his way back to his hometown to open his first restaurant “The Chef’s Table”. Malachi started working in his father’s restaurant when he was 12, and at 19 left for the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

it can be found at Fig Garden Village conjoined with the Elbow Room. Prices range from $17 to $26 for main courses.

Last December, he also made way to another SF Chronicle’s “Up and Coming Chefs”.

Located on Blackstone Ave. next to Hooter’s, Castillo brings the

family to follow. He opened his first restaurant, Limon, in San Francisco in 2003. He opened his restaurant in Fresno just in time for the New Year, bringing the city its own Limon. The prices remain competitive with the surrounding chain restaurants in the area.

Chef Zhongyi Liu came

to Fresno earlier in 2008, bringing a classically trained and renowned chef in Chinese cuisine. Liu was trained at the Grand Hotel Beijing School, and would later serve as the executive chef at The Grand Hotel Beijing from 1993 to 1999.

Chef Liu has earned many awards for his excellence in culinary techniques. Not only has he had the opportunity to head a well renowned restaurant, but has also cooked for a number of foreign leaders. He can be found cooking his authentic Chinese cuisine at The Hunan Restaurant located in the Cedar Tree Village shopping center, with reasonable prices almost identical to the already popular Chinese restaurants in town.

Fans of great food should embrace talented chefs to show the state that Fresnans are not just that small farming community with nothing to offer. Instead, a beautiful community with wonderful cuisines and cultures to share.

Thanks to these chefs Fresno we may obtain some positive spotlight for its growing restaurant scene as something that must be recognized within the state.

January 28, 2009

Entertainment

Rampage

Ripped, Thrashed, Torn, TAKEN

Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills in Taken

By David Malagon Rampage Reporter “They took his daughter; he’ll take their lives” is the tagline for the up and coming motion picture starring Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, and Maggie Grace. Taken is an awesome thriller/action film scheduled to be released in theatres in the United States January 30, 2009.

The film is directed by Pierre Morel and was written and produced by Luc Besson. Besson is no stranger to the cinema. This auter has directed, written, and produced hit movies such as the 1994 film

Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

“The Professional”, which introduced future superstar Natalie Portman to the world.

The star of the new film “Taken”, Liam Neeson, is also no stranger to the action film industry.

He has been in many motion pictures throughout his thirty six year career, starring in a wide range of very different films. Such as the 1990 film “Darkman”, 1999’s “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, 2005’s “Kingdom of Heaven, and “Batman Begins”.

The film Taken follows an ex CIA agent faced with finding his daughter after

she is taken by sex-traffickers in Paris, France.

Bryan Mills the hard anti-hero, played by Liam Neeson, after being absent from his wife and daughters life for most of his career Mills tries to tie up any loose ends with his family by retiring from his duties as an Special Activities Division in the CIA. His seventeen-year-old daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace, lives with his ex-wife, Lenore, played by Famke Janssen and her new wealthy husband in a suburban neighborhood.

Early in the story, Kim wants to go

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on a vacation in Europe with her friend Amanda to trail the rock band U2 for their European Tour. Lenore, Kim’s mother, has no hesitation, but Kim also needs permission from her father as well in order to be able to attend the vacation. Assuming that her over-protective father will not consent, Kim lies about the nature of the vacation and says they are going to Paris to visit museums. Mills agrees, and only discover the truth at the airport.

While arriving in Paris, a friendly young man named Peter asks the Kim and Amanda if they want to share a taxi to the apartment where they are staying; the girls excitingly agree. However, little do they know the young man works for an Albanian Criminal Organization that traffics young women. After arriving at their destination, Kim receives a phone call from her father.

She runs to the bathroom to answer the call from there she witnesses the kidnapping of her friend Amanda. Mills is able to give Kim specific instruction and she follows it step by step.

In the final moments of the phone call, Kim is kidnapped. Briefly, Mills speaks to one of the kidnappers, warning him that unless he lets Kim go, he will find him and kill him; the kidnapper ends the conversation by wishing him good luck. Will Mills find his daughter Kim and her friend Amanda? He is told he has 96 hours before he never sees them again.

Taken is a heart pounding, adrenaline filled, action film that will have you on the edge of your seats until the very last seconds. It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material, sexual content, some drug references and language and is approximately 93 minutes.

Final Grade: A.

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January 28, 2009

A Presidency debated

By Brendon Mustaciola Rampage Reporter We elected a man who we would rather have a beer with than two men who probably understood the fermenting process.

What Bush understood about politics appealed to the common man; taxes should be low, terrorists should be caught, and the government should be small.

However, much like his wild college years, he did not understand the full impact of his decisions. His political theories were tragically innefective.

Cutting taxes on the superwealthy did not have the desired effect of trickle-down economics. His father, former President George HW Bush, quite ironically, had dealt with this dilemma during the late 1980s and early 1990s. One must wonder what advice he might have given his son (if any) on such a fragile plan.

The economy is not a zero sum

game, however when the smaller ships are not cared for and nurtured, a rising tide will not lift all American ships to wealth.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, the country had a dire case of extreme bloodlust.

Not only did we want justice, we wanted revenge. Emotion clouded our judgment, leading to rash decisions. Invading Afghanistan was a

justified decision. The terrorists clearly responsible were hiding out in the mountainous terrain in the Middle East. However, the invasion of Iraq was, in retrospect, a wrong decision.

Many liken it to the invasion of Vietnam; an unclear and unfamiliar enemy, fighting guerrilla tactics even Americans were not used to.

The war was not on a country, but on an organization and even more fatefully, on an idea. The military is meant to fight wars; soldier vs soldier, however terrorists are more akin to the Italian Mafia than to the German Army. The War on Terror is not a brute-force, might makes right assault on a country fought out in the open, rather, it is a delicate

Fate.

Legacy.

History.

and tactful struggle against criminals assaulting the innocent civilians of planet Earth fought in the shadows, and therefore should not have been a military campaign, but CIA. The economic bailouts were too little too late. The graft and corruption of foul Wall Street and car company executives were not dealt with soon enough. All of the tell-tale signs of an economic collapse were there; the credit crunch, all too good to be true loans, and near-cartel like connection between Haliburton and Dick Cheney should have all been writing on the wall to not only President Bush, but his whole cabinet.

His executive decisions were based on intuition and principle rather than intellect patience. It is as though he saw himself as a symbolic leader; a face that innectively advised his country rather than lead it. photo from washingtontimes.com

By Shira Hopper Rampage Reporter

President George W. Bush squeaked into office in 2000.

At the time, he was a Texas governor from outside the Washington orbit who promised a new brand of politics to heal a divided nation – campaigning for “Change”.

President Bush never governed as someone who harbored uncertainties about his capacity to lead. He never lost the brash style that won him early success and united our country after the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history.

Bush forged ahead with an ambitious agenda – tax cuts, expansions of executive power as well as the largest Medicare expansion since the program’s inception and a broad remaking of federal policies.

Bush won a stunning series of political victories and mystified his critics with his early successes.

Only nine months into his pres-

idency, 9/11 reordered the nation’s priorities, and President Bush was there to reap the political bounty. In the 2002 midterm elections, the Republican party gained a number of seats in Congress with national security issues prominent in the run-up to the Iraq war.

Even when that war proved unpopular and costly, he achieved his biggest political triumph – reelection and more seats in Congress in 2004.

However, in a matter of months after reelection, he saw those victories begin to diminish.

The Iraq War, his legislative paralysis, and, finally, the worst domestic financial crisis defined the president’s second term. The public wasn’t with him in the end.

It wasn’t this way always for this president though.

Given his long-running woes it’s easy to forget that this same president holds the highest rating on record – 92 percent approval rating in October 2001, just one month after 9/11.

Two memories of my president that stand out in my mind: Serving in the U.S. Navy stationed in Korea and standing my watch on 9/11, President Bush was my Commanderin-Chief

and he handled perhaps one of the worst events in the U.S amazingly; Within the first months in office, he gave the military raises that they greatly deserved. Raises continued each and every year in abundance while he was president – a tradition I’m sure will end with the new. I think of him fondly and always will. Yes I was disappointed in some of the decisions he made, but the man is just that – a man.

President Bush’s legacy will perhaps always be tied to the Iraq War. Everyone will not agree with this issue and that is fine because those freedoms are what this country was founded on.

My only hope is that people will not judge him so harshly unless they themselves has sat in his chair making tough decisions that affect every person in the nation.

As he retires back to his home in Texas, it is a complex mix of both success and failure that defines eight years with President George W. Bush.

Man of Principle photo from defenselink.mil

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January 28, 2009

What

Rampage 13

Do

you

Think

Of President

OBAMA? I’m Impressed and excited by something different.

I think he is going to make changes.

Boris Ovakalaga Business Major.

Angelica Guerrero Radiology Major

I’m glad that he got elected I’m glad he closed and we have a new era in Guantanamo. That was front of us. a good idea.

Dr. Sonya Hildreth Associate Dean of Students Julio Silva Chemical Biology Major Photographs by Brendon Mustaciola

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January 28, 2009

10 Things NOT

to do on campus

by Melanie Ayala Rampage Reporter There are a lot of things that people should be doing on a typical college campus. Studying, reading, talking, having fun and joining clubs are all great but there are also a lot of things that you shouldn’t do. Prevent looking like a fool and stay out of trouble by following these tips:

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. Don’t skateboard!

People skateboard on campus all the time. And what is the result 8 times out of 10? They eat it.

The second they hit the floor that person hears the whispers and the laughter in the background.

Safety and self –confidence aren’t the only reason not to skate on campus, it is also noisy, and blocks people who are walking.

9.

Littering is gross, bad for the planet and shows a lack of respect for your fellow students and campus. It’s really not that hard to find a trash can on campus, there is at least one at the entrance to every building.

8.

Don’t smoke next to buildings. Don’t stand next to the door to your classroom and smoke. There is the 20 foot rule for a reason. Most people these days don’t smoke and they don’t want second hand smoke to be drifting their way. There are ash cans next to trash cans in designated smoking areas.

7. Don’t break up with

your boyfriend or girlfriend –at least in public. Breaking up loudly and publicly is a big no-no. There are few things funnier and more uncomfortable for the people around you then a huge public

breakup. Unless you want to be the funniest thing a whole crowd has seen that day, leave your drama for the phone like normal people.

6.

Don’t stalk people in the parking lot. Speaking from personal experience during the first month of school and parking is terrible! So what are you to do?

Wait for someone to come into the parking lot and follow them to their car? Turns out it’s not the best idea in the world. It blocks traffic for everyone behind you and can cause accidents. At the least a cop might pull you aside and talk to you and at the most you will get a ticket. So, unless you want to be called a jerk by a campus cop, don’t stalk!

5.

Don’t blare your ring tones! It is very annoying when people walk around listening to their ring tones. And even more annoying when people do it in class before the instructor walks in. Please be courteous and don’t do it.

4.

Don’t sleep in class - You are paying for your own education now, so if you want to sleep instead of going to class go ahead and do it. Sleeping in class is disrespectful to your professor and distracts the students around you, plus you might be asked to leave or lose participation points.

3.

Stealing someone else’s textbooks is just plain wrong.

Sure a biology textbook may be a hundred and fifty dollars but that

doesn’t mean that you should wait until someone sets theirs down and then take it. It’s just…wrong. There has to be better ways for people to get textbooks then stealing them.

Try financial aid next time.

2.

Don’t rock the ganja on campus! - This is a no brainier.

And yet people try to smoke joints and blunts on campus. Even outdoors you can’t hide the smell so why even try? In the best scenario you will get some funny looks, and in the worst you could get expelled

or arrested. So don’t smoke at school. Be smart and do it at home like everybody else.

1.

Don’t come to school hung over or high. Ever walk down a hallway and run into someone because they are too high to get out of the way? Or see someone who is obviously rolling? I’m sure everyone has. Don’t go to school if you are strung out or high you will make a fool out of yourself and could get into some serious trouble.

Photos from fresnobeehive.com

one’s help.

I won’t need aonnym y own.

I can do it rtunity With that degree, it’s gonna give me more oppo king with so I can make more money. I’m already wor codes of human resources-how to deal with people, conduct, loyalty, ethics, the hiring process, paperwork... A job is just a job.

A career is something that you worked for. I feel better as a person now.

I feel more accomplished.

Michelle Oquendo, DeVry University ’08 L][`fa[Yd EYfY_]e]fl

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January 28, 2009

Sports

Rampage

15

Lady Rams trample Taft 69-29 Emily Richie looks for an open outlet

by Patrick Harris

Rampage Reporter Coach Brian Tessler has he Lady Rams rolling after a 69-29 rout of Taft College Cougars Jan. 21. The Lady Rams dominated Taft in all aspects of the game forcing turnovers, shots, and fouls.

The win gave the Rams their twenty first win of the season totaling a record of 21-6; 3-0 in league with seven more to go before the playoffs. In a first place tie for the Central Valley Conference, the Lady Rams have their eyes set on another state playoff berth. Not every game will be as easy for the Lady Rams as with Taft; they have two tough games coming up against Porterville and Merced College, who they are currently tied with for the lead spot in the conference.

The Rams scored more points in one half than the Cougars did all game.

With four players scoring double figures, the Rams made easy work of Taft. With the Ram’s up-tempo offense, they kept the short- handed Cougars on their heels all game. The Rams defense was in full force, only allowing the Cougars 22.4 percent shooting as a team; and out- rebounding the Cougars by 32.

The Cougars (6-15 0-3), who trailed the entire game, lagged by a score of twenty or more points for the remainder of the second half. With only six players total, Taft was overpowered by the Rams, committing twenty one fouls, ten in the first half, more than the Lady Rams committed

Photo by John Esquivel

the entire game.

The Ram’s offense played keep away from the Cougars for the majority of the game, holding the ball during the time on the shot clock, and passing the ball more than five times before taking a shot.

Coach Brian Tessler in his second year of being the head coach at FCC is close to making his goal for the Lady Rams basketball program, which is to make the State Playoffs. The Lady Rams made it to the semifinal round last year and are projected to get a high seed for this year’s playoffs.

“This is assuming we don’t fall apart in our remaining seven league games,” said Tessler. After acting as an instructor and coach at Reedley College for ten years, Tessler made his move to FCC when the position became available on a full-time basis.

“It made sense to try and get the job,” said Tessler, “I was already living in Fresno, and most of the players I recruited to Reedley College were also from Fresno.”

“I’ve been pleased with our team this year. We suffered though some early adversity, only to come away much better for it,” said Tessler. “We have ten players who stick together and are all very focused on achieving our goal of getting to the State Tournament.”

The Lady Rams have three games coming up at home on February 4, 7, and the 21. Fans should try to make it out one if they have the chance.

Jasmine Noldon plays a solid offense

Photo by John Esquivel

Sports

16 Rampage

January 28, 2009

Men’s basketball shakes Porterville 95-68 Gabriel Bautista

Rampage Reporter Yes, winning is what they do, why else would they be ranked #1 in the state? The Fresno City College Men’s Basketball team powered through a victory against Porterville, ending the game with a score of 95-68. The commanding Rams clutched the treasure by halftime with a 30 point lead (5424), leaving the Porterville Pirates treasureless in Fresno.

It was during the first half’s battle that the Rams were able to acquire a comfortable lead. In no time at all, the score was tied 12-12, then came an exciting 27-2 Rams run, which brought Rams up 39-14. Before the half, the Rams had a chance to score 15 more points while the Pirates scored only 10.

The #1 Rams eventually had a stunning 40 point lead in the second half which was reduced by Porterville towards the end of the game leaving them with only a 27 point deficit.

Helping the Rams towards victory were Compton natives Sultan Toles-Bey with 17 points and Aaron Hill with 13 points, both with four three-pointers. Bronx native, George DeLeon, added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

It was a great game for the crowd and it brought about even more pride to the FCC community.

“It was a fun game to watch, it was exciting,” said Paul Llamas, FCC student and spectator.

“I love the game, I love watching it, and this game made me want to play it again,” said Alex Villarreal, another excited spectator and student, “I hadn’t watched them play before, but I’ll be back.”

The FCC men put on quite a show, they played to win, and they played hard. You could see the player’s passion and love for the game; along with a great coaching staff, everything points to a willing season; it all points to #1 ranked Fresno City College Rams.

Offense keeps FCC undefeated

Photo by Roger Walt

Coach Madec inspires FCC Rams basketball

by Gabriel Bautista

Rampage Reporter It’s been a great year for Coach Ed Madec and his staff.

They’ve had an outstanding team and season thus far. According to Junior College Scores online, the Fresno City College Rams are ranked #1 in the state with an overall 25-0 record and a 5-0 Central Valley Conference record. What else do you want from this hustling team? I’m sure Madec wouldn’t mind a State Championship at Selland Arena this season, but that will come in time. Madec’s practice tactics and coaching strategy

will sure be a way to achieve it; hard and tough. “They’re like dogfights,” Madec was quoted as having said to Fresno Bee reporter Ken Robinson.

Madec knows what a State Championship title feels like, having held one in 2007 along with two of his top players, Sultan Toles-Bey and George DeLeon.

They know that a Championship is within their reach and surely within their capabilities. They have a championship mentality and that’s what has been taking them down their winning season path up to now. Before Madec’s

state championship title in 2007, the Rams, under Coach Vance Walberg, took the title in 2005.

The current Rams are made up of 14 talented players: #1 Luis Quinones, #2 Sultan Toles-Bey, #3 Aaron Hill, #4 Edward Willis Jr., #10 Travis Ferrell, #14 Ian Collins, #15 George DeLeon, #20, Sterling Miller, #21 Russell Gregory, #22 Donnell Fleming, #31 Taylor Young, #32 Asante Gaskin, #33 Brent Grice, and #34 Brian Johnson. Head Coach Ed Madec is aided by several assistant coaches, Adam Wall, Jeff Schmidt, and Mike Vellutini, and Team

Manager, Jason Paul.

Leading the pack in points thus far is Sultan Toles-Bey with an 18.2 point average and 455 total points with 33 game high.

Aaron Hill, who was recently named CVC Player of the Week for back-to-back 18-point games in their wins over Columbia and Merced Colleges, has an average 12.2 points, with 305 total and a 26 game high. George DeLeon averages 12.5 points, totaling 300 and a 28 game high. Russell Gregory has a total 299 points, a 28 point game high and a 12 point average. Toles-Bey, Hill, and Gregory

all make up part of the top four three-point shooters in the CVC. Sultan-Bey is also at the top of the CVC lists for steals, free throws, and high point games.

FCC Rams have 4 more scheduled home games this season (Jan. 31 vs. Columbia College, Feb. 4 vs. Merced College, Feb. 14 vs. Reedley College, and Feb. 18 vs. West Hills College). It all leads up to the quarterfinals in late February and early March and eventually State Championships from Mar. 12-15 at the Selland Arena. Come out and support your Men’s Basketball team.