Vol 65 Edition 8

Students will lobby for college affordability see page 2

HE’S NO VICTIM

$200K in loans stolen in scam

american river

current

ARCurrent.com @ARCurrent Facebook.com/ARCurrentcom

MAN SENTENCED IN LRCCD AID FRAUD

Vol. 65, Ed. 8 • February 26, 2014

By Barbara Harvey

Sex, science and a tortoise

barbaraapharvey@gmail.com

OPENING MAIN STAGE SPRING PRODUCTION STARTS THIS FRIDAY

By Kameron Schmid kameronschmid@gmail.com The first of two main stage plays presented by the American River College Theatre program this semester, will begin its two-week run on Friday.

“Arcadia,” directed by Tracy Martin Shearer, is a mix of science, sexuality and humor, written in 1993 by Tom Stoppard.

It has since been called one of the finest plays Stoppard ever wrote. After its first run in the U.K., a critic from The Daily Telegraph wrote, “I have never left a play more convinced that I had just witnessed a masterpiece.”

Haleema Avery, assistant director, also gives the play high praise.

“I love this play personally because of all of its subtlety, sexual subtlety (and) humorous subtlety. It’s just gross and amazing and I love every bit of it. And it’s incredibly intelligent. Tom Stoppard is a genius, if you read any of his other plays, he is genius,” says Avery.

“It’s very intellectual. A lot of it can maybe

SEE PREVIEW, PAGE 7

Courtesy of Alisha Kirby

Jake Greenfield holds a tortoise that will appear on stage in the play.

A LOOK INSIDE

4

Basketball

Zach Tierney / ztierney.zt@gmail.com

ARC student Devin Johnson works his chest in his adaptive P.E. class, which allows a supervised workout for Johnson to continue to exercise and stay fit after his accident.

FIGHTING BACK

By Ed Gebing & Melissa Hurtado edgebingjr@gmail.com hurtadom73@gmail.com

Local mixed martial artist Devin Johnson was gearing up for the fight of his life, but after a dangerous injury suffered while training, he found himself fighting for his life.

The American River College student had his world turned upside down after breaking his fourth cervical vertebra, leaving him instantly paralyzed, while sparring with another member of Team Alpha Male, a group of mixed martial artists based in Sacramento.

Mixed martial arts (MMA), is a sport that combines wrestling, boxing and different styles of martial arts that became popularized in the early 1990s by the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Johnson wrestled from a young age and even competed in nationals. A friend told him about Ultimate Fitness, the gym of Urijah Farber, a prominent professional MMA fighter. Johnson was determined to join it.

The 23-year-old had dreams of a professional MMA career and competing for the UFC, stating “that’s what I was good at and I just took it

SEE FIGHTER, PAGE 10

Former student honored during halftime; women make playoffs as men’s season ends.

9

ARC STUDENT PARALYZED AFTER MMA TRAINING INJURY

Courtesy of Devin Johnson

Devin Johnson poses with Urijah Faber (left) a well know MMA fighter.

Better Space

Construction on campus may displace student sevices, vets, and others.

11

A northern California man was sentenced to prison in a Sacramento Federal Court Feb. 6 for his role in a vast student loan fraud scheme that primarily targeted Los Rios Community Colleges.

Brent Wilder, 44, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for his participation in a scheme that recruited more than 50 “straw” students, who used falsified applications, to apply for more than $200,000 in Federal Student Aid. The “straw” students signed up for classes at three of the districts schools, but in most cases, dropped out shortly after receiving the aid, splitting the money with Wilder and his partner.

A Department of Justice press release stated that, “Wilder has been ordered to pay $19,411 in restitution.”

According to the press release, “Wilder prepared and submitted the fraudulent student admission and loan applications on behalf of the straw students,” and that “These applications contained false statements such as that the applicant had completed high school or had a GED when they had not. They even applied for FSA funding in their own names with no intention of using the aid for educational purposes.”

This is not the first time that the Los Rios district has been targeted by financial aid fraud rings; According to a criminal complaint filed with the California District Court, “In 2009, 54 individuals were identified as having the same address and course enrollments, as well as having failing grades or withdrawal from class, while enrolled at American River College.”

In a report from the Department of Education’s Inspector General, student financial aid fraud is growing rapidly; stating “the population of Federal student aid recipients potentially participating in fraud rings had increased 82 percent from 2009 to 2012, which we estimated caused a probable loss during that time period of $187 million in Federal student aid.”

Fraudulent students tend to enroll at community colleges, as the low-cost of tuition allows

SEE FRAUD, PAGE 2

Depression Matters Students should utilize resources on campus to spot this condition in themselves and others.

February 26, 2014

Page 2

News

Students to protest at March in March

By John Ferrannini jferr1995@gmail.com Students from American River College, including members of the Associated Student Body Student Senate, will join the throngs of community college students protesting and lobbying at the capitol for the fifth annual March in March on March 3.

This year, ARC’s delegation will be focusing on textbook affordability and accessibility.

California community college students from around the state will come to Raley Field in West Sacramento and march to the state capitol in downtown Sacramento to lobby legislators and their staffs.

“It’s one of the best feelings to march in there and lobby (the State Legislature) on behalf of the students,” ASB President Kenneth Hinton said.

Daniela Vargas, ASB Director of Public Relations, will join Hinton at the event.

“As the years have gone by attending ARC, I have seen funding be cut for higher education,” Vargas said. “Preventing students from continuing on with their education could strip this country of potentially great minds that can pave the way for a better future. It all starts at a small scale.”

Students wishing to attend the March in March on the bus should email Hinton at khinton.asbarc@ gmail.com with their name and student ID number. Those students going should arrive at the Center for Leadership and Development at 8:00 a.m.

The bus and two paratransit vans will be leaving at 9:00 a.m. for Raley Field, where the protest and march begins at 10:00 a.m.

The paratransit vans seat eight disabled students but only two have signed up to go thus far.

Last year, 43 ARC students participated at the march, which included approximately 2,000 students.

“The California Community Col-

Editors-in-Chief Ed Gebing Emily K. Rabasto

Managing Editor

Jonathan H. Ellyson

News Editor

Melissa Hur tado

Sports Editor

Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com

Presidents and officers of ASB organizations from community colleges in California lead the march to the capitol building on March 4, 2013.

leges are the state’s largest workforce training provider, serving 2.9 million students and conferring more than 125,000 degrees and certificates each year,” reads a statement on iwillmarch.com.

The ASB Student Senate was originally going to spend $1,046 on customized T-shirts for the event, but in an effort to save money, will instead tie-dye last year’s T-shirts.

Only “yes” means undress Fraud: student aid theft hurts other students

By Brooke Purves

brookempurves@gmail.com “‘No’ means ‘no,’” the sexual assault prevention mantra, may soon be reworked to “only ‘yes’ means ‘yes.’”

A call for “victim-centered” sexual response protocol on all California college campuses, including community colleges, was bellowed from the office of California State Senator Kevin de Leon.

Senate Bill 967 would require campus officials to establish proof of “affirmative consent” from all persons involved in a sexual act reported to campus police.

While the standard use to be one of establishing refusal to participate, the new protocol would be to establish not only that all parties consented, “either by words or clear, unambiguous actions,” but that no party is incapable of giving consent, whether because of intoxication, because asleep, or due to mental or physical condition.

The legislation indicates that “lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. For that reason, relying solely on nonverbal communication can lead to misunderstanding.”

Tacit consent will no longer be acceptable.

According to Adweek.com, a similar campaign is running in Canada, with ads that read, “If it’s not loud and clear, it’s not consent. It’s sexual assault. Make sure your partner is really into it before you get into it.”

If the legislation is adopted, American River College will

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Illustration by Adnan Ramic

be required to “implement comprehensive prevention programs addressing sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking,” according to the legislative proposal.

ARC must also establish relationships with community-based crisis organizations, sexual assault prevention programs and a host of other prevention strategies, in addition to the resources and protocol currently available.

Although ARC students may feel less susceptible to attacks than students on a large campus, they are still susceptible to assault.

In the past three years, three cases of forcible sexual assault and two cases of non-forcible sexual assault (incest or statutory rape) have been reported on the ARC campus, according to the Los Rios Police Department crime statistics.

It is not clear when the bill will be voted on, but according to LegiScan.com, it may be acted upon on or after March 3.

ASBNOTEBOOK

By John Ferrannini jferr1995@gmail.com The Associated Student Body Student Senate has been debating funding for their End-of-the-Year banquet and funding for the College Republicans.

“If we don’t award ourselves in some way, no one else on campus is going to,” said President Kenneth Hinton during discussion about how much they would spend on awards.

Last year the Student Senate spent no more than $400 on awards. Some senators were concerned that this was too much money.

“I want a limit as to how much is spent on actual awards,” Clubs and Events Board President Jer-

them to retain excess funds.

In response, the American Association of Community Colleges released a report in 2012 focusing on the prevention of student aid abuse in community colleges, which stated that “no abuse can be tolerated,” as “not only are student aid funds limited—a situation that has caused Pell Grant program eligibility to be cut twice in the last year—but also instances of abuse, when covered by the media, can undermine political support for the programs, giving some parties a reason to oppose funding.”

Fraud results in colleges raising tuition to cover their losses, student loan interest rates rising and financial aid offices spending more time dealing with fraud and less time assisting students. “(I’m) concerned, because it’s already difficult enough with the loan process,” said ARC respiratory therapy major Jennifer Debusk, while standing in the long line of students waiting for the financial aid window.

Calls to the Los Rios District for comment were not returned in time for publication.

ASB DEBATES HOW MUCH TO SPEND “AWARDING” THEMSELVES AT BANQUET

emy Diefenbacher said.

He added that spending student money on awards for the senators was a self-gratifying activity.

A proposed bill to fund the banquet at a cost of $1,745.04 was tabled before more information regarding the breakdown of the funds could be presented.

“It’s easy to be kept in the dark about things,” Senator Tim Lipuma said. “Sometimes you ask the board to fund something and they don’t because they were allocating money towards the banquet.”

Lipuma and Jorge Riley, Director of Finance, wondered why CAEB decided not to have a joint banquet with the Student Senate.

In the midst of planning for the upcoming advocacy events, a bill introduced by Riley has sparked

debate among board members.

The bill requests $900 to send students from the ARC College Republicans club to the California Republican Party convention.

“Two members of the club are state delegates,” Riley said. “Nine or 10 students will be attending.”

Riley pointed out that Condoleezza Rice and several congressmen would be attending.

Senators seemed concerned over whether the students would be representing the interests of American River College, or the interests of the Republican Party.

“Is it campus enrichment, or club enrichment?” asked LeslieAnn Dameron.

Diefenbacher said he wanted a total breakdown of the costs and the number of students attending.

Riley said that the Senate was overly harsh on his request because it was the College Republicans asking for money.

He pointed out that he had voted for students to attend the Reconstructing the Rainbow LGBTQIA Regional Conference in the name of equal access, in spite of the fact that they violate his personal beliefs.

Diefenbacher disagreed that the board was not treating him equally, saying that when other clubs on campus like Umoja requested money, “they too were requested to report their experience to the board and when the we granted $2,000 to the Model United Nations, they presented a complete powerpoint presentation.”

Kameron Schmid

Arts & Culture Editor Adnan Ramic

Scene Editor

Barbara Har vey

Opinion Editor Brooke Pur ves

Photo Editor Zach Tierney

Design Editor Sarah Scott

Web Editor

Brandon Nelson

Copy Chief

Jorden Hales

Advertising Manager Korbl Klimecki

Staff Writers

Shedric Allen John Ferrannini Kelly McCoy Kyle Moore Kevin Sheridan Sri Sherrell

Designers

Thalia Avila Walter Jones

Staff Photographers Phillip Kingsley Michael Pacheco Alex Panasenko

Adviser

Walter Hammer wold

Photo Adviser Jill Wagner

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CNPA & JACC

POLICY The Current is produced by the students of College Media Production, J410-413. All opinions are signed and not necessarily endorsed by the Current staff. All letters and articles appearing in the Editorial, Opinion or Forum sections are not necessarily representative of the Current staff or American River College policy.

All articles are the property of the Current. Letters must be typed and can be submitted by mail, e-mail or in person at the following addresses: The American River Current 4700 College Oak Drive Liberal Arts, Room 120 Sacramento, CA 95841 Phone: 916-484-8304 Fax: 916-484-8668 E-mail: Current@arc.losrios.edu www.ARCurrent.com

News

Graduation application deadline approaches

By Kyle Moore news.kylemoore@gmail.com The last day to petition to graduate with a degree or certificate for spring 2014 is March 7.

To graduate with an associate degree, students must apply for graduation by making an appointment with a counselor, who will prepare a curriculum planning summary sheet and complete a petition for graduation.

Students will need to fill out the paperwork with a counsellor and sign the petition before submitting it.

Students must take their completed petition for graduation to the enrollment services, office prior to the filing deadline. Petitions received after the filing deadline will be evaluated for the next term.

For certificates, students need to obtain a petition for certificate from the counseling office and submit it to enrollment services; a counseling appointment is not required, but is advised.

American River College adjunct counselor Keith Boal expresses the importance of getting a degree or certificate.

He encourages students to get either one, because in the workfield if you have “no skill set or certificate, (there’s) no way through the door.”

ARC offers Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T).

An associate degree signifies the completion of 60 units of college work, in general education and courses required for a major.

Students who wish to receive an associate degree from ARC must demonstrate competency in writing, reading and mathematics.

Students that have earned an associate degree can participate in the annual ARC commencement ceremony held each May at the athletic field.

Very few students that graduate partake in the ceremony, and Cecilia Mayer, a personal assistant at the transfer center believes it is because students “just don’t care or don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Boal feels that student should care and it is important to take part in the ceremony to model success for younger students.

CORRECTIONS

In Volume 65, Edition 7 of The Current, the following corrections are listed: On page one and in the photo caption on page four, Jon Osterhout’s name is misspelled.

At the bottom of page six, Marc Zhuchenko’s last name is misspelled.

On page eight, the novelty shop is called Flashbacks Comics & Collectibles.

On page 11 in the anti-gun section of Head to Head: Concealed guns on campus, the writer’s words are misleading regarding the amount of crime on campus.

Some of the examples listed occurred several miles from campus.

February 26, 2014

Page 3

ARC prepares for accreditation

By Melissa Hurtado

hurtadom73@gmail.com American River College is at the tail end of a six-year accreditation process, a topic that has been largely discussed after Californias’s largest community college, City College of San Francisco lost its accreditation.

All of the Los Rios Community College District schools will be up for review in January 2015.

The colleges must each complete a self study, which the accreditation visiting team will review. The team will also come by and talk to students and faculty.

Accreditations are done by The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools

and Colleges, “an outside objective agency,” said ARC’s communications and public information officer Scott Crow.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is “the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice.”

At this point, ARC is getting the committees together, who will each tackle a specific sections for the self study. Both faculty and students make up these committees and Crow says it’s necessary for student to be involved, because the school “can’t improve the process if we don’t get feedback.”

Student Senate President Kenneth Hinton, said there are vacancies in several committees and encourages students interested to contact him and not be intimidated if they have never been in a shared governance committee before.

“There are mentors there that can help, like myself, our adviser, there’s even people who sit on those committees that can help them and explain the process,” said Hinton.

Without accreditation, CCSF cannot receive taxpayer funds and will be closing its doors this July if their appeal efforts are not successful.

Even with all the talk and controversy at CCSF, Dr. Jane de Leon, the accreditation liaison officer

and dean of planning, research and technology reassures that the “the situation at CCSF has no bearing on the re-affirmation of accreditation effort,” at ARC. “The colleges of the Los Rios Community College District have consistently received re-affirmation of accreditation because they have demonstrated that they are in compliance with the standards 365 days a year, every year,” de Leon added.

The fate of CCSF is not yet known, but in a memo from both Dr. Robert Agrella, Special Trustee and Dr. Art Tyler the Chancellor, they said the school is going through the appeals process and “doing everything possible to ensure a strong future for City College and its students.”

Professor honored by collegues

By John Ferrannini

jferr1995@gmail.com Mathematics professor Anthony Barcellos was awarded the 2014 American River College Patrons Chair Award and $1,500 honorarium for faculty.

“It’s actually stunning because we have hundreds of faculty members, so when they single you out and give you this award it is like the biggest honor they can give you as a faculty member at American River,” Barcellos said. “Stunning is quite the right word.”

The Patrons Chair Award started in 1962 and is given to faculty members who have had an impact, not only within their own departments, but throughout the college and greater community.

Winners are nominated by a colleague and are supported by letters from faculty, former students, and other interested parties.

“This is a very strong college with strong faculty members who bend over backward to accomplish things for their colleagues and their students and the institution and the community at large, which means that you can find dozens of people that you would feel comfortable giving this award to,” he said.

John Ferrannini / jferr1995@gmail.com

Math professor Anthony Barcellos recieves the annual ARC patrons chair award.

Barcellos has been at ARC since 1987, and was nominated by professor by fellow math professor Ted Ridgway.

“Being new to ARC, community college, full-time teaching, California, and Sacramen-

to, I was a happy beneficiary of his counsel and guidance,” Ridgway said in a letter to the Patrons. “Tony offered unending support and encouragement while I applied for a tenured position in the math department.

He volunteered to serve on my peer review team, and since then has offered year upon year of thoughtful, constructive advice that has helped me to improve my pedagogy.”

Barcellos is also the adviser to the Gaussian Society, a math and science club on campus. The Gaussian Society’s president, Brian J. Miller, is a former student of Barcellos.

“I took Calculus III with professor Barcellos in Spring 2013. I immediately found his class to be fun, engaging and interesting,” Miller said.

“I soon found that his leading traits were his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

Professor Barcellos has a real gift for teaching mathematics and an even greater gift of meeting each student’s needs in order to help them be successful.”

Barcellos will be giving some of his $1,500 honorarium to the Clyde Wilcoxon Memorial Scholarship at Porterville College. Barcellos is a Porterville graduate and Wilcoxon is his late former calculus teacher.

Veteran Trustee Terry Cochran dies at 74

By Kyle Moore news.kylemoore@gmail.com A Sacramento businessman and elected official of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees passed away from complications from sinus cancer at the age of 74 on Feb. 14.

Terry Cochran, a fifth-term member, had previously served as both president and vice president of the LRCCD. A trustee is a member of a group that manages the money of an organization and are responsible for setting policy for the district.

“American River College is saddened at the passing of Terry Cochran. Terry devoted almost two decades of generous service to the education of our communities. His loss will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on far into the future,” said American River College interim President Pam Walker.

Cochran was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 1996.

“Terry always approached his service on the board with passion, prudence and commitment. He cared deeply about our students, and was a wonderful colleague to those with whom he served,” said Los Rios Chancellor Brian King in an email to members of the Los Rios community.

There are seven board members elected to four year terms by registered voters, the board will have an opportunity to appoint another member or wait until the next election.

“I worked with Terry for many years and had a profound respect for him,” said ARC

Terry Cochran

Courtesy of ARC

communications and public information officer Scott Crow.

Cochran was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, later earned a Juris Doctorate and was a retired member of the California Bar. After spending several years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and in military intelligence, he started his career at Kaiser Steel and retired from Aerojet Corporation in Rancho Cordova as vice president of Human Resources.

Cochran was active in local chambers of commerce, college foundations and Rotary International.

He is remembered by his colleagues in the district and flags on the ARC campus were at half-staff to honor his passing.

“It’s a tremendous loss for the board. He was a gentleman in the best sense of the word,” said King.

Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

The U.S. and California flags at half mast outside students services in memoriam of Terry Cochran, a member of the Los Rios College District Board of Trustees, who passed away on Feb. 14.

Page 4

February 26, 2014

Sports

Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

Kameron Schmid / kameronschmid@gmail.com

ARC’s volleyball team made its first appearance in the California Community College Athletic Association’s state tournament last season and had four members named to the All-Big 8 Conference team. Head coach Ashlie Frame (at left) was named the All-Conference coach of the year.

Five ARC volleyball players receive league honors

By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.com Following a historic season in which the team made its first appearance in the California Community College Athletic Association’s state tournament under its current format, the American River College women’s volleyball team had four members named to the All-Big 8 Conference team.

The All-Conference roster is selected by the head coaches of the Big 8 Conference, who each submit a list of 12 players they believe should be included. For the second consecutive year, ARC had four members named to the roster. Libero Sophi Lozano, setter Jessica Condit, middle hitter Nicole Hareland and outside hitter Lauren Kirschke – all sophomores – were each

selected.

Head coach Ashlie Frame was also honored with the conference’s Coach of the Year award.

Hareland, who was named the conference’s Most Valuable Player, received a full ride athletic scholarship to Humboldt State University and has begun her spring semester with the school’s spring volleyball program.

Lozano, who will be looking into opportunities at the University of Tennessee and California State University, Sacramento, among other schools in the coming month, was ecstatic when she learned of her selection to the roster.

“It has meant so much to me to be a part of such an honorable, record-setting team.

I am so thrilled to be chosen for the First Team All Conference. I worked extremely

hard these past two years and I am happy it paid off.”

Frame is aspirant that her sophomores will be able to continue their playing careers, as well as use their experiences to peruse other endeavors.

“Sophi Lozano is still looking, along with Lauren Kirschke, so hopefully they’ll get picked up in the spring to play at a fouryear college,” said Frame. “Jessica Condit keeps having recurring injuries, so I think she’s going to be done playing volleyball and focus on paramedics school.”

Despite struggling with issues similar to her teammate, Lozano is dead-set on continuing her playing career. Frame is aware some scouts may be concerned about Lozano’s health going forward and said she is “hoping the knee injury (that caused her to wear a brace last season) doesn’t hinder

her, but it can.”

“All I know is I am not done playing volleyball,” Lozano said in regards to her future. “I am not ready to retire the knee brace!”

With the awards being the final chapter of sorts to a season full of first-time milestones, Frame took time to reflect.

“Our last three years we’ve just had some great athletes, we have the respect of the other coaches in the conference, for them to agree that four of our players deserve all-conference is huge,” Frame said.

Lozano concurs.

“I was (a part) of a legendary team, who set the bar high for incoming girls. You can’t get any further than we went last year…I wish all the new girls (and soon-tobe sophomores) the best of luck...but don’t forget which team set the standards high.”

By Kameron Schmid

was happening to him before his life got cut short,” said Giorgi after the game.

Dragan wants to give the scholarship as a way of rewarding a player on the team who captures the same spirit of Alex, but also as a way to spread awareness of Marfan’s syndrome.

“My goal is to save lives by keeping (Alex’s) name alive, and remind people this syndrome is out there. It gives a little boost to the players,” said Dragan.

“You never see anything written or published about Marfan’s syndrome. I want to save somebody’s life, that’s my goal.”

The men’s team went on to lose the game against San Joaquin Delta, 89-72, and finished the season with a 3-23 record, including 0-14 against Big 8 opponents.

The women’s team also lost to San Joaquin Delta that night, 72-55. Sophomores Caresse Williams and Mackenzie Theiler were honored as they played their last home games at ARC. Williams scored 24 points and had 11 rebounds, and Theiler had 8 points and 4 rebounds before fouling out early in the second half.

The women’s team finished with a 10-16 record and has their first playoff game today against Laney College, the winner goes on to play No. 2 seed Fresno City College.

For extended interviews and coverage of the games, check arcurrent.com

Season ends for men, women make playoffs kameronschmid@gmail.com

Phillip Kingsley / mr.phillipk@gmail.com

Freshman forward Nazariy Yakimchuk, attempts a layup in a home game against Sierra College on Jan. 24.

On a night where a former men’s basketball player and student was remembered, both the men’s and women’s teams lost their last regular season games of the season.

The women did however manage to make the playoffs.

Alex Mirkovic was just finishing his first season as an American River College athlete four and a half years ago when he passed away from Marfan’s syndrome, a genetic disorder usually causing those who have it to grow unusually tall with long limbs and fingers.

Alex wasn’t diagnosed until after his death. He passed away in his family home one morning while getting ready to go to practice.

His father, Dragan Mirkovic, has awarded a player on the team a $500 scholarship during the last home game of every season since then, and on Feb. 21 presented it to Jay Callis, a sophomore.

A painting of Alex was sat on the bench at halftime and Dragan, along with head coach Mark Giorgi, presented a large check to Callis. Giorgi spoke to the crowd about the kind of player and person Alex was.

“He’s one of those guys you get, who isn’t the best player, but he comes in practice every day, smiles, and works his butt off.

And those are the kind of guys you hope you get, and then they develop into players, and that’s what

Sports

February 26, 2014

Page 5

Explosive first inning leads to win

By Ed Gebing & Kameron Schmid edgebingjr@gmail.com | kameronschmid@gmail.com

Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com

American River College sophomore Gigi Jimenez hits a single during a game against College of the Redwoods. ARC overwhelmingly won 16-3.

The American River College women’s softball team easily cruised past College of the Redwoods with a score of 16-3 on Friday.

The women brought in 11 runs in the first inning behind sound hitting, taking a nine-run lead and giving freshman pitcher Midori Bounds some early run support.

Head coach Lisa Delgado, in her eleventh season, said early offense is a focus for the team.

“Our offense is our spark plug. Absolutely. We like to come in and score runs early. I honestly think we have the best hitting coach in the conference. Darin (Delgado) does a great job with these girls, and now it’s just a matter of confidence, getting more at bats in, and with each at bat, instilling more confidence,” said Delgado.

“It gives me a little bit of breathing room,” Bounds said of the early inning lead.

It also gave her the ability to try out some other pitches that she doesn’t normally throw.

“I tried a few new pitches today and that was nice.

I struck a girl out on a new pitch,” Bounds said.

The defense also appreciated the effort put forth by the team’s pitcher.

“Our pitcher threw excellent today,” freshman outfielder Darian Garnett said.

Hitting was the obvious area, though, where the team really seemed to excel.

SPORTSUPDATES

“Shirley May and Stephanie Mitoma -- those two kind of go back and forth on batting leadoff and leading us, but honestly, 1-9 through the lineup, we’ve had some pretty good batters, on different days with different players,” said Delgado.

May, a sophomore who transferred to ARC after playing for Sierra last season, is leading the team with a .500 batting average and 20 total hits.

Mitoma has only played in five games so far, but is hitting .450, and has been brought in for a run on seven of her 12 on-base appearances.

“I love this team. I feel more of a family kind of style. We have a great group of girls who can come together and pick each other up when something doesn’t go our way. We have a good chemistry,” said May. “Making the adjustments is what happened today,” sophomore outfielder Gigi Jimenez said.

“We did really good staying back on the ball and just hitting the ball hard and that’s how you score lots of runs.”

Freshman Audrianna Burlew almost had her first home run of the season when she hit one off the top of the fence.

“It felt pretty good,” Burlew said. “It almost went over.”

“We could have done better,” Garnett said.

When asked how many runs the team should have scored she said, “It should have been 30.”

The women are now 6-5 and play their next game at home against Butte College, today at 2:30 p.m.

Photos by Emily K. Rabasto / rabastoe@gmail.com

An American River athlete swims butterfly stroke during the men’s 4x100 relay.

BASEBALL

WOMEN’S SWIM AND DIVE

The baseball team is 3-6 after losing two straight to Mission College, one home and one away. Starting pitcher was named Northern California’s pitcher of the week for the week ending Feb 16, and so far this season has a 1.33 ERA over 20 1/3 innings.

The women’s swim team did well at the Los Positas Invite, finishing 3rd in a field of 16 teams. Jenner Johnson won breastrokes of 100 and 50, and Tiera Kraft set school records for the 1 and 3 meter boards, coming in first in both.

TENNIS

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

The men’s tennis team is 2-0 after 9-0 sweeps of Reedley College and Sierra College. The women’s tennis team is 4-2 and is coming off a loss, being swept 9-0 by Sierra. Both teams face off against Diablo Valley College today.

The men’s track and field team began it’s Norcal title defense with a bang on Feb. 22, taking 13 events at a meet at Sac City. Will Reyes won the 5000 meters in 14:37, good enough for second all time at ARC.

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD The women’s track and field team had a strong opening to their season at the Sacramento City Opener, winning multiple events. Freshman Kandace Compton won three events herself, the 800 m., the 1500, and was part of the winning 4x400.

Pedro Gutierrez of American River College’s dive team preforms a twist in the air during the AR Trials and Finals swim meet on Feb. 22.

February 26, 2014

Page 6

Feature

Adnan Ramic / adiramic@gmail.com

The City of Trees Brass Band performed both original pieces and popular compositions, such as Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” Members played several solos during different songs.

Local band is

By Adnan Ramic

adiramic@gmail.com

Four members of the City of Trees Brass Band treated students to a spontaneous performance at the Rose Marks Quad on Feb. 11, but the complete band also performed in Midtown with all of their members Saturday at Shine, a cafe located at 1400 E Street.

The 10-member band played a total of three different saxophones, three trombones, two trumpets, a sousaphone and drums.

Alex Ramey, one of the trumpet players, addressed the size of their group. “(We) started out small and gradually grew.”

Before the group began playing, sousaphone player Ben Hillier stepped up to the microphone to tell the audience that the band needed volunteers to dance in front of the stage and the group.

Working with a fluid set list, the group changed their tune depending on the audience, said Hillier.

At one point, Hillier announced that the group was going to play an original piece titled “Aladdin,” which turned out to be the opening song to the Disney film by the same name, then after the song, jokingly acknowledged that it wasn’t original material.

The most recognizable song of the evening was City of Trees’ rendition of Daft Punk’s recent Grammy Award-winning song, “Get Lucky.”

Toward the end of the song, there came a moment where only the drums were needed.

During this moment, the rest of the group members who weren’t playing their instruments chimed in, singing the well-known chorus, “We’re up all night ‘til the sun. We’re up all night to get some. We’re up all night for good fun. We’re up all night to get lucky.”

What made the show so enjoyable was the fact that the brass band was enjoying the performance as much as the audience was. They hyped up the crowd, performed solos during songs, and reminded us to tip our bartenders and baristas at the cafe.

Not only did the City of Trees Brass Band have a good time, they kicked brass.

k

g n i ick

and

BAND OF ARC STUDENTS AND ALUMNI PERFORM IN MIDTOWN

taking names

Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

The City of Trees Brass Band gave a spontaneous performance in Rose Marks Quad just after 5 p.m. Feb. 11. From left to right: Ben Hillier on sousaphone, Joshua Cambridge on trombone, Mark H. Miller on alto saxophone and Chris Ryan on tenor saxophone.

February 26, 2014

Arts&Culture

Page 7

Near the beverage fountain customers can see pictures of the Effrig family who own Mad Subs.

Mad Subs

5133 MADISON AVE SACRAMENTO, CA

PRICE RANGE: $$

««««

Jonathan H. Ellyson / jonathanellyson@gmail.com

The “Jesse James” sandwich is garnished with Baja sauce made from ranch and Tapatio hot sauce.

You’d have to be mad not to eat here

By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com If you’re craving a sandwich that isn’t Subway, but can’t trek all the way to either Mr. Pickles restaurants that are four to five miles from campus, you might want to try out Mad Subs.

Located less than a mile from campus, Mad Subs offers sandwiches, homemade chili and barbeque tri-tip on Fridays and Saturdays.

On the interior, many elements are still around from the building’s previous occupants, Blimpies.

The menu boasts a variety of specialty sandwiches available and the toppings, bread and extras customers can choose to make their sandwich the best.

Mad Subs also offers daily specials, including the “Jesse James.” This sandwich started as a turkey, ham

and cheddar, but has been enhanced with Baja sauce, cream cheese and bacon.

The cheddar cheese is melted over the bacon and placed on the other meat, lettuce and sauce. The Baja sauce itself is a spicy ranch, made with a bit of hot sauce. That sandwich and a beverage is priced under $10.

The greatest advantage American River College students have at Mad Subs isn’t the proximity to campus; it is the 10 percent student discount.

While mixing together his homemade chili, owner Mark Effrig said Mad Subs weekend barbeque brings in lots of people and wonders if ARC students are getting tired of Subway.

Located on the corner of Madison Avenue and Auburn Boulevard, Mad Subs is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The restaurant is closed Sundays.

Jonathan H. Ellyson / jonathanellyson@gmail.com

After carefully seasoning a batch of homemade chili, Mark Effrig moves the pot off the stove.

Preview: ‘Arcadia’ equal in drama and humor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Cast members Mary Hill and Andy Leggett rehearse on Feb 18. Their characters appear in the first timeline of the play.

be a little too intellectual,” says Avery. “All of the staff of the American River College Theatre Department is fantastic and all of the directors are fantastic, but I think this play is good for Tracy in particular because she has such a complicated mind and I think a play this deep could only be done justice by Tracy.”

Andy Legget, a music major, appearing in his third play directed by Shearer, agrees that she brings crucial elements to the production.

“What I think Tracy brings to it is a distinct sense of style, because it’s something that matters to her very much. She wants to be authentic in doing the regency time period, just like she did here in ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ which was very much about regency. And also, she’s a professional vocal director and dialect coach, so she’s definitely been the best director to work with in that regard.”

“I think in a show that’s so text-heavy and so intellectual– almost hard to wrap your mind around–she’s a really great director, because not only does she get that, but she’s able to Photos courtesy of Alisha Kirby communicate that to both the Assistant Director Haleema Avery and Mary Hill at rehersal on Feb 18. actors and the audience.

“Arcadia” takes place in an ber of the cast, appearing on through Sundays from Feb. 28 English country house–during stage during both time peri- through March 9. For tickets and two different time periods– ods, symbolizing the passing of information, visit ARCtheatre.

1809-1812 and the present day. time. org or call the ARC box office at A live tortoise is also a memThe play runs Thursdays (916) 484-8234.

Page 8

February 26, 2014

Arts&Culture

Guitars strummed at Acoustic Cafe GRASSROOTS COMMERCIAL BRINGS PERSONAL MUSIC TO MOVE AUDIENCE

By Michael Pacheco mfpach@gmail.com The first edition of the spring Acoustic Cafe 2014 took place on Feb. 21. The Acoustic Cafe is a free event, hosted by Professor Eric Chun, founder of the commercial music program at American River College.

The Acoustic Cafe is a way for any musician, through a simple audition with Professor Chun, to showcase their talent in a grassroots setting.

“It provides a way to bring in talent,” explains Chun, “and give (students) an opportunity to show that off in an acoustic performance environment.”

The atmosphere of the show was very relaxed. Given the small size of Room 547 in the Music Hall, this let spectators be very close to the performers.

The room itself had several rows of folding chairs, formed in a semicircle in front of a white board and a grand piano standing out in the middle of the room. Several amps, drums, guitars and microphone stands are strewn about the low-ground stage for the performers.

The emcees, commercial music

business major Eural Strickland and music major Malia Kaye, had great stage presence and did a great job segueing for each act. Kaye also performed solo; two original songs that she sang while playing guitar.

Both songs were personal to her, which resonated through her performance.

“One song was written about my mom,” states Kaye. “It was very personal to me.”

Commercial music major Ron “Dr. Love” Carson, who performed a cover of “Just My Imagination” by the Temptations, finds this environment to be perfect for fostering new, as well as refining existing talent. “[The Acoustic Cafe is] good to get the experience performing live for stage presentation,” says Carson, “and I enjoy performing, so it just gives me inspiration to improve on my craft.”

Carson, who performed with an accompaniment featuring Professor Chun on piano, was very energetic, with even the audience clapping along. This lively act was a great way to close out an overall well-rounded performance.

The next Acoustic Cafe will be taking place March 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Michael Pacheco / mfpach@gmail.com

Second semester student Malia Kaye performs an original piece about her mother during her performance at Acoustic Cafe on Feb. 21.

‘Robocop’ film review

By Jonathan Ellyson

jonathanellyson@gmail.com It’s not 1987 anymore. The creative vision of what the future looks like is dramatically different from that of previous decades. The remake of “Robocop” was actually pretty good.

Most potential audience members will have seen the first film, starring Peter Weller, back in ’87. The original, which was full of gore and R-rated level of swearing and special effects that would induce cringes today.

There are many similarities to the original and it is done very respectfully. It has a whole lot more ethical quandaries, however.

The best science-fiction media isn’t just technology battles and special effect explosions (though no viewer should be opposed to great special effects in small doses). These films involve the ethical questions involved when introducing artificial intelligence, cloning, matter generation or collective utopias.

“Robocop” both addresses the reservations society should have about using artificially intelligent drones and using brain surgery to alter someone’s behavior. When prosthetic technology is raised to the point displayed in the film, these are questions scientists are going to have to discuss.

The aspect of the movie that is a little politically motivating is Samuel L. Jackson’s character, “Novak,” who is a conservative hyperbole. He hosts a cable news show that is the black lovechild of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Bill O’ Reilly.

This really drew some humor into how future cable news might be even more ridiculous than it is today.

Overall, it is a very respectable remake, even with its PG-13 rating. It may not shoot blood and swear at you, but I’d say it is more in tune with the true art form science fiction can be, which is a major positive when you remember another “Transformers” sequel will be plaguing the name of science-fiction soon.

February 26, 2014

Scene

Page 9

ARC creating “better space” for students

By Brooke Purves brookempurves@gmail.com Students can expect some big changes in counseling, assessment and other student services this spring with the start of a 14-month remodeling and “bump out” project on the west side of the Student Services building.

The project is scheduled to start in mid-April and will create 5,500 of additional square feet, creating more room for the financial aid lab and services, and assessment services, according to Laduan Smedley, vice president of Administrative Services at American River College.

Several student services are being temporarily relocated to accommodate construction, including the assessment center, which is currently in the portables to allow for a quieter testing environment.

All veteran services will be moved to the portables at one time or another and may be combined in the end, according to Daniel Avegalio, a records clerk with Veteran Services.

Veteran Services administrators are waiting to receive word on the particulars of which part of the program will move, to where and when, so students who utilize those services are advised to “hold tight,” until more information comes through.

The services for veteran students are currently separated into three different areas, the office in DSPS, the certification officials in Veteran Services and the Veteran Information Services, according to Ryan Feil, a vocational rehabilitation counselor at ARC. Students can expect to see an expansion of counseling services as well.

All of these changes are being made in part, in an effort

by ARC to comply with the Board of Governors Student Success Initiative, part of which requires a Student Action Plan and assessment of all newly matriculated students starting fall semester 2014.

Although the west side of the building (facing the Administration building) will be used as a staging area for

Rendering courtesy of HMC Architects

The addition and remodeling of Student Services will provide greater space for financial aid and assessent services offices and labs.

construction material and therefore inaccessible, the east side of the building facing the library plaza will be open during the project.

ARC administrators are trying to minimize any negative impact of the project on the students.

“There’s no good time to have construction on campus,” said Smedley. “At the end of the 14-month period, we’ll have a better space. (This will) greatly enhance our ability to meet the needs of our students.”

Plans show the new footprint of the building will include the grassy area and the few trees on the southwest corner of the building.

The $3.7 million bond funded project, designed by HMC Architects in Sacramento, is only part of the dramatic construction changes at ARC currently underway.

The culinary arts addition, which will add 13,600 feet of classroom, lab and cafe space, is scheduled for completion in December.

VITA provides free tax assistance to students and staff

By Barbara Harvey barbaraapharvey@gmail.com

Barbara Harvey / barbaraapharvey@gmail.com

ARC accounting professor Dieter Kiefer, a Certified Public Account (CPA), along with qualified student tax preparers, will be on hand to provide free federal and state tax assistance.

L

CAMPUS PU SE

With the consistently increasing cost of tuition, books and living expenses, college students need all the help they can get saving money wherever possible.

With tax season upon us once again, American River College is offering free assistance in filing federal and state tax returns for anyone with an income less than $52,000.

As a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program, students (and their friends and family) will not only have the option to have their taxes prepared and filed, but qualified tax preparers will also be on hand to teach them how to file their own tax returns.

ARC faculty and students have been running the VITA program for 10 years with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board. Student tax preparers “have completed at least one tax course and have passed an IRS qualifying exam,” according to the ARC VITA website.

Even those who know how to file may want to attend the labs, as various tax deductions and credits students may not be aware of can make a big difference to the tax bills (or refunds) of notoriously tight-budgeted college students.

For example, college students who earn less than $80,000 annually (or $120,000, if married) can claim up to $2,000 in education-related costs, including tuition, books and supplies, under the Lifetime Learning Credit.

ARC accounting professor Dieter Kiefer, a certified public account (CPA), is encouraging students and faculty to attend the labs, which will be held on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 7, 8, 21, 22, 28 and Mar. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 in Liberal Arts rooms 122 and 123.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins will be welcome.

What’s the craziest thing a professor has said or done?

“He calls us all m-----f---ers—and this is like an everyday thing.

He called us all a massive group of m-----f---ers, and threatened to end us.”

“I had a lady teacher come in hung over and talk about her night before and her sexual partner. I’ve had some crazy teachers.”

“I walked by a class and I heard a teacher say to his class that he hated Mexicans.”

“(We were) talking about stereotypes when (the professor) asked ‘What ethnicity are you?’ I said I was Indian, and he said, ‘Oh, so you must be an Arab.’”

-CAMERONDOMASKY Business Marketing

-CASSIEWILSON Sign Language

-JEFFREYTOOLSON Business

-PREETKAUR Nursing

February 26, 2014

Page 10

Scene

Fighter: victim of theft confronts attacker CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 real serious.”

He was four months away from his professional debut when the accident occurred on May 14, 2012, the day after Mother’s Day. Johnson had just finished his training session, when a teammate asked if he wanted to spar a few more rounds.

While attempting a takedown, Johnson was put into a chokehold and when they came crashing to the mat, Johnson realized that he could no longer move.

He described the event as being surreal, “almost like you see in the movies.”

After two weeks in a coma, he woke up to see the familiar faces of his family and friends and the realization that his dreams would never become a reality began to sink in.

The monotony of being in a wheelchair sometimes gets to him. “It just feels like I’m sitting down all the time, it gets boring,” he said.

However, he rarely lets that bring him down and refuses to let the bad moments ruin his whole day.

Spine specialist Dr. Jerrod Hill said that “chances are very low” for someone to be able to walk after that sort of injury. However, there is a lot of research going into spinal tissue regeneration that could one day benefit patients like Johnson.

Johnson has adapted to his new life and has been enrolled at ARC since the spring 2013 semester, and is currently working towards a degree in accounting.

Johnson heard about the recent incident that involved a disabled student who had his iPad stolen from him on campus.

This angered him, not only because he too is disabled, but because the same thing had recently happened to him.

While heading home from a friend’s house Jan. 17, Johnson was approached

by two men asking if he wanted to buy some gaming electronics.

They continued to follow Johnson and he was worried that they might try to hurt him. He sped up his wheelchair in an attempt to get away from them.

Johnson was so close to his home he could actually see it when one of the two young men approached and snatched his iPhone from him.

Two days later, he was able to recover his iPhone using the Find My iPhone app. Johnson, accompanied by a couple of his MMA friends, knocked on the door of the suspects house and demanded the iPhone back.

The suspect, a 17 year-old male, was arrested and charged in connection with the theft. “(It) doesn’t surprise me at all. He is definitely a go-getter in all aspects of life,” said Johnson’s adapted physical education professor Lisa Delgado.

Delgado stated that the incident “made (her) sick, especially for him with his MMA background, and then to be able to not defend himself.”

Delgado describes Johnson as having an amazing attitude and a good “vibe and demeanor; he comes in and works hard every single day. He is so positive and he has really good goals that he strives for everyday.”

Johnson said that Faber has been a big support after the accident.

Faber paid for the hand controls in his car that allow him to drive; “I owe him a lot, he’s so much more than just a fighter–he’s a good guy,” said Johnson.

“It sucks that it’s always going to be my story,” said Johnson, but he continues to spread his message to not take anything for granted.

Despite the setbacks, Johnson retains his positive outlook. “I loved (MMA) for what it was, and I still have a lot of love for it and met a lot of great people,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of Devin Johnson

The alledged suspect snapped a selfie on the cellphone stolen from ARC student Devin Johnson.

TAKETHISCLASS ENGLT 308: The Graphic Novel and Manga

By Brandon Nelson brandon.nelson916@gmail.com When most students think of English literature, they likely think of names like Shakespeare and Orwell. They do not, however, think of Neil Gaiman, Joe Sacco or Frank Miller, unless of course, they have a love for graphic novels.

American River College professor Bob Lyman, knows that the graphic novel is also English literature and is a very prominent interest on campus.

Every Monday and Wednesday, students gather at noon to meet their professor for a rigorous class that seeks to demonstrate that graphic novels can carry the same themes and elements that any book can.

Students take this class for a wide variety of reasons. Katie Fox, an English major at ARC, said “I’m taking this class because I love graphic novels and manga and I thought it would be kind of a fun class compared to all the other classes that I have to do, and it would be very interesting to take the course.”

The focus on graphic novels is not the only thing that sets ENGLT 308 apart from others.

“

“I don’t use a (traditional) textbook. My course text is ‘Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art’ and it’s done in comic form and it talks about how comics make meaning,” said Lyman. “This is a guy who regularly draws comics; and then of course all the other course texts are actual comic books, or manga.”

Other required reading in the course includes Neil Gaiman’s ‘Sandman,’ number four in a series of 10, Alison Bechdel’s ‘Fun Home’ and Joe Sacco’s ‘Palestine.’

“We are looking at Frank Miller’s ‘The Dark Knight Returns.’ We are looking at Acura, which is a Japanese manga,” continued Lyman.

There is, however, one drawback to this class.

Due to budget cuts, ENGLT 308 only is taught every couple of semesters, so students will have to keep an eye out if looking to take this class.

As Lyman puts it, “This is an elective course. It’s an interesting elective course because it satisfies the multi-cultural requirement, as well as the critical thinking requirement.”

If students want a class where passion drives both professor and student and elicits great discussion, ENGLT 308 is the class to take.

“I like very much that it analyzes the use of different elements of comics ... like the panels and different transitions and the speech bubbles and all those sort of things.”

KATIEFOX

Brandon Nelson/brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

Professor Bob Lyman showing an example on D2L of what he is looking for in an answer during class.

“

He has us go more in depth of what the manga or graphic novels we are studying are.”

JESSICAWILLIAMS

February 26, 2014

Opinion

Page 11

CURRENTEDITORIAL AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE Affluenza, SOME STATES MAY OFFER TWO YEARS OF FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES the “little rich kid” defense

current@arc.losrios.edu

During a recent State of the State address, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam urged the adoption of his “Drive to 55” plan, a part of which, dubbed the “Tennessee Promise,” is to make the first two years toward an associate degree tuition free for high school graduates, provided they meet certain conditions.

Tennessee is currently one of the nation’s least-educated states, with only 32 percent of adults possessing any type degree, but Haslam hopes the “Tennessee Promise” will increase that percentage to 55 by 2025.

Additionally, a bill instructing the Oregon State Commission to develop a pilot program, to test “Pay it forward, pay it back,” which would cover tuition at community colleges and public universities, with the student agreeing to pay back the funds to help finance the education of future students, was approved unanimously.

The idea of free tuition in some states seems to be gaining ground, especially as students recognize the impact of a degree on their futures.

The Pew Research Center reported, “On virtually every measure of economic well-being and career attainment—from personal earnings to job satisfaction to the share employed full time—young college graduates are outperforming their peers with less education.”

California Community Colleges were free until 1984, when they began charging fees.

The feasibility of eliminating fees in California community colleges is low, but the need for a college-educated work force is enduring.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of student success with a plan like “Drive to 55.”

Available financial resources is only one variable in gaining an education.

However, the availability of higher education, regardless of economic status, would

create a better-educated work force, according to analysts. Furthermore, it could lessen students’ debt burden.

The idea of free education is an interesting trend that students should pay close attention to, as it may affect them, but states may be missing the larger point: covering fees and tuition alone may be insufficient, as it is often covered by student aid, grants and in California, BOG fee waivers.

It’s the necessary expense of books, supplies, and cost of living that continue to break the bank.

Clearly, economic trends are shifting in favor of the college-educated. While it is yet to be seen if the plans in Tennessee and Oregon will work, the base sentiment, figuring out how to increase the portion of our population with a degree, thereby investing in the future of our country, is imperative.

Learning about depression can save lives

By Brandon Nelson brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

“I failed.” “I will never graduate.” “I will never get a job.” “I will never be good enough.”

Real-life issues, such as doing poorly on a test, can send people with major depressive disorder (depression), into a cycle of negative thought that may lead to selfharm.

Every morning students wake up suffering from depression and face a minefield of triggers, including a stress-filled day and bad breakups that could send them spiraling into depression.

But depression is often misunderstood and even laughed at.

Several students found a recent demonstration in a psychology class at American River College regarding the spiraling effects of depressive thought humorous.

But those who do not suffer from depression can have a hard time understanding, or even noticing people with depression because it can be an illness that manifests internally.

Students need to be more aware of the symptoms of this dangerous disorder and be in a better position to help those afflicted with it.

“Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year,” according to the National Institute

Brandon Nelson / brandon.nelson916@gmail.com

Many resources are available to those living with depressive symptoms.

of Mental Health.

Real-life triggers for depressive people are often compounded in students.

An astonishing “31 percent of students are depressed to

the point that they have trouble functioning,” according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“College students are 12 times as likely to commit suicide as any other person,” said ARC psychol-

ogy professor Peg Scott. “This is real.”

Students can go to the health center for information, and they can visit when they’re exhibiting depressive symptoms.

“We don’t have a doctor,” said Fran Kofcheski, a nurse at the student health center, “but (we) can talk to students about what’s going on … we can evaluate if we need to call 911 if they really are in crisis, or if we can decide whether they need to go talk to counseling.”

Life is Worth the Walk, a campus club that raises awareness of those living with depression, gives resources to help combat the illness and hosts a wide range of activities.

Anyone interested can email Peg Scott at scottm@arc.losrios. edu.

Symptoms of depression include include sleep disorders, feelings of hopelessness, abnormal eating habits, reckless behavior, loss of energy and irritability.

This list is not exhaustive and of course not everyone with these symptoms has depression.

Those with multiple symptoms should consult a professional.

It is important that everyone be educated on how to spot the signs of depression.

It may just save a life.

See http://www.helpguide.org for more information about the symptoms of depression.

Game developers get crushed by cloning

By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com Many consumers will remember the advent of Facebook games like “Farmville” or “Words with Friends.”

What consumers may not know is that Zynga’s “Farmville” was an aesthetic clone of an independent game called “Farm Town.”

When it comes to these lesser known titles, game cloning isn’t new. Independent publishers generally lack the funds to fuel a huge legal battle when another developer steals elements from their games or makes a full clone of it.

“Angry Birds” developer Rovio, for example, used many of the mechanics from a free web game called “Crush the Castle,” according to Crush.com.

More notably, award-winning independent game “Braid” recently had elements taken and applied to games available in the Windows store.

The trend we see is slimy developers tak-

ing new, successful games, incorporating design elements and play mechanics, and releasing it as their own intellectual properties. Zynga and Rovio have done this successfully, and smaller “bottom feeder” developers do it for a quick buck.

That brings us to King, the developer for “Candy Crush Saga,” who has become infamous quickly with their recent trademark claims of the words “candy” and “saga.”

The official response was King was trying to protect itself from other developers trying to clone the content. “…Candy Crush Saga, Bubble Witch Saga, Pet Rescue Saga, Farm Heroes Saga and so on. All of these titles have already faced substantive trademark and copyright issues with clones,” King said in a statement.

Then, while using a trademark to protect the games from copyright, the older game “Pac-Avoid” came into the spotlight.

King CEO Riccardo Zacconi apologized in a letter, writing, “The game strongly resembles another game called ‘Scamper Ghost.’

The details of the situation are complex, but the bottom line is that we should never have published ‘Pac-Avoid.’”

In the midst of trademarking the words “candy” and “saga” to protect itself from its games being cloned, King has been ousted for doing the same thing.

The trademarking by King here wouldn’t be a problem if the company wasn’t so hypocritical.

With the potential for a casual game giant to dominate an independently developed project with a better-marketed clone, new developers are less likely to try to make games.

Developers and gamers are up in arms because King is a company that takes the mechanics, layout, play style and even aesthetics of an already popular game and then slathers it in its own vile, filthy sugar coating, ready to be marketed to a bunch of casual gamers unaware that the “Candy Crush” game they are addicted to is just a regurgitation of PopCap Games’s “Bejeweled.”

By Melissa Hurtado

hurtadom73@gmail.com Last year, 16-year-old Texan Ethan Couch crashed his car, while under the influence of alcohol, killing four people and seriously injuring two others.

His punishment, 10 years probation and time in an expensive rehabilitation facility, has outraged followers of the case.

Couch’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit for an adult when he slammed his pickup truck carrying seven passengers, including two on the bed of his truck, into two cars and four people standing on the side of the road.

The defense’s psychologist concluded that Couch, who came from a wealthy family, had “affluenza,” an inability to understand the consequences of actions because of a privileged upbringing, and that he should not be held accountable for the deaths and injuries.

The judge claims that affluenza had nothing to do with his decision to forgo jail time.

This sort of ruling makes the justice system seem unbalanced and in favor of those who have money.

California Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduced bill AB 1508 on Jan. 14 that would ban affluenza as a defense in California courts, writing, “It shall not be a defense in any criminal action or juvenile adjudication that a person did not understand the consequences of his or her actions because he or she was raised in an affluent or overly permissive household.”

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Gatto said “it doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that the relatively lenient sentence that this gentleman in Texas received will lead attorneys to see this is something to use in their overall tool box.”

We are seeing more and more of these irresponsible “poor little rich kids” get away with things others wouldn’t. People of wealth should not be given special treatment in the justice system and California would do well by banning the affluenza excuse in courts.

It’s not just the families of wealthy teens who fail to teach consequences to their children.

Plenty of working-class parents are irresponsible, so it would only be fair to hold those teens to the same standards.

American River College political science professor Cynthia Unmack said that there appears to be a miscarriage of justice in this case.

Couch’s punishment was troubling for people because “even though we say there shouldn’t be a separate justice system for the rich and the poor, in practice it can sometimes look like there is,” said Unmack.

California should continue to push and pass this bill so the sort of ruling seen in the Couch case does not happen in our courts.

Maybe Couch’s parents never taught him there were serious punishments for his actions and now, thanks to the Texas court system, he may never understand.

1 1. Bucky the beaver, our school mascot, formally known as Igor the beaver, is a popular presence as it sits in Rose Marks Quad, one of the busiest places on campus.

Our Campus as a Canvas 2

2. You may have walked by the mosaic near the art department hundreds of times before and thought it was nice, but if you look closer you will realize that it’s a life size art version of the children’s books, “I Spy.”

3. I Spy an octopus! The mosaic is made out of colorful glass and what appear to be broken plates. Amongst the colorful tiles are moldings of feet, baby faces, china sets and other random objects.

4. Bucky is not the only animal on campus. These frogs accompanied by a fountain make up the Bob Allegre Memorial Plaza near the theater box office. Allegre was an administrator at American River College from 1982 until 2010.

Photos by Melissa Hurtado

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