Vol.64 Editon 7_Spring13

american river

current

ARCurrent.com @ARCurrent Facebook.com/ARCurrentcom

Jessica Maynard / jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com

Jessica Maynard / jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com

fast and furious Vol. 64, Ed. 7 • Feb. 13, 2012

Women in combat

Left: Scott Bailey’s 1968 Narrow Camaro. The car’s fastest quarter mile is 5.95.

Right: Bailey at the “Hot Rod Reunion” Oct. 21 at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Bailey claimed second place at the event.

By Jessica Maynard jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com

LIFTED BAN ON COMBAT ROLES STIRS CONTROVERSY AMONG FEMALE VETERANS ON CAMPUS

By Tracy Johnson Novak tracy.johnsonnovak@gmail.com

SEE MILITARY, PAGE 2

A LOOK INSIDE

6

nally achieved their goal when the West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod division was established. Their division currently has some of the fastest runners in Pro Modified racing with many of the cars running, on average, under 6.4 seconds and reaching speeds of over 220 miles per hour in the quarter mile run.

Bailey, who started competing in Pro Mod driving a Chevy Chevelle, currently races a 1968 Chevy Narrow Camaro.

Rick Worthington, who has been Bailey’s crew chief since the summer of 2005, has watched how the sport has made him grow as a person. “He is very aggressive and very focused but he’s a lot of fun when you get to know him,” Worthington stated.

Bailey and his team are located in Rancho Cordova, Calif. They had one of the best years, statistically, in 2012. He broke the six-second barrier by running a 5.96 at 245 miles per hour at the California

SEE RACING, PAGE 4

New and improved student center opens to much fanfare

Jenn Schopfer/ jenn.schopfer@gmail.com

Emily K Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

On Jan. 24, 2013, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta lifted the ban on women serving in direct ground combat roles in the military as part of a plan to “eliminate all unnecessary gender barriers to service,” according to a Department of Defense (DOD) press release.

“If members of our military can meet the qualifications for a job, then they should have the right to serve, regardless of creed, color, gender or sexual orientation,” said Panetta.

As a campus with nearly 1,000 veteran ARC student and students enrolled, Navy veteran very few of them fe- Rosemary Donomale, this recent DOD van, 29, served more than seven decision does not years as a medic. come as a shock to our American River College veterans.

“Women have been fighting for 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Rosemary Donovan, 29, a political science major.

“Over 130 U.S. service women have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. There’s no front line.

The front line is Afghanistan. We have had over 200,000 females there.”

Donovan served as a corpsman (medic) in the Navy for over seven years. She doesn’t see this as a simple transition for the Armed Services, but stands by her fellow female soldiers, saying, “The hard part will be when the women actually integrate into the units. Women who will end up in

It takes a great deal of experience and skill to hone a craft. For West Coast Outlaw Pro Mod racer Scott Bailey, 56, that statement holds true.

Pro Mod racing is a “no holds bared” form of quarter mile drag racing, defined by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Bailey is one of the racers who helped develop the West Coast division of Pro Mod racing.

Bailey grew up as a self-proclaimed daredevil. He was into racing, riding dirt bikes, and being spontaneous. “Racing has been a part of me my whole life. My dad got me interested in racing,” Bailey said.

He got his first glimpse of racing when he got his first Chevy Camaro at 16. He was a speedster from the moment he put his foot on the gas. He even got in trouble quite a few times. “I got in trouble on the street. So they [the cops] advised me to

take it out to the raceway, which I did and I got hooked… I have been racing since I was 16 years old,” stated Bailey.

Eventually, he started bracket racing.

Bracket racing allows the drivers to run on a handicap. It doesn’t measure your reflex time; it measures how fast you run the track. Bailey realized he wanted something new from racing.

“I got to a point where I didn’t like the type of racing it was, because it wasn’t a heads-up race. The tree had no factor in your time,” Bailey said.

Bailey decided he no longer wanted to do bracket racing, so he got involved with Pro Mod racing. There wasn’t a West Coast Outlaw branch at the time, but he, and a dozen other members, were determined to get their division taken seriously by the rest of the Pro Mod association.

“We started a Pro Mod Association out here and we got the first Pro Mod race at Sacramento Raceway and it went over quite well,” said Bailey.

In 2006, he and a few other drivers fi-

ADDITION OF STARBUCKS AND LOUNGES REVITALIZE CAMPUS SOCIAL SCENE

By Jeff Gonzales jess.gonzales@gmail.com Nestled between the American River College bookstore and library, the new Student Services building provides a modern space for the ARC community.

“It’s been a long time in coming,” said Manuel Perez, Dean of Student Services. “[The building] will revolutionize the way we look at community college campuses. State wide, this can set a standard.”

Discussions regarding the new building started in 2008, the building has been highly anticipated by many of the students on campus.

“It’s nice, better than I thought it

Oscar Predictions Check out editor-in-chief Josh Baumbach’s second annual predictions

8

would be” said Barbara Baldwin, an ARC student completing her General Ed. “The only thing I would change would be to have more plugs for laptops.”

Construction of the new facility started in late 2011. The open flow, spacious accommodations, and high ceilings has many people talking about the design. “[I’m hearing] a lot about energy and flow.” Perez said about students reactions. “I’m hearing ‘We finally get what we deserve.’ Even the architects said this was one of the more appealing buildings.”

With many student services now housed under the same roof, my tedious

SEE BUILDINGS, PAGE 3

Cinder-Ella Q&A

The Current writer, Jonathan H Ellyson sits down with Cinder-Ella director Tracy Shearer

10

The main entrance to the Student Center on Jan 22. The Student Center is located near the library.

Closet Entrepreneur ARC student Ada Tajudeen makes a killing with home business

Page 2

News

Feb. 13, 2013 Emily K Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

Gun rights conversation comes to ARC

Editor-in-Chief Josh Baumbach

Managing Editor

NATIONAL ARGUMENT POSES QUESTIONS ABOUT CAMPUS GUN POLICY

Sergio Portela

News Editor Jeff Gonzales

Sports Editor Jessica Maynard

Arts & Culture Editor Alisha Kirby

American River College Campus Police, such as Sergeant Mike Olson, carry firearms for the safety and security of all students, staff, visitors and property.

By Jeff Gonzales & Tracy Johnson Novak jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com tracy.johnsonnovak@gmail.com

With the federal policies and regulations regarding guns on the nation’s mind, there is talk about arming teachers on school campuses. While considered mostly for kindergarten through high schools, colleges and universities are no stranger to gun violence.

Fortunately, American River College is.

“People want to feel safe on campus and I think that the District does an excellent job of that,” said Scott Crow, Interim Public Information Officer at ARC. “People only see the police as the ones who hand out the

parking tickets, unfortunately.”

“In reality, they do a lot of good work behind the scenes: emergency planning, a lot of safety training that really pays off,” Crow said. “People don’t see it because things don’t happen.”

ARC follows the Los Rios District wide policy dealing with guns on campus, which is under California Penal Code Section 626.9. This penal code is known as the Gun-Free School Act. Enacted in 1995, the code makes it unlawful to carry a weapon in “school zones.” However, it also states that only those individuals with concealed weapons permits are allowed to possess a firearm on campus. This includes police, staff, students and any individuals coming on campus for events.

The process to obtain a concealed weapons permit in Sac-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 those positions will fight for them.”

At a meeting of the Student Veterans Association on campus, some of Donovan’s male veteran peers questioned how the DOD decision would be received.

“It’s not the popular view in Infantry,” said Daniel Ayers, 33, sociology major and newly elected president of the Student Veteran Association at

ARC. “It’s just change. It’s hard not knowing if it’ll be detrimental or help.”

Another ARC female veteran, Brett Wihtol, 23, said, “I have fixed feelings about it. The only thing that happened is that, on paper, [infantry] and other military occupation specialists, are now getting those combats’ titles.

Sure, it wasn’t legal before… but it’s not a big deal because it’s already been happening.”

Wihtol is now majoring in Nursing after three years of active service in the US army as a medic, a position she now holds with the National Guard.

“It annoys me that people think, ‘oh no, now women have to be in combat,’ when they already have been,” said Wihtol. “I feel like the women who have been in combat in the past weren’t getting recognition.”

At the veterans services counter in the Administration building, the male veterans working there at the time, all from different divisions of the armed services, had served next to a female solider at some point dur-

ASBNOTEBOOK

The heart and soul of American River College lays amidst the bustle and clank of the new Starbucks, and in the middle of the new student center. A simple white sign designates its entrance, but in no way defines it. The center for leadership and development is the place where important school decisions are being made.

On Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, 14 members of the Associated Student Body Senate sat around a table hammering out details of campus life, under almost extreme time constraints, in front of an open forum.

Thursday’s meeting was brought to order by ASB President, Quierra Robey, two minutes shy of its intended start time.

According to Robey, before the meeting, there were several “pressing” issues that the student leaders needed to address.

The passing of student by-laws, the confirmation of appointed positions, and possible new smoking laws were all on the block, only one of which made it to discussion because of time.

The biggest controversy came over student advocacy day, which Robey quickly introduced as “Lobby Day” in her opening

ARC safety is also on the minds of the Associated Student Body. The ASB has representatives in the Building, Grounds, & Safety Committee looking out for the needs of students.

“I know of one teacher who does lock down drills with her students,” said ASB Senator Suzy Williams. She is one of the students in the class who can help with lock down drills.

With the campus police on speed dial on her cell phone, the awareness of students like Williams help to ensure a safe environment on campus.

Carlos Guerrero

Scene Editor Cintia Lopez

Opinions Editor Mayra Sanchez

Photo Editor

Daniel Romandia

Web Editor

Korbl Klimecki

Social Media Director Jared Thornburg

Copy Chief

Robert Aguilar-Rudametkin

Design Editors

Steven Condemarin Sarah Scott

Staff Writers

ing their careers. Many shared the opinion that, for women serving in combat, as long as women continue to do their job and do it well, it’s not an issue.

“It’s not a physicality, it’s mental. It’s how you test, not how you are plumped,” said Ayers. “You just want to get out alive. It doesn’t matter who’s next to you.”

Emily K. Robasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

MILITARY: Policy change elicits mixed feelings

ramento County is lengthy and meticulous. After this process, those individuals need to present their license to the school sheriff’s department and obtain clearance from the campus police to carry that weapon.

Although ARC campus police keep students’ safety as a top priority, Crow explains that students must also look out for each other.

“We will always want to emphasize that the police would rather have 100 [incidents] reported that are false alarms than to not have some behavior that is of some concern not reported,” said Crow. “If that’s not reported, then we don’t know about it. People need to err on the side of letting police know about behavior concerns.”

The police “want to know,” Crow said.

Assistant Arts & Culture Editor

Veterans from ARC meet weekly at the Student Veterans Association with President Daniel Ayers (right) and Club Advisor John Gamber (left).

Mark Ahling Rebecca Calderon Nikita McGee-Davis Jonathan H Ellyson Ed Gebing Jorden Hales Natasha Honeywood Tracy Johnson Novak Olesya Sytnyk Cesar Ramirez Sam Urrea Alex Panasenko

Staff Photographers Stephanie Lee Emily Rabato Jenn Schopfer Michael Pacheco Mark Ahling Alex Panasenko

Contributing Editor Jaime Carrillo

Contributing Designer Megan Houchin

Adviser

Kel Munger

Photo Adviser Jill Wagner

SPECIAL ELECTION MAR. 5 & 6 FOR NEW STUDENT TRUSTEE

remarks. It was her opinion that ARC should not participate in this event because of actions that had transpired with the removal of the Student Trustee, Bryan Ryan, just days earlier.

Director of Finance, Kindra Pring, later objected to this affirmation and stated, “We should participate [in student advocacy day] in appreciation for all students.” Pring had previously announced on Facebook that she would run for the now vacant student Trustee position and it was officially announced that her application had been received and that there will be a special election on March 5th and 6th for the position, information is available on the Los Rios website.

The day did not come without times of tension between its members, such as the appointment of Senator Chase Buick for representative, under Senator Spencer. Spencer and the newly appointed Director of Legislature, Tyrone Robinson, seemed to disagree on the appointment of a Representative, who was not able to attend due to an apparent conflict in class schedules.

Buick was later voted in as representative almost unanimously.

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CNPA & JACC

POLICY

The Current is produced by the students of Newspaper Production, J402. 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. Please go online at arcurrent. com to see the full text of criteria and guidelines for submissions. 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

Page 3

Feb. 13, 2013

Buildings: ARC modernizes an older part of campus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 hours.

One such change is the availability of using the space on Friday afternoons. The previous cafeteria would close at 2 p.m. on Fridays.

That has now been changed to 5 p.m.

“The first Friday, the whole facility closed at 2.” Perez said. “So we talked to our folks to get that changed. We are now open week nights until 7 and Fridays until 5.”

The center provides some great new features like a Starbucks, a Subway, and an improved cafeteria. It also opens up new meeting spaces, provides more seating and study areas, and provides the feeling of a modern, updated campus.

While “The Spot” has been closed, “The Hub” provides many of the same services for the Students of ARC. “Here in ‘The Hub,’ we have international students, the Journey Program, and a Mesa Puente counselor,” said Karyna Roa, a psychology major working at “The Hub.” “The computers can be used by any student but only [in house groups] can use the printers because of the budget.”

Although an official schedule of events planned for the new building has yet to be posted, there are plans to host a number of activities to promote the diversity and culture of ARC.

Top: A panoramic image of the new Student Center on Jan. 30. Since its opening, the Student Center has become a landmark on campus.

Left: The new Student Center on Jan. 30. Its grand opening was on Jan. 22 of this New Year, and it is located in between the library and the student bookstore.

Bottom: The new cafeteria in the Student Center on Jan. 30. The variety in food choices has increased greatly since the Center’s opening.

BROZOVICH Professor’s rant spurs student walk out PROFESSOR MEETING WITH ADMINISTRATION

By Jeff Gonzales jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com College professors are always challenging their students to think critically. By using examples from their own experience along with an approved lesson plan, the ideas learned can influence a student for the rest of their lives. But can a professor go too far?

Fox 40 news, along with various TV and radio news outlets, questioned if one American River College art professor did just that on Dec. 12, 2012.

In an alleged recording of one

INBRIEF

n GRADUATION DEADLINE

The deadline to submit any petitions for Spring 2013 graduations or certificates is Friday, March 1, 2013. The deadline for Summer 2013 graduations is Friday, June 28, 2013. The deadline for Fall 2013 graduations is Friday, Oct. 4, 2013. See a counselor immediately for any help or information.

of Professor Tom Brozovich’s lectures, provided by a student to Fox 40, the professor can be heard making comments ranging from conspiracies to antiveteran rants.

Due to these comments, a number of ARC students, including Shilo David Helman, walked out of Brozovich’s class.

“Members of the Administration and representatives of the union and I will be meeting to thoroughly discuss the matter,” Brozovich said in an email to The Current, when contacted regarding the incident. “I think it best that I not make any public statements until then.”

n NEW SCIENCE/FINE ARTS BUILDING

This Spring 2013 semester brings a new addition to the ARC campus: the Life Science/Fine Arts Building. The 8,074 square foot building has the latest and most sophisticated classrooms. It also has labs for art, nutrition, chemistry/biology, and interior design. The academic and artistic programs are designed for students at any stage in their collegiate career seeking creative experiences that will enhance their schedule.

A professor’s first amendment right does not end when they enter a classroom, neither does a student’s. It is the responsibility of the professor to challenge a student to think for themselves, but when a professor’s comments offend a student’s beliefs, it can finish in unforeseen consequences.

“The collective bargaining contract between the Los Rios Community College District and the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers recognizes that ‘academic freedom is essential for the fulfillment of the educational mission of the District and for the ability of faculty members to

n CELEBRATE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AND HISTORY

In honor of Black History Month various students, accompanied by Music Professor Dr. Joe Gilman, will be performing classic American gospel, blues, jazz, R&B songs, and poetry made famous by African-Americans.

The event will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in the Fine & Applied Arts Recital Hall in room 512 from 12:15 to 1:15 pm. To register for this workshop call the Career Center at 916-484-8492. Programs are designed for students at any stage in their collegiate career seeking creative experiences that will enhance their schedule.

perform their professional duties,’” Dr. David Viar, ARC Campus President, said in an email to The Current regarding a professor’s first amendment rights.

“With that recognition, the contract includes a provision that protects faculty members from ‘censorship, restraint, or dismissal in their ability to study, investigate, present, interpret, or discuss the relevant facts and ideas within the assigned curriculum and outline.’”

If students have concerns with professors on campus, there are resources available to them. The names and numbers of the appropriate people to contact are

n RÉSUMÉ DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

The Career Center in the Student Services Building is holding a Résumé Development Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013; from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Advisors will focus on a résumé’s physical appearance, different formats, what information needs to be included or excluded, and how to write an effective cover letter.

listed on the ARC website.

One such resource is Jeffrey Stephenson, ARC’s student grievance officer. Information about the grievance process can be found in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook,” also on the ARC website.

The website states that “as an Institution of Higher Education, American River College is committed to the free exchange of ideas, respect for the contributions and dignity of every person, and to a learning environment in which academic achievement and personal responsibility is fostered and celebrated.”

n ARC SWITCHES FROM IMAIL TO LOS RIOS GMAIL

Before Thursday, May 30, 2013, all students enrolled in the Los Rios Community College District need to upgrade from iMail to Los Rios Gmail. The option is available on the iMail sign in page. You can also log into Los Rios Gmail with your eServices account name and password and set you’re forwarding address to your private email address.

Page 4

Sports

Feb. 13, 2013

Stephanie Lee / lee.steph.photo@gmail.com

Sophomore CoCaptains Are the Ultimate Package Mardell Thompson and Chad Haysbert lead the surging Beavers into the playoffs

By Ed Gebing edgebingjr@gmail.com The sophomore basketball captains, Mardell Thompson and Chad Haysbert, have led the American River College men’s team through adversity this season. The team’s chemistry has been affected by injuries and they are working toward turning the season around.

“They are all team players,” Mike Selling, the assistant coach said. “I don’t think that any of them are really selfish. And when you have good talented players, a lot of times they can be selfish.”

Haysbert is a force to be reckoned with. This season alone, he averages 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

He has showcased his strengths throughout the season.

“I’m tall but I’m quick, so if a big man is guarding me, I am able to out-speed him,” Haysbert said. “But if a shorter, quicker person is on me, I am able to use my strength to overpower him.”

He also knows there are aspects to his game that he can improve to continue competing at a high level. “My weakness probably is my confidence in my shot,” Haysbert said.

“I prefer a drive in to the hoop and doing layups.”

His coaches know the impact Haysbert makes on the court. “Chad is a game changer. He can guard all five positions,” Selling said. “He’s just a very skilled big man.”

Outside of basketball, Haysbert, who is a business major, doesn’t do much. He admits that, other than going to the gym, school, and basketball, he is a homebody who loves spending time with his Maltipoo dog, Milly. Furthermore, he states his mom has had the biggest impact on his life. “My role model has always been my mom,” Haysbert said. “She’s been a single mom since I’ve been in kindergarten, so she’s been really my only person to look up to

my whole life.”

Mardell Thompson has also been an asset to the team this season. His leadership on the court is one of his strengths.

He averages 14.4 points and nearly two steals per game. Selling believes Thompson is also a game changer. “His athletic ability and his passion for the game when he’s on the court—he wants to do everything,“ Selling said.

Thompson’s goal is to obtain a scholarship to play at a higher level. There are a few schools pursuing him at the moment. “Chaminade in Maui, Dixie State in Utah—they’re on me pretty hard—and Chico Sophomores Chad Haysbert (left) and Mardell Thompson (right) currently serve as co-captains of the BeaState,” Thompson said.

“I can get the ball in the vers basketball team this season. These two have led the offensive surge that has put the team over .500. bucket,” Thompson said, Although the season hasn’t been ideal for the team, they but he isn’t afraid to admit that there is always room for are finally finding the chemistry they have been lacking improvement, especially defensively. because of these two young men. “As soon as our chemA social science major, Thompson is a self-proclaimed istry catches up with our potential, then we will be a real fun guy who eats a bag of trail mix before each game. He has also participated in track and field. He pursued sports solid team,” Thompson said. because his uncles encouraged him. “My uncles pushed Additional reporting by Jessica Maynard me into playing all these sports and made me the athlete that I am today,” Thompson said.

Tennis team pursues back-to-back conference championships

Emily K. Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

Head coach Bo JaberyMadison looks to get the most out of his team’s abilities this season.

By Sam Urrea

Racing: Less than six seconds to glory CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

samurrea93@gmail.com The men’s tennis team is all but ready to produce even better than last season’s performances, according to coach Bo Jabery-Madison.

Jabery-Madison, who collected the state coach of the year award in 2012, believes his team’s determination to succeed and countless hours of training out on the courts can only result in an even more impressive year this time around.

“No one is training harder than us out there,” Jabery-Madison said. “No one is doing more than we are at the moment.

We are prepared.”

Having coached at American River College for more than nine years, his excellent record deservedly attained him the state coach of the year after his team ranked third in Northern California and eight in the state last year.

After tying for the Big Eight North last season and winning the conference championship in 2007. They have also been runners up for five of the last seven

Patrick Johnson won 6-0, 6-2 in his singles match on Saturday, Feb. 02 against Reedley College.

years. Consistency defines his time as a coach.

Academically, his team has overachieved as well. For three consecutive years, they were awarded the State team GPA Champion-Men’s Tennis accolade (2008- 3.26, 2009- 3.41, 2010- 3.36).

“I’ve managed some great players since my time here,”Jabery-Madison said.

“We have a pretty good record in the last nine years and my current crop is very talented.”

His new squad includes two returning players in Charles LaSalle and Patrick Johnson, and his number one ranked player Andrew Amore for a second consecutive year.

“Andrew is a talented leftie. He is more physical this year. He is an amazing striker of the ball,” Jabery-Madison said.

He mentioned his remaining players, praising them for their individual talents.

“Our second ranked player, Simba Baratti, is very athletic and a great grinder of the ball,” Jabery-Madison said.

He has great confidence in the squad.

“Then we got guys like Kevin Valentine and Adam Duong who have great potential and are still developing ,as well as our seventh and eight ranked players, Marvin Liu and Nick Atkinson, who will be contributing to our team,” Jaber-Madison said.

Hot Rod Reunion in McFarland, Calif. in October.

After joining the six-second club, he bettered his time by a tenth of a second, running 5.95 seconds at 244 miles per hour at the Street Car Super National event in Las Vegas on Nov. 18, 2012.

“It’s a great car, it’s a wonderful team, it’s kind of like a family bond. We have a good time and we love to race,” Worthington said.

Bailey has achieved success on the track and in other aspects of his life. He founded his own business, SW Bailey Construction, in 1994.

Bailey will be competing in Sacramento on March 22-24 at Sacramento Raceway.

He has been racing for forty years and doesn’t plan on leaving the track anytime soon.

“It’s in my blood and there is no feeling that replaces it; the excitement and the competition,” Bailey stated.

Sports

Page 5

Feb. 13, 2013

Running For a Championship The men’s track & field team is looking to claim their second title in three years Emily K. Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

By Jorden Hales halespersonal@gmail.

The American River College Men’s Track & Field team is set to begin their season at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17 against Fresno State University. Following a very successful 2012, the athletes and coaching staff have high expectations for this season.

Having finished in the top five in the state last year, the Beavers aspire to continue competing at the level that has kept them among California’s elite in recent years.

“After finishing 4th last year and winning it all the year before, we’ve kind of set a standard,” head coach Rich Anderson said. “It’s top four or five, or it’s almost a failure.”

With the loss of cornerstones Diondre Batson and Matt Airola, who recently transferred to the University of Alabama, coach Anderson acknowledges there will be a substantial void left to fill, but ARC’s Men’s Long Distance Track Team practices by running in small groups around the track on Monday, Feb. 04. he is confident that his new “In our workouts we have the same level of each other.” talent will be able to ease the transition. competition, or higher,” Luna said. “When we Even with the season fast approaching, “There’s almost too many guys to mention go to conference and other meets, we don’t those friendly rivalries will continue to hold that are going to be really good,” Anderson have anybody to run with. That’s a big key to their merit, as well as coach Anderson’s atsaid. “It’s a long list of guys. We’re going to our success.” tention. He believes the Beavers will not meet have a really strong and healthy team.”

Huston relishes in the friendly competi- a true match until finals.

Among those expected to perform well tion. He also believes it is critical to build a “I don’t know how anyone in conference are sophomore Jacob Huston and freshman championship culture. or NorCal can touch us,” Anderson said. “NoLuis Luna. Both have high hopes for 2013 “I love the competition,” Huston said. “We body in northern California can mess with and believe the toughest competition will be race at set speeds, but we’re trying to push us.” amongst themselves.

SPORTSUPDATES

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

The women haven’t achieved an ideal season, going 7-16. Freshman Eunique Hopkins has been a bright spot for the struggling team. She currently leads the state in steals, averaging 5.4 per game.

Sophomore LeAnn Perkins has been one of the standout leaders on the team.

The team won their 4th consecutive game on Friday, Feb. 8th over Cosumnes River College to improve to 11-10 for the season. The Beavers have dominated conference play recently with big contributions from sophomore captains Chad Haysbert and Mardell Thompson. Their final home game is Tuesday Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m. against division rival Sierra College.

The men started the season off by winning their first two games. They are currently in a four game losing streak. The team has promise sophomores Jason Fletcher, Spencer Shank and Andrew Lojewski look to provide strong leadership for the team.

MEN’S GOLF

SOFTBALL

WOMEN’S SWIMMING

The season kicked off Feb. 4 in Stanford at the Big 8 conference #1. The team’s next match will be held Feb. 19 in Stockton for the second round of the Big 8 conference.

The team has started the season off strong going 3-1. Their only loss was against LA Valley in 7 innings. The team has their ace in Karolanne Tipton coming back who helped lower the teams ERA by over 2 runs last season. The team’s home opener is Feb. 14 against Lassen College at 1 p.m.

Looking to build upon a somewhat successful 2012, the women will be competing at the Hawk Invite Feb. 22 in Livermore. The women’s first home race will be the AR Sprint Pentathlon March 29 at 11 a.m.

MEN’S SWIMMING

WOMEN’S TENNIS

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD

After starting the season off with a loss to Reedley College, 7-0, the team looks to rebound. The women’s next home game is Feb. 19 versus division rival Diablo Valley College at 1 p.m.

Hoping to build upon a No. 2 finish in the Big 8 tournament last year. Returning sophomore Kyra Vaughn looks to compete at a high level in the 400m. The women kick of their season Feb. 23 at the Stanislaus Open. The women’s first home meet is the Beavers Relays March 1 and 2.

After a decent 2012 the men are looking to put a strong showing this season led by coach Eric Black. The team’s second match of the season is Feb. 22 at the Hawk Invite in Livermore. Their first home match will be the AR Sprint Pentathlon March 29 at 11 a.m.

Unnecessary Roughness The media “catfishing” for a story

By Sergio Portela sportela.sp@gmail.com If you haven’t heard about the man who was runner up for the Heisman trophy, Manti Te’o has been hoaxed, or at least he says so. The story of the senior linebacker from Notre Dame, who lost his grandmother and, supposedly, his girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, six hours later, was heart broken as he played his heart out against Michigan State University. He eventually led number one ranked Notre Dame to the BCS National Championship where they lost to the University of Alabama.

On Jan. 16, 2013, the sports blogging website Deadspin broke a story that Te’o’s girlfriend was a hoax and that Te’o may be in on it for publicity. The media world exploded. No one has heard of a story like this. ESPN questioned everything about Te’o. They questioned his character and draft stock, making a huge deal out of the hoax and wasting time looking at all of the red flags in his story, which they should have done in the first place.

ESPN really took this thing to the next level. They had an off-camera interview that was hyped throughout the Oklahoma City Thunder vs.

Dallas Mavericks basketball game.

The broadcast turned out to be ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap awkwardly talking on camera about the events.

I honestly feel that the media was angered. Why? Because they were fooled. So they blew the story up in Te’o’s face. The media believed Te’o pulled a fast one. They didn’t account for Te’o’s background. He is a Mormon from Hawaii who is very religious and keeps to himself. He seems like the perfect victim to be “catfished.” Instead, they decided to accuse him and make him the biggest butt of a joke for years to come.

Katie Couric even went too far when she asked Te’o if he was a homosexual, a question everyone wanted to ask. But what gives her the right to out a person on national TV? For the most part, homosexual athletes are not well received.

Recently the hoaxer, Roniah Tuiassasopo, went on “Dr. Phil” to say Te’o had nothing to do with the hoax, but his name will forever be a joke due to something that he fell victim to.

Now people will have forgotten everything he has done on the football field, and whatever he does in the future. He will be remembered as the kid who got “catfished,” and not as the Heisman trophy runnerup. All because of media personnel like Katie Couric, Dr. Phil, and ESPN, who all wanted to boost their ratings at the expense of a guy’s future.

Page 6

Feature

Feb. 13, 2013

AND THE PREDICTED WINNER IS . . .

Oscar Predictions:

Take Two

ARGO It’s been 10 years; I think it’s finally time to forgive Ben Affleck for “Gigli.”

With his third full-length movie in the director’s chair, Affleck tells the true story of the rescue of U.S. ambassadors during the Iran hostage crisis, by means of the CIA disguising themselves as a film crew. “Argo” is filled with truly intense moments, where you find yourself anxiously waiting as they go through each step in their plan to escape an uprising of American-hating Iranians.

Affleck plays Tony Mendez, the operative responsible for planning the mission, and is supported by a strong script, supporting cast, and historical accuracy that makes “Argo” the frontrunner for Best Picture.

Heartfelt, yet depressing, “Amour” is about an older man who must take care of his ailing wife. This subtitled French film is sure to get overlooked by many people, and honestly, you are not missing much if you do. “Amour” is not an easy film to watch, therefore it is not for the casual moviegoer. But if you enjoy filmmaking in its rawest form, you may be able to enjoy it.

Hushpuppy. This movie is about a girl named Hushpuppy. You might want to dismiss this film after you hear that name, but it’s through this girl’s imagination you will see devastation in a different way. The plot may be a little convoluted at times, but the dynamic relationship Hushpuppy shares with her father, and the way she deals with heavy themes such as loss, hunger, and violence are refreshing from the other cardboard copy protagonists we see in most movies.

“Les Mis,” one of the most famous musicals ever, returned to the big screen at the end of 2012, and didn’t disappoint. The talented cast, starring Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Anne Hathaway, sing through the French Revolution in magnificent style.

Hathaway stole the show during her brief onscreen performances, and Jackman and Crowe’s back and forth singing and fighting were exciting. While the movie clocks in at 158 minutes, the soundtrack alone is worth the time.

Josh Baumbach joshuabaumbach@comcast.com

O

scar se ason is here for the 85th time, and it brings the usual criticism with it. Around this time e ach ye ar, many people ask why their favorite mov ie isn’t nominated, usually withou t seeing the actual nominee s. Last ye ar, I re v ie wed e ver y nominee, and correctly predicted the winner (“The Artist”), e ven though I belie ved “Moneyball” to be the most de ser v ing. This ye ar, I hope to e xtend that into a winning st re ak . Here are the nine nominee s for Be st Picture, re v ie wed by yours t ruly.

I didn’t quite know what to expect going into “Life of Pi.” I knew there were going to be glowing whales, tigers, and a “Cast Away” situation.

But to sum up this movie by those three things would be a great injustice. “Pi” is a film of unbiased spirituality, self-discovery, and survival.

Pi is trapped on a lifeboat with a tiger, but he realizes that he needs him to survive, and visa-versa. “Life of Pi” succeeds in portraying a message without coming off as preachy. And if you don’t like movies with messages, there’s always the glowing whales.

Is there any role Daniel DayLewis can’t master? This time, he steals the show as the titular Abraham Lincoln himself. However, despite what the title may suggest, this film is not so much about Lincoln, as it is about the road to passing the 13th amendment. Get ready to spend a lot of time in the 19th century U.S. Congress.

AND THE DESERVING WINNER IS . . .

DJANGO The marketing campaign for “Silver Linings” may seem as if it’s a sassy romantic comedy with some sports thrown in. In reality, this film is about a man’s struggle with his bi-polar disorder, and a widow who is trying to get over the loss of her husband.

They both help each other to take back their lives. Often funny, often sad, yet totally engrossing, “Silver Linings Playbook” is a must-see film.

My expectations for this film were high after director Kathryn Bigelow’s debut “The Hurt Locker.”

However, I was left wanting more after viewing “Zero Dark Thirty.”

It’s not an awful movie, but it is a long and drawn out road that you have to travel to arrive at the exhilarating assault on bin Laden’s compound. However, credit should be given to Bigelow’s accuracy, so much so that the government wants to meet with her about it’s content.

This might be the craziest movie I’ve seen in all of 2012, but it also might be the best. “Django” has it all: brutality, comedy, romance, and controversy. There is even a hidden message in the madness. But where Django Unchained truly succeeds is in it’s pacing. There is no lull in the story. Director Quentin Tarantino makes every twist and turn on this roller coaster of a movie feel seamless. The entire cast does an amazing job, but the standout was “Inglorious Basterds” alum Christoph Waltz. He simply steals every scene with the perfect mix of nonchalance and cleverness. “Django Unchained” deserves to win the Best Picture Oscar.

Arts&Culture

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Feb. 13, 2013

Daniel Romandia / Daniel.Romandia@gmail.com

Daniel Romandia / Daniel.Romandia@gmail.com

The interior of Azukar Sushi on West El Camino Avenue in Natomas. The restaurant offers a lunch and dinner sushi buffet. The buffet costs around $15 for lunch hours and $26 for dinner.

AZUKAR ROLLS OVER COMPETITION

A Philly Roll that is served at Azukar Sushi in Natomas. The roll comes with eel, cream cheese, cucumber, smoked salmon, tabiko, and a miso sauce.

By Michael Pacheco mfpach@gmail.com Sushi is one of the most dividing foods among friends. Half of any group will want to go, and the other half won’t even think about it. Often the cost for decent sushi will scare people away from it altogether.

But Azukar, a relatively new sushi restaurant at 1516 W. El Camino Ave., offers all-you-can eat lunches and dinners for a fairly reasonable price.

Being both a huge sushi fan and a poor college student, I had to give it a shot when I found out it was opening near me.

The atmosphere of the place can be best described as modern yet simple, with furnishings that look methodical and organized. The chairs and tables are solid black with white tablemats. The walls are a simple black and white pattern, yet still

BUFFET-STYLE SUSHI LEAVES YOU FULL BUT NOT BROKE

gave that “new” vibe feel. The sushi bar itself is in the center of the restaurant, surrounded by several televisions tuned to sports channels for patrons to enjoy with their meals.

You get a lot of variety with the food.

You can order sushi by the roll or in nigiri (clump of rice with fish on top) or maki (seaweed wrapped rice with one filling, usually fish) made to order.

I decided first to try out their sunflower roll with a nicely cooked tempura shrimp, crab meat, cucumber, and avocado topped with an avocado sauce.

The roll itself looked beautiful, with the bright vibrant colors providing a nice contrast to the restaurant’s simple backdrop.

The shrimp was flavorful and crunchy, which provided a good contrast to the texture of the rice and the avocado. The fla-

vors melded well together and overall it tasted delicious.

After trying several different rolls, one that stood out to me was Azukar’s “Philly roll,” which consisted of eel, cream cheese, cucumber, smoked salmon, and fish roe topped with a creamy miso sauce. The taste was different compared to the other offerings. The smoky flavor of the salmon added a great deal to an otherwise typical sushi roll.

I recommend Azukar, both for sushi fans and for people that want to try something new. It’s open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends; dinner hours start at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends. With a $14.95 price tag, you can get an amazing lunch of fresh, made-to-order sushi, so you get more than your money’s worth.

AZUKAR 1516 W EL CAMINO AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95833

PRICE RANGE: $$

««««

International protest comes to Sacramento

FEMINIST ORGANIZATION SHEDS LIGHT ON WOMEN’S ISSUES WITH CREATIVITY AND DANCING

By Daniel Romandia Daniel.Romandia@gmail.com

In this world, one in three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. These words are some of the first that can be seen on the One Billion Rising website (onebillionrising. org). On Feb. 14, the international One Billion Rising protest will take place in Sacramento to bring light to this issue, and hopes for change.

This Valentine’s Day will be the 15th anniversary of V-Day, an event that takes place annually to protest violence against women.

For the anniversary, the organization is holding its One Billion Rising campaign to raise awareness of the shocking statistics and to get people to participate and dance to ending them.

In Sacramento, California National Organization for Women (CA NOW) will be curating the event at the state capitol.

Linda Long, the Action VP for the organization, describes CA NOW as an inter-

sectional feminist organization that works for the empowerment of women and girls in California. When she heard of the event, she knew that the women’s organization would be perfect to host.

“California women and leaders must stop begging for changes in the law one rape at a time,” says Long. “We must have women leaders with enough political will and moxie to demand that gender equality and empowerment are institutionalized at every level in government.”

The event has found support in the community through organizations like Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE), the Native American Health Center, and Women Take Back the Night.

The event is also reaching American River College. “When confronting something real and traumatic that happens to millions of people, unity is a phenomenal weapon against ignorance,” says Amy Farnsworth, an ARC student who will be in attendance at One Billion Rising.

“We must have California women understand that women leaders can’t do it by themselves, they need our support,” says Long. The protest on the 14th could be the catalyst that begins the end of violence against women.

Arts&Culture

Feb. 13, 2013

Robert Aguilar-Rudametkin / Roberto.Andrei.AR@gmail.com

“CinderElla” slips into ARC Theatre for limited engagement DIRECTOR TRACY MARTIN SHEARER SITS DOWN WITH THE CURRENT TO DISCUSS MAY 11 PLAY

By Jonathan H. Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com The Current speaks with Tracy Martin Shearer, an adjunct faculty member in Theater Arts department and director of the children’s theater production“Cinderella,” spelled “Cinder-Ella,” which is coming to ARC May 11.

The Current: What can you tell us about the Children’s Theatre productions that take place at American River College?

Tracy Martin: It is the only show we do that rehearses and performs during the day, so it’s for students who are sometimes unavailable during the evenings. It’s also an opportunity for people to audition who aren’t experienced actors. My goal for Children’s Theater is twofold, one: to work with actors and help introduce them into the world of children’s theater. It’s a different style of acting. And two: I like to take theater to the

INOURHEADS BOOK

´

Que Carlos?

Most exclusive country in the world

By Carlos Guerrero

carlosguerrero1114@gmail.com

Adjunct-Faculty member Tracy Martin Shearer (left) is counseling a student (right) about the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

community and share it with young people.

We go to elementary schools around the college.

When do you start performing?

We start our elementary school tour in April, but those are not public performances.

They are only performances at the elementary schools. We plan to have two public performances on May 11 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and it’s just $5. It’s for adults and kids alike.

We try to keep it inexpensive.

What are major differences between the Children’s Theatre production of “Cinder-Ella,” and the main semester production “The Three Musketeers?”

The children’s show has two rehearsals a week for about three hours, and we are up and running after about 5-6 weeks. We have a set that has to tour, so it’s very spare, and the actors really have to create as much of the magic as possible. It’s wacky, and it’s delightful. I casted it a couple weeks ago and

we are already rehearsing.

How does this version of “Cinderella” compare to either the Disney classic or the original book?

It is a bit different. “Cinder-Ella” is a little bit more of a modern girl, the characters are more well rounded, and, while it’s still a romantic fairytale, they don’t necessarily need another person to become complete. They are just happy to get along. There is also a whole level of humor for adults in the room.

It’s not by any means inappropriate, but there is a lot that the adults will catch but kids won’t.

Is this the first time you’ve directed “Cinder-Ella?” How was it chosen?

“Cinder-Ella” was the first children’s production that I directed here, more than 15 years ago. It was the traditional version and less wacky. I chose it because I thought it would be fun to revisit “Cinderella” and every student I told went crazy for the idea.

The Current’s Jeff Gonzales shares the wide variety of what is in his head

TELEVISION “Doctor Who” – This iconic cult classic sci-fi show was started in the early 1960s.

Since then, “The Doctor” has enjoyed a modern reboot that has taken the U.S. by storm. The newest incarnation reminds us that bow ties really are cool.

jeff.a.gonzales@gmail.com

“Y: The Last Man” – Never let it be said that comic books are only for children. “Y: The Last Man,” by Brian K. Vaughan, is proof of this. The series takes place in a dystopian future where all males of every species on the planet have died, with the exception of Yorick Brown and his pet monkey, Ampersand. Deep plot lines and crazy twists will keep you wondering and turning the page to find out what happens next.

GAME Munchkin – Think “Magic: The Gathering” and “Dungeons & Dragons,” throw in some funny art work, then make fun of it all, and you get an idea of what this card game, by Steve Jackson Games, is all about. The objective of the game is blatantly written on the box: “Kill the monster. Find the treasure. Stab your buddy.”

MUSIC The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing - “Brunel” – Referencing a famous Victorian mechanical engineer with an Oliver Twist twist, and a dirty “oi!” punk sound, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing put the punk in steampunk. Releasing the song “Sewer” on wax cylinder ensures the band’s place in the genre.

?

Page 8

MOVIE “The City of Lost Children” – Before the mechanically inspired “HellBoy II: The Golden Army,” Ron Pearlman starred in this 1995 steampunk classic French film. With a clockwork woman and neo-Victorian imagery, “The City of Lost Children” is steampunk at its best.

America is like the exclusive nightclub everyone wants to get into, and immigrants, especially Mexicans and Latinos, are near the bottom of the list.

When talking about illegal immigrants, I’ll hear too often, “why don’t they just get legalized?” The truth is: it’s a hard and long process to immigrate to this country legally.

Illegally? That’s not a problem.

It’s actually the preferred or most popular choice, but it makes immigration one of the biggest political and social issues this country continues facing. Kind of like my white aunt’s “Mexican” cuisine. Nice try, Stacy, but these are not enchiladas.

It’s not just Mexicans we are talking about, though. According to Reuters, there are 11.5 million undocumented illegal immigrants here in the United States.

Mexicans make up 59 percent of that number, with 6.8 million, and 2.8 million in California alone.

The Washington Post recently reported a group of congressmen, along with Sen. John McCain, who has always been surprisingly immigrant friendly, have begun to push a proposal in late January to completely update and reform America’s immigration laws.

This reform would give the 11.5 million illegals a clearer path toward legal citizenship.

This is exactly what needs to happen. Even if I tried, I wouldn’t even begin to be able to explain to you the process.

The two least murky paths are through family or employment.

One of the first steps is to already have a job in the U.S. for a visitor or work visa. But how are most people without any connections to this country supposed to already have a job lined up? That is setting immigrants up for failure right from the start, like another George Lopez sitcom.

Thanks to a flow chart released

by The Washington Post, people were able to see the nightmarish path toward legal citizenship.

The chart looks like a chemistry formula in ancient hieroglyphics.

The process can take up to 28 years to complete. This is why so many immigrants just forego the process and make it here illegally.

They find it too difficult, too expensive, and opt to remaining illegal.

Just because they are illegal doesn’t mean they are dangerous or criminals. Most of the people coming over are families that were not lucky enough to be born across the border, ultimately, trying to better their lives.

Scene

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Feb. 13, 2013

Choose your brew: battle of the brands

CAMPUS

PULSE

NEWCOMER TO ARC, STARBUCKS TAKES ON VETERAN JAVA CITY

By Jonathan Ellyson jonathanellyson@gmail.com Photo illustration by Jenn Schopfer

Java City has been the coffee staple at the American River College cafeteria for many years, and was moved to the kinesiology building two years ago. When the student center was completed this semester, Starbucks Coffee Company took over. Java City currently resides at the American River Stop, the food truck outside of Davies Hall.

There are several aspects that make Java City unique. Before 9:00 a.m., there are no more than three people in the line. Furthermore, the average time it takes between ordering and receiving a beverage is between 30 to 90 seconds. The most noteworthy aspect is the punch card. After your tenth purchase, your beverage will be free.

Since the beverage menu is relatively the same, with the most common beverages being regular coffee, macchiatos, and mochas, these specific qualities make Java City a great alternate to Starbucks Coffee.

The opening of the new Student Center brought one of the most popular coffee chains in the world to American River College. The new Starbucks has been incredibly busy this semester. During the busiest hour, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., I timed people in line, including myself, and I found it takes an average of 20 minutes to get from the end of the line to the counter, and another four to five minutes to receive your beverage.

While the campus Java City still lingers, there are some advantages of enjoying coffee at Starbucks. If you are a frequent user of Starbucks, you probably have a rewards card.

You may not get refills on coffee and tea, but other rewards apply and you still earn points. There is also plenty of indoor seating and access to Wi-Fi in the Student Center.

Since Java City and Starbucks serve the same types of beverages, the prime location and potential rewards are definitely reasons to brave the long lines of Starbucks Coffee.

Additional reporting by Olesya Sytnyk

What’s your parking strategy?

“I usually park at the 99 Cent Only Store and walk from there. I park as close as I can without having to actually park on campus.”

GLORIASANTOS Political Science ”I know several people that take afternoon classes, and I say ‘Hey, I’m leaving at a certain time. Would you like to take my parking spot?’ and they’re like ‘sure!’”

Cheap date ideas for your special someone THESE UNIQUE, ROMANTIC OUTINGS WON’T EMPTY YOUR WALLET Photo illustration by Mark Ahling

jessica.r.maynard87@gmail.com Dinner and a movie are typically the norm for dates. With these unique date ideas, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable night.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride – This date will give you a new perspective on the city. Grab a thermos and a blanket and cuddle up in the back of a horse drawn carriage together. This date will give you a chance to interact with each other with limited distractions, and also gives you the opportunity to take in scenery you normally wouldn’t notice.

ARC students eat less during stressful times, in contrast to study

ARC NUTRITION DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN, DR. MARIE SCHIRMER, GIVES HER TAKE ON STRESSFUL EATING HABITS

By Sam Urrea samurrea93@gmail.com Numerous studies have revealed that stress causes the human body to crave fat and sugar-laden foods. Students at American River College, often victims of stressful situations, believe they suffer the opposite effect. They point the finger at liquids or loss of appetite as the principle issue.

According to the website Psychology Today, people produce increased levels of cortisol in times of sudden danger. Stress replicates that feeling but maintains it for an extended period of time. This causes the human system to crave salty and sweet foods to alleviate the body.

Frequently referred to as “emotional eating,” it leads to unwanted weight gain and an unhealthy intake of foods. During

anxious times, some people will bite their nails or grind their teeth. In other’s cases they will replace such habits by snacking on chips or drinking soda to give their mouth something to do.

ARC’s nutrition department chairman, Dr. Marie Schirmer, believes a study cannot be relied upon when analyzing a person’s eating habits under times of stress.

“Everyone varies so greatly and that person will also vary within themselves,” she said. “A person can sometimes eat healthily or sometimes not. It depends on the situation. They also may not eat at all.”

Freshman Alex Korogod, 18, agreed with Schirmer. “When I get stressed, I don’t really eat at all. I drink a lot of water,” Korogod said.

Many students don’t have time to watch

their diets. “I have a packed schedule,” Freshman Joseph Gibbs said. “I just eat whenever I am hungry. I guess I eat more junk food than healthy but I definitely never eat excessively.”

Others suffer a loss of appetite. “When I am stressed I don’t eat at all. I just never get hungry. I regularly only eat at night,” said Vanessa Elliot.

Finals week could be the prime example of ARC students over-eating yet the most commonly purchased products during the week, according to cafeteria worker, Young Tioung, are not burgers or fries.

“What I see the most being bought are coffee drinks and energy drinks. Students want to keep themselves alert. People buy food but not nearly as much as (they buy) drinks.”

“My parking strategy is to park at my grandma’s.

She actually lives around the corner, so I just park there and walk.

It ends up being like five minutes.

It’s a guaranteed parking spot.”

JEFFERYWILLIAMS Art

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

By Jessica Maynard

Prices: $10 for a 10-15 minute tour through Old Sacramento. $25 for a 20-25 minute tour by the Sacramento River. $30 for a 30-35 minutes ride by the river and through Crocker Park. The last package is $50, lasts an hour, and includes everything listed above, plus a chance to walk up to the State Capitol.

Museums – Whether you’re fresh out of high school or 98 years old, you will enjoy this entertaining, yet educational, date. Museums always have something new to see. They change their exhibits on a regular basis. In order for the date to be successful, each of you should choose two or three exhibits you would like to see, plan ahead, and this date will be one of the most memorable you’ve been on.

Prices: Entry to the Crocker Art Museum is $10 for general admission, and $8 for students and seniors. Certain holidays are free. The third Sunday of each month is “Pay As You Wish Sunday.” If you bank with Merrill Lynch or Bank of America, the first weekend of each month gets you free admission. The California State Railroad Museum is $10, and the California Automobile Museum is $4.

Play Tourist – If you’re unable to take your dream vacation, then go sightsee Sacramento. Even if you’ve lived here since you were born, chances are you haven’t seen everything this city has to offer. Go online, find travel guides, and put together a list of places you would like to see. Grab your significant other, a camera, and you’re ready to go.

Prices: Free

EDUARDOGONZALEZ Sociology

“I ride the bus, but they are crowded and most of them are late because of all of the students.”

MELISSALEON Veterinary Technician

“I come here early.

Having a 7:30 class is the best way.”

LAURENHIRSCH Theater “I will try to get here four or five minutes before my class and I try to avoid all of the reckless drivers hitting each other or backing into each other, and swoop in to get a spot.”

MATTHEWJOHNSTON Theater

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Scene

Feb. 13, 2013

Student entrepreneur rivets together money-making business plan Jenn Schopfer / jenn.schopfer@gmail.com

ARC STUDENT ADA TAJUDEEN FOLLOWS IN FAMILY’S FOOTSTEPS, CRAFTS JEWELRY AND DESIGNS DRESSES

By Natasha Honeywood nhoneywood71@gmail.com

Whether it is making jewelry, dresses, or beautiful braids, 22-year-old Ada Tajudeen can do it all. Born in Sierra Leone, Africa, Tajudeen has the drive to make all of her dreams come true. She’s attending American River College to obtain a business degree, and hopes to open a boutique in Sacramento. In her family, designing clotheing is a common interest. “In Sierra Leone, my dad is a fashion designer and my grandmother is a seamstress,” Tajudeen said.

Tajudeen made her first dress Ada Tajudeen, who makes clothing, and jewelry, working on clothing on Feb.vv 6 in her sewing studio located at her for a Barbie doll when she was home in Rancho Cordova, Calif. six years old. From that moment ternal grandmother. either case she is proud of her first show. on, she knew she wanted to be a “My grandmother was a wonderful woman Tajudeen decided to add accessories to her fashion designer. On November 15, 2009, Lateefa Taiwo Sanyaolu, a contestant in the Miss and she basically raised me. I knew naming line after many compliments from people Black California pageant, wore a gown that my line after her would have made her very about earrings and bracelets that she made.

Tajudeen designed, and Sanyaolu won 2nd happy,” stated Tajudeen. Her intention with “I am an earring fanatic. I love earrings. I runner up. With that accomplishment, Taju- Zynabe Beauty is to make woman feel great started making my own because I wanted a about themselves. The dresses have been unique pair. A lady, one day, offered to pay me deen decided to start her own clothing line. for a pair. From that moment on, I decided to Directly after graduating from high school, seen in 11 fashion shows in Sacramento.

In the very first fashion show she partici- start selling them.” she attended the International Academy of As if being a fashion designer and a jeweler Design & Technology. She graduated in 2010 pated in, she was an amalgam of emotions. with her Associates of Arts Degree. “I always “My stomach had butterflies and my hands isn’t enough, Tajudeen also loves to model. knew that my daughter could make it no couldn’t stop sweating. All I kept thinking She has modeled in 15 shows. Being able to model at a benefit for a children’s hospital matter what obstacles stood in her way,” her was ‘I hope everyone likes these designs.’”

A bad habit she wishes she could change is has been her most memorable memory yet. mother said.

In 2011, Tajudeen started a clothing line critiquing her gowns during the shows. “A lot “Knowing that I am taking part in an event called “Zynabe Beauty,” named after her ma- of times I actually think of ways I could have that will benefit children lets me know that made a dress look better,” Tajudeen said. In I’m making a difference.”

TAKETHISCLASS

BUSINESS300

Emily K. Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

By Cesar Ramirez CesarAlexander.ca@gmail.com Business 300 takes a principled approach to the business state of mind. Every lecture includes the various aspects the business world has to offer.

Whether you have plans to work in the field or not, there is no better class to sharpen your outlook on the current issues surrounding business. The lectures revolve around management, marketing, international business, finance, accounting, human resources, insurance, and business law.

Taught by Professor Robert Gonzalez, every lecture evokes a natural tendency for students to ask questions and participate in discussions. Time spent in this class is an “opportunity cost,” explains Gonzalez, when referring to the economic value and academic reward provided.

Gonzalez has a law degree, which allows him to seamlessly integrate business examples for every question prompted. “Word wealth is important,” says Gonzalez when advising students to prepare themselves for the ever-changing world of business.

Located in Raef Hall, students in this class enjoy one of the only three classrooms on campus with auditorium seating. Parallel to the business world, there is a diverse group of students who attend the class. When everyone participates, everyone adds something unique to the lectures.

Like most classes, you get what you put in. Unlike other classes, there is a lot of motivation to get involved in the daily pursuit of seeking opportunity beyond the classroom.

NEETUGUPTA

Emily K. Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

Emily K. Rabasto / emilyksmith6@gmail.com

“

Front or back, wherever I sit, I really enjoy the lecture.”

Professor Richard Gonzalez lectures his Business 300 class on Economics.

“

The best reason is to learn about the various facets of business in an open and relaxed atmosphere that encourages student participation and interaction.

ROBERTGONZALEZ PROFESSOR

On the

XO Breaking up is hard to do

By Mayra Sanchez sanchezmayra5114@gmail.com

The first few weeks after a break up are tough. It’s been one month, 15 days and four hours from my last break up.

I knew we were better apart.

But I couldn’t help feeling depressed at the thought of starting over or being without a Valentine again.

I was a total mess and a textbook cliché. I listened to that played-out Gotye song, “Somebody That I Used to Know,” on repeat and I would never leave my room.

I’d talk about my ex all day and say how “he’s a fool,” while I did my best Beyoncé hair flip, until my roommate would cut me off from ever saying his name again. I was forced to resort to getting advice from my mother. “You are young and he’s too skinny anyway,” she would say while feeding me taquitos.

After days of planning my revenge, and stalking on Facebook, I realized that there was no point in trying to get him back. I finally decided to brush my hair and put on some makeup. With every stroke, all of those maudlin feelings slowly started to fade.

There’s a sort of rejuvenating aspect to breaking up that is hard to appreciate amidst all the obsessing and chocolate eating.

With the help from my break up messiah, Milan Kundera, the heaviness of my failing relationship had been lifted. All of a sudden, there was this unbearable lightness of just being.

I’ve always felt a bit lost after a heartbreak, but there’s so much newfound freedom. I had moments where I would panic.

I would think, like, “Well, what now?” or, “Who do I call now when I can’t figure out what freeway to take?” I had built a world with this person and now it’s gone.

I’d find myself cleaning, doing my laundry, watching all of my girly shows (like Whitney) that I used to watch in secrecy and would never admit I liked. I had to remind myself who I was before ever loving that person, and that took some time.

I saw all of my friends I had been neglecting and they took me back, no questions asked.

I slowly felt like myself again.

I was focused. I was ready to start over. Not with anybody else, but with myself.

Because after a break up, it’s important to focus on you.

Opinion

Page 11

Feb. 13, 2013

CURRENTEDITORIAL

CALIFORNIA’S DREAM FOR EDUCATION

New education program offers $10,000 degree to selected majors, but needs improvement current@arc.losrios.edu In a society that keeps seeing education prices skyrocket (the average cost to attend a state college in 2012 was $22,261, and $33,000 if you’re attending a private university), recent college graduates are finding it extremely hard to find decent paying jobs.

Even though the unemployment rate among graduates is noticeably lower, compared to the national unemployment rate, is it worth accumulating thousands of dollars in student loans only to graduate into a job market that is quickly fading?

There is a pilot program in California, which grants students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) the opportunity to pay a flat rate of $10,000 for their bachelor’s degree.

Bill Gates challenged educators to make it

economically friendly for students who are a part of STEM. The initiative proposes to cut the priciest parts of acquiring an education, specifically in classroom teaching. This means fewer students in the classroom and a heavier reliance on online classes.

Is the idea of a $10,000 degree good? Yes, but it only benefits a select number of students. Typically, students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics tend to make more money compared to majors such as English, theater arts, and psychology. Furthermore, people who are not involved in STEM will pay full tuition for their education, and since nonSTEM degrees tend to make less money after graduation, students not involved in STEM will most likely struggle paying off student loans. Also, students who decide to pursue

the 10K bachelor’s degree will be getting less face time with their instructors, consequently meaning they can pass a test online compared to an in-class test (which tends to be easier).

Should we let future doctors, technicians, and engineers cut corners to get their degree?

The Current supports the benefits of the degree, but does not support the limited degree options being offered. The questions that need to be answered that haven’t been addressed by politicians are: Can a quality education be obtained at a discounted price?

And, will online education become a necessity in order to provide these low-cost degrees?

Ultimately, this is a positive step in the right direction, but politicians should make the program accessible to all majors rather than to the selected STEM program options.

Dear Kings, please stay

A faithful Kings fan’s final plea to keep his team in Sacramento

By Josh Baumbach joshuabaumbach@comcast.com

Illustration by Daniel Romandia

I want the Kings to stay in Sacramento. This may be an unpopular statement for some people who had written them off as soon as they weren’t making the playoffs anymore. Yet, these same “fans” were there right alongside me cheering the Kings on during the playoff years of the early 2000s.

I could make the financial argument as to why they should stay. The team obviously creates jobs and boosts the economy. But I would be lying to you if that is my reason, because mine is far more selfish.

I want to keep the memories of my team in Sacramento. The memory of Mitch Richmond taking on Michael Jordan.

The memory of Olden Polynice coming back to, then, ARCO Arena, only to flip-off the crowd. The memory of the chants of “MVP! MVP!” for Chris Webber. The memory of Phil Jackson needing earplugs when he came to Sacramento. The memory of Mike Bibby’s

game winner during Game 5. The memory of Doug Christie punching Rick Fox in the jaw.

The memory of Tyreke Evans’ miracle halfcourt game winner against Memphis.

Most recently, the memory of James Johnson’s buzzer beater against New York. If the Kings leave Sacramento, these memories would be a part of a team that doesn’t exist anymore.

I want to be able to take my future children to a Kings game.

I want their eyes to widen, just as mine did, the first time I walked into the arena and saw the giant Kings logo on the court that I had only seen before on TV. I want them to feel the happiness and frustration that goes along with being a fan of a home team, because no matter what, they are still our team and we’ll be able to bond over them. But most importantly, I want to stop worrying about whether or not the team that inspired me to play basketball for four hours a day as a kid will leave me and my memories forever. I want the Kings to stay in Sacramento.

First impressions of new student center NEW CONSTRUCTION MAKES ARC EASY ON THE EYES

By Alisha Kirby alishakirby1@gmail.com It’s difficult for me to even begin to describe how little I’ve cared about the new student center the last couple of years. When construction first began in January of 2011, I was fairly new to the campus. I was still figuring out where my classes were and how to deal with the disaster we called a parking lot. By the time construction was in full swing and the building was beginning to take shape, I didn’t care how many Starbucks’ there were going to be, or how cool it’d look. All I knew was there was a terribly long detour to the bookstore.

The asbestos plagued building we once dubbed a cafeteria has since been replaced

by a shiny, modern building with a high ceiling and enough windows to make you feel as though you’re actually sitting outside. It never feels crowded no matter how many people I’ve seen in there. There are additional computers in rooms scattered throughout the building as well, so no more pacing the library for 20 minutes waiting for people to leave.

Those aspects are just bonuses, though.

What makes this new student center so great is the food. First of all, there’s a machine that makes milkshakes. That’s great right? Of course it is. Because they’re actually quite good. Pair that with a slice of pepperoni pizza topped with oregano, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese and you’ve got a delicious, artery clogging meal from the heavens.

There are also healthier options now, which include a salad bar and stir fry station, though my favorites are the chicken and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. The Subway has improved as well, and has two lines so you’re in and out with your food and on your way. Not that you have to leave, as there always seems to be at least a few empty tables.

The new student center was worth the wait.

It’s worth all of the previous hikes around temporary fences in the rain to the bookstore, and it definitely makes up for the time spent standing and waiting in lines in the portables.

It’s like that feeling when you first switched from dial-up to DSL; now that the student center is up and running, I can’t imagine going back.

I Oughta

Know Rushmore

remodeling

By Jaime Carrillo jaimecarrillo2011@gmail.com

There’s nothing wrong with Mount Rushmore, per say. However, I think in honor of the next President’s Day, we should consider a little re-modeling. The 20th century gave us plenty of worthy heads to carve into the famous mountain. Here are a few: President Dwight D. Eisenhower – World War II general, reformer, and, would you believe it, suspected Communist?

He led the country through the height of the Cold War and spearheaded the project to build our nation’s highways.

The only downside is that, despite being a great man, Eisenhower looks like a monster baby. Maybe we can carve his face in the mountain with a hat.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt – Cripple, philanthropist, and the only realdeal socialist to ever hold the positionof President (and the country was better for it). In his first 100 days, he saved the country from the brink of collapse and helped create the modern middle class. He started Social Security, which helped lift thousands of impoverished seniors out of poverty. And did I mention the Nazi slaying? The Nazis never met a stronger foe. Perhaps only seconded to Lincoln as far as greatness goes.

President Jimmy Carter – Peanut farmer, house-builder, “malaise president.” Carter is, at best, overlooked and, at worst, downright hated. However, the man was right about everything. He lectured America to invest in better energy sources and to not become slaves to mass consumerism, which has only gotten worse since 1978. America thanked him by electing President Ronald Reagan. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: We didn’t deserve Jimmy Carter. He was too good for us and we should have listened while we had the chance.

President George W. Bush – Criminal mastermind, plutocrat, war criminal. A human travesty of the highest echelon.

Bush will, in fact, get his own spot on the New Mount Rushmore, but not on the mountain itself. Tourist attractions see lots of traction from, well, tourists. And what do tourists have plenty of? Garbage. Snack wrappers, tissues, disposable soccer-mom visors. All objects that will find a home at the “George W. Bush Commemorative Trash Bin”, the only place fit for a president of Bush’s caliber, and I Oughta Know.

BEHIND THE

INK

BY DANIEL ROMANDIA

A college campus is a place to find most anything, tattoos included. They all hold their own personal meaning for whoever gets them. People are deeply connected to the art they put

under their skin. Going through pain to have ink a part of them forever is a small price to pay to show the world, and to remind themselves, of their passions.

Phillip Souza has the logo for the band Bayside. The symbol was introduced on the cover art for their sophomore album. Souza is an aspiring musician who has been greatly influenced by the band. He is currently recording a music project to be released in the future.

Cody Alexander, both a Theater and Journalism major, has simple, crossed drumsticks behind his left ear in memory of his late father.

His father passed away in August 2011 and Cody got the work done in September 2011. When Cody was a child, his father was a drummer and wore earrings that were crossed drumsticks.

Jonathan Marsico, a Computer Engineering major, has this portrait of a lion on his forearm because his astrology sign is a Leo and he is a fan of the tattoo culture. At the time of this photo, the work is only a little over a week old and the ink is more vibrant before it sets into the skin.

An avid fan of the tattoo culture, Bryan Williams has a total of 19 tattoos that he has been getting since the age of 14. His first tattoo is a faded lettering of his name.

Now at the age of 30, the quality of the work on his body has improved immensely.