Volume 67, Edition 7

CURRENT The American River

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Vol. 67, Ed. 7

ZAVALA:

ARCURRENT.COM

ARC SOCCER PLAYER IS REMEMBERED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, FOLLOWING HIS DEATH

PAGE 6

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February 3, 2016

ARC student arrested in terror

By Jordan Schauberger jschauberger94@gmail.com Aws Mohammed Younis Al-Jayab, 23, who attended ARC as recently as fall 2015, was arrested on Jan. 7 in connection with a federal terror probe. He pled not guilty Friday to a charge of making false statements during an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Al-Jayab was denied bail and faces up to eight years in prison.

As of publication, ARC had made no

plans to seek disciplinary action against Al-Jayab, as there is no district policy that dictates any particular action or actions in the case of a student who is arrested and not yet tried or convicted, according to ARC public information officer Scott Crow.

“If a student violated the student code of conduct, they could be subject to disciplinary action. … (ARC and Los Rios are waiting for a verdict in court), that is my understanding,” Crow said. “The legal process needs to take its course.”

Following the initial reports, American River College faculty and students have had varying reactions to Al-Jayab’s arrest.

David Chaffin, an employee at Hot Shots Billiards, where Al-Jayab and his friends would often hang out, said that Al-Jayab always came across as standoffish and kept to himself.

“Him and his friends came in around three times a week to play Ping-Pong and

AL-JAYAB | PAGE 3

KANEKO BRINGS COLOR TO ARC

Screencapture from Al-Jayab’s Facebook profile

Aws Al-Jayab was arrested on Jan. 7 after allegedly lying about a terror related case during an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

CRC student arrested STUDENT ALLEGEDLY MADE THREATS AGAINST SCHOOL

By Matthew Nobert mdnob40@gmail.com

Photo by Timon Barkley / Staff

An American River College student looks at Jack Ogden’s ‘Paint and Bristle’ exhibtion that will be on display through Feb. 10.

Artist adds flavor to campus

By Hannah Darden hannah.k.darden@gmail.com

Photo by Timon Barkley / Staff

Sacramento artist Jack Ogden attends his exhibition at ARC.

ARC’s Kaneko Gallery welcomed Jack Ogden, influential local artist, to a reception on Jan. 28 to celebrate his exhibition “Paint and Bristle”, which is on display at the Kaneko from Jan. 14 to Feb. 10.

Students, faculty, and visitors packed American River College’s James Kaneko Gallery Thursday night as celebrated Sacramento artist Jack Ogden visited his current exhibition.

“Paint and Bristle” is a collection of 19 oil paintings on canvas and board, with marked use of texture and color to create a gritty expressionist atmosphere within his works - mostly portraits and still lifes of Ogden’s studio.

“He’s been a huge influence,” said gallery director and ARC art

professor Patricia Wood. “He was a professor to a lot of our professors.”

ARC student Rachel Heleva said that she was enamored with Ogden’s use of colors.

“The use of color is striking,” Heleva said. “I love the use of the deep reds to obscure faces in the portraits.”

Wood, who said Ogden “lives and breathes paint,” encourages students to visit the gallery and see Ogden’s work.

“It’s always a new experience,” said Trisha Carter, an art student.

“Even if you’ve been to this gallery before, you haven’t seen this show. And seeing art in person makes a bigger impact than seeing photos of it.”

Jack Ogden mingled with students, faculty, and gallery visitors at the reception, and short speeches were given by Ogden and two colleagues.

“Tonight we welcome one of the most celebrated and nationally renowned painters of the Sacramento area,” said Patricia Wood, gallery director and ARC art professor. “He’s one of the biggest influences on art in this region.”

Ogden taught at Sacramento State for 35 years before retiring to pursue painting full-time.

“It’s a good job,” said Ogden. “A painter never has to retire.”

Ogden’s last few shows in the Sacramento area have sold out, an uncommon feat in the local art scene.

Dan Samborski, ARC art professor and a former student of Ogden’s, spoke fondly of Ogden’s work and teaching style.

Kaneko | Page 8

Cosumnes River College student Christopher Salazar was arrested this morning at his home for threats against the school, according to Cosumnes River College public information officer Kristi West.

Salazar sent pictures via Snapchat around 4 a.m. this morning threatening the campus and students.

West did not say what the pictures depicted but that Salazar did say what he was planning to do.

Officers found no weapons at Salazar’s house, but he did confess to sending out the threats.

Salazar is being held and processed at the Sacramento County Main Jail on the charges of making threats to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury. His bail will be set at $25,000.

West said Salazar has been a student at CRC since fall 2015 and is enrolled in fire technology program.

The Current will update this story online at ArCurrent.com.

Photo courtesy of the Los Rios Police Department

Christopher Salazar is being held in jail after making threats towards CRC

Page 2

News

February 3, 2016

Senate flip flops on removal petition

By Robert Hansen w1090476@apps.losrios. edu Student Senate Vice President Valencia Scott rescinded the petition calling for the removal or suspension of Student Senate Director of Communications Tami Dunning hours after the judiciary committee that would make the decision was formed at Thursday’s Student Senate meeting.

The petition was filed by Scott, calling for the removal of Dunning, after allegedly “unprofessional” and “disruptive” comments were made during a Senate meeting on Jan. 14, according to the Senate President David Hylton.

Dunning allegedly stormed out of the meeting when several board members refuted her claim that the board was violating the Brown Act. “If everyone understood the bylaws, constitution, and Brown Act that we would not have as many disagreements and would avoid any similar issues moving forward,” said Dunning. This board has a lot of passion which is good, we shouldn’t always agree.”

The Brown Act is an act of the California State Legislature that guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies.

Dunning believed the Senate violated the act by discussing potential action items without properly informing the public about the meeting.

After Dunning left the meeting, the board no longer had the proper number of members present to meet quorum and were forced to adjourn.

“She (Dunning) continues to perpetuate behavior that hinders the Senate from functioning efficiently,” states the petition filed by Scott. “Her disruptive conduct instigates an infighting that leads to dissension within the board and her actions make for a toxic and severely unproductive environment.”

Scott agreed that Dunning had expressed concern that the

american river

current Editor-in-Chief Jordan Schauberger Managing Editor Matthew Nober t News Editor Matthew Peirson Opinion Editor Johnnie Heard Sports Editor Mack Er vin III Arts and Culture Editor Shiavon Chatman Scene Editor Justina Sharp File Photo

The petition to remove Director of Communications Tamara Dunning was rescinded Thursday.

action being taken would constitute a Brown Act violation; however, the action Dunning referenced was not actually being discussed.

“It was made clear on multiple occasions that this was a misconception, that there was no action being taken,” Scott said. “Despite this explanation, Dunning became increasingly combative ... to the point of blatant unprofessionalism … and pointedly disrespected President Hylton.”

According to the petition, Dunning said, while exiting the meeting, “You [all] aren’t at quorum, which means this meeting is forcefully adjourned.”

However, in an audio recording that the Current took of the meeting, Dunning’s only exiting statement was, “This is not the first time this issue has happened (and) you now have no quorum.”

After the meeting, Dunning said that her intentions were not to forcibly end the meeting, but that she did not want to be present for potential violations.

ASBNOTEBOOK

By Robert Hansen w1090476@apps.losrios.edu Club Day will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the theme “Love Through the Ages,” according to CAEB President Justin Nicholson.

Each club will will chose to represent people in love across different time periods.

Several games are in the works for the semester’s first Club Day. There will be a Cupid’s Arrow game and a Pin the Kiss on the Donkey game with chocolate candy given as prizes. Another idea is an Aphrodite fortune telling booth where Aphrodite herself will give you a glimpse of for romantic future, according to Nicholson.

“We just want it to be really fun,” said Nicholson The Medieval Battle Club will

“I will never knowingly be a part of Brown Act violations,” Dunning said. “The legislature clearly states that we cannot talk about possible action if we do not notify the public correctly and (Student Senate President David Hylton) didn’t.”

Clubs and Events Board President Justin Nicholson pointed out that the inability of certain board members to work together is the main cause of the board’s lack of productivity.

After the meeting, Nicholson agreed with other board members that Dunning acted “unprofessionally,” but said that there is validity to the issue she was bringing up.

“Though Tami was rather exuberant and unprofessional, her issues are valid and we must meet her halfway and recognize that,” Nicholson said. “We, as an organization, are held to a high level of conduct and if we were going to break Brown Act and violate it in some way we need to deal with that.”

Dunning hopes that other

members of the board will communicate with her more to clarify any misunderstandings.

“Not one of them, not one of other board members has come to me, reached out to me,” Dunning said. “So that I can show them that I am only trying to follow procedure and not trying to make meetings less productive.”

Scott declined further comment at that time “since the board is now moving past the issue,” Scott said.

The petition called for a judiciary committee to meet and deliberate on potential suspension or removal of Dunning, which is lawful under the Associated Student Body bylaws.

However, the ASB Constitution states that removal of an officer can only be possible through a recall election, and, in the instance that the ASB constitution and bylaws conflict, the constitution takes precedence.

Multimedia Editor Joe Padilla Copy Editors Hannah Darden Tyler M. Jackson Staff Itzin Alpizar Timon Barkley Bailey Carpenter Ashley Davis Kyle Elsasser Trevor Haynes Rober t Hansen Nicole Kesler Timothy Lipuma Tracy Mapes Allante Morris Sharriyona Platt Adviser Walter Hammer wold Photo Adviser Jill Wagner

BOARDS PLAN FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

offer a contests matching famous lovers from famous medieval time periods and also match famous romantic quotes from historic romantics.

The idea was presented by Club organizer Makayla Harley.

“It’s going to happen,” said Nicholson, “I really like that idea.

Director of Finance James Cortright is in favor of a Valentines theme for Club Day in hopes that it will improve on last year’s turnout.

“I think it’s a very simple way to get people involved,” Cortright said.

Beaver week is being planned with with some possibly exciting activities such as bull riding and hamster ball soccer with the aim to raise participation in this semester’s school election.

“It’s a chance for us to connect (with students),” said Advisor Juan Miguel Blanco.

March in March preliminary budget cost was presented by senate member Justin Nicholson totaling roughly $7800, well under the $12,000 allocated for event.

March in March now may be cancelled due to licensing and liability issues regarding ARC’s participation in the march according to Jeremy Diefenbacher.

“It’s a permit we need to go to the march,” said Diefenbacher.

ARC students still will likely still be able to participate in the March.

“We’ll be able to do it ourselves (if we do not get the permit),” said Nicholson.

A bill has been proposed which allows the Student Senate to allocate up to $300 for training and consulting from Lorenzo Cuesta in parliamentary procedure for the spring semester.

This bill states ASB Student

Senate is in urgent need of ongoing consulting in parliamentary procedure to maximize the chances of success and even its existence.

Lorenzo Cuesta is a professional registered parliamentarian accredited for doing work at Sacramento City College, according to Blanco and Dunning.

Lorenzo gives Senate President David Hylton II advice on following parli-pro and Brown Act, according to Blanco.

Talks involving an app for students, called Grad Guru, also took place.

The app was suggested by Blanco.

“It basically bundles all your (school) information on your phone,” said Blanco, “It’s a great app to have.”

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

February 3, 2016

Page 3

Al-Jayab: Student pleads not guilty CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

he wasn’t ever friendly - he just seemed different,” Chaffin said. “It was really mindblowing, (because) he was quiet but didn’t seem scary.”

Paul Bracco, English As A Second Language professor, expressed worry about people passing judgement on the situation solely based on the recent media coverage of Muslims. “(People) shouldn’t assume anything about his arrest and charges,” Bracco said.

“Immigrants often get a bad rap just because they’re different.”

According to court documents that were anonymously posted online, Al-Jayab was arrested for providing materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations in a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States, an offense involving international terrorism.

Al-Jayab was born in Iraq and emigrated from Syria to the United States in 2012, where records establish him as a resident from October 2012 to November 2013 and again from January 2014 to present, according to an FBI affidavit. He currently maintains refugee status.

Al-Jayab visited Turkey from 2013 to 2014 and, in an interview with federal officials, claimed that his purpose for the trip was to see his grandmother and visit. The interview occurred on Oct. 6, 2014.

individual whose identity has not been released. “I’ll go back to Turkey and enter smuggled to Syria.”

In conversation with another individual, who was believed to be residing in Syria at the time, Al-Jayab said, “I’ll go the American Embassy in Turkey. … I’ll tell him my grandmother is sick in Turkey and I wanted to be with her.”

In a statement released by the United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner of the Eastern District of California confirmed that Al-Jayab traveled to Syria to fight, however, there was no indication of a planned attack on the United States.

“According to the allegations in the complaint, the defendant traveled to Syria to take up arms with terrorist organizations and concealed that conduct from immigration authorities,” Wagner said. “While he represented a potential safety threat, Screencapture from Al-Jayab’s Facebook profile there is no indication that he planned any Al-Jayab attended American River College during the fall 2015 semester before being arrested, acts of terrorism in this country.” on Jan. 7, for lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Al-Jayab’s attorney, Ben Galloway of the In social media communications, Al-Jay- his real destination was Syria to do “work.” public defender’s office, did not immedi“I want to go back. God is my witness,” ately return requests for comment. ab expressed to family members and associates that Turkey was a transit point, and Al-Jayab said in communications with an

ARC awards staff for continued success

By Trevor Haynes trevorkhaynes@hotmail.com A gathering of American River College staff filled the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) conference room Thursday for an award ceremony celebrating excellence on campus.

Among those present were Faryal Said, recipient of the Classified Senate Employee of the Year Award, and Heidi Fuller Bennett, recipient of the ITAP Teaching Award.

The award ceremony began with an introduction by Christina Wagner, who thanked everyone for coming and introduced the award winners.

Gloria Nobles, the recipient of the ARC Patrons Chair Faculty Award and Hono-

rarium, and Kristina Casper-Denman, the recipient of the ARC Diversity and Equity award, were both unable to attend.

Faryal Said, a student personnel assistant at ARC, was the first recipient to be introduced.

As an immigrant from Somalia, Said has had no shortage of challenges since arriving in California.

When discussing those challenges, she mentioned learning English as the greatest of them all.

“Just imagine [going to Somalia], and not knowing anything about the language or the people,” Said said, adding that language is “the key.”

Said attributed her success to her ability to communicate with and engage others, citing it as her strongest quality.

Derek Booth, the dean of Computer Information Science, introduced Bennett, the second award winner.

Booth expressed admiration for Bennett’s boundless energy and made note of one of her defining characteristics -- her ability to go through wholesale changes every semester for the sake of creating a continually better learning environment.

Bennett, who has been an employee of ARC for 26 years, has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the staff and students.

Booth added that he regularly received emails and had students approach him solely to praise Bennett, and even said that having her around energized him.

“The most difficult part for me has been to dial it back,” Bennett said.

Smoking ban affects campus life ARC STUDENTS HAVE EXPRESSED DIFFERING RESPONSES TO BAN

By Hannah Darden and Shiavon Chatman hannah.k.darden@gmail.com schatman916@gmail.com American River College’s new smoking ban is affecting all students and faculty, but even amongst the complaints, those who must now leave campus for their smoke breaks are not too upset with the change.

ARC’s smoking ban, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, prohibits the use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaporizers on the campus and makes ARC the first college in the Los Rios District to implement a smoking ban.

With the school transitioning quickly from a campus with very little smoking limitations to being completely smoke-free, there have been some expected com-

plaints.

Kelly Langen, a first-semester ARC student, called the ban “mildly annoying” because of a lack of ashtrays and garbage cans near the bus stop on College Oak Drive right in front of campus, where she goes for her smoke breaks.

“I’m being forced to litter. I don’t want to throw my butts on the ground but I don’t want to carry them around in my pocket either,” Langen said. “Lots of trash cans on campus still have ashtrays, they should move one near the bus stop.”

However, Langen was glad to see vaporizers being banned as well as cigarettes and recognized that bans on smoking are starting to becoming commonplace.

“Vaping is obnoxious. They blow huge clouds of smoke at you,” Langen said. “Besides, smoking is banned in a lot of plac-

es. This isn’t that different.”

Tristen Reynolds, a psychology major at ARC, attributed the ban to helping her cut back on smoking.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Reynolds said. “It cuts chain smoking. I smoke less cigarettes. It benefits me.”

Several students, including Reynolds, have voiced complaints about the weather, as a rainy spring season approaches.

“When it rains and you take a smoke break, you end up soaked,” said Reynolds.

The new smoking ban not only only affects smokers, but also non smokers, like business administration major Drake Oill, who thought that now, “the campus smells a lot better.”

Previously the administrator of a high school before joining ARC’s staff, she said that adjusting to “just being in the classroom” was difficult.

“They couldn’t contain me,” she added.

“I ended up starting a lot of different programs.”

One of those programs would later become the ARC Advantage Program, for first-time students.

The program, which is oriented towards first-time college students or students returning after an extended absence, introduces them to essential college skills such as study habits and building up a support network and counts as two units upon complete of enrollment.

we want you.

ARC students: Use the hashtag #arcurrent or tag @ARCurrent on your Instagram photos of student life. At the end of the semester, we’ll pick our favorites and publish them on the back page of our print edition.

February 3, 2016

Page 4

Sports

Track aims for six peat

By Mack Ervin III w1562393@apps.losrios. edu American River College men’s track and field team is looking to continue its success on the field by seeking its sixth straight Big 8 conference championship.

Head Coach Rick Anderson said that the team’s ultimate goal for this season is to bring home a treble of championships by winning conference, NorCal and State championships.

“We won it (the NorCal championships) four times in a row and then we took second last year,” Anderson said. “We scored the second most points we’ve ever scored last year and still came second.”

ARC last won the state championship in 2011.

“I’m not saying that it’s impossible to beat us, because someone can,” Anderson said. “But it’s really hard to beat us in the conference because we have so many distance guys who are gonna score points,” Freshman runner Ross Walker stressed the importance of team bonding.

“I think it’s still really important to work together and to keep motivating each other at practices and racing,” Walker said.

“Track might be more focused on individual racing but it’s still good to have a strong connection with everyone, so we can all help each other.”

New throwing coach, Mike Curry, founded and was the head coach of the Golden State Throwers, a company for high school throwers in the Northern California area. He is also a member of the coaching staff for Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown Trafton.

“We’re on a three year plan,” said Curry about the state of the team’s throwers. “We’ll work with the athletes we have here right now and in three years we should have a really good program.”

The team begins its quest for its sixth straight Big 8 conference win at the MPC Open in Monterey on Feb. 20.

Photo by Tyler Jackson / Staff

ARC’s women’s softball team is recognized for the team’s various achievements, during the ARC athletics season preview on Jan. 22.

Where the points matter IN A FIRST-TIME EVENT, AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE’S ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT HELD A SEASON PREVIEW RALLY CELEBRATING ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AMERICAN RIVER STUDENT ATHLETES.

By Matthew Peirson matthewpeirson@gmail.com American River College’s Athletics Department held a season preview rally Friday spotlighting the 2015 season for fall sports teams and previewing the spring sports season.

The rally included recognition of academic achievements for all student athletes who achieved a 3.0 GPA or better during the fall 2015 semester, as well as individual and team athletic honors.

Many coaches and players who attended said they enjoyed the first-time event.

“It’s a great function to get our student athletes together,” said women’s basketball head coach J.R. Matsunami. “It’s really important we recognize them as students first.”

Head baseball coach Doug Jumelet added that a similar idea would be good in the future and thought the event went smooth for a first attempt.

“It’s good to bring students together,” Jumelet said. “Sometimes they get so wrapped up in their own season, they don’t get to

know each other.”

Michael Hatfield, a shortstop and outfielder for the baseball team, thought the event was nice in unifying the athletes of different teams together.

“It was good to get to know the teams, see everyone’s success,” Hatfield said. “On and off the court, field, pool, whatever.”

Fall sports teams were recognized one by one for athletic achievements, listing off individuals who made all-conference, NorCal, and state level teams.

The men’s cross-country team, which won the 2015 state championship, came down from the bleachers for standout recognition.

The team then unveiled its championship banner in front of fellow ARC athletes.

“It was cool,” said cross-country runner Ross Walker. “It was great getting a lot of recognition.”

Walker added that he feels ARC has a good balance of focusing on academics and athletics, whereas some schools can excel at one but struggle with the other.

At least one athlete from every team was recognized for having a 3.0 GPA or above

during the fall semester, and 10 were brought down from the bleachers and received medals from their coaches for achieving a 4.0 GPA during the fall.

“It definitely shows that coaches are emphasizing grades,” said men’s cross-country head coach Rick Anderson. “Hopefully those that weren’t up there say, ‘That’s the group I want to be in next year.’ ” Spring teams were listed with short previews of expectations they have for the season.

Hatfield said he believes the baseball team can take the next step this season after falling just short of the playoffs in 2015.

“I think we have a lot of guys with college experience that can help bring us together,” Hatfield said. “We can definitely win the Big 8 (Conference) if we continue to strive and play as a team.”

Cody Duong, a member of the men’s tennis team, said the team “has a lot of depth” and that he was excited for the season.

A moment of silence was held for Hector Zavala, who played for the men’s soccer team and died on Jan. 8.

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Sports

February 3, 2016

Page 5

Poor pitching plagues ARC in loss

By Matthew Peirson matthewperison@gmail.com An 11th-inning RBI double

by West Valley College second baseman Mike Svozil was the ultimate down for American River College’s 12-11 loss in an up and down game Saturday.

ARC was led by shortstop Jared Biggs, second baseman Robert Contreras, and first baseman Kirby Broadbent, who each had two RBIs in the loss.

Right fielder Cade Parker had an RBI, scored three runs, and went 3 for 5 on the day.

It was the inconsistency of the pitching, however, that has been ARC’s weak point through the first two games.

Pitching coach Preston Vancil was not happy with the performance of the guys on the mound.

“It’s not like we’re getting assaulted,” Vancil said. “We’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Vancil added, “I’m sure some of it is early season nerves… I still very much anticipated that we’d be better than this.”

Vancil said “walks and hit batters” were the biggest reasons for the early-season struggles of the pitching.

ARC allowed an astonishing 11 walks from its five pitchers in the game, with starter Andrew Wiesenfarth responsible for 6 of them.

Wiesenfarth also hit a batter, while reliever Ian Codina hit

three over the course of his outing.

“They (the pitching rotation) are far too talented to be walking this many people,” Vancil said.

Tommy Balmain, who came in to relieve Wiesenfarth, went three innings and allowed 3 runs (1 unearned) on 2 hits with 2 strikeouts, but walked 3.

“You score 11 runs, you’re going to win the game,” Balmain said. “But when you walk that many guys, hit that many guys, you’re going to lose, it’s pretty simple.”

Balmain said they key for the pitching staff going forward was to get first-pitch strikes.

“It’s just one adjustment. It’s a minor change in the release point,” Balmain said. “(It’s) a routine in your delivery. If you’re all over the place, every pitch is going to be different every time.”

Though offense has put up 17 runs through two games, it doesn’t have a win to show for it.

“Obviously it’s a little bit disappointing but we know what our Photo by Joe Padilla / Staff pitchers are capable of doing and American River College’s pitching coach Preston Vancil talks with pitcher Andrew Wiesenfarth in the second inning I think they’ll start executing as of their game against West Valley College on Saturday. Pitching struggles were a big reason of ARC’s 12-11 loss. the season goes on,” said second baseman Biggs. tin Jordan agreed that the losses coach Doug Jumelet) always has day vs. Shasta College.

Biggs added that “pitch selec“I asked the umpire if I was tion” was the number one reason have been disappointing, but that a saying ‘They’re a teammate the team can’t think with that before they’re a friend,’ but obvisafe, and he said ‘yeah, you’re the offense has looked so good in mentality if it wants to be suc- ously we’re friends.” safe,’ and I just thought ‘then I’m the early going.

Jordan injured his hamstring good,’ “ Jordan said, despite being “Get a good pitch to hit,” Biggs cessful.

“We have a lot of leaders on this stealing second base in the eighth injured on the play.. said. “Always get the next guy up. team,” Jordan said.

“They keep us inning and was removed from the Dating back to the 2014 seaAs long as you make the defense thinking about the next thing.” game, but said he should be ready son, ARC has now lost six in a row work, you should find success.”

Sophomore center fielder JusAdded Jordan: “Coach (head for the team’s next game Thurs- to West Valley.

SPORTSUPDATES

Photo by Kyle Elsasser / Staff

ARC guard Marcelas Perry drives by an opposing defender during a game against Sierra.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The team lost to Santa Rosa Junior College 93-71 on Friday, dropping the team to 1-7 in Big 8 Conference play and 5-15 overall in the 2015-16 season. The team lost five in a row prior to hosting Diablo Valley College on Tuesday. The results were not available as of press time.

Guard Haleigh Filer scored 14 points and was the only ARC player in double figures in Friday’s 51-47 loss at Santa Rosa Junior College, the team’s third straight loss. ARC hosted Diablo Valley College on Tuesday, the results were not available as of press time.

MEN’S TENNIS

MEN’S GOLF

The team will look to win its fourth straight conference championship and sixth overall under head coach Bo Jabery-Madison with an away trip to Modesto on Saturday February 5th. The team finished with a 15-2 record before losing in the NorCal finals last season.

The season kicked off on Monday February 1st as the team traveled down to Palo Alto, California to compete in the Stanford Regional.

Results were not available as of press time.

Photo by Kyle Elsasser / Staff

American River College outfielder Justin Jordan tries to avoid a tag during a game against West Valley.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES 02/04 Baseball vs. Shasta 02:00 PM 02/05 Softball vs. West Valley 10:00 AM 02/05 Women’s Basketball vs. San Joaquin Delta 05:30 PM 02/05 Men’s Basketball vs. San Joaquin Delta 07:30 PM

Page 6

Feature

February 3, 2016

File Photo

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson

Hector Zavala was an avid soccer player, always fun-loving and full of life, according to head coach Paul Hansen. Hansen remembered Zavala as someone who exuded pasion with everything that he did and went out of his way to make a normal situation fun.

ARC athlete remembered

By Jordan Schauberger jschauberger94@gmail.com Beloved American River College men’s soccer player, Hector Zavala, who killed himself earlier this month, is remembered as smart, good looking, funny and charismatic by his family, friends, teammates and coaches.

Paul Hansen was Zavala’s head coach at ARC and had worked with him since he was 14 years old and a part of a local youth soccer team.

“He brought a lot of comedy to the team, he was one these guys making jokes,” Hansen recalled. “He was the kind of guy that you’ll always remember.”

Hansen described Zavala as a “very emotional person” who was fun to be around.

“Hector was sort of the happy-go-lucky and go have fun every moment kind of guy,” Hansen said. “He was the kind of guy, if say you went to go grab pizza, he’d try to make it more fun than just having pizza.”

Soccer was one of the most important parts of Zavala’s life and was a very passionate player on the field, according to Hansen.

At Zavala’s funeral, Hansen and the other members of the soccer team gave his mother one of his jerseys that was signed by all of his teammates.

Over 30 teammates, from all his different years of playing soccer, showed up at the reception and packed into the full church, according to Hansen.

Heather Watson, Zavala’s cousin, said that Hector was always a “guaranteed good time.”

“He could be pissing you off to your limit one minute, then have you laughing your hardest the next,” Watson said. “You truly couldn’t be sad around Hector, no matter what, he’d always put a smile on your face.”

Watson also said that she chooses to remember him through different things every day.

“Deceased or not, I still feel like I feel his spirit every time I say a sarcastic joke, or whenever I wear ridiculous unmatching clothes,” Watson said. “He was my first best friend and, forever, will be my favorite cousin.”

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson

Hector Zavala (left) and his cousin Heather Watson (right) sit togther when they were younger. Watson descrtibed Zavala as someone who was always a ‘guaranteed good time’ and would ‘put a smile on your face.’

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Arts&Culture

Review: ‘Anomalisa’ is beautifully charming

By Jordan Schauberger jschauberger94@gmail.com Director and writer Charlie Kaufman once again pushes the boundaries of filmmaking in his latest film “Anomalisa.”

“Anomalisa,” a stop-motion drama film, follows author Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis) as he travels to Cincinnati to promote his latest book, but along the way finds himself in a midlife-crisis-esque adventure to understand why he is unhappy with his life.

Everyone that Stone encounters has the same face and voice (Tom Noonan), representing the emptiness that he finds in his relationships and interactions with other people.

Even after meeting up with an old flame, Stone cannot find the pleasure or happiness that he had experienced earlier in his life.

After drunkenly embarrassing himself in front of his old girlfriend, Stone returns to his hotel floor and hears a female voice that is different than everyone else’s.

He rushes to the room that the voice is coming from and finds Lisa (voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh), an insecure young woman.

Stone spends the night with her, and once again finds the happiness he had felt before; but, like his previous experiences, it slowly starts to fade.

The film, like much of Kaufman’s other work, is entirely unique and unlike anything cinema has presented this year.

The story is equal parts beautiful and sad, and it presents very realistic human emotions in an abstract way.

Stone struggles to find happiness and companionship in every corner of his life.

When it seems like Stone has found everything that he’s been searching for, he can’t get out of his own head.

Kaufman chronicles the bittersweet search for love and acceptance that humans are inevitably and constantly involved with.

As a film, “Anomalisa” is nearly perfect.

The use of stop-motion animation is a refreshing change from the overuse of 3D animation in most mainstream animated films. The film provides a clear reflection of the abstractness of the viewer’s mind.

The voice that Kaufman presents is singular in focus and doesn’t get lost in its own complexities, creating a structure that’s easy to follow.

There’s a clearly constructed flow of building sympathy for Stone, that turns into relatability and then to despair at the idea that he’s creating his own suffering and doesn’t even realize it.

Kaufman, once again, creates a film that expresses what everyone is thinking but never knew how to talk about.

Photo by Timon Barkley / Staff

American River College staff, students and community members attended the artist reception for Jack Ogden’s ‘Paint and Bristle.’

Kaneko: ‘Paint and Bristle’ kicks off the year CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“He’s a painter’s painter, meaning that other artists are big fans of his,” Samborski said.

“I think laypeople don’t necessarily get it, it looks much simpler than it is.”

Samborski said Ogden’s philosophy is that “you don’t paint the world, you form brushstrokes on a canvas that reference the world, and the viewer fills it in. He borders the real and the not real, so you get both realities.”

“It’s not about what you paint, it’s about how you paint,” Ogden added.

According to Samborski, one of Ogden’s biggest inspirations

is Philip Guston, famous abstract expressionist.

Guston, who famously depicted shoes in his paintings, greatly influenced Ogden’s piece “Soft Shoe” in particular, as well as his artwork in general.

“Jack works on art continuously. A good painting is never finished,” said Wood about Ogden’s artistic process.

The largest piece in the gallery, “Picture Plain,” has been a work in progress since the 1960s.

“It never came together,” Ogden said. “Just sat in the stacks.”

Ogden finished the piece last year.

Though Ogden is a man of few words, he did take a moment

during the reception to speak to the crowd about being an artist.

“Every painter is like a snail, you leave a trail,” Ogden said.

“It’s nice to be able to see your trail.”

As for Ogden’s advice to aspiring artists: “If you’re looking for something to do with your life, this is a pretty good life. Hang in there.”

The Kaneko Gallery has a full schedule ahead of them for the spring semester.

The Art-O-Matic, a refurbished cigarette machine that dispenses pieces of art, opened on Jan. 28.

The gallery will host “Selections from the Museum of Historical Makeovers,” with works

by Kathy Aoki, from Feb. 17 to March 9.

Following that exhibition will be Anthony Maki Gill’s “Explicit Material,” a multimedia ceramic show that will incorporate video and performance components.

For a very limited time, the Kaneko will host ARC’s Andy Warhol collection in support of their May 14 event, Forks and Corks.

The last show of the season will be a student art show, made up of the winning art from a student art competition, which will be judged by Natalie Nelson, director of the Pence Gallery in Davis.

Students flock to auditions for ‘The Tempest’

By Nicole Kesler nicolecheree03@gmail.com The American River College theater department began auditions for William Shakespeare’s The Tempest on Sunday.

Professor Tracy Martin Shearer is directing “The Tempest”, which follows Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who has been exiled to an island for the past 12 years with his daughter Miranda.

Through the use of magic, Prospero conjures up a tempest that strands his brother Antonio, who became the Duke of Milan after usurping Prospero, on the very same island.

The play is said to be one of the last works written exclusively by Shakespeare, with many believing Prospero’s character to be a reflection of Shakespeare himself.

Anyone was welcome to the open auditions, but all cast members will have to enroll in ARC’s theatre production class.

Those auditioning for roles in the play had to present a monologue and were also grouped together to interpret musical pieces from the play.

The production will have its music scored entirely by the cast members. Serena Holland, who has acted in “Skeleton Stories” and “Gumbo”, spoke on her interest in being a part of Professor Shearer’s production of “The Tempest. “(Tracy) was wanting to bring

Tyler M. Jackson/ Staff

Several American River College students flocked to auditions for the production of ‘The Tempest.’

together an ensemble cast with improv, musical instruments, and creating the show around that. That’s something I really like--I love organic shows,” said Holland.

Each character presents a particular tone that is expressed through sound, emotion, and movement. ARC students search for that connection with the characters they are auditioning for.

Matthew Johnston, who formerly acted in “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Three Musketeers,” said “every time you want to audition you always want to choose a piece that resembles a character that you want to go for.”

Johnston, who also attended UCLA, had the opportunity to work with Tim Robbins, American actor and UCLA alum, for a quarter.

“Robbins really opened up my eyes to so many different avenues of acting. He opened up my eyes to a one character world,” said Johnston.

Robert Breec, a second semester student at ARC, is auditioning for the role of Stephano; he shared his tips for choosing an effective monologue.

“I look to see if they were categorized as the same genre as Shakespeare. The character’s monologue that I picked matched the character I’m auditioning for. I tried to narrow it

down so I would get the part.”

In addition to the acting roles, positions were open for assistant director and student choreographer.

Raven Bailey Jones, auditioning as an actor and assistant director, shared her thoughts on why Shakespeare is still performed today. “Shakespeare is relevant because we are relevant. Shakespeare wrote about all different kinds of relationships, about history, about us.

We are what makes Shakespeare relevant.”

The Tempest will run from April 22nd through May 1st on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the evening, and on Sundays at 2 PM.

February 3, 2016

Scene

Page 9

Travel the world and study abroad AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE OFFERS CHANCE TO STUDY IN LONDON OR FLORENCE THIS SUMMER

By Allante Morris, Tracy Mapes and Joe Padilla allantemorrris123@gmail. com news1st@hotmail.com jppadilla12@gmail.com For any student who has wanted to travel, their chance is now as American River College’s study abroad program is traveling to London and Florence, Italy in the upcoming semesters.

The study abroad course is a branch of the larger program that’s run out of Sacramento City College, allowing each local college the opportunity to participate.

Professor Mark Stewart is coordinating the London trip, which will include Psychological Elements of British Life and Culture, a three unit course.

Professor Bill Wrightson is coordinating the Florence program, which will include Italian History and Culture, a four unit course.

“In all students will spend approximately 6,500 dollars which include the fee, travel, and miscellaneous”, Stewart said.

The program does accept a payment plan where students can pay in portions.

Students can also apply to the Gilman Scholarship, which is available to those studying abroad who receive a Pell Grant, and attend a two or four year col-

By Sharriyona Platt Sharriyonaplatt@gmail. com

Photo courtesy of Ashley Nanfria

The Colosseum in Rome is one of the many places that students visited while studying abroad last summer.

lege.

Some students also use financial aid and take out small loans to offset the cost.

When asked if the program was worth it, both Stewart and Wrightson said they don’t regret one penny spent studying abroad.

There are also two housing options, when you sign up for the program.

One is a homestay with a family, recommended if students want more of a cultural experience.

There is also an apartment op-

tion, which is similar to a dorm setting. Students are usually paired with one or two roommates from colleges around the globe.

ARC student Saleem Obeidat, who attended the Florence trip in summer 2015, had nothing but good things to say about the program.

“I gained so many cultural skills by being enrolled in the classes such as Hist 399 and Ital 300 that teach you how to speak the native language, and about the art and culture we have all seen in person that I got to expe-

rience,” Obeidat said.

Obeidat chose the apartment option with five roommates and spent his time in Florence going on hikes, exploring the city with friends he made and experiencing the freedom of living in another country.

“I won’t ever forget this lifetime experience and I plan to attend London this upcoming summer semester,” Obeidat recalled.

Studying abroad isn’t a class that you’re required to take - it’s something that changes you and broadens your perspective on life.

ENGLT 365: Intro to Gay, Lesbian, TAKETHISCLASS Bisexual and Transgender Lierature

By Bailey Carpenter goldenbaybee1@gmail.com A former student, and now professor, at American River College, Susan Howe, has created a safe haven for all LGBTQ students on campus, while giving them the opportunity to earn college credits.

After noticing that there wasn’t a place for LGBTQ students to be free to express themselves, Howe created the first ever LGBTQ Literature class offered at ARC. “Other colleges in our state and across the country teach LGBT studies,” Howe said. “So this is just a first step in trying to increase the number of classes we offer in LGBT studies.”

Susan Howe attended ARC and was interested in earning her degree in Psychology. She enjoyed reading case studies about diversity in everyday life.

Howe saw a connection between case studies and fictional characters in books she was reading, so she changed her major to English.

The class was approved in the fall and is transferable to CSU’s.

Fliers were made and put up in the fall to promote the class, and Howe also asked English professors to spread the word.

Enrollment was low at first, but on the first day of class, 23 students showed up to keep the class alive.

Howe plans to teach the class in upcoming years, but the class

ARC to celebrate Rosa Parks

Photo by Joe Padilla / Staff

English professor Susan Howe is the instructor for the first time course and plans to offer it every other year.

is only offered once every semester.

Nikkita Erickson, a fourth-year English major at ARC, decided to take this class because it seemed interesting to her.

She believes other students should take this class because “it’s an important issue and it gives a lot more exposure to students.”

The course covers different works of literature dating from 560 B.C. to present day.

The purpose of the course is to give students a brief history of the LGBTQ community and how it is expressed through literature.

She hopes that after the course is over, students will see a reflection of themselves through the

books, plays, and movies that are covered throughout the semester. “I really want them to know that there are books out there that they can relate to.”

The reason for the name change from LGBT to LGBTQ, is that Howe doesn’t want to exclude anyone.

“The reason I wanted the ‘q’ on there was because I think there are many more people out there who don’t identify strictly with gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual, but they identify with a more fluid non-gender binary specific way,” Howe expressed.

After meeting with different teachers from local school districts, the name for the course was finally changed.

The class has a very diverse

group of students which Howe is very proud of - she wants to create sort of an “umbrella” for individuals who identify with different terms.

Debbie Bruffett, an Anthropology and Communications major, expressed that “education is the key to breaking down stereotypes.”

Susan Howe hopes to continue to teach students about the LGBTQ community and the history of literature behind it all.

“You don’t have to be gay to be taking it,” said Reanne Acolsta, a Japanese major. “Even if you are straight, it’s just getting exposure to the community that’s been ignored for a very long time.”

The Center for Teaching and Learning at American River College is organizing a celebratory presentation on the life and legacy of Rosa Parks in celebration of African American history month and Rosa Parks Day. The celebration will take place Feb. 11 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Raef Hall 160.

This event will be facilitated by professors Camille Leonhardt and Abigail Feely, both from the ARC History Department, where they will showcase Rosa Parks’ role and influence in the Civil Rights Movement.

Leonhardt said that the celebration will shed light on the dedication that ultimately impacted a nation.

“We want to emphasize the importance of her commitment to equality and (her) courageous actions,” said Leonhardt. “Specifically her activism and background about the mobilization of the Civil Rights Movement.”

“Professor Feely and I are hoping to be joined by other presenters but do not have confirmation just yet on their participation,” Leonhardt said.

The presentation will be an informative way to strengthen and enhance students’ knowledge of the history behind Rosa Parks’ contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.

“We hope that ARC students will turn out to learn more about the woman whose actions ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a seminal event of the modern civil rights movement,” Feely said.

“We also hope that attendees will come away with a larger perspective on Parks’ lifelong dedication to activism and service to others,” Feely said. “We are looking forward to an exciting College Hour.”

Both professors are still in the process of developing their presentations.

This is a free event, and is one of the many events the Center for Teaching and Learning sponsors every Thursday during College Hour.

“The CTL is committed to strengthening and enhancing the learning and teaching experience of all staff, faculty and students,” Center for Teaching and Learning Director Amanda Corcoran said.

Staff Resource Center Assistant, Christina Wagner, said she hopes that the program has a good, and far-reaching influence here at ARC. “Maybe it’s a topic that’ll give people something interesting to talk about with their friends and family at dinner,” Wagner said.

“Or maybe it’ll be something that’ll set someone on a career path.

“Either way, College Hour is a great way for people to spend lunch each Thursday.”

February 3, 2016

Page 10

Scene

Photo by Timon Barkley / Staff

American River College students Anastasia Panfilova (left) and Mohammad Louayme (right) are both student workers for the Parrot and have transcribed some of the videos for Parrot Voices.

The Parrot gives a voice to ESL students

By Bailey Carpenter and Itzin Alpizar goldenbaybec1@gmail.com itzinalpizar@gmail.com At American River College, the English as a second language (ESL) department has created a place for all international students to tell their personal stories.

The Parrot is a newsletter written in collaboration with other ESL students and staff with the purpose of giving students tips for writing exercises The Parrot’s newest project, Parrot Voices, records and transcribes ESL students telling their personal stories about the experience of moving to the U.S. “Everyone has a story to tell,” said Paul Bracco, an ESL professor and faculty adviser to The Parrot.

Bracco was one of the founders of the newsletter that started around 2004, but the records online started in 2006.

Currently, working on The Parrot, with Bracco, are several students and adjunct ESL professor Brenda McTighe, who is in charge of Parrot Voices.

“The purpose of the project is not only to corral the students to tell their stories, which are very interesting, but also to be a location where teachers can also send students to do listening exercises and gram-

L

mar exercises - really just a resource for them,” said McTighe, “My interest in it is, first and foremost, who they are outside of the classroom… our students have so many great stories to tell. How can we get those out there?”

The participation in Parrot Voices is required by all students participating in ESL 40 and accounts for one third of the final grade in the class.

“Their [the students] involvement is usually an assignment, so they’re usually nervous about it,” McTighe said. “They’re telling it on camera and that’s nerve wracking as well, but when they see the finished project, I think they’re proud of it.”

McTighe, who was recruited by Bracco, thought the project was interesting and jumped on the opportunity to help out.

Bracco and McTighe think that this project provides important skills in the learning process of the ESL students, and gives a place for teachers to send their students “to do listening and grammar exercises.”

McTighe added that it also helps the student-workers at The Parrot to improve their English skills because they are the ones responsible for transcribing the videos.

“I believe this gives them confidence and a feeling of self-achievement,” Bracco said .

Snizhana Samiylenko, an ESL student from Ukraine, participated in the video process last semester.

CAMPUS PU SE World Music: “Culture is a big part of it, and [as a musician myself] I like seeing how the world relates to it.”

-KYLE TYSON Environmental Sciences

Samiylenko said that she finds The Parrot very helpful for students and she really enjoyed the experience of work on Parrot Voices.

“It’s interesting to see the stories of other classmates,” Samiylenko said.

Two student-workers, for both The Parrot and Parrot Voices, Anastasia Panfilova and Mohammad Louayme, meet twice a week to work on both projects.

Panfilova, who is from Russia and a second-semester student at The Parrot, was recruited by McTighe to work on the Parrot Voices.

She just finished ESL 310 and is now taking regular English classes and working on a degree in Science.

Panfilova works alongside Louayme, who is from Ahvaz, a city in the South of Iran.

He just finished ESL 310 and now is enrolled in ESL 320 and plans to major in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Panfilova and Louayme said that working on Parrot Voices is an easy but long process.

When they are ready, Panfilova and Louayme film the students. Then, they transcribe each video to English subtitles, and finally, they ask the students for their permission to post the videos up on YouTube.

Louayme said that the process isn’t that bad because the deadline for some proj-

Which class are you most excited for this semester and why?

English 300: “I really like my teacher, she’s very interesting and brings in other topics.

Baking 320: “Because I can tell the professor really cares. We just started, but you can tell.”

-ODALYS NAVA Undecided

-SUWELLY SOH Culinary Arts

ects are not the same than others, so they won’t print or release what they have at the same time.

Right now, they still have around 18 videos left to transcript from last fall.

Panfilova and Louayme clarified that they don’t enroll in any classes to work on The Parrot and that they are part-time employees who receive payment for their work.

They said that it is a great opportunity because part of the problem that ESL students have is finding somewhere to work in the U.S. because of the language barriers.

Panfilova and Louayme have not been recorded on any videos yet and they want everyone else to get involved in The Parrot, even non ESL students.

The future plans for Parrot Voices is to reach more people involved in the ARC community, such as professors, staff and other students in order to unify the community.

“We’d really like to get stories from staff who are from other countries and we hope to have a staff section on the website,” McTighe said.

The Parrot prints five to seven times each term and Parrot Voices videos can be found on the English as a second language section of the ARC website.

For more answers, go to ARCurrent.com

Intro To Welding: “I figured out I’m pretty good at it.”

-ROBERT MOLINA Welding

February 3, 2016

Opinion

CURRENTEDITORIAL

Page 11

DIVERSITY NEEDS TO TAKE CENTER STAGE

ARC ADMIN HAVE TAKEN EARLY STEPS TO ADDRESS DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS, BUT THAT’S NOT ENOUGH ANYMORE

By Current Staff

current@arc.losrios.edu In light of the recent nationwide push to increase student and faculty diversity on college campuses, it’s about time that American River College joins the conversation and addresses their own issues with diversity.

Often times, it is easy to live under the assumption that problems involving diversity were something that only our parents and grandparents dealt with and ignore the facts that are right in front of us.

According to a student equity report released in 2015, African American students at ARC haven’t had a success rate of greater than 55 percent since 2011, which is a staggering 16 percent below the success rate of the whole student body.

In comparison to the low success rate of African American students, the most recently re-

leased ARC staff demographics, self-reported by the college in 2009, have the faculty population at only six percent African American.

That’s only 88 African American faculty members out of the 1,491 total faculty members on campus. How can that be representative of a student population that sits at 19 percent African American?

On a campus of roughly 30,000, we have a case of a pie chart not matching a populace.

During his recent convocation speech to each school within the Los Rios Community College District, Chancellor Brian King stressed the fact that academic outcomes are not the same for all students.

King presented a graph showing that the 6-year overall completion of rate African American and Latino Los Rios students is only around 39 percent.

“It’s morally unacceptable to look at what we’re doing and

A quick glance at the list of recognized clubs on campus would show several that appear to welcome students of all backgrounds to an educational space, but further digging reveals that far fewer actually operate.

ARC and the Los Rios district need more faculty members like english professor Susan Howe, who has pioneered the first ever gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender literature course at ARC. Students have flocked to the course and several who are enrolled have expressed that different educational opportunities, like this one, are what foster diversity and breakdown the barriers that separate us.

Screencapture from ‘Fast Forward: Los Rios Convocation - 2016’ The problem is clear and now Los Rios Chancellor Brian King spoke on diversity at his recent convocation. that it’s been publicly recognized say that those outcomes are OK,” issue lies deeper than graphs on by administration, we won’t see it a power point. There has been a fading into the background until King said. it’s been addressed.

King and the Los Rios district continual lack of avenues for stuChancellor King and Los Rios as a whole should be applauded dents, who are regularly on cam- administration, the ball is now in for the recognition of the prob- pus, to find a safe haven or place your court. What are you going to lem that our schools face, but the to feel accepted. do with it?

some, a more preferred way of purchasing certain items, the door has opened for companies to sell the same textbooks for far lower prices while guaranteeing the consumers that they’re still getting a quality product.

In the early stages of online shopping, fear of getting either beat up packages, materials getting lost in the mail or getting ripped off by scammers was prevalent.

These issues still do exist to a degree, but now consumers have the ability to track packages step by step and buy the books from secure and well protected websites.

Shipping companies, as a result, now have more accountability on themselves, which greatly benefits the consumer.

All the options for purchasing

books at a store are also available online.

While purchasing online, buying a book new or used is always an option, as well as renting.

E-books can be rented for as long as the consumers want them and the price will only reflect the amount of time that the book is needed for.

Additionally, when students are ready to sell their books back, most websites will show you their buy-back price, making it easier to find out who will give the better deal.

Overall, book-buying is now in the hands of the buyer instead of the bookstores, with students having far more options to buy books at the cheapest price possible.

Buying textbooks online is the best option

By Matthew Nobert mdnob40@gmail.com The battle between getting your books at the campus bookstore or ordering through websites, for student’s money, happens at the start of every semester, but if students want to save a money and not get taken advantage of, online is the way to go.

When it comes to textbooks, many come into play, like making sure that you’re getting the best deal and what the resale value on it will be when it’s time to sell them back.

For several years, brick and mortar bookstores monopolized the book-buying scene for college students and could charge whatever amount they wanted.

Now that online shopping has become more common and, for

Photo by Timon Barkley / Staff

Purchasing books online is becoming a better option to the actual bookstore

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR ADMIN PROPERLY HANDLED TB CASE To the Editor: Your editorial, “The Silent Treatment,” indicated that tuberculosis can be spread by “just speaking” to a person with TB. We simply would like to take this opportunity to ensure the accuracy of information about TB. Exposure to a person with active disease must be close and prolonged for others to become infected with this germ.

With regard to the recent case at American River College (ARC), there was only one infectious person who was immediately isolated and treated and ARC officials followed appropriate testing protocols to protect all students and staff.

Furthermore, ARC administration did, in fact, directly contact those students and staff who were possibly exposed to the germ as soon as those students and staff were identified by Sacramento County Public Health.

Laura McCasland Communication and Media Officer Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services

POLITICAL CARTOON PARODY IS INACCURATE To the Editor: “Weaver, Jones, Hylton and Nicholson not only are incapable of differentiating between a fact

and an incorrect belief — they have no real interest in doing so.”

I’d say that’s a little presumptuous.

Did you ask us whether we had an interest in doing so? Oh, no, wait – I guess it wouldn’t make any difference if we are incapable of doing so, anyway.

Never mind that the must-see event was so inadequately advertised that only 40 students attended, as opposed to the over 100 (including me) who attended Duncan-Andrade because it was adequately enough advertised and announced at Student Senate meetings. And the Can We Ever Co-Exist Brave Space: Challenging and Deconstructing Religious Stereotypes. Me, again.

I can now claim my 15 minutes of fame because I have been (incorrectly) parodied in a political cartoon. So thank you for that.

Letters to the editor

Letters must be typed. Mail or deliver letters to 4700 College Oak Dr., Liberal Arts Room 120, Sacramento,California 95841 or go to

ARCurrent.com

That’s definitely going in the family scrapbook, emails, social media, probably my epitaph (hopefully not too soon).

I suggest that this Spring Semester 2016 we bring back the or at least a Holocaust speaker and this time advertise it at least as well as the UNITE speaker. We could also see whether any of you attend outside of your reporter role(s).

As I said, Trustee Weaver is not a social friend of mine in terms of extracurricular activities. I did look at his statements with a higher level of scrutiny because I did know him.

My understanding of Trustee Weaver’s original question to his journalism professor in private on his first day of class was just that – how to research to ascertain or support the correct facts on a politically sensitive issue. I don’t recall that he received any answer or assistance.

In some countries it is illegal to even discuss the Holocaust. My definition of anti-Semitism does not include asking this question.

Laurie Jones, ASB Student Senate Director of Legislative Affairs

Photo by Tracy Mapes / Staff

A woman holds up a sign reading ‘I have a dream,’ during the Martin Luther King March on Jan. 18. People from all around the community gathered to support the dream that King envisioned.

Marching for the Dream

Photo essay by Tracy Mapes news1st@hotmail.com

This year’s Martin Luther King march, through the streets of Sacramento, was rich in participation from the community, including several ARC student.

More than 2,000 people gathered at Sacramento City College, with some beginning from the Oak Park Community Center.

Rachel Damiano, student sage of the Center for Leadership and Development commented upon her second attendance of the Martin Luther King march.

“It was a very impactful experience,” Damiano said. “ My only suggestion is that more students get involved and she suggested that more students and clubs would get involved with the MLK march. … The student development team, clubs (and) UNITE, our community and diversity center, need to step in and get more involved with these events.”

Photo by Tracy Mapes / Staff

A hanging head of presidential candidate Donald Trump was one of the most striking images at the march.

Photo by Tracy Mapes / Staff

Several people of the Greater Sacramento area march, during the MLK march on Jan. 18.

Photo by Tracy Mapes / Staff

A man leads the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, a civil rights group, during the march.