Rampage
Fresno City College Volume CXX, Edition 7
December 1, 2010
OAB is Almost Ready
Azari Gives DSP&S More Space by
Aly diaz
Rampage Reporter
second-chance heroes that populate the FCC campus. Heroes may come in all shapes and sizes, and genders and are not all ex-felons, as some readers of the Rampage deduced from the first part of this series. They include single mothers and fathers, juggling family, work and their education, as well as the youngest of them all, the children themselves. Just as the Drug and Alcohol program here at FCC works to help ex-felons turn their lives around, the CalWorks program offers the same safety net for single parents or married couples. According to
After years of fighting for a more accessible location, Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) has been granted the entire front portion of the current administration building, with the exception of one office space which has been allocated to College Relations for an extra storage area. “S tu d en ts ar e h ap p y th at we’re moving,“ said Sam Alvarado, DSP&S Rehabilitation Counselor. “They’re very happy that we’re going into our own area.” Just weeks ago, about three quarters of the front portion of the current administration building was allocated to DSP&S while College Relations was supposed to get the remaining quarter. That decision had ignited accusations and discussions about how to better accommodate the services for students with disabilities. Cynthia Azari, president of Fresno City College, recently revisited her former decision to split the space between DSP&S and College Relations. She met with staff in the DSP&S and College Relations offices and listened to individual staff members, and changed her mind. Azari called a meeting with DSP&S on Nov. 18 and announced her final decision. This recent decision makes a huge difference for DSP&S. “I think it’s going to improve DSP&S’ functioning 300 percent,” said Janice Emerzian, Director of DSP&S. She explained that the additional space allows DSP&S to house most of their services under one roof. “It’s going to be like a one stop shop,” said Emerzian. “The students don’t have to be running back and forth, up and down stairs, back and forth, across the campus for services.” Emerzian explained that DSP&S currently has more students in wheelchairs than ever, so mobility is very important. There has also been an increase in the number of blind students who are attending FCC, making
See HEROES Page 4
See DSP& S Page 5
Photos By Abel Cortez
Some rooms are ready, but workers are putting finishing touches before spring classes begin.
Second Chance Heroes: Program Supports Training of Single Low-Income Parents by
Sammy ‘ Pro’ LoProto Rampage Reporter
By the time she was 20, Leah Edwards was already the mother of two young children. A few years later, she was divorced and had little education with which to sustain her family. She was despondent. She applied for and received welfare and other subsidies, but she quickly realized that public assistance left a lot of her basic needs uncovered and that if she wanted to maintain custody of her children, she had to do better. Edwards wanted security for her children. An education would
News:
ensure that. In 2004, she enrolled for classes at Fresno City College, bringing her goals closer and more attainable. For Erica Brown, 33 and a single mother of a 12-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son, the path to FCC and a life-saving education came after she hit rock bottom. She was addicted to methamphetamine and was of no use to herself or her young children. She was spiraling out of control and ended up inside the west Care rehabilitation facility. She had lost the respect of her young daughter and family and was desperate to change. Brown also applied into the welfare system and found that
that what she received just wasn’t enough. She needed to turn things around, and coming to FCC was her only viable option. Edwards and Brown enrolled at FCC under CalWorks, a program that provides temporary financial assistance and employment focused services to families with minor children whose incomes fall below the state’s maximum limits for their family size. Part of this program was a requirement that participants receive training in a trade and be eligible for employment. The two women have transformed their lives from the near catastrophes and are among the
Entertainment:
FCC Volunteers Debate Smoking Policy
Music to enjoy for the holidays
Sports:
Views:
Women’s Soccer Final Four
Pro Vs. Con: Are We Going too far for the Sake of Security?
See page 7
See page 10
See page 12
See page 16
Rampage
Campus Briefs 2. News . December 1, 2010
by
Tania Tran
Rampage Reporter
Forum Sheds Light on District Control Issues
Fresno City College held an open forum Nov. 17 that welcomed faculty, staff and students to discuss the financial situation of the school and district, and the organizational review of the district offices, food services and bookstore operations. Questions and concerns were asked to Dr. Robert Jensen, member of the College Brain Trust. One main concern brought to Dr. Jensen during the open forum was the amount of control the State Center Community College District has over the campus. The district makes decisions that most faculty and staff feel should be made from a source closer to the school, from deciding on how bookstore funds get distributed to the food provided to our cafes on campus. In an interview with the Rampage newspaper reporters, President Azari informed the Rampage that she is trying to get at least the food contract in control by the school rather than the district. “We have an agreement with Taher, but we don’t negotiate the contract. That’s negotiated by the chief financial officer in Reedley. Does that make sense? Absolutely not. Madera, Willow, Reedley, everywhere. And he’s only one person,” said President Azari. Bob Boyd of FCC’s Philosophy department voiced his concern with the lack of input the college seems to have when a district wide decision is made. “[The District] needs to include more input from the faculty and staff,” he said. The Chairman of
Fresno City College
the district offered to bring this matter up again another time to help find a resolution, but suggested FCC faculty and staff communicate more with the college representative to the district. Hopefully this forum will give the district an idea of the importance of school ran bookstores and food services by giving school more independence to make choices that will help the students such as a rent-a-text program with the bookstore to help with the high cost of textbooks, some healthier meal options, and will fix the communication problems between FCC and the State Center Community College District.
FCC Art Space Gallery Showcases Laura West’s Sculptures
From Nov. 8 through Dec. 9 the Fresno City College Art Space Gallery will showcase the work of FCC instructor and sculptor Laura West titled “Additive Memories.” Laura was born in Texas but grew up in southern Illinois, receiving her Bachelors in Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University and her Masters in Fine Arts from Idaho State University. She has taught at Montana State University and at the Johnson Atelier in Trenton, NJ. She is currently the head sculptor for FCC and has a studio in Madera. Laura has been professionally creating artwork for 20 years. Starting with casting metal, she has dabbled in everything from watercolors to carving stone. The gallery will be open Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00
a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. staying open until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 2. For more information contact gallery Curator Edward Lund at (559) 442-4600 ext. 8909.
around California.
the top 10 dirtiest cities in America, it is not surprising that Fresno-Madera, with our massive agricultural and dairy industry has taken the number three spot with Visalia-Porterville coming in fourth, Hanford-Corcoran taking fifth, and Modesto claiming the eighth spot on the list (www. forbes.com). For most Central Valley residents our quality of air is a major concern due to the high percentage of asthma cases in the Central Valley. Holding the most asthma cases in the state the Central Valley has 11 percent of the population affected by asthma. The question this issue prompts is how can we clean the state of our air. With the cash for clunkers program and the 62 percent reject vote on Proposition 23 to temporarily reduce emission, Central Valley residents show their want for cleaner air. With the rejection of Propositon 23 emission cuts are set to begin in 2012 and a carbon cap-and-trade program will be launched. Plans for the future show a reduction of greenhouse gases by 15 percent in eight years. If successful, these programs and emission cuts will pave the way for cleaner air in Fresno and
proposed a possible ban on smoking on campus. The Associated Student Government has held open forums, a smoking tour providing information to students in various classes and has taken polls to see where FCC students stand on a possible ban. To assure all sides, for the smoking ban, against the smoking ban, and students for a designated smoking area are heard. “I think it’s good that we have a debate open for us students to let our opinions be heard. It makes me, as a student, feel more involved with what is happening on campus,” said FCC student Meghan Pelej. “I don’t smoke but I wouldn’t say smoking has to be banned all over campus, I would like to see designated smoking areas to help contain second hand smoke, and litter from [cigarette] butts,”she said. Any student who wishes to participate in the debate is reminded that this is a time to get your voice and opinions heard, not to put down and attack the other side.
ASG Hosts Fresno, Debate on Ranked Third Smoking on America’s Policy to an overwhelmDirtiest Cities Due ing amount of complaints from non-smokers regardList ing the amount of second With California holding seven of hand smoke, the school has
Rampage About Us
The Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 programs and is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.
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Editors Managing Editor: Ramiro Gudino News Editor: Sydney Excinia Views Editor: Max Rosendahl Entertainment Editor: Laura Bradley Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson Photo Editor: Abel Cortez Online Editor: Max Rosendahl Business Manager: Leah Edwards Production Manager: Jessika Verduzco Copy Editor: Dylan Domingos Faculty Advisor: Dympna Ugwu-Oju
Laura Bradley Abel Cortez Aly Diaz Ramiro Gudino Angel Lopez Anthony Rodriguez Ashley Trembley Austin Verburg Dylan Domingos Gabriella Ramirez Kevin Rodriguez Dustin Rocha Kris Goka
Kyle Barrett Lyssette Trujillo Marcell Dilworth Max Rosendahl Melanie Cron Phillip Romar Quinn Robinson Sam Loproto Sebouh Simonian Sendy Garcia Sydney Excinia Tania Tran William Christensen Karina Ornelas
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Rampage
December 1, 2010 . News. 3
FCC Students to Debate Smoking Policy by
Austin Verburg
Rampage Reporter The Fresno City College Associated Student Government will hold its first of their debate on the proposed smoking ban in the student lounge today. Students will be arguing in favor of banning smoking on campus or keeping it legal. The debates today will give students a chance to voice their thoughts. Those who want smoking banned may present their arguments to their opposition, and vice versa. Three microphones will be set up in the back of the student lounge. The first is for those who are for banning smoking on campus, another for those who are against it, and the third for those who would rather see designated areas. Both plans for a smoking-free campus or designated areas have been modeled after other schools that succeeded in those rules. One of those schools is Foothills College as well as Fresno State University, both of which are designated-area schools. Another school modeled was San Jose City College, which successfully banned smoking on its campus. One idea for designated areas is the possibility of allowing smoking in the school parking lots.
ASG Senator Gabriel Cordova, who is an integral part of organizing the debates, feels there would need to be more designated areas other than the parking lot, due to issues that could arise if the parking lot was the only place students could smoke. “If we went to parking lot designated areas only, there would be a chance of crime rate going up. You’d also be looking at a chance of accidents, traffic congestion, and littering and loitering in the parking lots,” said Cordova. Risks of students getting hurt could increase due to fog during the winter seasons. However, if neither a smokingfree campus nor designated areas passes, the current rule will stay. The current rule, which is state law AB 846, is smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of an open building or window, which some students feel smokers do not always respect. According to ASG President Daniel Gai, there are some students who simply do not know the rule, while there are others who do not care. Designated areas would be a “potential fix” for students no longer breaking the state law, because the only place they would be allowed to smoke would also be in accordance with AB 846, said Gai.
ASG’s campaign to address the smoking issue started with informing students about the debates and the upcoming vote that will take place next semester during the ASG elections. ASG representatives put on a smoking tour which went from Nov. 8-10. This tour involved visiting various forum hall classes and informing the students about what is going to happen, concerning the debates and votes. One of ASG’s main goals with the smoking campaign has been to make sure students at FCC are
and financial dangers of smoking, as well as surveying students on what they’d prefer to happen with the smoking rule reformation. Along with the booth was a pile of cigarette butts, all of which once littered the FCC campus. Each one was picked up by ASG Senator Christian Shapasian, and was displayed to show students the trouble with cigarette butts littering the campus. FCC student Samantha Mehling, first year Veterinary Science major, is one student who feels that completely banning smok-
informed of it, said Cordova. The ASG wants to make sure that whatever is decided on was entirely the decision of the students, and part of that was making sure they took place in the debates. “Involvement in this debate for the students of Fresno City College was our main goal,” said Cordova. One way to further provide information about the debates was a booth set up on Nov. 17. The booth provided fliers that informed on the health Freshman George Prountchenko were put on display by
ing on campus could be a bad thing, due to it possibly hurting attendance. However, she feels positive about ASG reaching out to those who are not comfortable with smoking being allowed on campus. “I like that they’re trying to do something to make it more comfortable for the non-smokers,” Mehling said. Today’s debate will be the first of several. Others are planned to take place next semester before the final elections.
takes a long look at the
Photo By Kris Goka Cigarette Butts that
ASG on nov. 17
Photo By Kris Goka
Cantu Says He Would Support Smoking Ban on Campus A
Q A
Q
Q A
:By reducing some of the :What are your thoughts sections. For fall, we’ve cut on some of the issues on about 10 percent of courses, and campus such as smoking? we’ve also been looking at enrollment : I think smoking is going to patterns and using different enrollment become a bigger issue. I know strategies. ASG is looking into banning smoking on campus. I would support it. : If President Azari takes the position at Riverside : How do you feel about the College, what would this mean for progress of the OAB? FCC? : It’s great. We’ll have classes :I think it will be a loss but you there in the spring. It’s pretty know she wants to be closer to exciting. It’s been a very long time; her family and I understand that. you know the building was closed for over 30 years old. I think it enhances the environment on campus.”
A
Q A
:Can you describe a typical day as the Vice President of Instruction? :I attend a lot of meetings that have to do with the business of the college. I meet with a lot of individually throughout the day. Right now, the real focus is on accreditation and getting ready for it.
Q A
retire?
:What kind of legacy would you like to leave when you
:We’re all focused on helping students succeed.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Discusses Issues on Campus by
Q A
Max Rosendahl
Rampage Reporter
:What kinds of things do students come to you for? :I normally see students after they have gone to see the dean. They come to me normally for grade issues.
Q
:In an interview with the Rampage earlier this semester, Dr. Azari explained that we have more students than we are able to accommodate with 101.5 percent enrollment. How will we reduce the amount of people who enroll or accommodate those in need?
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Rampage
4 . News . December 1, 2010
DSP&S:
Current Administration Building
Continued from Page 1
the one stop shop concept very convenient for these students. For the DSP&S staff, it will be easier to communicate quickly with other staff members. Now counselors can walk across the hall to talk to the LD (Learning Disability) tester or inquire about alternate media for students. “All of these kinds of services that the counselor has to coordinate will be right in there,” said Emerzian. While DSP&S staff is thrilled about the increased allocation of space, some are questioning why the president assigned one room to College Relations and whether there wouldn’t be a better storage place for that office. “I’m glad with what we got, but I still believe that we needed the whole building,” said Sam Alvarado who said that at the meeting between President Azari and DSP&S on Nov. 18, he had tried to explain his discontent with the arrangement when the president had asked how the department felt about the new location arrangements. Alvarado said that he thought that the president wasn’t interested in listening. According to Alvarado, Azari cut him off while he was speaking. “I was a little upset about that,“ he said. The College Relations office will remain in its present location, on the bottom floor of the Student Services building across from the nurse‘s office. Regina Uribes, College Relations Specialist, said the College Relations department does not have any negative feelings about remaining in the same location. “We have no particular thoughts about being here or there,“ said Uribes. She noted that some in her office have a concern of visibility, that College Relations is currently tucked away and hard to find on campus. But as far as Uribes is concerned, she and other college relations specialists have only two main concerns on the topic of relocation: storage and easy
This diagram shows the
access to that storage. “We do need more storage space,“ said Uribes. “Right now the space we have in Admissions/Records is very small and hard to maneuver in; in fact I find it hazardous.” Uribes explained that college specialists travel to over 30 different high schools a year to present information to high school students about college. Their job demands them to lug stacks of presentation materials around regularly, and because of this, it is important that they have space to store their materials, and that they can haul the materials out of the office with as much ease of access that is possible. The new storage space in the administration building is an office nestled inside of what will be the primary DSP&S testing area. College specialists will walk through the testing area to store or retrieve their materials. “We have testing going on all day long,” states Emerzian about proctored testing. “When she [LD specialist] tests a student, she’s
layout of the current
determining their future, because their entire future in college and in work lies on the results of her assessment,” said Emerzian. “This assessment helps indicate what accommodations a student needs, not just for FCC, but for other levels of education, such as a future law school or medical school.” DSP&S is concerned that this arrangement may cause some disruption in the future. Uribes feels that the arrangement will be fine. When College Relations was located above the bookstore, their storage space was in a conference room occupied by three programs. There were times where Uribes and her colleagues could not access their materials because of confidential meetings. “I’m sure we will have adequate access to the storage room this time,” stated Uribes. “It appears open enough for us to pass through.” The Administration Building is also close to the parking lot, making it easier for College Relations Specialists to load up
Administration building and what space will be occupied by DSP&S.
their cars with materials. Emerzian said that if Azari had not revised her decision and granted DSP&S the front half of the current administration building, DSP&S would not have been able to place all counseling and learning disability services in the same space. Emerzian is unsure of where the counselors and adequate testing space would have been located. The department is currently holding meetings about where to place specific staff members for the best benefit of the students. “We would have been severely impacted,” said Emerzian. DSP&S has been informed that there is no money for retrofitting, but some design changes are necessary. The President has given her word, however, that upon DSP&S moving in, the building will be in top shape; rugs will be shampooed, floors will be cleaned, and the walls will be repainted. DSP&S will have clear signage on the outside of the building and on the inside.
When people walk into the building, they will immediately see a sign directing them toward the check-in desk. This will help DSP&S properly direct walk-ins to the services they are seeking. The DSP&S staff is elated and grateful for the president’s change-of-heart. “DSP&S has always followed the rules of all the committees that the proposal had to go through,” said Alvarado. Now, there is a feeling that it’s all worth it. The department will be stationed in an accessible and respectable area. DSP&S does not have a set move-in date at this time, but they are looking to be settled into their new location sometime in the spring semester. “Our students come first, and that’s why we’re here,” said Alvarado. “It’s not for our own personal need; it’s for our students and to make it comfortable for them to want to come and see us and to get the help and assistance.”
Student’s Claim Food Poisoning Questionable by
Dylan domingos
Rampage Reporter A claim by a Fresno City College student that she was poisoned by food from the Pacific Café does not seem to be holding up. The claim, made by Beverly Hubbard, has been challenged by both the manager of the café as well as a food inspector from the Fresno County Department of Public Health. Hubbard alleges that on Nov. 17, she purchased a chicken teriyaki bowl and became violently ill minutes after consuming it. Hubbard said that she instantly started to have stomach pains. “At first, I thought it was because I ate too fast, but about the time I was done eating, I felt like I was going to fall over,” she said. Hubbard told the Rampage that she had to rush to the bathroom where she was later found by a friend who was concerned because she did not return for
a long time. “My friend had to come and grab me, and she took me to the activities room,” Hubbard said. “I felt that I wasn’t very coherent, and my friends could tell I was getting worse, so the people in the office in the activities room called the nurse.” She spent some time in the nurse’s office, but the pain Hubbard felt in her stomach worsened, so the nurse called an ambulance to take her to the Hospital. Hubbard said that when she arrived at the hospital, she was given two shots of Morphine for the severe pain. “The pain was so bad that it felt like I was going do die,” said Hubbard. The doctor took numerous blood tests and a urine sample to decipher what the cause of her illness may be. “After the nurse came and got me, the doctor told me that it was related to food, and it was food poisoning,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard explained that she stayed in the hospital from 1:30 until 11:00 p.m. When the doctor discharged her, she left with three prescriptions: Vicodin for the pain, Benadryl for a breakout she had, and an antibiotic for the bacteria from the food she had ingested. Wayne Fox, a supervisor at the Fresno County Department of Public Health, confirmed that Hubbard had made a food-borne illness complaint on Nov. 19. “It is a subjective matter,” said Fox who explained that Hubbard’s illness is probably unrelated to the Pacific Cafe food. One explanation is the timing. “Food-borne illnesses usually have an onset of 12 to 36 hours,” Fox said. On Nov. 22, the department sent Gary Chugg, an inspector, to the café to investigate the situation. “All violations were pretty minor, and there was nothing to worry about,” said Fox. The
department had not received any other complaints from students on the FCC campus regarding food-borne illnesses. Before she made the complaint on Nov. 19, Hubbard said she had gone to the Pacific Café to speak to the manager, Tom Hagihara. She told Hagihara what had happened to her. “He didn’t seem like he understood me, so I told him if he didn’t want to talk to me, then I was going to call the health department. So I did,” said Hubbard. In explaining the situation, Hagihara told the Rampage that the chicken teriyaki is a very popular item and the café sells “100 to 150 bowls a day.” He said his eatery has not received a complaint about food poisoning in 16 years, and that FCC students eat various foods served at the café. Additionally, his own employees eat the food when on break. Hagihara acknowledged
that the food department contacted him and told him that it was a case of food-borne illness, but the department was unclear about the cause. Hubbard spoke with Gabriel Cordova of the Associated Student Government, about the incident. ASG will be meeting sometime next week about the two cafes on campus to ensure the wellness of the students, faculty, and staff. Business at the Pacific Café is still as brisk as ever, and the incident does not seem to have hurt Hagihara’s business at all. Although Hubbard showed proof to the Rampage that she was treated for a food-borne illness at the Community Regional Medical Center on Nov. 17, it is still uncertain that Pacific Café is really to blame. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through something like this,” said Hubbard. “I just want them [Pacific Café] to clean it up or leave.”
Rampage
December 1, 2010 . News. 5
FCC Support Club Focuses on Diversity by
Dylan Domingos Rampage Reporter
Have you ever felt like you did not belong to a specific group? Do you feel different from other people, because you have been bullied about your cultural background, your ethnicity, your religious beliefs, your political standing, or your sexual orientation? There is a place on Fresno City College’s campus that allows anyone to become part of its family. This place is known as the Diversity Club. But before it was the Diversity Club, it was known as the Unity Club. The Unity club died down as its number of members started to dwindle. Nancy GutierrezSauceda, Sociology instructor and co-advisor of the Diversity Club, told the Rampage that after the Unity Club ended it “was restarted by a handful of students and Human Services instructor, Susan Holford.” The club’s name was then changed to the Diversity Club around 2003. Although the club’s name says it all, the club does mainly focus on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community, and its supporters. Jerry Thurston, a Communications instructor and co-advisor of the Diversity Club, said, “The club is a support group designed to provide support and community for the FCC campus’ LGBT student population. The club functions to promote a message of tolerance of being different – that different does not equal weird, scary, or wrong.” The club’s mission statement, provided by Gutierrez-Sauceda, is as follows: “Advocate for across-the-board
equal rights and access for all human beings on campus and in the community. Create a network of support on campus for our GLBTQ community. Promote awareness, understanding and acceptance (not just tolerance) of the GLBTQ community by participating in political and Photo By Tania Tran social activities in the On Friday Nov. 12, 2010 Diversity club members end thier meeting with a lighthearted game of word association in room SC-211. community. Provide mental and emotional support for GLBTQ individuals The club has helped members rights for the LGBT community,” at FCC. such as Liz Cabrera, student at said Pacella. Make FCC a safe environment FCC and treasurer of the Diversity Not only does the club meet for GLBTQ individuals; club, by creating an atmosphere of once a week just for the feeling Promote communication, co- awareness that each member is not of being accepted, its members operation and unity between alone. “Before joining the club, I also work together to spread GLBTQ community/individuals wasn’t completely comfortable this acceptance and awareness and the heterosexual community/ with who I was,” said Cabrera, of equal rights and tolerance by individuals. “[But] the club has helped me ac- working with other communities, Have fun!” cept myself. It has helped me real- and volunteer at social events. Gutierrez-Sauceda and Thurston ize that it’s okay to be who I am.” “The club does a lot of service. allow the club’s members to decide Susie Hilton, a student at FCC We volunteer every year for Kids’ what the club’s main focus will be and member of the club, found Day, selling the Fresno Bee on the for each semester. “In the past, we that the club gives its members the streets of Fresno to raise money have had students who have been ability to stand up for themselves. for Valley Children’s Hospital,” very politically involved, whether “It is our responsibility to speak said Thurston; “We also volunteer it be through knocking on doors out and show that we are just each fall at the Fresno Reel Pride and phone banking for candidates people,” said Hilton. She joined Film Festival as ushers, clean-up and/or rights, [or] groups who the Diversity Club because she crew, etc. Further, we put on the want the club to be more of a social wanted to be more involved in annual FCC Pride Day Festival network” said Gutierrez-Sauceda. the LGBT community, and to “Be each spring, six years running.” Thurston told the Rampage that more proactive, and help pave the The FCC Pride Day Festival is the club is a very important place way for younger people.” where “The diversity of the LGBT for the students on the FCC camAnother club member, Katie community has been celebrated pus. “As an advisor, I see Diversity Pacella, discovered the club when and recognized with music, live as a great vehicle for students to her sister first started coming to performances, booths, poetry develop essential organizing, plan- FCC. The club has helped Pacella readings and stories,” said Pacella. ning, and follow-through skills,” to be more informed of the events Katie Pacella told the Rampage said Thurston, “Further, students taking place on and off campus. that the members of the Diversity create a community for them- “I’ve also learned how to be a Club have been part of such events selves – developing friendships, good activist in the community, as Meet in the Middle, a one-day romances, etc.” especially in the area of equal event where people from all over
the nation, as well as well known celebrities, met at Fresno’s City Hall to protest against the loss the LGBT community suffered when Proposition 8 passed. Although the semester is coming to an end, students and faculty still have a chance to come meet the members of the club and get a feel of what the Diversity Club is about. The meetings are held on Fridays in S.O. 110 at 2 p.m. The Diversity Club also invites anyone, and everyone to join them on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. in S.O. 104 for a movie screening of “8: The Mormon Proposition,” a documentary about the trials the LGBT community, and its supporters, have gone through, and continue to go through, to obtain equal rights. The movie is rated “R,” so it is asked that people look into the movie before coming to the actual event. The club will begin a new next semester around the second or third week from the scheduled starting state of classes. The club, as mentioned before, normally meets in S.O. 110, but may be scheduled to change. For more information contact the two advisors of the club to learn more. “I think this is a very important club to have on campus for several reasons. All students should feel a sense of belonging. All students should feel like there is a safe place for them, a place where they fit, a place where they can go and be themselves, make friends, have fun, find support, and interact with others who have similar interests. Research shows that when students are involved on their campus, essentially they have a place where they ‘fit,’ they are more likely to graduate,” said Gutierrez-Sauceda.
Work in Progress: A Rejuvenated Administration Building by Max Rosendahl Rampage Reporter
On Jan. 10, 2011, students and faculty members will occupy the west and south wings of the nationally historic Old Administration Building (OAB). “We are now completing the first phase [of the three phase plan],” said Brian Speece, Vice President of District Operations. The cost of the project thus far has cost an estimated $55 million; $14 million more than the estimated $41 million that the district thought was needed in the beginning. The total reconstruction cost will escalate to $65 million, when the project is completed. The original bond money for the project came from the taxpayers’ measure E bond. Measure E gave $161 million to the district, 25 million of which was used on the OAB. “We were able to leverage some of the bond money to get state money to help finish some of those projects like the applied technology remodeling, student services remodeling, this way it allows us to switch some or more of the bond money to the Old Administration Building
plus then we have to come up with some other local funds, foundation money and all that,” Speece said. “It’s pretty exciting. It’s been a very long time, I think it enhances the environment on campus,” said Tony Cantu, Vice President of Instruction. Although classes will be offered in the building this spring, construction of the north and the east wings are yet to be completed. “They’ll be doing indoor construction and it might be a little noisy, but nothing too bad,” said Speece Access to the building will not be as great as when it opens permanently. Students will be able to enter the building from all south entrances as well as an open walkway from northwest side that will be open. The courtyards, sidewalks, and fountain have been restored to look identical to the college’s original foundation, resembling Fresno Normal School when it first opened. The auditorium has been completely remodeled to appear the way it used to. It is the same kind of wood paneling and plaster surfaces. The seating has been updated
and it does not have as many seats with only 650 compared to the 1000 it used to have. “So if they walk in the auditorium, they’ll feel what it felt like from 1913 to 1970,” said Speece. All the classrooms have been updated with the latest technology, featuring all new Internet and data connections as well as screen projectors and audio equipment. Most rooms have Nov. 18, 2010 been updated with Workers smooth out the concrete floor of the OAB on Photo By Abel Cortez new ceilings. There are two historical classrooms in them have the original glass the building as well as on the back the north east side of the building because it has a wavy texture, of every chair in the auditorium. “The OAB has long stood that have all the original acoustics slightly different from the new with hard wood floors and hard flat multi pained windows we as a symbol of excellence in education in the Valley,” said plaster surfaces. The reality of currently occupy. “Again, the students will get a Tom Crow, SCCCD Chancellor. having these hard surfaces is that the acoustics will sound horrible feel for what the classrooms felt as it creates a loud echo through like and looked like back when it Information and frequently the room. As of now, the rooms was in use prior to the remodel,” asked questions regarding the OAB are available on do not have furniture, which is Speece said. Donations made to the OAB www.oabalegacyrenewed.com said to mute some of the echo. Some of the original windows have been recognized by a giant had to be replaced but most of donor plaque at the entrance to
6. News . December 1, 2010
Heroes:
Rampage
Care in 2008, Brown was flat broke and had no real work experience to speak of. She had no choice but to deeper than that, as the office that by the time she became a part go through the County Welfare rolls here at FCC has full time county of CalWorks, her two sons were which offered her a second chance staffers on site, feeding referrals already too old for the childcare on campus through the CalWorks into the system. They offer the center. Erica Brown’s two-year-old program. individuals a “CalWorks 101” son is on the waiting list to enter the It was a rough transition, as orientation, provide academic daycare. her first two semesters of the work counseling as well as personal, Anne Watts also says the relaexperience program were based off intensive mentoring to get the tionship with the county works campus at the Food Stamp program trainees through their programs. both ways, as some students are on Shields Avenue. “When I first “The goal here is to get them to go placed into jobs here on campus, came on board into the program, out into the work force in the short- to get them ready to re-enter the they gave me a choice est and least expensive way between a certificate of possible,” Watts said. The completion, to get back students are given every out in the work force as possible break, including quickly as possible, or a child care, transportation college degree,” she said. costs, as well as tuition and “I chose to go for my debook fees. “Once they comgree. I knew it would be plete their program, they are much tougher, but now issued a certificate of compleafter six semesters, I will tion and are then on to the graduate in May with my next level, going to work.” degree in Social Work.” Part of the CalWorks proBrown is one of the gram is providing neceslucky ones as the comsary tools and resources for pletion rate is considparents of young children ered low. “We would to increase chances of their like to see more students success. The FCC’s childcare finish the program, but center participates in this we are running at about program and provides care a 40 percent completion to children while their parrate,” Watts said. Her ents are taking classes. Last office prepares as many Wednesday, for instance, a as 2,000 educational large group of three-yearplans at the beginning old children were observed of the year, but only see on the quad lawn gathering about 800 or so comcolorful leaves for a holiplete the academic year. day table centerpiece. Ellen She also says that the Chernekoff, an employee at Photo By Ramiro Gudino most popular fields of Erica Brown, 33, will be graduating in may 2011. the center explained, “These study for CalWorks stuare the children of students, faculty real world. Once the students dents are in the child care or child and even private citizens, who are come off the welfare rolls and go development program. “It seems to in the child development program.” to work, the cost-benefit ratio is be the most popular, because these Ellen Cherenkoff said that chilreally worthwhile. This benefit has students have kids themselves,” dren, as young as two years old, actually saved the program a few she said. Other popular majors can be taken care of while their different times during the budget include Social Work, and the Drug parents, some of them participants cut mess, when CalWorks was on and Alcohol counseling programs. of the CalWorks program, go to the chopping block. “When our There were others, but some of work or school. “Believe it or not, graduates return to the work force the short term programs were cut there is a three-year waiting list for and are supporting themselves, it last semester, casualties of budget this coveted childcare center,” she pays it forward tenfold,” Watts said. cuts. These include the medical said. “That’s how much respect we Second-chance hero, Erica office personnel, medical assistant, get from the community.” Since the Brown, is currently a campus and the only remaining class, ofchild care center starts taking the employee and a CalWorks success fice assistant programs. This class children at age two, some mothers story. After completing a success- was designed for a quick way apply for a spot as soon as they know ful rehabilitation program for a back into the workforce. With the they are expecting to give their chilsubstance abuse problem at West economy the way it is, these jobs dren an edge. Leah Edwards said seem to get harder and harder to get. The pursuit of higher education seems to be the common thread of the applicants. Another second-chance hero on campus is Leah Edwards, an FCC alumna. Edwards, now 39, had thrown herself into her classes, determined to succeed. Edwards contemplated quitting many times, but realized that an education would lead to a better life, and then discovered a program that could help. Her case worker referred her over to Noe Salazar, advisor in the CalWorks program. “Salazar offered a great support system as well as encouraging me and keeping me on track,” she said. CalWorks provided Edwards with tuition, books, and other aid, including clothing for job interviews. “I also knew for a fact that by setting a positive example for my children, they too would benefit,” she said. Edwards and Brown were also fortunate to be able to receive help and counseling from Mark McNiff, in the EOPS and CARE programs. EOPS offered them
Continued from Page 1
both grants for books, tutoring and (SWSA). She also plans on pursuing additional incentives. The CARE a B.A. degree in Social Work, and program is an additional support hopes someday to be an Alcohol and system designed specifically for Drug counselor. single parents. They provided As an intern, Brown must find an gas cards, and other cash incen- employer off campus that has a contives that proved to be the edge nection to her degree. She is hopeful Edwards needed to get through to join the staff of either the Blue the really tough times, especially Sky Wellness Center or the Spirit of with two growing boys. Both Women rehabilitation centers. “As a Edwards and Brown credit these social worker or counselor, if I can two programs as the extra incen- help one person get sober, I will have tive needed to get over the top. paid it forward,” she said. Sobriety Edwards was originally a has paid its own dividends for both journalism major while attend- Brown and her long-time boyfriend, ing FCC, but it was not a degree as they have built their home in completion program at the time, Clovis from the ground up, and are and therefore did not meet the enjoying the American dream. CalWorks’ system requirements. The CARE program comes in Edwards then switched to a mighty handy, as Edwards will business major, and was offered attest. She said both her boys absoa job on campus as the busi- lutely love the Philly cheese steaks ness manager of the Rampage. from the FCC cafeteria. “It’s nice to Dympna Ugwu-Oju, one of know when you are slammed with Edward’s instructors at the time, homework and don’t have time to and adviser of the Rampage, the cook that your kids can still get a college newspaper, offered her good meal, thanks to the CARE food the position which Edward’s held card,” Edwards said. until two weeks ago. A driving force that propels these Edwards was able to continue dedicated women to succeed is the her employment on campus as a love of their children. Brown now student aide II, as she continued has the respect of her 12-year-old her pursuit of a B.A. in business daughter. “Right now, she looks from Fresno Pacific University. up to me. It took me a long time ”Today, I am only two classes to stop doing the things that emoaway from my dream, a Bachelor’s tionally scarred her,” she said. Degree in business,” she said. “I “Hopefully I have instilled in her will always cherish my time here at the value of a college education. FCC and with the Rampage.” Ed- I couldn’t have done any of this wards, who has accepted a job that without the amazing support of will allow her to continue working CalWorks, CARE, and the EOPS with students, feels truly blessed by programs. I am eternally grateful, her accomplishments. “I have no and apparently so is my daughter.” doubt that God helped me, so that I Edwards’ graduation from might help others,” she said. “Any Fresno Pacific University comes success I may have achieved is a di- in the spring, and she is looking rect reflection of the power of faith, forward to enjoying the fruits of and the amazing support system I her labor. Her older son is now received through the counselors and 20. He received a welding certifiteachers here at FCC.” cate from FCC and now lives in The students that excel in their Nevada. Edwards’ other son is 18 education are rewarded and cel- and a freshman in the criminology ebrated at the end of the academic department at Fresno State. Of her year with a huge dinner party at the sons she said, “I am very proud of Dean’s List reception. “Last year we both of them.” had 146 students represent our ofShe added, “It is the love for my fice, and we were definitely showing sons that drives me the hardest. I them some love,” Watts said. Some want more than anything to make of these were straight A students. them proud of me, and to see them Brown will be at the celebration next succeed in their own lives.” spring, as she has done for the last four semesters. Edwards made it four times as well, culminating in 2008, when she graduated with honors and her prize, an AA degree in business. Brown was chosen to enter the V.I.P. Internship program next spring, and is only one of 16 students chosen out of 80 who applied. Brown has also participated in the Federal Work study and currently serves as the treasurer on the newly formed Social Workers StuPhoto By Ramiro Gudino dent Association Anne Watts is proud of the CalWorks program.
Rampage
Faculty Profile:
A Moment with Tim Quinn by
Angel Lopez would have never gotten through
Rampage Reporter Tim Quinn, 68, has been an instructor in the Theatre Department at Fresno City College for 33 years. He has directed plays, taught abroad, and helped design the FCC theatre in the 1970s. Quinn was responsible for the design of both the costume shop and makeup areas. He also helped develop the utilization plan and was on the committee that hired the first theatre manager of the new building. This coming May will be his eight year as a retiree, but his love for teaching and warm attitude makes it difficult to let him go. Quinn was born raised in Marquette, Michigan in the 1940s and 1950s “In those days we listened to the radio,” said Quinn. Growing up in an Irish American family, he attended Catholic school with “real nuns” and grew up playing cowboys and Indians like many young boys. “In the winter we made snow forts and froze our arses off.” Quinn said. When he was 11 years old his family made a drastic change in their life by moving to Long Beach, CA. His younger brother, who is a professional dancer, was a major influence in his appreciation for the arts. “The first show I was in, ‘Hook Line and Sinker,’ I loved every aspect of theatre, without it I
admiration for the rehearsal process. “Seeing the play come off the page, so to speak, to be that audience of one chooses, what the paying audience is going to see truly keep me young… at heart anyway,” said Quinn. Debra Shapazian was a student of his in the 1970s and is now an instructor in the Theatre Arts department at FCC She was hired by Quinn in the spring of 1975 to be a student aide in the costume shop of the Old Administration Building. “The theatre students were actually afraid of Tim because he had a bit of an Irish temper, what they don’t know is that he is the kindest man in the whole world and wouldn’t hurt a fly,” says Shapazian. He is admired by many in the Theatre department and is always giving a hand and valuable advice to all. “He is the department’s favorite Dad! He has taught me to be patient and not take myself very seriously, and if you’re passionate about something then it is worth the fight,” said Debbie. Another admirer is Ms. Walker, who is currently a student of Quinn’s in Theatre Appreciation, said, “he is very old fashion and funny in his own ways; we are always reminded in his class that you should do what makes you feel happy.“ He also encourages those who doubt themselves aboutt pursuing a career in theatre “Go for it! It can be a most satisfying way of life, you may never make a lot of money, but you’ll be doing what you love and that’s what’s important.” Tim Quinn is currently teaching two classes a semester and hopes to stay for as long as he can while hoping to direct more productions; he has already directed four since he retired. He also had a few words about the current Theatre Art instructors at FCC “They’re a talented, creative and dedicated group of artists that have brought recognition to the Photo By Kris Goka program of late.”
university,” he said. There he attended CSU Long Beach where he accomplished one of his major goals in life and finished his MA degree in Theatre. That opened many opportunities. He began teaching when he was 26 at Colorado State College at Greeley, which is now the University of Northern Colorado. “It was long enough to realize I didn’t like the snow and cold weather,” said Quinn. He was informed of a new theatre and job offer at Fresno City College, “Warmer weather and closer to the family, it was a no brainer.” Of the plays he has directed, his most memorable are “How I learned to Drive,” “Streetcar Named Desire,” “All my Sons,” and “Sylvia”. But Tim enjoyed working with the playwright on new plays such as “People Become Real“ and “The Color Burse,” “They were challenging and great fun,” said Quinn. His favorite part of being a Theatre Arts instructor are his student actors. “There are many who are teachers now and are working in TV, the cinema and in the legitimate theatre,” said Quinn. He still stays in touch with many of them on Facebook and has worked on projects with others recently in the Reader’s Theatre presentation of “Medea,” which took place last Sunday afternoon as a fundraiser for the department. He also has great
Tim Quinn has taught drama for 33 years.
December 1, 2010 . News. 7
How To Ace Your Final Exams by
Dustin Rocha
Rampage Reporter If you are worried about passing your final exams, you’re not alone; thousands of college students every semester rack their brains and try and to figure out what it would take to get an A on there final exams. It’s actually easier than you think, but it requires patience and preparation. First you need to figure out if your final is Multiple Choice or Essay style because each requires a different approach; if your test is multiple choice, then as long as you are familiar with the information, chances are you will be pretty successful, but you definitely want to study to increase your chances especially if you are looking to ace the test. If your final is essay style, then you must have a much deeper understanding of the material, and you achieve this by quizzing yourself, joining a study group and even comparing the information to your life experiences to ensure that when you need to you can retrieve the knowledge. The first step is to study early because the more you familiarize yourself with the material, the better the chances are that you will retain the information. The second thing you must consider is time management. Give yourself proper time to prepare for your final because preparation is key. If you prepare ahead of time, you’ll save yourself the stress of cramming at the last minute and hoping that someone doesn’t distract you right before the test. Preparing ahead of time will also make you a nicer person to be around because chances are that if you’re cramming, you’re probably irritable and pressed for time. Laura Da Costa, instructor of
psychology at Fresno City College suggests, “Relax, take a deep breath and take your time; you’ll focus better if you don’t put added pressure on yourself by waiting to the last minute.” Also be realistic with your time. If you know that with the holidays are coming up that family is your priority, then make sure you put aside time to study beforehand and be ready to adjust to unexpected events because we all know life is full of those and we don’t want to be caught unprepared. It’s understandable that you may be busy during this time of the semester with school and maybe even a job, but being swamped is never an excuse. You enrolled in college for a reason, so studying should be a priority that you keep high on your list. Community college students should not waste anytime; study every chance you get especially during “crunch-time” (holiday break & finals week). Keep in mind that these grades will follow you beyond your college years, and one failing grade could come back to haunt you later in life. If you need help, there is a tutorial center on campus that is open five days a week: Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center has tutors in all subjects who are trained to get you in the right direction in whatever topic you have. Dalia Haitayan, a tutor in the tutorial center suggests that during finals time, “You shouldn’t get caught up going out, partying and shopping; keep your priorities in order and focus on school because you have the rest of your life to enjoy yourself outside of school.” For the procrastinators who wait until the last minute, drink lots of coffee and study your butt off. That’s all you can really do now.
FCC Student Wins Miss California Globe
Photo By Kris Goka
Frances Wilson, FCC student, won the Miss California Black Globe title on Saturday Nov. 6. The California black Globe Pageant was held at the M.L.K auditorium in San Diego. Contestants must be: single, natural born genetic female, aged 20-29, with or without children, and must be at least 25 percent black. Wilson graduated from Sunnyside High School in 2007 and is currently in her second semester at FCC. She will be finished with her degree in AfricanAmerican studies by Spring of 2012.
8 . Entertainment . December 1, 2010
Rampage
Music to Enjoy for the Holidays
by
Sammy “Pro” LoProto
Rampage Reporter
The Fresno City College music and dance departments celebrate the holiday season with a number of events, including a woodwind choir, a Jazz orchestra, an opera workshop, a dance recital as well as students’ voice and piano recitals. The programs, most of which are scheduled on campus, started from Nov. 17 and will run until Dec. 12. Starting the holiday entertainment on Nov. 17 is the last of four lecture/ recitals series on composer Schumann by music instructor, John Hord. Hord said the series commemorates Schumann in this 200th anniversary of his birth. On Nov. 19, the Woodwind choir delivered a vibrant perfor-
mance at the FCC Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Choir Director, Larry Honda, joked about the group, “Don’t expect singing; they are a choir of woodwinds. Hear them live.” The choir also performed a medley of music from composers such as Handel, Byrd, DeFalla, Gretry, and others. If vocals are more your style, then there is still time to get tickets for tonight’s concert by the FCC Jazz Singers, in the recital hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $6 for students and seniors. On Dec. 2, the FCC City Singers will work the KJWL Art Hop downtown at the KJWL studios, at 1415 Fulton St. There is no charge for the 5p.m. celebration.
At noon on Dec. 3, student recitals take place in the recital hall with the Chamber Music portion going first, and the student voice recitals later that evening at 7:30 p.m. Both performances are free. The chamber music performance will be repeated on Dec. 10 at noon. The City Dance Fall Workshop will showcase their talents on Dec 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 5 at 2p.m. This production of exciting dance works is choreographed by students and faculty and is directed under the graceful and watchful eye of Michele Ainza. Tickets are $12 for students and a group discount rate is available through the FCC Box office.
Later at 7 p.m., the Tower Theatre will host the traditional “Holiday Memories’ concert by the Fresno Community Concert band. Kick off your holiday season hits like “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, “Symphonic Prelude” on Adeste Fidelis by Claude T. Smith, and “T’was the Night before Christmas”, by Ken Darby. Joining the band will be the FCC City Singers, considered one of the premiere vocal groups in the Valley, under the direction of music instructor and alumna Julie Dana. Tickets are available at Murphy through Diane Esparza The FCC intermediate and advanced piano students give a
holiday piano recital in the recital hall at 7:30 on Dec. 6. For real traditional Jazz lovers, a must see is the Jazz Composers Orchestra performance, set in a genuine jazz club venue. The Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre will host this great night of jazz at one of Fresno’s favorite Tower District destinations. FCC’s Jazzmen, Larry Honda and Mike Dana, might turn it loose, you never know. Tickets are $15 for seniors and only $10 for students. The pace picks up a bit as the FCC Brass and Percussion Ensemble blasts out a holiday set on Dec 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the FCC Theatre. The String Ensemble plays a concert in the theatre as well at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9. The big FCC Concert band will perform their holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the college theatre. The Jazz Ensemble follows the next night on Dec. 9, also in the Theatre. Both concerts cost $8 and $6 for students. On Dec. 10, FCC’s Choral Department gives a Holiday Choral serenade at the Shrine of St. Therese Church on 855 E. Floradora Ave at 7:30 p.m. Mr . Marmalade, a play by Noah Haidle, will round out the final performance of the semester on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The play, directed by Janine Christi, is a child fantasy , yet with adult content, and will be performed on Dec. 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 5, and 11, the shows are set at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students; a group rate is available.
Sammy ‘Pro’ LoProto
performance as well as during the reception following each performance. Many people came to all of the events. They expressed gratitude for learning how to listen more thoroughly and for discovering that each of these composers
and poets experienced the same daily experiences as all humans.” Hord said he is particulary grateful to guest artist, Ksenia Nosikova, the renowned Russian pianist. The ensemble played Con-
cert 3, on Nov. 17, with a brilliant performance of Schumann’s Notturno in F Major, as well as Le Moine from Melodies, by Franz Liszt. Ms. Nosikova, who was trained at the Moscow Conser-
vatory of Music, also conducted a master class for pianists the previous evening. Nosikova had taken a brief respite from her teaching duties at the University of Iowa to perform here at FCC.
Fresno City College Concert Band, photo Cortesy of Filip Kern
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. John Hord...
by
Rampage Reporter
John Hord, Fresno City College music instructor, completed a fourpart concerto tribute to the life of Romantic period composer, Robert Schumann. The concerts started in September and ended on Nov. 21. Hord said he decided to focus on Schumann because of his musical heritage. “I studied piano with Dr. Bob L. Bennett, who had studied with Karl Friedber, among others, at the Julliard School in New York in the late 1940’s,” Hord said. Mr. Friedberg had studied with Clara Schumann (Robert’s wife) as well as Johannes Brahms in the 1890’s in Germany. “This lineage provided me with much understanding of how these composers wanted their works to be performed,” Hord added. The series on Schumann incorporated those who had an influence on Schumann as well as some of the people that he influenced. That group includes Clara Schumann (his wife and musical equal), Johannes Brahms,Johann Sebastian Bach, W. A. Mozart, Frederick Chopin, Franz Liszt, E. T. A. Hoffman, and Jean Paul. Hord said he was delighted with the result of this series of lecture/ recitals and master class. “We had a full house for each performance save one,” Hord said. “Each audience was enthusiastic during the
John Hord
Cortesy of Filip Kern
Q
Rampage
Accio Tickets!
&A
Brianne Roberts
Q: What inspired you to dress up? A: I am the biggest Harry Potter nerd ever. I love Harry Potter. It’s my favorite thing. Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: When I was little… It’s just a magical thing; it makes me believe that I am at Hogwarts. That it’s (Hogwarts) a real thing and there are actual wizards, and I am a muggle. Q: What movie has been your favorite so far? A: My favorite movie has been, I would say, the sixth (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) one. I really like the way that it was directed. I love that movie. Q: Do you think this new movie will top the others? A: Yes, I do. Plus, based on the previews alone, they look much more epic and better than any other ones. I’m really excited about it. Q: Have you ever considered going to Harry Potter World before? A: Oh yeah! I was going to go, but if I could have I would have gone to the opening, but I need to get some Butterbeer. I would actually love to get married there; it would be the best wedding ever.
Kahli Demanty & Kaylee Jensen
Q: What inspired you guys to dress up? A: We’re just big fans and we thought it would be fun to dress up. Q: What made you fall in love
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 1 by
Ramiro Gudino photos by
Dylan Domingos and Ashley Trembley Rampage Reporters
with the series? A: We really like the books before, and it’s really one of the only series where we think the movies are just as good as the books. A lot of times the movies will ruin it [the books], and Harry Potter stays true to the books. We really like the movies too. Q: What is your favorite movie so far? A: I [Demanty] like the Goblet of Fire the best. The Half-Blood Prince is really good too (said Jensen). Q: Do you think this new movie will top the others? A: I [Demanty] don’t know, the preview was really good. I’m expecting it to, but this book was really good, so I think it will. Q: Do you guys plan on going to Harry Potter World? A: Oh yeah, I [Demanty] am definitely scheduled to this summer.
Weasley twins. It says, “Team Gred and Feorge” based on the first book when it said, “We’re not stupid – we know we’re called Gred and Forge.” Q: So they are your favorite? A: They are my favorite, and Bellatrix [Lestrange] is my favorite. Q: Do you hope this one will top the others? A: I hope so. I was disappointed with the sixth one. I am hoping for more Bellatrix. Q: Do you come out every year for the premieres? A: This is my first midnight premiere. Q: Have you enjoyed yourself? A: Yeah! I came here really early… I’ve been a bad person really. I got here at 10 O’clock. Q: How did you buy your tickets? A: My brother, and my sister.
Allan Dombroski
Ben Cruz
Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: I kind of grew up with it, I was introduced to it when I was in fifth grade. Harry Potter was 11 and I was 11, and since the series came out we aged together. I just fell in love at a really early age. Q: Do you think this movie will top the other ones? A: I hope… It better, because they have progressively have been getting worse, so if it’s not better then I am going to be really upset. Q: Which one is your favorite in the series? A: I would probably say Prisoner of Azkaban. That one is a really good one. Q: How did you get your movie tickets? A: I bought them online three weeks ago. Q: How much were they? A: They charged a convenience fee, which I found really odd, but they were a total of $18.50 [for one ticket for the IMAX showing].
Kayci Harris
Brianne Roberts at the premiere
December 1, 2010 . Entertainment . 9
Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: When I was a kid, it had different elements t h a t made it seem intelligent, so I was really easily bored. I read books all the time, so this was the one series that actually got me so enthralled that I could reread it 20 times in a year and not care. Q: What inspired you to dress up? A: Because I am such a Weasley fan. I wore a shirt underneath that actually says a quote from the first book about the
Q: What inspired you to wear the mask? A: I like villains altogether and I think the villains in the Harry Potter series are just brilliant. Q: Which one is your favorite? A: All of the Death Eaters. Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: I grew up with it really. Q: Did you read the books before the movies? A: Yeah, because it was a random happening and I noticed there were more and more of them, and I just started going to the movies. Q: Which one has been your favorite so far? A: [Harry Potter and the] Order of the Phoenix, it was a good a good book. Q: Is this your first premiere? A: No, I’ve been to [Harry Potter and the] Half-Blood [Prince] and [Harry Potter and the] Order of the Phoenix. Q: Do you plan on coming to the next premiere? A: Oh yeah, but earlier obviously. We’re like one-hundredth in line. Q: What time did you come? A: I got here at 8 [p.m.].
Delores Brock
Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: When the first movie came out, I’ve never read the books. Q: You’ve never read the books? A: No Q: Which one is your favorite character? A: I like Hermione [Granger]. Q: What keeps you coming back? A: I’m in to the sci-fi stuff, vampires, witches, everything. Q: Which is your favorite movie? A: [Harry Potter and] the Goblet of Fire. Q: Is this your first premiere? A: For Harry Potter, yeah, but I have been to other premiers. Q: Do you think this will top the others? A: I believe so; it looks like there are more people here than I have seen on the news before. Q: What time did you get here? A: 8:30 [p.m.]. Q: Where did you get your tickets? A: I got them online from Fan-
Ben Cruz at the Edwards Premiere dango. I paid almost 18 dollars for each ticket.
money to go to, but one day.
Alice Domham
Q: What inspired you to dress up? A: I have no idea. Q: Is this your first premiere? A: No, the sixth one was. Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: It’s just so cool; it’s everything I wish this world was. Q: Do you think this one will top the others? A: I hope so. Q: Do you enjoy the madness that goes on before? A: Yeah. Q: Is he [Draco Malfoy] your favorite character? A: No, I like [ Professor Serverus] Snape the best. He’s pretty cool Q: But you like Slytherin? A: Yeah, Syltherin for sure. Q: Do you plan on going to Harry Potter World one of these days? A: Yeah, absolutely.
Q: What inspired you to paint your face? A: Because I didn’t have a costume. How unfortunate! I tried this year, it didn’t work out. Q: What made you come to the later showing? A: I couldn’t get into the 12 O’clock showing (followed by laughter). Q: What made you fall in love with the series? A: I fell in love with the series when I was 11. I had a crush on Harry Potter, no joke. I first saw the movie when I was 11, and I thought he was cute. So, I went for it and loved the series ever since. Q: So you have seen all the movies? A: Yep Q: Have you read any of the books? A: I’ve read all of the books, more than once. Several times, unfortunately. Q: Which one is your favorite? A: The first one. Q: Why was that one your favorite? A: Because it’s the book that started it all. It was the “shiznit” of all books. Q: So Harry Potter is your favorite character then? A: No, “Dumbleydore.” Dumbledore, sorry! Q: Is this the first time you’ve been to the premiere? A: No, I come to all of them. And I am always late, and I always have to see the 2:30 [a.m.] showing. I’m a very late person. Q: Do you enjoy the madness that goes on before? A: Yes, it’s fun. I’ve been to all of the Twighlight ones too. Q: Do you plan on going to Harry Potter World one of these days? A: I really, really want to. I’ve seen that, and I know I don’t have enough
Joel Risner
Alexandra Gonzalez
Q: So what got you interested in the series? A: I really like the movies, so I started reading the series this summer, and I just finished the last one [book] yesterday. Q: What inspired you to put the face paint on? A: Well my friends actually had face paint, and everyone else was getting in the mood with it, so I might as well use some face paint. Q: What made you come to the 2:50 [a.m.] showing? A: I got a ride from Alice, and she offered to pay my way in. So, I knew she wasn’t going to the midnight showing, but I figured I really wanted to go see it. Q: Which one is your favorite character? A: I like Sirius Black
10 . Entertainment . December 1, 2010
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Holiday Movies: It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times...
A Christmas Story
The best Holiday special is difficult to pick. I do like to say that the claymation “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” is the best, as well as the original cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “Frosty the Snowman.” Though I have grown up with these classics, and I cherish them in deep nostalgia whenever they are on, what I feel is the best holiday movie is “A Christmas Story”. This holiday movie follows the story of little Ralphie, a boy
“Epic Mickey”
What is the last actual Disney movie someone can remember that stared the world renowned icon Mickey Mouse? For quite some time, I have wondered why Disney has yet to make a project that centered on the childhood hero of many. Most things today starring Mickey are typically little kids shows meant to teach us about sharing and caring. That is fun and all, but I want to see Mickey Mouse do something epic. And here it is, ”Epic Mickey” is a game meant for those who grew up knowing the beloved mouse as
a hero who would run in to save the day. To better channel in the original Mickey Mouse, the characters have even taken their older classic looking form. Warren Spector, creator of the Epic Mickey project, said in an interview with Game Informer magazine that the game was meant to be darker then the Disney we know today, while Mickey is meant to be more mischievous like he was in the original cartoons from the Steamboat Willie era. Introduced into the story is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. What many people do not know is that Oswald was Walt Disney’s original creation. However, a bad business deal led to Oswald no longer belonging to Disney. He later created Mickey Mouse, who took the world by storm and brought
Disney to what it is now, while Oswald was quickly forgotten. In “Epic Mickey”, Mickey Mouse finds himself in a world of forgotten characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This world is known as the Wasteland, a parallel universe version of Disney Land. A mistake made by a curious Mickey leads to the Wasteland being taken over by the evil Phantom Blot, another forgotten Disney character. Mickey and Oswald must work together to save the Wasteland and all of its residents. As you explore the world of the Wasteland as Mickey, you possess a magic paintbrush. With the Wii remote, you can use this magic brush to both create and erase objects throughout the Wasteland. Doing this allows you to solve puzzles and defeat enemies as you
industry was booming. Jamie, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is a salesman for Pfizer, one of the up and coming pharmaceutical comapnies. In the beginning he struggled with the competition against Prozac and other drug companies. You can tell he is flustered from his lack of sales performance. Jamie starts to realize that sex sells, so he starts to flirt with the assistants at the doctor’s office in order to get a foot in the door, and uses his charm and good looks to get his heart medication on the store shelves. He then meets a young woman by the name of Maggie Murdock,
played by Anne Hathaway, the first women in his life that has not wanted him to wine and dine her, but would rather have no strings attached sex. The plot thickens when we find out Maggie’s secret and the reason that she wants nothing to do with a relationship. Soon their chemistry is so strong that they decide to give their love a shot. The story took an unexpected turn when we find out that this was a story of the popular male enhancement drug Viagra. We know this now as one of the most popular drugs in the world. Jaime needed to let people and his family know how successful he was
but he could never say anything good about himself, or about his own family, but Maggie brought out the best in him. In the end it shows that love conquers all and the heart wants what the heart wants.
Austin Verburg Rampage Reporter
Kyle Barrett
Rampage Reporter
After seeing the original previews for the movie “Love and Other Drugs,” not many people would figure out what this movie was really about. Was this a comedy, a drama, or a romance? Which was it? The great thing about this movie was that it was a mixture of all three genres. The film is based in the 1990s when the medical rep
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December to-do list. It is without a doubt one of the cleverest movies ever made, and deserves a spot not just at the top of Holiday classics, but the top of all movies ever made. TBS plays a non-stop marathon of this movie every Christmas. Setting aside time to watch the movie at least once that day is worth it.
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Austin Verburg
growing up in the 40’s suburbs. The movies main plotline follows Ralphie trying to see to it that he receives his dream Christmas gift, an Official Red Ryder CarbineAction Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. However, no matter whom he asks, whether it his mother or the Santa in the mall, the response was always the same; “You’ll shoot your eye out.” This does not stop little Ralphie, whose to determined to receive this gift one way or the other. But what I love most about this movie is not just its main storyline, but the little side stories that are only faintly tied into the main plot. From Ralphie’s mother and father bickering about an ugly looking yet eye appealing lamp shaped like a woman’s leg, to Ralphie and his friends facing the tyrannical rule of the school yard bully (who has yellow eyes, Lord help us), every scenario of this holiday spectacular is both humorous and unforgettable. If you somehow have not seen this awesome holiday special, I highly suggest you add it to your
S t a r Wa r s : Holiday Special
It took me a while to find a site on the web that lets someone watch the entire movie. Has anybody ever actually seen this movie? I can only hope not, due to its awful script and terrible guest celebrity appearances. All I truly knew of it before I saw the film was that it was quite possibly the worst movie ever made. I had always thought that title belonged to Eragon, until I watched this awful abomination. I literally had to force myself to finish this movie. I could feel myself gagging with every scene
Reviews:
“Love and Other Drugs”
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that passed. I can say to this day that I would rather stare into the sun and go blind then ever watch this movie again. The concept of the movie’s storyline was actually written by George Lucas himself, but he made the mistake of giving the rest of the movie’s creative rights to the CBS Producers, who created, what is in my opinion, the worst movie ever made for any and all reasons. The plotline was centered on Han Solo trying to get Chewbacca home to his family for Life Day (Wookie Christmas), and Darth Vader, that rascally devil, is trying to stop him. You know, because Vader likes to spend the citizens of the Empire’s tax dollars on keeping Wookies from celebrating holidays together. Overall, the platform of the movie sucked. Not to mention irrelevant scenes about the Mos Eisley Cantina where, I kid you not, everyone breaks out into song. Though I do not know what is worse: the spontaneous song scene in the cantina, or the ending scene where the Star Wars theme song plays, but with
added lyrics sung by Princess Leia. The only good thing that came out of this movie was the fact that Boba Fett made his first appearance during this special; however, this took place in an animated segment that was completely irrelevant to the movie’s plotline. So ultimately, this is the worst movie ever made. It brings shame to both “Star Wars” franchise and the holiday season. Despite this, I feel it is something you must watch at least once, just for the sake of knowing why not to watch it. Here is the URL to watch the entire movie on the website Fanpop, but I stress that you watch it at your own risk.
Current Movies & Video Games
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal Anne Hathaway Hank Azaria Oliver Platt Grade: B-
progress through the game. This game opens up a new medium for Mickey Mouse to be enjoyed. The last big video game project for Mickey Mouse to be a part of was ”Kingdom Hearts,” where Mickey was a major character, but he was not the centeral protagonist. However, those who enjoyed the “Kingdom Hearts” series for the fact that it brought a feeling of nostalgia revisiting old Disney movies will definitely love “Epic Mickey”. “Epic Mickey” is a title that shows what the Nintendo Wii is fully capable of. I can only hope the Wii continues to make more games such as this one, as well as Disney continuing to bring Mickey out from being less of just a corporate icon, but more of the hero he was and has been from the very beginning.
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Phillip’s Korner:
10 Things To Remember for Christmas Photo by Gabriella Hernandez
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Phillip Romar
Rampage Reporter
Don’t give anybody a lump of coal for Christmas. Last year in High School I gave this girl who picked on me in High School a lump a coal for Christmas. She cried. Don’t get mad if you don’t get what you wanted. I remember seeing a 16 year old having a nervous breakdown because her parents didn’t give her a $500 purse. What a loser. My momma would’ve whooped that girl.
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Guys: Don’t purposefully buy mistletoe and hang it over your head and purposefully walk in front of a girl expecting something. Girls: No crying. I don’t understand why yall cry every time someone buys you something.
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If you’re going to get someone something it should be new. Don’t give anybody an old Super Nintendo that’s been collecting dust in your closet for the past few decades. Few years ago a jerk friend of mine gave me a PSP that broke the very next day. (I get you for that Peter!)
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Please base your gift for a certain sex. I remember a few jerks who gave me a Barbie for Christmas. Yes, a freaking Barbie. Well, at least she was the Black Barbie…… Don’t try to prove anybody that Santa isn’t real. We already know Santa isn’t real. Like there’s anybody here who still believes in Santa. Is there? There better not be. If you still believe Santa is real please call the lost-and-found center and see if your mind is there.
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If you see anybody in your house at midnight with a Santa suit on, KNOCK HIM OUT!!! If you ever see a reindeer with a red-glowing nose, Run. Freaking Run. Christmas isn’t about giving gifts.
December 1, 2010 . Entertainment . 11
Legends Night Club – a fun place for everyone
Anthony “Arod” Rodriguez Rampage Reporter Same sex couple making out in a club! It must be a gay club. Well it is not; it is Fresno’s only alternative night club, Legends Night Club! Legends, Fresno’s only alternative club, does not identify itself as a straight or gay club. The club’s management wants the club to remain neutral and open to people of every orientation. The club is for those who are 21 years of age and older. “Good ambiance, people here are very friendly,” said Airnoi Phongsavath, a Legends patron.
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Tiana Perez of the “Fresbians,” a lesbian social group, said, “I love it here. The bartenders are awesome.” Happy hour is 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. on weekdays with appetizers are served 5 p.m..-9 p.m. Every day offers themed specials. On Friday nights, the Legends Night Club’s atmosphere is very warm, friendly, and seemed like a safe place for people of different orientations. One can see different couples from straight to gay and lesbian couples, and everybody was getting along because they were all there for the same
reason; they were there to have a good time. The DJ played really good music, and everyone was dancing the whole time. The DJ was awesome, so were the bartenders; they were really funny and kept patrons entertained. One bartender was telling a lot of jokes and kept everyone laughing. This club gets a 10 out of 10! It is a really fun club and you should give it a try! Legends Night Club is located on 3075 N. Maroa Fresno. CA 93704. On the corner of shields and Maroa (559)222-2271. www. ClubLegendsFresno.com
12 .Views . December 1, 2010
By Lysette Trujillo Rampage Reporter
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Pro vs. Con
Are we going too far for the sake of security?
Recent airport security regulations have raised the question: are we going too far for the sake of security? The answer is, no. The phrase, “Don’t touch my junk,” has become an Internet sensation after a video of a California man telling an airport official that if he touched his “junk” he would have him arrested, leaked on the Internet. This is after new airport security routines have been put into practice, such as the full body scan technology and the more intensive pat downs. While many may not agree with this, we want security so we must put up with the price that comes with it. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, America has been stepping up security. With good reason though, terrorism around the United States is still happening. In May of this year Times Square in New York City had to be evacuated because of a car bomb that was discovered. That same month a man attempted to blow up a mosque by using a pipe bomb. Just last week a man in Oregon plotted a car bomb at a tree lighting ceremony where children would be attending. America still has a big target on its back and Americans want to be safe, so they should be willing to put up with the security measures that are established. Many are not even aware of the details of these new measures. For example, the more intensive pat downs that were put into practice by the U.S. Homeland Security’s TSA, Transportation Security Administration, to keep passengers safe. They are more intrusive than the regular pat downs travelers have gone through. The full body screenings are also more intrusive. These machines that are used to conduct the full body screenings produce a mere naked picture of an individual. They are used to check for weapons underneath clothing. A passenger can now choose from either receiving a pat down, or a full body screening. These new measures have been in the news lately, with travelers outraged about the intrusiveness of them. Americans want to be safe, they want to be able to travel and not have to not worry about having their life threatened by a serious threat. America is not going too far with security. Officials are just making sure, by any means possible, that citizens stay safe.
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Ramiro Gudino
Rampage Reporter
The approaching holidays are amongst the most popular times for traveling, as people make efforts to bring their families together for a few days. It is also highlighting the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) latest attempts to tighten security. But in their effort to the serve the public, they have taken it too far. Before even approaching the airport, you must make sure to leave behind hair gels, spray deodorants, mouthwash, and other basic toiletries that come in containers larger than a few ounces. Once you get there, you must tread through the same line as every other barefoot passenger and leave open your laptop case and empty your pockets. Getting your belongings together and repacking your carry on can be a feat on its own, especially if you are traveling with a group or with children. These procedures allow the government to inspect and restrict what passengers can carry aboard while metal detectors screen the passengers for what they carry. Now, 68 airports are using millimeter wave or backscatter imaging devices. With these scanners, TSA officials view detailed images of everything your clothes cover. If the idea of having a government official closely inspect pictures of your naked body makes you uncomfortable, the TSA generously allows you to opt out. If you do, you are subjected to a very thorough physical search. Their new aggressive pat down is a manual inspection that leaves little to the inspector’s imagination. The TSA states that the machines are less invasive, faster, and emit a negligible amount of radiation comparable to a few minutes on a plane. Unfortunately these claims are seriously undermined when you take into account that a pilot’s union Illustration by Austin Verburg pushed for its members to opt out of the scan and take the slower physical inspection. Last week, airports were working on allowing pilots to bypass these altogether. Citizens made a push for this by organizing Opt-Out Day last Wednesday, selecting the day before Thanksgiving, because it is consistently one of the busiest travel days of the year. The intent was to protest the invasive protocols by choosing to take the time consuming pat down. Unfortunately, it seems that laziness won out as few opted out. The options are not very appealing and the only other option travelers are left with is simply not to fly. Does this really do anything to improved security? All we are really doing is sacrificing personal dignity for convenience.
Campus Voices
What are you looking forward to this holiday?
“I’m going to visit my boyfriend’s family. They live in virgina.” Alyssa Aguirre English Major
“Just a break I guess. Re-selecting classes.” Nickolus Millican Music Major
“To get a little bit more fit. I want to beat my goal from last year.” Raul Valverde Counseling Major
“Family ccoming in for the holidays. They’re coming from Mexico and LA.” Geovanni Castro Undecided
“Well my brother is in the army and he’s coming home for Christmas.” Andrew Furm Buisness Major
“I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Just have fun.” Moises Rico Undecided
“I’m going home to see my family in Louisiana.” Adrienne Furr Child Development Major
“Break from school and everything else. Just for a bit.” Michael Flores Music Major
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Ramiro Gudino & Ashley Trembley Rampage Reporters
Photos by Ramiro Gudino
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December 1, 2010 . Views . 13
Teen Suicides Are Preventable
By Dylan Domingos Rampage reporter
“I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together,” words from the Beatles’ song “I am the Walrus” are memorable for many reasons. Listeners interpret the lyrics in several ways, but to me, they are about our sameness. We are all the same; we are one. “See how they run like pigs from a gun; see how they fly,” the Beatles’ lyrics continue, delineating the moment a person is bullied. The bullied are stripped of all choices, and there is no hope left. Death may seem like the only option to escape a relentless and unforgiving world. These words come to mind when I think of a subject that’s been on the news a lot lately -- teen suicides are headlining newspapers and electronic media. The media reports that most suicides are related to bullying. What a tragedy. This must
weigh down on him, Colfer reaches out to another student from an all boys school, where there is a zero tolerance policy. After being pushed against his locker for the last time, Colfer jumps to his feet and chases his bully into the locker room where he confronts the bully. “What is your problem?!” screamed Colfer, not backing down from the verbal abuse the bully continues to shout back. Colfer continues to confront his bully by screaming “if you’re going to hit me, then hit me! You cannot beat the gay out of me, just as much as I cannot beat the ignoramus out of you.” In the end, Colfer overcomes being bullied
that has partial legalization of gay marriage for four years now, to rebuttal her dispute on the topic. It is not the statistics that urged myself to agree with others to label her as a bully, it was her misuse of the statistics and the way she feels that the organization she is part of has no effect on encouraging bullies passively to taunt and ridicule others. “Do I have blood on my hands?” wrote Gallagher. This is a case of indirect bullying. Gallagher, and NOM as a whole, have toured the country to speak against equal rights, and many of their followers have been caught holding vicious signs. One sign a follower felt the need to hold high
betrayal of basic human decency, and its scars reach way into the future of its survivors; but the saddest truth is that not all children survive it,” He continues, “It is a potentially fatal societal illness that must be respected, and not feared, respected and dealt with as a very real problem, and as an adversary of a potentially harmonious world that should have no place for bullies or bullying.” Ryan James Yezak, a regular person such as you and I, posted a video on YouTube.com and speaks out to everyone to hold on, because IT GETS BETTER. “When I was in junior high and high school I was made fun of for many different
Teen suicides are headlining newspapers and electronic media.
come to an end immediately. People have become fearful of one another, especially young people between the ages of 10 and 24. The group most likely to be targeted by harassers in school, in the workplace, and in their own communities. The lyrics continue, “I’m crying.” I am crying, the world is crying, we are all crying in desperation to put an end to the reign of bullies taking over the world. We cannot blame the media for making suicides front page news. The people of the world are reaching out for help; people from families, friends, and different social and cultural groups unite to voice their needs. It is the media’s job to report the latest news to the people; it is the news from the people to the people. The media is not doing any damage for those who have taken their lives, quite the contrary. Celebrities and other people are standing up by voicing their opinions to put an end to bullying by saying enough is enough. A particular saying is echoing through Televisions, radio stations, and websites, “It gets better.” And it will only get better as a person progresses through school, and life as a whole. How will it get better? As the years go by, and you focus on school projects, major career goals, and anything in between, bullying will follow unless you stare it straight in the eye and say, “enough is enough!” In a recent episode of the hit series “Glee”, Kurt Hummel, played by Clovis native Chris Colfer, is the only openly gay teen in his high school. As the pressure of being bullied starts to
by standing up with an “enough is enough!” attitude. Bullying comes in many different forms. Bullying may be indirect or direct, minimal verbalizations, or extreme warfare, it is everywhere. In the New York Post, Maggie Gallagher, chairman for the National Organization for Marriage (NOM); an organization that believes that marriage is only between a man and a woman, writes about the people who are calling her a bully in an October blog titled “Don’t blame me for gay teen suicides.” Many people seem to agree that she is one of the many at fault for the recent increase of teen suicides, but Gallagher disagrees to these accusations by writing, “It’s a horrific charge to levy in response to some pretty horrifying stories.” Gallagher uses statistics of gay teens in Massachusetts, a state
Illustration by Austin Verburg had this message, “The solution to gay marriage” with a picture of two nooses and a verse from the bible. Lynching? In 2008, the nation elected Barack Obama as the country’s new President because the citizens of the United States believed that he would bring great change. Now, people are retreating from these proposed changes and would rather wage war on one another; as we wage war at home our nation fights a war over seas. But there is hope, and I cannot stress enough how much this statement is true. Celebrities, and regular people, continue to echo the words “it gets better” in home made videos posted across the Internet. Collin Farrel, actor, wrote a short speech and this is what he said. “Bullying is torture, it is another
Bullying may be indirect or direct, minimal verbalizations, or extreme warfare, it is everywhere.
reasons,” Yezak continues, “For being overweight, for hanging out with all girls, for talking gay, for looking gay, for acting gay, and it really hurt my feelings.” Although this article may seem as if it is only directed to gay youth, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, it is not. This is for ANYONE and EVERYONE who has ever been bullied, or has bullied someone. This is a stand to make the hatred STOP. “NO ONE has an easy life. It is the people that bully you that are the most miserable inside, which is precisely why they pick on you. To make you feel as unhappy as they are. Junior high and high school can be vicious. The best advice that I can give you is, be who you are and do whatever you can to get through it. Once you get out of there, a whole new world will open up, and nothing that you thought mattered will matter anymore. Try not to let others get you down, because they will try, and they will try HARD. But what you have to remember is this; life
“Although this article may seem as if it is only directed to gay youth, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, it is not.” can be hard, difficult, unbearable, and what may seem like unlivable, but whatever you do, DON’T STOP LIVING. Because no matter how bad you feel, no matter how unhappy you are, no matter what has happened, it will get better. There may be times when you feel like you are all alone in the world, but you are NEVER alone, trust me. There are good moments and bad moments in life, but it is all of those moments that make you who you are. There’s nothing easy about life, but that is what makes it worth living. Life gets hard, it gets scary, it gets rough, it gets challenging, problematic, unfair, tiring, it gets sad, stressful, IMPOSSIBLE, frightening, exhausting, complicated, unimaginable, complex… it gets better,” said Yezak. Do you remember Christina Aguilera’s music video to her song “Beautiful”? As Aguilera sits alone in an empty apartment room the video shows a girl who looks anorexic, contemplating that she may still look as though she is still too fat. Two men on a bench kissing softly and smiling in public, a girl being beaten for her unpopular standing in school, and a man who for just his different looks made people feel as though they had to change seats on the bus to get away from him. After all these hateful scenes Aguilera’s message is clear, “We are beautiful, each and every way. Words can’t bring us down.” The people in her video although they felt defeated, smile and face the camera, because they knew above all else, nothing could hurt them, and nothing will ever hurt them unless they allow it to. For more videos and help with bullying, and please before contemplating something as horrific as suicide, PLEASE contact one of the many sources available in your school, in your city, in your state, in your country, because my message is clear: You are NOT alone; we are not alone. No matter what our ethnicity may be, our cultural background, our religious beliefs, political standings, or our sexual orientations may be, we are never alone. Choose life; know that after reading this, you have at least one person on your side. For more information: SuicidePreventionLifeLine. o rg , I t G e t s B e t t e r. o rg , TheTrevorProject.org, GetEqual. org, EqCA.org, and YouTube.com [To find various, positive videos such as Ryan James Yezak’s].
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Austin Verburg
December 1, 2010 . Views . 14
The Importance of Tradition
Rampage Reporter Can anyone say that they do not have any type of tradition for any occasion? I think it is safe to say that everybody partakes in tradition. Whether it is for a specific holiday or just a personal occasion, we all have a specific way we celebrate something. Some of us may not even know it. But do we all understand the importance of our traditions? Why is it such a big deal? From traditions passed down from hundreds of generations, such as opening gifts on Christmas morning, to personal traditions such as how this particular family chooses to go about opening these gifts. What is the importance or the reasoning behind this? Traditions can always be fun, whether it be a tradition you have gone by for as long as you can remember, or thinking up a new tradition to try to stick to. What is great about them is any event or situation can have a tradition applied to it. I can always remember the traditions at my home. After Thanksgiving, my mom begins talking about how she is starting to feel “Christmassy” and begins decorating the house. We put up lights and then while I am at school one day, my mom works on the tree. When I get home, I am greeted by a house filled with different holiday
charms such as lights, snowmen, nativity scenes, but of course, the beautiful Christmas tree covered with lights and it bows, that my mom worked on for quite some time to make look just the right way. Movies I have to watch every year include the claymation “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, both the cartoon and Jim Carrey versions of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “A Christmas Story”, and most importantly in order to break the monogamy of innocence, “Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights.” Then there is Christmas morning. It is always get up and do whate v e r morni n g chores w i l l need to be done around the dairy. As soon as those are done, we settle around the house and relax. My mom wants it to either be “A Christmas Story” on TBS playing on the TV,
or Christmas music playing on the radio. However, my dad seems to not be able to resist attempting to change the channel because “This movie sucks” or turn off the Christmas music because he “wants to listen to some country”. However, his attempts are shot down when my brothers and I tell him to
knock it off and leave mom’s traIllistration by Austin Verburg
dition alone. I did some thinking and realized how important every little detail to these things matter. Seeing my mom’s Christmas tree when I get home and watching all of those movies are a big part of who I am, because every year it reminds me of the year before. I look back and realize how much fun I have had watching those movies with my family and friends, or the excitement of seeing my gifts under the tree and trying to guess what they are. As I have grown older, the more childlike traditions usually fade out, but the ones that I hold on to are important to me because they are important to my mother. Seeing to it that all her plans and traditions go as she wants it is a way to show her appreciation for everything she does. (And in a way, my dad trying to slightly alter the Christmas morning routine has sort of become a tradition in itself) It is safe to say that some people may get tired of their family’s traditions, but even if they do not mean that much to you personally, they may mean a lot to those around you. By coming to this conclusion I have been able to better embrace the idea of traditions, and even come up with my own. Every summer when some close friends of mine throw a big taco party up in Shaver, I am always the first
guest to volunteer to help them set up, and I am always the last guest to leave. Every New Years Eve, I have as many friends over as possible and we system-link our Xbox 360s and play Halo to ring in the New Year. To me, and maybe to my friends that have become a part of these traditions, the celebrations just would not be the same without these traditions. So in the future if I have my own family (God forbid), I guess I will be a very tradition oriented dad, thinking of a routine for every event and celebration. For starters, celebrating Shark Week on the Discovery Channel is a must! My traditions may not always stick and my future kids (once again, God forbid) will more than likely grow out of them. But what I have learned is traditions make us who we are. So I can only hope that they would make their own traditions after following mine and learn exactly what I have learned. So I hope that this holiday season, we all embrace those old traditions our parents and loved ones raised us celebrating. Doing something new is always fun, but it does not have to always be “out with the old, in with the new”. Sometimes the old is just too important to change. Traditions are too important to forget.
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15 . Sports. December 1, 2010
Volleyball Moves On by
Quinn Robinson Rampage Reporter
The Fresno City College women’s volleyball team has dominated this season and continues to do so as they head into the third round of the playoffs. The Rams are led by Alex Paredes, who was recently named to the All Nor Cal andAll-State team as well receiving 1st Team All-American honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. FCC has mowed through the competition this season. They have compiled a perfect 14-0 record in conference play to secure another title for the Rams on their way to a 22-2 season and a No. 3 seed in the NorCal playoffs. FCC started their playoff run as they faced Solano on Nov. 23. The Rams made quick work of the Falcons as they won in straight sets 25-17, 25-18 and 25-16. Hilary Brians had 14 digs for the Rams while Toni Murphy and Amanda Michael had 10 and 8 kills respectively. TaylorAlberta racked up 20 assists in the games and Paredes capped off the night with 10 kills and 7 digs. The Rams then faced No. 11 De Anza on Nov. 27 in the second round game. FCC once again dispatched their opponent in straight sets with scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 25-16. Brians led the way again with 14 digs as Alberta followed up with 34 assists. Paredes had another solid night as she compiled 12 kills and 8 digs along with 3 aces. Michael completed the night with 10 kills to help the Rams move on to the
Men: Continued from page 16
“It was devastating,” Kinahan said. “We thought the game was over. We’ve been on the end of that negatively and positively. We’ve reached the state final one time on injury time, so we know what it feels like.” The two teams played 30 minutes of scoreless overtime that sent the game into penalty kicks and an eventual Rams victory through the leg of Patrick. Solberg talked about the roller coaster ride of emotions he felt during the game. “To rally back from that speaks volumes of our game and our team,” Solberg said. “It didn’t look like it was going to happen and then we got that extra goal with seconds left and it was meant to be today.” Solberg described the feelings on the sideline as Alvarez tied the game up in the final seconds of the game. “It was surreal just standing there watching it,” Solberg said. “The team was equivalent of the goal scored by Landon Donovan for the USA team [in the 2010 World Cup].” The Rams will play in the state semifinals on Friday against the No. 2 team from the south College of the Canyons at 1 p.m. The winner of that game will face the winner of the Mt. San Antonio and West Valley game on Sunday for the state title.
Wrestling to Finish on High Note. by
Kevin Rodriguez goal, a state championship.
Rampage Reporter The Fresno City College wrestling team has spent all season preparing for this. The Rams came into the season with high hopes of becoming state champions and bringing the state trophy to FCC. With this year’s team, head coach Paul Keysaw has had nothing but great expectations since the beginning of season for FCC. Comparing this squad to past Rams wrestling teams, Keysaw wasn’t hesitanted in noting the differences. “We have a lot depth so we have more than one good guy in each weight class,” Keysaw said. “It’s been a big advantage for us this year.” FCC has seemingly dominated the competition all season long. Along the way, the Rams won another conference title and even took home a dual championship this season. The team’s hard work has paid off and now they are one final step away from realizing their ultimate
One of FCC’s top wrestlers this year, Lucas Keene, explained that a state championship is what has constantly been on his mind since this season began. “This year I’ve improved on my stand up game, more endurance, and determination,” said Keene who beat the No. 1 wrestler in the 197 pound weight class earlier this year at the dual championship. Although that would be a great accomplishment to many, Keene thinks otherwise. “My best accomplishment I would have to say is yet to come,” said Keene. The Rams have had a great year so far on the mat, but are determined to finish the job and come home with the state title. Until then, the team continues to prepare for the state championships and remain focused as they head into their final event of the season. The state championships will be held on Dec. 10th and 11th at Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif.
Athletic Schedule Photo By Abel Cortez
Fresno City first round game against Solano on Nov. 23. third round game. By time of production, the Rams would have traveled to Santa Rosa to face the No. 2 seed Bear Cubs on Tuesday night. The winner of that
game would face the winner the No. 1 Cabrillo and No. 4 Delta game. Stay tuned to Fresnocitycollegerampage.com for the latest results of the Rams third round game.
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Dec. 2 Moorpark, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2-5 Gilcrest Tourn
Dec 8-11 Modesto Tourn
Dec. 9-11 FCC Tourn
Dec. 17-19 COS Tourn
Dec. 16-18 AVC Tourn
Dec. 28-30 Hancock Tourn Dec. 27-29 San Jose Tourn Jan. 5 vs. Reedley 7 p.m. Jan. 8 vs. West Hills 7 p.m.v
Women: Continued from page 16
Fresno City assistant coach Drew Mattos described the chaos in front of the goal. “I thought that ball was in,” Mattos said. “I was getting ready to mark that a goal for them in the book and then I see the ball get cleared out. I think Sam’s [Hernandez] foot got in the way because she came running up from the back post to get the ball.” The Rams had a close call of their own toward the end of the first half. Their offense was pushing deep into American River territory and a shot went just wide on the far side of the goal in what many fans in the crowd thought was a sure goal. The seesaw battle continued in the second half as both teams kept the pressure on offensively as their defenses each responded to the challenge of the others. The game changing moment came in the 73rd minute of the second half. Fresno City was once again pressing deep into American River as Susel Perez was dribbling the ball on the right side of the field heading toward the west goal. Perez sent a cross in the direction of Arteaga and Beavers goalie Summer Ikeda made a play to grab the ball before Arteaga could reach it. The ball seemed to take an extra bounce on the slick muddy surface near the goal box before Ikeda could secure the ball firmly and it skipped through her hands behind her where Arteaga was all alone.
“I lost her in the pile of players near the goal. I then heard a loud cheer from the crowd and thought ‘that’s too loud to be cheers for an American River goal.’” Drew Mattos
Assistant Coach
The Rams bench erupted in celebration as the ball hit the back of the net to take the 1-0 lead. American River wasn’t done threatening the Rams defense. The Beavers chance to score the equalizer came in the 90th minute when there was once again chaos in front of the Rams goal. Rams goalie Tegan Coltra made another unbelievable save in the postseason as she stopped American River’s last realistic threat to tie the game up. “I lost her in the pile of players near the goal,” said Mattos. “I then heard a loud cheer from the crowd and thought ‘that’s too loud to be cheers for an American River goal’. Then I saw Tegan come out with the ball and I was excited.” After the game was over, Germond explained the type of emotions that he was feeling as the Arteaga play developed. “I was thinking ‘please don’t miss
Jan. 7-8 GVC/CVC Cross
it’,” Germond said with a chuckle. “I almost passed out because I was so excited.” With the Rams and Beavers having met the past five seasons in the playoffs, American River head coach Paul Arellanes explained that there wasn’t a whole lot of scouting he had to do in order to prepare his team for the match. “I think we [Germond and Arellanes] could tell you to what’s going to happen in warm-ups and how each team is going to play,” Arellanes said. “It’s two evenly matched teams and they got a break and we had a chance at the end, but couldn’t put it away.” This trip will have more mean-
Jan. 12 vs. Taft 5 p.m.
ing to Germond because this year’s tournament is being held at College of the Canyons; the school where he started coaching junior college soccer as an assistant coach. “It’s a great feeling,” Germond said. “That’s what you work for. We want to be in the final four every year. We’ve been in this third round game for five or six years now so it’s good to make it [to the final four]” The Rams will travel to Santa Clarita for the state semifinals this Friday. They will face the No. 1 seed from the south San Bernardino Valley at 7 p.m. at College of the Canyons. The winner of that match will then go on to play the winner of the Santa Rosa and Cerritos game for the state championship on Sunday.
Jesslyn Fagundes struggles as she drives the ball for a goal against San Francisco City College.
Rampage
16 . Views . December 1, 2010
Rams Headed To Final Four
FCC Loses Hawaiian Punch Bowl
52-15 loss ends Rams season. by
Austin Verburg
The Fresno City College Rams were dealt a 52-15 loss against City College of San Francisco, ending their season in the Northern California Championship at the Hawaiian Punch Bowl on Nov. 27. FCC had an overall record of 8-3 for the season. During the first quarter, San Francisco scored twice, once on a 20-yard pass during their first drive, and again on a four-yard run. They followed up in the second quarter with a successful field goal, gaining a 17-0 lead. FCC quarterback Lance Orender completed an 11-yard touchdown pass on FCC’s fifth drive to running back Larry Overstreet. After an extra point kick made by Jake Reimer, the Rams had seven points on the board. Early in the third quarter, linebacker Anthony Elliot provided the Rams with a safety on FCC’s ninth drive, which had the score at 17-9. San Francisco pulled away from FCC in the third quarter 3 touchdowns. By this time, San Francisco was well on their way to a 52-15 victory and state title berth. Overall, FCC managed to gain 213 total offensive yards during the game. Orender threw for a total of 161 yards. Running back James Holland led the team for rushing yards, gaining 39 yards throughout the game. Wide Receiver Trent Hicks ran a total of 104 receiving yards.
Special to The Rampage
Rampage Reporter
Fresno City women’s soccer players celebrate after advancing to the state final four with a 1-0 victory over American River.
FCC’s Bianca Arteaga scores the only goal in game to send Rams to semi-finals. by
Quinn Robinson Rampage Reporter
Facing a team that had defeated them 2-0 earlier in the season, the Fresno City College women’s soccer team knew they had a challenge heading into their NorCal Regional third round game against American River. FCC’s Bianca Arteaga provided the lone goal as the Rams beat the
Beavers 1-0 and secured a trip to the state semifinals this Friday in Santa Clarita. Arteaga described the play that allowed her to get behind the last defenders and put the ball in the net. “Susie [Perez] crossed the ball and the keeper missed it,” said Arteaga. “I had to score.” Arteaga may have been at loss for words after the game, but Fresno City College head coach
Oliver Germond explained that Arteaga’s play was the culmination of what he has been preaching to his team all year. “If you work hard, you’re going to get rewarded and this game is an exact example of that,” Germond said. “Bianca doesn’t get a lot of playing time and she did her job and was able to score a goal.” After braving the elements in their second round game against City College of San Francisco on Nov. 23, the Rams found themselves playing in similar conditions against American River. The game was close the entire first
In The Nick Of Time
half with each team battling for field position while opportunities arose for each to get on the board early. American River had what appeared to be the first goal wiped away by the defense of Fresno City on a corner kick. The Beavers sent a shot to the Rams goal that went toward the back post and got lost in a sea of confusion between the two teams. The ball ended up sitting on the white line, just inches from crossing and being counted as a goal for American River before the Rams were able to clear it out and avoid disaster.
See Women, page 15
by
Quinn Robinson
Rampage Reporter Ranked No. 1 in the NorCal regional, the Fresno City College men’s soccer team found themselves seconds away from being eliminated in a heartbreaking loss at home against Santa Rosa. Cristian Alvarez had other ideas as he headed in the game-tying goal with five seconds of injury time remaining to tie the game at three and send it into overtime. After receiving new life through the heroics of Alvarez, the Rams played Santa Rosa tough for two 15-minute periods of overtime. With the game still knotted up at three, it was time to decide who would secure their ticket to the state final four with penalty kicks. Tyler McEowen and Cristian Alvarez knocked home their kicks for the Rams as Santa Rosa countered with two of their own from Tyler Hurst and Fred Fagundes. One kick remained and Fresno
City College goalie Tadd Patrick stepped out of the box to try to send the Rams to Santa Clarita. With one kick, Patrick erased the horror he endured in the box giving up three goals as Rams players stormed Patrick and celebrated the FCC’s return trip to the state final four. Santa Rosa started the scoring early when Tyler Hurst beat the last defender on a pass from Mario Ramirez and shot it past Patrick to give the Bear Cubs a 1-0 lead twenty minutes into the game. Santa Rosa kept the pressure on FCC as the Rams turned their defense up a notch. The Rams had chances to tie the game up, but couldn’t capitalize and went into half trailing by one goal. The second half started off with a boom for the Bear Cubs. Santa Rosa had possession of the ball first and found Hurst running wide down the field toward the FCC defense. Hurst was able to get by Rams defender Michael May-
berry and crossed a ball to Mario Ramirez who put Santa Rosa up 2-0 less than two minutes into the second half. The Rams defense hunkered down after giving up the second goal and fought back to tie the game up with goals by Andrew Campbell off an assist from Alejandro Cristobal in the 60th minute and Michael Mayberry in the 72nd minute off an assist from Alvarez. The Rams seemed poised to head into overtime with the game tied 2-2. Three minutes after having the game tied up, Hurst once again got past the last layers of the FCC defense and knocked in his second goal of the game to give the Bear Cubs the lead once again at 3-2 in the 75th minute. FCC fans were desperately pleading with the Rams players on the field to hurry and find a way to get the game tying goal. As the final seconds of the game and the Rams season were ticking
Photo By Abel Cortez
Rams’ Cristian Alvarez scores tying goal with seconds to spare, Tadd Patrick clinches victory in shootout.
FCC attempts to score against San Francisco on Nov. 23. off the scoreboard, their prayers game up at three and send it to were answered. overtime. In a moment that can’t even be “I fell right when I headed the scripted by a Disney movie, FCC’s ball so I didn’t know if it went in Tyler McEowen sent the ball to- or not,” Alvarez said. “I turned ward the goal hoping for the best. around and I saw everyone running That’s when Rams player Cris- toward me so that’s when I knew.” tian Alvarez ran toward the crowd Santa Rosa coach Marty Kiand positioned himself to have a nahan described the emotion in shot at the ball. the huddle as they headed into Alvarez was where he needed overtime. to be and sent a header past Santa See Men, page 15 Rosa goalie Eli Ramirez to tie the