Issue 1 Spring 2019

THE

RAMPAGE

The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College

SPRING 2019 | ISSUE 1 | JAN. 30, 2019

WOMEN’S MARCH 2019 PAGE 5

Activists and allies banded together to advocate for women’s issues at the 2019 Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 19. Photographer/Angel De Jesus

NEWS

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ENTERTAINMENT Poetry Instructor Celebrates Release of Third Book

OPINION

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05

Womxn 2 Womxn Instruments Change through Art

SPORTS

The Government Shutdown: A Dangerous Waste of Time

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@FCCRAMPAGE The rampage online

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MEN’s BASKETBALL IN FINAL PUSH TOWARDS PLAYOFFS

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2 NEWS 1.30.19

THE RAMPAGE

The student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Tommy Tribble

News Editors Ben Hensley Tamika Rey

Art Director Ramuel Reyes

Sports Editor Ben Hensley

Entertainment Editor Peter Lopez

Opinion Editor Gage Carmichael

Social Media Editor Omari Bell

Reporters Alfredo Rodriguez Angel De Jesus Blake Evans Conner Stevens Derek Bullis Emily Perez Gisella Luna Hannah Lanier Kellie Clark Leticia Leal Ramon Castanos Sarah Chavez

Business Manager Tamika Rey Joanna Murrieta

Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Contact Us

Tip Line 559-422-8262

Letters to the Editor editorial@therampageonline.com Corrections media@therampageonline.com

Any correction needed for an article should be brought to the attention of the staff of The Rampage. The Rampage is committed to accuracy and should be made aware of any mistake in an article that appears in this paper.

Views expressed in the opinion pages are those of the individual writer and not of the newspaper.

The Rampage is produced by students of the Journalism 11 A, B, C, D class.

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Later Start Means Later End to Spring Semester Giselle Luna| Reporter

Leticia Leal | Reporter

gluna@therampageonline.com

If you noticed that the Christmas break seemed longerthan-usual, you are not alone.

The Spring 2019 semester started one week later than in previous years, and students are wondering what it all means.

“During break I remembered that I started school at the same time as the Fresno Unified Schools did, I was confused when I noticed it was different but I wasn’t one to question a good thing,” Jeret Carpenter, a theater major in his third year at Fresno City College, said.

Kathy Bonilla, the public information officer at FCC, said she doesn’t know the specific reason for the date change, but that the later start date is because the district is returning to its original schedule, used back in 2016.

“We are getting back to what we were used to,” Bonilla said. “ For the past couple of years, they

Students are Finding New Ways to Save by Buying Cheaper Books lleal@therampageonline.com

started a week prior.”

The later start date means a later end-of-semester date.

“We have a traditional 18-week semester, the change does affect it, in that we end up ending later,” Bonilla said. “This year, the end is May 24.” Last year’s end date was the week prior.

“We are getting a week more of sleep and to do whatever we want,” Jocelyn Simon, a second year communications major said. “I think it’s only fair that we feel like we have a week more of school, even though it’s the same amount of time.”

Students and staff who are interested in planning things ahead of time outside of school and want to know how to find important dates in the future can visit the school’s website, to view the calendars and dates for campus events as well as changes to start and end dates of events.

Fresno City College students are skipping the long lines and high price tags at the bookstore for fast, cheaper alternatives.

Andres Perez, business major, said he saves money by renting textbooks online. “You usually only need a textbook for that semester only,” Perez said. “So why would you pay full price on a book that you will only use a few times?”

Students like Perez turn to sites like Amazon and Chegg to buy or rent textbooks for much cheaper prices.

Nece White, a student who works at the bookstore, said that the bookstore is not her first option. “Personally, I turn to Chegg first for my books since they tend to be much cheaper,” White said.

“Mathematics with Applications” sells for $190 and rents for $108 at the college bookstore. The same book rents for $70 on Chegg.com.

Fourth semester student Alexis Vang said she must

maintain a full time job so she can afford tuition fees, car payment, a place to live and food to eat.

“It’s hard enough working full time and taking on 15+ units to graduate on time,” Vang said.

“Having to pay for tuition alone with no financial help is tough; that is why I do all that I can to save money on my textbooks.”

Students complain that they are often asked to buy textbooks that are hardly used. Third year student Robert Vasquez says he purchased a book at full price and never used it at all.

“Much of the work was done online, and I feel like I could have chosen a cheaper option,” Vasquez said.

White explained that while most students tend towards the cheaper route by buying online, it’s not the case for everybody.

She says that not everybody knows about online buying, especially the people who aren’t as tech savvy.

What You Get from Your Health Fee Emily Perez | Reporter eperez@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College students are entitled to medical tests, medications, and counseling in exchange for their $20 health fee.

The compulsory fee is applied to necessary services which students obtain from the Health Services office such as TB tests, over-the-counter medication and pregnancy tests, as well as psychological counseling sessions which can be received at the Psychological Services Office, according to the information the health services have posted on their website.

The Health Services Office is a

nurse-run clinic which provides students with various services, including emergency first aid, nursing assessment, hearing and vision screening and free condoms.

Psychological Services helps the students with their mental health and offers brief individual therapy, crisis intervention, psychological assessment, and no more than six free counseling sessions per semester.

“We are always trying to get ourselves out there,” said Damla Til Ogut, a clinical psychology intern at the FCC Psychological Services Office. She said the office offers other services and encourages students to visit their office

and get help.

Ogut said they try to inform students about their services through class presentations and creating awareness about problems students face.

Students who want to seek Psychological Services must first complete a request form, add their name to the waitlist, conduct a screening with a psychologist, and then a follow-up meeting, from which they determine what is needed and how to proceed.

The Psychology Services Office also provides crisis management, which helps students who are needing urgent aid, according to Ogut.

The Health Services Office is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., they conducts TB testing on Mondays to Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Students can contact the health services office in the Student Services building, Room 10 or by calling (559) 442-8268. The Psychological Services Office is open on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.and can be reached at (559) 443-8687. The office is located upstairs in the the bookstore building.

EVENTS CALENDAR Poetry Reading and Book Launch of Scar and Flower by Lee Herrick

Black History Month Opening Day Ceremony

JAN 31 | 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM | OAB 251

FEB 1 |10 AM - 12 PM | OAB 251

POOL TABLE TOURNAMENT

SPRING HBCU CARAVAN

FEB 5 |11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | GAME ROOM

FEB 5 |2 PM - 6 PM | FCC CAFETERIA

Transfer Scholarship WORKSHOP

MLK CONCERT

FEB 8 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Transfer Center ST-202

FEB 8 | 7:30 PM | OAB AUDITORIUM

1.30.19 NEWS 3

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Poetry Instructor Celebrates Release of Third Book Blake Evans | Reporter bevans@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College poetry instructor and former Poet Laureate of Fresno is celebrating the release of “Scar and Flower” on Jan. 31 in Room 251 of the Old Administration Building, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45.

Lee Herrick describes the book as a compilation of poems he’s written individually in response to both national and personal events in his life over the last five years.

“Scar and Flower” is Herrick’s third book; it was preceded by “This Many Miles From Desire,” 2007 and “Gardening Secrets of the Dead,” 2012. Herrick’s work has also been featured in poetry anthologies, “in books with people ranging from Shakespeare to Tupac, which feels a bit surreal,” he said.

“Every book presents its own challenge,” Herrick said. “Scar and Flower” took him four years to write, and despite already being a published author, it “wasn’t easier to write than the previous.”

Herrick said he decided to write about the way poets use their art to make sense of the world, and the “inexplicable” actions of other people.

“There have been recent unsettling events, and I found myself writing in response to

Photos Courtesy of Lee Herrick

them,” Herrick said, citing the Michael Brown shooting in 2014 and the Orlando nightclub shooting.

Herrick said he seeks to encourage readers to “think more about the world around them.”

He said some of the poems might be tough, “dealing with heavier topics such as suicide.”

He believes poetry about death and trauma helps readers cope with the world around them and provides a path for “navigating grief.”

“Scar and Flower” also delves into issues of social justice and race in America.

“I’ve always been interested in social justice and race dynamics,” explains Herrick. He tackles transnational adoption in some of the book’s poetry, drawing upon his own experiences with being adopted from South Korea as a child.

The book launch will be accompanied by readings by FCC faculty poets. The book is available for purchase on Amazon or directly from Herrick’s website.

“I think we need to do everything we can, if we can,” Herrick said about his writing, “not just for ourselves but for the world around us.”

4 NEWS 1.30.19

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Drivers search for available parking at the FCC parking lot on Jan. 30, 2019. Photo/Ben Hensley

FCC Neighbors Impacted by Parking Woes Derek Bullis | Reporter dbullis@therampageonline.com

The neighborhoods around Fresno City College are bearing the brunt of the college’s perennial parking problems.

In a meeting on Monday, Jan. 28 with Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria, dozens of neighborhood residents expressed their frustration about the congestion of their streets, driveways and the not-so-pleasant attitudes of the drivers.

“Parking issues, unfortunately, are nothing new to the area,” neighborhood resident, Jeff Price said. Price has lived on the corner of College and Clinton Ave. since 1991, in the only section of the

street that non residents can legally park without a permit.

The neighbors complained about the amount of traffic and illegal parking and the inconveniences of blocked driveways and streets covered with litter.

“Occasionally, I will run into louder and disruptive students and ask them to quietly leave,” Price said. “They also will leave behind trash that litters the street.”

The drivers are not always polite or willing to move even when confronted by the homeowner.

“I’ve had the finger given to me and some vulgar language, and just primarily, I don’t own the street, and they can park

there,” neighborhood resident, Lori Loera, told ABC30 News in a Jan. 29 news report.

The parking problem on campus is as intense as it has ever been, and students are having a difficult time making it to class on time.

A parking story is a staple in the Rampage at the beginning of every semester.

With over 30,000 students and fewer that 3,000 parking spaces, faculty, staff and students jockey for a not-so-easy endeavor.

“I’m still battling to find a parking space every morning,” said Tyler Winter, business and music production major. So drivers park their cars where they

find space, sometimes incurring penalties.

A parking official with the State Center Community College District said that the most common parking violation on campus is students parking in stalls that are designated for staff or the handicapped or parking on campus without a permit.

The lowest fine for a parking infraction on campus is $40.

The district and college officials are taking several steps to alleviate the parking problems and in recent years have added additional stalls behind the Carl’s Jr. on McKinley and Blackstone avenues; successfully passed a bond measure for a parking

structure on the FCC campus; negotiated an arrangement so FCC students could ride free on Fresno Area Express busses, and instituted shuttle services in the early weeks of each semester when the problem is most intense.

Until March 8, the shuttle service will pick up and drop off students at six shuttle stops around campus.

Sara Lucas, economics major, and Adolfo Velazques, art major, said they prefer to take advantage of the free bus pass offered to FCC students instead of driving.

“If someone gave me a Mercedes,” Lucas said, “I would decline and ride the bus.

Did The Government Shutdown Affect FCC Students?

Sarah Chavez | Reporter schavez@therampageonline.com

The government shutdown initiated by a disagreement between President Trump and House Democrats over border wall funding on Dec. 22, 2018 ended on Jan. 25, 2019, lasting 35 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

And, if ongoing negotiations between Republican and Democratic lawmakers fail, the government will shutdown again in 17 days.

Multiple programs at Fresno City College which help students succeed will be impacted by an extended government shutdown.

“The government shutdown may delay our pay or we may not be paid at all,” said Kevin Robbins, an employee at the Veterans Services Office. “But

we will still get our educational benefits, and it will not stop our pay for education.”

The good news is that “education departments are not being affected by the government shutdown in any visible way yet,” Robbins said before the shutdown ended. “But we will not be sure until the end of the month.”

FAFSA distribution has not been affected in any way.

“I got my recent FAFSA check, and I am not concerned about receiving my next one,” Emilio Aldana, theatre major, said. “If I have to wait a few extra weeks to get it I wouldn’t mind.”

Most programs on campus are funded under the state which means that they are not affected at all, such as the EOPS program.

“We are funded by the state meaning that we don’t receive

any federal funds,” Thomas Gaxiola-Rowles, the director of EOPS Care said. “It has not affected us at all, we are fully funded.”

Even though the government shutdown does not affect educational programs at FCC in a noticeable way, that does not mean that it doesn’t affect FCC students at all.

Students at FCC have family members that work for the federal government. Those family members may been furloughed or worked without pay during the shutdown. Some rely on federal programs like SNAP food benefits to support their families.

In their article “As The Government Shutdown Drags On, Food Assistance For Millions Could Run out,” Huffington Post writers Arthur Delaney and Lauren Weber wrote that

if the shutdown continues then food stamps will stop being distributed affecting more than the furloughed federal workers.

Giovanni Calderon, a theatre major said, “I was confused at first when I found out about the government shutdown, because my mom receives food stamps and that’s the main source for our food.”

“I was relieved and sort of confused when she received her food stamps earlier than usual,” Calderon said. Even though the shutdown is over, a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank, said that millions of individuals and families may experience a gap in benefits well into March.

If the shutdown resumes in three weeks, those disruptions could be even more substantial.

“

Education departments are not being affected by the government shutdown in any visible way yet, but we will not be sure until the end of the month -Kevin RObbins Veterans Service OfFICE

1.30.19 NEWS 5

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In Its Third Year, March Is About Much More Than Women’s Issues Angel de Jesus | Reporter adejesus@therampageonline.com

Thousands rallied together at the third annual Women’s March, Saturday, Jan. 19 behind the River Park shopping center.

The gathering drew not only women, but men and children.

Activists from the LGBT community marched side by side, carrying signs in support of women, LGBT or otherwise.

Diverse as the slogans on their signs -- about equal pay, women’s rights, immigration, Title IX -- the marchers first listened to an impressive list of inspirational speakers before heading west on Nees Ave toward Blackstone, making their way south to El Paso and wrapping around back, almost encircling itself as it made its way back.

A heavy police presence ensured a peaceful event, though there were few protesting.

Marchers chanted battle cries while those that drove by honked their horns in support.

“It means more than you can think of,” Sen. Melissa Hurtado, representative for the 14th Senate District said. “It’s the type of movement that we need to continue to have in order to support one another; we shouldn’t be afraid, and we need to stick together outside of the march itself.”

What was originally started by a handful of students responding to the election of Donald Trump in 2016 has grown immensely, drawing support from the community through organizations like the Center For Nonviolence,

Planned Parenthood, SIREN and the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of everyone here and the Women’s March California,” Kim Slavan, who has been involved in the movement since 2016 after joining a protest against a department store’s refusal to implement transgender restrooms, said.

Among those who addressed this year’s theme “truth to power” were Senator Hurtado as well as performing artists Fool’s Collaborative, Navi Jackson and Ashlee Gerard to name a few.

“We read all the bios and decided what was the greatest mix, what were the different messages, and what was the greatest diversity we could put on the stage,” Slavan said.

For husbands like John Acosta, joining the march was about “being together, supporting, standing up for our women.” He brought his three daughters to support his wife, Aileen Acosta, a senate district candidate.

“We have to speak up for the people who don’t have a voice,” Ashlee Gerard, a vocal performing artist, said. Gerard said she became involved after seeing injustices to those close in her life firsthand. “Everyone has a woman in their life that has experienced some inequality; I’ve had experiences where I’ve been marginalized for my sex, and we all need to advocate for each other; that’s why we’re here.”

Local musical artist Navi

Lydia, Vivian and Dianna Acosta shows their support for their mother during the Women’s March in Fresno on Jan. 19, 2019. Photo/Angel De Jesus

Jackson said she was so inspired by this year’s event that she wrote a still untitled song to share her thoughts about similarities in women’s struggles.

“I’m a bisexual feminist. It means the world to me,” Jackson said. “Why would I not want equality? Why would I want to be discriminated against for my choice of partner? I should not be

entitled to less.”

Others spoke about the commonality of the struggle.

“It’s not just about the trans community or just about the LGBT community, it’s about all of us together,” said Ellie Dote, who identified herself as a straight, cisgender male and Republican before coming out as a transwoman several years ago. “We

need to speak out and stand up against the patriarchal ideas that are so prevalent.”

“I never understood the issue of social inequality, how different groups are viewed through the eyes of others, but after experiencing that firsthand,” Dote said, “I have to speak out and tell people that I too am a person, just like the immigrant next to me.”

Bad Wi-Fi? Technology Support Services Might Have Answers Ramon Castanos | Reporter rcastanos@therampageonline.com

Illustration/ iqbal from the Noun Project

According to Zierfuss-Hubbard, director of Technology SUpport services, when 20 or more people are using wifi, it will slow down

If you have trouble connecting with the Wi-Fi on the Fresno City College campus, you are not alone.

According to Nathan ZierfussHubbard, director of Technology Support Services (TSS), the campus Wi-Fi is slow because of old connectivity equipment and a large student population.

The good news is that ZierfussHubbard’s office is working hard to fix it.

TSS will acquire new funding for new equipment for the Wi-Fi and will start the work to improve Wi-Fi connectivity on campus, starting in the fall 2019 semester.

“The existing Wi-Fi has been here about seven years,” Zierfuss-

Hubbard said. “The equipment has aged, so has infrastructure that supports it, and the internet connection is also older.”

The cables that provide connectivity to the access point are also over a decade old, and some of the buildings are old which makes it hard for the WiFi signal to connect, said John Bengtson, the interim director of TSS from whom ZierfussHubbard is taking over.

Zierfuss-Hubbard said TSS staff will hire someone to diagnose what the issue is; when signals are strong in certain areas, and the locations on campus where the Wi-Fi signal is weakest. He also explained that when two access points overlap, the Wi-Fi is slower.

According to ZierfussHubbard, anywhere with a Wi-Fi

signal on the FCC campus has 200 access points, but TSS will add more access points in areas with dense groups of students and faculty and where complaints about weak Wi-Fi reception are more prevalent.

“I have heard from other staff that the student lounge and cafeteria connectivity become problematic when there is a lot of students during break time,” Zierfuss-Hubbard said. TSS is going to survey the faculty to determine the main problems they experience with access.

Students can meanwhile try to access the Wi-Fi in different locations without too many people. According to ZierfussHubbard, when 20 or more people are using the Wi-Fi, it will slow down.

6 ENTERTAINMENT

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Womxn 2 Womxn Instruments Change through Art

Dhani Del Toro dances in a dark lit room. Photo Courtesy by Alexis Perez (Instagram: @blxsb) Tamika Rey | Business Manager Trey@therampageonline.com

Dulce Upfront provided a combination of music, arts, and culture to the public to encourage social change through Womxn 2 Womxn, an open mic showcase, on Jan. 24.

“Womxn 2 Womxn is the umbrella -- the megaphone for local artist to speak on issues in way digestible for people that are there,” Ome Quetzal Lopez, co-founder of Dulce Upfront, said.

Local artists come to Dulce Upfront during the Womxn 2 Womxn showcase to express themselves on issues of society in a comfortable venue. There are

DJs who play music between artists’ performances and local vendors outside selling items such as hand woven dream catchers.

Benches and heating lamps at the door embrace those who trickle in and out of the doorways. The stage is fixed in the middle of the room with strobe lights on each side, paintings by local artist on the walls, live plants in the main window and basket woven rugs decorating the floors.

“We like to encourage people to come out and share,” said Ronnie Taylor, co-director of Royal Jelly and the DJ network for Womxn 2 Womxn. “We provide a venue for women and those who

identify as women to network musically.”

Guitar, spoken word, and dance were a few of the different types of acts that performed to encourage an atmosphere of multicultural art activism within the community. Last month, Dulce Upfront hosted a runway to encourage the same.

Once Dayanna Sevilla hit the mic, the audience participated in a relaxation exercise where everyone closed their eyes, took a few breaths and then yelled out how they were feeling.

Most art showcases do not get the audience involved. “It’s a place for people to feel, through experiences at places like this:

loved, beautiful, appreciated, celebrated,” Lopez said.

Dulce Upfront hosts festivals downtown where they rent three stages as a means to get the community involved to feel included rather than different from others.

They also work with nonprofits and colleges and other social groups to use art as activism.

“We want people to see themselves in it,” Lopez said. “We want them to know [people of the community] are not a threat and they are something to celebrate and a part of the culture.”

Dhani Del Toro was one of the acts, and performed an urban dance set. Members of the audience were encouraged to sign

up for open mic acts after the relaxation exercise.

Although arts and culture are being used as vehicles for social change at Womxn 2 Womxn, that’s not the only intention.

“These showcases are not necessarily about art. We use art as the vehicle,” Lopez said.

Your political beliefs should not deter you from attending the showcases.

“At the end of the day,” Lopez said, “it’s about connection and our sense of this connection to ourselves, the community, mother earth, the universe, and the multiverse.”

FEB. MOVIES & GAMES RELEASES MOVIES

Peter Lopez | Entertainment Editor Plopez@therampageonline.com

Alita: Battle Angel - Feb 14 Bohemian Rhapsody - blu-ray - Feb. 12 The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part - Feb. 8 How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World - Feb. 22

GAMES Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown - PC - Feb. 1 Anthem - Multiplatform - Feb. 22 Civilization VI: Gathering Storm - PC - Feb 12 Crackdown 3 - PC, Xbox One - Feb. 15 Far Cry: New Dawn - Multiplatform - Feb. 15 Courtesy of Fox

1.30.19 ENTERTAINMENT 7

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Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company Lights Up Downtown Fresno with TB&J Hannah Lanier | Reporter Hlanier@therampageonline.com

Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company hosted its first Tacos, Brews and Jams event at its Downtown Fresno location on Jan. 17.

TB&J, now three years old, has quickly become one of Tioga-Sequoia’s biggest events.

William Compton, the barback turned brand ambassador for Tioga-Sequoia, said that one of the goals of TB&J is to “break the stereotype that Downtown [Fresno] is scary.”

That goal seems closer to becoming a reality, considering the number of people who attended the event on a cold and rainy Thursday night in January.

The first TB&J of 2019 included food options such as tacos from Taco Don Chico, corn and other specialties from Sanchez Corn, and donut dessert from the Rolling Donut.

The brews were provided by Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, while the jams included music from two local punk bands: Squid Ink Band and The Eros Music.

This TB&J’s jam selection differed from the Latin style music that is reg-

ularly offered at the event, according to Silviano Gonzalez Jr., a barback for Tioga-Sequoia and FCC Alumnus.

Tioga-Sequoia, a local hotspot, is known for putting several events together throughout the year. They want to have events that bring people together--or at least have enough events to provide options to the diverse community of Fresno.

“We want to give people a reason to come down on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night,” Gonzalez said.

Rodriguez credits Tioga-Sequoia for supporting local businesses through the vendors that make TB&J—as well as those promoted or included in their other events. He explained that TB&J is the sort of event where people come together to figure out what is going on the rest of the weekend.

With advertisement via Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company’s social media, local radio promotions, flyers, and word of mouth, TB&J is one of the places to be on a Thursday night.

Omar Rodriguez, a local business and event enthusiast, said, “Thursday is where things start happening.”

Delicious looking tacos with all the yummy fixins’. Image from TacoBrewsJams via Instagram.

A crowd of Grizzly Fest 2017 attendees enjoying some tunes at Woodward Park. Photo by Khone Saysamongdy from The Collegian

Grizzly Fest Returning to Woodward Park This May

Peter Lopez | Entertainment Editor Plopez@therampageonline.com

Portugal. The Man, Ziggy Marley, and G-Eazy are just a few of the many entertainers set to perform during this year’s Grizzly Fest on May 4-5 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

According to a promotional image, 22 entertainers will take the stage on Saturday, May 4, while 24 others will perform on Sunday, May 5. Gates to the event are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. and the event will be open to all-ages.

General admission tickets, which

grants access to both days, will cost $130. VIP passes are also available for purchase and sell for $230 and $489, respectively.

Should you be interested in participating in side activities, a game lounge, ferris wheel, and craft beer garden are said to be available to Grizzly Fest attendees.

Last year’s event was also held at Woodward Park and hosted major entertainers like Snoop Dogg, Action Bronson, Dirty Heads, and more.

For more information regarding Grizzly Fest 2019, feel free to visit the event’s website.

8 OPINION 1.30.19

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For your convenience, the FCC Shuttle Service is EXTENDED to March 8!

SAVE TIME, MONEY AND GAS - Park in Lot X (Behind Ratcliffe Stadium) and take the Shuttle to campus!

Remember to be a good neighbor!

• Park with care when looking for space in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus • Please don’t block driveways, move trash cans or litter We all need to be good, respectful citizens • Please remember to follow the speed limit at all times Revised 10/17/2007

SHUTTLE HOURS MON. – THURS. 7:30am – 6:30pm

FRIDAY 7:30am – 5:30pm PARKING O

FRESNO CITY COLLEGE CAMPUS

Practice Gym

PARKING LOT X

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32

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AD RO

Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 6:30pm Friday 7:30am – 5:30pm

: SOUTH SIDE OF MATH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING STOP : WEST END OF UNIVERSITY MALL STOP : SIDEWALK BEHIND OAB - PARKING LOT K

STOP

: HEALTH SCIENCE BUILDING STOP : BOOKSTORE STOP

AIL FR

S BN

: PARKING LOT X

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SHUTTLE VAN SCHEDULE January 14 – March 8, 2019

STOP

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DROP-OFF & PICK-UP EVERY 15 MINUTES AT EACH STOP & PARKING LOT X State Center Community College District

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OPINION 9

College – Can You Really Complain?

Sarah Chavez | Reporter schavez@therampageonline.com

Now that you’re in college you’ve earned the right to choose how to live your life.

College is simultaneously the best and worst part of your life, giving you both the freedom–and responsibility–to make your dreams real.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics there were approximately 19.9 million college students that attended college in 2018. College can add stress onto your already stressful life, but it’s comforting to know that that there are other college students that are having the same experiences. Everyone is struggling and trying to find where they fit in, so you are in

good company.

This is the only time in your life when it’s OK to not know what you’re doing while you figure out who you are. It’s when you can do absolutely nothing in your life and in turn do almost everything and you can’t be bothered to care.

While college isn’t for everyone, it’s exactly what you make of it.

The typical narrative of a young college student is of a person who is stressed beyond belief and unbelievably ignorant to what the “real world” means.

The truth is that we are not as naive as “adults” think we are.

They are so intent on pushing this generation into “reasonable” careers that will lead them to the same path as

previous generations. We are not interested in getting a degree for a boring job in which we will be stuck in for the rest of our lives, just because it is “reasonable” and “smart” to you.

This generation wants to make mistakes.

We want to pick a career that seems useless to others but special to us. We are passionate people; yes, portrayed as too emotional and not to be taken seriously.

And, if we are truly the future, we must be the ones driving change in most spheres of life, including economy, technology, etc.

College and the age we are in provide so many great opportunities for new adventures –to meet new and interesting

“

College is simultaneously the best and worst part of your life, giving you both the freedom–and responsibility–to make your dreams real.

people. You can sort out what you would want to do with your life while you take the time to be reckless and a free spirited young adult.

Just remember that it isn’t that long ago when we were in high school and complaining about how early the school day started. We had no choice. Our counselors fixed our schedules.

Now in college, the schedules are not made by anyone else, but you.

You chose your classes to fit your time frame.

There are no restrictions on what you can do in college.

You can even drop out if that is what your heart desires.

You have finally earned the right to dictate what you choose to do in your life.

Video Games Won’t Rot Your Child’s Brain Peter Lopez | Entertainment Editor plopez@therampageonline.com

Video games play a huge role in the lives of gamers around the world. The medium has blossomed into a multimillion dollar industry. Despite this, video games are often thought of as a waste of time--if not outright demonized by parents. But the research suggests that video games aren’t harmful, but helpful.

An outlet for aggression rather than its cause.

With that said, players should continue to play their favorite shooters, horror games, match 3’s, and button-mashers to their heart’s content. Hey, they can even dust off that really old Dance Dance Revolution mat for old-time-sake.

According to the Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric

Epidemiology, the peer-reviewed journal suggested that in 2016 “video games might not lead to aggressive behavior, and suggested that playing video games may even help children express their aggression.”

During the study, 3,195 school children, residing in six European Union countries with ages ranging between 6-11, only “20 percent of the children played video games more than five [hours] per week,” which is the norm in this day and age, especially with free-to-play games like Fortnite, Pokemon GO, and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.

Video games can also do wonders for the human mind, body, and soul. They can allow you to break new ground and maybe even save your life. For

example, according to the SPPE, individuals who played video games for an extended period of time were able to show lower signs of social disorders and fewer thoughts of death, which is nothing to sneeze at.

So it’s about time, my fellow gamers, that we stop feeling as if video games are such a negative thing. We must instead take back our beloved pastime from those who believe it to be incredibly negative. So, let us continue our tireless efforts through dungeon raids, further progress within hour-less grinds through loot and fetch quests, lift up our controllers (or keyboards if you swing that way) and stand proud as gamers of the world.

“20 percent of the children played video games more than 5 [hours] per week,” which resulted in “good intellectual functioning and academic achievement” for those with high usages of video games. Illustration/Peter Lopez

The Government Shutdown: A Dangerous Waste of Time Gage Carmichael | Opinion Editor gcarmichael@therampageonline.com

The longest government shutdown in American history has finally ended…temporarily.

The government shutdown began Dec 22, and just recently ended on Jan 25. It lasted a total 35 consecutive days, a whole five weeks.

For some individuals who work or receive benefits from the federal government, this meant they were forced to work without pay, and unable to receive the benefits that their very livelihoods depend on.

35 consecutive days of federal workers not getting paid for the work they do.

35 consecutive days of 42,000 Coast Guard members risking their lives and protecting this country, without pay.

35 days of intentional harm to the American populace.

One wonders why this happened. Surely there was a good reason, some national security threat that required all this struggle and strife.

Wrong.

The government was shut down because President Trump and Democrats in the House of Representatives were unable to come to agreement on the funding plan for the building of Trump’s fabled “Wall.”

Originally the core promise of his campaign for the presidency

in 2016, Trump argued that the U.S. needed a wall along its southern border, one that Mexico would pay for.

Once elected and realizing that he had his supporters expected him to fulfil on all of his asinine promises, and worse, Mexico had no intention of paying for his asinine promises, Trump turned to the American taxpayer.

Keep in my mind that over half of the American population doesn’t agree with his pet project in the first place.

Finally, at the end of this long winded process of footing the bill to different conglomerates, Trump decided that the only “logical” way to see this wall project of his through is to shut

down the entirety of the U.S. government till he gets his way.

Yes folks, that is our current president of the United States.

Shutting down the government, jeopardizing the integrity of the U.S. and endangering the livelihoods of federal workers and their families. Literally throwing a tantrum, like the spoiled child he is till he gets exactly what he wants...And he calls the Democratic Party a bunch of babies.

At this point the Wall seems to be a manifestation of Trump’s ego and pride.

We can never be completely set on what goes on in his head (maybe a Twitter of a bird).

If Trump finds a way to

complete this wall of his, he’ll always have something to fall back on if he completely flops in the remaining time in the White House (and he’s done a pretty good job of flopping it so far).

Talks will resume between the President and The House on Feb. 15 about “who will pay for the wall, how much is the estimated cost and what supplies could be used.”

For all we know, the government could shut down yet again.

Only time will time will tell.

Tune in next time folks for the thrilling follow-up to “ManChild vs The Impassible House.”

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Super Bowl Back to Where it all Began Ben Hensley | Sports Editor bhensley@therampageonline.com

Los Angeles Rams by the Numbers

Won the NFC West with a 13-3 record (6-0 division) Wild card round - Bye Divisional round - Defeated the Dallas Cowboys 30-22 NFC Championship - Defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-23 Full Circle The Los Angeles Rams haven’t been to a Super Bowl since their 17-20 loss to the New England Patriots in 2002.

All that changed following the controversial non-call in the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints. Fan of the team or not, the Rams punched their ticket to Super Bowl 53 - their first appearance in 17 seasons.

On the other sideline, the New England Patriots are back again for the eighth time since their 2002 victory.

For the Rams to secure victory on the largest NFL stage, many things have to go right: Don’t focus on one man: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a master at many things, but one of those many things is the ability to take away a specific player for the duration of a game. Keenan Allen recorded only two receptions in the divisional round on January 13 - following a season in which he caught 97 passes.

Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs was limited to a single reception after hauling in 87 passes during the regular season.

The Rams have the perfect system to win, as the three headed monster of Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley II have spread 225 catches among the three of them, let by Woods’ 86 recep-

Conner Stevens | Reporter cstevens@therampageonline.com

New England Patriots by the Numbers

Won the AFC East with an 11-5 record (5-1 division) Wild card round - Bye Divisional round - Defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-28 AFC Championship - Defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 37 - 31 Back to Where it all Began Coming off a season that saw them take an uncharacteristic step back from the number one seed, the New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl once again, this time against none other than the Los Angeles Rams.

Facing the Rams for the first time since the hiring of head coach Sean McVay, the Patriots look to capture their sixth Super Bowl championship, after reaching the big game for the third time in the past four years.

After a season that saw the elevation of the Rams on both sides of the ball, the Patriots will have to be on their game to bring the championship back to Foxborough for a league tying sixth time.

Running Back By Committee: With all eyes on Tom Brady on Super Bowl Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams need to focus on the impressive depth that the New England Patriots have in the running game.

Sony Michel alone has had quite an under-the-radar rookie season, but has been great nonetheless. More importantly, Michel has broken off back-to-back 100+ rushing yard games, including the 129 yards rushing against a Chargers’ defense who ranked ninth in rushing yards allowed this season.

The Rams were ranked 23 in rush yards per game

tions, and Cooks’ 15.1 yards per catch. If the Rams hope to win, they have to be able to spread their focus not just to their leading receiver, but to multiple threats on offense.

Pressure Tom Brady: Pressure on a quarterback has a historical tendency to cause mishaps in the passing game. After struggling through the regular season, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense has been the most prolific passing offense in the postseason, checking in with 511 total offensive yards - nearly 100 more than the Rams. Credit for this goes to the Patriots offensive line, allowing only one quarterback hit over the past two games, and zero QB sacks.

In order for the Rams to win on Sunday, they have to pressure Brady. The Rams were a middle of the league team, coming in 15th with 41 sacks on the season. In order for the Rams to come away with the win, they need to get pressure on Brady.

With Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald on defense, the potential to get to Brady is there, but the Rams have to perform well as a defensive front to stand a chance at stopping Brady from getting his sixth Super Bowl win.

Spread the Ball: The Patriots have excelled offensively this postseason, but contrary to their late game performance against the Chiefs, the Patriots have been giving up over 280 yards per game through the air - a statistic that pans out well for the Rams with the threats of Woods and Cooks.

The Rams have to get the passing game working early however, with the Patriots stingy run defense giving up only 30 yards per game on the ground this postseason. With the notable absence of Gurley, the Rams may be in trouble if they cannot move the ball through the air efficiently.

in the NFL this year and are going to have to get that push on the line to shut down any tricks Belichick might have up his sleeve.

That being said, the Patriots also have ground weapons in Rex Burkhead and James White. Burkhead, who is a great goal-line and short yardage back, can keep the chains moving on those third down conversions. While White acts as another receiver when in, giving Brady the option to just dump it off if under pressure.

Super Bowl Experience: Though it may not be a factor, one should look at the playoff experience of these two teams. On one side, you have Jared Goff, a third-year quarterback who has had an outstanding year but no playoff experience, and a team with a total of four players who have been to the Super Bowl.

On the other side, you have Tom Brady who has been to eight Super Bowls, winning five of them and winning the MVP award four out of those five times. To make it even worse, the Pats have an unbelievable 38 players who have been to the big game already. Once the whistle blows on Sunday, the amount of experience each team has is thrown to the side, but it makes the difference between the two teams staggering.

Leave It to the GOAT It’s been talked about for years that “Brady is done” or “He’s too old,” but year after year, he continues to prove the haters wrong. He seemed immortal after a subpar year of flaws. Now he has flipped the switch and become the great quarterback that everyone hates once again.

This postseason, Brady has added six points to his completion percentage (71.1) and bumped up his quarterback rating another 14.8 points (83.6).

Although everyone will continue to say he has nothing left, you can count Brady out.

1.30.19

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SPORTS 11

Women’s Basketball Aims to Stay Hot Entering Final Stretch Ben Hensley | Editor

bhensley@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College women’s basketball team aims to heat up entering the home stretch of the season.

Under the direction of first year coach Alex Fletcher, the Ram’s currently sit in third place in conference standings, trailing College of the Sequoias (19-3, 4-1 CVC) and Merced (20-2, 5-0 CVC) FCC looks to make a push toward the end of the season with their sights set first on the conference title.

“The season is a bit rocky right now, but we’re trying to maintain our effort and all the enthusiasm that we put into practice and into games,” sophomore guard Jerrene Richardson said of the team’s season so far. Richardson leads the Rams offense with 17.6 points

per game, and has been instrumental in the Rams’ success this season.

“She does a lot for us on offense,” coach Fletcher said of his leading scorer. Richardson leads the team in multiple offensive categories including free throw percentage (78.4) and is third on the team in 3-point percentage (34.5).

Fletcher also praised sophomore guard Liz Parker for her performances up to this point in the season. “[Parker] has been steady with her leadership all the way,” Fletcher said, reflecting on his team leader in assists (3.8).

Offensively, Parker is tied for third on the team in scoring with 8 points per game.

Defensively, Fletcher had high praise for Roberson as well as freshman forward Shondra Rob-

erts who are third and first on the team in rebounds, averaging 4.7 and 6.3 rebounds per game respectively.

Sophomore forward Alyssa Roberson had praise for the resolve of the team. When asked of the positivity of their performances, Roberson praised the team for “Winning the games that we know we can win.” Roberson went on to credit the teams wins to dominating defensively from the start of games.

Reflecting on the season so far, Fletcher had high praise for the players and the team overall.

“It’s been a good first year,” Fletcher had to say of his first season as head coach. “Learning a lot about myself and how I’m gonna be as a coach and also learning a lot about the players and the league.”

Jerrene Richardson goes up for a layup against Taft College on Jan. 17, 2019.

Photo/Ben Hensley

Heading into the final month of the season, the Rams will face first place Merced College at home on Jan. 30, and in Merced to wrap up the season on Feb. 23.

They also face COS once on Feb. 6 in Visalia. on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 7:00 in the gymnasium.

“You can always get better and that’s what we’re trying to aim

for and I feel like once we reach that peak then we’re gonna keep rising,” Richardson said of the team’s keys to performing well heading into the final stretch.

The Rams next face Merced College at home on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Fresno City.

FCC Men’s Basketball Coach Ed Madec Preaches Practice, Practice, and Practice Ben Hensley | Sports Editor bhensley@therampageonline.comw

The Fresno City College men’s basketball team (17-3) looks to capture their 18th consecutive conference championship. Com-

“

“We just gotta take one possession at a time, one day at a time, and try to win our practices before we can win our games.”

-Ed Madec FCC Men’s Basketball Head Coach

ing off 15 consecutive victories, the Rams’ men’s team looks to maintain first in conference play, ahead of Columbia College (155) and College of the Sequoias (13-7).

Led by the offensive efforts of sophomore forward Ethan Richardson (14.3 PPG) and Jonah Brown (12.3 PPG), the Rams have totalled over 70 points per game dating back to their Nov. 16 win over Sierra College 66-36.

The high expectations of a long Sophomore guard/forward Ian Miller rises above the rim to score in the Ram’s 72-61 victory over Columbia College on Jan. 17, 2019. history of success at FCC were Photo/Ben Hensley evident in head coach Ed Madec’s words. “We’re a work in progchampionships.” game. row, tomorrow we play West ress,” Madec said of the teams Coach Madec says the team Madec has high hopes for his Hills Lemoore. If we win that we performance to this point in the isn’t ready for championships yet first place Rams team entering play Sequoia Saturday. If we win season. however. “We have to grow up. the final stretch of the season. that we play West Hills Coalinga Madec had high praise for We still have a long way to go,” “Our goal is always to win a Monday.” sophomore guard Georgie DancMadec said of the team. conference championship, then Madec continued to stress the er. Dancer enters the last stretch With eight games remaining after the conference championimportance of preparation for the of the season tallying 11.4 points until the first round of the reship we want to play for a state upcoming games, saying, “Right per game, along with 4.9 assists gional playoffs, the team looks to championship. That’s been the now we need to focus on winning per game. remain undefeated in conference. our practices.” goal every year since I’ve been “He’s gotta be if not the best Currently, they sit at 8-0, but here and I’ve been here 13 years.”

For now, the Rams’ continue player in the state, one of them,” hope to be 16-0 in conference by Madec uses the teams’ history to practice and push towards a Madec had to say of Dancer, who of success to motivate the team to the end of February. strong playoff performance. Their has also averaged 1.3 steals per Madec, however, is taking continue to perform to the best next home game is Wednesday, game defensively, paired with them one game at a time. of their abilities.

Jan. 30 at 5:00 p.m. in the gymnaan average of four rebounds per “The biggest game is tomor“Fresno City’s about winning sium at FCC.

12 SPORTS 1.30.19

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Rams Hoping to Improve on Shaky Start to Season Ben Hensley | Sports Editor bhensley@therampageonline.com

Omari Bell | Reporter

obell@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College baseball team looks to rebound after a disappointing start to the 2019 season, losing both of their opening home games to Feather River College and Mission College.

The Rams dropper their home opener on Sunday afternoon 11-5, after a patchy pitching performance.

Feather River scored three times in the first on only one hit, drawing three walks, including one that drove in a run. The Rams quickly responded in the bottom of the first with home runs from Tyler Littlefield and Chet Allison.

After both teams surrendered three runs in the opening inning, both pitching staffs settled down until the fourth, which saw both teams score a single.

Feather River however opened it up in the sixth inning, scoring four runs in the inning, culminating in a two-run double, bringing the score to 8-4. The Rams pitching continued to struggle, hitting one batter, and walking another.

The Rams mounted a rally in the bottom of the inning with Adam Munoz driving in Antonio Norlega with an RBI single, bringing the score to 8-5 before Feather River tacked on another three runs in the top of the seventh, capping off the scoring at 11-5.

Overall, Rams pitching struggled, walking nine batters and hitting three.

The loss was the second consecutive loss for the Rams, dropping their record to 1-2.

Pitching improved in the Rams’ second home game, this time against the Mission College Saints. While still losing the game, the Rams managed to plug the leaks in pitching from the third

Conner Stevens | Reporter cstevens@therampageonline.com

inning on.

Darren Jansen relieved an injured Jiovanni Saavedra in the second inning, and gave up four runs in his first two innings of work. Following the second however, Jansen gave up only one hit in his last four innings of work before being relieved by Mikell Chavez in the seventh.

Offensively, as the pitching settled down, the bats woke up, gathering two runs in the third on a Tyler Littlefield groundout and an Ian Ross solo home run.

The bats continued to show life as the Rams scored twice more, once in the sixth and once in the seventh before the bats went cool again to end the game in a 5-4 loss.

Chet Allison, who went one for three with an RBI double, had some positive thoughts following the game.

“We took a tough loss unfortunately, and thought we could get more guys on base as we got more through the line up,” Allison said. “I believe we just ran out of time at the end.”

Moving forward, head coach Ron Scott had praise and hopes for the team.

“We like our team a lot,” Scott said following the loss to Mission College.

“We think it has a little bit of everything from veterans, to freshman, pitching and good defense, and it is just a work in progress.”

The Rams hope to continue their success from last year that saw them win the Central Valley Conference with a record of 30-15.

The Rams will be hosting Los Medanos this Friday, Feb. 1 at Euless Park at 6 p.m.

SPORTS CALENDAR JAN

30 FEB

01 FEB

02 FEB FCC pitcher Kohl Simas fires a pitch to the plate in the Rams home opener against the Feather River College Golden Eagles on Jan. 27, 2019. Photo/Ben Hensley

MEN’s BASKETBALL v. WEST HILLS L | 5 pm WOMEN”S BASKETBALL V. MERCED | 7 pm

BASEBALL v. LOS MEDANOS | 6 PM BASEBALL v. LOS MEDANOS | 11 AM BASEBALL v. LOS MEDANOS | 2 PM Softball v. Cuesta | 10 AM SOFTBALL v. Sierra | 2 PM

04

Men’S BASKETBALL v. WEST HILLS C | 5 PM

06

BASEBALL v. Folsom Lake | 6 PM

FEB

FEB

07 FEB

08 FEB

09

MEN’s TENNIS V. BAKERSFIELD| 6 PM

BASEBALL v. CHABOT| 1 PM BASEBALL v. CHABOT| 10 AM BASEBALL v. CHABOT| 2 PM SOFTBALL v. OHLONE| 10 AM