Issue 1 Spring 2020

THE RAMPAGE The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College

Spring 2020 | ISSUE 1 | January 29, 2020

1 1 E

G A nt P

a y r aB

n a e

M H

C A E

P M

n Ira ith

sw ion

s Ten

I

5

E ed n, t r o D ep wa

F ead , Ja a e r r d o Sp ailan t h K Th No r and

4 E G

PA

f o s S E zen

o R d I , F ned

D ai t n L I y co

ina D h A in C

US VIR NA

EI L SO US f o ike n o i s str E t a e n G l i s si s A s a i s As ory m altie P e Th taliat casu Re se, no ba

A R T

RO

E N

I

N A M

E G

2 s r , Tai e 3 s 1 irst ca to USpan

CO

eD

W E

N , R

A T E Y N E W

h t a e

Th

b o K f o

n n a i G d

Y D

on i t a v d r l a W t e r s rche a , n b N io sco s' A t e a I z d cres a l a L r b y AMega ge on deh lion a R T 9' res ra ls face 6 mil S AU GE fiAnimea than 1 r Mo PA

Illustration/Tommy Tribble

 The RAMPAGE



 @RAMPAGENEWS



@FCCRAMPAGE The rampage online

therampageonline.com

2 NEWS 1.29.20

therampageonline.com

Sitdown with President Goldsmith

THE RAMPAGE

The student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Ben Hensley

News Editor Hannah Lanier

Sports Editor Patrick Henslee

Entertainment Editor John Bruce

Opinion Editor Kris Hall

Social Media Editor Moises Buitrago

Art Director Tommy Tribble

Reporters Adam Peters Alejandro Iglesias Alexis Garcia Angel DeJesus Aundriauna Del Toro Brianna Beltran Floritzel Garcia Hernandez Hannah Medrano James Mora Janine Tate Jhoselin Clark John Jaksich Jonathan Pazos Julia Espinoza Julie Chavez Kiara Alcaraz Kiran Kaur Luis Barreto Luis Hernandez Mayra Martinez Monica Flores Garcia Natalie Gallegos Ricardo Reyna Ruby Roque Sean Bowen Vicente Vasquez

Advisers/Instructors Kathleen Schock Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Contact Us

Tip Line 559-422-8262 Letters to the Editor media@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.

The college president tackled new faculty, bookstore management, campus security and enrollment district, Goldsmith acknowledged

Ben Hensley | Editor-in-Chief bhensley@therampageonline.com

Above the hustle and bustle of the beginning weeks of the spring 2020 semester at Fresno City College, Dr. Carole Goldsmith prepares herself and her staff for another semester as college president.

So what is the state of the college?

Goldsmith is overall confident in the success and the potential at FCC. Enrollment and Community Involvement Full-time student enrollment at FCC hovers at nearly 18,000 students. Goldsmith and the rest of the administration, however, hope to see that number continue to climb - and there are incentives if that number does continue to grow.

“We’re striving to reach that 20,000 FTS (full time student) goal, and the reason that we’re striving for that is because once you hit that benchmark the state gives you more funding,” Goldsmith added.

“I believe we [were] at 17,800.”

But Goldsmith says there is still room to grow.

“We’re encouraging students to pick up one more class for a number of reasons,” Goldsmith said, encouraging students to enroll in more units and become full-time students to help not only the college, but themselves in their own studies.

In addition to personal successes and the success of the school and district, she added that faculty becoming involved in incentive programs is beneficial to all.

Being involved in the “K16 Initiative,” which works to get students through high school and into college, Goldsmith said systems like this make the college a stronger institution and a better community.

“Those types of activities are very much encouraged for our faculty to get involved in the community, to get involved with their local feeder schools [and] get involved with the CSUs, and we’re seeing those partnerships pay off,” Goldsmith added.

“In terms of the overall state of the college, I think we are in a very strong position.”

Faculty Additions With Clovis Community College being the newest addition to the

that the district has placed a lot of focus on the new addition.

SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Paul Parnell, however, recently granted FCC eight new faculty member positions for the upcoming semester, along with 22 replacement positions from retired staff.

“It’s an opportunity for us to select faculty who mirror the look and mirror the ethos of our community,” Goldsmith said. “We’re going to have over 30 positions. That is a huge opportunity.”

Goldsmith added emphasis on the importance of building faculty through new positions, and improving on already established positions that replace leaving or retiring faculty, citing that it was a good opportunity to get new vision and new opportunity on the FCC campus.

In the interest of filling positions at FCC, Goldsmith constructed the first ever “President’s Human Resources Prioritization and Recommendations Report,” a detailed outline of the recommendations from different boards outlining everything from K-12 partners to diversity and equal opportunity plan integration.

“I’m going to continue to advocate not only for the existing dollars but going after grants to find any external funding we can to help staff up West Fresno and the First Responders Center,” Goldsmith added.

The goal of the report is to guide future discussions on and off campus, serve as a foundation for resource requests and display the needs of the college, financially and otherwise.

Campus Security In light of a campus “shooting scare” that headlined the first issue of the Rampage in the fall 2019 semester, Goldsmith clarified the situation that caused panic and confusion for students and faculty at FCC. “I took a little exception to that article and let me tell you why: it wasn’t a shooting scare,” Goldsmith said. The incident stemmed from an overheard conversation between two film students in which the term for filming (shooting) and a style of microphone (shotgun microphone) were misinterpreted

President Carole Goldsmith sits down with the Rampage to discuss the state of the campus, Jan. 28, 2020. Goldsmith touched on enrollment, new faculty, the controversial new managers of the bookstore, and campus security after a misunderstanding prompted rumors of a possible shooting, which turned out to be unfounded. Photo/Patrick Henslee as a potential threat.

“It was actually a symptom and proof that all the things that we’re doing are working,” Goldsmith said. “We’re really been focused on ‘if you see something, say something.’”

Goldsmith emphasizes that FCC’s goal regarding security is to help students feel safe to report incidents and suspicions to police and faculty.

While this incident ended up being nothing more than misunderstanding, Goldsmith insists that the system that the school is trying to emphasize is working.

“We’re going to continue to do what we know is working, and that’s being able to create a community and a culture where people feel safe to report things,” Goldsmith said.

In the interest of security, many positions have been filled at the district level and Goldsmith advocates for the continued effort to keep these positions filled and fill new positions in and around campus. She emphasized the importance of the police presence locally on campus at FCC. “We want to have police on campus,” Goldsmith said. “They are part of our community. In fact, many of them went to our police academy.”

Goldsmith encourages people to get to know the officers locally on campus, encouraging a strong community bond between students, faculty and campus officers.

Follett and the Bookstore Resolution Last semester the campus bookstore suffered a rough transition from being independently owned to being owned by the Follet Corp. - a third-party educational products

seller and distributor. Students suffered through hour-long lines, missing materials and general disorganization when trying to purchase their classroom materials and textbooks.

Goldsmith said the chancellor and the district believe the issues have been resolved leading into this semester.

“Our chancellor and Vice Chancellor [Cheryl] Sullivan went to the academic senate and assured them that they have done everything they can to ensure the issues have been resolved,” Goldsmith said. “They believe the issues have been resolved and I am going to put my trust and faith in them.”

Goldsmith also added that district Chief Technology Officer Ralph Looney made certain that the services Follett implemented in the campus bookstore are running smoothly. She also said that bookstore manager Paul Klays is doing everything he can to ensure that the bookstore runs as smoothly as possible this semester as well.

“I think the district has done all they can,” Goldsmith added.

“On campus we have our own bookstore committee which we will be looking [at] very closely.”

A co-chaired committee between Academic Senate President Karla Kirk and Vice President of Administrative Services Omar Gutierrez has been implemented to ensure that bookstore operations run smoothly this semester.

Statement to the Student Body Goldsmith emphasized the importance of education from both students’ and faculty perspectives, “I believe that education does transform lives and it does transform communities.”

Campus Highlights: Everything You Need to Know

And some stuff you don't ASB FAX Bus Pass Suspended End of Spring 2020

The ASB card will no longer provide students with a free FAX bus pass after the board of trustees voted to suspend the benefit at the end of the spring 2020 semester. The ASB card will still offers a variety of restaraunt discounts and access to the Ram Pantry. Bus benefits will remain until semester's end.

New Ram Pantry Hours Spring 2020 The Ram Pantry now operates Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and opens again at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Tuesdays and Fridays, the pantry is open at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

ASG Meet Every Tuesday, But They're Having Trouble Meeting Quorum Every Tuesday

The Associated Student Government's Jan. 21 meeting was canceled because of a lack of senators, and office hours have been spotty. Students interested in joining can attend meetings each Tuesday, assuming they are not canceled.

Construction Contract for New Parkking Structure Awarded December 17, 2019 The State Center Community College District Board voted to award the construction contract for the new parking structure.

The garage is planned to add 1000 new parking spaces to the campus. It will cost an estimated $15 million.

1.29.20 NEWS 3

therampageonline.com

'Counseling on the green' offers student educational plan help James Mora | Reporter jmora@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College offers “Counseling on the Green” as a creative way to answer students' questions in the Library foire on Tuesdays between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Counseling on the Green” is an appointment-free option open to all students attending FCC. “It's mainly just to be accessible for students that was the whole premise for going out there. We had heard that students were having trouble getting in to see a counselor because our appointments were always booked and so we thought we would go out to the students,” said Carly Berry, a FCC counselor.

The counselors are prepared to help students with issues regarding their student education plans (SEP), academic probation, adding classes, and other advising resources.

SEPs are a primary focus for counselors because they show students guidelines for their college career, “It didn’t feel like I was prepared for college at all. I found myself kind of lost on what I wanted to do at college and if I even had the right supplies,” said student Kristin Alvarez.

A Student Educational Plan (SEP) is a layout of each semester at FCC with what classes are necessary to take pertaining to different majors and GEDs.

Kiara Alcarez | Reporter kalcarez@therampageonline.com

“Some of the counselors were easy to talk to. So that was a very good thing, and they took their time with you and your classes,” said Alvarez. “[Counselors] will go out of their way to make a clear image for the students,” said FCC student Johnny Cortez.

Everything from SEPs to adding classes, “Counseling on the Green” helps approximately 50 students within the time provided, according to FCC counselor Kyle Connery.

“I don’t know if we are gonna keep this up forever,” said FCC counselor Julie Preston-Smith, “We wanted to get access to students.”

“Counseling on the Green” will continue throughout the Tuesdays of January but stop come February. During the month of March “Counseling on the Green” will be available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

March has proven to be a busy time for students and counselors because the time to register for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 classes begins in April.

Apart from the scheduled “Counseling on the Green'', the counseling department’s hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Black History Month Preview Hannah Medrano | Reporter hmedrano@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College will begin celebrating African American History Month on Feb. 3 with an opening ceremony in the Old Administrative Building Auditorium.

The event will feature Education Reform Advocate Angie Barfield and a drum and dance performance from a FCC instructor. The event will be held in the OAB from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

“This is when we think about our heritage, celebrate, our culture and can encourage students who feel that they may not belong here or are concerned that they may not be successful,” said Deborah Lewis, president of the African American Faculty and Staff Association.

She will also be speaking on behalf of the AAFSA at the opening ceremony.

When asked about how she hopes the month’s events will impact the African American student body Lewis said,“This celebration of who we are as African Americans and it helps to restore some of the pride we lose in ourselves as we experience racism and discrimination.”

Following the opening ceremony, on Feb. 4, 2020, FCC will be visited by over 20 recruiters from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The HBCU’s representatives will be offering students the opportunity to speak with college recruiters one-onone. The HBCU will also be waiving application fees, aiding students with

scholarship applications and answering any questions that students may have.

On Feb. 13, 2020, the speakers forum will be welcoming Yale professor and award-winning poet Claudia Rankin to Fresno City’s campus.

Claudia Rankine is well recognized for her latest poetry collection “Citizen: A American Lyric.” ”Citizen: A American Lyric” is a compilation of works, with a primary focus on the struggles of racism, discrimination and the power of imagination.

Rankin will be speaking in the OAB auditorium at 7:00 pm and the first 100 participants will receive a free copy of “Citizen.”

Events later in the month include a presentation hosted by Professor Kirk herself. She will be giving a presentation on her time spent travelling in Senegal, Africa.

“African American history is interwoven woven into who we are as Americans, this is our time to remember. It’s our generation's turn to define who we’re going to be this next century,” said Kirk.

African American History month on FCC’s campus will not only be providing students with resources and opportunities for their futures but it will also push to strengthen student and faculty confidence in the present time.

“Experiences can become discouraging and our hope is that by having some of these celebrations and programs we can encourage our students and ourselves as well,” said Lewis.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Club held a meeting on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 in SO-110 to get acquainted with new members and discuss future plans. Photo/Janine Tate

Club Rush: The Key to a Fun and successful future Janine Tate | Reporter jtate@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College Student Activities hosts its first spring semester Club Rush on Jan. 29, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Mall.

Club Rush is held every semester to promote campus clubs, student involvement, and recruitment.

Various clubs will be in attendance to provide students with resources that meet their interests--whether it be for academic, career or hobby.

From honor societies, to LGBTQ+, to entertainment and cultural clubs, FCC has a variety to choose from.

“The first Club Rush is only providing information on the clubs,” said João Vitor, an international student and soccer player who works for the Student Activities. He recommends

students attend the event to determine which club would be the best fit.

Vitor explained that students benefit from Club Rush because they get to know more people, get more involved with school, and it looks better when applying to a four-year school.

Vitor himself is part of the Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), an honor society for students with a G.P.A. of 3.0 and above. “I got to know more people and not just that, but I think I got more knowledge about other stuff too,” said Vitor.

The AGS is a statewide organization, but it is inactive this semester as a student club, said Karla Kirk, the former club advisor. Students can still contact her, get an application and pay the $35 requirement fee to join the AGS, reassured Kirk.

Kirk said she is currently serving the institution as the Academic Senate President, so it takes time away from her teaching duties and club advising.

“When students join the statewide organization they are members for life, they get the graduation honors at the end - the cords - and the designation on their transcript that they’re a part of an honor society,” said Kirk.

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Club is also an honor society for students, but with a GPA of 3.5 and above. Susana Sosa, the advisor, said members are also part of the international organization which provides access to scholarships at various colleges and transfer scholarships.

John Cho, advisor for the Asian American Club, explained that joining a club helps develop people skills,

communication, confidence within yourself, and credibility. “Your word becomes a representation of yourself,” said Cho, “it’s a chance to hone or sharpen your people skills.”

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Club will participate in the upcoming Club Rush.

Craig Mitchell, EOPS Club President, said he learned teamwork from being in a club. The club helped him build taught him commitment and motivation, as well as communication skills.

For further information on these clubs and more, make sure to attend the Club Rush on Jan. 29.

4 NEWS 1.29.20

therampageonline.com

deadly Coronavirus poses little risk to FCC students, but there are ways to protect yourself Kris Hall | Opinion Editor khall@therampageonline.com

The coronavirus first appeared in China. 132 people have died, and 6000 cases of infection around the world. Photo/Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Novel Coronavirus 2019, 2019-nCoV, or the Coronavirus, outbreak was first reported by the World Health Organization on Jan. 9, 2020 in Wuhan, China.

Since it broke, it has spread from China to Thailand, Japan, North Korea and the U.S. 132 people have died, as of Wednesday, Jan. 29. 6,000 cases of infection exist worldwide, with some appearing as near as Orange County, California.

At Fresno City College, however, Health Services are urging students to be cautious and aware of the virus due to it being as contagious as the common cold, but ultimately do not consider it a threat to Fresno.

Dr. Lilli Goishi-Bessey of Health Services at FCC said, “The only cases in California are down south from individuals who came directly from Wuhan.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to avoid contracting the disease is the same as any other virus.

1. Such as, whenever you touch

a public space like a handrail, door, or desk, the number one thing on your mind should be to wash your hands. Hundreds of people touch those surfaces which increases the chance that someone sick has touched it as well.

2. Your nose, eyes and mouth are direct gateways for a virus to enter your body. Conversely, if you are already sick and are in denial about it, touching those parts of your face puts that on your hands and then it spreads to everything you touch.

3. If you are sick STAY HOME. When you are sick, anyone and everyone you come into contact with are at risk. This does not just apply to Coronavirus, if you are sick with any virus whether common or uncommon, the best place for you is home and in bed.

Treating yourself is really treating your ailments.

4. Always think about your antibodies like little soldiers fighting off the virus. Your troops need water to survive and lots

of it because fevers burn water quickly. If you’re not careful you can get dehydrated. According to the CDC, take pain and fever medications to help you feel better. That way less of your energy will be focused on dealing with the discomfort and instead you can focus on putting food in your body.

5. Try to remember to nourish your body with foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium. Soup is a go-to option for symtoms illustrating the flu or a common cold.

Dr. Goishi-Bessey advises, “Don’t just search the web. You can trust the CDC web site.” She also said that if you want to take more preventative measures, “getting flu shots are important.”

The Coronavirus is in the process of being contained. Currently, there is no cure. Only precautions.

Goishi-Bessey said there are “no active cases here [in Fresno].”

Together, with these preventative measures in place, Fresno City College will never see the Coronavirus.

ASB Card Loses FAX Bus Pass, Retains Discounts and Ram Pantry Vicente Vasquez | Reporter vvasquez@therampageonline.com

An Associated Student Body ID card includes benefits such as discounts and access to the Ram Pantry but a muchtouted bus pass benefit was recently suspended.

As of fall 2020, the FAX bus pass offered with the FCC Associated Student Body card will be suspended due to a vote by the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) Board of Trustees.

Since 2017, students with an ASB card were able to utilize public transportation throughout the semester to get to school,

Volunteer Fair Brings 23 Non-Profits to Campus Natalie Gallegos | Reporter ngallegos@therampageonline.com

The Volunteer Fair was held Tuesday, January 28 in the cafeteria with 23 non-profit organizations and recruiters participating.

• Fresno Unified District Mentoring Opportunities is an organization that gives K-12 students opportunities with academic help and builds a positive relationship with mentors. Volunteers are to mentor and engage in activities such as playing sports, games, reading, and doing artwork for one hour a week during the academic school year.“It’s important to give back. To feel satisfaction that you can make a difference” said Judy Reynoso, FUSD Mentor and Student Facilitator.

• Tree Fresno is a non-profit organization planting drought tolerant trees all around the San Joaquin Valley.

Located in Fresno, Tulare, Kings Canyon, and Madera County, Tree Fresno’s main goal is to plant more trees with the help of community members and volunteers.

• The Alzheimer's Association strives to raise awareness for those diagnosed with Dementia. This organization works towards raising funds to invest in research for a cure. Volunteer’s will have the opportunity to participate in

work and anywhere FAX public transit lines run.

“It would be hard to get a ride,” said Lizcette Mendez, a biology major who relies on the FAX deal with the district to get to school.

FCC Public Information Officer Kathy Bonilla said that the benefit was canceled because of expenses.

ASB ID cards still include discounts to local places such as Carl’s Junior, Teazer’s, and Tower Tea. Along with discounts to multiple restaurants and businesses, students with their ID cards are also allowed access to team recruitment, planning committee, and help out in the annual ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’.

• Grid Alternatives is a solar installation organization working to install affordable solar panels in people's homes, who may be at a disadvantage installing due to cost. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help with hands on experience by installing solar, along with training. No experience is needed and this may benefit anyone interested in a similar career path.

• The Central Food Bank has a mission to alleviate food insecurity and provide food for children, adults, and seniors.

This organization is always looking for volunteers in the distribution center who can help pack meal boxes, provide food donations, and participate in fundraising. “It’s [volunteering] just a great way to give back to the community and just seeing what’s the need out there and making sure that, you know, we’re here to help people.” said Volunteer Manager of Central Food Bank, Jobelle Duka • Fresno Center for Nonviolence dedicated to Peace and Social Justice brings information to people in the community and teaches them how to get information in ways that are not through major media. A major goal is to promote peace and love, rather than violence and hate. Volunteers will be able to

the Ram Pantry, and receive discounts for FCC sporting and concert events.

An ASB ID card can be purchased in the business office for $5 and picked up at the Student Activities Lounge. To take your ASB card picture you will need to provide your ASB card receipt and a valid government issued ID, such as a passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, state identification card, or military identification card.

“One of the greatest benefits included is access to the microwave, ” said Bryan Macias, International Cricket Council Chair. Macias also mentioned that when

you present your ASB ID card in the ASG office you can ask for free scantrons.

It takes less than 10 minutes to receive an ASB ID card. They are made on the spot at the Student Activities Lounge and are offered alongside a small booklet that outlines the many discounts available with an ASB ID card.

More information can be found online at the FCC website, or in the student lounge, which can be contacted at (559) 433-8688.

The Rampage will be going in depth on the cancellation of the FAX bus pass in issue 2, releasing on Feb. 11, 2020.

Marciela Tapia, volunteer and training coordinator of grad alternatives, recruits a possible future volunteer at the volunteer fair, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Photo/Natalie Gallagos educate others about topics they might not know of, help put on films that are often controversial, welcome community members in and seating them.

• Dakota EcoVillage/EcoGarden is an organization that works to help homeless individuals find jobs and help them off the streets. Volunteer work includes gardening and construction work.

• American Red Cross is an organization helping families prepare for any possible disasters and emergencies.

This organization has a variety of different volunteer types such as, Disaster Action Team Volunteers, Development Volunteers, Community Volunteer Leaders, and more.

Opportunities include, fundraising,

recruiting community members, attending events, and informing others about being prepared for any type of emergency.

• Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to bring people together, helping build homes, communities and hope. Their main goal is to help people achieve safe and decent shelter at an affordable cost.Volunteer work includes group opportunities such as, construction process, painting home, community cleanup, outreach events.

“When you volunteer, you are educating yourself about the organization you’re volunteering for,” said Angela Price, President of Fresno Center for Nonviolence.

1.29.20 NEWS 5

therampageonline.com

Voter's Guide to the Presidential Election Impeachment, The 2020 Democratic Primary and Tensions with Iran

Three of President Donald Trump's rivals, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, all vying for the Democratic nomination. Photo/Courtesy of the New Yorker Hannah Lanier | News Editor hlanier@therampageonline.com

In the first 29 days of 2020, a number of events have occurred that will affect the outcome of November’s presidential election, and the future of our nation.

While politics are known to be full of mud-slinging slander and chaotic jumble, the trials and triumphs of the three years of the current presidency have motivated supporters to stand stronger in their convictions and inspired the opposition to rally.

The 45th and current president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was impeached by the majority Democratic House of Representatives on Dec. 19, 2019.

From as early as Feb. 3 in Iowa to as late as June 2 in states such as Montana and South Dakota, Americans will cast votes to nominate a presidential candidate for the November general election ballot.

Californians will vote in their March 3 primary as part of Super Tuesday, so named for being the day when the greatest number of states hold primary elections.

President Trump is the incumbent on the ballot, representing the Republican party.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is leading the Democratic polls, beating Sen. Bernie Sanders by 3% and Sen. Elizabeth Warren by 11%, according to national polling data posted by the New York Times on Jan. 24.

In a poll for the early-voting caucus state Iowa, Sanders is edging out Biden

by 0.6% with 22.7% to 21.1% respectively, according to a poll from FiveThirtyEight.

The results of this poll bring into the running another moderate candidate, Pete Buttigieg, who leads Warren by 3%.

With the Primary Elections in California less than two months away, President Trump’s opposing party still contains a larger than usual amount of candidates in the race.

And as Trump continues to make moves solidifying his legacy, the nation remains divided.

Politico reporter Matthew Choi explained that in a poll conducted by CNN, “Fifty-one percent of respondents to the poll want the Senate to convict Trump on the impeachment charges brought by the House, which would lead to his immediate expulsion from office.

Meanwhile, 45 percent of respondents said they don't want to see the president removed.”

The Trump presidency was born into conflict—his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017 was immediately followed by the Women’s March, an international protest.

“Once Donald Trump was inaugurated—you may remember what happened the very next day, biggest protest rally in the history of the world,” said Elizabeth Warren in a Jan. 28 interview with PBS NewsHour. “Women turned out and said ‘I’m going to get deeper into politics.’”

Rhetoric from Warren’s fellow Democratic candidates sustains the ideology that she suggests.

“We are here because the American

President Donald J. Trump finds himself embattled as only the third president to be impeached in the history of the United States. The historic House vote paved the way for an almost certain acquital in the senate, but it remains to be seen if the hearings will prove politically toxic or if the acquital will prove beneficial. Shortly after the impeachment process began, Trump ordered the assassination of Qassem Soleimani. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a US military base, and tensions in the region are at an all-time high. The 2020 election looms and Trump finds himself an unpopular president, but holds an advantage in fundraising. Several of his rivals battle for the Democratic nomination.

Photo/Courtesy of Pixabay

Dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before,” said former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in her campaign announcement speech in January 2019.

Harris was one of the first Democratic candidates to announce her campaign.

“The United States of America is not about us versus them ... I'm running to be a president of the people, by the people, for all the people,” she said in her announcement.

“The forces of change in our country today are tectonic. Forces that help to explain what made this current presidency even possible,” said current Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg in his campaign announcement in April 2019, “That’s why, this time, it’s not just about winning an election—it’s about winning an era.”

Trump remains consistent that he is running his 2016 campaign again.

Fifteen days after Donald J. Trump was impeached, he ordered a drone strike that killed Iranian commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Five days later, Iran responded with a missile strike on Iraqi bases that hosted U.S. troops.

The assassination and the retaliatory strikes are only the latest developments in a long history of conflict between the United States and Iran, and many feared this could be the tipping point into fullscale war.

Multiple polls suggest that nearly half of Americans support the president and his

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, declares the historic impeachment of Donald J. Trump, only the third president in history to be impeached. Democrats were reluctant to pursue impeachment, but the memo describing the 2019 call between Trump and the Ukranian prime minister in which Trump seems to coerce the prime minister to investigate the Bidens in exchange for aide. Pelosi said this call gave them no choice but to impeach.

Photo/Courtesy of Pixabay.

agenda. They’re angry that others can’t see all of the great things that Trump is doing for the country.

The rest of the country is angry because they can’t understand how people can support a leader with a questionable reputation.

Trump’s first term is ending, and the country is somehow even more divided.

Each trial and triumph through this term—may it be his first or his last—will influence the vote. Each decision painting a clearer picture of the Commander in Chief. Each response painting a clearer picture of the opposition.

Now this illustration hangs above the ballot, encouraging some, discouraging others. Regardless, affecting the outcome of the election that will choose the nation's leader.

President Trump is still on trial in the Senate for his impeachment charges.

There is tension with Iran because President Trump killed a commander.

The Democratic Party has an influx of candidates, all calling for change.

This election has become more than a vote for president. With all of the information and events that have transpired in the first month of a new year, voters have a lot to consider.

Ultimately, the election sits in the lap of the American public.

This is an analysis of the 2020 presidential election with consideration to major political events in the first month of the year. This is a means to present information in a manner that is convenient and accessible to students.

Qasem Soleimani was an Iranian general. Presidnet Donald Trump ordered his assassination, escalating tensions with Iran, culminating in a missile strike

by Iran on a U.S. military base in the region. The conflict seems to have cooled for now, but Trump has promised further sanctions on Iran.

Photo/Courtesy of Pixabay.

6 ENTERTAINMENT

1.29.20

therampageonline.com

This Year's Cinema: A 2020 View of the New Year's Movies

Aundriana Del Toro| Reporter adeltoro@therampageonline.com

The 2020 movie scene is looking like a lot of remakes, sequels, superheroes and, of course, the “Fast and Furious” franchise will be on the big screen again.

The new and improved “Sonic the Hedgehog '' movie will also finally be hitting theaters in February.

After receiving a tremendous amount of criticism on social media, the creators decided to push back the release date to improve Sonic’s look. Many fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog game series were extremely disappointed in the hedgehog’s look, causing an uproar in the gaming community.

Because of his appearance, it was predicted that many people were going to skip the movie altogether. Now that Sonic looks like his original self, the 90’s video game turned movie is ready for the public.

That’s not all for nostalgia either, “Wonder Woman” has another installment coming out alongside Marvel’s standalone “Black Widow” project. It’s looking like 2020 is the year of the female superhero.

Some would consider “Wonder Woman 1984” a sequel to the 2017 superhero film “Wonder Woman,” but the new entry will take place in a totally different time frame and it’s expected to tell a very

Movie theaters are likely to be packed this year with many films unique and franchise alike.

Photo/Courtesy of Peter Lewicki on Unsplash

The Obscurity Zeitgeist

Love, Separation and 'Modus Vivendi' John Bruce | Entertainment Editor jbruce@therampageonline.com

It has been a very long time since an album has dominated my listening as long as “Modus Vivendi” has.

Since the debut album from 070 Shake hit streaming services mid-January, it has satisfied every musical craving. Amidst personal playlists stocked with modern alternative, hip-hop and general pop, the genre-transcendent album kept drifting forward as something rooted in all three but innovative all the same.

“And then I start to wonder/Why can't I feel it with another?”

So many young culturally impactful (read: not always commercially influential) artists are forsaking genre for their own sound. Billie Eilish, one of those rare cases of large-scale Taylor Swift or Drake level successes, has publicly come out against the idea of genre echoing the trailblazers and trendsetters that came before her.

Spotify’s “POLLEN” playlist describes itself as “genre-less” and it boasts nearly 825,000 followers.

Even Eilish is simply following the blueprint set out before her by other young cult artists.

Sects of Twitter were afire Sunday with anger or frustration with Eilish winning certain awards over Lana Del Rey who users claimed was snubbed along with Ariana Grande for Album of the Year.

While Lana and artists like BROCKHAMPTON, Lorde, Marina Diamandis, Jaden Smith and Tyler, the Creator have brought so much to the table in regards to hip-hop or pop and alternative music in general (i.e. alternative being relatively non-mainstream), 070 Shake interpolates so much of their work at the root of the intersection between hip-hop and pop.

It would be irresponsible and incorrect to omit Kanye as a major influence in Shake’s work.

“Modus Vivendi” was released under GOOD Music, Kanye’s 2004 music label (who handed the reins off to Pusha T in 2015) and his fingerprints are all over the album. Shake was even featured on “Ghost Town” and “Violent Crimes” from Kanye’s 2018 album “ye.”

Kanye has made fabulous overproduced happy celebratory music well, but his true talent lies

in his darker albums like “Late Registration,” “808s and Heartbreaks” and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Family” where Kanye explores using his voice as a standalone instrument.

From the beginning, Shake wails like her idol and she is unafraid to explore the space of using her voice as fundamentally as she uses a drum or a violin. Her lamentations and soliloquies form a genuinely vulnerable and surprisingly heartfelt singular chorus.

She takes cues from her predecessors and influences to make something uniquely her own, combining genre, sound and lyrics to produce something immensely powerful.

Whether it’s the bass-boosted “Come Around” or “The Pines” or the acoustic introduction and saxophone ending on “Morrow” or the dreamy trance-like “Guilty Conscience,” “Rocketship” or “Terminal B,” Shake puts together a full and rounded sound at once reminiscent of other works and wholly unique.

“Said, oh, I'll never know/How long I'll stay, how far I'll go” However minimal, Shake’s lyrics drive the album forward through thematic and sometimes forlorn or unrequited thoughts on love. Every track on the list is a love song in one form or another either wanting to have more love, hating someone who loves you, or dealing with the loss or corruption of a love.

Instead of rapping or singing over the beat, Shake uses the beat to accentuate her lyrics. On the album each song stands out, but they easily blend together in one dissonant, yet cohesive harmony.

Even further, she isn’t afraid to use ideas and themes put forth by other artists.

Genius says Shake interpolates Nirvana’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” a song ending the famous “MTV Unplugged in New York” concert album in November 1994 following frontman Kurt Cobain’s death.

“It’s Forever,” the prelude to “Rocketship” was originally performed by a 1970s Philidelphia soul group called The Ebonys. The latter track samples part of the excerpt used as an introduction.

Shake uses her own words though when discussing her battle with depression and selfmedication on the respective songs “Morrow” and “Microdosing.”

different story from the original film. The plot is still a mystery but Cheetah, one of Wonder Woman’s enemies will be making an appearance this June, according to the trailer.

“Birds of Prey” starring Margot Robbie is a spin off of the 2016 movie Suicide Squad.

Robbie’s character, Harley Quinn is all about girl power. Instead of being the bad guy, Quinn will now take on the good girl image. After splitting from her beloved Joker, she will now fight the villains instead of standing alongside them.

Criticism about the emphasis of the gritty and grimy aesthetic DCEU film’s give off may deter people from showing out to see another movie coming from them. But “Birds of Prey '' may have people giving DCEU another chance.

After many appearances in Marvel movies, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is finally getting a lead role in her own movie, “Black Widow”.

The 24th Marvel Cinematic Universe film takes place after Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War.” Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow finds herself alone and has to confront her past. It is expected to hit theaters this May. The seemingly never-ending saga of The Fast and Furious franchise continues with “Fast and Furious 9”.

Most information on the movie's plot is being kept under wraps. Unlike the earlier movies that involve lots of car stealing and street racing, “Fast and Furious 9” may follow the themes of the latest movies from the series which is about saving the world.

The first speaks about passive suicidal thoughts and the wish to act recklessly when faced with the betrayal of a loved one, while the second evokes feelings of toxicity and it talks about an attempt to distance ourselves from virulent people not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Even though a central theme of the album’s lyrics and sound is love in all forms, another large presence is the idea of fracture and separation either willingly or unwillingly.

“Modus Vivendi” is a Latin term describing a relationship between at least two people where they may agree or disagree, but coexist nonetheless. The track “Divorce” is the most emblematic of that idea.

The song drudges up thoughts and feelings of a fight or heated argument and two opposing sides having to go on living in a loveless marriage because it’s beneficial one way or another.

Shake masterfully puts lyrics in places where they may contain dual meanings. She prods the listener to question whether or not

Disney will continue with their liveaction remakes with the release of “Mulan”. Unlike the cartoon version, the live-action film will not be a musical.

Also missing will be Eddie Murphy’s character Mushu. It seems like Disney is trying to take a more realistic approach by taking out one of the main characters, a talking dragon.

"Mulan" is expected to arrive in March. It is the latest in a few criticallyacclaimed movies with large Asian or Asian-American casts. Only time and moviegoers will be able to say if it will continue the legacy.

The 2004 horror movie “The Grudge” will be making a comeback as a remake of the Japanese film “Ju On” in 2020.

The plot focuses on a curse that comes to life when someone dies in the grip of rage and sorrow.

Continuing with the original plot, “The Grudge” remake will have minor differences to the story line. Following “Ju On”, the plot follows the non-linear events that have many subplots to the movie.

Top Gun starring Tom Cruise will be returning to a theater near you. “Top Gun: Maverick” brings together an amazing cast featuring, Myles Teller, Jennifer Connelly and Jon Hamm. Follow along as Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, makes a return to train new naval fighter pilots.

Heading into 2020, the movie scene is looking promising enough. Lots of money will be spent on movie tickets.

she’s speaking strictly about an interpersonal relationship or our society at large. Is she speaking about a lover or a sibling or parent or child or coworker or friend?

“My mind won't let me rest, voice in my head” From the beginning melancholic sorrowful first track to the bittersweet eclectic final track, Shake’s music grabs the listener by the throat and takes them on a journey through a simultaneously intimate and detached dystopia where feelings are thrown into the void and people are made to go on unfeeling and uncaring.

The lyrics burrow in the mind and restlessly fester until they grow into an unignorable presence like any unhealthy relationship while the sound combines new and old, discordance and harmony, and genre transcendent music.

Put quite plainly, “Modus Vivendi” is the best album you’re not listening to.

070 Shake's new album "Modus Vivendi" discusses themes of love and separation in relationships and at large.

Photo/Courtesy of @070shake on Instagram

1.29.20 ENTERTAINMENT 7

therampageonline.com

The Future of Franchise What's New for Marvel and Star Wars

John Bruce | Entertainment Editor with each chapter explicitly jbruce@therampageonline.com

Let’s go back to 2019 San Diego Comic Con for a moment.

It’s July and “Avengers: Endgame” came out two months previously.

Marvel’s billion-dollar Infinity Saga came to an end with one of the best-received endings in franchise history. Fans descended upon the San Diego Convention Center with a fiery hope to hear more about what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has left in store.

No one had ever done what Marvel did before.

Over 11 years, the studio had built a modern epic

expanding and furthering the world and story in a truly innovative way. With their founding story at an end, people clamored to see what would happen next.

They didn’t have to wait long.

Executive Producer Kevin Feige announced the next phase of Marvel content slated for release between 2020 and 2021.

With “Black Widow,” Scarlett Johanssen gets her standalone after waiting for 10 of those 11 years.

Two new properties get brought to the film slate with “The Eternals” starring Kumail Nanjiani,

A mural of Boba Fett, a Mandalorian bounty hunter known from Star Wars. Other Mandalorians are the focus of a widely popular TV series on Disney +. Photo/Courtesy of Crawford Jolly on Unsplash

Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie and Kit Harrington as the titular Eternals and “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” which features Simu Liu, an Asian-American actor in the lead role. Marvel got flack for casting a white British man as a character of Asian descent and this could mark a pivot for their mindfulness.

Sequels are not thrown aside though. 2021 will see a second Doctor Strange (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”), a third currently untitled Spider-Man with Tom Holland, and a fourth Thor (“Thor: Love and Thunder”) directed by Taika Waititi who received praise for his “Thor: Ragnarok” in 2017.

Television shows are going to feature more prominently as well it seems. Main characters will be getting their own shows (“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “WandaVision,” “Loki” and “Hawkeye”) with the big-screen actors reprising their role for the small screen.

Other never before seen heroes will join their ranks on TV like “Ms. Marvel” or “Moon Knight” and “SheHulk.”

That’s all well and good and it’s kept people sated, but what does it really mean?

No one is exactly sure how everything will turn out. Unlike other franchises (looking at you, Star Wars), there is a very strong sense of safety.

Especially with Kevin Feige returning to continue shaping things, the actors being willing to reprise

their role, and even some directors returning to helm Infinity Saga-era projects.

Even if the quality of the projects are subpar, with the lower amount of movies being produced for this phase and more effort being put into television, it’s easy to make the argument things will be at least good if they aren’t at the same level as the first three phases.

While interested parties by-and-large feel a sense of order and deliberation with Marvel, the Star Wars franchise ended last year too.

With the end of that sentence, I’d wager a large part of the readers had a visceral reaction to that one way or another.

“The Rise of Skywalker” was one of the most polarizing entries in the saga. Love it or hate it, the discourse was inescapable on social media.

Each movie of the sequel trilogy (“The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker”) was supposed to be directed by a different person.J.J. Abrams kicked off the trilogy with a nostalgic “The Force Awakens” and Rian Johnson continued it with a dark, brooding and rebellious “The Last Jedi.”

The middle installment was received critically very well, but not by the fan base.

Star Wars fans can be divided into a few different camps. There are casual consumers and die-hards and within each of those are various levels of dedication. In 2018 when the movie came out, a very small sect of die-hard fans

who watch all the movies, read all the books and watch all the shows lashed out with vitriol against Rian Johnson and his script.

From killing off two of the big bads, to introducing some brand new characters, to leaving arcs unresolved, every little thing about the movie was nitpicked.

After “The Rise of Skywalker” came out, “The Last Jedi” was hailed as one of the better movies, but by then the damage was done.

Star Wars has gotten much praise for “The Mandalorian,” the first live-action Star Wars TV series, and some old

shows (“The Clone Wars” and “Rebels”) are coming back for more seasons, but they’ve got a lot of work to do if the producers want to rebuild bridges after the bastardization of the last trilogy.

Even though Marvel has some semblance of a plan and Star Wars seems to have descended into chaos, things can change. Marvel has had really bad movies and very good ones. Star Wars has had some hits and some real stinkers.

Anything could change at the drop of a hat.

Except the DC Extended Universe. That will always remain garbage.

A person dressed as Spider-Man, a staple Marvel character. Tom Holland is expected to reprise his role as Spider-Man in 2021.

Photo/Courtesy of Judeus Samson on Unsplash

Streaming Wars: Saving on Streaming Services Ricardo Reyna| Reporter rreyna@therampageonline.com

The days of waiting around all day for TV shows to come on, or going= to the store to buy your favorite movie on DVD are long gone. In a world where streaming services are quickly switching the medium as to how we consume our TV and entertainment, the question that still remains is which service is best, for what price, and why?

1. Netflix Netflix is a streaming service that offers a great variety of hit TV shows and original content. Starting at $9 a month and with up to four simultaneous streams, it was the first truly mainstream service. Depending on the type of plan, users can stream to multiple devices at once. One device for their basic plan, up to two for their standard plan, and up to four with their premium plan. Netflix is definitely one of the better options for viewers that want to watch original television shows, dramas, comedy stand up specials, and murder/mystery documentaries.

2. Hulu Up next we have Hulu, a great streaming service for people who love sitcoms and animated television. On this streaming service, catching up with currently airing TV shows and binge watching are made easy. Starting at $6 a month and with up to two simultaneous streams, Hulu is definitely a bargain when it comes to an inexpensive streaming service that offers hours of content to enjoy anywhere. By paying for an upgrade bundle for $12.99 subscribers can also get a bundle service package that includes Hulu, Disney +, and ESPN +.

3. Disney + Disney + has seemed to take the world by storm when it went viral on the day of its official release. Starting at $7 a month and with up to four simultaneous streams, the service is definitely attractive to most consumers.

Fans of Marvel, Star Wars, classic Disney movies or Disney Channel original movies and shows, should

definitely consider this service. Disney + is also included in the bundle package for $12.99 along with Hulu and ESPN +. Verizon Wireless customers also get a year of Disney + for free with their contract.

4. Apple TV + Another service recently entered the playing field: Apple TV + released November 2019. Starting at only $5 for their monthly subscription and $50 for their annual subscription, this is one streaming service that is definitely best for budgeters. With tons of great original content that's exclusive to Apple TV +. Anyone who wants to see what Apple TV + has to offer can sign up right now for a seven-day free trial.

What’s even an added bonus is anyone who has purchased an Apple device since Sept. 10 is eligible for a free year subscription of Apple TV + .

5. TUBI, Vudu, Crackle It’s hard to beat free. When it comes to affordable streaming services, apps like Tubi, Vudu, and Crackle are hard

to beat. With initial free memberships offered for services like these, there is also the option to have a paid membership and receive access to additional content and movies. They may not be as in demand as services like Netflix and Hulu but they are definitely worth looking into.

When it comes to streaming services, there is no doubt that they are making a fast intrusion in the entertainment

market. The question to which service is best and for what price solely lies with what you want out of your streaming service. It’s best to decide what content appeals to us as consumers and pick the service that reflects that. No matter the service, there is no doubt that we live in an incredible time where we are able to sit down and watch any of our favorite programs at the push of a button.

Some streaming service subscribers have ditched traditional cable television in favor of on-demand wireless streaming. Photo/Glenn Cartstens on Unsplash

8 OPINION 1.29.20

Studying has beneficial effects while alcohol may hold negative effects. Photo/Julia Espinoza traveling lifestyle and a committed relationship; the ultimate balancing act that fails and succeeds in waves.

Julie Espinoza | Reporter jespinoza@therampageonline.com I have been attending Fresno City College for three years now I’m not going to college parties, and I am closing in on getting but I’m still here for a good time. my transfer degree. Yes, the plan The saying “I'm here for a good was supposed to be two years and time not a long time” is said with transfer but with a difficult work presuming ‘good’ means fun and schedule and (you guessed it) a exciting while ‘long’ means boring social life, it did not work out that and daunting. way.

It is calling out whether you are In my 21 years of living one of living your life correctly. the biggest concerns is whether Growing into myself I always I am gaining the most out of my had the mindset of earning life as a college student. I want to good grades while maintaining have a fun and memorable college friendships, work hours, a

GPA VS IPA

therampageonline.com experience, but I also want to maintain my GPA. It is a balancing act that high school did not prepare you for that is maintaining a job, good grades, and the ultimate task: a social life.

Holding a part-time job while being a full-time student leaves few hours left on the clock to socialize. The hunt for good grades can be overwhelming at times with quizzes, tests and homework.

To top all of this off, there is still the want for a social life which appears at times to be the most daunting.

You must have to hold one to a higher priority than the other, right?

Well not exactly.

“You can still go to college and have a fun time, you just have to know how to be responsible about it. Put your priorities first,” as a Fresno City College math major states.

So no, I’m not getting drunk on weekends during my college years as a personal preference, but I still adore a good social life. As a way to still enjoy my social life I find that something as simple as hanging out with friends or catching a dinner date with my boyfriend is a valid solution.

This is me making time for things

I care for, and spending time on the degree I’m working towards.

I have to understand that a day spent studying is a day that I could have spent with friends. As an example of maintaining grades and my social life, I can have a study session with my friends.

Education is something that I am excited about. I recognize that school holds its own life lessons as well.

You can get memorable experiences out of school just as you might from going out. “Even if you're here for a good time... you might miss out on some of the stuff that you can also experience that might make your experience more enjoyable,” said business agriculture major Peter Boriboun.

Just as school has life lessons cut out for you, a social life has its benefits too.

When asked about being here for a good time, an FCC child development major said “you are there to enjoy life ... the experiences that you go through, both good and bad… build you into the person you are today.”

I hold the belief that I can have the best of both.

That is why I am here for a good time and a long time.

CAMPUS VOICES Julie Chavez | Reporter jchavez@therampageonline.com

What is your New Year's resolution and are you sticking to it this year?

Montana (Violet Faye) Undecided

"I want to be a tattoo apprentice.

I already bought tattoo needles so I would say pretty good."

A Dog With a job

despite their importance, service dogs remain largely misunderstood by campus community

Eevee, a service dog, wears a vest warning not to touch, talk, or make eye contact. The vest is frequently ignored.

Photo/Alexis Garcia

Alexis Garcia | Reporter

Julie Chavez | Reporter

agarcia@therampageonline.com

jchavez@therampageonline.com

Two eyes, four legs, furry body and a wagging tail with a collar that reads ‘Eevee’, how can something this adorable have such an important duty?

Freddy Matzuy has a heart condition where his heart could suddenly give out.

But with his German Shepherd Eevee to the rescue, Matzuy has extra assurance.

Eevee’s job is to howl in order to grab surrounding attention in case Matzuy has an emergency. “If my heart gives out right now she’ll start howling. My epipen is underneath her vest and all you have to do is pull it out, stab me in the thigh and call 911.”

Not everyone understands that dogs can have jobs. Some professors understand, but Matzuy still struggles in class when he feels he has to justify to fellow students,

teachers and other people on campus the presence and role that Eevee plays as his service animal.

Matzuy had a bad experience on Tuesday Jan. 14, during the first week of school, when he was approached by an individual on campus who wanted to pet Eevee but Matzuy was running late to class so he denied the individual permission and was met with vulgar terms.

“I have to handle it on my own. I feel like it’s not something I should be doing because I should be trying to get myself away,” said Matzuy on how he feels about having to defend himself in such hostile situations.

In a way, Matzuy feels Fresno City College does not accommodate all of his needs. One way is that some staff members do not understand the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act which can make it harder on him.

Eevee does a lot for Freddy but resources are still limited. Matzuy has to drive two hours to get his service dog and training protocols.

That’s why it’s Matzuy's goal to take dogs from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or SPCA and open up his own service dog business. He has also stated that it costs a pretty penny to own a service dog. They, “can cost between $15,000 to $30,000 excluding yearly expenses such as vet bills, dog food, and etc…,” says the National Service Animal Registry.

Elexis Jay Nursing Major

"Every day you should have some type of resolution. Each day is a new day so there is no point in setting rules and expectations on your life for a specific day when you could just change it right then."

Matzuy hopes to solve two problems with one solution by rescuing animals and helping those in dire need of a service dog. He wants to open up a service dog club on campus to further raise awareness.

Lavene Hitter Nursing Major

"Just to try to be happier and continue with what I'm doing. I'm going to college, I'm going to be an RN and after that I want to maybe even start my own hospice company."

Larry Hood

Food Service Management

"I have many. It's to get to school, get a car, get a house. Boom."

Eevee, a service dog wearing her work uniform. Eevie assists Freddy Matzuy, who has a heart condition. Photo/Alexis Garcia

1.29.20 OPINION 9

therampageonline.com

Wildfires have ravaged the Australian continent since the Australian summer months of 2019. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Australia Aflame

What does it mean for the world and what does it mean for us?

Hannah Medrano | Reporter hmedrano@therampageonline.com

The battle to extinguish disastrous bushfires in Australia and remedy their widespread destruction has hardly just begun.

In recent months news of the fires have circulated worldwide as Australia has requested outside help from other countries. Firefighters have been sent in from the U.S., Canada and New Zealand as experts scramble to examine the causes, results and long term implications the fires will likely have.

“

Strong winds and rising temperatures due to climate change are expected to continue to rise and intensify future fire seasons in Australia.”

Including volunteer firefighters, 28 people have died and over 17.5 million acres have been scorched. Approximately 1,500 homes have burned and an estimated half billion animals, excluding insects and frogs, have perished due to bushfires.

These fires are so extreme that they have been creating their own weather, much like the fires we Californians saw this last year.

With peak temperatures expected to hit in January and February, Australia is only about halfway through its summer season.

Strong winds and rising temperatures due to climate change, are expected to continue to rise and intensify future fire seasons in Australia.

So what does this mean?

Has climate change played its part in fueling these historically devastating bushfires? And how are politicians in Australia responding to the catastrophe?

With the global rise in temperature, longer, hotter, drought ridden seasons Australian animals face dehydration and starvation in the face have become a trend in Australia. of the megablazes and small brushfires that have devastated 16 million acres of the continent.

According to the Australian Bureau Photo/Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Meteorology, the three years from January 2017 to December 2019 have American climatologist Micahel Munn been the driest on record. says, “it is conceivable that much of There is no doubt that a 3 degrees celcius Australia will simply become too hot and rise in global temperature will only too dry for human habitation.” exacerbate these disasters, making them It is feared that as a result of this become more frequent and more intense.

terrifying natural disaster many of Australia's endemic ecosystems and local communities will simply cease to exist.

With more than $68 billion dollars of damage and over half of all Australians being directly affected by property loss or health implications, the countries banks look to fossil fuels investments to avoid financial collapse.

In 2015 Australia signed on with the Paris Agreement and pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 28 percent by the year 2030. A study from the Ndevr Environmental Consultants concludes that Australia is not on track to meet that deadline until 2098.

Nevertheless, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison continues to champion his wildly irresponsible stance on the climate crisis. He has repeatedly claimed that Australia is set to “meet and beat” its pledge to the Paris Agreement.

Behind Russia and Saudi Arabia, Australia is the world's third largest coal exporter and has proposed to expand its fossil fuel economy with 53 new coal mines in 2020.

Morrison has also repeatedly spoken out against climate activists in Australia. He has threatened to outlaw climate protests and only returned from a vacation in Hawaii after two volunteer firefighters perished in the blazes.

you might end up cutting off that relationship altogether.

Sometimes that might be the best thing for you to do. And sometimes you may not want to end a relationship altogether, which is where discussion becomes important. That can be the thing that changes my mind, or theirs.

Being in a relationship of almost two years, my boyfriend and I hold communication responsible for our success. Besides just that, we made sure to set boundaries before investing

more of ourselves into the relationship.

Core values must be shared in order to know if a relationship can be upheld. A difference in opinion with another person is inevitable and only you can decide what you want to do with that.

I asked my boyfriend what he thinks a difference of opinion brings to a relationship. “I always approach it as a positive thing. I don’t just want to be dating another version of myself or a yes man.”

Always agreeing on every single thing would probably drive me mad, there would be no room to grow. He added, “Most opinions won’t ever be a dealbreaker, I typically judge by the person’s actions, but if someone had an opinion that directly contradicted some of my personal morals, I would start to reconsider the relationship.”

After knowing you share the same core values, any other disagreements over opinion will be a breeze.

Ensuring there is an open line of communication and making sure you’re understanding one another will make sure your relationship will flourish and help you grow together.

Love and War

Turning Relationship Conflict into Conversation Kiran Kaur | Reporter kkaur@therampageonline.com

More often than not we find ourselves sitting in front of a friend, significant other or family member arguing over something as simple as whether or not the toilet paper goes over or under. Your dad slams his fist down on the counter in heated dissent after you’ve said your part and now you’re preparing to counteract with facts, wooden spoon in hand.

Harmless disagreements like these are nothing to worry about most of the time, but how do you know when a difference of opinion is a dealbreaker?

Each person brings their own perspectives, values and thoughts into a relationship. That is what helps it thrive. Disagreements can be a good

way to usher in change, with action or thought. Ideally, those in a relationship experiencing a disagreement would discuss their thoughts and feelings instead of closing off or refusing to listen.

The key would be to stay openminded and let go of the idea that ‘I always have to be right.’ If I believe I’m always right, it would probably make the relationship incredibly boring.

Also it’d just be disrespectful, as if I don’t care what they have to say. I can learn just as much from them as they can from me.

However, for some there can be topics that have no wiggle room; it is either one way or no way. When you find yourself in a relationship where something that is concrete to your beliefs is the point of disagreement,

“

Disagreements can be a good way to usher in change, with action or thought. ”

10 SPORTS 1.29.20

therampageonline.com

Rams Open Season against Skyline Patrick Henslee| Sports Editor phenslee@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College baseball team beat Skyline College 2-1 on Saturday, Jan. 25 to split the season opening series. The game was a shoving match for both teams to see who would get on top early and who would be on top after the last pitch.

Skyline’s sophomore starter Dylan McDonald shutdown Fresno’s lineup the night before, throwing seven shutout innings en route to a 5-2 loss for the Rams.

Getting on the board and staying on top was imperative for FCC, and they’d need the effort to come from the mound and the plate. Lucky for the Rams, they had the talent to do just that.

Freshman pitcher Marcelo Saldana started on the mound for FCC in the second game of the series. Saldana, a transfer from Division II CSU Stanislaus, came back to his hometown of Fresno and reminded everyone what made him a Division II talent.

Saldana was a bulldog on the mound, throwing six shutout innings against Skyline. He only punched out three batters, but allowed just two hits to keep the Trojans at bay until the Rams could get on the board.

When Saldana found himself with a runner on third and one out in the second inning, he forced a flyball to right field.

Freshman outfielder J.D. Ortiz, a transfer from Division I UC Santa Barbara,

unleashed a strong throw to get the runner at the plate.

Sophomore catcher James Bell, a transfer from Division I University of Oregon, opened the bottom of the fifth inning with a leadoff double.

Freshman first baseman Cole Brincefield laid down an intended sacrifice bunt, but Bell scored on a throwing error to first by Trojans pitcher Conor Hourigan.

The trio of transfered players came after the fall semester of 2019, just before the season Freshman third baseman Evan Rocha tags the runner out to end the top of the sixth inning in the Rams' 2-1 win on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. began. Rams’ head coach Photo/Patrick Henslee Ron Scott was glad to barehanded the booted ball to complete The moment was bittersweet for the have that kind of talent join the team and the double play and end the inning.

Trojans, as a perfect relay from the right contribute so early.

“We work hard on defense, so we end up fielder Ortiz and Rams’ sophomore “It sure makes you better coaches,” said making some nice defensive plays. We play shortstop Antonio Noriega gunned down Scott. like we practice,” said Scott.

Harris down at third to end the inning.

The sixth inning was a bright spot for the In the bottom of the inning, freshman “We made a lot of nice plays on defense.

Rams. In the top of the inning, a ground outfielder Connor Martin hit a monster Had a couple of clutch hits. Obviously, ball seemed to set up a double play until solo homer to pad the lead. The Rams we still have a lot of work to do, but we’re it kicked off the shortstop’s glove until it would stay there despite giving up a run getting there,” said Scott. kicked off the glove of freshman shortstop in the top of the eighth after Skyline The Rams will host Chabot College Bret Carrell. Disaster was averted when outfielder Jack Harris drove in a run with at home on Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and sophomore second baseman Joey Popejoy a double.

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.

An Inside Look at Super Bowl LIV Ben Hensley | Editor-in-Chief bhensley@therampageonline.com

And then there were two.

It’s that time of year again. Super Bowl LIV is less than a week away. Fans have their jerseys washed, pizzas pre ordered and 60-inch flatscreen TV’s mounted just a little higher (hopeful to not end up being torn off the wall in another viral video) in preparation for what they hope will be a Sunday full of celebration.

And the first Super Bowl in four years without Tom Brady.

But who will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 2? California says the San Francisco 49ers. The Midwest says the Kansas City Chiefs.

Booger McFarland says whoever wins will hoist the trophy.

Coaching: New Blood vs. Old Blood Advantage: 49ers Kyle Shanahan is going into his third season as a head coach.

Andy Reid is the seventh winningest coach in NFL history.

The contrasts in accomplishments and strategy could not be more vivid.

Shanahan, the 40-year-old third year head coach has been in a Super Bowl before as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. Shanahan will have to improve on his last appearance in the Super Bowl when the offensive coordinator called only five running plays after their final score in the third quarter.

This playoff run, Shanahan seems to

have learned his lesson, leaning heavily on the running game and backs Raheem Mosert and Tevin Coleman, who have combined for 325 yards in the Niners’ two playoff games.

Comparatively, Reid has an impressive coaching record, but lacks the playoff success of his counterparts. With a 14-14 head coaching playoff record, Reid will be coaching in his first Super Bowl.

From a coaching standpoint, Reid’s biggest goal should be to come out of the gate fast. The Niners defense is statistically superior to the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans who each jumped out to an early lead over Reid’s Chiefs. For Kansas City to come out with the win, they have to come out of the gate with more offensive fire than in their first two playoff appearances.

Quarterbacks: David vs. Goliath Advantage: Chiefs Statistically, it’s hard to compare Garoppolo and Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Garoppolo at times has been protected by the virtue of having a stellar defense and the second ranked rushing team in the NFL (behind only Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens).

Mahomes’ only drawback to his season was his health, suffering a dislocated knee in the Chiefs’ week seven meeting against the Denver Broncos.

Garoppolo ranked 19th in yards per game, 27 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, and an impressive quarterback rating of 102. Though he

and the Niners outdueled Drew Brees in a week 14 shootout, the Chiefs’ defense has improved dramatically since the midseason point. Garoppolo will need to channel the power he displayed in the Superdome the week before a disappointing week 15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Mahomes and the Chiefs didn’t seem to skip a beat following his departure.

While his numbers dipped from his historic 2018 season, Mahomes was still a respectable seventh in yards per game and threw 26 touchdowns to only five interceptions. But Mahomes has really turned in on in the playoffs, throwing for 615 yards and eight touchdowns with zero interceptions.

For quarterbacks of both teams, effectiveness will be key in hoisting the Lombardi trophy, but the Chiefs and Mahomes have a leg up on the 49ers in this matchup.

Does Defense Really Win a Championship?

Advantage: Chiefs Statistically, the Niners ranked as one of the best teams in the 2019 season, placing 2nd overall in yards per game, fifth in sacks and eighth in points allowed.

Defensively, the Chiefs were middle of the pack, 17th in yards per game, 11th in sacks and seventh in points allowed.

Deceptively however, Kansas City holds the edge in the matchup defensively.

While the Niners and superstar defensive end Nick Bosa were more

successful getting to the backfield (with 48 sacks and 87 tackles for loss), their Achilles heel was the mobile quarterback, suffering two of their three season losses against quarterbacks who can run - losing to the Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, and playing two close games against the Arizona Cardinals and rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.

Comparatively, the Chiefs defense kicked it into high gear following Mahomes’ injury, intercepting Phillip Rivers and the Chargers four times during their week 11 matchup, and stopping the Patriots’ home win streak in Foxborough in a 23-16 in week 14.

With the combination of the Chiefs’ potent offense and Mahomes’ ability to make magic happen, and the Niners’ struggles against mobile quarterbacks, the Chiefs have a deceptive edge in this matchup.

And the Lombardi Trophy Goes to: Winner: Chiefs From a top-10 all-time winning head coach, to a quarterback throwing nolook passes, the Kansas City Chiefs hold the advantage over the San Francisco 49ers. In what will likely be a historic matchup between two evenly matched offenses and two deceptively even defenses, this year will see a new face added to the legends who hoisted the Lombardi trophy.

1.29.20 SPORTS 11

therampageonline.com

Rams Force 22 Turnovers, Blowout the Golden Eagles Moises Buitrago | Social Media Editor mbuitrago@therampageonline.com

With a combined 52 turnovers over the last two games the Rams defense has been close to unstoppable. Photo/Moises Buitrago

The forecast on Wednesday, Jan. 22 called for partly cloudy skies and some sun, the Fresno City College women’s basketball team called for rain instead. The Rams dropped a whopping 11 3-pointers en route to a 42-82 victory over the West Hills Lemoore Golden Eagles.

It became evident that defense would become the backbone for the Rams. Early on in the game, FCC made sure to get ahead of the Golden Eagles by sinking threes and playing an aggressive full-court press, successfully containing post players on defense to force shots outside the paint.

The team was able to swiftly closeout shots around the perimeter, closing any passing lanes, and showing their versatility by switching defenders on a screen.

“We were really focused on our defensive game plan and we did a great job executing it,” said head coach Alex Fletcher.

Still utilizing a full-court press for a majority of the game, the Rams held the Golden Eagles

to a minuscule 25% from the field and forced 22 turnovers.

The Rams defense has reached another level the last two

“

We were really focused on our defensive game plan and we did a great job executing it.”

-Alex Fletcher Rams' Women's Basketball Head Coach games forcing a combined 52 turnovers and holding opponents at a dismal 23% from the field. On the other side of the ball, FCC made sure to make a statement.

The defense continued to steamroll the Golden Eagles as the Rams were able to put the game in cruise control after allowing a feeble three points

in the second quarter. Tacking on an extra 15 points, the Rams extended their lead to 15-36 at the end of the second quarter.

FCC shot almost 50% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line. Sophomore guard Shay Gibbons led the team in scoring with 25, going 5-12 from beyond the arc.

This was Gibbons’ second consecutive game in which she scored at least 20 points.

Throughout the night, Jordyn Brown built off her 33-point performance against the Porterville Pirates and decided to give an encore by dropping 22 points on the night. The duo of The Rams are now 7-3 in their last 10 games. They look to bounce back after a 79-68 loss to the Reedley College Tigers on Saturday, Jan. 25.

“We just got to keep getting better every day and take it one [game] at a time,” said Fletcher.

The team will travel to Merced where they will face the 16-5 Merced College Blue Devils before coming home to play the 13-8 College of the Sequoias Giants on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

kOBE BRYANT: A MAMBA MEMORIALIZED Tahriq Sharp | Reporter tsharp@therampageonline.com

On Jan. 26, 2020 the world awoke to the tragic news that we had just lost a father, superstar and hero.

The NBA legend Kobe Bryant was pronounced dead in Calabasas, California after his helicopter went down while on the way to play Fresno’s own travel team, “Lady Heat”.

The crash, which had no survivors, also took the life of Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Also killed in the crash were teammate to Gianna, Alyssa Altobelli, along with Altobelli’s mother Keri and father, Orange Coast College baseball coach John, Sarah and Payton Chester, basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan.

This accident has touched the hearts of not only those in Los Angeles, California, or even America, but anyone around the world who was not only a fan of basketball, but all sports and anybody who enjoyed working towards their passion and dreams.

Kobe Bryant was so much more than just a basketball player. He was a very

Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna. Illustration/Kiran Kaur

unique talent who worked so hard you had no choice but to respect him and his work ethic. Even if you wanted to hate him for dropping 40 on your favorite player, you couldn’t because he was

honestly that good and worked so hard to master his craft.

From waking up at the crack of dawn, to getting in the gym and working out, to staying late after a game to shoot the

shots that he missed. Fans loved and appreciated all of the hours Kobe put in for us.

Basketball transitioned from a game into a lifestyle for millions of kids around the world. So whether it be playing basketball, taking a chance in a relationship, or even just throwing something away, remember to yell “Kobe!” because he’s the one that taught us no shot is a bad shot.

Kobe instilled the mentality that practice is a belief that is fundamental in every aspect of life. Having that relentless mindset is what led to the definition of “Mamba Mentality”, and Kobe showed his work ethic can still be the fuse to light the fire inside anyone to push harder than they did the day before and never settle for anything less than greatness.

Kobe will be forever missed and fans will never forget the memories and jaw hanging moments he left us with on and off the court. The athletic community and many others displayed the impact Kobe, Gianna and the entire Bryant family had on their lives both on and off the court.

Rest easy Mamba, and may your legacy continue for generations to come.

12 SPORTS 1.29.20

therampageonline.com

Meet Haley Janzer, the Future of Rams’ Softball Patrick Henslee | Sports Editor phenslee@therampageonline.com

that here at City.”

Ready to take on a full position as head coach, Janzer moved to Paso Robles High School to coach the varsity softball team.

Janzer took the offer, excited to learn alongside someone in a new position.

“At Fresno State, we had ‘A’ players that I needed to fine tune.

In Janzer’s eyes, an athlete’s mental approach is everything.

In 2012, she followed up her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a master’s degree in sports

Fresno City College has had a wealth of talented and experienced coaches stand along the sidelines and lead from the dugout over the years, and newly instated coach Haley Janzer looks to be the next in a long line of impressive leaders.

If the last name ‘Janzer’ sounds familiar, it’s most likely because you can find it all over Fresno State softball’s record books.

Janzer shone for the Bulldogs from 2006-09, finishing sixth in all time batting average, fifth in hits, fourth in runs, eighth in triples and ninth in stolen bases.

“I think my success has been brought on with who I surround myself with and learning from those people” said Janzer. “I am a big believer in lifelong learning. No matter what level you get to, or who you coach with, or who you talk to, you learn from anybody.”

Janzer always stood out as a player on the field, but the second half of her career comes from the dugout. Her career as a coach is just as impressive when you realize that the 32-year-old is just getting started.

Right after her playing career ended, Janzer went back to her high school alma mater, Clovis West, to serve as an assistant coach. There, she went through the initial trials of transitioning from successful player to novice coach.

“It’s one thing to know something. It’s another thing to be able to teach it to somebody else, have them grasp it and do it without you having to tell them,” said Janzer.

“I think that was a big learning process for me.

The relationships that I was developing with [the players] were there, but I still wasn’t able to get them dialed in how I wanted to,” she said.

Janzer went on to serve as an assistant coach at FCC from 2013-15, a period that saw her stand in as the interim co-head coach in 2014. She says the stories Rams' new head softball coach Haley Janzer addresses a blowout win with her team on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Photo/Patrick Henslee and characters the junior college experience offered is what There, she was able to handpick When you start competing with psychology from Fresno State, drew her in the most. her coaches, an opportunity all these great programs, you an education that she says has “There are so many stories that allowed her to also fall in have to figure out how to take an proven to be more than helpful behind how people get here,” she love with working with others to ‘ A ’ player and make her an ‘ A +’ as a coach. said. “Being able to understand successfully lead a program. player, ” she said.

“That experience “There’s a lot of transferable their backstory helps develop At the end of the year, Janzer taught me about breaking things knowledge in sports that I think them on the field, and that helps got offered an assistant coach down to the most minute details, sports psychology has made them develop off the field. I really position from Fresno State’s new and how big of a deal mental me aware of.

Like having to learned that and fell in love with head softball coach Linda Garza. approach is.” communicate it in a relatable

way, which gets people to buy in more. Getting people to buy in is huge.”

Janzer is a teacher on the field, in the classroom and at home.

She’s the mother of two daughters, 3-year-old Sadie and 1-year-old Quinn.

Taking the head coaching job at FCC wasn’t an easy decision for her. She says it was hard to come to terms with being away from her children and leaving them in someone else’s hands for multiple hours a day.

“If someone gave me a compliment about being a good mom, that’s the biggest compliment I could get,” said Janzer. “Motherhood is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It’s the most rewarding and the most deep thing, but definitely the hardest.”

Being a mother presented a new challenge to Janzer.

At home, she had to watch what she said or else she’d hear one of her daughters use some unsavory terms and phrases. Careful communication is important to her.

She and her husband, Justin, had to be conscious of one another's opinions when it came to taking care of their girls. She had to put herself in his shoes every now and then.

Being understanding is important to her.

Janzer asked Justin to bring their daughters to the Rams’ practices so they could make time to be together when it seemed like there was no time at all. Putting in time and effort is important to her.

She finds parallels in her passions: her family and softball.

She does everything with the intention to set the standard and be a successful role model that the young women in her life can look up to.

“All those things tie together for me,” said Janzer. “Being a mom and being a teacher, while setting the example for both of those.

That’s what I strive to be.”