Issue 2 Fall 2018

THE

RAMPAGE

The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College

FALL 2018 | ISSUE 2 | SEPT. 12, 2018

Remembering 9/11

FCC Choral to Perform in Carnegie Hall Ben Hensley | Reporter bhensley@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College Festival Choral will perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City in June, 2019.

Performing with “National Concerts,” a new organization, the FCC choir will be spotlighted in a 12-minute solo ensemble performance and will have the opportunity to perform an original instrumental and choral work by Richard Burchard.

“It’s a life goal,” said Gena Chambers, member of the FCC City Singers who is also taking Advanced Voice Class and Opera Workshop. “Top four on my bucket list.”

The news of the Carnegie Hall trip came as a pleasant surprise A bagpipes player, Fresno City College Fire and Police academy cadet leading a march escorting a wreath through campus for a 9/11 memporial in the Free Speach area on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela Gage Carmichael | Reporter gcarmichael@therampageonline.com

D

ozens of Fresno City College students, faculty and cadets from the police and fire academies memorialized the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with speeches and reflections.

“Hard to believe it happened 17 years ago,” said Michael Grahl, a State Center Community College District police officer and former U.S. Marine military police officer. “It seems like it was yesterday.”

The event began with students, cadets and faculty marching from the main fountain, through the campus and ending at the free speech area where the Sept. 11 memorial tree was planted on the 10 year anniversary of the attack.

The march was accompanied by a SCCCD police escort, and marchers walked to the tune of live bagpipes.

Small American flags were planted along the route to the free speech area where the main event was held.

Carole Goldsmith, president of FCC, was among the marchers; she later spoke at the ceremonies. “[The attacks] were by far the worst loss of life,” Goldsmith said in her speech. “18,000 people are still suffering from the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.”

The audience remained silent throughout.

“For someone who was around during that [the Sept. 11 attacks], they will never forget that moment,” Grahl, a military police for the Marine Corps at the time of the attack said.

“I was getting off of a 17 hour shift, which was pretty normal at the time, and was driving home when the first plane hit,” Grahl said. “That morning, everything changed for how we operated.”

Grahl described the changes at his base after the attacks. “We went on to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The shifts would go on until base said we could go home.”

Grahl said he felt hopeless.

“It was our job to make sure the people stay safe and that the country stays safe,” he said. “At the moment, we couldn’t do anything.”

Jacob McAfee, director of the fire academy, also spoke on the effect 9/11 had on Americans. “Whether you were a first responder or Wall Street trader, this affected us all,” McAfee said. He was serving in the Marine Corps as a fire crash rescuer in a base stationed in Arizona. He was getting off a shift, going into the Arizona base to check in his equipment when the planes struck.

“I remember getting off my shift and seeing the attacks [...] me and the 13 other firefighters were just Continued on Page 12, 9/11

“

It's an opportunity to teach my students what the world really is about.

-DIrector Julie Dana

for the the members of the choir on just their second week back to school.

Director Julie Dana, said the trip is an “opportunity to teach my students what the world really is about.”

This is the second time that Dana is taking the program to Carnegie Hall. Since starting her tenure at FCC in 1999, Dana has provided student musicians the opportunity to travel to many destinations, including France, Spain, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. as well as Carnegie Hall in 2001.

During the group’s 2016 trip Continued on Page 6, CHORAL

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THE RAMPAGE Child Care Center Offers Premium The student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Tommy Tribble News Editor Paulina Rodriguez Ruiz Art Director Ramuel Reyes Sports Editor Anthony De Leon Entertainment Editor Anjanae Freitas Multimedia Editor Larry Valenzuela Reporters Ben Rodriguez Betty Pauley Blake Evans Christian Hurtado Conner Stevens Eric Benjamin Ham Gage Carmichael Joanna Murrieta Joseph Deal Karl Cooke Kellie Clark Kendall Woods Mara Thornton Margarita Albarran Peter Lopez Sara Humphrey Sarah Chavez Stephanie Ocampo Tamika Rey Toni Woodruff Tory Garcia Business Manager Ashleigh Panoo Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Care for Students with Children Betty Pauley | Reporter bpauley@therampageonline.com

Are you a student struggling to balance an academic career and childcare? Rest easy, because Fresno City College’s Child Care Center is here to make your life simpler.

Located across the train tracks, on the southeast side of Fresno City College, the Child Care Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For a full day, the cost for toddlers is $33, and for prekindergarten, it is $30. For half a day, toddlers pay $28 and pre-kindergarteners pay $25. A registration fee of $20 is charged at the beginning of both fall and spring semesters.

“We offer Hands-On training for aspiring child specialists, special education, Daycare services, and Ram Tots -- an inclusion program for developmentally challenged toddlers,” Ruthann Van Buren, office assistant at the Child Development Center, said.

“Although the center functions as a lab, it is open to students, faculty, and the community for children ages 2 to 5,” Van Buren said.

She says parents should take

advantage of this center because of the interactive teaching approach.

“We want the children to be explorers and not be afraid to walk out into this world with interest,” said Deborah Lewis, instructor/coordinator at the Child Development Center. “If anything, our goal is for them to develop a love of learning and a sense of wonder.”

The program supports children's learning and exploration by providing opportunities for them to make choices and experiment as they work toward understanding the world around them, Lewis said.

The center provides subsidized child care through the CDE Early Education and Support Division (EESD). For families who do not qualify for free or reduced childcare, fees are charged based on the child’s schedule and age.

Van Buren recommends adding your child’s name to the waitlist during the time of their birth because there are only 80 spots available every semester.

She announced that plans for a bigger and better Child Development Center are underway and should be ready in the early 2020s.

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New Program Opens New Pathways to Law School Margarita Albarran | Reporter malbarran@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College is launching a Law Pathway program, a partnership with several law schools, that’ll help students get special admissions consideration in admission into law school.

According to Logan Tennerelli, adviser and counselor for program, Pathways is a statewide initiative between nine law schools and community colleges throughout California and “is designed to get more

community college students and more diversity in law schools.”

The program provides outreach from the participating universities as well as financial aid counseling and assistance with the Law School Admission Test. Some of the law schools involved in this initiative include UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, and a few others.

To become a part of this program, a student must complete nine classes at FCC, including American Studies 11, Counseling 53, English 1A, Political Science 2. A full list of

the required courses as well as the participating universities can be found on the college website.

“On a technical level, it [taking the required courses] helps [students] get special admissions consideration,” Tennerelli explained. “It also helps because these classes were selected because they are focusing on critical thinking, reading skills and skills that will help students do well on the LSAT and in law school.”

Students can find the program’s application on FCC’s website. The application

process consists of attending the orientation; completing the application and attaching a statement of interest which entails your interest in law profession; meeting with Tennerelli or a pathway counselor every semester to set up a student education plan, and lastly, participating in pre-law activities.

For more information on law pathways, contact Logan Tennerelli at logan.tennerelli@ fresnocitycollege.edu.

New Semester Boosts Business in Tower District Conner Stevens | Reporter cstevens@therampageonline.com

The Tower Theater, a cornerstone of the Tower District. Photo/Conner Stevens

There is no doubt that the beginning of the Fresno City College semester has brought more foot traffic throughout the Tower District. Whether it be restaurants or coffee shops, all types of businesses are benefiting from the increased population around the area.

“When classes started, there was a whole new level of pick up in business,” said Alan Bedoya, a barista at Hi-Top Coffee. “It’s chill to see all the different people in here at night.”

Bedoya also said that there is a noticeable change in pace in the coffee shop during the semester with all the students studying and

getting their work done during the day.

There has also been an increase in the nightlife of the Tower District since the semester began.

“Thursday and Friday nights have been a lot busier with students coming in from Fresno City and Fresno State,” Lauren Holguin, a bartender at Bobby Salazar's in Tower said.

Holguin said that the restaurant has added some features such as Karaoke nights and a disc jockey to appeal to a younger crowd.

Holguin added, “It definitely makes it more enjoyable coming into work knowing that it’s going to be busy.”

9.12.18 NEWS 3

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Particpants watch the a montage for the Relay for Life at Ratcliffe Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

‘Relay for Life’ Raise Funds, Hope for Fight against Cancer Gage Carmichael | Reporter gcarmichael@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College raised money and awareness for individuals who suffer from cancer and families who have lost loved ones to the disease during a 24-hour charity event for the American Cancer Society at the Ratcliffe Stadium on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9.

This was not the typical fundraising event. Participants were not mingling with people at the venue; nor were they dealing with volunteers and coordinators or donating money or leaving whenever they wanted.

The Relay For Life event is done a bit differently. Volunteers were there for 24 hours inside Ratcliffe Stadium while volunteers and student athletes from FCC and other Central Valley schools competed in a total of 18 different lap events, each with its own special theme.

“This event is made to represent just a smidge of what someone with cancer would have to go through,” Valerie Bustamante, a lead coordinator

Particpant holds up a sign during the silent walk for the Relay for Life at Ratcliffe Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018.

Photo/Larry Valenzuela

of the event, said. “Cancer does not take a break, so neither does our event.”

Amrit Sidhu, on-site community development manager for ASC, said she meets

with local volunteers for ASC to create a charity event tailored to the community, “while not losing the history of what the community has faced and are currently involved in.”

Michelle Ashby, a volunteer, said the event helps the community get together and enjoy the camaraderie. “It's here to give people hope and provide a learning experience,” she said.

Ashby had attended with her husband, Robert Ashby, and relative Luther Wheat Jr. “We aren’t here as a publicity stunt,” Robert said. “We are here for support and to share information. This is why we do relay.”

Robert compares the work he does for ACS to the battle between David and Goliath.

“We may find some way to combat cancer, but it seems like when one problem is fixed another comes up,” he said. “This is why is it so important to share the information as much as possible and to have people fully take in the information we give.”

Many of the participants and volunteers said the event was great overall. Sidhu said she hoped to work with FCC for more events with ACS in the years to come.

“Usually we have to cater our event to the space provided,” Sidhu said. “Fresno City College went above and beyond to make sure Ratcliffe Stadium’s space was catered to the event.”

City Fest Scholarship Event Offers Diverse Foods, Entertainment John Orijel | Reporter jorijel@therampageonline.com

Get ready for City Fest, the largest campus scholarship fundraising event at Fresno City College.

City Fest will take place in the Old Administration Building on Sept. 21, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“City Fest is one of our very important events here because not only does it support Fresno City College, but it also gives the

students the opportunity to work hard to receive such an outstanding award to excel in their education plan,” said Kathy Bonilla, public information officer.

According to the FCC website the humanities Dean’s Medallion will be awarded at City Fest to the students chosen “whose academic achievements, service to the community, and general excellence have brought honor to the College and distinction among their peers.”

Each instructional division selects a student as the Dean’s Medallion Award recipient.

Dean’s Medalists receive a $500 scholarship.

City Fest will also have food, beer and wine vendors as well as entertainment, featuring live music from the 1980s tribute band Max Headroom and music from DJ Melie Mel and Crew. A silent auction will also take place during the event.

Tickets are $35 which includes one drink ticket, food and a souvenir wine or beer glass. You can purchase your ticket at the Fresno City College Business Office or online at EventBrite.com.

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Highlighting the People of our Community

Sunshine SPOTLIGHT Derek is SERIES Fighting for a Brighter Future Blake Evans | Reporter bevans@therampageonline.com

Imagine spending two decades in isolation, no family, no friends, no contact with the outside world, and suddenly, you’re thrust into the hustle and bustle of modern life.

This is the story of Fresno City College student Sunshine Derek, 38 and her journey in starting her life over after spending decades under a strict Christian sect.

Growing up, Derek lived a typical American life. While working at a hospital following her high school graduation in 1998, she met a man.

Derek got married that same year and soon found herself pregnant with her first child.

Derek’s husband, whom she prefers not to name, introduced Derek to a strict sect of Christianity which followed the Old Testament.

“We never really had a name for it,” Derek recounts. “It was just what we did.”

This sect would isolate Derek from the world. “When I met him, he was very religious. The more we got into it, the more secluded we became.”

Little by little, Derek would lose complete contact with her former life. She took up wearing a veil and avoided all contact with authorities.

She avoided doctor visits and even homeschooled all her children.

This was her life for 18 years. Yet despite what seems like a complete alienation from society, Derek said she enjoyed it.

“I felt like I knew what I needed,” she said. “I knew what we needed.”

Derek’s fortress of solitude began to crumble when her youngest child was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

“The doctor tried to contact me,” she said. “I had to start taking him to doctor visits.” The doctor visits would lead to restoring some contact with the

world.

Concurrently, Derek’s husband began to suffer a bout with paranoia, making false accusations against Derek.

This culminated Sunshine Derek spent years isolated from the world in a strict religious sect. Photo/Blake Evans in their divorce in 2017. The divorce was the final paranoid,” she said. “I don’t feel safe, straw that broke and I hate it.” the camel’s back. After six kids and 18 This fear inspired Derek’s “Get Out years of marriage, Derek was forced challenge, ” a play on the movie back into mainstream society. She had “Get Out. ” She said she started no job, no car, no license, and a broken the “Get Out” challenge to help lease under her name from her ex herself and her and children husband in Texas. move to a new neighborhood.

“I was able to get a place with She is trying to raise $4,600 government assistance[Section 8],” she to pay off the broken lease her said. “It was like I was starting my life ex husband left her with after again with six kids.” renting out a house in her name Sunshine’s first course of action was in Texas. to enroll in school. “I started off here “Management companies here [Fresno City College] with 18 units.

[California] won’t rent to people There were times I’d go to my room with broken leases.” Derek said. and cry.”

“It’s cool.

I’ll do fundraisers, sell Nevertheless, she persisted and popcorn, anything to help my diligently worked her way to straight family stay safe. ” A’s, realizing along the way that “people Once she gets the lease paid were not stuck up and judgemental.” off and moves out, Derek plans After spending nearly two to help the neighborhood she decades in seclusion, Derek was currently lives in. not prepared for the violence of her She also plans to write a book new neighborhood and her personal about her life. struggles.

“Had I not been through it,” ”A guy got shot last July, and they she said, “I wouldn’t be who I am left his body [in the neighborhood] today. ” for hours,” she said. “I didn’t let my Derek says her life’s journey children go out to play.” has been bittersweet but that she The shooting profoundly has no regrets. traumatized Derek, and she spent “You can never judge another,” nearly a year working through her fear. she said, “because you never On July 2, 2018 another man was shot know what someone’s been through.” and killed in her neighborhood.

“Whenever I leave the house, I’m

“

You can never judge another because you never know what someone’s been through.

SUNSHINE DEREK

Design of West Fresno Campus Taking Shape Karl Cooke | Reporter kcooke@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College faculty review the architectural plans. Photo/Karl Cooke

Fresno City College faculty and staff reviewed, discussed and voted on architectural plans for the proposed West Fresno campus during a red dot/green dot exercise on Aug. 30 in the Old Administration Building.

The meeting’s participants voted and openly expressed their opinions on the building exterior designs as well as the overall zoning layout of the campus and other structures and small campus details like seating areas and parking locations around the campus.

“We’re going to build a campus like this campus, like

this building [OAB] which for over 100 years has served this community well,” FCC president Carole Goldsmith said.

According to Goldsmith the goal of red dot/green dot exercise was to ensure that the West Fresno campus is comfortable for future students. The architect designers on this project also wanted feedback to see what type of campus they will make based on the types of designs voted on by the faculty and staff.

Goldsmith said she is optimistic about this new campus and hopes that the West Fresno community will benefit immensely from their campus.

Other topics Goldsmith discussed before the voting

started included the new Math and Science building and ensuring that the Measure E projects approved by voters get completed. Goldsmith said she plans to use the budget to take care of major concerns like parking here on campus.

There will be another meeting updating community members on the progress of the West Fresno Campus project at Edison High School on Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public, discussions will revolve around how Edison High School students can benefit from the proposed campus.that is open to the public.

9.12.18 NEWS 5

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SQUEEZING THE MOST How to get the most with student discounts Sarah Chavez | Reporter schavez@therampageonline.com

M

ore businesses are beginning to support students by offering discounts to those who have student ID’s.

College can be expensive, and students sometimes struggle to pay their bills while attending school. Students are looking for ways to save their money, and businesses are looking to attract student dollars.

Amazon offers students free two-day shipping with deals and promotions.

They also offer an Amazon Prime membership for $49 yearly which is 50 percent off the original price.

Apple has Apple education prices on qualifying apple products. This includes Macbooks, iMacs, Mac Pro, Powerbeats, iPad Pro, Apple Pencils, and Apple Music.

They also offer up to $200 off on qualifying items with the Apple education prices.

Spotify offers 50 percent off a year long Premium Subscription for qualifying college students that you may renew three times every 12 months. It also comes with access to Hulu and Showcase.

UNiDAYS is a free app that provides college students with up-to-date discounts everywhere that offer them.

Other businesses that offer student discounts Teazer’s World Tea Market offers a 10 percent discount on any large drink Cindy’s Froyo & Ice Cream Parlor offer a 50% discount on any purchase with a student ID. Blackbeards offers a 20 percent discount on attractions with a student ID. Piemonte’s takes 75 cents off of sandwiches.

Bobby Salazar’s offers a 10 percent discount.

Dutch Bros Coffee offers $1 off any drink with a student ID. Denny’s offers a 10 percent discount on any meal excluding beverages.

6 ENTERTAINMENT

9.12.18

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New Music Faculty Add Classes, Events

CHORAL, FROM PAGE 1

Blake Evans | Reporter bevans@therampageonline.com

to France, a terrorist attack in Nice killed 84 people. Rather than cancelling their plans and returning home, the group performed an impromptu memorial service in Nice. Their spurof-the-moment performance received accolades and gratitude from the embattled community.

“I want my students to love not just the music part of things, but the cultural and the social and the whole package that students who are involved in music can do,” Dana said.

The group traveling to Carnegie Hall will have the opportunity to “sing along the way” to additional locations such as Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, Dana said.

The FCC choirs currently have 44 singers in concert choir, and another 20 in City Singers.

This spring, the choirs will be performing the “Cheesecake Cabaret,” showcasing solo groups and individuals in the program. “We get to see how each member is important and different,” Chambers added.

The choir will also perform at a festival at USC in spring of 2019 as well as local performances throughout the school year.

Dana said she plans to bring at least 40 singers on the trip to Carnegie Hall.

“If somebody comes in the spring,” Dana said, “if we have enough spots, I’m going to bring as many as I can.”

“

I want my students to love not just the music part of things, but the cultural and the social and the whole package that students who are involved in music can do.

-Julie Dana

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12:00pm • OAB AUDITORIUM FREE ADMISSION For more info contact 559-489-2218 State Center Community College District

The music department at Fresno City College has undergone a major change, following the retirement of many long-serving professors.

“We had some of the best and most celebrated educators here,” Kevin Cooper, chair of the department head, said. “We went from a well oiled machine to a question mark.”

Nevertheless, Cooper remains optimistic about his department.

“You think I’d be worried, but I’m not. It’s exciting. I know what it takes to be excellent and we can use our new staff experiences to take us to the next level.”

With the department’s new staff comes a flurry of new ideas, new classes, and new events to completely reinvent the FCC Music Department.

A few of these new staff members spoke about their plans for the upcoming school year.

Prior to becoming a full time music theory teacher, Elisha Wilson had taught at Stanislaus State, Delta College, and Sacramento State and was an adjunct instructor here at FCC. Despite her extensive work history, Wilson said FCC remains her favorite campus.

Elisha Wilson. Photo Courtesy of Stanislaus State

“I’ve worked with so many different students and faculties across the state,” Wilson said. “I sincerely believe FCC is a gem among all other schools. FCC is my dream job.”

Wilson plans to host the “Spring Wind Festival” on March 23, an outreach to local high schools who can bring their bands to campus so music students can offer critique on their performances.

“It will offer a chance for both our college and high school students to learn and grow,” she said.

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What We Know About American Horror Story Apocalypse So Far Anjanae Freitas | Entertainment Editor afreitas@therampageonline.com

American Horror Story kicks off its eighth season premiere “Apocalypse” tonight, Sept. 12. at 10 p.m. PST on FX. So far all fans know about Apocalypse is that creator Ryan Murphy will be blending season one “Murder House” and season three “Coven.” According to it’s trailer, the new season will give viewers finishing story lines to the first and third seasons while intertwining both seasons characters.

Jessica Lange (Constance and Fiona Goode) will make her anticipated return to AHS after her departure in season four “Freak Show.”

Fan @nagasravikab took to Twitter saying “For those who have watched the TV series American Horror Story - I believe they agree that it has not been the same without its most important character in the show, Jessica Lange. She has left two seasons back and good news is she is going to be back.” Tweet To add on to the excitement, Sarah Paulson cast member of AHS since season one, will not only be playing three main roles Billie Howard, Cordelia Foxx and Wilhemina Venable, but she will also make her debut as a director on AHS episode six.

Murphy shared a sneak peek with fans on Aug. 25. “Connie, Sarah and Dylan.

The Harmon’s are scaring up drama at The Murder House with Director Supreme Paulson.”

Other returning cast members include Connie Britton (Vivien Harmon), Lily Rabe (Misty Day, Nora), Angela Bassett (Marie Laveau), Taissa Farmiga (Violet Harmon, Zoe Benson) Denis O’ Hare (Larry Harvey, Spalding) Evan Peters (Tate Langdon, Kyle Spencer) According to fan on Twitter @sween613 “It’s been a long time since I’ve been excited for a season of American Horror Story, but this one looks pretty good.”

AHS apocalypse will air every Wednesday at 10 p.m. PT on FX for 13 episodes.

Art Hop Brings Fun, Family and Excitement to Downtown Fresno Toni Woodruff| Reporter twoodruff@therampageonline.com

Food trucks lined the sidewalks of downtown Fresno with laughter, while artists filled the streets with art, music and dancers showcasing their work.

What started out as a few art galleries and museums exhibiting their work has now blossomed into a platform to celebrate all types of talent.

“At first it was very old and pretentious and the only people who could show art were in galleries and well known,” said Elowyn Dickerson, who has been People dance to jazz music at the Cultural Arts District Park in Downtown Fresno on Thursday, Sept. 6. participating in Art Hop since she was Photo/Toni Woodruff 14. “Now, it has gotten a lot younger and more diverse.” street; many young dancers, singers was a special experience. It meant a lot to With her artwork, including prints and entrepreneurs use Art Hop and its be considered ‘art’ in relation to Honoré’s and stickers, displayed on a small table popularity to network. art and Art Hop as a whole,” Wingfield in the corner, Dickerson (20) credits Art Singer Justus ‘Juice’ Wingfield said.

Hop for giving her the experience and collaborated with photographer and artist Spencer Michaelson, president of Lost confidence to become a better artist and Aly Honoré who performed her first solo Cork Wine Co. is one of the many local businesswoman. show at Broadway Studios, an art gallery entrepreneurs who recognized how Art Art Hop offers more than just galleries with personal studios for artists.

Hop could publicize his brand. and people selling their art on the “The intersection of live music and art “Art Hop is a good way to spread local

to local,” said Michaelson who set up wine tasting of a new canned wine called ‘Buena Uvas’ in The Root, a boutique that is open for Art Hop. Shalae Lewis, another business owner, said she has seen a drastic change in her presence as a designer since she started participating in Art Hop a year ago.

“I have gained so many followers, so many friends,” Lewis said. “I have been able to go to other venues just from meeting people out here.”

Art Hop attracts all kinds of people regardless of age, gender or talent, everyone is welcome to be a part of the community twice a month on the first and third Thursday.

“I have never seen it [Art Hop] this busy, with this much dancing and street vendors and food trucks; it’s about time,” said Lorna Leslie, a friend of artist Sean Matthew Howard who showed his work at the Jeffrey Scott Agency, “This is life this is exciting; this is fun; this is family; this is art all rolled into one, and it’s free.”

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Why Queer Fictional Characters Are More Than Just Characters Anjanae Freitas | Entertainment Editor afreitas@therampageonline.com

There is a misconception that just because television has queer characters, we should be grateful. No thank you. I grew up wanting to see myself represented in media, but by represented I mean accurately.

In 2006 “Greys Anatomy” was the first television show where I can remember seeing representation within the LGBTQ community. Season 2’s Calliope Torres (Sara Ramirez) is one of the first monumental bisexual characters in television history. There’s a line of hers that deeply impacted me.

“So I’m bisexual. So what? It’s called LGBTQ for a reason. There’s a B in there. It doesn’t been badass. I mean it kinda does, but it also means I’m bi.”

This was crucial during my teenage years. I would watch television shows in the living room with my family while I was very much in the closet. Still trying to make sense of a world I was scared to understand. I didn’t care, I just knew that Callie Torres kissing girls made me feel less alone. I felt safe.

In season five of “Grey’s Anatomy” Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw), a lesbian character was introduced into the show. This

was a monumental moment in television.

Grey’s now had a bisexual and lesbian character. The gays getting what they finally deserve? I felt like it was too good to be true.

As I started to find my identity

withing the LGBTQ community, I slowly started to understand how important Arizona Robbins was in my life. I knew she was just a fictional character, but in my heteronormative world, she was everything I needed. She made me feel like my sexuality wasn’t a phase. I was valid.

Arizona Robbins was confident in her sexuality and positively represented the lesbian community. “I am super gay. Like, I’m the gayest of the gays.”

A quote that helped me reclaim the word lesbian as an identity, rather than a dirty word. Arizona was right, she was the gayest of the gays, because she went on to be the longest lesbian character in television history according to gomag.com.

In 2015, “The Fosters” broke ground by being the first multi-racial

lesbian couple on a major network television show raising their biological and adopted children.

I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I was flipping through my television channels and came across the season premiere. I remember tears were flooding down my face. This wasn’t just a show, each episode seemed to reflect some of the struggles I faced in finding my voice. “The Fosters” was giving the world a glimpse into my life.

The Adams-Foster family was my future, and for the first time I had hope.

I had hope that if the world could love a show like this one, things could get better.

The list of characters who impacted my journey goes on and on. If the younger version of myself didn’t have these characters, I wouldn’t have made it through the depressing and lonely years spent in the closet.

Queer storylines in 2018 continue to lack accurate queer representation. Writers often have the misconception that adding queer characters makes their storytelling edgier or more diverse. However, writers in television must see the importance of improving their storylines; storylines like the ones which inspired me. Not just inclusivity, but authenticity.

I want an end to queer-baiting. A daddy or a mommy issue. A phase. I don’t want my representation to exist only for the sake of the straight male gaze. My sexuality is valid, and too complex to be reduced to propaganda.

Are We Vulnerable to a Mass Shooting at FCC? Christian Hurtado | Reporter churtado@therampageonline.com

In the early afternoon of Aug. 26, 2018 David Katz walked into a pizza parlor in Jacksonville, Florida where a video game tournament was being held and opened fire, killing two people and injuring at least 10, before killing himself.

Killings like this have plagued the headlines for years now. They are similar in construction: an angry man decides to buy a gun at his local gun store and then proceeds to kill as many people as he can before committing suicide.

No one is sure how these people come to decide to commit such horrific crimes, but they carry them out nonetheless.

These events leave experts to wonder if there are more men on the verge of committing acts like this out there, or what precautions we can take to prevent them.

I have wondered if Fresno City College has a system in place to protect students from the possibility of a mass shooting. Sean Henderson, dean of students,

A man holds a gun and aims into the distance. Photo Illustration/Christian Hurtado

assured me that the college is taking precautions.

“There are annual trainings that the school participates in, as well as regular emergency alarm tests,” he said. You may have heard one of these tests taking place if you were on campus on a Friday afternoon.

“You don’t go to work everyday and think about that sort if thing, just like you don’t get on a plane and expect it to go down. These things just happen,” Henderson said. He also explained that most crimes at FCC are theft related.

I decided to walk around campus and ask random students

how safe they felt at FCC in regards to gun violence. Almost all responded that they believed that the campus is safe. “There is always police passing by here and it always feels safe,” said Leo, a student.

“I kind of think about it, but how I see it right now, I don’t believe that it can happen here; it feels safe here to me,” said another student, Brianna Juarez who sat at the fountain with her friend, Erwin Oliver. Oliver also agreed that FCC feels safe in regards to gun violence.

The campus maintains a regular police presence.

Could it be that FCC is able to detour the potential for some lunatic opening fire on students, and that is why students including myself feel safe? Or is it because most students at FCC understand the odds of anything like that happening to them are slim? To answer that question, I looked into the statistics.

A majority of gun related deaths are suicides which account for roughly 60 percent of all gun related deaths, while homicides make up about 30 percent, followed by accidental deaths. 2017 was the deadliest year for mass shootings-208 lives were claimed.

Yet, mass shootings make up such a small percentage of gun deaths that the chances of being killed in a mass shooting are comparatively minuscule.

As to the possibility of a shooting event at FCC, I found that most students, including myself, feel very safe on campus, and rightly so. Guns certainly do kill, but to fear dying from a gun as the result of a mass shooting is unnecessary. Mass shootings are rare, and students can’t live their lives fearing the next shooter.

FCC students should feel safe, and they do.

9.12.18

therampageonline.com

Trump’s Bad? But Was Obama Much Better?

Blake Evans| Reporter bevans@therampageonline.com

In the age of Trump, many liberals and moderates are clamoring for the days of Obama.

Yet, what many of them don’t realize, the issues many have with the current American government didn’t spring into existence with the election of Trump. The fact is, that much of the policies we hate Trump for were actually built on the neoliberal war machine that every president since Reagan has embraced.

For example, we’ve recently seen a wave of protests and demonstrations opposing ICE, mass deportations, and the family separation policy the agency regularly engages in. While Trump gets most of the heat, Obama engaged in much of the same practices, yet where were the protests? Where was CNN when Obama had hundreds of

thousands deported? Why does the left turn a blind eye to the pitfalls of a Democratic president?

A criticism of Obama is hardly possible without a critique of the system that he emerged from, the Democratic Party establishment. Where the party establishment constantly goes wrong is that they allow conservatives to set the political narrative.

Compare the Obama presidency to that of Trump’s, Obama and the Democrats constantly attempted to pass a bipartisan healthcare bill based off a conservative healthcare proposal despite having a supermajority in both houses of Congress in 2008, whereas Republicans barely have a majority in the House of Representatives in 2016 yet still unilaterally attempt to forced through conservative legislation. Why must Democrats, constantly play on the defensive,

even when in power?

This weak concession on behalf of the Democrats drags the party to the right and keeps them from further embracing an actual leftist agenda. As a result, America lacks a true left wing voice in the political sphere and the Democrats become little more than Republican-lite. This is particularly true on economic issues, as the power of unions have been greatly diminished nationwide and deregulation has been embraced.

For left wing Americans, it’s important going forward that we don’t excuse bad policies of Democrats and recognize the inherent systems that enable structural violence. If we seek to fight inequality, we can’t just be satisfied with milquetoast reforms that barely pay lip service to marginalized communities under the guise of “rationality”.

We need politicians who will fight to remove the inherent

barriers that enable inequality in the first place.

The Obama administration promised change, but how much of that did it really deliver? Did it radically reform our criminal justice system to fight mass incarceration? Did it institute an overhaul of our economy to fight wage stagnation? Even the Affordable Care Act did little to address the issue of insurance companies artificially raising the price of medical treatments.

So how was Obama as president? Obama was a continuation of his Republican predecessors. The only thing that really separates Obama from Reagan or even Bush Jr., is the fact that he’s black and somewhat more socially progressive. Without a real progressive force in federal offices challenging our institutions, we will continue to elect politicians who are just more of the same, giving us nothing but false hope and empty rhetoric.

OPINION 9

C AM P U S VOICES “What do you look forward to in the Fall?”

Interviews and photos by Kellie Clark

Nayeli Ramirez Liberal Studies

“I look forward to the sweater weather. I love the sweater weather, just hanging out at home and staying warm.”

Boundaries are the Secret to Life Paulina Rodriguez | News Editor prodriguez@therampageonline.com

Are you always tired? Are you allowing your thoughts to be consumed by others’ problems?

If you found yourself nodding yes, you my friend might be suffering from a lack of personal boundaries.

A boundary is defined as an edge or limit; they are essential as you grow older as the responsibilities of school, work and life become more demanding.

I lived this and learned from my experience. Two years ago, during my junior year of college at Long Beach State, life taught me the value of saying no.

I was the friend that would drop everything to console her friends. I would ignore my schoolwork, my health, and most importantly, my own needs.

My circle of friends was deteriorating. Everyone I knew seemed to be struggling with mental health issues, so I did the only thing I knew how. I continued to split my energy and time with everyone around me until I was left empty.

When my energy was gone, and I was left completely exhausted, I continued to give because I didn’t know how to establish personal boundaries with the people closest to me.

One day, a psychic told me something I will never forget.

“You constantly check in on everybody, but when was the last time someone called you just to ask if you were OK?” That was a shock.

I started paying attention to the people around me, and the conversations we had and started noticing how people would only call me when they had a problem. I began to see that I

“

Savina Lopez

Graphic Design

You constantly check in on everybody, but when was the last time someone called you just to ask if you were ok?

had unwittingly fallen into an “unofficial therapist” role.

When I was going through my own hard time, no one showed me the same kindness and support, and I was left with a growing resentment I couldn’t shake.

I started feeling bitter towards the people that were closest to me, but I learned it was not their responsibility to take care of me.

It is up to me to understand my limitations and establish personal boundaries with the people around me.

The older I get, the more I realize there are always going to be problems plaguing the world; your friends and family eventually have some hard time. It is the cycle of life. Learning not to get caught up in the chaos is an art form.

Boundaries can be as simple as setting a few hours of your day to work out, garden or write.

This is a special time when the outside world doesn’t matter, and you remember your needs are the most important.

As I take on more responsibilities, I’m learning that no

job, assignment, friend, or event is worth sacrificing my health for. Life is about balance.

Spending time with family is just as i mp o r t ant as pursuing a successful career.

Life will pass you by if you don’t take the time to stop and look at the world around you.

“Helping people with the Ram Pantry and finishing my degree.”

Dien Tablett Kinesiology

“I look forward to Halloween in the fall because I really enjoy the holiday.”

Jose Estrada

Business Administration

“Being able to wear layered clothing to stay warm.”

10 SPORTS 9.12.18

therampageonline.com

A Feeling of Fear and Uncertainty: The Story of Anthony Stewart Anthony Deleon | Sports Editor adeleon@therampageonline.com

Anthony Stewert practices running drills during practice at Ratcliffe Stadium at Fresno City College on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

The stereotypical image of a football player is an aggressive, animalistic and fearless person who is willing to do anything on game day.

However, sophomore wide receiver Anthony Stewart is anything but stereotypical. He started his last season at Fresno City College strong scoring a touchdown in the Rams season opener.

Originating from Chowchilla, Stewart is one of four children in a house that hinges on football as both of his younger brothers who all follow in their father’s footsteps as he was a junior college product just like Anthony.

When interacting with Stewart the image portrayed by him is one of a person who is quite shy and very well spoken. Stewart is a liberal arts major whose goal outside of football is to eventually become an elementary school teacher.

“I get that I am shy a lot, I don’t really talk much and I prefer from a far while checking my surroundings.”

After taking the time to talk to Stewart you realize that even though he’s a pivotal part of a young team he has the same fears and pressures that many face in their everyday life. These anxieties are a constant uphill struggle he fights with every day.

“My biggest fear is just letting my family down when it comes to football and school,” explained Stewart. “There was a lot of pressure at first coming to City but now it has kind of subsided, but I still do not want to let them down.”

And for those who see him on the field you see an energetic spark plug who is an integral part of the Ram’s offense. Stewart feels

that once he steps on the field his competition level goes through the roof.

“On the field I am a very competitive person, I like to go hard,” said Stewart. “On the field it is just dominant whoever is in front of me.”

Stewart spend his youth patterning his game after football talents like Reggie Bush and currently emulating Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

“Reggie Bush use to be my favorite as a kid I wanted to be just like him and now I like Jarvis Landry he is a very good player.”

Head coach Tony Caviglia has nothing but high praise for his returning wideout, who is entering into this season with a career stat line of 18 receptions, 280 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman.

“Anthony is a very skilled wide receiver who is a smooth runner and has great balance,” said Caviglia. “We call him ‘hybrid’ because of his versatility.”

That versatility showed last season also as Stewart double up on kickoff return duties which

“

I just want to break records this year and then I want to be a go to guy and an example for the new guys coming in.

Anthony Stewart

saw him have a return average of 24.1 yards per game average accumulating a total of 338 yards and one touchdown of 98 yards.

“He can play every skill position on the offense, which we might have him do this season, also include him on punt and kickoff returns,” said Caviglia.

“He is on course to have a great sophomore season.”

The current coaching staff at FCC has made a great impact on the growth of Stewart both on and off the field.

“Their main focus is school they tell you to stay on the books and make sure that you are experienced in time management which involve very strict schedules,” said Stewart. “And on the field they are hard on you and make sure that you get your stuff done, because if you do not they are going to let you know.”

Stewart feels that the best piece of advice that he has received was from FCC wide receivers coach Keith Travis advising him to live in the moment.

“He says do not take anything for granted and remember that every inch matters,” said Stewart.

“And that any wrong step and any right step all matter.”

With some buzz surrounding FCC’s young roster Stewart has high aspirations for this team as he has now gone from shy, observant role player to de facto leader due to seniority alongside sophomore wideout Malik White and sophomore linebacker Marcus Hawkins.

“We have a lot of young dudes, but I think they are hungry and we have the talent to be great,” said Stewart.

As of right now Stewart has not hear back from many universities on the recruiting front, but still

has high hopes that the offers start coming in as the season progresses. Stewart feels as though his grades may be the cause for concern for the lack of interest and hopes to turn the tide in that area.

“I have not heard back from anyone and I think it is because of the grades aspect,” explained Stewart. “I kind of struggle there and I can get lazy when it comes to the school work sometimes.”

Luckily for Stewart he has a support systems of coaches, family and significant other who help he steer the course and stay on him when it comes to hitting the books.

Stewart still has dreams of playing at the division one level and has San Diego State and Arizona State on the short list of schools he dreams of playing for.

There is always a bit of uncertainty on the way a season will play out, but if Stewart has his way he wants his legacy at FCC to be one that has his name etched in record books and seen as a go to guy for his coaches and teammates.

“I just want to break records this year and then I want to be a go to guy and an example for the new guys coming in,” said Stewart.

Stewart relishes the fact that he was able to play football at this level and laments the fact that on day it will all come to an end, but the everlasting memories of teammates and cherished victories will stand out with him for years to come.

“Definitely going to miss the teammates because I got really close with a lot of the players on and off the field and for sure the coaching staff at FCC.”

9.12.18 SPORTS 11

therampageonline.com

Two Cross Country Runners Make All Tournament Team in Invitational Omari Bell | Reporter obell@therampageonline.com

The crowd is going nuts.

School logos and team colors blended together in a mob of ambitious runners as they start to creep in closer to the final lap, trying not to miss a moment, all while the crowd gets louder and louder.

The 2018 Cross Country Invitational was held at

“

“Although this is my first time running the 4 mile, my 3 mile time is 15 minutes and 50 seconds, so I feel good and i’m well rested,” Mosqueda said.

The women did not come in the top 20, and due to medical issues sophomore Justine Lubbers was not able to finish the race the way she wanted to as she finished in the back with 4

I had two episodes in the middle of my race, but I continued on and kept on going because I did not want to be a quitter and that is also not how I was raised.

Justin Lubbers Sophomore

Woodward Park on Saturday, Sept. 8.

“Due to my situation I was not able to train with the team before the invitational, so I just stayed in my home town and trained by myself,” freshman Alex JamesGarcia said before he began his race..

Although Garcia did not place in the top 20 Head Coach Bluth had many words for all of his runners.

“All of the runners ran top tier today and even though we didn’t have two of our women that were not able to run because of work and one of our top runners was not able to make it we had some guys place in the all tournament team,” Bluth said.

Eliel and Jose Mosqueda made the all tournament team in the 4 mile with Eliel coming in 10th and Jose placing in 13th.

runners behind her.

“Each of my races I have high standards for myself, and goals for myself to not get near the end like I did this time and i try to aim towards the middle,” Lubbers said.

Lubbers has runner’s asthma, and the inhaler she takes before each race was not working.

“I had two episodes in the middle of my race, but I continued on and kept on going because I did not want to be a quitter and that is also not how I was raised,” Lubbers said.

After the race Lubbers said she felt a sense of accomplishment that she finished the race, and didn’t finish last.

The Rams next meet is the So-Cal Preview Meet and will be held at Cerritos Regional Park Friday, Sep. 14 at 10 a.m.

Freshman Alex James-Garcia pushing through the finishing line at the Woodward Park Invitational Saturday, Sep. 8. Photo/Omari Bell

Sophomore winger Alex Covarrubias #8 crosses the ball into play from a corner kick during their rally to get a goal to tie in the second half of the Rams home opener Friday, Sep. 7 against Las Positas Community College. Photo/Omari Bell

Thanks to Defender Angel’s Last-Minute Heroics, FCC Ties Hawks In Home Opener Omari Bell | Reporter obell@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College and Las Positas men’s soccer programs are trending in opposite directions – at least judging by the 2017 season. Last fall, the Rams achieved the top hardware by going all the way to win the CCCAA State Championship for the first time in FCC history.

Meanwhile, Las Positas ended their season with a record of (144-6) but (9-0-4) in conference and Lost to West Valley in the second round of the CCCAA NorCal State Championship.

But on Friday afternoon, both schools couldn’t have been more even. The Rams rose up to the adversity to head one into the back of the net, scoring in the 93rd minute to tie the Hawks, 1-1, in the Rams home opener.

“We could have won that game,” freshman defender Angel Alvarado said. “Towards the end we played with all that we had to at least walk away with a tie. We

don’t like to lose at home.”

After an early penalty kick in the first half to put the Hawks up by one there formation changed into a (4-5-1), trying to keep as many numbers behind the ball as possible to prevent the Rams from coming back.

This is the same formation that Rams rival Taft Community College used on them last season to keep the game close and ending both games in the conference with 2 ties until the CCCAA State Championship where it ended in a 2-0 win.

“Some reflection on the game, they did put their entire team on one half of the field, and I was not expecting them to do that for the whole game,” head coach Eric Solberg said.

In the final 20 minutes of the game, the Rams rallied for a goal after attempting quality shots that just couldn't reach back of the net, Alvarado stepped up to the challenge and headed one in to tie the game just before the referee blew the last whistle to

call the game.

“I appreciate any time that i get in to play and just wanted to show what I got, hopefully I proved that with that goal that I scored,” said Alvarado .

While the Rams have started off the season slow with only winning one game and ending two games in a draw, members of the team and coaching staff said there are things to fix and they will continue to work towards unity and discipline with the team play to pull away with nothing less than a tie in the following competitions.

“At the end of the season when you start to tally the power points and trying to see where this game falls, it’s alright. It is just better to beat these teams at home,” Solberg said.

The Rams won’t have another opportunity to battle the Hawks this season.

The next game will be held at home this Thursday Sept. 13 against Canada Community College at 4 p.m.

12 NEWS

9.12.18

therampageonline.com

9/11, FROM PAGE 1

glued to the TV,” McAfee said.

As the speakers finished their presentations, an audio recording was played of the first responders in New York at the time of the terrorist attack.

“Get every unit you got over here now!” rang out the audio recording.

Maile Martin, head coordinator of the 17-year anniversary event, and Valerie Diponto, who led the 10 year anniversary event, shared their memories of what they felt and witnessed as the attacks were broadcast.

Diponto, who had just started work at FCC just the day before the attacks, said, “I got a call from my husband saying, ‘honey, a plane just crashed into the World Trade Center’.”

Diponto says that she remembers she and her co workers all huddled around a small, portable TV, watching the broadcast in silent shock.

“It was 9 a.m. and I was getting ready for work. My kids were still home at the time,” Martin said. “As the news was being reported, I just watched and held my kids, frozen.”

Jose Flores, chief of the SCCCD police, gave a personal statement of his memories of the attack. “I

was at home preparing for a conference,” Flores said.

“I knew from my experience in law enforcement, this wasn’t some random plane crash or accident.”

Another individual on campus who had a personal connection to the attack was Brandon Bascon, music instructor.

Bascom was serving as a missionary for the Church of Latter-Day Saints and stationed in New York.

He left New York three months before the attack.

“Watching the news every night, and not being able to help the people I served for two years was heart wrenching,” he said.

Many of the speakers and faculty expressed admiration for the crowd for being part in the anniversary. Grahl said, “Showing up means a lot to the guys here and the guys who’ve passed.”

Goldsmith echoes, “We will never forget those first responders valor.”

McAfee said, “This is the day we bonded together for one common goal.”

“These acts shattered steel,” McAfee said, quoting former president George W. Bush, “but did not shatter the American Spirit.”

Dozens of Fresno City College students, faculty and cadets from the police and fire academies memorialized the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with speeches and reflections. Photos/Larry Valenzuela